Blunt conversation and hard work propels Jazz guard Keyonte George to the brink of NBA stardom
SALT LAKE CITY — The silence in Will Hardy’s office last April was heavy, broken only by a truth that could have shattered a younger player’s confidence. Following a sophomore season where he lost his starting role and struggled with efficiency, Utah Jazz guard Keyonte George sat across from his head coach for an exit interview that would define his career trajectory.
Hardy didn’t mince words. "If your approach doesn't change, I wouldn't bet on you," the coach told his talented but inconsistent guard. "What you're showing on the court isn't good enough."
That blunt assessment became the catalyst for one of the most remarkable turnarounds in the 2025-26 NBA season. Rather than wilting under the criticism, George embraced the challenge. He spent the summer reshaping his body and sharpening his mental game with sports psychologist Craig Manning. The goal was to move from being a reactive player to a proactive force, refining a "shot diet" that had previously been filled with empty calories.
The results have been nothing short of explosive. Approaching the midway point of his third season, George has vaulted himself into the forefront of the Most Improved Player conversation. He is currently averaging a career-high 23.6 points and 6.9 assists per game, while slashing his turnover rate. His efficiency has skyrocketed, with shooting splits of 45.4% from the field and 37.2% from deep—a massive leap from the sub-40% struggles of his past.
George’s ascent reached a fever pitch earlier this month when he joined Michael Jordan and Luka Dončić as the only players under age 23 to average 29 points on 65% true shooting over a 10-game span. His recent 32-point outburst in a win against the Cleveland Cavaliers served as the latest notice that the 22-year-old has arrived.
"You commit yourself to something the way that he did, it's amazing what can happen," Hardy said recently, reflecting on the transformation. The tough love in April has birthed a star in January, and for the Jazz, that uncomfortable conversation was worth every word.
Hardy didn’t mince words. "If your approach doesn't change, I wouldn't bet on you," the coach told his talented but inconsistent guard. "What you're showing on the court isn't good enough."
That blunt assessment became the catalyst for one of the most remarkable turnarounds in the 2025-26 NBA season. Rather than wilting under the criticism, George embraced the challenge. He spent the summer reshaping his body and sharpening his mental game with sports psychologist Craig Manning. The goal was to move from being a reactive player to a proactive force, refining a "shot diet" that had previously been filled with empty calories.
The results have been nothing short of explosive. Approaching the midway point of his third season, George has vaulted himself into the forefront of the Most Improved Player conversation. He is currently averaging a career-high 23.6 points and 6.9 assists per game, while slashing his turnover rate. His efficiency has skyrocketed, with shooting splits of 45.4% from the field and 37.2% from deep—a massive leap from the sub-40% struggles of his past.
George’s ascent reached a fever pitch earlier this month when he joined Michael Jordan and Luka Dončić as the only players under age 23 to average 29 points on 65% true shooting over a 10-game span. His recent 32-point outburst in a win against the Cleveland Cavaliers served as the latest notice that the 22-year-old has arrived.
"You commit yourself to something the way that he did, it's amazing what can happen," Hardy said recently, reflecting on the transformation. The tough love in April has birthed a star in January, and for the Jazz, that uncomfortable conversation was worth every word.
