The Utah Jazz had one of the best and busiest summers in the league. However, no one is really giving them the attention they deserve.
When the Utah Jazz lost in the first round of the 2019 NBA Playoffs last spring, they had one thing on their mind: improving the roster. Heading into the free agency period, no one considered them a threat for notable free agents. The team had other plans, though.
When the clock struck 6 p.m. ET on June 30, signings were happening left and right. News of star players switching teams, and some staying with their team, were surfacing every few minutes. The Jazz, though, were signing under-the-radar players to fill out a solid starting five.
First, they signed Bojan Bogdanovic to a four-year deal worth $73 million. Bogdanovic was a key piece for the Pacers in the 2018-19 season, guiding them to the playoffs even with their star player, Victor Oladipo, sidelined. Bogdanovic averaged a career-high 18.2 points per game, along with 4.1 rebounds and 2.0 assists a night. He also shot a blistering 42.5 percent from the 3-point line, making him a perfect addition alongside Donovan Mitchell.
And how could anyone forget the trade for Mike Conley, in which the Jazz ridded themselves of Ricky Rubio, and replaced him with a veteran, gritty point guard? The trade was perfect for the Jazz, as they had always been searching for a running mate for Mitchell.
Memphis has traded guard Mike Conley to the Utah Jazz for Grayson Allen, Kyle Korver and Jae Crowder, the 23rd pick in Thursday's Draft and a future first-round pick, league sources tell ESPN.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 19, 2019
The team also signed great role player in Ed Davis, who is a perfect locker room guy and a wonderful teammate to have. If you don’t believe me, take it from this CBS Sports article that detailed stories from Damian Lillard and others.
The Jazz have put together a team of winners. They are leaders, as well as great teammates. A starting lineup of Conley, Mitchell, Bogdanovic, Joe Ingles and Rudy Gobert has everything you want in a starting five. Including their key pieces off the bench like Ed Davis, Emmanuel Mudiay, Jeff Green and Royce O’Neale, this team has everything it needs to make a deep run.
Overall, the Utah Jazz had a fairly quiet, yet busy, offseason. Do not be surprised if they sneak into the top four in the loaded West. They have the leadership, scoring, defense and depth to compete with the best of teams. They will be one of the more fun teams to watch too, as no one will be demanding the spotlight every game. It’ll sure be interesting to see how the Jazz do this upcoming season.