X

Have feedback / suggestions? Let us know!

NBA Utah Jazz

5 Takeaways from Utah Jazz’ Early-Season Play

By @mrmarykateolsen

1 of 11

5 Takeaways From Utah Jazz' Early Games

Utah Jazz Bench Gordon Hayward Trey Burke Alec Burks Derrick Favors Starting Lineup
NBAE/Getty Images

Through nine games this season, the Utah Jazz are 3-6 and have already gotten their first road win. It might seem underwhelming, but considering the team was 1-8 at this point last season and is only predicted to get 24 wins in 2014-15, things are clearly trending in the right direction. Here are five takeaways from the first batch of games.

5. Dante Exum Can Play

Dante Exum Utah Jazz Australia NBA Rookie - Copy
NBAE/Getty Images

5. Dante Exum Can Play

Dante Exum Utah Jazz Australia NBA Rookie
NBAE/Getty Images

He is struggling with the physicality of the league and hasn't been super aggressive offensively, but Dante Exum is growing a little bit every game and his basketball IQ/instincts are off the charts. Coming into the year, many felt that Rodney Hood would be more NBA-ready than Exum; so far, the opposite has been true.

4. Derrick Favors Is Becoming a Strong Offensive Player

Derrick Favors Utah Jazz Go-To-Guy Georgia Tech - Copy
NBAE/Getty Images

4. Derrick Favors Is Becoming a Strong Offensive Player

Derrick Favors Utah Jazz Go-To-Guy Georgia Tech
NBAE/Getty Images

Not long ago, fans and media alike bemoaned the fact that Derrick Favors didn't have a go-to move in the low post or a serviceable jump shot. Now, he has both and has established himself as a dominating force inside. Consistency remains an issue, but what was once the rare offensive outburst is quickly becoming the norm.

3. The Team Is Still Struggling Defensively

Enes Kanter Utah Jazz Defense Jeff Teague Atlanta Hawks - Copy
NBAE/Getty Images

3. The Team Is Still Struggling Defensively

Enes Kanter Utah Jazz Defense Jeff Teague Atlanta Hawks
NBAE/Getty Images

As of this writing, the Jazz are giving up 112.6 points per 100 possessions; this puts them at 27th in the league defensively. The team has had good stretches and players like Alec Burks and Gordon Hayward are looking much improved, but clearly Utah has a long way to go on that side of the ball.

2. Quin Snyder's Offensive System Is Working

Quin Snyder Head Coach Utah Jazz Gordon Hayward - Copy
NBAE/Getty Images

2. Quin Snyder's Offensive System Is Working

Quin Snyder Head Coach Utah Jazz Gordon Hayward
NBAE/Getty Images

As much as the team is struggling defensively, the opposite has been true on offense. Even given some lesser efforts on the current road swing, the Jazz rate in the top half of the NBA offensively, checking in at No. 13 — a huge improvement over last year. It's still a work in progress, but the players are really buying into the system and moving the ball at a high rate.

1. Gordon Hayward Is An All-Star

Gordon Hayward Utah Jazz LeBron James Cleveland Cavaliers All-Star - Copy
NBAE/Getty Images

1. Gordon Hayward Is An All-Star

Gordon Hayward Utah Jazz LeBron James Cleveland Cavaliers All-Star
NBAE/Getty Images

Do I think he'll get there? Probably not in the Western Conference or playing with a non-playoff team. Nonetheless, Gordon Hayward is playing at an elite level. Few players are as important to their club as Hayward and even less come close to matching his versatility. Take notice, NBA; Gordon Hayward is a star.

Ryan Aston covers the Utah Jazz for RantSports. Follow him on Twitter @MrMaryKateOlsen or add him to your network on Google.

Share Tweet
Trending Now on