Utah Jazz: Four Players That Have to Break Out in 16-17

Feb 12, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; World player Trey Lyles (41) dribbles the ball as U.S player Rodney Hood (5) defends in the first half during the Rising Stars Challenge basketball game at Air Canada Centre. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 12, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; World player Trey Lyles (41) dribbles the ball as U.S player Rodney Hood (5) defends in the first half during the Rising Stars Challenge basketball game at Air Canada Centre. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
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Jan 10, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Utah Jazz guard Rodney Hood (5) defends as Utah Jazz forward Trey Lyles (41) blocks a pass under the basket by Los Angeles Lakers guard Louis Williams (23) in the first quarter of the game at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 10, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Utah Jazz guard Rodney Hood (5) defends as Utah Jazz forward Trey Lyles (41) blocks a pass under the basket by Los Angeles Lakers guard Louis Williams (23) in the first quarter of the game at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports

As the Utah Jazz look to prove themselves as playoff contenders in the Western Conference, four players in particular will have to have an incredible season in 2016-17.

After a rough few years for the Utah Jazz, the 2016-17 roster finally looks capable of making some noise in the Western Conference and putting together a successful season.

With the combination of “win-now” trades, a veteran free agent signing and ongoing internal improvement to a talented core, many experts have the Jazz picked as a playoff-worthy squad and possessors of one of the elite benches in the league.

However, for all this to really come together, certain Jazz players in particular will have to break out this season and put together a phenomenal year.

While there’s still room for Gordon Hayward and Derrick Favors, the players typically recognized as the team’s leading duo, to improve, in many ways they are already close to where they need to be in order for this team to be successful.

However, if Utah really hopes to take their game to the next level, there are four players in particular who absolutely must step up this year.

Next: Rodney Hood