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Utah Jazz: Donovan Mitchell could wreck havoc in the Western Conference

By Michael Saenz

CHARLOTTE, NC - JANUARY 12: Head coach Quin Snyder talks to Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Utah Jazz during their game against the Charlotte Hornets at Spectrum Center on January 12, 2018 in Charlotte, North Carolina. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)
CHARLOTTE, NC - JANUARY 12: Head coach Quin Snyder talks to Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Utah Jazz during their game against the Charlotte Hornets at Spectrum Center on January 12, 2018 in Charlotte, North Carolina. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images) /
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In a loaded Western Conference, the Utah Jazz, led by Donovan Mitchell, could wreck havoc as a dark horse candidate to make the Western Conference Finals

The Utah Jazz turned quite a few of heads in the Western Conference last season when they knocked off the Oklahoma City Thunder in the NBA Playoffs. It was even more impressive considering the fact that they had just lost the best player on the roster the summer before.

After losing Gordon Hayward in free agency to the Boston Celtics, the Jazz recovered thankfully in large part to Donovan Mitchell, who Utah selected with the 13rd overall pick in the 2017 NBA Draft.

Now, after an impressive rookie season in which he averaged 20.5 points, four rebounds and four assists, Mitchell is drawing comparisons to Dwyane Wade and other all-time greats. And the hype surrounding the Jazz is quietly rising – even in the gauntlet that is the Western Conference.

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Looking at the West, there are three teams that we know are going to be good: Golden State Warriors, Houston Rockets and Oklahoma City Thunder. After that, it’s wide open for the Los Angeles Lakers, Jazz and possibly the New Orleans Pelicans.

Even though many will pencil in the Lakers as the final team to snag home-court advantage in the first round of the playoffs, the Jazz aren’t getting enough respect.

The Jazz are coming off a season in which they had the second-best defense in the NBA and had fifth best net rating in the entire league, despite having only the 15th best offense in the league. That’s how good their defense was.

Heading into this season, Mitchell should be better. As should Rudy Gobert and Ricky Rubio (who is entering year two with the Jazz). The Jazz have quietly build an interesting team that could combat teams atop of the Western Conference (with exception of the Golden State Warriors).

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The Utah Jazz might not have the sexiest of names in the West, but they will certainly be a factor when it comes to who faces the Warriors in the Western Conference Finals.

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