Austin Ainge Declares No Tanking for Utah Jazz in Upcoming Season
In a significant shift for the Utah Jazz, newly appointed president of basketball operations, Austin Ainge, has firmly stated that the team will not engage in tanking for the 2025-26 season. This announcement came during his introductory press conference, where he addressed questions surrounding the topic that have lingered for years. Ainge responded decisively, assuring fans that the organization will not manipulate player minutes or hold out players to secure better lottery odds.
Previous Jazz leadership had been evasive on the issue, opting instead to describe their efforts as part of a multi-year development phase. However, Ainge’s clear stance signals a new direction for the franchise. Despite the potential ramifications of losing a valuable lottery pick to the Oklahoma City Thunder next year—a pick that is top-8 protected—Ainge emphasized that the team will focus on player development and maintaining a competitive spirit without compromising integrity.
Sources within the organization confirm that Ainge’s commitment is genuine. The Jazz will prioritize gameplay over strategic losses, aiming to evaluate the skills of their current roster while remaining open to potential trades. This resolute approach hopes to foster true growth and success for the Utah Jazz moving forward.
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