Utah Jazz Last season: 22-60, missed playoffs. COACH: Will Hardy (fifth season, 107-221). SEASON OPENER: Oct. 21 vs. Memphis. DEPARTURES: C Walker Kessler, PF-C Kevin Love, C Oscar Tshiebwe, SG John Konchar, SG Cody Williams, PG Kennedy Chandler, SG Bez Mbeng. ADDITIONS: G Darryn Peterson, G Josh Okogie, C-F Jaxson Hayes, C Mo Bamba, F Harrison Ingram, G Josh Green. What to expect There’s no real reason to tank anymore — the NBA’s newest anti-tanking measures saw to that — and the Jazz might finally be ready to think about trying to reach the postseason for the first time in the Will Hardy era. The Jazz have the NBA’s second-worst record over the last four seasons (behind only Washington) and have had 17 consecutive losing months (the last winning one was January 2024). But with a rookie star-in-waiting in Peterson and a highly skilled big man in Jaren Jackson Jr. to build around, there are reasons for hope. Strengths and weaknesses The good: Lauri Markkanen could easily be an All-Star, Keyonte George secured his space as the face of the franchise with a big contract, and there is depth. Hayes is a big-time finisher at the rim, and Ace Bailey