Blunt conversation and hard work propels Jazz guard Keyonte George to the brink of NBA stardom | Sports
SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — Keyonte George ran his fingers along the seams of a basketball — he almost always has a ball in his hands, even off the court — and listened intently. Sitting in Will Hardy’s office last April, George let the words penetrate deeply as he and his coach discussed the guard’s second season with the Utah Jazz. “If your approach doesn’t change, I wouldn’t bet on you,” Hardy told George in a calm voice. “What you’re showing on the court isn’t good enough. You’re one of the most talented players I’ve ever been around, but you need to want more for yourself.” Hardy’s comments stung, but he took his coach’s words to heart. George is making a strong case for Most Improved Player as he draws defensive attention away from Lauri Markkanen and creates open shots for his team. He’s dishing 6.9 assists a game even though he often plays off the ball. “He’s feeling stronger, he’s moving better, he’s more explosive, he’s in better shape,” Hardy said of George’s recent form. “You commit yourself to something the way that he did, it’s amazing what can happen.” The son of professional basketball player Jason Siggers and
