Keyonte

George

After scoring an inefficient 30 points in his first game this summer, George followed it up with an efficient 31 in this one. After an exciting rookie season, George has shined in Summer League. If he continues to score at this rate, it wouldn’t be surprising if they decided he was done for the summer. He should he Utah’s starting point guard this upcoming season, which will make him a high-upside target in the later rounds.

George may have produced a gaudy point total in his summer opener, but this was not the best game for the Jazz point guard. In addition to his inefficient night shooting the basketball, the second-year guard was responsible for five turnovers. Given the amount of time he played on Monday, Tuesday could be a night off for George. Whether or not that’s the case, this will be a big summer for Keyonte as he attempts to show that he can be Utah’s point guard of the future.

George finishes a productive rookie season with averages of 13.1 points, 2.8 rebounds, 4.4 dimes and 1.9 triples across 27.1 minutes in 75 appearances. George had some highlight moments as a facilitator, finishing with 11-assist games. He scored at least 20 points 12 times and at least 30 points thrice. George tied the rookie single-game record for three-pointers in a game when he sank nine against Golden State on February 15. Fantasy managers should be encouraged by George’s play, and he looks like an upside, late-round flyer in 2024-25 fantasy drafts.

George was responsible for five of Utah’s 14 turnovers, but the overall stat line was solid, and he had plenty of help as the Jazz ended a 13-game losing streak. The rookie point guard was one of seven players in double figures, and he’s scored at 20 in two of his last three games. George has played 30 minutes or more in five of his previous six games, and it’s been clear since the All-Star break that Utah will give him every opportunity to make the starting point guard job his moving forward. Talen Horton-Tucker (16/5/5/0/2 with two 3-pointers in 29 minutes) and Kenneth Lofton Jr. (14/9/5/2/1 with two 3-pointers in 27 minutes) gave Utah good minutes off the bench and should not lack playing time in the final two games of the season.

George has been hit-or-miss as a scorer this season, delivering some monster games to go with plenty of duds. Over his last 11, he averaged just 12.2 points on 30% shooting, and Sunday’s 25-point performance is his highest-scoring game since March 15. The rookie has consistently provided assists, and he’s been a high-risk, high-reward streamer for points and triples. Those trends should continue for the final week of the season.

Among Utah’s established players, Sexton has been one of the few constants in the rotation. Lauri Markkanen and Jordan Clarkson were sidelined on Friday, which left Sexton and John Collins to do most of the heavy lifting. The Young Bull has scored at least 20 points in ten straight games and provided 6th-round per-game value in 9-cat formats over the past three weeks. Keyonte George struggled on Friday, shooting 3-of-12 from the field and finishing with six points, one rebound, six assists, and six turnovers. George should still be rostered due to his place within the rotation, but Friday was a difficult night for the rookie. Utah ends its Week 22 schedule with a road game against the Kings on Sunday.

Markkanen has a chance to return following a six-game absence, and if he’s able to go, Talen Horton-Tucker and Brice Sensabaugh could see their playing time reduced. Clarkson’s continued absence means more offensive opportunities for Keyonte George, who has averaged 24.5 points across his last four outings.

George’s overall field goal percentage wasn’t great, but that was due to a 1-of-7 night from three. Throughout the season, opposing guards have struggled to keep the rookie from getting to his spots, and he’s worked well with Collin Sexton in the Jazz backcourt. Over the past two weeks, George has provided 6th-round per-game value in 8-cat formats, with turnovers (3.0 per game) lowering his value in 9-cat. George is rostered in 68% of Yahoo leagues, meaning he’s still available to help some standard league managers needing a point guard for the fantasy playoffs. Utah ends its Week 20 schedule with a game against the Timberwolves on Saturday and will play four games in Week 21.

George has been outstanding in his three full games in March. He’s scored at least 26 points while shooting 52% or better in each appearance while providing top 20 per-game value in 9-cat formats over the past week. With Utah focused on its rebuild, George should play all the minutes he can handle for the rest of the season. He’s currently rostered in 61% of Yahoo leagues, which is too low, considering his role in the rotation and his recent production. Utah plays two more games in Week 20, beginning with the Hawks on Friday.

George returned from a one-game absence to lead his team in scoring while hitting 10-of-17 shots, including 5-of-8 from beyond the arc. George sat out Wednesday against Chicago due to an illness, and he played only six minutes Monday against the Wizards. Before getting sick, he averaged 21.3 points, 6.3 dimes and 4.0 triples, so Saturday’s performance shouldn’t come as much of a surprise. George has entered must-roster territory, and if the rookie is still available in your league, he needs to be picked up.