The Utah Jazz have an interesting bunch a guys on their team, a good mix of young players who if they can develop into bonafide NBA contributors will keep the Jazz in the mix for title contention for years like they were in the 90’s and 00’s.
With young but experienced big man Al Jefferson the Jazz have a low post threat to anchor their offense. He’s surrounded by two young men that have a lot of potential in Derrick Favors, Enes Kanter, however they’re going to need to average more than 9 points and 15 rebounds combined if the Jazz are going to be successful ( Kanter 4.0 ppg 5.5 rpg, Favors 5.0 ppg 9.5 rpg). One of those two are going to have to average a double-double if they are to make any kind of significant run in the Western Conference.
Their guard play should see an improvement from last year with the acquisition of Mo Williams and Randy Foye. Gordon Hayward who averaged 12.5ppg and 3.5 rpg last season if he can bump his scoring average closer to the season that will open up the floor more for everyone on the offensive end. They’re definitely going to need Williams to play like he did when he was playing alongside LeBron, where he averaged almost 17 points during their two years together. What will also be needed is Mo’s playmaking ability. In his career he’s averaged close to 5 assist, his best years coming before he played with LeBron where he achieved an average of 6 assists 3 out of his 4 years in Milwaukee. If Mo ever wants to prove he’s a player that didn’t need LeBron, now would be the time to prove it, unless anytime he’s mentioned his name will be forever linked with King James.
The Jazz aren’t a bad team at all, but they will need to get more from their young big men if they want to be a real contender in the West. They made the playoffs last year commandeering the final playoff spot before getting swept by the Spurs, even though that’s nothing to be ashamed of. We will see if the Jazz can stand the test of a full 82 game season, and make it back to the playoffs. If they are to, it will truly be a team effort, but they will need someone to step up and be the guy to lead the team to the promise land.
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