Josh Lloyd Fantasy Basketball Hub
OVERVIEW
Utah Jazz players are no longer red-flagged for tanking risk in fantasy basketball, but their new-look rotation and depth—especially at center—create important questions about draft values and role uncertainty. This episode breaks down which Jazz players are being overlooked, who to fade at current ADP, and why minutes and usage will shift for names like Lauri Markkanen, Jaren Jackson Jr., Keyonte George, and top rookie Darryn Peterson. I analyze what matters for your category and points leagues, with clear guidance on sleepers, busts, and stash candidates.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
Utah is trying to win this season, so “tanking risk” downgrades for Jazz players are no longer justified, even for big names like Lauri Markkanen or Jaren Jackson Jr.
Lauri Markkanen’s ADP (especially ESPN’s 55) is depressed far too low—he’s still a strong third-round fantasy pick, but expect some usage dip with new teammates.
Jaren Jackson Jr. is being overlooked at his current price (as low as pick 85 on ESPN); while he’s unlikely to repeat his peak block rate, there’s upside if he gets more minutes without Walker Kessler.
Keyonte George should remain the clear starting point guard and produce in the 40–55 overall range, despite skepticism around his efficiency or the arrival of new offensive pieces.
Darryn Peterson is a fine late flyer, but I’m out if the price creeps toward the top 100—he’ll struggle for usage as a rookie and may not be season-long rosterable.
Jackson Hayes will start at center while Jusuf Nurkic is out, but isn’t a must-draft; he’s best used as a streaming option for short-term blocks and FG%, with no guarantee of sustained minutes.
Jusuf Nurkic, if you have a deep enough bench or IL, is a stash candidate—but his return timeline and role are both highly uncertain and less appealing after injury.
Ace Bailey, Brice Sensabaugh, and Kyle Filipowski are all being overdrafted based on last season’s tank-time numbers—their roles are marginal now, making them only speculative late picks in deep leagues.
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0:00 Introduction
0:32 Utah Jazz: Trying to Win and Rotation Questions
3:39 Impact of Center Injuries and Defense
5:01 Projected Starting Lineup and Value Shifts
6:32 Lauri Markkanen: Usage, Ranks, and ADP
7:05 Jaren Jackson Jr.: Block Rate, Rebounds, and Price
12:04 Keyonte George: Starter Role & Projections
13:52 Jackson Hayes and Streamer Center Options
14:31 Darren Peterson: Rookie Value Range
16:19 Main Bench Rotation and Risks
17:10 Jusuf Nurkic: Injury, Stash, and Role Uncertainty
19:29 Bench Wings: Ace Bailey, Sensabaugh, Filipowski
24:01 Best Targets, Biggest Fades, and Stash Discussion
24:55 Injury Updates: Nurkic and Filipowski
25:35 Utah Jazz Schedule & Final Thoughts
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miller for markkanen? espn points
There is some opportunity for Peterson to crack the top 100 given he has the highest offensive ceiling in a generational draft and he’s also on the team that’s most likely to sit a player out for a pimple
I’m a Jazz fan, and playing in an ESPN points league. I have an early pick in the 3rd round, around pick 30. Is that too early to draft Lauri?
You look really not tired Josh
we arent a fan of nurkic in the last round and stashing him in the ir?
Thought you had Markannen in your top 25 video about a month or so ago? What changed since then?