Hamstring Setback Likely Knocks Jazz Guard Keyonte George Out of Most Improved Contention
hamstring-setback-likely-knocks-jazz-guard-keyonte-george-out-of-most-improved-contention
Utah Jazz guard Keyonte George is expected to miss enough time with a strained hamstring that he will probably fall short of the NBA’s 65-game threshold required for Most Improved Player consideration.
The Jazz do not plan to reevaluate the 22-year-old for about another week and a half. George has already appeared in 54 games this season, but one of those outings lasted fewer than 15 minutes and therefore does not count toward award eligibility. To reach the minimum, he would have to return next Saturday and suit up for each of Utah’s final 12 contests — a scenario the club views as improbable.
Head coach Will Hardy said earlier this month that the organization will prioritize George’s long-term health over any individual accolades. “I would like to get Keyonte 65,” Hardy noted, “but we’re going to choose the health of our organization and our players over chasing awards.”
Despite the likely disqualification, George has taken a significant step forward in his second NBA season. He is averaging career highs of 23.6 points, 6.1 assists and 1.1 steals while shooting 45.6 percent from the field, 37.1 percent from three-point range and 89.2 percent at the free-throw line.
The guard will become eligible for a rookie-scale contract extension in July.
Source: Hoops Wire
