Utah Jazz defensive woes highlight Jaren Jackson Jr. and Isaiah Collier

The Utah Jazz have added former Defensive Player of the Year Jaren Jackson Jr. after trading for him from Memphis. Jackson, who missed most of last season with knee surgery, is aiming to re‑enter the Defensive Player of the Year conversation despite odds heavily favoring San Antonio Spurs rookie Victor Wembanyama. The Jazz, historically among the league’s worst defensive teams, hope his presence can lift their defense.

Guard Isaiah Collier, the Jazz’s 21‑year‑old projected backup point guard, has shown strong offensive development but ranks last in the NBA for three‑point defensive field‑goal percentage (44.8% on a minimum of 250 attempts). The team as a whole was 27th in defensive three‑point percentage last season, underscoring the Jazz’s ongoing perimeter‑defense challenges.