Locked On Jazz - Daily Podcast On The Utah Jazz Locked On Podcast Network

Leif Thulin discusses his 2024-25 expectations for Lauri Markkanen plus previews the monetary situation regarding extending Lauri. The Jazz will need Lauri to step up and they will need Keyonte George and Taylor Hendricks to take sophomore leaps. Who can those two youngsters emulate and how did their rookies seasons compare to their player comparisons? Also, can the Jazz emulate the Pacers fast-tracking their way to contention?

Leif Thulin labels different players ranked within the top 10 of his Big Board high ceiling or high floor players and explains why he views each as such. Leif then gives comparisons and projections for the roles of each player and why he figures this draft will be seen differently on how to evaluate and prioritize players who have high ceilings or floors. Leif then labels free agency targets for the Jazz to sign.

Leif Thulin discusses the merits of drafting using the philosophy of best player available versus drafting for fit. He then analyzes which guards and wings fit the best with the Jazz's young core. Also, Leif points out this draft class may be different in the manner of evaluating potential and upside being less important than finding a player who fits to build alongside rather than around that player.

Leif Thulin is joined by Andy Larsen of the Salt Lake Tribune. Leif and Andy discuss if the Jazz can acquire stars via trade, who else is available on the trade market and what is the best way to grow the team into contenders. They then discuss who are the best guards and the best wings in the 2024 NBA Draft, debating whether fit plays into the decision of whether to draft a player or should the philosophy of best player available be employed.

Enjoy!

Leif Thulin explores what does the phrase uttered by Danny Ainge saying the Jazz will go "Big Game Hunting" truly entail. Does trading a ton of assets plus current players to acquire Giannis make the Jazz more likely to contend soon? Does Devin Booker move the needle for the Jazz and how could they get him? Can Brandon Ingram and Lauri paired together entice Jazz fans into not being deadset on tanking? Leif analyzes all aspects of how the trades would work, does he foresee success from these deals and is it actually better than building through the draft patiently.

Leif Thulin looks through the history books on what were regarded as weak draft classes and points out there was little talent at the top but all of the classes yield some all stars. Leif then tries to pick out the players with the most upside to be All-stars at the NBA level and evaluates those players, explaining their pros and cons.