The Utah Jazz are facing player absence issues, with key players missing substantial games, unlike former star John Stockton, who was remarkably durable during his career. Stockton attributes his durability to a different approach to managing injuries, which contrasts with the cautious attitude players have in the modern NBA.

By the Numbers
  • Lauri Markkanen missed 44 games over the last two seasons.
  • Jordan Clarkson is expected to miss 48 games if he doesn't return this season.
Yes, But

Modern NBA players prioritize caution in managing injuries due to the changing dynamics of the league, which leads to more missed games compared to players like Stockton.

State of Play
  • Player absence is a recurring issue for the Utah Jazz, impacting their performance and lineup stability.
  • The NBA landscape has shifted, with a focus on player health for the playoffs and teams strategically positioning for the draft through tanking.
What's Next

The Jazz and their fans are divided on the significance of prioritizing player health over draft positioning, with uncertainties on the outcomes of their current strategies.

Bottom Line

The NBA's evolving dynamics highlight a shift towards prioritizing player health and strategic draft positioning, contrasting with the durability and consistency seen in players like John Stockton in the past.