In the 2013-2014 NBA season, the Utah Jazz really didn’t make much progress, but on the other hand, they didn’t really set themselves up to be successful. Can this organization now take a step forward?
What Went Wrong Last Season?
Last year the Jazz just weren’t in a position to do much with their roster combination of way-too-raw talent and declining veterans. This offseason Utah took on the salaries of a couple of those veterans, Andris Biedrins and Richard Jefferson, to clear a lot of financial breathing room for the future and seemingly become even younger. As it turned out, that extra money went into resigning Gordon Hayward with a large deal despite a lot of activity on the market and some bidding for his services. Utah was reorganizing last season, and some of the league’s front office members accused them of tanking, and its roster was clearly outmatched in the ridiculously deep Western Conference. Players with five or more years of experience on the roster just didn’t have much to give to the team. Marvin Williams is not a next-level player. John Lucas and Brandon Rush, two fifth-year guys, didn’t leave much of a mark. Jamaal Tinsley, a tenth-year player, is winding down his career. The main players for the Jazz were third-year players or younger. That’s part of a project, not a part of a serious push for a playoff berth.
Exactly because the Jazz were so young, the team fell well below par in a lot of statistical measurements. The Jazz were 29th in the league in points scored. They were 26th in both assists and steals, 20th in blocked shots. Utah was 25th in three-point shooting percentage and field goal attempts. The team was 24th in field goal percentage and three-point shots made. The Jazz were 27th in field goals made and 23rd in three-point attempts.
Offseason Changes
The Jazz got rid of the deadwood known as Biedrins and Jefferson and parted with Jamaal Tinsley as well, making them a lot younger. Everything about this team is pointed in the direction of youth. Carrick Felix of Arizona State was one of this team’s acquisitions after he was drafted 33rd by the Cleveland Cavaliers. The big draft choice, in the top five of the 2014 NBA Draft, was guard Dante Exum from Australia. The Jazz are very excited about the possibilities that could flow from having Exum paired with point guard Trey Burke in the backcourt. Alec Burks projects to back up Burke at point guard. The Jazz also drafted Rodney Hood, a talented offensive player from Duke who will operate on the wing. The team also added veteran Steve Novak, a three-point shooter who can coexist with all the playmaking guards Utah is going to put on the court.
Projected Finish
The Jazz were at the bottom of the Western Conference last season, and they might very well end up in the same spot this season. There’s very little polished talent on this team. It’s a team that’s all potential with a lot of on-the-job lessons needing to be learned. Sacramento might fall behind the Jazz, and maybe New Orleans as well, but that’s about it.
Pick: 15th in the Western Conference
