Jaxson Hayes is embracing a "next-man-up" mentality as the Utah Jazz adjust to the absence of Jusuf Nurkić, who was sidelined with a foot injury during the team's preseason schedule. The center expects to take on increased defensive responsibilities and mentorship roles while the Jazz experiment with new big man rotations to bolster their defensive presence.
Increased Defensive Responsibilities
Hayes, wearing number 11, discussed the heightened responsibility facing the team's interior players on Thursday afternoon. According to Deseret News, the Jazz are working to refine a defense that struggled during previous seasons, and the absence of a primary starter necessitates more vocal leadership from the remaining frontcourt players.
"We have to be very vocal," Hayes said. "We're the anchors of the defense, and normally we're behind everyone, so we see everything. So we've got to call everything out."
Hayes noted that the transition to this increased role is a familiar challenge, citing his previous experiences in Los Angeles as preparation for the professional demands of the NBA. He emphasized the need for every player to remain ready regardless of the circumstances.
Nurkić Injury and Preseason Impact
The shift in rotation follows a medical update from the NBA, which confirmed that Jusuf Nurkić sustained a partial plantar plate tear of the second toe of his right foot. The injury occurred during Utah's first preseason game against the Denver Nuggets on Oct. 4, 2026.
According to an official NBA release issued on Oct. 7, 2026, Nurkić will be re-evaluated in four weeks. During his 41 games with the Jazz last season, Nurkić averaged 10.9 points and 10.4 rebounds per game.
With Nurkić sidelined, the Jazz have utilized preseason games to test different frontcourt combinations. The team holds a 1-1 preseason record after experimenting with various lineups, including a pairing that saw Hayes start alongside Jaren Jackson Jr. during the preseason home opener against the Denver Nuggets on Tuesday, Oct. 6, 2026.
Frontcourt Rotation Experiments
The potential for a Hayes and Jaren Jackson Jr. pairing offers the Jazz a unique blend of size and athleticism. Jackson Jr., a 2023 Defensive Player of the Year, is expected to be a cornerstone of the Utah defense, capable of protecting the rim and switching onto smaller players.
Hayes provides a complementary skill set as an athletic rim protector with the ability to run the floor. He expressed enthusiasm regarding the prospect of sharing the court with Jackson Jr. and Lauri Markkanen.
"I really like it," Hayes said. "I'm excited to get to play with him and Lauri (Markkanen), get to play with some other bigs, you know. I haven't really gotten to do it too much, so I'm just really excited to see how it goes."
Offensive System Adjustments
Beyond the defensive impact, Hayes is adapting to Coach Will Hardy's offensive system, which features more actions involving multiple big men than Hayes has experienced in previous stops. He noted that his role has evolved from simply trailing plays to operating more frequently in the trail slot and wing areas.
"I've never played with any other bigs," Hayes said, referencing his limited experience playing alongside other large players during his time with Anthony Davis in Los Angeles.
This tactical shift allows the Jazz to maintain size on the floor without sacrificing the athleticism required for their modern offensive schemes. The ability to play multiple big men simultaneously is a key component of the team's attempt to build a more versatile roster.
Mentoring Younger Players
Hayes also highlighted his role in supporting the Jazz's younger core, which includes players like Keyonte George. He described his role as a pick-and-roll and dribble-handoff specialist tasked with helping younger players find their positions on the court.
"Coach brought me in to come help kind of bring in the offense and help out the offense a little bit and just help get these younger guys going in the right places," Hayes said.
He praised the intelligence and athleticism of the team's guards, noting that his veteran experience allows him to provide advice and assistance to the younger roster members as they adjust to the professional level.
