Utah Jazz guard Jordan Clarkson (00) talks with Utah Jazz guard Johnny Juzang (33) throughout a timeout as Utah and Denver play at Vivint Enviornment in Salt Lake Metropolis on Saturday, April 8, 2023. Scott G Winterton, Deseret Information
Johnny Juzang doesn't imagine that he’s even scratched the floor on what he can do with regards to his NBA profession and he seems like this 12 months is usually a stepping stone towards realizing his potential.
“I’ve bought lots to show and to indicate who I actually am,” Juzang mentioned. “I’m excited and that drives me.”
On July 19, the Utah Jazz introduced they'd re-signed Juzang to a two-way contract, giving Juzang one other 12 months to separate between the Jazz and the Salt Lake Metropolis Stars.
“I’m excited to be again,” Juzang mentioned. “I like being in Utah, genuinely. So, I’m actually excited to go on the market and present what I do know I can do and simply begin constructing the groundwork for an extended profession.”
Juzang’s first 12 months within the NBA, after going undrafted out of UCLA, was marked by sporadic alternative and damage. He performed in simply 18 NBA video games, all of which got here on the tail finish of the season and after lacking important time with a grade 3 wrist sprain.
His lack of alternative adopted a junior season at UCLA which was much less productive and fewer than best in comparison with his sophomore season, leaving many individuals questioning if Juzang ought to have left UCLA a 12 months earlier.
However Juzang examined the NBA draft waters in 2021 after he helped the Bruins to a Last 4 look, and felt that he made the most effective resolution in returning for one more collegiate 12 months of play. He trusted his instinct, he trusted these closest to him and thus far that hasn’t steered him improper.
Although the trail to date hasn’t been a simple one — going undrafted, solely getting a two-way deal, having to accept restricted alternative — Juzang feels that each step is fueling a fireplace that he's accustomed to.
“I’ve bought lots to indicate everyone,” he mentioned. “Look, I imply, I’ve bought a chip on my shoulder. I’ve at all times felt like I’m a fantastic participant and I’ve at all times labored tremendous arduous. However loads of my profession, I really feel like I’ve been ignored and even coming into the NBA and going undrafted, belief me, I don’t neglect that.”
Juzang acquitted himself nicely all through Summer time League, taking pictures higher than 50% from 3-point vary in Salt Lake Metropolis and Las Vegas.
Jazz assistant coach Evan Bradds, who ran the Jazz’s Summer time League program, mentioned that he coaches Juzang arduous and pushes him as a result of he believes that he can do greater than what folks have seen up to now, a sentiment that's shared by Juzang.
“I’m again in nearly what’s my consolation zone,” Juzang mentioned of being doubted. “I’m going to indicate them that I ought to be on this league for a very long time and that lots of people made a mistake.”