Utah Jazz: Taking A Deeper Look At What Lies Ahead For The Jazz In 2016-17

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(The) Major Keys to Success

From left to right: Derrick Favors (#15), Rudy Gobert (#27), Gordon Hayward (#20), and Dante Exum (#11). While their jersey numbers may be low numbers, they all make big impacts (or at least have the potential to, in Exum’s case).

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Derrick Favors’ play since entering the league has been a bit up and down, but last season he seemed to begin to piece it all together as he posted his highest scoring average in his young career (16.4) in addition to shooting about 70 percent from the line. While those numbers aren’t eye popping, coupled with the consistent guarding of smaller defenders in addition to the bigger bodies of the 4s and 5s of the NBA, he’s developing into an all-around player; minus the 3PT shooting.

Rudy Gobert is the best defensive center in the league IMO. Yes, Hassan Whiteside was the leader in the blocks category by a large margin, defense isn’t just blocking shots. Gobert is very mobile for a 7-foot-1 center, and what he doesn’t block, he at least gets a hand on and alters the shot. His range isn’t wide, but you won’t find a better defensive anchor down low.

Gordon Hayward is a super star in this league, but he plays in Utah so he’s just a ‘solid wing’. He takes over games, facilitates, hits 3s, defends well, and is a genuinely good person. What more can you ask for?

Dante Exum’s potential is on a TBD status right now as he will be coming off an ACL tear when the 2016-17 season begins. With his size he has the potential to play the 2, but has handles like a 1. He is also a solid 3PT shooter, which is something Utah’s roster lacks a little of, but more on that later on.

Next: Meeting The Others

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