What Do Frank Jackson, Kris Dunn Offer Jazz?
Feb 22, 2023, 7:07 PM | Updated: 7:08 pm
SALT LAKE CITY – Wednesday marked the first day back at practice for the Utah Jazz after the All-Star break, and the first opportunity for Frank Jackson and Kris Dunn to suit for their new team.
Shortly before practice, the Jazz confirmed earlier reports that both Jackson and Dunn were joining the roster on 10-day contracts.
Coach Will Hardy offered his thoughts on the two newest Jazz players as the team prepared to face the Oklahoma City Thunder on Thursday.
Hardy On Kris Dunn
A former lottery pick out of Providence, Dunn is entering his seventh season in the league, but hasn’t taken the floor in an NBA game since April of 2022.
“Kris is a hell of an on-ball defender,” Hardy said. “Obviously, he’s had some injuries in his career, but I think his talent level was there for sure.”
Dunn suffered a sprained MCL in February of 2020 as a member of the Chicago Bulls, shortly before the COVID-19 pandemic hit.
New @utahjazz guard Kris Dunn getting shots up at practice. #TakeNote | @kslsports pic.twitter.com/6oKG2JdTye
— Ben Anderson (@BensHoops) February 22, 2023
After signing with the Hawks that offseason, the lanky guard was forced to undergo arthroscopic surgery on his right ankle after just four games in an Atlanta uniform.
Dunn signed a pair of 10-day contracts with the Portland Trail Blazers last season, and has spent this season as a member of the Capital City Go-Go roster in the G League.
“He gives us somebody who can really guard the ball at the point of attack and that’s something that we’re trying to pride ourselves on here,” Hardy said.
The defensive-minded guard has career averages of 8.1 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 4.2 assists in 245 games.
Frank Jackson Has First Practice With Jazz
While Dunn will have to learn the Jazz system quickly, Frank Jackson is familiar with the team’s sets having spent this season with the Salt Lake City Stars.
“He’s done a great job for the Stars not only with how he’s played, but how he’s conducted himself as a real pro,” Hardy said.
Jackson has appeared in 12 games with the Stars including eight starts averaging 19.3 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 2.7 assists on 44 percent shooting from the floor and 40 percent from three.
new faces, familiar places 🖤#TakeNote pic.twitter.com/zpwD42VC9X
— Utah Jazz (@utahjazz) February 23, 2023
“He’s a good all around player,” Hardy said. “He can dribble, pass, and shoot and he understands, the concepts that we’re trying to execute here because they’ve been doing a lot of the same things with the Stars.”
A native of Alpine, Utah, Jackson was originally selected by the Charlotte Hornets with the 31st pick in the 2017 NBA draft before being redirected to the New Orleans Pelicans.
The guard spent two seasons in New Orleans and two seasons with the Detroit Pistons before joining the Stars last offseason.
“It’s always great to see a guy get rewarded who’s in your program and worked really hard all year,” Hardy said. “It doesn’t hurt that he’s a good player.”
Jazz Next Broadcast
The Utah Jazz and Orlando Magic will tip off at 7 pm MT in Salt Lake City. The game will be televised on AT&T SportsNet and can be heard on 97.5 The KSL Sports Zone. It can also be streamed on DirecTV Stream and FuboTV.
Ben Anderson is the Utah Jazz insider for KSL Sports and the co-host of Jake and Ben from 10-12p with Jake Scott on 97.5 The KSL Sports Zone. Find Ben on Twitter at @BensHoops or on Instagram @BensHoops.
