Let’s face it, the Utah Jazz aren’t generally on most people’s must-watch list, even when they were a good team. Back when Stockton and Malone were pick and rolling their way around the NBA, they were most people’s definition of boring (truth be told, they were actually one of my favourite teams, then). And now that they aren’t winning, no one is lining up to see the team. On Grantland’s annual NBA League Pass rankings, the Jazz came third last (the Raptors came 11th).
That’s not to say there isn’t reason to watch this game. First of all, it’s likely the Raptors will get a win, since they aren’t likely to lose two in a row at home, after losing a tough one against the Bulls Thursday.
The Jazz have some nice, young talent and their future looks fairly bright. Gordon Hayward may not be underpaid, after striking it rich in the offseason, he’s rarely mentioned among the top young players in the league despite his all around talent. This year might change that. Although it’s early, he’s averaging career highs in scoring and rebounding, seems to have regained his shooting touch he had early in his career and is doing his best to earn his paycheque.
Another player who seems to finally be living up to his potential is Derrick Favors (or Favours, when he plays in Canada). The key player coming back to Utah in the Deron Williams trade, Favors improved marginally each year, but never made the leap most expected of him. This year he’s scoring 16.3 ppg on 53% shooting, while still being a force on the defensive end and on the boards.
Enes Kanter has not improved nearly as much as one would have hoped, since the Jazz took him at number three, in 2011 (two spots ahead of Valanciunas), but he’s still a serviceable center who can rebound, defend and score a little bit. And he’s still only 22 years old, so it’s a little early to write him off just yet.
And then there’s the Australian.
When the Jazz chose Dante Exum with the 5th pick, it certainly wasn’t unexpected, but there were many who pegged Exum as a bust. The entire basketball resume consisted of a Nike Hoop Summit and a few international games, which made a lot of people very uncomfortable about making any judgements on him.
Bill Simmons and Jalen Rose touted him as the next lottery bust.
But then in preseason, he started to turn heads. That’s not to say he’s going to be an All Star anytime soon, and his numbers certainly don’t jump out at you, but he’s definitely got talent. And five years from now, it’s doubtful the Jazz will regret taking him where they did.
The Jazz are sitting at just 4-6, but they are coming off a big win in New York last night. But the Raptors are going to be on a mission after their loss.
THREE THINGS TO WATCH
Is DeRozan Slumping?
As William Lou already pointed out, we’ve seen a drop in DeRozan’s offensive production, so the question is whether he’s slumping, or team’s are starting to figure him out. In truth, it’s probably a little bit of both. DeRozan is a good scorer from inside the arc, but he’s still not a consistent threat from three and his defense still leaves a lot to be desired.
He’ll no doubt figure it out soon and return to his regular production, but until then the Raptors need to make sure they get offensive production from elsewhere.
When Will Casey Unleash Valanciunas?
Jonas hasn’t played more than 28 minutes in a game so far, and is now averaging fewer minutes than in his rookie season. But while his shooting percentage is down, his production is actually career highs in just about every other category. He just can’t stay on the floor.
Valanciunas has struggled defensively, this year, and he’s still got the maddening habit of bringing the offense to a grinding halt when he gets the ball in the post, which makes actually going to him counter productive.
Despite the WInning, Are There Things To Be Concerned About?
The Raptors are in 5th and 6th in Defensive and Offensive Rating, and are tied for first in the East, so does that mean there’s nothing wrong?
Well, no.
Apart from DeRozan’s struggles, the Raptors are right near the bottom of the league in assists, which tends to mean a lot of one on one play. Teams can defend this unless you’ve got a Kobe or LeBron, so improving ball movement should definitely be a priority.
BREAKDOWN
STARTERS
The Jazz actually have a decent starting five but the Raptors could be better at every single position.
Edge: Raptors
BENCH
The Jazz’s bench is very young and very shallow. No contest.
Edge: Raptors
COACHING
The Jazz don’t Tyrone Corbin, anymore, so no matter what, this is a plus over last year. Quin Snyder might be a good coach, but it’s too early to tell.
Edge: Raptors
PREDICTION
The Jazz may give it a run, but are overmatched.
Score: Raptors 105 – Jazz 98
