Jazz Pre-Season Highlights

 The Jazz have now got Hayward and Favours on large 2nd contracts, Kanter will likely be renewed soon, with Gobert, Burks, Burke and Exum they have a very good young core so I’d hope results will start to turn the corner soon.

There is still the issue of getting Kanter and Favours to play as a due with one giving perimeter or mid range protection. Of course there will be a lot of upside to come from Exum who will have to find his feet in the NBA and Gobert is still a work in progress. But I would hope that the Jazz are starting to turn the corner. I’d think they are likely to be a lottery team again especially in the loaded West but they should show some significant improvement on last season.

 The Jazz have now got Hayward and Favours on large 2nd contracts, Kanter will likely be renewed soon, with Gobert, Burks, Burke and Exum they have a very good young core so I’d hope results will start to turn the corner soon.

There is still the issue of getting Kanter and Favours to play as a due with one giving perimeter or mid range protection. Of course there will be a lot of upside to come from Exum who will have to find his feet in the NBA and Gobert is still a work in progress. But I would hope that the Jazz are starting to turn the corner. I’d think they are likely to be a lottery team again especially in the loaded West but they should show some significant improvement on last season.

Hayward, Favors, Burke, Burks, Kanter, and Gobert will all have career years if healthy.

This is why:

Smart coaching, minutes, development, and a system that both has players buying in and fits the players.  

I don’t know that I have seen a more obvious upgrade in the leadership and coaching than this.  All of the above players have a lot of room for improvement, so my prediction is  not really that bold.  That said the empasis on correct team defensive principles, pushing the ball, spacing and attacking the hoop play very well into the strenghts of each player.  They have all come into the season physically much more polished as well.   They also seem to have the mental makeup to work hard.  They all know that this season is about development and all signs point to each of these players really wanting to put in the extra work with the great new develpment staff.  

Actual bold predition:  38 wins plus or minus two games.  I think they have a real shot at challenging for a .500 season and possibly being in the playoff conversation for at least part of the year.  

Hood should add real value as a shooter, and Exum has great talent as a huge pg, but that guy can’t shoot!!  Hope he can develop his offensive game similar to Tony Parker, because there is a chance he could be the next Rubio if not.  

Hayward, Favors, Burke, Burks, Kanter, and Gobert will all have career years if healthy.

This is why:

Smart coaching, minutes, development, and a system that both has players buying in and fits the players.  

I don’t know that I have seen a more obvious upgrade in the leadership and coaching than this.  All of the above players have a lot of room for improvement, so my prediction is  not really that bold.  That said the empasis on correct team defensive principles, pushing the ball, spacing and attacking the hoop play very well into the strenghts of each player.  They have all come into the season physically much more polished as well.   They also seem to have the mental makeup to work hard.  They all know that this season is about development and all signs point to each of these players really wanting to put in the extra work with the great new develpment staff.  

Actual bold predition:  38 wins plus or minus two games.  I think they have a real shot at challenging for a .500 season and possibly being in the playoff conversation for at least part of the year.  

Hood should add real value as a shooter, and Exum has great talent as a huge pg, but that guy can’t shoot!!  Hope he can develop his offensive game similar to Tony Parker, because there is a chance he could be the next Rubio if not.  

 As a Jazz fan I love the possobilities this young group have, and as Hazel has said they all want to improve and are willing to work hard. I really like how Gobert has been looking, he probably won’t get a ton of minutes but if he can get 15 to 20 minutes it will be because he is having an impact on the games and is learning what it is he needs to do to get time, that being said his impact changes games because of his length and shot blocking ability. So far the core / starting 5 have all been playing pretty good and all are scoring in double figures, sharing the ball and playing better defense. Kanter’s 3 point shooting and Favors improved mid range shot are putting a smile on faces. So far things are pointing to a better / funner season.  

 As a Jazz fan I love the possobilities this young group have, and as Hazel has said they all want to improve and are willing to work hard. I really like how Gobert has been looking, he probably won’t get a ton of minutes but if he can get 15 to 20 minutes it will be because he is having an impact on the games and is learning what it is he needs to do to get time, that being said his impact changes games because of his length and shot blocking ability. So far the core / starting 5 have all been playing pretty good and all are scoring in double figures, sharing the ball and playing better defense. Kanter’s 3 point shooting and Favors improved mid range shot are putting a smile on faces. So far things are pointing to a better / funner season.  

these players just need a coach who knows what he’s doing and who’s gonna play to their strengths..Alec Burks is the one who will benefit the most I think..he can really play..combined with Novak and Hood’s outside shooting, the spacing Burks creats will be huge

these players just need a coach who knows what he’s doing and who’s gonna play to their strengths..Alec Burks is the one who will benefit the most I think..he can really play..combined with Novak and Hood’s outside shooting, the spacing Burks creats will be huge

alot of teams will regret bypassing rodney hood…

alot of teams will regret bypassing rodney hood…