NBA News NBA News, Match Reports and Updates
Every great team has leaders. Players who inspire, teach, and motivate — sometimes with words, sometimes just by outworking everyone else. A team’s leader doesn’t always have to be its best player (although it helps if they are). The Warriors’ dynasty had Draymond Green as a great vocal leader. The Celtics had Marcus Smart for a long time as their emotional leader and communicator. Both of these guys set the tone, and their teammates followed. But leadership doesn’t always look like Draymond barking on defense. Sometimes it looks like a 22-year-old flying his teammates to his hometown for a week of training. Keyonte George is becoming that tone-setter for the Utah Jazz.
SALT LAKE CITY, UT – OCTOBER 16: Keyonte George #3, Taylor Hendricks #0, Lauri Markkanen #23, and Walker Kessler #24 of the Utah Jazz walk toward the huddle during a time out in the first half of the preseason game against the Portland Trail Blazers at the Delta Center on October 16, 2025 in Salt Lake City, Utah.NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Chris Gardner/ Getty Images) | Getty Images
Keyonte George has shown leadership qualities as early last summer. According to Sarah Todd of Deseret News, George took it upon himself last off season to ask Will Hardy for permission to fly his teammates to his hometown of Lewisville, Texas. Will Hardy was of course on board, and noted that the best teams he has been around have really strong human connection. One way to build that connection is by spending time together. The group that ended up going to Texas included Ace Bailey, Taylor Hendricks, Brice Sensabaugh, Elijah Harkless, Walter Clayton, and John Tonje.
Advertisement
In Texas, the Jazz players went through conditioning drills, played pickup games, and lifted weights together. They also had a chance to bond off the court, going to football games, concerts, and eating out. Will Hardy noticed immediate impact at camp in the way they were able to be more honest and blunt with…
Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/keyonte-george-becoming-leader-utah-005855832.html
Author :
Publish date : 2026-07-04 00:58:00
Copyright for syndicated content belongs to the linked Source.
