Jazz fans are furious because Keyonte George’s escape is being completely disrespected

The rule of thumb with tank teams is that usually no one on the team makes the All-Star game. Remember when Lauri Markkanen made the All-Star team with the Utah Jazz? Their record was 29-30. Not good, but average and good enough not to be considered a tanker in any way.

Because the Jazz are doing much worse now than they were then, they did not receive All-Star recognition, which is a shame because in addition to Markkanen, Keyonte George has also undeniably played at an All-Star level.

Now more than halfway through the season, George is averaging 24.2 points, 6.6 assists, four rebounds and 1.1 steals while shooting nearly 46% from the field and 37.7% from three. When George was essentially forgotten heading into this season, he proved why there was so much hype surrounding him in Year 2, even though it only took him a year to put it together.

Fans were understandably distraught over him not making the team.

Even non-jazz fans couldn’t believe it.

This is George’s third year, so there is plenty of time for him to make the All-Star team. If and when Utah starts winning more games, he will get the recognition he deserves.

There is still at least one prize on the table

Okay, so George won’t make it to the All-Star game this season. It’s frustrating, but it could be worse. When it comes down to it, George’s ascent has gotten Jazz fans very excited about the future. They may not happen now, but it’s reasonable to believe All-Star appearances are coming for the blossoming Jazz star.

Furthermore, even if George doesn’t make the All-Star team, he has a good chance of winning the NBA’s Most Improved Player award. Three years after his star teammate Markkanen did it, George has played well enough to be the leader.

Since the league has seen internal improvements from the likes of Deni Avdija and Michael Porter Jr., they may have a point, but the big difference between those two and George is that we already knew they were good. Just not that good.

George is different because at the end of year 2 there were so many questions about his future. His traditional numbers don’t show it, but he was so bad last season that many wondered if he wouldn’t be long for Utah.

Of course, in retrospect it sounds ridiculous, which only further shows how quickly he turned the narrative on himself. More importantly, this season will only be a stepping stone as he ascends to the franchise cornerstone he appears to be for the Jazz.

If anything, his stupidity will only do even more damage to his shoulder.