Why Jazz, Jaren Jackson Jr. are projected to be 2026-27 NBA Western Conference's dark horse

ESPN has projected the Utah Jazz to be the Western Conference dark horse team for the 2026-27 NBA season. The forecast highlights coach Will Hardy and key players Jaren Jackson Jr., Lauri Markkanen, and Keyonte George as central to the team's potential. The Jazz are expected to compete as underdogs in a competitive Western Conference.