Utah Jazz Preseason Primer

October 19, 2014; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Utah Jazz guard Alec Burks (10) scores a basket against the Los Angeles Lakers during the first half at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

The wait is almost over for Utah Jazz fans. The preseason begins on Sunday and the next six months will pass like a breeze, even in the inevitably bitter cold Utah weather. There are many interesting storylines to follow between training camp and beginning of the season (October 28).

Jazz will start the preseason against the sworn enemy of most Jazz fans–the Los Angeles Lakers. Utah will play seven preseason games overall, four away games and three home games. Two of the four away games will be against Lakers in Honolulu.

Some of the storylines to watch during the preseason:

How will Jazz trim the roster?

As per NBA mandate, a team can carry only 15 players. The Jazz have traditionally gone with 14 players to maintain flexibility during trades. The training camp roster currently stands at 20. Seven of them are on minimum contracts and/or non-guaranteed deals.

I, for one, think that Jazz will break their pattern and retain 15 players to begin the season. Who is going to make the 15-man roster? Who will end up with the Idaho Stampede?

Who will start at PG?

It’s looking like Trey Burke will be given one more chance to prove that he is a starting-caliber PG. Still, Jazz coach Quin Snyder will probably try out all options (Raul Neto and Bryce Cotton) during the preseason games.

I have a feeling that this position is going to be the musical chairs spot for the Jazz throughout the season. Coach Q also has the option of playing Alec Burks at the point and may even go ultra big in spots with Joe Ingles or Rodney Hood at PG.

Who will start at SG?

The flashy Burks vs. the dependable Hood. This is probably the most difficult decision of the year for Snyder. Both can be destructive to the opposition on any given night. Game situation and match-ups may determine who is going to play more from game to game.

Because of his ability to create floor spacing, I like Hood as starting SG. Burks against opposing bench players would be utterly unfair to the other team. However, Burks could also slide to the point on some nights.

Is Tibor Pleiss NBA ready?

Tibor Pleiss is a presence at seven-foot-two. Will he be able to stretch the floor? He may have the license to let it fly during preseason, which would give us a better idea about his capabilities as a floor-spacer.

What will the big man rotation be?

Will Trey Lyles have a role? Will Trevor Booker be the first big man of the bench? Can Jeff Withey get into the rotation (or even secure a roster spot)? Is Tibor ready? The Jazz frontcourt is long–even the bench players. How they mesh together will be interesting to see.

Between training camp and the start of the 2015-16 NBA season, there will be a couple of heartbreaking cuts from the team, including some fan favorites. However, I have little doubt that Dennis Lindsey will explore all options for the betterment of the team before making decisions.

The season cannot start fast enough!

Next: News and Notes from Utah Jazz Media Day

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