Title: Utah Jazz 2025–26 Depth Chart: A Youth-First Rebuild Balanced by Veteran Steel and Upside
As the 2025–26 season approaches, the Utah Jazz roster looks like a fascinating mix of raw youth, emerging talent, and shrewd veteran additions positioned to guide an ambitious rebuild. Here’s how the team depth chart and projected roles are shaping up:
🔄 Starting 5 & Rotation
Point Guard
Isaiah Collier and Keyonte George will lead the charge. Collier, the No. 29 pick in 2024, emerged as starter midseason and shattered franchise rookie assist records. His dynamic playmaking gives young Utah a ball‑handling floor general to grow around. George brings scoring upside and athleticism off the bench or as a co‑starter .
Shooting Guard / Wing
The Jazz boast depth with Ace Bailey (No. 5 pick, 2025) ready to start opposite Lauri Markkanen, who serves as Utah’s veteran forward anchor. Behind them, promising wings include Brice Sensabaugh, Cody Williams, and sharpshooter Svi Mykhailiuk—all battling for rotation minutes on the 3 or 4 .
Power Forward
John Collins resumes his role after declining his option, pairing with Markkanen. He provides interior scoring and physicality. Behind them, rotation minutes go to Taylor Hendricks and multi-tool forward KJ Martin, who brings highlight‑reel athleticism and rim‑protecting flashes from a midseason trade acquisition .
Center
The anchor is Walker Kessler, coming off a breakout season averaging double doubles and elite rim protection. Backup duties go to Kyle Filipowski, a stretch‑big with shooting touch, and veteran Jusuf Nurkić, added this offseason for presence, passing playmaking, and mentoring young bigs .
🛡 Veteran Leadership & Mentorship
Mid‑season trades brought Kyle Anderson and Kevin Love aboard in a three‑team deal. Love offers veteran poise and playoff DNA at 36, while Anderson adds switching savvy, gravity and polish to Ukraine‑plus youth surrounding him. The Jazz also retained Svi Mykhailiuk on a guaranteed contract for 2025–26, ensuring shooting consistency and continuity .
💡 Roster Construction Philosophy
The Jazz front office doubled down on giving young players time and space to grow together. Veteran minutes have been purposefully reduced: the idea is that “kids can’t raise kids,” meaning younger guards and wings get real playoff reps early—even if wins lag .
Utah also retained flexibility: notably, they are holding off on a long-term extension for Kessler until they can fully assess his development and fit under cap structure, reserving major contracts for Markkanen as the only lock long-term star .
📊 Player Experience and Age Profile
According to projections:
Youngsters under 25 include Collier, George, Bailey, Sensabaugh, Williams, Hendricks, Filipowski, KJ Martin, and Isaiah Collier.
The only veterans over 30 are Markkanen (28), Love (36), and Anderson (31).
This concentration of youth spells volatility, but also potential breakout chemistry .
✅ Predicted Depth Chart (Versus NBA‑style Positions)
Position Starter Backup(s)
PG Isaiah Collier Keyonte George
SG/SF Ace Bailey Brice Sensabaugh, Svi Mykhailiuk
SF/PF Lauri Markkanen Cody Williams, KJ Martin
PF/C John Collins Taylor Hendricks, Micah Potter
C Walker Kessler Kyle Filipowski, Jusuf Nurkić
🚀 Outlook & Expectations
Ace Bailey carries star potential from Day 1 alongside veteran power in Markkanen and Collins.
Collier could grow into a dual-threat guard capable of managing pace and spacing.
Kessler anchors defensively, while Nurkić provides mentorship and second units presence.
Role players like KJ Martin and Williams add athleticism and shooting from the bench. Mykhailiuk and Anderson steady the ship with savvy spacing and passing.
Final Thought
The 2025–26 Utah Jazz roster represents a clear pivot: a youth-led rebuild blending elite draft upside, foundational veterans, and coaching designed for long-term growth. Wins may be sparse early, but the organization is betting on cohesion, opportunity, and the belief that mid-market patience can deliver future contention.
This depth chart might be more exciting than successful—yet still worth the watch.
