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3 reasons Utah Jazz will make the 2019 NBA Playoffs

By KC Whitten

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - MARCH 07: Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Utah Jazz talks with Quin Snyder of the Utah Jazz during a break in action against the Indiana Pacers at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on March 7, 2018 in Indianapolis, Indiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement.(Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - MARCH 07: Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Utah Jazz talks with Quin Snyder of the Utah Jazz during a break in action against the Indiana Pacers at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on March 7, 2018 in Indianapolis, Indiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement.(Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) /
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Photo by Melissa Majchrzak/NBAE via Getty Images
Photo by Melissa Majchrzak/NBAE via Getty Images /

1. Quin Snyder

When the Utah Jazz hired head coach Quin Snyder in 2014, he had coached in zero NBA games. The coaching staff he assembled had limited NBA experience, and few expected immediate success. Fast forward four years later, and Snyder is considered as one of the top coaches in the league.

He did a remarkable job last season keeping the team focused. The departure of a superstar player usually spells doom for an NBA franchise. In addition to the loss of Gordon Hayward to Boston, his star center was injured for one-third of the season. The Jazz were afterthoughts following their 19-28 start, yet Snyder coached them into one of the hottest teams in the NBA entering the playoffs.

One of Snyder’s greatest strengths is something that’s already been mentioned — the familiarity he has with Utah’s roster. He will enter training camp with basically the same group of players he coached last season. Instead of focusing on building chemistry, he can work on tweaking lineups and focus more on preparation for individual opponents.

Snyder is also brilliant making adjustments. In their 2018 first round playoff series against the Oklahoma City Thunder, Paul George lit them up for 36 points in a Game 1 loss. Snyder adjusted his defensive scheme to lock George down, and forced OKC into difficult shots the rest of the series. In the series-clinching Game 6 win, George was held to a meager five points.

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Other than the Golden State Warriors, the Jazz enter the new season with a roster that has more team chemistry than any other club. As Snyder continues to work his magic, he should be able to lead the Jazz on another memorable postseason run.

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