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In honor of the merciful conclusion to the Utah Jazz’s tanking era, let’s take a look back at some of the players who were instrumental in securing better draft odds and the hope of a playoff appearance next season. Referring to these players as tank commanders is not derogatory nor is it meant to degrade the skill-sets they possess, rather, these players are crucial for ensuring teams get as high a draft pick as they can, while also getting the opportunity to showcase their skills to the rest of the league in hopes of getting more opportunities. It truly is thankless work, and most are forgotten once their contracts expire, but today they get their flowers.
Luka Šamanić (17-33)
Šamanić was taken 19th overall by the San Antonio Spurs in 2019, where he would only appear in 3 games his rookie year. He would only last two seasons in San Antonio before he would be released and the Jazz would scoop him up. During the 2023-2024 season Šamanić appeared in 43 games for the Jazz averaging a modest 4 points and 2 rebounds per game. He was also instrumental in securing a 31-51 record, and the 9th overall pick. Currently he is playing in the Russian VTB United League where he is averaging 13 points, 5 rebounds and 1 assist per game.
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Darius Blazley (2-4)
Blazley was originally drafted by the Jazz, but his draft rights were given to the Memphis Grizzlies, only to be snatched up by the Thunder. He would get consistent playing time in OKC for four seasons before being traded to the Suns where he would only last 7 games before going to the 76ers, and finally making his way to Utah. He would play 6 games for us, 4 of which we lost. These losses again helped Utah to acquire a top 10 pick in the draft. His basketball career has not gone as planned, especially as of late. Most recently he shoved a teammate out of frustration, and was subsequently cut from the Ningbo Rockets of the Chinese Basketball Association. At 25 years old there is still time for Blazely to turn his career around, all of Jazz nation is rooting for him.
Talen Horton-Tucker (44-72)
THT is my personal favorite of all the players listed….
Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/ode-utah-jazz-tank-commanders-214110629.html
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Publish date : 2026-04-15 21:41:00
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