Ryan Smith Backs Will Hardy and Jazz Front Office Despite 1-8 Start

Utah Jazz owner Ryan Smith has declared full confidence in coach Will Hardy and the front office, stating unequivocally that the franchise will not make any changes despite a challenging 1-8 start to the season.

Will è il nostro uomo. Austin è il nostro uomo. Insomma, non cambieremo nulla, Smith said, reinforcing his commitment to the current leadership structure.

Smith’s comments came during an appearance on the KSL podcast “Scotty G. & The Coach,” where he addressed the team’s disappointing record following a loss to the Dallas Mavericks.

The owner emphasized a long-term vision, stressing that the organization intends to navigate this difficult period together with its current staff. Ne usciremo insieme, lavoreremo insieme. Abbiamo il CEO Danny (Ainge), e amo il nostro gruppo, he added, highlighting the solidarity within the franchise’s upper echelons.

The Jazz’s early-season struggles have been exacerbated by injuries to key players. Starting big men Jusuf Nurkic and Jaren Jackson Jr. have been sidelined, which has impacted the team’s fluidity and performance on the court.

Smith acknowledged the frustration stemming from a lack of continuity but pointed to the development of the young core as the primary focus. Credo che, a livello collettivo, la mancanza di continuità sia ciò che risulta davvero frustrante, ed è frustrante per tutti, ma ci vuole tempo, he remarked, noting that the team’s growth is not linear.

The franchise is committed to the development of its young nucleus, including players like Keyonte George, Darryn Peterson, and Ace Bailey. Smith reiterated that the best way for these players to improve is through increased playing time. The team’s future is also bolstered by recent contract extensions, such as the rookie-scale deal for George, and a wealth of future draft picks combined with significant salary cap flexibility.

Ci sono poche leve che puoi azionare considerando a che punto ti trovi nella stagione. Vediamo sicuramente questo percorso su un orizzonte di due, tre, quattro anni, e il nostro obiettivo è vincere il titolo, Smith concluded, shutting the door on any hasty moves and reiterating the ultimate goal of winning an NBA championship. Source