6 Random Thoughts About the NBA Free Agency Period

5. The Utah Jazz look like they’re finally ready to take the next step

The Jazz have been the sexy pick to make the playoffs the last couple years by analysis and fans alike. They have been resisted by youth and injuries, but the Jazz are primed for a playoff birth for the first time since 2012 this coming season.

The Jazz have swam against the current and decided to build their team around size and length as opposed to the small ball epidemic that has ravaged the league in the pace & space era. They’re one of the teams best equipped to beat the Warriors because of their length, which allows them to switch freely and dominate the boards.

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The biggest concern for Utah is their lack of a superstar. Gordon Hayward is a future All-Star who averaged 20/5/4 last season with a 56 percent true shooting percentage, and although he is probably Utah’s best player, he’s no where near the level of other stars in the game. Rodney Hood is an up and coming guard, but he still needs to develop the right side of his game. Derrick Favors has shown the ability to score, but with Utah’s lack of spacing, he probably shouldn’t be relied upon to score buckets in bunches.

Maybe the Jazz will become one of those”sum greater than parts” teams, but with the off-season acquisitions of George Hill, Boris Diaw, and Joe Johnson, the Jazz are on their way to the top of the conference.

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