Utah Jazz: 5 takeaways from 2017-18 NBA season

4. Joe Ingles was not overpaid

On July 1, 2017, the Utah Jazz announced that they were signing swingman Joe Ingles to a four-year, $52 million contract. Cast off by the Los Angeles Clippers in 2014, Ingles signed with the Utah Jazz and became an important part of the rotation. He was crucial in a first round victory over the Los Angeles Clippers in 2017, guarding point guard Chris Paul and knocking down shots on the other end.

Even with Ingles’ versatility, he was viewed by most as a journeyman — a useful piece but not one worth anything resembling $13 million per season. The signing was viewed as more of an incentive for All-Star forward Gordon Hayward to re-sign with the Jazz. When he left for Boston, the Ingles contract looked like an overpay.

While the contract may not be a steal, it certainly has not turned out to be a mistake. Ingles was the quintessential role player this season for the Jazz, starting at the 3 all season long. He averaged 11.5 points, 4.8 assists and 4.2 rebounds per game, hitting 2.5 3-pointers a night at a 44 percent clip — ranking fifth in the league.

That production did not drop off in the playoffs either, as Ingles lit up defenses that refused to take him seriously. After breaking the 20-point mark just seven times in the regular season, he dropped 20+ points in two-straight games against the Oklahoma City Thunder, both Utah wins. In Game 2 against Houston, Ingles put up a career-high 27 points, shooting 7-for-9 from beyond the arc.

Playing as a secondary option alongside Donovan Mitchell, Ingles has the chops to live up to his contract. He certainly did in year one.