Jazz sign coach Will Hardy to long-term extension after team finishes with worst record in the NBA
Hardy's extension is reportedly for six seasons, keeping him with the Jazz through the 2030-31 NBA season, per ESPN's Shams Charania.
It's a bold move for the Jazz, which finished with an NBA-worst 17-65 record last season. Despite that, Utah feels good about Hardy's ability to lead and develop talent.
'Will is an incredible teacher, communicator, and partner, " Jazz general manager Justin Zanik said. 'He's invested in individual development and development for us as a team. I'm not sure there's anyone better in the league in investing in our group. He got players to believe in their own development and take charge of it.'
Hardy received high marks for his ability to connect with players. Near the end of the season, he received a vote of confidence from Walker Kessler, who praised Hardy for his intelligence and said the coach "actually cares about people. He's checking in on people off the court too."
Hardy spent time as an assistant coach with the San Antonio Spurs for five seasons before joining the Boston Celtics ahead of the 2021-22 NBA season. He spent just one year in Boston, as the Jazz swooped in to hire him as their head coach.
Hardy was hired by the Jazz ahead of the 2022-23 NBA season. He has an 85-161 record in three seasons with the team, good for a .346 winning percentage.
The team's poor performance last season, gives it a decent chance to secure the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft. The Jazz have a 14 percent chance of earning the top pick — which is tied with the Washington Wizards and Charlotte Hornets for the highest odds at winning the first pick.
The Jazz have never held the No. 1 overall pick in the NBA Draft.
This story will be updated.
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