Jazz practice options for four first-rounders

The Utah Jazz made some moves just before the start of the 2024-25 season. Second-year players Keyonte George, Taylor Hendricks and Brice Sensabaugh had their options exercised in the third year. The Jazz also exercised the rookie scale on fourth-year starting center Walker Kessler. Kessler begins his third year in Salt Lake City.

All four players are first-round picks. George and Hendricks were selected in the lottery, while Brice Sensabaugh was selected late in the first round. Kessler was acquired by the Minnesota Timberwolves after being selected in the first round of the 2022 draft.

This should come as no surprise to jazz fans. Utah’s youth movement is alive and well, and all four players have shown promise since arriving in Salt Lake City. George, Hendricks and Kessler will begin the year in the starting lineup and Sensabaugh will be one of the first players to come off the bench. Lauri Markkanen and Collin Sexton complete the starting five.

The 2024-25 season is just around the corner. Utah hosts the Memphis Grizzlies on Wednesday night at the Delta Center. All eyes will be on how Jazz head coach Will Hardy distributes the rotation minutes. At media day, the Jazz emphasized that the focus this season will be on youth and development. We’ll see if this strategy works in the early stages of the season. Tipoff is scheduled for 7:00 MT.

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