Quotable: Four Quotes From Media Day

Markkanen made it clear on Monday that he’d like to make his first postseason. (Trent Nelson, The Salt Lake Tribune)

Before the new group of 21 players with Utah Jazz ties take off for Hawaii for their 2023-24 training camp, they needed to say all the right things at Media Day on Monday. While playoff spots are decided in March or April and trophies are won in May and June, the quest begins now. If you’re excited, so are the Jazz players who have high hopes and good goals as the NBA season begins. 

Here are brief snippets of the most quotable quotes shared amongst the purple mountain men on Monday.

Quotable #1 – Playoffs

As the Jazz started trending out of the playoff picture last year, trades and injuries occurred that officially put that landmark out of the picture. For the first time since the 2015-16 season, they missed the dance with a 37-45 record to land in 12th place in the Western Conference standings. 

According to many, the hope is that was a one-time thing. And according to the superstar, the playoffs have to be the goal.

“I always say at least playoffs. I mean, I’m shooting as high as possible. I don’t like thinking about coming up short,” All-Star Lauri Markkanen said. “I’m saying for us at least a playoff berth.” He added that the team needs to show they are progressing and heading in the right direction, which means winning must be the focus. 

Having accomplished a lot last year as an All-Star starter and Most Improved Player winner, Markkanen has yet to make the playoffs in his previous six years in the league. “(Playoffs are) the goal,” he said.  “That’s what we’re trying to work towards. I still haven’t made the playoffs. So that’s really one thing that I’m looking forward to, getting on that stage and really experiencing that. At the end of the day, that’s what I’m here for. That’s what I’m playing this game for.”

While the Jazz have Markkanen as the face of the franchise and center Walker Kessler as the rising star and Jordan Clarkson as the fan-favorite, it’s Ochai Agbaji who wants to step in as the leader of the locker room. 

As for a focus this season, Agbaji said, “Really just kind of stepping into a little bit of a leadership role, as far as making sure everyone is aligned on our team and just being that guy that people look towards or look to for confidence.”

The young man may only be 23 and a two-year vet, but he has the demeanor and countenance of leadership. You can see it in his work ethic, body language, how he handles his business, and the way he talks on and off the court. If the quote surprises you, you haven’t been paying attention as Agbaji has been a natural leader in every stop his resume takes. 

“I learned something from every role,” he said. “Learning something from the G League, how can I use that when I’m getting minimal minutes with the Jazz? I think that’s kind of where I started. And then as I got more minutes throughout the season, it was like thinking back to the G league and what I did there.” 

With three rookies on the roster, and other minimum-contract guys trying to make an impact, Agbaji will be a valuable ally. Not just for them, though, as he’ll bridge the gap and connect to the starters and veterans as he’ll lead through example. 

Quotable #3 – Rookie of the Year

Speaking of rookies, the Jazz have one who shone especially bright during summer league before an injury dimmed the spotlight. Now healthy and available for full activity with training camp and the season moving forward, Keyonte George has his sights set high. 

“I want to be rookie of the year,” George said. “I’m young and you can say I haven’t done anything in this league yet, but I think day in and day out, I’m putting in the work you know, already locked in,” George said. He added, “A lot of people dream about being in the seat and not a lot of people get to do it. Of course, you put this goal on the wall or whatever, but a lot of times it doesn’t come true. So, it’s just a credit to my circle and everybody that’s pushed me to get here. (I want to) try to be the best version of myself.”

Knowing it’ll be no small task, George has already locked in by looking at the film and getting his perspective focused.  “I’m looking at what the team did last year, looking at what Mike did, to see how he was able to get guys shots. At some point, I’ll be able to gain that trust and be able to lead this team in a way and continue to make winning plays,” George said. 

To end, the Will Hardy era enters year two but begins with the same promise. 

“We’re going to try to put something on the floor every night that represents this community and his fan base. Like I promised you last year, I promise this team will play hard and will compete every single night. As a staff, we aim to figure out how this group best fits together. There will be conversations about building on last year, or building toward the future.”