Utah Jazz Wrap Up Disappointing Season, Look to Rebuild

After missing the playoffs for the fourth straight year, the Jazz focus on developing young talent and improving for the future.

Apr. 14, 2026 at 3:07am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting the dynamic movement and energy of a basketball game, with players and the court reduced to abstract shapes and planes of color.The Utah Jazz's season may have ended in disappointment, but their young core provides hope for a brighter future in Salt Lake City.Salt Lake City Today

The Utah Jazz wrapped up the 2025-26 NBA season with a 22-60 record, missing the playoffs for the fourth consecutive year. Despite some bright spots from players like Lauri Markkanen, Keyonte George, and Jaren Jackson Jr., the Jazz struggled with injuries and are now looking to the future as they aim to rebuild and take a step forward.

Why it matters

The Jazz's prolonged absence from the playoffs has been frustrating for the team and its loyal fanbase in Salt Lake City. With a talented young core, the organization is hoping to turn things around and become a contender again, but they'll need to address their injury issues and continue developing their promising players.

The details

The Jazz were led this season by the tandem of Lauri Markkanen and Keyonte George, but both players missed significant time due to injuries. Markkanen has been out since February with a right hip impingement, while the team acquired Jaren Jackson Jr. in a trade, only for him to play just three games before undergoing season-ending knee surgery. Rookie Ace Bailey showed improvement throughout the year, and the Jazz are hopeful that their young talent can develop and help the team return to the playoffs.

  • The Jazz wrapped up the 2025-26 season on Sunday, April 13, 2026.
  • The NBA Draft Lottery is scheduled for May 10, 2026, and the Jazz have a 99.4% chance of being in the top 8 and keeping their pick.

The players

Lauri Markkanen

An All-Star forward for the Jazz who has been sidelined since February due to a right hip impingement.

Keyonte George

A rising star guard for the Jazz who made an All-Star caliber leap this season, showcasing improvements in scoring efficiency, playmaking, and maturity.

Jaren Jackson Jr.

A former Defensive Player of the Year who was acquired by the Jazz in a trade, but played just three games before undergoing season-ending knee surgery.

Ace Bailey

A rookie who showed steady improvement throughout the season and is part of the Jazz's young core.

Will Hardy

The 4th-year head coach of the Utah Jazz, who is looking to guide the team back to the playoffs after a four-year drought.

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What they’re saying

“We have a much better understanding now of who we are as a group in this moment. We all want to improve. I think we're very capable of improving and taking a step forward. How big that step is, I don't know yet.”

— Will Hardy, Head Coach, Utah Jazz

“Just working on my body and my conditioning and really getting in the best shape is my number one priority. I'm not thinking of anything else but that. You can use conditioning as a weapon, especially in Utah.”

— Jaren Jackson Jr.

“I'm trying to look at the big picture. I think we've got a great future ahead of us — that's been in the back of our minds. Obviously, it's frustrating to not be out there — you want to play every game. Seeing all the fans that come support us and not being out there, that's the frustrating part. I've been trying to find positives to hang in there and get my body right.”

— Lauri Markkanen, All-Star Forward, Utah Jazz

“I know what I'm capable of. I know what Lauri, [Walker Kessler], everybody from top to bottom knows what they're capable of, and we all have a common goal. It'll be fun.”

— Keyonte George, All-Star Guard, Utah Jazz

What’s next

The Jazz will participate in the NBA Draft Lottery on May 10, 2026, where they have a 99.4% chance of being in the top 8 and keeping their pick. This will be a crucial offseason for the team as they look to build around their young core and take a step forward in the 2026-27 season.

The takeaway

After four straight seasons without a playoff appearance, the Utah Jazz are at a crossroads. While they have some promising young talent, the team has been plagued by injuries and is now focused on development and improving their roster for the future. The upcoming draft lottery and offseason will be pivotal as the Jazz aim to end their postseason drought and reclaim their status as a contender in the Western Conference.