In the process of stacking up a lot of young talent and depth during this offseason, the Utah Jazz now have a slight dilemma on their hands. With 15 total guys signed onto the club next season, with another two players brought onto two-way deals, there is a lack of opportunity when looking down the depths of this roster.
Combining the already existing veteran talent on this team with three new rookies and two existing sophomores, the supply of minutes on hand for Will Hardy is extremely slim.
Despite this shortage of space on the roster, the former 2019 first-rounder Luka Samanic, will have a chance to play for Utah this upcoming season. According to Sarah Todd from Deseret News, the Jazz intend to bring back Samanic to give him a chance to compete for a spot on the team.
"Team sources have indicated that the Jazz are willing to give Samanic a chance this season and that there’s a real shot of him being on the roster this season. His age, height, length, and untapped potential are all things that intrigue the Jazz."
If the Jazz decide to keep Samanic by Tuesday’s deadline, his $400,000 guarantee would be officially on the books going into next season. With the confidence and optimism shown in him by the front office, that cap number likely will not be enough to drive Utah away from keeping him around.
Samanic has been diligent in working to re-establish his reputation around the league. Todd reports that the San Antonio Spurs eventually waived him after just two seasons in 2021 after a display of “lacking maturity, confidence and the work ethic."
Luka also described some of his approaches to bolster his chances to stay in the league, crediting Jazz All-Star Lauri Markkanen for some of his off-season development.
“Lauri was here for a week, so whatever he was doing, I was just trying to copy, honestly. It’s not just to be like Lauri. Kelly is the same way with the way he plays — they can handle the ball, and being so big but they can still do the guard things.”
Considering the leap Markkanen took in his career just one season ago, Luka imitating some of his summer routines and qualities is not a bad strategy to enhance his game at all.
Now, will Samanic enter next season looking poised as the next Lauri Markkanen? Most likely not. However, the flashes shown utilizing his versatility and ability as a shooter make him at least worthy of the opportunity next season in Utah.
With the Las Vegas Summer League officially over, the Jazz can now look ahead to training camps to see how the roster stacks up going into the 2023-24 season.
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