Utah Jazz shifts core focus for upcoming NBA season

Following four consecutive rebuilding seasons, the Utah Jazz approach the 2026-27 NBA campaign with a revamped roster and higher expectations. The team recently acquired Jaren Jackson Jr. from the Memphis Grizzlies and selected Darryn Peterson with the second overall pick in June. Keyonte George returns for his fourth season after averaging 23.6 points per game, joining a core that also includes Lauri Markkanen and Ace Bailey. The front office moved on from center Walker Kessler, trading him to the Los Angeles Lakers earlier this summer. Head coach Will Hardy faces the challenge of establishing a more effective defensive structure, as the team has ranked in the bottom two for defensive rating over the past three seasons. The organization aims to move beyond its recent stretch of low win totals and establish a clear path toward postseason contention.

• 12:00 PMYahoo Sports — The Utah Jazz tanked for years to build this team. Now it’s time to see if it can win