Utah Jazz: 3 candidates for a breakout season in 2019-20

3. Tony Bradley

Previously mentioned in the first slide, Tony Bradley is one of the younger players on the Utah Jazz at just 21 years old. He’s been in the league for two years, but hasn’t seen quality playing time in that short span.

In his first season, Bradley only saw playing time in nine games, and averaged less than one point per game, in only 3.2 minutes per game. In year number two, his minutes rose to 12.0 per game, yet he only played in three contests.

In those three games, Bradley’s numbers rose to 5.7 points, 5.0 rebounds, and .7 blocks per game. To make those numbers slightly better, three of those five rebounds per game came on the offensive side of the ball.

Bradley’s main problem has definitely been his minutes, or lack of. Bradley has had too many players ahead of him on the depth chart, and hasn’t been able to find consistent time unless there were any injuries.

Ahead of him on the roster were players like Rudy Gobert, Derrick Favors, and even Ekpe Udoh. Udoh, an NBA journeyman, played 51 games last season and averaged less points than Bradley, albeit in less minutes, too.

Even so, that is 48 more games than Bradley played and Udoh couldn’t find more playing time or produce more in his on-court action.

Favors has left the Jazz to go to the New Orleans Pelicans. That move left the team with a hole at center, one that they filled with the pickup of Ed Davis.

Those moves will most likely result in Bradley becoming the third-string center. Any injuries to Gobert or Davis will open up a chance for Bradley to showcase his skills.

However, it still feels a year too early for Bradley to be a part of the rotation for every game. Look for him to improve upon his statistics from last season, but don’t expect too many games from him if he stays at that third string center position.