Gordon Hayward Emerging as Leader for Utah Jazz
By Shane Phillips
@ShaneRantSports
Getty Images
In a savage NBA Western Conference, Darwin’s theory of natural selection and “survival of the fittest” is on full display. Unlike a weak East, where a sub-.500 record will earn you a playoff spot, it is 50 wins or bust in the West. The star power and level of competition doubles that of the East. That being said, my entire point is to say the Utah Jazz has become a better team.
Yes, the Jazz seemed to be improved from last season, but they are still not playoff contenders. Now that I have given the bad news, here is the good news: Utah has seen its future and it is bright and it comes in the form of Gordon Hayward. Now in his fifth season out of the mid-major Butler, Hayward has developed nicely.
The small forward helped the Jazz defeat the Detroit PistonsSunday night, 97-96, and improve them to 3-4. Hayward chimed in with 17 PTS, four REB and four AST. For the season, he is averaging a cool 18 PTS, 6.3 REB and 5.3 AST. Might I add he had that nice dagger to knock off LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers? I just had to get a James and Cavs reference in there. It wouldn’t be an NBA article without it.
Anyway, the Jazz will cause a dull yell in the West and be a pest for teams from time-to-time. Hayward is a young player with star potential. He is a balanced player that can give you a bit of everything. He showed it against Detroit and its double-double duo in Andre Drummond and Greg Monroe. If Utah can keep Hayward around and make some deals here and there, they will be playoff bound.
Shane Phillips is an NBA Writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow Shane on Twitter @ShaneRantSports, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google. You can also email Shane at [email protected].
Pistons vs. Raptors: Game Preview, Prediction
Previewing and predicting Monday's game between the Detroit Pistons and Toronto Raptors. Read More
Clippers Need Help On Bench
The Los Angeles Clippers may need to make a move to strengthen their bench after a poor performance against the Miami Heat. Read More
The Trade Machine Allows Us to Change Up the NBA
ESPN's NBA Trade Machine is a beautiful device that allows us to hypothesize different roster possibilities. Which scenarios do you find most intriguing? Read More
James Johnson Has Been Great Surprise For Raptors
After a failed attempt with the Toronto Raptors early in his short career, James Johnson has been great this season and continues to surprise. Read More
Chicago Bulls' Pau Gasol Is Rejuvenated
Chicago Bulls PF Pau Gasol has silenced doubters and is playing some of the best basketball of his career with the Bulls. Read More
Heat Should Stand Pat During Trade Period
Although the Miami Heat are having a rough season, they shouldn't rush into signing just any player during the trade period. Read More
Outcome Predictions For Heat's Next 5 Games
The Miami Heat are in the midst of a six-game stretch against the NBA West. With the season possibly riding on the next five games, here are my game predictions. Read More
Trail Blazers vs. Lakers Preview
The Portland Trail Blazers look to continue with their winning ways against the Los Angeles Lakers. Find out how the game will play out. Read More
Washington Wizards vs. Atlanta Hawks Preview
Two of the top teams in the Eastern Conference will square off when the Washington Wizards take on the Atlanta Hawks. Find out how things will play out. Read More
76ers Becoming A Likable Cast of Characters
The Philadelphia 76ers' young roster has often been scrutinized because of Sam Hinkie and the team’s front office. But after their most recent stretch of wins, they are becoming a very likable cast. Read More
Oklahoma City: 5 Players Team Should Target
Approaching the March 1 NBA trade deadline, the Oklahoma City Thunder should target these five players. Read More
Boston Celtics: 5 Trades Team Should Make
The Boston Celtics should make these five trades to expedite the rebuilding process. Read More