Four Thoughts On Utah Jazz Newcomer Shelvin Mack

Turnover Concerns

In Mack’s first game in a Jazz uniform, he posted a terrific 6:1 assist to turnover ratio. However, in the second game he went the other direction with a ratio of 2:6. Several articles were quick to criticize Mack’s high number of turnovers as were the Jazz TV and radio announcers.

However, this almost overbearing criticism is quite unwarranted and a bit of an overreaction. First, the high turnover number shouldn’t overshadow the incredible positive impact that Mack has had on the team so far. Against Houston he once again posted a positive plus-minus mark of seven and hit key baskets in critical moments.

Also, not to downplay the severity of such a high turnover night if it were to become recurring, but it’s important to forget that it was only Mack’s second game in a new system with a completely new group of teammates and his first start in front of a brand new home crowd. A few miscues should be expected as he adapts to a different situation. As he gets comfortable with his new personnel and perhaps more importantly, as they get used to him, Mack should have no problem taking care of the ball.

Also, a lot of the turnovers that he committed weren’t necessarily his fault, but rather on a couple of occasions when he would go to make a pass, his teammates were unable to make the catch. It appeared that they were unsure of what Mack was doing and at times he caught them off guard. As familiarity increases, the turnovers will decrease. It’s reassuring to know that Mack has averaged a 2.7:1 assist to turnover ratio for his career which is significantly better than Trey Burke‘s 2:1 ratio this season and Raul Neto‘s which is about 1.8:1.

There’s no need to over exaggerate concerns over Mack’s turnover numbers against the Houston Rockets as he will surely adapt as he and his team become more familiar with one another.

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