Ryan Kostecka

When speaking with reporters on Friday morning, Will Hardy already knew the most challenging part of Utah's training camp: The battle in the backcourt.

"I sort of know what training camp is gonna look like, and I would describe it as 'The Hunger Games,'" he said with a smile. "It's going to be vicious, and I am excited about that."

According to Hardy, five players will be battling for the two starting spots: Jordan Clarkson, Collin Sexton, Ochai Agbaji, Talen Horton-Tucker, and Kris Dunn. He even alluded to a darkhorse candidate, giving the Jazz six capable guards to be on the court when Utah tips the season off on Oct. 25.&nbsp;

"I haven't even mentioned Keyonte yet," Hardy said of his rookie guard. "When you look at just the guards, there are a lot of factors that are going to go into all of those guys really, really competing to try to earn those minutes. … Not everybody can play every night."

While the competition is expected to be fierce — and physical — Hardy mentioned that the players must keep their eyes on the ultimate goal. It will be up to him and his staff to ensure the competitiveness level doesn't reach unhealthy levels.&nbsp;

"Individual motives are good and powerful, and we need to lean into those," Hardy said. "We also have to remember that we have 82 games coming and that we're all wearing the same jersey. … We've got to make sure that it's within a team construct."

Even then, emerging from training camps as the starters doesn't guarantee 82 starts throughout the year. Hardy and Jazz GM Justin Zanik weren't afraid to openly say that the starting lineup could be fluid-based throughout the year.&nbsp;

"Training camp is just the beginning of it for us to kind of figure out initially who's going to be in what role and see where that works," Zanik said. "There has to be a culture of flexibility and an understanding that we're, as a collective group, trying to win every game and compete. And some days, it's going to be a particular set of eight or nine players, and another game, it may be a different set of eight or nine players, and then continuing on that journey."

"Nothing is set in stone," Hardy added. "We could be the team that changes the starting lineup once every 10 days just based on a matchup. If we can get our team to think about that as something that's OK, then that's going to be great for us. … It's a strength."

Here's a look at the six guards competing for those two spots (in no particular order).

Jordan ClarksonBy far the most veteran of the group, Clarkson had been a sixth man for most of his career — winning the NBA's Sixth Man of the Year award in 2021 — before earning the trust of Hardy last season. He started all 61 games he played in, averaging a career-high 32.6 minutes per game in one of the best statistical seasons of his career. 

He averaged 20.8 points, 4.4 assists, and 4.0 rebounds per game, all career highs.&nbsp;

While he showed tremendous progress in his playmaking abilities last year, Clarkson is arguably still the most effective shooter/scorer. Whether that's off the bench or as a starter, that's for Hardy to determine. 

Collin SextonAfter an up-and-down season last year that was derailed mainly because of injuries, Sexton enters this year fully healthy and ready to go. However, he did show his patented explosiveness at moments last season, averaging 14.3 points (39.3% from 3) in just 23.9 minutes per game. 

He has starting experience under Hardy, getting spot starts (15 total) when former Jazzman Mike Conley would have to miss a game. He was also the team's starting point guard when they traded Conley, but he suffered a hamstring injury shortly after.&nbsp;

Much like Clarkson, Sexton is arguably better as a terror off the bench with his ability to thrive in the open court and knock down the open three. 

Talen Horton-TuckerAfter being in and out of the rotation for much of last year, Horton-Tucker got a chance for regular minutes over the final two months — and he made the most of it. 

He averaged 13.3 points per game in February and then took off after finding himself in a starting role beginning in March. He averaged 19.3 points, 7.2 assists, and 5.0 rebounds over the final 16 games, including an impressive 37-point, 10-assist, 8-rebound showing against Charlotte.&nbsp;

While he showed progress in getting his teammates involved, Horton-Tucker is similar in the mold of Clarkson and Sexton as dynamic scoring guards capable of getting buckets at all three levels. 

Kris Dunn By far the most "natural" point guard on the roster, Dunn is the opposite of everyone in the group. A pass-first sort of player, he was added to the roster in February and thrived the more time he got on the court. 

Although he started on the bench, he became the team's starting point guard in April when injuries began to take their toll. He responded by averaging 18.0 points, 7.4 assists, and 6.0 rebounds per game in 33.2 minutes over the final five games.&nbsp;

He also gives Utah a different element, as he might be the team's best perimeter defender, with Agbaji as his primary challenger. Dunn could get the nod if Hardy elects to go with a more pass-first, defensive-minded guard to complement his starting frontcourt. 

Ochai AgbajiMuch like Horton-Tucker and Dunn, Agbaji thrived at the end of the season when given a much larger role. After scoring in double figures in just seven of his first 40 games, Agbaji turned it up when he put up double figures in 13 of his final 19 games.

Utah's best 3-and-D player, he gives the Jazz an entirely different feel when on the court. His strength and athleticism make him a very good perimeter defender, especially at 6-foot-5. At the same time, his three-point shooting (35.5%) helps space the floor for Lauri Markkanen, Kelly Olynyk, and Walker Kessler to operate.&nbsp;

Despite his physical gifts and high upside, he's one of the least experienced players in this group, so the trust will have to be high if he gets the nod. 

Keyonte GeorgeIt was asinine at first to think that George — just months after being drafted — could emerge as one of the starting guards for the Jazz, especially given the level of competition. But then the rookie went out and absolutely dominated the Salt Lake City and Las Vegas summer leagues, the latter where he was named to the first team. 

He showcased playmaking ability and vision far beyond his youth, and his shotmaking is already near the level of Clarkson and Sexton. He showcases really good wiggle to get into the paint, and once there, he doesn't panic.&nbsp;

Hardy isn't known to just give out minutes — especially to rookies — so although George may be the future and have the highest ceiling of anybody, he'll have to earn every minute he gets.&nbsp;

Regardless of who has the most talent, experience, or natural ability, whoever gets the start will have earned it due to their ability to play with other starters on the court.&nbsp;

"We have a lot of really good guards, and I don't want to say, 'You're the point guard and you're the (shooting guard).' I don't think that fits our group best," he said. "It's more about viewing them as pairs. I'm not relying on one person to bring it up each time and sort of initiate what we're doing. … That flexibility is going to be an adjustment for us."

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"Going To Be Vicious" | Everything To Know About Utah's Upcoming Backcourt Battle

In preparation for the upcoming season, Utah GM Justin Zanik and head coach Will Hardy sat with the media on Friday morning.

Ranging from training camp in Hawaii, an update on the rookies, what the potential rotation could be like, and who is most like the Hunger Games’ Katniss Everdeen, Zanik and Hardy sat for nearly 45 minutes answering questions.&nbsp;

1.) Navigating New RolesOne of the biggest topics heading into the new season is how Hardy navigates the roster. Not only do the Jazz return eight players who averaged 20+ minutes per game, but they’ve also added John Collins from Atlanta and three rookies who could push for playing time. Collins was a starter the past five seasons with the Hawks, averaging more than 30 minutes per game.

So how does Hardy decide on how the minutes will be divided this season? Lucky for him, that’s what training camp is for.&nbsp;

While he did say that players such as Lauri Markkanen and Walker Kessler will be expected to carry a lot of the load, Utah will have to figure out how best to incorporate Collins into the mix. They also return Olynyk, who was sensational for the team last season and Team Canada this summer. Taking into account rookie Taylor Hendricks, there’s a noticeable logjam at the center/power forward position.

“We have some new pieces, we have some players in new roles. … It’s our job to try to look at the team as something that doesn’t have a ton of history to it,” Hardy said. “I have to be flexible in what I am willing to do or try with them in order to make that three-person group of Lauri, John, and Walker work to the best of their abilities. … I can’t center it around John, and I also can’t just center it around those two and just say, ‘John, figure it out as you go.’”

2.) Hunger GamesA lighthearted moment in the press conference was when Hardy was asked which Jazz player was most like The Hunger Games’ Katniss Everdeen. After taking nearly 30 seconds to ponder the question, even stating that it was the toughest question he’d been asked in a long time, he finally settled on Olynyk. Although he didn’t elaborate much on his response, it was a fitting reply to those who know this Jazz team — and Olynyk in general.&nbsp;

&nbsp;The question wasn’t as out of the blue as it seems since Hardy made a Hunger Games reference just minutes earlier.&nbsp;

“I sort of know what training camp is gonna look like, and I would describe it as ‘The Hunger Games,’” Hardy said. “It’s going to be vicious, and I am excited about that.”

When asked how he will figure out the rotation for Utah’s backcourt, which includes five players who averaged 20+ minutes per game last year, he said training camp would resemble the cult classics from a decade ago.

“Those five guys are gonna go at it at training camp, and I love that. … But we’ve got to make sure that it’s within a team construct. Individual motives are good and powerful, and we need to lean into those. … But we also have to remember that we have 82 games coming, where we’re all wearing the same jersey.”

3.) Rookie WatchSince being drafted in June, Utah’s three rookies, Hendricks, Keyonte George, and Brice Sensabaugh, have all had interesting summers.&nbsp;

Hendricks and Sensabaugh were dealing with injuries suffered last year in college or throughout the draft process, forcing them to watch Summer Leagues in Salt Lake City and Las Vegas from the bench.

Meanwhile, George was one of the stars of Summer League when he thrived as Utah’s lead guard in Salt Lake City and Las Vegas. After showing off his scoring and play-making abilities, he was named to the Las Vegas Summer League first team. But his time on the court was also cut short when he suffered a sprained ankle in Las Vegas.

The good news for Jazz Nation is that after undergoing an expansive rehab process and living in the gym — according to Zanik — Utah’s three rookies have all been cleared for full participation before training camp in Hawaii.&nbsp;

4.) Lauri The LeaderWhen entering last season’s training camp, veteran point guard Mike Conley was the team’s leader. Not only was he one of the longest-tenured members of the squad, he was one of the veterans who had long been comfortable&nbsp; with a leadership role.&nbsp;

While players such as Clarkson, Olynyk, and Rudy Gay also emerged as vocal leaders within the locker room and on the court, it was still apparent that Utah looked to Conley when times mattered most.&nbsp;

But Conley is gone, and while Clarkson and Olynyk remain, Hardy alluded to someone else getting comfortable with a leadership role.&nbsp;

“Lauri, you know, he’s a leader now,” Hardy said of his All-Star. “You don’t always ask to be the leader, but it’s something he and I have spoken a lot about this summer. It’s understanding that people are always looking at you even when you don’t want them to be looking at you. … He’s getting used to carrying that weight.”

5.) FlexibilityWhile questions will need to be answered heading into training camp, Hardy and Zanik understand that only some things will be worked out when the team tips off the regular season on Oct. 25 against Sacramento.&nbsp;

“Nothing is set in stone,” Hardy said. “We could be the team that changes the starting lineup once every 10 days just based on a matchup. If we can get our team to think about that as something that’s OK, then that’s going to be great for us. … It’s a strength.”

Flexibility will be what they’re preaching throughout Utah’s week in Hawaii. They will test out different lineups, see who plays well with one another, and ideally carve out roles for one another. Even then, that situation will remain fluid as Hardy and Zanik will play the guys who give the Jazz a chance to win every game.&nbsp;

“Training camp is just the beginning of it for us to kind of figure out initially who’s going to be in what role and see where that works,” Zanik said. “There has to be a culture of flexibility and an understanding that we’re, as a collective group, trying to win every game and compete. And some days, it’s going to be a particular set of eight or nine players, and another game, it may be a different set of eight or nine players, and then continuing on that journey.”

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"Best Of Their Abilities" | Hardy And Zanik Preach 'Culture Of Flexibility' As Utah Prepares For Training Camp

Revealed on Wednesday morning, SEG Media announced the launch of Jazz+, a Utah Jazz-branded, direct-to-consumer subscription streaming service that provides local fans unprecedented access to the organization. That access includes live games, exclusive footage, and other new, original video-on-demand (VOD) content that highlights the best of the Jazz and the beauty of Utah.

"Creating the best fan experience is top of mind in everything we do. This season, we have so many reasons to celebrate being a Utah Jazz fan – from the return of Delta Center and our 50th anniversary season to the launch of Jazz+ and the ability for anyone in Utah to watch Jazz games on KJZZ," said Ryan Smith, chairman of Smith Entertainment Group and governor of the Utah Jazz. "With Jazz+, we have created 24/7 digital access to the team. We are so excited that all Utahns can be with us for every minute of the action."

Jazz+ subscriptions can be purchased now by visiting UtahJazz.com/JazzPlus.

Have you ever wondered what Jazz players do before the game? What sort of meals do they eat postgame? What are some of their favorite restaurants in the valley? What are the coaches like off the court? All those answers — and so much more — will be available to only subscribers of Jazz+.&nbsp;

Here are some things to look forward to following the launch of Jazz+.

1.) Shoot The ShotOne of the debut pieces of content is a free throw competition that pits Jazz head coach Will Hardy against Smith. While the competition is exciting, the best part of the video is Hardy taking the reins as an interviewer and asking Smith random get-to-know-you questions. And for those wondering how competitive Hardy is, this is a phenomenal look at how badly the head coach hates to lose. 

2.) Sights And BitesJazz Digital Reporter and Producer Nayo Campbell gives fans a blueprint for how to make the most of your game night. For those traveling into downtown Salt Lake City for a game who want to make a night of it, Campbell shows off some eateries and watering holes within walking distance of Delta Center 

3.) The Rookies | Day OneHave you ever wondered what it was like for Utah first-round draft picks Taylor Hendricks, Keyonte George, and Brice Sensabaugh to arrive in Salt Lake City for the first time? Well, the cameras take fans on a behind-the-scenes journey with the rookies on their first day with the team. 

4.) Road Trip | Walker KesslerEmerging as a fan favorite personality in his rookie season, Utah's digital team went behind the scenes with Walker Kessler as he traveled the beautiful state of Utah during the annual Jr. Jazz road trip. Included in the trip was the 7-footer visiting a national park, hanging out with the youth of Jazz Nation, snacking at a local restaurant in Southern Utah, and fans getting to tell the now sophomore center how much they’ve enjoyed watching him play in Utah.

To view all these incredible videos and more, make sure to subscribe.&nbsp;

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"Creating The Best Fan Experience" | Jazz+ Gives Fans Access To Go Behind The Scenes And Much More

As the Utah Jazz celebrate their 50th anniversary this season, it’s a great time to reflect on the long and proud history of the nine coaches who’ve been the leading man of the Jazz.&nbsp;

From Scotty Robertson in 1974 to Will Hardy in 2022, the Jazz have been blessed with some of the greatest coaches in league history throughout their rich history. Read below for a look back at each coach, and see how the Jazz got to this point in history.&nbsp;

9.) Will Hardy | 2022-presentHired at just 34 years old, Hardy was already widely regarded in NBA circles as one of the young up-and-coming assistants in the league. With his hiring by the Utah Jazz in 2022, he became the ninth head coach in Jazz franchise history and the second youngest active head coach in the NBA.

Hardy's basketball portfolio also includes collegiate experience, having suited up for Williams College, a D-III program in Williamstown, Mass. During his four seasons with the Ephs, the team went 80-31 and made the D-III tournament twice.&nbsp;

His NBA journey began in San Antonio in 2010 as a video intern under the legendary Gregg Popovich. From 2013-15, he was the Spurs team video coordinator before being promoted to Popovich's coaching staff, where he also led San Antonio's summer league squads for four consecutive years.&nbsp;

He got his big break in 2021 when he joined the Boston Celtics as a lead assistant for head coach Ime Udoka. He helped continue the development of the Celtics' young core on a team that reached the NBA Finals for the first time in over a decade.

In addition to being an assistant in the league, Hardy also served as a member of Team USA's basketball staff in the 2020 Summer Olympics, helping lead the team to a gold medal victory over France.

COACHING RECORDNBA- Utah Jazz | 37-45 (.451 winning percentage)

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50th Season | History Of Jazz Coaches: Will Hardy

2/4.) Elgin Baylor | 1974, 1976-79Technically, Baylor was the second head coach in the history of the Jazz, although he only served as the leading man for one game in 1974 following the firing of Robertson. After returning to the bench as an assistant coach for the next couple of seasons under Butch van Breda Kolff, Baylor took over as head coach in 1976.&nbsp;

While his coaching career was up and down, Baylor is known as being one of the significant basketball players in league history.&nbsp;

Due to a basketball recruiting disparity at black high schools in the 1950s, Baylor went to the College of Idaho on a football scholarship. Although he never played a down for the school, he made the basketball team, averaging 31 points and 20 rebounds per game. He transferred to Seattle University, where he dominated college basketball for two seasons and led them to the 1957-58 national title game.&nbsp;

Baylor was drafted No. 1 overall by the Minneapolis Lakers in 1958, where he was named the Rookie of the Year. He played his entire 14-year career with the Lakers, helping guide them to Los Angeles, where he became one of the best forwards in league history. Following his coaching career, Baylor was hired as the team's Vice President of Basketball Operations of the LA Clippers in 1986, serving 22 years.&nbsp;

He died in Los Angeles on March 22, 2021. He was 86.

ACCOLADES- 11x NBA All-Star- 10x All-NBA- NBA All-Star Game MVP (1959)- NBA Rookie of the Year (1959)- No. 22 retired by the Lakers- 2x NCAA All-American- NBA Executive of the Year (2006)- Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame&nbsp;- College Basketball Hall of Fame

CAREER STATSPoints: 27.4Rebounds: 13.5Assists: 4.3&nbsp;

COACHING RECORDNBA- New Orleans Jazz | 86-135 (.389 winning percentage)

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50th Season | History Of Jazz Coaches: Elgin Baylor

3.) Tom Nissalke | 1979-81With a coaching career that spanned nearly 40 years, Nissalke was the third coach in Utah history.&nbsp;

He has one of the rarest distinctions in basketball coaching history, having been named 'Coach of the Year' in both the ABA and NBA. Throughout his career, Nissalke was head coach of seven NBA/ABA teams and an assistant for three teams, winning an NBA title as an assistant with Milwaukee in 1971.&nbsp;

Before he broke into the professional ranks, Nissalke made a name for himself as head coach of Wayland Academy in Wisconsin. He moved up to the college ranks at the University of Wisconsin and Tulane as an assistant before jumping to the pro ranks with the Bucks. From there, he bounced around multiple professional leagues, including the ABA and NBA.&nbsp;

His coaching credentials also include the Olympics, where he served as head coach of the Puerto Rico national team at the 1976 Summer Olympics in Montreal. They finished 2-5 in the tournament, nearly pulling off a massive upset of the United States when they fell 94-93.&nbsp;

Nissalke passed away on August 22, 2019, at his home in Salt Lake City.

ACCOLADES- NBA Champion (1971)- ABA Coach of the Year (1972)- NBA Coach of the Year (1977)

CAREER: 371-508 | .422 winning percentage

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50th Season | History Of Jazz Coaches: Tom Nissalke

5.) Frank Layden | 1981-88Known for his lighthearted approach to the game, Layden became one of the most famous coaches in Jazz history due to his ability to connect with his players, fans and his community.&nbsp;

He started coaching at his alma mater, Niagara University in New York. After helping lead the program to its first NCAA Tournament appearance in 1970, Layden jumped to the NBA when he served as an assistant with Atlanta in 1976.&nbsp;

However, his career took a turn when he was named the New Orleans Jazz general manager in 1979, helping move the team to Salt Lake City. Rather than staying in a front-office role, Layden double-dipped and was named the head coach of the Jazz in 1981. He helped lead a resurgent turnaround by the franchise, helping draft John Stockton and Karl Malone and hiring Jerry Sloan to be his assistant.&nbsp;

After retiring from coaching in 1988, Layden made one more run as a head coach in Utah. A decade later, Layden was named the head coach of the WNBA's Utah Starzz where he coached from 1998-99.

He still resides in Salt Lake City with his wife, Barbara.

ACCOLADES- NBA Coach of the Year (1984)- NBA All-Star Game Head Coach (1984)- J. Walter Kennedy Citizenship Award (1984)- Chuck Daly Lifetime Achievement Award (2019)- No. 1 retired by the Jazz- NBA Executive of the Year (1984)

COACHING RECORDNBA- Utah Jazz | 277-294WNBA&nbsp;- Utah Starzz | 4-11

CAREER: 281-305 | .476 winning percentage

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50th Season | History Of Jazz Coaches: Frank Layden

6.) Jerry Sloan | 1988-2011The winningest coach in Jazz history and one of the greatest coaches the league has ever seen, Sloan was revolutionary in Utah as he helped lead the Jazz to their two NBA finals appearances.&nbsp;

Sloan's basketball career took off in college when he became a three-time Indiana Collegiate Player of the Year at Evansville, leading the Purple Aces to back-to-back Division II national titles. After being drafted twice prior, Sloan became the "Original Bull" when he was chosen by Chicago in the 1966 NBA expansion draft.&nbsp;

After beginning his coaching career at Evansville, Sloan lasted just five days before withdrawing. He joined the Bulls as a scout in 1977 before being promoted to assistant coach the following year. One year later, he was promoted to head coach in 1979 when he led the Bulls for three years.&nbsp;

After being fired in Chicago, Sloan headed to the Mountain West, where he joined the Jazz as a scout before working his way up to assistant coach. When Layden became president of the Jazz after retiring from coaching, he hired Sloan as the leading man — where he ran the show for 23 years, including an NBA-record 16-straight playoff appearances.

Following a diagnosis of Parkinson's disease and Lewy body dementia in April 2016, Sloan passed away on May 22, 2020, at 78 years old.&nbsp;

ACCOLADES- 2x NBA All-Star- 6x NBA All-Defense- No. 4 retired by the Bulls- Chuck Daly Lifetime Achievement Award- Top 15 Coaches in NBA History- No. 1223 retired by the Jazz- Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame

CAREER STATSPoints: 14.0Rebounds: 7.4Assists: 2.5

COACHING RECORDNBA- Chicago Bulls | 94-121- Utah Jazz | 1,127-682

CAREER: 1,221-803 | .603 winning percentage

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50th Season | History Of Jazz Coaches: Jerry Sloan

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