Utah Jazz Make a Great Decision By Giving Will Hardy a Contract Extension

The Utah Jazz signed Head Coach Will Hardy to a contract extension that runs through the 2031 season. The Jazz have locked up the coach they believe can get them through their rebuild. The Jazz must think Hardy is the answer, or he wouldn’t have gotten a contract extension after their disastrous 17-65 record this year. 

It’s All About Developing Young Players

The plan for the Jazz in the future is to develop the young players. They have a good shot at drafting projected No. 1 overall pick Cooper Flagg. They are extending Hardy to reinforce a culture that prioritizes growth and development. 

Ryan Smith and Jazz ownership had this planned from the beginning. They knew it was going to be rough in Utah for a couple of years, so when they hired Will Hardy, they wanted to make sure he was the right coach to lead the team for a rebuild. 

Jazz Ownership Wants Will Hardy There

Jazz owner Ryan Smith said the following when announcing the extension “We are excited to extend Will Hardy’s contract as head coach of the Jazz through 2031. Will is a great leader, communicator, and ambassador for our organization, and is a tremendous partner to our ownership group. Our goal is to hang a banner, and Will is a huge part of this journey.”

One thing that’s admirable about Smith is how he acknowledges the team is going through a journey. Some NBA owners are disconnected from their franchises and only show up when they have to. Smith seems like he is as plugged into his team as you can be. 

The Jazz Have Young Players To Build Around

Isaiah Collier and Keyonte George are two pieces that the Jazz will want to build around. George is 21 years old and averaged 16.8 points per game, 3.8 rebounds, and 5.6 assists. Those are solid numbers for a 21-year-old. He should continue to get better under Hardy. 

Collier had a season that wasn’t horrible for a team that was blatantly tanking. He averaged 8.7 points per game, 3.3 rebounds, and 6.3 assists per game. Both of these guys are new to the league but will be expected to grow from having experience under their belt. 

Last Thoughts

Rebuilds in the NBA in the past have been accelerated tremendously when the rebuilding team makes a huge trade or signing. In the case of the Jazz, the huge signing could be Will Hardy. As of right now, it seems like Utah is going to wait and look for more growth in their young players before upgrading.