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Utah Jazz Use Welcome Break To Rest

Make no mistake about it–the Utah Jazz have been off-kilter in their last two preseason games against the Phoenix Suns and the Portland Trail Blazers. Following their early travel schedule and two-game Hawaiian set, the recent one-week break was undoubtedly a welcome respite for their tired legs.

The team resumes play on Sunday in a rematch with the Blazers. Weber State alum and former All-Star Damian Lillard is expected to play in the rematch after missing the game in Salt Lake City.

On One Hand

What have Jazz players been up to during the layoff?

Coach Quin Synder considered the break as a second training camp. The time off allowed the Jazz to tighten up their plays, tune up their shooting and get their legs back under them. They are not practicing on Saturday and will travel to Portland for the game with the Trail Blazers.

Earlier this week, defensive guru Tom Thibodeau visited practice and worked with Jazz coaches and players. Imagine adding Thibs’ point of view to last year’s historic second half defense of 94.8 DRtg.

On Friday, the Jazz held an open practice for the public. The scrimmage has become an annual tradition for the Jazz, with fans flocking to EnergySolutions Arena in large numbers to see them. One player who didn’t take the court was Gordon Hayward, who was held out with a back contusion.

Hayward’s playing status will be reconsidered on a day-to-day basis.

On the Other Hand

Before people conclude that Derrick Favors is always going to struggle defending stretch bigs, it is important to note that some of the perceived miscues can be attributed to Utah’s defensive schemes on screen-roll action and the position they leave him in.

If you look at the above video, you can see that there were just two possessions during which Meyers Leonard scored from outside with Favors and Rudy Gobert on the floor together. On other possessions, Favors was the only rim protector and was sliding to the paint to protect the rim.

This is where Hayward and other Jazz defenders need to step in and compensate. If these help defenders can be created, I have no doubt that Favors can hold his own against stretch bigs–even if it means defending them at the three-point line.

Dante Exum and Elijah Millsap help majorly in avoiding these situations, as they have an excellent ability to slide over screens. Millsap was special in this department–per Vantage Sports, he allowed the fewest points per screen among non-bigs to defend at least 500 pick-and-rolls.

With Hayward’s physical tools, there is no reason he can’t be a great defender as well. His chase down blocks show his sense of timing and defensive instincts. Whatever steps Gordon can take in that direction could determine the ceiling for the Jazz.

This is also an area where Trevor Booker must improve. Booker is an energizer of the bench and is the emotional leader of the team, but is in a battle to hold off talented rookie Trey Lyles at the power forward spot. Using his energy, athleticism and willingness to mix it up in the paint to wreak havoc defensively would definitely help his cause.

Other News

It’s sad to see what’s happening with Lamar Odom. As a Jazz fan, I hated how Odom dominated the Jazz and his match-up with Carlos Boozer during the Deron Williams era. Still, it’s difficult not to feel for him in this situation. His fall from grace has been swift and sad to see.

Odom has reportedly shown signs of improvement in recent days. All of us here at Purple & Blues wish him and his family the best in facing the challenges they are faced with.

Next: Should Jazz Go All In on Rudy Gobert

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