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Utah Jazz Are Biggest Threat To Golden State Warriors In Western Conference

By Justin Rowan

Nov 15, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; Utah Jazz forward Gordon Hayward (20) and forward Derrick Favors (15) react after defeating the Atlanta Hawks at Philips Arena. The Jazz defeated the Hawks 97-96. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 15, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; Utah Jazz forward Gordon Hayward (20) and forward Derrick Favors (15) react after defeating the Atlanta Hawks at Philips Arena. The Jazz defeated the Hawks 97-96. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports /
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Apr 18, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Indiana Pacers guard George Hill (3) drives to the basket against Toronto Raptors guard DeMar DeRozan (10) in game two of the first round of the 2016 NBA Playoffs at Air Canada Centre. The Raptors beat the Pacers 98-87. Mandatory Credit: Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 18, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Indiana Pacers guard George Hill (3) drives to the basket against Toronto Raptors guard DeMar DeRozan (10) in game two of the first round of the 2016 NBA Playoffs at Air Canada Centre. The Raptors beat the Pacers 98-87. Mandatory Credit: Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports /

Improved Depth

Last season it wouldn’t be a stretch to suggest that the Utah Jazz had the worst point guard rotation in the NBA. With all due respect to Trey Burke, Shelvin Mack and Raul Neto, none of them are truly starting NBA players.

The addition of George Hill is a game changer for the Jazz. While Hill isn’t a top tier point guard, he’s a well above-average starter that can both play on ball and off ball. This will be a major key for playing alongside Gordon Hayward, who can also provide playmaking.

The fact that Gobert and Favors were so productive without a point guard getting them easy looks bodes well for them having breakout years this season.

Hill isn’t the only offensive addition that will help the Jazz this year. In addition to Hill, Boris Diaw and Joe Johnson should help elevate a Jazz attack that was ranked 17th in offensive efficiency last season.

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All three summer additions will provide three-point shooting to an offense that desperately needed it, while Hill and Diaw will provide experience and play-making to a relatively young Jazz core.

The wildcard for Utah will prove to be Dante Exum. The 21-year-old former fifth overall pick missed last season after tearing his ACL. While the Jazz don’t need him at point guard, if he were to have a strong impact off the bench next season it could help put the team over the top.

At 6-foot-6, he has the frame to have an impact on the defensive end of the floor. Having him learn from another long veteran point guard in Hill should help his development in a big way.

Last season the Jazz were able to challenge the Warriors twice at home, losing by three points in the first and in overtime late in the season. Utah has a distinct home-court advantage due to Salt Lake City’s elevation of more than 4,000 feet above sea level.

When you factor the improved depth their roster possesses, the home-court advantage and the fact that the Warriors gutted a lot of their depth to sign Durant; you can begin to see how the Jazz could be a problem come the playoffs.

Next: Length and Defense

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