Utah Jazz: 5 lineups to watch for in 2017-18
By Adam Coffman
Feature Dante
- PG: Dante Exum
- SG: Rodney Hood
- SF: Joe Ingles
- PF: Joe Johnson
- C: Rudy Gobert
As a fourth-year player (albeit with only two seasons under his belt), this season will be crucial for Dante Exum and his future with the Jazz. Exum is eligible for an extension this fall, but the more likely scenario involves his restricted free agency next summer.
His future earnings and role depend almost entirely upon his production next season, so it’s in the Jazz’s best interest to figure out exactly what they have.
His ball-handling has improved, but Exum is still best used off the ball, where his momentum off cuts can absolve some of the spacing issues his lack of shooting ability creates. Rodney Hood and Joe Johnson can both act as playmakers to take some of the responsibility off the youngster’s shoulders.
Rudy Gobert will be Exum’s main pick-and-roll partner, as his rolling to the rim could create an inside-out gravity that frees up the point guard more.
Related Story: The Future for Exum and Rubio
With the exception of Johnson, every other player in the lineup is an adept defender that can switch across multiple positions, which is advantageous considering the slower pace this lineup will have to play at.
Expect Ricky Rubio to receive the lion’s share of minutes at the point guard spot, but the Jazz would do well to put their backup in a spot to succeed.