So far this season, Kessler's remained a strong component of the Jazz's frontcourt, averaging 16.7 points, 9.7 rebounds and a career-high 3.3 assists, all while being his usual force in the interior with 2.7 blocks a game.

Lauri Markkanen’s 51-point, 14-rebound performance pushed the Jazz to an overtime win over the Phoenix Suns on Monday. To get his first career 50-point game, Markkanen shot 14-for-32 from the field, including 6-of-13 from deep. He also made 17 free throws.

This article was originally published on www.si.com/nba/jazz as Will Hardy Highlights Underrated Offseason Addition for Utah Jazz.

The Jazz open the season Wednesday night at home, kicking off another year of development, speculation, and hopefully just enough chaos to keep things compelling.

The Utah Jazz aren't exactly title contenders, but at least they’ll try to win when and what they can this year. That's a step in the right direction, Tribune columnist Gordon Monson writes.

In those healthy preseason games, Bailey averaged 22.5 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 2 assists per game on 65.5% from the floor and 40% from three-point range. In the regular season, those numbers are 1.0 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 1.5 assists per game.