Utah Jazz: 2017-18 NBA season preview
By Jason Oliver
Predictions
It’s going to require a blessing from the NBA gods, but if this team stays relatively healthy, it’s playoffs or bust.
A potential threat to the West’s elite, now an expected playoffs absentee, the Jazz are playing with a chip on their shoulder. They will be desperate to show their erstwhile All-Star what could have been and prove life goes on without him.
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The doubt surrounding the club will work in their favor. Always under the radar, it won’t be until the All-Star break that the Jazz get any credit. Instead of jostling for the playoffs as many expect, they’ll be fighing for seeding and a favorable first round matchup.
On the back of Defensive Player of the Year winner Rudy Gobert, the Jazz will surprise the league in a direct replica of the doubt that surrounds the San Antonio Spurs every season.
The old heads of Joe Johnson and Joe Ingles will be consistent as ever. Meanwhile, Dante Exum is a chance at having his name mentioned in the Sixth Man of the Year and Most Improved Player categories.
It remains to be seen the impact Donovan Mitchell has on this season. Averaging 10 points per game isn’t out of the question for a professional scorer like Mitchell, but he will have to earn the minutes first. Rodney Hood and Alec Burks’ returns to health stand in his way but if either lapse, Burks in particular, the minutes are there for Mitchell to pounce.
The Jazz have their leader, their veterans and their young talent ready to improve. The expectations for 2017-18 are high, maybe too high, but they aren’t unattainable. At this stage in Utah’s renovation, playoff experience is invaluable and the No. 1 goal for the season.
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They will finish in the vicinity of a 45-37 record, which will have them jumping between sixth and seventh in the West.