About this episode
Walker Kessler's frustration over his contract situation becomes the headline as David Locke, radio voice of the Utah Jazz and Jazz NBA Insider, recaps a dramatic and revealing Utah Jazz Media Day. Locke breaks down Kessler's candid admission of feeling "frustrated" after not receiving the extension he anticipated, analyzing how this emotional setback could challenge the young center's focus and impact his season. Will Hardy issues a public challenge: can Kessler evolve beyond shot-blocking and anchor an elite NBA defense, especially in the wake of last year's underwhelming team results? Meanwhile, rookie Ace Bailey electrifies the room with infectious energy, quickly winning over Jazz insiders and fans alike. Locke unpacks Bailey's compelling journey from Chattanooga to the NBA, his ambitious goals, and how his youthful enthusiasm could spark a new era for Utah. The episode offers exclusive insights into new locker room dynamics, shaped by the departures of Colin Sexton, John Collins, and Jordan Clarkson. Young leaders like Keyonte George are seizing ownership, building camaraderie, and setting a fresh tone for training camp. Could this surge of chemistry and optimism signal a different trajectory for the Jazz this season? Media Day Recap Intro Walker Kessler’s frustration takes headlines Ace Bailey wins over the hearts of the team and the media Host’s enthusiasm for Media Day experience Media Day Structure & Personal Experiences Early morning start and "glamour shots" for attendees Description of the process: player interviews scheduled throughout the day David Locke’s “cool” moment with photo ops Walker Kessler’s Media Day Mood Noticeable change from Walker’s previous upbeat personality Sources and explanation of his frustration: Missed opportunity at signing a large contract extension Reflection on his expectations and the resulting disappointment Emotional and business challenges facing Kessler Coach Will Hardy’s challenge to Kessler: Need to be a defensive player beyond just blocking shots Expectation to anchor more than a bottom-ranked defense Kessler’s desire to expand offensive game Team and front office dynamics relating to Kessler’s situation Ace Bailey’s Media Day Impact Immediate popularity and energy observed by media and team Compilation of social media and reporter reactions Personal character and energy: youthful, upbeat, and quick-thinking Ace Bailey’s background: chattanooga upbringing, early move to Atlanta for basketball Family basketball pedigree, including mother, father, and aunt Sacrifices made during high school years Bailey’s communication style and coping with social media 00:00 "Feeling Cool for a Moment" 04:56 Expectations Unmet: Career Challenge 07:41 Walker's Defensive Challenges & Expectations 12:03 Ace Bailey: Rising Jazz Star 14:10 Ace Bailey's Journey to Atlanta 18:04 "Family Basketball Legacy Reflections" 20:36 NBA's Social Media Generation 26:17 Youthful Leadership Energizes Team Dynamics 28:55 Team Dynamics and Leadership Evolution 30:57 Veterans' Impact: A Dynamic Mix Locked On Jazz Podcast 💻 https://www.lockedonjazz.net Follow & Subscribe on all Podcast platforms… 🎧 https://link.chtbl.com/LOJazz?sid=YouTube Follow David Locke on Twitter: 📲 https://twitter.com/DLocke09 Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! 5-Hour ENERGY Enough with boring, flavorless caffeine, it’s time to give your caffeine a flavor upgrade with 5-hour ENERGY®️ shots. Get the favorites you love or be bold and try something new in-store and online at https://www.5hourENERGY.com or Amazon today. Peloton Let yourself run, lift, flex, and push forward. Explore the new Peloton Cross Training Tread+ today at https://www.onepeloton.com . Monarch Money Take control of your finances with Monarch Money. Use code LOCKEDONNBA at https://monarchmoney.com/lockedonnba for 50% off your first year FanDuel Right now, new customers can bet just FIVE dollars and if your bet wins—you’ll get THREE HUNDRED dollars in bonus bets to use across the app. Download the FanDuel app now by visiting https://FanDuel.com to get started FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN) Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.