Utah Jazz: Biggest strengths and weaknesses for 2017-18

Weakness No. 3: Injuries

There wasn’t a team hit harder by injuries in 2016-17 than the Utah Jazz. Derrick Favors, George Hill and Rodney Hood were shuffled in and out of the starting lineup all season, making it difficult for the Jazz to gain any continuity.

While those injuries appear to be healing well, a return to full strength takes court time. There isn’t a preseason drill that can replicate the rigor of running up and down the floor during a game.

Until we see them take the court, there’s only social media and the odd quote to determine their offseason recovery status.

Favors managed just 50 games with a nagging knee injury last season, but his offseason social’s will be giving Jazz fans hope he’s well and truly down the road of recovery. The now-departed Hill suffered a variety of maladies but his replacement, Ricky Rubio, has played back-to-back 75+ game seasons. Rodney Hood, at only 24 years old, also struggled with his knees but has age on his side and will be expected to bounce back in 2017-18.

To expect an injury-free season is setting yourself up for disappointment, but the Jazz desperately needs an improvement in 2017-18.

To combat their recent history, Utah made a key front office signing that will only improve their health and limit the time any injured players spend on the sideline. Former NBA strength and conditioning coach of the year, Mike Elliot, arrives from the Phoenix Suns to take up the role of vice president of performance health care.

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Elliot will have his work cut out for him and will play a significant role in how the Jazz fare this season. Unlike last season when they could keep afloat with key players in street clothes, a long-term injury or two could derail this season entirely.