It's still unclear whether the "retool" strategy of KOC Is worse than the "rebuild" of DL. Pretty much depends on Exum at this point, Jazz could have very easily retained DMC, Millsap and maybe Foye instead of DL making the trade for Beidrins, Rush and Jefferson. Certainly, Millsap would have returned for more money than what Atlanta gave him (2 yrs/$16M, IIRC). Jazz probably would have made the playoffs instead of getting the #5 pick. Who knows who they would have taken in the mid-teens instead of getting Exum. Also don't get the pick that became Hood (but KOC retains DMC so a wash). Also guarantee Jazz acquire a veteran PG instead of relying on Burke to lead them into the playoffs. Lot of ifs, but I think the Jazz are a playoff team in the 4-6 range with Millsap, Favors, Gobert, Hayward, DeMarre and a free agent PG.
If Exum becomes a star, then DL's rebuild is better. If not, Utah gave up Millsap and DMC to rebuild and "not skip steps." Right now, that's looking like foolishness, You can develop young players and STILL be a playoff team, Kawhi has become a star. So has Draymond Green. Hayward was integrated into a playoff-caliber team.
Lindsey's strategy was to puprposely give the team a ****ty bench and lose a lot (a GM "tank") in order to get higher draft picks, Worked for Portland in getting Lillard. But thus far, DL's gambit has netted Utah Exum and Lyles and Hood (with the trade). Not sure Exum and Lyles are going to be the next Durant and Westbrook, As many have pointed out, Jazz were never bad enough to do a complete tank and get two top-5 picks. And that, right there, might be the very definition of "skipping steps."