UTAH JAZZ: 35.5 WINS – UNDER
Key Additions
- John Collins (trade)
- Omer Yurseven (free agency)
- Taylor Hendricks (draft)
- Keyonte George (draft)
- Brice Sensabaugh (draft)
Key Subtractions
- Rudy Gay….I guess?
Rotation
- Guards
- Collin Sexton, Jordan Clarkson, Kris Dunn, Keyonte George
- Wings
- Ochai Agbaji, Talen Horton-Tucker, Brice Sensabaugh, Simone Fontecchio
- Forwards
- Lauri Markkanen, John Collins, Taylor Hendricks
- Bigs
- Walker Kessler, Kelly Olynyk, Omer Yurtseven
Random thoughts, opinions, comments, declarations, queries, editorials, etc.
As stated previously when covering the Wolves, Trader Dan certainly got the best of Tim Connelly. Turned Rudy Gobert into five 1st round picks and Walker Kessler. Then nearly duplicated it by taking disgruntled Donovan Mitchell and turning him into a very gruntled Lauri Markkanen, along with Collin Sexton, Ochai Agbaji, 3 future unprotected first round picks from the Cavs, with a couple pick swaps thrown in for good measure. That said, the best move Ainge made was snagging Will Hardy from the Celtics. One of the youngest coaches in the league, Hardy also happens to be one of the most innovative, turning Markkanen into an all-star (and Most Improved Player) and dusting off a resurgent Kris Dunn.
However, a full year without Mike Conley only hurts them, and Ainge has no intention of making the playoffs this year, as he’s in full tank mode. Despite John “Trade Block” Collins’s strong play while looking for redemption in Utah, expect a step back from the Jazz this season, partly due to the loss of Conley, but mostly due to the West’s overall improvement across the board. Additionally, Keyonte George, Collin Sexton, and Jordan Clarkson are all essentially the same player. But Keyonte is cheaper. Wouldn’t be shocked if Ainge trades Sexton & Clarkson at the deadline for even more draft picks.
Last Year – Interesting Stats
- Finished 5th in 3 point attempts per game, but 20th in percentage.
- Lauri flirted with a 50/40/90 season
- Kris Dunn averaged 13 ppg. He played 18 total games in the previous 2 seasons combined
- Went 8-14 post Mike Conley trade
Keys to Success
Lauri & Collins figure a way to compliment each other, Ochai & “Walker Texas Ranger Kessler Edwards” take a step
Potential Obstacles
Lauri & Collins detract from each other, Hardy is forced to play Dunn big minutes, Sexton & Clarkson try to out-Lou Williams each other, Ainge reminds everyone they’re supposed to be tanking and trades away their best players
Hot takes
- Kris Dunn starts more games than Collin Sexton
- Keyonte George outplays Taylor Hendricks
- Lauri Markkanen tries to grow a beard
STANDINGS PREDICTION: 14TH IN THE WEST
