Jaren Jackson Jr. Shares Early Thoughts on Utah Jazz

The Utah Jazz have finally gotten their newest star Jaren Jackson Jr. with the rest of the team following their trade deadline swing with the Memphis Grizzlies, now leading the two-time All-Star to be on the brink of making his official debut with his new team on the road against the Orlando Magic.

It's been just a few days around the organization for Jackson Jr. After being dealt from Memphis earlier in the week, the Defensive Player of the Year had to make his way to Salt Lake City first, get himself situated with a physical and lining up other ins and outs of arriving to a new city, to where he's now with the rest of the Jazz roster on their current five-game road trip.

And based on his first sit-down interview as a part of the team with sideline reporter Lauren Green, it's clear that Jackson Jr. is certainly enjoying his initial time with the Jazz.

“I’m feeling over the moon,” Jackson Jr. said. “I’m excited to get going. I’m a worker. I feel the love and embrace of the community, and it’s only been a short time. I know they’re selling out games and are loud. To feel it from the other side (now), I can’t wait for that. (I’ve) just been feeling that love already… I definitely feel embraced.”

Jaren Jackson Jr. Ready to Work Alongside Jazz

Jackson Jr. knows exactly why the Jazz brought him in too. He's one of the best defenders in the NBA, having won the league's DPOY award back in 2023. He has a dynamic offensive game that can slot him in as a connecting piece with their existing core. And as he himself notes, he possesses some outstanding versatility that can make him a fit virtually anywhere.

“Versatility,” Jackson Jr. said of what stands out within his game. “I feel like I can do whatever you need. Positionless basketball is a style I like to play, and I see them (the Jazz) play that way a lot. I’ve watched so much film in general… they have a certain fluid style that I feel I can mesh well with.”