Keyonte George has emerged as one of the Jazz’s brightest developments this season. As noted by Andy Larsen of The Salt Lake Tribune, George is posting personal bests across the board, not only scoring and facilitating at higher levels but also showing improved shot selection and a stronger commitment on defense.
His leap is drawing attention partly because it coincides with the window for a rookie scale extension next summer, raising the stakes for how he develops.
Speaking with Larsen, George explained that his offseason wasn’t just about refining skills, but also about gaining a deeper understanding of what the team needs from him.
A major part of that growth, he emphasized, comes from his evolving relationship with Lauri Markkanen, the franchise’s top scorer. George described a pivotal moment before training camp when the two met to reset their shared goals.
“Yeah, me and Lauri had a long, long, like three-hour conversation at his house right before camp,” George said. “We just laid it all on the floor: some of his individual goals, some of my individual goals. As far as the team: What is our goal? What would a good season, you know, look like for us? And obviously, we know there’s no expectations on our team, but I think just us talking that out was good. We constantly go to dinner on the road, we’re constantly having dialogue. Walking off the court, going on to the court, timeouts, we’re always talking to each other.”
George added that having three seasons with Markkanen has sharpened his instincts as a lead guard. He now anticipates where the All-Star forward wants the ball, which actions best free him up, and how to take advantage of his ability to attack immediately in space.
“Obviously, being with him for three years now, I understand his game a little bit more, and know some of the actions, know what side of the floor he wants the ball on. I know, like, for example, even though a man might be in front of him, I know I can kick the ball up the floor if he’s right in front of me, knowing that he’s got two directions to drive. So I’ve just honestly been giving him the ball in space and kind of letting him just be him. And then the catch-and-shoots, like you already know, he’s gonna let it rise. So if I can just give him the ball in space and throw it on time, on target, he’s able to get it off faster.”
Even with his strong statistical jump, George said he doesn’t view himself as a finished product. He believes there’s another tier he can reach, but he’s encouraged by how his progress aligns with the team’s internal growth.
“I’ve got a whole ‘nother level to get to, but I’m obviously happy with my progress, not just with myself, but with the team. The results haven’t been where we want them to be, but we’re starting to realize the game within the game, and that’s when we’ll be able to get over the hump, whenever we continue to figure that out and play well.”
Northwest Notes: K. George, Bailey, A. Mitchell, Wolves https://t.co/ffizCwmUvn pic.twitter.com/7Chdq1Of6l
— Hoops Rumors (@HoopsRumors) November 29, 2025
