Jan 28, 2015; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Utah Jazz players (from left) Steve Novak and Chris Johnson and Ian Clark and Elijah Millsap and Trevor Booker and Rudy Gobert react from the bench area during the second half against the Los Angeles Clippers at EnergySolutions Arena. The Clippers won 94-89. Mandatory Credit: Russ Isabella-USA TODAY Sports
Looking back on the Utah Jazz 2014-15 season that was. 22 players logged minutes, some stepped forward, others back. Some were called up from the ether, others packed bags for alternate destinations.
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Most of these players didn’t get the same kind of long burn with two different teams the way Enes Kanter did.
Ian Clark and Steve Novak who are a little more veteran (especially Novak…) saw significantly more time than Grant Jerret. We’ll try not to read too much into the numbers because of the small sample size and instead try to grasp where the two young players are projecting to be and if Novak has outlived his usefulness.
2014-15 Season Stats
30 GP, 6.4 MPG, 1.9 PPG, 0.5 RPG, 0.4 APG, 0.3 SPG, 0.1 BPG, 34.5 FG%, 33.3 3P%, 100 FT%, 99 ORtg, 106 DRtg
Strengths
He was Rudy’s best buddy when they came in together as rookies. I still remember someone — I want to say it was Jody Genessy — writing about their bromance. If you ask Clint Peterson he’ll happily link you the video with Ian trying sushi for the first time.
Ian had a good stint with the Idaho Stampede this year. I really liked this kid and hope he gets a chance to sign with the Denver Nuggets. He wasn’t technically traded, rather waived. Here’s to memories Ian!
Jazz rookies Rudy Gobert and Ian Clark have been called up from their D-League adventure in Bakersfield. They'll be in Utah later today.
— Jody Genessy (@DJJazzyJody) January 12, 2014
Weaknesses
Clark posted a better defensive rating in Denver than he did in his time with the Jazz. He only played about seven games in Denver so it’s too soon to tell how much was due to improved defense by Clark himself. Happy trails Ian! We’re all rooting for you!
2014-15 Season Stats
35 GP, 5.6 MP, 1.8 PPG, 0.6 RPG, 0.3 APG, 0.0 SPG, 0.1 BPG, 39.3 FG%, 39.6 3P%, 56.3 FT%, 111 ORtg, 111 DRtg
Strengths
Three point shooting and maturity/veteran prescence. Yeah I think that’s about it. No offense Mr. Novak sir. It is worth noting that the numbers say Novak was more effective on offense in Utah and slightly less of a liability on defense as well. The contrast being 128 ORtg in Utah vs 84 ORtg in OKC and a 109 DRtg in Utah with 112 DRtg in OKC.
Weaknesses
Defense. Creating shots for others, passing, pretty much everything but shooting. Here’s his exit interview from OKC:
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2014-15 Season Stats
8 GP, 6.4 MPG, 0.9 PPG, 1.1 RPG, 0.4 APG, 0.3 SPG, 0.3 BPG, 26.9% FGs, 6.7% 3 FGs, 100% FTs, 69 ORtg, 103 DRtg
Strengths
When he moved from the Thunder to the Jazz he saw improvement in both in offensive and defensive ratings. His field goal percentages increased drastically except for his 3 point shooting. All this happened in about the same amount of time Grant only played 26 minutes for the Thunder and 25 minutes for the Jazz.
Weaknesses
Even with this small sample size I think it’s safe to say he’s not a great 3 point shooter. Other than that it’s really hard to tell with a guy who got as little burn as Grant did. For more on Jerrett checkout his profile at draftexpress.com.