DEFENSIVE DOLDRUMS: Why the Utah Jazz STRUGGLE with stops & what's next for Walker Kessler

Utah Jazz’s defensive woes raise pressing questions—can Will Hardy solve the puzzle, or is it all about roster limitations? David Locke breaks down why the Jazz rank near the bottom of NBA defensive ratings, analyzing the impact of Walker Kessler’s injury and the challenges posed by centers like Jusuf Nurkic and Kevin Love. Are schematic adjustments enough when open threes and uncontested shots plague the team? Key insights include Utah forcing the right shot locations but failing to contest effectively, plus the lack of elite wing defenders to complement Lauri Markkanen and Keyonte George’s offensive production. Locke explores potential fixes, the coaching staff’s responsibility, and whether personnel upgrades are needed to see meaningful improvement. Listeners also get updates on restricted free agent Walker Kessler, trade rumors involving Trey Young, and reflections on Jazz prospects. Can the team climb out of the defensive cellar, or will tweaks fall short? 0:00 – Jazz Defensive Struggles 10:24 – Defensive Schemes & Open Shots 22:00 – Mailbag: Walker, KeYonte, Trades 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! 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 code LOCKEDONNFL to get $50 in lineups after you play your first $5 lineup. Click Here: https://prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/LOCKEDONNBA Robinhood You expect more from yourself. Expect more from your money. Get started today at robinhood.com/yourmoney. Your money. Your move. All investments involve risk, including loss of principal. Options, futures, and crypto trading carry significant risk and may not suit all investors. Securities offered through Robinhood Financial LLC, member SIPC. Futures trading is offered by Robinhood Derivatives, LLC and not SPIC or FDIC protected. Crypto offered through Robinhood Crypto, LLC (NMLS ID 1702840), not FDIC or SIPC protected. Portfolio management offered by Robinhood Strategies, an SEC-registered advisor. Gametime Today's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONNBA for $20 off you