Options For The Utah Jazz With Dante Exum Out

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Dec 19, 2014; Orlando, FL, USA; Utah Jazz guard Alec Burks (10) passes the ball against the Orlando

Magic during the second half at Amway Center. Utah Jazz defeated the Orlando Magic 101-94. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-

USA TODAY Sports

Getting Clever with the Rotation

The third thing that the Jazz could do following the loss of Exum is to play PG-less basketball. Last year, Exum did not assume typical point guard duties on offense and was not much of a facilitator. The Jazz were able to get away with that because they had Hayward and Hood, who are both fantastic ball handlers and distributors for wings.

Now the Jazz are getting Alec Burks back as well. The team could look to play a lineup of Burks, Hood, Hayward, Derrick Favors, and Rudy Gobert. I know Alec Burks is not a point guard, though ESPN cannot seem to figure that out, but he would not have to be.

Quin talks about ‘position-less’ basketball often, and the Jazz could use this philosophy to keep their best players on the court. As far as offense goes, Hayward and Hood would take on the ball handling and distributing responsibilities. The Jazz also have Trevor Booker and Joe Ingles who are pretty good ball handlers as well.

It would almost be like Alec is playing SG on offense, but playing PG on defense. This lineup would be a match-up nightmare for opposing defenses. Which player does the other team’s PG guard? Alec? That should be fun…

Burks has the athleticism to stay in front of point guards and guard them, so defensively this lineup could work. I think we will see Quin use this lineup throughout the year. There is a bit of a logjam at the wing positions anyway, so this lineup would allow you to get all your best players plenty of minutes.

Whatever the Jazz end up doing now that Dante Exum is likely out for the year, fans can rest assured knowing two things. First, Dennis Lindsey and the staff will look into every option. They have been very thorough, and have not given fans a reason to doubt.

Second, if any coach can make the best out of a bad situation, it’s Quin Snyder. The Jazz started Joe Ingles and Elijah Millsap for 37 games last year. Many would argue that they are D-League level players, yet Snyder brought the best out of them. He took a team that lost one of its best players and exceeded expectations.

I’m sure Snyder already has oodles of notes on what he plans to do now that Exum is out. Jazz fans should be excited knowing that he is the guy behind the wheel. Coach Quin will help the team thrive until Dante Exum is back and healthy.

Next: Derrick Favors Snubbed From USA Minicamp Roster

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