Utah Jazz: Collin Sexton Could Make His Return This Week

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Calvin Barrett | Last updated Feb 24, 2025 3:00 PM ET

In early February, Utah Jazz guard Collin Sexton went down with an ankle sprain.

Yes, the physical embodiment of tenacity fell to the plague of basketball players everywhere. An awkward step, a misplaced launch, or a botched landing can all cause a debilitating injury and force a player off the playing surface for weeks, months, or even a year.

Utah's sixth-year combo guard led the young developing hoopers of Will Hardy's backcourt rotation by sharing ball handling and distribution responsibilities in the starting lineup.

After dropping several weeks ago, the Jazz have employed a "next man up" mentality to fantastic results, as both Keyonte George and Isaiah Collier have seen the best production of their young careers in the month of February.

Per an announcement by the Jazz, however, Collin Sexton is nearing a return and will be under re-evaluation after resuming on-court activities with the team.

Collin Sexton Injury Update:

Collin Sexton (left ankle sprain) has resumed on court activities and is nearing a return. He will be re-evaluated early next week. https://t.co/AP4Kcg9H4V
— Utah Jazz (@utahjazz) February 22, 2025

In Sexton's absence, veteran heat-check man Jordan Clarkson has claimed the vacancy in the starting lineup. Sexton, hitting a career-best 41.2 percent from long-range this season, is a high-motored, high-energy player whose presence on the court makes his teammates play a touch harder, a touch more aggressive, and a touch more cohesive.

With this news arises a fascinating dilemma for the Jazz. Should they maintain the status quo that has provided fertile soil for the growth of their young talent, or drop the returning Sexton back into his starting spot?

Collier's emergence as one of basketball's most prolific assist collectors has been well-documented, as his assist total of 98 in the month of February exceeded players like Nikola Jokic and Trae Young.

Sexton plays more of a shooting guard role in his floor minutes, so playing alongside the 6-foot-2 rookie point guard should be a relatively effortless fit. Sexton's pairing with George is a bit more complicated, as both score-first players may need to stagger their minutes to maximize the production of either player.

A suddenly stuffed backcourt in Utah wasn't a popular addition to many Jazz fans' bingo cards at the season's beginning, but outstanding performances have given head coach Will Hardy a unique issue. Still only 26 years old, Sexton could fit comfortably into Utah's championship window if the team decides to build with him, but an over-reliance on the Alabama product could stunt the growth of other players.

Priorities, priorities.

Sexton won't appear in Monday's meeting with Portland, but his promised activity and promised re-evaluation only a few weeks removed from the onset of his injury is a positive indicator for Utah.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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