BREAKTHROUGH = Keyonte George’s UNLOCKS Next-Level Playmaking and Efficiency | Utah Jazz Podcast

Locked On Jazz - Daily Podcast On The Utah Jazz

Locked On Podcast Network, David Locke

November 4, 202533 min
Basketball

BREAKTHROUGH = Keyonte George’s UNLOCKS Next-Level Playmaking and Efficiency | Utah Jazz Podcast

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Episode Notes

Keyonte George has unlocked another level—David Locke, radio voice of the Utah Jazz and Jazz NBA Insider, breaks down the transformation that's making George a true centerpiece for Utah. After working with assistant coach Chris Jones and overhauling his strength and conditioning, George is attacking the rim, dramatically boosting his assist rate, and drawing fouls at an elite clip—a crucial shift that’s driving his efficiency despite his three-point shot still finding its rhythm. Locke highlights George’s smart, unselfish play, his ability to take over when Lauri Markkanen stalls, and why getting to the free throw line is making him remarkably effective. Is this the season where George cements himself as a future franchise point guard?

Elijah Harkless’s unlikely rise takes center stage as his defensive energy and relentless drive earn him major rotation minutes and tip the scales in critical moments. Locke details Harkless’s journey from overlooked prospect to impactful NBA contributor thanks to the Jazz scouting staff and player development. The episode spotlights Will Hardy’s emphasis on defensive effort, the ripple effect that transformed Utah’s on-ball coverage, and how that handed the Celtics a rare defeat. Kyle Filipowski’s resurgence and Derrick White’s struggle in a shifting offensive role underscore how context can make or break an NBA player’s reputation. What can the Jazz learn from White’s story as they evaluate their own roster and build for the future?

00:00 Jazz Shine in Boston Victory
06:04 Keyonte George Improved Athlete's Rim Efficiency
07:34 Keyonte's Transformation and Leadership
10:28 "Keyonte's Key Play Breakdown"
16:05 Jazz Struggles on Small Switches
19:41 Elijah Harkless' Basketball Journey
22:23 "Player's Impactful Rotation Minutes"
27:00 Kyle Filipowski's Versatile Offensive Performance
31:33 Player Roles and Team Context

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