Northwest Division Preview: Utah Jazz
The Utah Jazz
2013-14 record: 25-57, 5th in Northwest
The Utah Jazz–who cares right? No, I’m just kidding. Now that I think of it, remember back when the Jazz were battling the Bulls back in the late 90’s? Yeah, they should have known not to challenge Michael Jordan, but still they made for a pretty good foe, and their fans were just absolutely vicious.
They flat out poisoned MJ. And they could get loud, too. Like LOUD, loud. You know what? I changed my mind: I love the Utah Jazz. I love them so much I’m going to preview their team for the 2014-15 season.
The Roster
No doubt the Jazz have one of the deepest and most talented young cores in the entire league.
They were already loaded with Gordon Hayward, Trey Burke, Alec Burks, Enes Kanter, Derrick Favors, and Rudy Gobert all under 25 years of age. Now they’ve added Dante Exum and Rodney Hood through the draft, and it’s getting a little ridiculous with how much talent they can trot out on the court.
I’m going to steal the title from Quentin Tarantino’s upcoming movie (the leaked script was a good read by the way) and refer to them henceforth as the Hateful Eight. That’s not going to stick, but I don’t care: the Hateful Eight it is. Boom.
One Dude To Watch Out For
While Dante Exum projects as a future all-star, his struggles in both Summer League and the World Cup have raised question marks as to how effective he’ll be in his rookie season.
When he was still just an international man of mystery, people (*cough* Chad Ford *cough*) were comparing him to Kobe Bryant, but now that we’ve seen him and his god awful jump shot, the expectations have been tempered a bit. No matter, Exum will get minutes even if he struggles and he won’t have to look over his shoulder after each bad pass or missed assignment, because his teammates will almost certainly be making the same boneheaded plays. He might not win Rookie of the Year, but he’ll probably have a hell of a YouTube mixtape by seasons’ end. Speaking of YouTube, check out this kid’s charisma:
The Basketball Horoscope
I consulted with my psychic friend Marlena Fortuna and after deep meditation she has informed me that Jeremy Evans will come into a financial windfall but that he’ll squander it on poor investments. Marlena also predicted a Gordon Hayward weight gain if he doesn’t watch his diet and exercise. It’s worth noting that Ms. Fortuna doesn’t know jack about basketball…
The Real Outlook
The Jazz don’t project as a playoff team despite their numerous talents. Youth is fun and it’s exciting, but it typically translates into lots of Sports Center NOT Top Ten plays and piles and piles of losses.
Most Jazz fans would probably be happy enough if their guys buy into first year head coach Quin Snyder’s game plan. Expect them to be highly competitive for three and a half quarters, and then for them to blow it in the final minutes. There’ll be headaches for sure, but Jazz fans will gladly take their advil knowing that brighter days are just over the horizon. I’m no Marlena Fortuna, but whatever…
Cody’s Question’s
The Jazz have so much intrigue going into the season, but more than anything I’m wondering who’ll have a greater rookie impact: Dante Exum or Rodney Hood?
I love Exum as a long-term prospect but my gut is telling me that Hood will have the better rookie campaign. He turns 22 this season, while Exum will be 19 until next summer, so his maturity should give him the advantage from the outset. Another reason I give the nod to Hood is because of his shooting; he can flat out stroke the basketball (he shot 42% from three at Duke).
Hood, with his ideal size and athleticism, shouldn’t have any trouble getting open, so if he can knock down his shots he should prove plently valuable. Exum might have more “wow” plays throughout the course of the season, but Hood will be the more consistent player.