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While the Warriors and the Rockets were the favorites for reaching the Western Conference Finals since the start of the season there was one team which created a lot of ripples for its dominance and exciting play in the early rounds, and that distinction goes to the Utah Jazz.
Led by close Rookie of the Year competitor Donovan Mitchell, the Jazz completely outplayed the more fancied Russell Westbrook and the Oklahoma City Thunder before losing to a more solid Houston team. While the team was disappointed, the run, albeit brief, has left the fans excited with what the future beholds, and how this young but talented group can shine in a very crowded, competitive and celebrated Western Conference
While we wait impatiently for the season to start, it would be a good time to preview what we can look forward to from this young Jazz team in the coming season.
Offseason activity
With the steal of the draft last year in Donovan Mitchell, the Jazz were hoping to get someone who could complement the frontcourt of Mitchell and Rubio. In Grayson Allen, the Jazz not only got someone from the program stable of Duke, an alma mater of Snyder but also a decent shooter, workhorse and fierce competitor.
The senior will benefit tremendously under Coach Quinn's program and mentorship of Mitchell. However not adding a veteran/established player will hurt the postseason run for the Jazz, when they face more fancied, talented and experienced teams.
Strengths
In Rubio and Mitchell, the Jazz has one of the best back-court duos in the history of the club. Following a distinct style difference from Stockton – Rubio and Mitchell bring their own style and flamboyancy to Utah.
Much has already been spoken and written about almost ROY Mitchell and the breakout season the rookie had, however, what has not gone unnoticed is the stellar postseason play from Ricky Rubio, a journeyman from Spain.
Having spent over 6 seasons in Minnesota, Rubio in the run-up to the playoffs and the postseason itself averaged 16 points per game and career highs in shooting percentages for both 2-pointers and the 3-pointers. Barring injury, this duo can on its day give almost all backcourts in the league a run for their money.
Opportunities and Threats
With the lowest points allowed per game, the Jazz last year established themselves as a premier defensive team in the NBA, behind Rudy Gobert, the league DPOY for 2018. This season, he will be looking to add to his tally of blocks and also be the dominant force in the center.
The entire Utah Jazz line up (barring the Power Forward position) is in the top 15 of their positions in the league in DPRM (Defensive Performance measured in points allowed per 100 defensive possessions). Expect the young Jazz to bring their defensive mindset in this heavily packed offensive Western Conference.
With one of the youngest teams in the NBA, there is not much of playoff or championship experience in the side, including Coach Snyder. History has shown that when it’s the business end of the season, talent and youth will only take you so far.
Weakness
Despite all their talent and youthful exuberance, the Jazz have one major obstacle in their path, the talent-laden, power heavy Western Conference. Houston Rockets and Golden State Warriors have significantly bettered their squads compared to last season.
The West still constitutes a resurgent AD with the Pelicans, the unpredictable Thunder and Westbrook, wannabes Portland and Minnesota and if that along with the royalty of the Spurs was not enough, King James had made his way from the east to join the Lakers.
What do all these teams have in common, you ask? They have multiple featured scorers. Utah, on the other hand, have only one player who is expected to consistently average over 20 points a game in Donovan Mitchell. In case he runs dry, Utah could start to fall apart offensively.
Verdict
Given the dynamics of the Western Conference and the inexperience of the team, it would be my expectation for the team to disappoint its fans this year with a first-round exit. Not adding a proven veteran and relying on repeat postseason heroics of Rubio, Ingles, and gang will prove expensive to the team’s fortunes.
