Five Things the Utah Jazz Need to Make the Playoffs

Final Thoughts

So there you have it. There are five key things the Jazz have to focus on if they hope to finally seize their opportunities and qualify for the postseason.

One item that you may have noticed was left off the list is the NBA Draft. While it’s certainly important for the Jazz to do the best they can to draft successfully (or trade the pick, as I explored here), for the first time in quite a few years, the draft won’t be as vital to their playoff chances.

Having already rounded up so many valuable young players and considering the Jazz’s pick falls at No. 12, it isn’t likely that they’re going to be able to bring someone in who instantly reverses their fortunes. Therefore, while the draft shouldn’t be overlooked, it certainly doesn’t seem like it yield a vital piece for 2016-17.

Nevertheless, as Utah continues to focus not only on instant success, but building an eventual championship caliber team, the draft certainly is an important factor for the long run.

Next: Jazz Pre-Draft Workouts Continue, Matt Harpring

However, looking ahead to the upcoming season, free agency, smart trades, slipping competition, internal improvements and health seem to be the vital ingredients to success. If the Jazz can put all these pieces together, expect to finally be watching them beyond the middle of April.