SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4 Sports) – There is an interesting blend of talent on the Utah Jazz roster this season. Seven players have six or more years of NBA experience, while seven players have two or less years in the league. So there is a lot of teaching going on.

“They’re still learning each other for sure,” said head coach Will Hardy ahead of the team’s season opener against the Memphis Grizzlies Wednesday night. “I think they’re still understanding not just how to play together, but how to communicate.”

Jazz players excited for season opener

“The older guys want to give back to younger guys,” said all-star Lauri Markkanen. “We’ve got a lot of young, talented, hardworking guys that they want to just learn. So I think it’s a good plan.”

“I’m just super excited just to be a leader,” added point guard Collin Sexton. “:Super excited to to be going into my seventh season, being able to help the younger guys develop and being able to be a mentor to them.”

While the veterans can’t be too keen on being a part of a rebuild, they are enjoying their roles of being role models for the younger guys.

“I feel like I’m in a unique space where I’m eight years in it at age 27,” said forward John Collins. “Although I am young and I can still relate, I try to do my best to still lead and provide good information, good tips and tricks for the young guys to learn from.”

For second year players like Keyonte George, Taylor Hendricks and Brice Sensabaugh, the training wheels are off. They need to play important roles now.

Jazz counting on Hendricks and George to take big strides

“I spent a lot of the last year learning,” said Sensabaugh. “I feel like at the beginning of this year, I’m way more confident in myself. I think we made a big jump from last year to this year.”

“Just seeing where I was a year ago, the first game, really not getting many reps in practice, just hoping I see the floor,” said Hendricks. “So to have a 180 change to now, it’s a blessing.”

The Jazz and Grizzlies will tip off the 2024-25 season at 7:00 p.m. at the Delta Center.

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