Elijah Harkless: Utah Jazz's Unexpected Defensive Hero

0:00With the NBA today, March 3rd, the Utah Jazz have struggled with defense all season, ranking last in the league with a rating of 122.3 and giving up. More than 125 points per game on average. Their record has taken a hit because of it, but Coach Will Hardy says one unexpected player stands out as their top defender right now. That player is Elijah Harklis, a 26-year-old guard on a two-way contract who's only played in 12 games for the Jazz this year. He spent time in the G-League earlier in the season, but has caught everyone's eye with his defensive hustle. After a recent loss to the Denver Nuggets, Hardy called Harklis the team's best defender, even giving him his first NBA start. The six-foot-three guard took on tough match-ups, including some time against Nikola Jokic and showed real grit despite fouling out. Harklis played 27 minutes that night, going zero for five from the floor with three assists and two steals. His game isn't about flashy stats, though. He's a physical pest who brings energy on every possession.

1:04Looking ahead, with about six weeks left on his deal, Harklis could earn a bigger role or even a return next season. The Jazz need defensive help badly, especially until key big men like Walker Kessler are fully back and Harklis fits that versatile mold perfectly. D&N is brought to you by our sponsor link in the description. Your bedtime ritual just got better. Built in sound, built in comfort, S-O-L-L-I-SoliPillow.com