New Orleans Pelicans sweep the Utah Jazz with a decisive victory, leaving Jazz management with tough questions about the future of their young core. Are these rookie prospects ready for the leap from high school to the NBA, or are they still learning basic "BC Calculus" on the hardwood? David Locke and Ron Boone dissect shaky shooting nights from key prospects—including Ace Bailey, Isaiah Collier, Bryce Sensabaugh, Kyle Filipowski, and Cody Williams—amid Utah’s offensive woes and the absence of a true center.

The analysis spotlights Ace Bailey’s rebounding surge, defensive growth from Filipowski, and the challenges of developing NBA-ready skills in a rebuilding environment. With Lauri Markkanen and Keyonte George out, can this group make the right decisions and adapt under Will Hardy’s guidance? The conversation highlights the Jazz’s player evaluation process, the impact of offensive struggles, and why defensive effort—not box scores—might hold the key to Utah's rebuild.

00:00 — Evaluating Young Jazz Players
02:09 — Rookie Performance Analysis
05:08 — Offensive Struggles & Defensive Standouts

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Utah Jazz fans face a pivotal offseason—can the young core prove they belong in a playoff-caliber rotation? David Locke explores which prospects, including Brice Sensabaugh, Kyle Filipowski, Isaiah Collier, and Cody Williams, have the tools to step up alongside Keyonte George, Lauri Markkanen, and Walker Kessler as the Jazz chase a top-six Western Conference spot next season.

Roster strategy takes center stage as David Locke debates the need for more ball-handling, defensive wing depth, and veteran leadership, highlighting potential trade scenarios and free agent targets. Listeners get sharp analysis on Svi Mykhailiuk’s shooting value, Jaren Jackson Jr.’s elite defending, and the biggest priorities for Utah’s front office. Packed with insider questions and roster projections, this edition offers a no-nonsense look at the paths, challenges, and big decisions shaping the Utah Jazz’s future.

00:00:  Next Year’s Roster & Young Player Evaluation

10:16: Svi Mykhailiuk’s Role & Offseason Priorities

20:44: Jazz Ceiling, All-Stars & Defensive Anchors

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DoorDash
From tipoff to overtime, stay in your bag and order on DoorDash.
Get snacks, drinks, gear — whatever gets you through the season — delivered right to your door.
DoorDash. In your bag all season long.

PrizePicks
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Click Here: https://prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/LOCKEDONNBA

5-Hour ENERGY
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FanDuel
Use your Profit Boost on an NBA future and get entered for your chance to win a trip to the NBA Finals.
Play your game with FanDuel, the official sports betting partner of the NBA. Visit https://FANDUEL.COM to get started.
 

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

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David Locke and Ron Boone bring you POSTCAST after every Utah Jazz game 

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Utah Jazz nearly landed a major win-now piece—was Kristaps Porzingis the mysterious target? Agent influence and small-market challenges reveal why the Jazz rebuilt around draft assets instead. Can the new era produce a powerhouse like Oklahoma City or Detroit, both now leading the NBA with young talent and rim protection strategies?

David Locke breaks down the Jazz’s evolving roster construction, examining potential trades for Jrue Holiday, Bradley Beal, and Damian Lillard before asserting Porzingis was the likely candidate. Keyonte George and Lauri Markkanen headline the discussion on player development amid tough environments. Locke also highlights league-wide trends—winning the restricted area, drafting bigs like Jaren Jackson Jr., and how this defensive shift shapes NBA futures. Points Gained analysis pinpoints the hottest and coldest players, raising critical questions about Utah’s strategy and the only way modern teams can build for success.

00:00:  — Jazz Mystery Trade Discussion

16:04:  — NBA Team Building Models

27:50:  — Points Gained: NBA Player Impact

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For a limited time, you can have your taxes done by a local TurboTax expert for just $150 — all in, if a TurboTax expert didn’t file for you last year. Just file by February 28. Take taxes off your plate and get back to your life.
Visit https://TurboTax.com/local to book your appointment today.

DoorDash
From tipoff to overtime, stay in your bag and order on DoorDash.
Get snacks, drinks, gear — whatever gets you through the season — delivered right to your door.
DoorDash. In your bag all season long.

PrizePicks
Download the PrizePicks app today and use codeLOCKEDONNFL to get $50 in lineups after you play your first $5 lineup.
Click Here: https://prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/LOCKEDONNBA

5-Hour ENERGY
Have your cake & drink it too. Birthday cake-flavor is back, no fork needed. Vanilla-y cakey flavor, caffeinated kick, and no sugar. It's party time. Order Now at 5-hourENERGY.com or Amazon.

Indeed
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Gametime
Today's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply.

FanDuel
Use your Profit Boost on an NBA future and get entered for your chance to win a trip to the NBA Finals.
Play your game with FanDuel, the official sports betting partner of the NBA. Visit https://FANDUEL.COM to get started.
 

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

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Utah Jazz face a pivotal offseason: will Jusuf Nurkic—the “Bosnian Beast”—return as one of the NBA’s top backup centers? Host David Locke breaks down Nurkic’s high-assist, elite-rebounding season, and how his pick setting ignited Keyonte George’s breakout. Despite his struggles as a rim finisher and questions about defensive mobility, Nurkic shined as a valuable contributor alongside Walker Kessler and Jaren Jackson Jr., helping the Jazz excel at denying shots at the rim.

David Locke examines what backup centers get paid around the league and debates whether the Jazz should invest $7-10 million to keep Nurkic—comparing his value to veterans like Brook Lopez and Clint Capela. The episode also highlights Lauri Markkanen’s hefty contract, the importance of rim protection, and what Utah can learn from defensive powerhouses like Detroit Pistons and Oklahoma City Thunder. Is investing in backup center depth the key to the Jazz’s defensive future?

00:00: Nurkic’s Impact & Future

13:42:  Backup Center Market Analysis

24:15:  Rim Defense Trends & Jazz Strategy

Everydayer Club
If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclub

Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!

Turbo Tax
For a limited time, you can have your taxes done by a local TurboTax expert for just $150 — all in, if a TurboTax expert didn’t file for you last year. Just file by February 28. Take taxes off your plate and get back to your life.
Visit https://TurboTax.com/local to book your appointment today.

DoorDash
From tipoff to overtime, stay in your bag and order on DoorDash.
Get snacks, drinks, gear — whatever gets you through the season — delivered right to your door.
DoorDash. In your bag all season long.

PrizePicks
Download the PrizePicks app today and use codeLOCKEDONNFL to get $50 in lineups after you play your first $5 lineup.
Click Here: https://prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/LOCKEDONNBA

5-Hour ENERGY
Have your cake & drink it too. Birthday cake-flavor is back, no fork needed. Vanilla-y cakey flavor, caffeinated kick, and no sugar. It's party time. Order Now at 5-hourENERGY.com or Amazon.

Indeed
Listeners of this show get a $75 Sponsored Job Credit to help give your job the premium placement it deserves at http://Indeed.com/podcast

Gametime
Today's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply.

FanDuel
Use your Profit Boost on an NBA future and get entered for your chance to win a trip to the NBA Finals.
Play your game with FanDuel, the official sports betting partner of the NBA. Visit https://FANDUEL.COM to get started.
 

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

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Utah Jazz fans get a first glimpse into the 2026-27 roster shakeup as the Jaren Jackson Jr. trade signals a bold new era. Can Keonte George, Lauri Markkanen, and Jackson Jr. power the team into the West’s upper echelon, or will rising talents like Kyle Filipowski, Isaiah Collier, Bryce Sensabaugh, and Cody Williams find a path into the primary rotation?

David Locke scrutinizes critical roster battles, the looming contract puzzle with Walker Kessler, and the pressures facing Austin Ainge to secure veteran depth and reliable ball-handlers. The conversation spotlights the fierce competition for backup minutes, the urgency to address shooting slumps, and which young Jazz prospects might break out—or fall behind—as the franchise eyes playoff relevance. Will Filipowski, Sensabaugh, or Collier step up and claim their roles, or will the Jazz’s quest for contention force a retool? The final 24 games may decide everything.

00:00:  Post-Jaren Jackson Jr. Trade, Jazz Outlook

09:15:  2026-27 Roster Construction & Young Core Roles

23:06:  Bench Evaluation & Remaining Minutes

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Utah Jazz youngsters face a harsh reality as Houston Rockets dominate, exposing every weakness and leaving key rookies like Keyonte George and Ace Bailey searching for answers. Can Austin Ainge’s offseason roster decisions turn this struggling squad into contenders?\n\n[David Locke] and [Ron Boone] analyze the Jazz’s uphill battle, noting the impact of missing starters like Jaren Jackson and Nurkic, and highlighting Ace Bailey’s ongoing struggle at the free throw line. The podcast explores how rookie growing pains, defensive highlights such as 17 steals, and veteran leadership shape player development. Upcoming games against the New Orleans Pelicans will test if these “students” are ready for a new lesson or destined to retake “Spanish One.”\n\nAre these young Jazz players ready to build a foundation for next season, or will front office changes reshape the team’s future? Don’t miss this candid breakdown of Utah’s path forward.

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David Locke, radio voice of the Utah Jazz and Jazz NBA insider, talks about how the Utah Jazz have been very intentional in their plan for Ace Bailey and we are seeing it come together with increased minutes and usage as the season goes on.  It is a very similar route to what the Boston Celtics did with Jayson Tattum.  What is most important is the acquisition of Jaren Jackson Jr. will make Ace Bailey's life much easier moving foward.  He will be the 4th player on the scouting report each day instead of 1 or 2 and he will be playing off a weakside advantage.

Locke also looked at some of the way Will Hardy is already preparing for next season and the game against the Memphis Grizzlies on Friday.  Plus, its a trends Monday who are the hottest teams in the NBA nad who are the coldest both on the offensive and defensive side of things,

0:00:  Ace Bailey route to stardom

7:00:  How the route has gotten easier

13:00:  Will Hardy putting in new systems

17:00:  Jazz youngsters against Memphis

25:00:  Trends Monday

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Utah Jazz crumble after hot shooting start as Memphis Grizzlies dominate the second half with relentless defense and capitalizing on turnovers. Can the Jazz’s young core turn learning moments into consistency?

David Locke and Ron Boone break down the Jazz’s 123-114 loss, spotlighting Isaiah Collier’s aggressive playmaking, Ace Bailey’s increased offensive assertiveness, and Cody Williams’ shooting struggles. Keyonte George and Lauri Markkanen’s season performances are assessed, with discussion of the Jazz’s turnover woes, second-half scoring drought, and the impact of going centerless on defense. The crew evaluates player development and hands out nightly honors, questioning which rising star will step into a leadership role.

Is Utah’s youth movement showing enough promise to weather nights like these? Stay tuned for sharp analysis and all the storylines as the Jazz target growth in a challenging NBA season.

00:00 - Jazz Hot Start, Grizzlies Rally
01:35 - Second Half Collapse, Turnover Issues
07:57 - Young Player Evaluations & Notes

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Utah Jazz fans are united: keeping the lottery pick is everything as the season hits the home stretch. Facing intense scrutiny over alleged tanking and front office pressures, David Locke dissects the franchise’s biggest priorities and the high stakes for Austin Ainge, Will Hardy, and young talents like Keyonte George, Walker Kessler, and Lauri Markkanen.

With Jaren Jackson Jr. adding urgency to the win-now window, the focus shifts to which rising stars—Bryce Sensabaugh, Cody Williams, Kyle Filipowski, Isaiah Collier—can truly contribute to a 50-win squad. Hear how Adam Silver’s comments, evolving draft strategies, and provocative takes from rival owners fuel the conversation. Can the Jazz replicate the Boston Celtics’ championship blueprint? How will the front office handle fine threats while maintaining a strong draft position? Tune in for inside analysis, burning fan questions, and where the Jazz go next.

00:00 Jazz Draft Pick Stakes & Adam Silver Reaction
11:01 Alicia Liu Story & NBA Player Development
18:22 Tanking, Roster Construction, and Future Moves

Locked On Jazz Podcast 💻 https://www.lockedonjazz.net Follow & Subscribe on all Podcast platforms 🎧 https://lockedonpodcasts.com/podcasts/locked-on-jazz/ Locked On NBA League-Wide: Every Team, Fantasy, Draft, WNBA & More 🎧 https://lockedonpodcasts.com/leagues/nba Follow David Locke on Twitter: 📲 https://twitter.com/DLocke09 #NBA #UtahJazz #WillHardy #DannyAinge #laurimarkkanen Everydayer Club If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclub Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Turbo Tax For a limited time, you can have your taxes done by a local TurboTax expert for just $150 — all in, if a TurboTax expert didn’t file for you last year. Just file by February 28. Take taxes off your plate and get back to your life. Visit https://TurboTax.com/local to book your appointment today. Quo Make this the year where no opportunity — and no customer — slips away. Try Quo for free plus get 20% off your first 6 months when you go to https://Quo.com/lockedonnba. Quo — no missed calls, no missed customers. 5-Hour ENERGY Have your cake & drink it too. Birthday cake-flavor is back, no fork needed. Vanilla-y cakey flavor, caffeinated kick, and no sugar. It's party time. Order Now at 5-hourENERGY.com or Amazon. Indeed Listeners of this show get a $75 Sponsored Job Credit to help give your job the premium placement it deserves at http://Indeed.com/podcast Gametime Today's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply. FanDuel Use your Profit Boost on an NBA future and get entered for your chance to win a trip to the NBA Finals. Play your game with FanDuel, the official sports betting partner of the NBA. Visit https://FANDUEL.COM to get started. FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

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Utah Jazz set sights on a swift return to playoff contention as top draft prospects headline the conversation. Does drafting Darryn Peterson—even if he prefers other teams—unlock a championship window for Salt Lake City? Leif Thulin spotlights his 2026 NBA Draft big board, breaking down the strengths of Darin Peterson, AJ Dybantsa, Cam Boozer, and other elite prospects. 

The episode offers a detailed analysis of the Jazz’s evolving core, featuring Keyonte George, Lauri Markkanen, Jaren Jackson, and Walker Kessler. Key topics include fit and upside for incoming rookies, positional challenges, and the pivotal timeline for true title contention. Is this the class that transforms the Utah Jazz into playoff threats—and delivers a homegrown superstar to lead the franchise forward? 

Jazz Draft Targets & Peterson Debate Leif Thulin opens by discussing Darryn Peterson’s rumored refusal to come to Utah, his thoughts on drafting the best player regardless of “preferred destinations,” and introduces his NBA Draft Big Board. 

10:29 — Prospect Rankings 5-10 Breakdown Leif Thulin dives into deeper analysis of prospects ranked 5-10 on his 2026 NBA Draft board, emphasizing fit, upside, and who the Jazz could target if they don’t pick at the very top. 

24:41 — Playoff Timeline & Jazz Contention Window Leif Thulin lays out his thoughts on when the Jazz will realistically return to the playoffs and when they could be true contenders, tying it back to draft results and current roster building strategy. 

Locked On Jazz Podcast 💻 https://www.lockedonjazz.net Follow & Subscribe on all Podcast platforms 🎧 https://lockedonpodcasts.com/podcasts/locked-on-jazz/ Locked On NBA League-Wide: Every Team, Fantasy, Draft, WNBA & More 🎧 https://lockedonpodcasts.com/leagues/nba Follow David Locke on Twitter: 📲 https://twitter.com/DLocke09 #NBA #UtahJazz #WillHardy #DannyAinge #jordanclarkson #laurimarkkanen 

Everydayer Club If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclub 

Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! 

Turbo Tax For a limited time, you can have your taxes done by a local TurboTax expert for just $150 — all in, if a TurboTax expert didn’t file for you last year. Just file by February 28. Take taxes off your plate and get back to your life. Visit https://TurboTax.com/local to book your appointment today. 

Quo Make this the year where no opportunity — and no customer — slips away. Try Quo for free plus get 20% off your first 6 months when you go to https://Quo.com/lockedonnba. Quo — no missed calls, no missed customers. 

5-Hour ENERGY Have your cake & drink it too. Birthday cake-flavor is back, no fork needed. Vanilla-y cakey flavor, caffeinated kick, and no sugar. It's party time. Order Now at 5-hourENERGY.com or Amazon.

 Indeed Listeners of this show get a $75 Sponsored Job Credit to help give your job the premium placement it deserves at http://Indeed.com/podcast 

Gametime Today's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply. 

FanDuel Use your Profit Boost on an NBA future and get entered for your chance to win a trip to the NBA Finals. Play your game with FanDuel, the official sports betting partner of the NBA. Visit https://FANDUEL.COM to get started. FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.