When Jason Preston signed a two-way contract with the Jazz on January 9, it was expected that the 24-year-old was going to spend the majority of his time in the G-League with the Salt Lake City Stars.
At the time, it was an ideal pairing to put Preston—one of the G-League’s best point guards and premier assists men—alongside Utah’s rookie duo of Taylor Hendricks and Brice Sensabaugh. Both good players in their own right and former first round picks, Hendricks and Sensabaugh were not ready to create their own offense. Instead, the Stars needed a setup man to help get them into their spots so they can thrive.
Enter Preston.
After averaging 12.4 points, 8.6 assists, and 7.9 rebounds in 31.0 minutes for the Memphis Hustle during the early parts of the season, Preston was a revelation for the Stars. He averaged 16.9 points, 9.9 assists, and 9.4 rebounds in 35.2 minutes per game with a 50/45/88 slash line with the Stars
Not only did he lead the G-League in triple doubles since joining the Stars, Preston’s performance earned him All-NBA G-League First Team honors.
Preston got the call up to the Jazz late in the season when injuries ravaged their roster, playing in seven games while averaging 10.2 minutes per game. His impact was felt from a playmaking perspective as he helped Utah’s offense succeed in March/April. His best game came in a loss to the Clippers on April 5 when he finished with six points, six assists, and four rebounds in 17 minutes. He also dropped five assists and four rebounds against Minnesota on March 16.