With the NBA previous season of 2025-26 almost here, the Utah Jazz has to sort much in determining who will play important roles this season. Although most of the grid spots are filled, there is still much to look for, and as with most years there will be some surprises along the way.
Last year Kyle Filipowski was easily the surprise player, who came in like a second rounder and played in 72 games, with 27 Starts. He on average 9.6 points, 6.1 rebounds and almost two assists per night.
Not to mention, Isaiah Collier came up as a late pick from the first round and started 46 games, deserved Will Hardy’s Trust and the relegation of Keyonte George to a sixth man role, who surprised many jazz fans along the way.
For this year, who will come out of the shadow to make an important contribution? Is there already with so many young boys on the Roster, is there a room for someone to come and steal minutes, such as Wesley Matthews, Paul Millsap and Rudy Gobert in recent seasons?
Walter Clayton Jr.
Some may think that Clayton is already ready for success, a four -year -old university player and an integral part of the NCAA champion Florida Gaters from 2025. He is already 22 and should not have as much adjustment as some of his colleague smokies.
Clayton must have to contend with another pick in the first round, with a much larger hype – Ace Bailey, who should get a lot of attention and minutes early. And with Isaiah Collier, Keyonte George, Cody Williams and SVI Mykhailiuk who also compete for defense fires, Clayton has to show the same steady game that he did in Florida, while in Meshing with both veterans and young players.
If Clayton can keep his shooting respectable and stay with his husband in defense, he could get a lot of starting and minutes at the two-guard spot as Rookie.
Brice Sensabaugh
While he arrives in Utah years 3, Brice Sensabaugh must be arranged and ready to play big. He has already shown the opportunity to score in bunches and stretch the defense with great 3-point shooting.
Lost in the surprising seasons that Kyle Filipowski and Isaiah Collier had last season, Brice drastically improved his shooting from the field (39% to 46%) and from a three -point range (30% to 42%), while holding his turnover on a respectable 1.5 per game with a higher use. He had six games of 20 points or more after the All-Star Break and flourished with more opportunities.
With John Collins no longer for him on the forefront, a talented rookie in Ace Bailey to challenge him for minutes on the wing, and an imminent contract extension next summer, Brice Sensabaugh will be motivated to have a surprising season for the Utah Jazz in 2025-26.
Cody Williams
Last year’s Rookie release has the opportunity to exchange itself in 2025-26. Cody looks much more NBA ready in Summer League with an improved physique and now has a clearer path to minutes in year 2.
His defense was sometimes capable of a rookie, something that should only improve his improved conditioning. And his shooting can not go anywhere, and he has a blueprint – his teammate Brice Sensabaugh made a huge leap in year 2, something that Cody can copy on his way to success.
Cody Williams can be a valuable NBA player, and with considerable competition for minutes at the two and three, we should see the best version of him now that he has had a completely low season with the jazz to work on his game.
So, which of these will have a surprising season and be the next emerging player for jazz? We will quickly come behind Media Day and Training Camp will start on September 29.
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