Crazy idea #1: Sensabaugh at PG?

[bkohler]

We’re officially in the dog days of NBA fandom. No games, no big moves, just training videos and cryptic Instagram stories to keep us going. So while we wait for preseason to start, I figured it’s time to toss out a few “crazy ideas” that have been rattling around in my head.

Crazy idea #1: What if Brice Sensabaugh played some minutes at point guard?

On paper, it sounds wild (it is wild). Sensabaugh is a big-bodied wing who made his name as a scorer at Ohio State and has flashed a bucket-getter’s mentality in Summer League and limited Jazz minutes. Ball-handling isn’t what people think of first with him.

But here’s the thing: the Jazz have a weird roster construction right now. The guard rotation is crowded but unsettled, and Will Hardy has emphasized versatility and “positionless” lineups since he arrived. If the team is experimenting anyway, why not lean into Sensabaugh’s underrated passing chops?

The Case For It:
Playmaking Potential – At OSU, Sensabaugh showed flashes of being more than just a scorer. He can make reads off the dribble and his size gives him passing lanes smaller guards can’t see.
Mismatch Creation – Running him at the 1 in stretches could force smaller guards to defend him, and if defenses switch, he has the strength to punish mismatches.
Upside Development – The Jazz aren’t contending this season. Letting young guys explore skills outside their “projected role” could pay long-term dividends.

The Case Against It:
Ball Pressure – NBA point guards feast on wings who don’t have elite handles. Sensabaugh might struggle just bringing the ball up against top-level defenders.
Spacing/Defense Trade-off – If he’s initiating, you need reliable shooters and defenders around him. That could limit lineup flexibility.
Identity Clash – The Jazz already have a development puzzle with Keyonte, George, and others in the guard pipeline. Giving Sensabaugh “PG reps” might muddy things more.

Verdict: Fun but Probably Badddd

I’m not saying we turn Brice into Magic Johnson overnight. But in the spirit of experimentation, I’d love to see Hardy give him a few possessions a game where he’s the primary initiator—especially in bench units. Worst case, it flames out quickly. Best case, we discover an unexpected wrinkle in his game that makes him even harder to guard.

Dog days are for crazy questions, and this is mine: Could Sensabaugh at PG be just crazy enoug to work?

[Inigo Montoya]

I don't see the point. If you play him at PG, you basically erase Collier because he can't play any other position. The Sensei isn't very quick or explosive and doesn't have any breakdown ability off the dribble, he won't get by anyone and would struggle creating good looks for others. And if you play him at PG then he's not there to get the ball from a PG for a catch and shoot, which is his bread and butter, as most of his made baskets are assisted:

2024-2025 season:

[bkohler]

Yeah that’s fair, I’m not really saying he should be a PG full time. For me it’s more about getting him on the floor since he’s going to be competing with Lauri, Taylor, Ace and others. If giving him some on-ball looks helps open up minutes, that’s a win.

It’s also about development. Even if it only works in short bursts, adding a little creation and playmaking to his catch-and-shoot game would raise his floor quite a bit.

And finally it’s kind of a ceiling check. Right now he projects as a role player. If there’s even a small chance there’s more in the bag, I think it’s worth finding out.

I wouldn’t expect him to suddenly run an offense, but experimenting in spots could show whether there’s something more there than just a shooter off the bench.

[babyjax13]

We have already seen the organization tell players to play in ways they have not before to round out their games. There was John Collins high-post playmaking (which he actually did improve at), and there was ISO-Lauri. I'm sure we will see more, and Brice handling some balls wouldn't surprise me.

[Catchall]

So far, Brice's processing has been too slow and his decision making isn't good enough for him to be an initiator. He's very turnover prone. Brice at PG isn't going to work. His role model should be Aaron Nesmith.

[bkohler]

So far, Brice's processing has been too slow and his decision making isn't good enough for him to be an initiator. He's very turnover prone. Brice at PG isn't going to work. His role model should be Aaron Nesmith.

I'm not quite sure any of our guards at PG is really going to work long term. But I do agree I'd love for him to emulate Nesmith.

[Daddy 801]

All I know is he needs serious minutes this season. I haven’t seen enough of him to know if he is good at going over screens and shooting the 3 ball. If he is it’s worth it to not necessarily play him at PG but run a ton of high PnR and let him develop that.

I’m very low on Collier after watching him play summer league close up. He was wild and reckless. I could see us trying multiple weird lineups at PG if Collier continues to be sloppy.

[tugs]

I'm enjoying this series of yours.

As for the idea, Jazz will basically have a Derek Fisher mold in a bigger frame in Brice. Could work if there is a system catering towards motions and sets where Brice won't have to do too much to create plays (like the triangle with DFish)