Season Preview: Jazz Look to Strike the Right Chord in Season 6

Offseason Moves

It’s a new era for the Jazz as they enter Season 6 under fresh leadership. New GM Kail Jeter takes the reins with a clear focus: build a tougher, more resilient squad ready to contend.

The Jazz made key moves in the offseason, retaining core players Saleem Ali Bey, Clifton Polk, and Lucky Stefanos—all of whom bring chemistry and familiarity. But the most notable additions are Kalon Jeter, a promising rookie with a high ceiling, and veteran Brian Smith, who brings energy and toughness to the rotation.

However, not all news was good. The Jazz said goodbye to two major contributors—Colton Castle and Kyler Anderson—whose presence will certainly be missed on both ends of the floor.

Last Season Recap

The Jazz finished last season with a 4-6 record, earning the 3rd seed in the playoffs. Despite the sub-.500 finish, the team caught fire late and made a dramatic push to the championship game. Unfortunately, the dream run ended just short of the title. Now, with new leadership and new faces, the question is whether they can take that final step.

Summer Summary

The Jazz used the summer to regroup and refocus. At the"Pre-draft Run"the players were sharp, and there’s a noticeable energy around the squad. Kail Jeter is already setting the tone, emphasizing defense, ball movement, and a no-ego culture. Early scrimmages suggest this team could surprise people, especially if the rookies develop quickly and the returning vets elevate their consistency.

Spotlight On: Kail Jeter

The spotlight is firmly on new GM Kail Jeter, but it’s also worth watching his play on the court. As a player, he averaged 8.6 points per game on an efficient 55.9% shooting last season. Though his three-point percentage was low (22.2%), his ability to finish inside and impact games physically makes him a key two-way piece.

This season, Kail has to lead by example—not just in decision-making off the court, but in effort and execution on it.

How Far Can the Jazz Go?

That’s the million-dollar question.

The roster has depth, even if it lacks star power. If Kalon Jeter adjusts quickly, Brian Smith finds his rhythm, and role players like Lucky Stefanos and Saleem Ali Bey contribute more consistently, the Jazz could absolutely return to the championship stage.

But the margin for error is slim. The offense will need to improve across the board, and shooting percentages from the returning players must tick upward. Defense and grit will be their identity—whether that’s enough to win a title remains to be seen.