Utah Jazz's New President Drops 6-Word Truth Bomb on Tanking Next Season 2 Nov 19, 2024; Los Angeles, California, USA; Utah Jazz minority owner Dwyane Wade with majority owner Ryan Smith (left) watch game action against the Los Angeles Lakers during the second half at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

Utah Jazz’s New President Drops 6-Word Truth Bomb on Tanking Next Season

Originally posted on Hardwood Heroics | By Jordan Samar | Last updated Jun 3, 2025 10:32 AM ET

The Utah Jazz revamped their front office with the recent hiring of Austin Ainge to become the team’s president of basketball operations. Before joining, Ainge worked for the Boston Celtics for 17 years, most recently as an assistant general manager.

He will reunite with his father, Danny, the team’s alternate governor. During his introductory press conference, the younger Ainge promised the fans that the Utah Jazz don’t plan on tanking games to increase their odds of winning the 2026 NBA Draft lottery.

“You won’t see that this year,” Ainge said via Ben Anderson of KSL Sports.

The Utah Jazz finished the 2024-25 campaign with the league’s worst record at 17-65. Despite this, they slipped to fifth in the lottery, much to the disappointment of their supporters.

Utah Jazz Rumors: Insider reveals team’s potential draft targets

The Utah Jazz have the fifth, 21st, 43rd, and 53rd overall picks in this summer’s NBA Draft, which they can use to retool their squad with solid selections. They are projected to select either Jeremiah Fears or Tre Johnson with the fifth pick, but their other picks remain to be seen.

Utah Jazz's New President Drops 6-Word Truth Bomb on Tanking Next Season 3 Mar 15, 2025; Kansas City, MO, USA; Houston Cougars guard Emanuel Sharp (21) goes to the basket against Arizona Wildcats forward Carter Bryant (9) during the first half for the Big 12 Conference Tournament Championship game at T-Mobile Center. Mandatory Credit: William Purnell-Imagn Images

According to The Athletic’s Tony Jones, Utah reportedly have their eyes on St. Joseph’s Rasheer Fleming and Arizona’s Carter Bryant for the 21st overall pick.

“The Jazz like Fleming and Bryant, but so does everyone else,” Jones posted on X (formerly known as Twitter). “They would likely have to move around the board in order to get one of them.”