3) Lack of Depth
This directly coincides with injuries, but still, the Jazz are not a deep team.
That’s the exact opposite of the way the league is trending. Take a look at the Golden State Warriors, San Antonio Spurs and Cleveland Cavaliers. All are considered title contenders and each team has an incredible amount of depth. It allows for their stars to get much-needed rest, while also distributing the responsibilities of winning games more evenly throughout the team.
With that, I’ve felt terrible for Gordon Hayward all season. Due to the lack of depth and injuries, he’s been shouldering an incredibly unfair load. He’s also been ripped to shreds by Jazz Nation, even while putting All-Star numbers. Let’s put a stop to that pronto.
Ultimately, the point I’m trying to make is that any team that is forced to play Jeff Withey, Trevor Booker, Joe Ingles and Chris Johnson significant minutes isn’t a playoff team.
Just take a look at this tweet. Without the core four (Gobert, Hayward, Hood and Favors) on the floor, the numbers are…. not good.
Per Locke:
— Jedi & Jerms & Devin (@jediandjerms) March 5, 2016
When all 4 of Hay/Fav/Gob/Hood on floor = +8
When 3 of 4 = +6
2 or less = -14#UTAatMEM
Silver lining: At least it’s painfully obvious what Jazz GM Dennis Lindsey needs to do this upcoming offseason.
Next: No.4: An Abysmal Bench