Ryan Smith fully understands why fans have grown frustrated with the Utah Jazz’s disappointing 1-7 start, but he says he’s watching the same games they are.
Still, the team’s owner isn’t eager to make any drastic changes to the front office heading into the season.
Appearing on KSL’s “Scotty G. & The Coach” podcast Friday, the 48-year-old Smith addressed the Jazz’s difficult opening stretch, the development of the organization’s young players, and the high expectations set for a roster that entered the campaign full of promise.
His message was straightforward: He has complete confidence in the people running the organization—particularly head coach Will Hardy and president of basketball operations Austin Ainge.
“Will’s our guy. Austin’s our guy,” Smith said. “Like we’re not changing anything. Like we’re going to go through this, we’re going to work together. We got Danny (Ainge), and like I love our group.”
Smith acknowledged, however, that the young team has yet to meet expectations despite the moves the Jazz made to bring considerable energy to Salt Lake Valley.
The Jazz added a defensive anchor in Jaren Jackson Jr., grabbed another highly touted prospect in rookie Darryn Peterson, and entered the season hopeful of making meaningful progress.
Bad luck to start
Injuries and inconsistent play have made that transition tough.
“No one’s ducking where we’re at,” Smith said. “We’re going to have to go through it, but if I look at our season so far, like there’s been really, really bright spots.”
Smith pointed to Utah’s explosive 47-point first quarter against the Los Angeles Lakers at the Delta Center on Oct. 25 as an example of what the team can look like when everything clicks.
However, consistency remains a serious problem.
“I think collectively the inconsistency is what’s been super frustrating, and I think it’s frustrating for everyone, but that takes time,” he said.
The Jazz have struggled to deliver complete performances, including an overtime loss against the San Antonio Spurs and an extreme 22-point blowout to the Portland Trail Blazers.
Smith also referenced Utah’s recent overtime defeat to the New Orleans Pelicans, pointing to missed opportunities from the free-throw line and perimeter.
“We missed 10 free throws,” Smith said. “We’re liking what we’re seeing, and what we feel, as frustrating as it might be.”
Much of Smith’s optimism rests on the continued development of Utah’s young roster, especially Peterson, second-year man Ace Bailey, and the team’s best player this season so far, Keyonte George.
Smith acknowledged that the learning curve can be steep for young guards, particularly when opposing defenses specifically target them, but he believes the experience is vital to their long-term growth.
“It’s not linear for any of these guys,” Smith said. “There’s only one way to go through it, is to put them out on the floor, and these guys are getting enough reps.”
He also praised Peterson’s defensive development, highlighting the rookie’s ability to make plays on that side of the ball, while singling out Bailey’s physical growth and George’s sustained progression.
For Smith, the challenge lies in striking the right balance between developing that young core and competing at the same time.
“That’s a hard thing,” Smith said. “Will’s job is to groom and really kind of put these guys in a position while teaching them a lesson while trying to win at the exact same time.”
Long-term championship aspirations
Despite everything, Smith believes the pieces are in place for Utah to eventually become a contender.
He pointed to George’s five-year contract extension, Jackson’s commitment to Utah, and the team’s reservoir of young talent as reasons for optimism. He also highlighted the organization’s draft capital and salary cap flexibility moving forward.
Smith said the Jazz are approaching the situation with a longer-term outlook, emphasizing that the ultimate goal remains winning a championship.
“There’s only so many levers you can pull given…where you’re at in the season,” Smith said. “We’re definitely looking (at) this as a two, three, four year, and our goal is to win the championship.”
That doesn’t mean Smith is satisfied with the current product.
“Now, we need to start turning it up, and we’re going to,” he said. “It’ll be very different once we get a couple of these guys back from a consistency standpoint. It’ll also be different when shots start going in.”
For now, Smith isn’t asking Jazz fans to ignore the struggles. He said he understands their frustration, adding that he would likely share many of the same criticisms if he were watching from the stands.
“I’m super empathetic for our fans. I freaking love our fans,” Smith said. “I never want to tell our fans how to fan because, like, I’m one of them.”
But the owner isn’t panicking.
“We’re not panicking,” Smith said. “We’re diving in, and we’re going to have to go through it.”