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

Nov 15, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; Utah Jazz forward Gordon Hayward (20) and forward Derrick Favors (15) react after defeating the Atlanta Hawks at Philips Arena. The Jazz defeated the Hawks 97-96. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 15, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; Utah Jazz forward Gordon Hayward (20) and forward Derrick Favors (15) react after defeating the Atlanta Hawks at Philips Arena. The Jazz defeated the Hawks 97-96. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
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Michael Hickey-US PRESSWIRE
Michael Hickey-US PRESSWIRE

Makin’ Moves

The Utah Jazz’s most notable offseason move was being involved a 3-team trade that landed them veteran combo-guard George Hill. In return the Jazz sent out the No. 12 pick in this year’s draft that landed Atlanta promising prospect Taurean Prince. While that maybe stings a little for Utah, landing Hill is such an underrated move.

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While you know what you’re getting in George Hill, that’s not a bad thing. The dude can ball and facilitate an offense very well. His basketball IQ is very high, and will help provide some stability to the carousel that was the starting PG position for the Jazz last season; in addition to some veteran leadership.

Admittedly he is prone to a few cold droughts for multiple games, but he can heat up in a flash.

Side note: If you know nothing about who George Hill is, look up his highlights from the ECF against Miami a few years ago. That’s what he’s capable of.

The Jazz recently traded for veteran forward Boris Diaw. While Diaw is not the quickest athlete, he can rebound and shoots the occasional three. He can help mentor the aforementioned Favors, Lyles, and Bolomboy, and play small-ball 5 if head coach Quin Snyder desires. He’s another high-character addition.

Good ol’ Joe Johnson. His time in Brooklyn tarnished his reputation, but signing with the Heat may have been the greatest move of his career.

While many (including yours truly) chuckled at the signing, Johnson showed he still has plenty left in the tank and helped the Heat’s postseason push. Johnson kind of fizzled out in the postseason, but the Jazz signed him to a team-friendly (relative to all the deals that have been agreed to this offseason) to help bolster their second unit. He too will add veteran leadership to this young squad.

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