Keyonte George is making a strong case for Most Improved Player in the NBA. After a tough conversation with Utah Jazz coach Will Hardy last April, George…<\/p>\n
SALT LAKE CITY(AP) \u2014 Keyonte George ran his fingers along the seams of a basketball \u2014 he almost always has a ball in his hands, even off the court \u2014 and listened intently.<\/p>\n
Sitting in Will Hardy\u2019s office last April, George let the words penetrate deeply as he and his coach discussed the guard\u2019s second season with the Utah Jazz<\/a>.<\/p>\n \u201cIf your approach doesn\u2019t change, I wouldn\u2019t bet on you,” Hardy told George in a calm voice. “What you\u2019re showing on the court isn\u2019t good enough. You’re one of the most talented players I\u2019ve ever been around, but you need to want more for yourself.\u201d<\/p>\n Hardy’s comments stung, but he took his coach’s words to heart.<\/p>\n George is making a strong case for Most Improved Player as he draws defensive attention away from Lauri Markkanen and creates open shots for his team. He\u2019s dishing 6.9 assists a game even though he often plays off the ball.<\/p>\n \u201cHe\u2019s feeling stronger, he\u2019s moving better, he\u2019s more explosive, he\u2019s in better shape,\u201d Hardy said of George\u2019s recent form. \u201cYou commit yourself to something the way that he did, it\u2019s amazing what can happen.\u201d<\/p>\n The son of professional basketball player Jason Siggers and hoopster mom Kristen, George was a star growing up in Dallas. He was the best player on the court as he moved to the famed IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida, for his senior year in high school. He again was the best in his one season at Baylor.<\/p>\n Utah drafted him 16th in 2023, and George became an instant starter. He sometimes showed why he belonged, tying a rookie record with nine 3-pointers against Golden State.<\/p>\n But he often came off the bench in the 2024-25 season and shot 39% from the field for a Utah team that had the worst record in the league.<\/p>\n That led the to the difficult exit interview with Hardy.<\/p>\n \u201cYou need to hold yourself to a higher standard,” Hardy said. “Your body language needs to be better.\u201d<\/p>\n George used the summer to recommit himself and became a team leader and a tough cover.<\/p>\n Earlier this month, George joined Michael Jordan and Luka Doncic as the only three players before the age of 23 to average 29 points on 65% true shooting and seven assists over a 10-game span.<\/p>\n Nearly halfway through this season, George averages 23.6 points a game and is shooting with career-best accuracy from the field (45.4%), the 3-point arc (37.2%) and the free throw line (90.6%).<\/p>\n \u201cI want to be a three-level scorer, and you got to be able to make shots from everywhere. Guys in this league are 7-foot and going to the rim at my size, I got to make tough layups every single time,\u201d George said. \u201cI\u2019ve concentrated on my shot diet, as I know the best scorers in the league know the spots they\u2019re getting to.\u201d<\/p>\n With the help of sports psychologist Craig Manning and assistant coach Chris Jones, George has become an effective performer in clutch situations, shrugging off questionable calls and bad plays.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m trying to be proactive, rather than reactive,\u201d George said.<\/p>\n Against Dallas on Thursday, George escaped the aggressive defense of Naji Marshall and was approached by Cooper Flagg at the top of the key on the game\u2019s most crucial possession. He dribbled through his legs, drove right and then spun back left to create space against the taller defender. He faded away as his shot drifted over Flagg\u2019s outstretched arm for the clinching basket in a 116-114 win<\/a>.<\/p>\n