In a year where the Utah Jazz were ready to make a run, they picked up Bojan Bogdanovic, Mike Conley, and Jordan Clarkson. This led to them being the sixth seed in a Covid-19 shortened season. They made some poise in the Orlando Bubble, giving the Nuggets a run for their money in a series that went to game seven.
Key Additions: Derrick Favors, Udoka Azubuike, Elijah Hughes
The Utah Jazz did not make any big splashes in the offseason this year, nor did they need to. They already have a formidable duo in Donovan Mitchell and Rudy Gobert.
However, the Jazz did bring Favors back to Utah after he was gone for a year. Bringing him back could be one of the most underrated moves in the entire offseason.
In the draft, the Jazz drafted Azubuike with their first-round selection. He will be a player that can stretch the floor, as a backup Center. He averaged 13.7 points, 10.5 rebounds, and 2.6 blocks his senior season with the Jayhawks.
The addition of Hughes is good as well. Selected in the second round, Hughes could be a nice role player with an impressive ceiling. He averaged 19.1 points, 4.9 rebounds and 3.4 assists with Syracuse last year.
By far, the biggest moves the Jazz made this offseason was extending the contracts of Jordan Clarkson and Donovan Mitchell.
Key Losses: Ed Davis, Tony Bradley, Dante Exum and Jeff Green
Although, losing these players will not be a big deal. It does hurt the depth a little. The Jazz only have two true big men on the roster and the backup is a rookie.
Starting Lineup: Mike Conley, Donovan Mitchell, Bojan Bogdanovic, Derrick Favors, Rudy Gobert
The Jazz return their starting rotation from last season. The only difference is that Derrick Favors will start instead of Joe Ingles. Both Clarkson and Ingles will come off the bench and lead the second unit in scoring.
Season Outlook:
Last year, the Jazz were a middle of the pack team over in the crowded Western Conference. They finished as the 6th seed as stated above. It seems as though, they will be middle of the pack this season as well. With the west getting even more crowded, will the Jazz be good enough to make the playoffs? If so, where will they finish? Do they have enough depth on the bench? Will they get help? These are all questions that will be answered throughout the season.
Support us on Patreon!!!
Like us on Facebook!!!!
Follow on Instagram!!!!
