Jazz Debut Jaren Jackson Jr.; Pistons Reward Daniss Jenkins; Nuggets Weigh Roster Moves
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Jazz
Jaren Jackson Jr. appeared in a Utah uniform for the first time Saturday, recording 22 points, four rebounds, three assists and three steals in 25 minutes against the Orlando Magic. Head coach Will Hardy held the newly acquired forward, along with several other regulars, out of the closing stretch in what looked like deliberate late-game management.
“(Coach Hardy) is just getting to know me, I’m getting to know him, and we’re seeing how we can build this thing into something beautiful,” Jackson told The Salt Lake Tribune. “It’s been good conversations.”
Utah plans to expand Jackson’s responsibilities gradually while balancing player development, roster evaluation and draft positioning.
Pistons
Detroit converted guard Daniss Jenkins from a two-way contract to a two-year, $8 million standard deal, using a portion of the bi-annual exception. The agreement, which carries a team option for 2025-26, represents the largest single-season salary ever awarded to a player moving up from a two-way slot. To create space, the Pistons waived forward Dario Šarić.
Jenkins reached his 50-game two-way limit Friday and has served as Cade Cunningham’s primary backup. Through 42 appearances, the second-year guard is averaging 8.2 points while shooting nearly 40 percent from three-point range.
“For me, going undrafted is insanity. That burns inside of me every single day,” Jenkins told the Detroit Free Press.
Nuggets
Denver is carrying 13 standard contracts and must add at least one more by Feb. 19. Assistant coach David Adelman said the decision involves balancing potential playoff matchups and injury protection, with the front office weighing ball-handling, wing depth and size.
Lonzo Ball remains a consideration after clearing waivers, according to team discussions. The Nuggets also intend to convert two-way guard Spencer Jones to a standard deal once he exits concussion protocol. Management believes both moves can be completed without exceeding the luxury-tax threshold.
The organization is prioritizing roster fit over urgency as it navigates a crowded Western Conference landscape.
Source: Hoops Wire
