Jaren Jackson Jr. appeared in his first game with the Utah Jazz on Saturday, finishing with 22 points, four rebounds, three assists, and three steals in 25 minutes against the Orlando Magic.
He, along with several other rotation players, was held out during the final stretch as part of what has been described as a “soft tanking” approach.
Even so, Jackson expressed enthusiasm about his new surroundings and his early interactions with head coach Will Hardy.
“He’s just getting to know me, I’m getting to know him, and we’re seeing how we can build this thing into something beautiful,” the player told Andy Larsen of the Salt Lake Tribune. “It’s been good conversations.”
Jackson has played 8 seasons for the Grizzlies and Jazz. He has averaged 18.6 points and 5.6 rebounds in 454 regular-season games.
He was selected to play in 2 All-Star games, and has won 1 Defensive Player of the Year award.
Northwest Notes: Nuggets’ Roster, Youngblood, McCain, Jackson Jr. https://t.co/dOu6tUkSKR pic.twitter.com/cX1glFPJtX
— Hoops Rumors (@HoopsRumors) February 9, 2026
