Jazz Injury Update Puts Spotlight On Backcourt

With that in mind, the Jazz’s backcourt conundrum is as complicated as ever.

At every point this season, they’ve had (at least) four starting-caliber guards when counting the young Keyonte George and Isaiah Collier . Yet, this is the best the quartet has looked collectively. When Sexton does return, Jazz head coach Will Hardy will be faced with tough choices.

Shuffling The Deck?

Right now, Collier is rolling with the starters. Of the four players mentioned, he’s not only the top point-of-attack defender but the most natural facilitator. Though not their most gifted scorer, he’s shot 50 percent from the field over his last 13 games.

Nevertheless, Hardy is known to be particularly fond of George, who has started to find his rhythm since being demoted the second unit. In fact, the Baylor product is shooting 43.7 percent from the field and 34.4 percent from three as a reserve versus 39.1 percent from the field and 34.9 percent from three as a starter.

Save for two games in which Hardy was searching for solutions to a larger problem, Sexton has been in the first unit throughout the season. In that role, the fierce 26-year-old has been posting 18.7 points and 4.2 assists per game while shooting 48.3 percent from the field and 42.2 percent from deep.

However, Clarkson has started in Sexton’s place since his ankle sprain. In that time, he’s averaging 22.2 points and 4.2 assists per contest while shooting 44.2 percent from the field and 44.7 percent from deep. His recent efficiency has been impressive but it comes from a five-game sample size.

What Combination Is Best?

Again, the question that Hardy faces isn’t a new one. Frankly, coaches always try to figure out the right combinations with their rotation, not just him. That being said, the Jazz are an evolving team. What worked best for them in November might not be what works for them now.

The skillsets of their top guards are pretty clear though.

So, if the Jazz’s focus is defense and transition offense, they should start Collier and Sexton. If the emphasis is on scoring instincts in the halfcourt, give Sexton and Clarkson another whirl. However, if ball-movement is being prioritized, Collier should be out there. If they want the most well-rounded guard, Sexton is their man.

Rather than looking at George as the odd man out, he should be considered the x-factor. At 6-foot-4, he’s a good enough as a scorer and playmaker in the open and halfcourt to fit alongside Collier, Clarkson, or Sexton. Furthermore, he hasn’t played quite well or consistently enough to leapfrog Sexton. Still, he’s putting the pressure on Collier to keep his starting job.