Jazz open season with focus on developing young talent, Markkanen's future

• The Athletic called Markkanen "the NBA's most desired trade candidate this offseason."The 27-year-old has averaged a career-best 24.5 points per game and 8.4 rebounds per game during his two seasons in Utah.

State of play: The Jazz are heading into their third year under head coach Will Hardy.

• The team picked up Hardy's fifth-year option signaling, at least for now, they are committed to the rebuild and his plan.
• The decision to extend his tenure through the 2026-27 season received "a quick 'yes' from our whole group," Jazz CEO Danny Ainge told reporters in September.
• "He's really excited for this year to have a chance to develop these young players," Ainge said.

What's next: The Western Conference will be a tough one yet again as the Grizzlies get their superstar guard Ja Morant back. He played in just nine games last year.

• Utah won two of its three matchups against Memphis last year.

What we're watching: Four of the Jazz's first six opponents were in the NBA's Play-In tournament or made the playoffs last season.

• If the Jazz can string together some early wins, that could go a long way for both the team's confidence and playoff positioning as the lengthy season wears on.