Jazz owner Ryan Smith stands firmly behind Will Hardy and front office amid disappointing start

Ryan Smith understands why fans are frustrated with the Utah Jazz’s 1-7 start. He’s watching the same games they are.

But despite the early season struggles, the team’s owner isn’t interested in making any drastic changes.

Appearing Friday on KSL’s “Scotty G. & The Coach” podcast, the 48-year-old Smith addressed the Jazz’s difficult start, the development of the team’s young players and the expectations surrounding a roster that entered the season with plenty of excitement.

His message was clear: He has 100% confidence in the people leading the organization, notably head coach Will Hardy and president of basketball operations Austin Ainge.

“Will’s our guy. Austin’s our guy. Like we’re not changing anything,” Smith said. “Like we’re going to go through this, we’re going to work together. We got Danny (Ainge), and like I love our group.”

Smith acknowledged, though, that the young team’s current performance hasn’t met expectations, particularly after the moves the team made that brought significant excitement to the Salt Lake Valley.

The Jazz got a defensive anchor in Jaren Jackson Jr., added another highly touted prospect in rookie Darryn Peterson and entered the season hoping to take a meaningful step forward.

Bad luck to start

But injuries and inconsistent play have made that transition difficult.

“No one’s ducking where we’re at,” Smith said. “We’re going to have to go through it, but if I look at our season so far, like there’s been really, really bright spots.”

Smith pointed to Utah’s explosive 47-point first quarter against the Los Angeles Lakers at the Delta Center on Oct. 25 as an example of what the team can look like when everything clicks.

However, consistency has been a significant problem.

“I think collectively the inconsistency is what’s been super frustrating, and I think it’s frustrating for everyone, but that takes time,” he said.

The Jazz have struggled to put together complete performances, including an overtime loss in their first matchup with the San Antonio Spurs and a 22-point blowout right after to the Portland Trail Blazers.

Smith also referenced Utah’s recent overtime game lost to the New Orleans Pelicans, pointing to missed opportunities from the free-throw line and perimeter.

“We missed 10 free throws,” Smith said. “We’re liking what we’re seeing, and what we feel, as frustrating as it might be.”

key leaving it all on the floor tonight 🫡

player highlights presented by @ZionsBankpic.twitter.com/Ir77KKae9P

— Utah Jazz (@utahjazz) November 5, 2026

Much of Smith’s optimism centers on the continued development of Utah’s young players, particularly Peterson, second-year man Ace Bailey and the team’s best player so far this season, Keyonte George.

Smith acknowledged that the learning curve can be steep for young guards, especially when opposing defenses are specifically targeting them, but he believes the experience is necessary for their long-term growth.

“It’s not linear for any of these guys,” Smith said. “There’s only one way to go through it, is to put them out on the floor, and these guys are getting enough reps.”

He also praised Peterson’s defensive development, pointing to the rookie’s ability to make plays on that side of the ball, while highlighting Bailey’s physical development and George’s continued progression.

For Smith, the challenge is finding a balance between developing that young core and competing at the same time.

“That’s a hard thing,” Smith said. “Will’s job is to groom and really kind of put these guys in a position while teaching them a lesson while trying to win at the exact same time.”

Long-term championship aspirations

Still, Smith believes the pieces are in place for Utah to eventually become a contender.

He pointed to George’s five-year contract extension, Jackson’s commitment to Utah and the team’s collection of young talent as reasons for optimism. He also highlighted the organization’s draft capital and salary cap flexibility moving forward.

Smith said the Jazz are approaching the situation with a longer-term outlook, emphasizing that the ultimate goal remains winning a championship.

“There’s only so many levers you can pull given…where you’re at in the season,” Smith said. “We’re definitely looking (at) this as a two, three, four year, and our goal is to win the championship.”

That doesn’t mean Smith is satisfied with the current product.

“Now, we need to start turning it up, and we’re going to,” he said. “It’ll be very different once we get a couple of these guys back from a consistency standpoint. It’ll also be different when shots start going in.”

Keyonte George talking through the last play of regulation: pic.twitter.com/0fSsEoTccM

— JP Chunga (@JP_Chunga) November 5, 2026

For now, Smith isn’t asking Jazz fans to ignore the struggles. He said he understands their frustration, adding that he would probably share many of the same criticisms if he were watching from the stands.

“I’m super empathetic for our fans. I freaking love our fans,” Smith said. “I never want to tell our fans how to fan because, like, I’m one of them.”

But the owner isn’t panicking.

“We’re not panicking,” Smith said. “We’re diving in, and we’re going to have to go through it.”