NBA Restart: How reworked rosters will shape the Western Conference
By Kyle Craib
7th: Utah Jazz (↓3)
When the NBA first closed up shop and shut down, things were not looking too good for Utah.
Since then, though, both Rudy Gobert and Donovan Mitchell appear to both be on the same page and are ready to go for the restart.
Alongside Gobert and Mitchell, Mike Conley hopes the restart can bring a fresh start for him with the Jazz after a shaky season thus far. Conley has been getting comfortable with Jazz systems in scrimmage action, putting up 18 points in their final scrimmage against the Brooklyn Nets.
Only one player will be missing in action in Orlando, as Bojan Bogdanovic underwent season-ending wrist surgery and will not return. Bogdanovic will be a size-able loss to an offense that relies on shooters to hit their marks. Prior to injury, the sharp-shooter was averaging a career-best 20.2 points per game while shooting 41.2 percent from deep.
With Bogdanovic out, look for Royce O’Neale to get more touches in the offense. Despite low usage numbers, O’Neale averaged 6.3 points per game while collecting 5.3 boards while shooting the ball efficiently. In the first game of the restart against the Pelicans, O’Neale seen significantly more of the ball scoring 12 points in 34 minutes in the win.
Jordan Clarkson is another Jazz player who will be crucial towards their success in the restart. Without Bogdonavic, Clarkson’s ability to create has already paid dividends in Thursday’s game, putting up 23 points.
If the Jazz can fill in the gaps that Bogdanovic leaves behind, Utah could surprise some teams going into the NBA restart. However, with the plethora of talent surrounding them, it will be tough for the Jazz in Orlando.