Austin Ainge met with the media for the first time since being announced at the president of basketball operations for the Utah Jazz. One of the questions Ainge was asked about was if the Jazz would continue to manipulate playing time in an effort to tank for draft position. Ainge was concise, but clear in his answer.
"You won’t see that this year," Ainge said.
Over the last three seasons, Utah has pivoted towards draft position at various points in the season. Last season, the Jazz were never really competitive on a night-to-night basis. The previous two seasons saw the team change their approach around the trade deadline.
Jazz owner Ryan Smith made it clear that Ainge has final say in basketball decisions, despite his father Danny and GM Justin Zanik still being with the organization. For Ainge, that will mean picking a direction this offseason. Utah could seek veterans to build around Lauri Markkanen to chase a postseason spot in a deep Western Conference. The Jazz could also trade the veterans they have for more draft capital, while prioritizing young players.
