Feb 6, 2015; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Utah Jazz forward
Derrick Favors(15) and center
Rudy Gobert(27) and forward
Gordon Hayward(20) and guard
Dante Exum(11) look on against the Phoenix Suns at US Airways Center. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
Utah Jazz
Last Year’s Outcome: 38-44, Lottery
Best-Case Scenario: First Round Playoff Exit
Why: The Utah Jazz were a beast after the all-star break last season. Their surge, especially on the defensive end, opened the eyes of even the most die hard NBA fans. Whether it was the Enes Kanter trade or the Rudy Gobert factor, the Jazz had the top defensive rating the second half of the season (94.8ppg on 100 possessions).
Dante Exum’s injury is a blow, but that is a blow to his development and not necessarily the team’s overall success this season. Alec Burks returns and with the improving trio of Gobert, Derrick Favors, and Gordon Hayward, the Jazz have high hopes for this season. With the decline of the both the Mavericks and Trail Blazers, that could very well open up a spot for the Utah Jazz in the playoffs.
Worst-Case Scenario: 39-Win Season
Why: There will be plenty of teams vying for the 7-8 seed in the West. The Pelicans seem to be a favorite but teams like the Phoenix Suns, Dallas Mavericks, Sacramento Kings, Denver Nuggets and Portland Trail Blazers will be in the hunt for that last spot.
Maybe the second half of the season last year was a fluke? Maybe the point guard issues will be enough to cripple the Jazz, especially with Exum out for the year. There are a ton of variables that factor in, especially with how young the Jazz are, but there is a chance that they do not live up to the expectations.
What Will Probably Happen: First Round Playoff Exit
Why: There is just too many positives for this Utah Jazz team. Defensively, between Favors and Gobert there is a definite element of old school approach in Utah. Hayward has also improved every season and the return of Burks and emergence of Rodney Hood all add up to success for this young team.
The point guard position is a concern, but there are various line-ups the Jazz can use to mask that weakness. Best bet is they come in as an eight seed, which would be no small feat out west.
Next: Washington Wizards