Utah Jazz rookie Keyonte George’s season is starting to move in the right direction. According to NBA draft expert Kristen Peek of Yahoo Sports, George was ranked fourth overall in the recent rookie rankings.
Only Victor Vembanyama, Chet Holmgren and Brandon Miller are higher.George’s role early in the season was as a playmaker, and that aspect of his game kept him on the court. He is now a reliable scorer for the Jazz, a force he enjoyed throughout his high school and college years. George has always been good in catch-and-drop situations, but his footwork has improved off the dribble, keeping his feet straight and his shoulders straight.
George has scored in double figures in his last five games, including 19 points (5-for-9 from 3-point range) and 11 rebounds in a win over the Bucks on Feb. 4. – Christine PeakGeorge seems to have recently broken the rookie barrier. He recorded his first career double-double against the Milwaukee Bucks, but George was on the roll even before that. In his last four games, he is averaging 16.5 points on 53% shooting. That’s a good sign for Jazz fans who have been concerned about his efficiency issues all season.
What does this mean for future Utah players?
The answer to that question may depend on what Utah does at the trade deadline. Utah State has been rumored to be interested in Atlanta Hawks guard Dejounte Murray, but that could be smoke or mirrors.Utah has the chops to make a trade at the deadline, but I wonder if the Jazz should be patient and wait for George before selecting the veteran holdover. With George coming out of one of the most important drafts in history, the Jazz should be pleased with how his rookie season is shaping up.
Also, keep in mind that George is only 20 years old and still has a lot of room to grow. He may not have shared the same stage as former Jazz great Donovan Mitchell in 2017, but he progressed faster than former Jazz stars Gordon Hayward and Deron Williams.George will get a chance to prove he is the point guard of the future on Tuesday night against the Oklahoma City Thunder. Consultation time is 19:00. MST.
