Keyonte George Q&A: 'I've set my foundation, and now I have to keep raising the floor'

Keyonte George, the Utah Jazz’s second-year guard, has quickly emerged as a key piece for the team as he continues to improve his game. Standing at 6-foot-4, George’s combination of scoring ability, playmaking, and defensive growth makes him an exciting young talent for the Jazz.

In an interview with HoopsHype on behalf of Panini, George discussed his development as a facilitator, his defensive focus, and how he’s helping shape the future of the Jazz alongside Lauri Markkanen and Coach Will Hardy. He also shared his thoughts on his personal growth, the importance of recovery and more.

This year, you've improved as a facilitator. What have you focused on to become more of a playmaker for the team?

Keyonte George: Yeah, just understanding the game. When you understand the game, it slows down. I’m trying to play with pace, to understand how defenses are going to guard me and some of our actions. And it’s almost like having the answer to the test – when you prepare the right way and know what teams are going to do, it’s way easier when you’re out there on the floor. Also, with my aggressiveness, I set myself up – and my teammates understand that when I’m aggressive, good things happen. So I just want to go out there and, you know, when I’m aggressive, make the right read.

Did any teammate or coach help with your vision and decision-making?

KG: It’s easy to invoke that. Big credit to Chris Jones. We worked so hard this summer. We went to Europe, we traveled to different places, and we still kept the main thing the main thing – working on our game, working on our craft, and talking about the game. We watched all the games, talked about the playoffs, and just prepared for the season. He put me in a great position to be where I am today, and we’re only going to continue to get better. So, you know, big thanks to Chris. Shout out to Chris for sure.

You’ve come in aggressive this year – getting to the basket, drawing fouls, and shooting more threes. What’s that been like?

KG: I guess mentally, it’s about shifting into that gear – knowing that whether the shot is falling or not, you just keep going. I mean, the best shooter in our league might go three for 20 or 20 for 20 – who knows? You have to keep at it. This game is all about rhythm and understanding. I’m more comfortable now in my second year in the NBA, and honestly, it’s about being grateful. So when I get the opportunity, I show what I can do, play within the flow of our team, and play the way we want to play. But also, like I said, being aggressive and taking the right shots. If I’m open, I take the shot. But each day is a new day, each game is another opportunity to build. It’s been getting better, so I just have to keep building on what I’ve already established. I’ve set my foundation, and now I have to keep raising the floor.

As a leader in your second year, how are you handling the physical demands, like bruises, soreness, and staying on the floor?

KG: I mean, the best of the best always say they take care of their bodies. Everything is sharp, everything is planned out. So I’ve got to give another shoutout to Kate [Katie Benzan] – she does a great job staying on me about recovery. Whether it’s coming to get stretched, getting a massage, getting in the pool, or just moving around, she’s always checking in – "Are you getting in the hot tub today? Are you getting in the cold tub today?" – just making sure I’m doing different recovery things. The fact that she continues to stay on me about it has made it a habit now. From my first year to my second year, it’s been way smoother. We always have a plan for what’s going to happen, and my body feels completely different than last year. I’m able to play the minutes, I’m able to feel good, so I just have to keep doing what I’m doing.

After watching film, have you noticed anything that’s made you think, “That's how I’ll improve”?

KG: I would just say, offensively, I’m figuring it out. Defensively, it’s about staying attached and engaged – both when my guy has the ball and when he’s off the ball. Because at the end of the day, if you get stops, you can play in transition, and we’re hard to stop. So I’m really taking that side of the ball seriously and trying to use my voice a lot on the floor. Like I said, when you use your voice and know how teams are going to play, it’s like having the answer to the test – you just have to go out and execute.

You've focused on defense – where do you think you've improved, and what’s still your biggest challenge?

KG: I think the biggest challenge for me right now is that I’m matched up with a lot of great guards. So dealing with their strength and speed, staying attached, and continuing to get better at that – just making people take tough shots – is key. But I think my on-ball defense, my ability to chase guys off the ball, and my overall off-ball defense have been major improvements. So I just have to keep staying engaged, understanding what I’m doing well, and recognizing what needs to get better. That’s how I’ll become the complete player I know I will be.

What are your personal goals this season and beyond, both for your game and your career?

KG: Just continuing to build the right habits and put ourselves in a position to be there at the end of the game – playing in winning moments. That’s really the main goal: to keep getting better every single day. Don’t worry about the result. Understand that where we are right now may not be where we are in the future. So just knowing that and continuing to build on things every day has been my main focus. My goal is simply to be better at the end of the season than I was at the start, whether that’s physically or mentally.

Do you think the future looks bright for the Jazz with you, Lauri, and Coach Hardy?

KG: The future is very bright. Lauri is a phenomenal player. He continues to do his thing and lead us, and me and Lauri understand what we want to do –and the whole team does too. They understand the goal we have in mind: we want to make it to the postseason, do damage in the postseason, and ultimately win the championship. We truly believe that, and Will does too. So right now, it’s very important to build the right habits, lay the right foundation, and understand how we want to play as a team. We also want to create the culture we want, so when new guys come in, they know what Utah is about. From there, we can keep moving forward. We just want to build that culture, and once we have it, once everyone understands how Utah plays basketball, everything else will take care of itself. That’s the first building block of anything.

Who's your GOAT?

KG: This is the guy you grew up watching, thinking he’s the best player of all time. I mean, I grew up watching Russell Westbrook. But I think the GOAT is LeBron. The way he's been able to play for so long – it's a huge factor. What he's doing, he can score the ball, he can pass the ball, he can manipulate the game. So, I think LeBron is the GOAT.

Who are the Top 5 NBA players right now, in your opinion?

KG: Besides me? Yeah. You know, Top 5 right now... I mean, obviously, you got to say SGA, James Harden, who’s been playing great right now. I always thought he was tough, but I think he's definitely a Top 5 player in our league. You’ve also got Anthony Edwards and KAT, who’ve been playing their butts off. You gotta go with that. Top 5, I got SGA, Harden... You gotta say [Nikola] Jokic, obviously. And probably Giannis, every time I look up and see his last 10 games. The numbers he’s putting up are insane, unreal.

Tell me a little bit about what you're doing with Panini

KG: Yeah, we have the Panini Prizm VIP lounge. You know, an opportunity to open some cards, sign some cards, network with people, and just overall have a good time – getting to show people, you know, who I am off the floor.

Did you collect training cards as a kid?

KG: Not really. I was more of a video game guy. I mean, kind of – if you count my MyTeam opening cards, opening packs. But other than that, not really.

How did it feel to see yourself on a community card for the first time?

KG: Man, it was cool. Like I said, I played MyTeam, so it's kind of the same. But, you know, in real time, just seeing it – seeing me on the card, knowing that kids want my card, and knowing they might get the opportunity to get it signed or not – it was ultimately surreal. Just seeing my card get picked out of a pack anywhere around the world kind of gives me reassurance that I’m doing something right.

This article originally appeared on Hoops Hype: Keyonte George Q&A: 'I've set my foundation, and now I have to keep raising the floor'