The NBA Targets the Jazz for Tanking; We're Mad About It

The NBA Targets the Jazz for Tanking; We're Mad About It

Author: Dan Clayton February 13, 2026 Duration: 1:21:08

After decades of hundreds and hundreds of NBA teams constantly pumping the brakes and tanking to improve their draft position, the NBA decided to draw a completely arbitrary line in the sand.


After the media suddenly, randomly, and arbitrarily expressed anger and horror over the Jazz rightfully treating last weekend's games like extended exhibition and training to prepare for the future--something many teams have done before--the NBA decided it couldn't let the fury continue and levied its biggest fine ever for conduct detrimental to the league.


Mark Russell Pereira (@markrussell.pereira.bsky.social) tackles this issue, noting that the actual punishment was issued after recording the meat of the show. On either end of that discussion, we discuss Jaren Jackson Jr.'s necessary surgery to remove a benign mass in his knee, and some clever ideas to alleviate tanking issues while explaining why the NBA is so problematic with this issue to begin with.


Sound off in the comments.


For over a decade, Salt City Hoops Utah Jazz Podcast has been a constant voice for dedicated fans, growing from its 2009 origins into a trusted source for analysis. Hosted by Managing Editor Dan Clayton, the conversations here go far beyond just recapping the latest score. You’ll hear detailed breakdowns of roster moves, offensive schemes, and defensive adjustments, all framed within the broader context of the NBA season. Clayton is regularly joined by other voices from the Salt City Hoops team and occasional special guests, ensuring a rich mix of perspectives on every topic. The dialogue is insightful yet accessible, whether discussing a rookie's development, the implications of a trade deadline, or the long-term vision for the franchise. This isn't just surface-level chatter; it's a deep dive into the nuances that define each game and the strategic decisions shaping the team's future. Tune in for the kind of thoughtful, passionate discussion that mirrors the complexity and excitement of the sport itself. Each episode of this podcast feels like a knowledgeable conversation among friends who share a deep investment in every pivot, pick-and-roll, and playoff push for the Utah Jazz.
Author: Language: en-us Episodes: 100

Salt City Hoops Utah Jazz Podcast
Podcast Episodes
Do the Utah Jazz have a Season Plan? + Zay and Bailey Highlights [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:05:53
Mark Russell Pereira (@markrussellpereira.bsky.social) drives a solo show once again opening up a BIG can of worms regarding the Jazz plan this season. Are they tanking or not? Are we going to lose our pick to Oklahoma C…
Walker Kessler Out for Season: Major Bummer [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 59:51
Utah Jazzland learned Wednesday that Walker Kessler needs surgery to a repair a torn labrum in his shoulder, ending a very promising season way too short. Mark Russell Pereira breaks down the ramifications of this from a…
The Utah Jazz Are Blowing Our Minds [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 58:34
The Utah Jazz are 2-2 but have absolutely stunned the NBA with how effective they've been on the court. Mark Russell Pereira takes this one solo to describe the offensive and defensive styles that the team has deployed s…
The Utah Jazz Will Never Lose Again [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 29:00
The Utah Jazz blow the doors off the LA Clippers in their home opener. What the heck does this mean about the team? How did they pull it off? Who looked great?Mark Pereira takes this one alone immediately after an in-per…
2025 Utah Jazz Season Preview! Bold Predictions! Optimism! [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 35:55
We made it! We finally made it! The 2025 Utah Jazz season is here. On the heels of breaking down every player, Mark runs this solo pod to give some broader predictions, vibes, and rotation outlooks for the whole team and…
2025 Utah Jazz Media Day! [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:15:07
Dan Clayton (@danclayt0n / @danclayt0n.bsky.social) and Mark Russell Pereira (@markrussellpereira.bsky.social) are back and super pumped for the 2025-2026 NBA Season for the Utah Jazz! To kick things off, Dan and Mark re…
Ranting About Kawhi Leonard; Eurobasket/Markkanen Recap! [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:21:21
Mark Russell Pereira (@markrussell.pereira.bsky.social) goes long on the Kawhi Leonard/Aspiration/Steve Ballmer fiasco, pointing out some under-discussed legal points and Adam Silver's broad authority.Then, a brief recap…