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

By Jared Woodcox

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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Apr 10, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Utah Jazz forward Trey Lyles (41) controls the ball in the second quarter against the Denver Nuggets at the Pepsi Center. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 10, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Utah Jazz forward Trey Lyles (41) controls the ball in the second quarter against the Denver Nuggets at the Pepsi Center. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports /

Trey Lyles

If Trey Lyles‘ summer league play is any indication of what is in store for him this upcoming season, then Jazz fans are in for a real treat. Granted the competition in summer play is significantly lower than in an NBA contest, but nevertheless Lyles impressed with a mini break-out during the offseason.

Lyles’ improvement will be critical to ensure that Utah’s second unit truly is as dominant as many believe it can be. Where Trevor Booker used to be available to pick up the slack at the power forward spot while Derrick Favors was catching a break, it will now be up to Lyles to shoulder that load in an expanded role.

Sure, Boris Diaw will be around to mentor Lyles and bear some of that burden, but Lyles is the back-up power forward of the future and he has to display that potential in full force this season.

While the Jazz have an unusually deep set of guards and wings with the likes of Dante Exum, Shelvin Mack, Raul Neto, Alec Burks, Joe Ingles, and Joe Johnson all set to contribute off the bench, their frontcourt appears to not be quite as stacked.

However, if Lyles is able to step up and showcase the versatility that he displayed during the summer league, he could very well turn Utah’s seemingly lesser frontcourt into something truly special.

He has all the makings of a stretch-four that would increase the Jazz’s flexibility all the while making opposing teams miserable as they struggle to switch off between the crafty Lyles and the powerhouse Derrick Favors.

While it has been supposed that the Jazz will have a deep and talented 10-man rotation, Lyles’ vast improvement will be the key cog in truly making the second unit formidable.

Next: Rudy Gobert

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