In the wake of the untimely demise of Duo, the green owl and icon of Duolingo fame, up rises a new duo silently shifting the expectations of what a young backcourt can — and should — become for a rebuilding franchise.
Keyonte George and Isaiah Collier have been nothing short of a revelation in recent weeks for the Utah Jazz, and that fact was encapsulated in this tandem’s exceptional stat line against Los Angeles on Wednesday.
Two young players who struggled in the early season are drawing attention for their distribution, giving out more dishes than a 5-star restaurant on a Saturday night. George, a sophomore guard learning to play the point in Utah, has shown tremendous growth in his second year. Especially as Collier ascends to become one of the
Player Stats – Utah Jazz Guards
Keyonte George:
– 16.5 PPG
– 5.9 AST
– 3.9 REB
– 39.8% FG
– 33.5% 3PT
Isaiah Collier:
– 6.6 PPG
– 5.8 AST
– 3.1 REB
– 40.1% FG
– 21.4% 3PT
On the season, these aren’t exactly eye-popping numbers. Keep in mind that both players struggled out of the gate, as neither guard has been certain of their role with the team.
In the month of February, both George and Collier are averaging their highest average assists in any month to this point: 6.7 and [gasp] 9.8 assists, respectively.
Per The Lead, Isaiah Collier was one of the best rookies in the NBA in the 15 games before another strong outing against LA, dishing 8.8 assists per game to lead the rookie class, and scoring 12.6 points on 42.3% efficiency — second and third among rookies, respectively.
For reference, 8.8 assists would fit Collier in as the 5th highest assist man in the entire NBA, between LeBron James and James Harden.
Keyonte George has enjoyed a strong season, himself, and is only improving with each month. No longer quite the turnover bakery he was in December, and gradually optimizing his scoring stats.
A shooting guard his whole career, the Jazz foresaw playmaking upside in George following an inefficient season at Baylor. A 20-point, 10-assist outing against Los Angeles is a positive indicator that Utah’s vision holds tangible merit.
It would be fair to say both players are finding a rhythm as we near All-Star weekend. It wasn’t seamless, but this young tandem is finally peddling in unison to the bliss of those who rise from their seat at the sight of great ball movement.
Selected in the mid-to-late first round in their respective draft classes, George and Collier are undeniable steals for their draft position. At this rate of improvement, Utah may have already found a reliable backcourt around which they can build.
