Western Conference Roundup: George Predicts Jazz Playoff Bid, Kerr Extends Tenure, Clippers Secure Top-Five Pick, Thunder Laud Williams
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Salt Lake City, UT — After back-to-back seasons with 17 and 22 victories, Jazz guard Keyonte George says he expects Utah to reach the 2026-27 postseason. Speaking with Marc J. Spears of Andscape, the 22-year-old cited the presence of All-Star forward Lauri Markkanen, recently acquired big man Jaren Jackson Jr., and this year’s No. 2 overall draft choice as key factors.
“On paper, we are definitely a playoff team,” George said, noting the roster’s versatility and head coach Will Hardy’s strategic influence. George is coming off a breakout 2025-26 campaign in which he averaged 23.6 points and 6.1 assists while shooting .456 from the field, .371 from three, and .892 at the free-throw line. He added that a late-season injury left him believing he has “another gear” to reach this summer.
Golden State: Kerr Reconsiders Retirement
ESPN’s Wright Thompson reports that Warriors head coach Steve Kerr had planned to retire after the 2025-26 season but reversed course last month, ultimately agreeing to a new two-year contract. Golden State’s play-in victory over the Clippers was cited as a key moment in his decision to stay.
Los Angeles: Lottery Luck Alters Clippers’ Plans
The Clippers, who expected to enter the offseason without a first-round pick, will now select fifth overall — their highest choice since drafting Blake Griffin first in 2009. According to The Athletic’s Law Murray, the organization likes the strength of this draft class and intends to keep the pick rather than trade it for veteran help.
Oklahoma City: Williams’ Intangibles Appreciated
Thunder forward Jaylin Williams, set to earn $7.77 million next season with a team option for the same figure in 2027-28, continues to draw praise for his locker-room impact. “There’s literally no one that he doesn’t have a connection with,” head coach Mark Daigneault told The Oklahoman, calling Williams “a tremendous team guy.”
Source: HoopsRumors
