Utah Jazz Training Camp Battles: Back-Up Wing

Apr 1, 2016; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Utah Jazz forward Joe Ingles (2) is fouled by Minnesota Timberwolves forward Nemanja Bjelica (88) in the third quarter at Vivint Smart Home Arena. The Utah Jazz defeated the Minnesota Timberwolves 98-85. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Swinger-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 1, 2016; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Utah Jazz forward Joe Ingles (2) is fouled by Minnesota Timberwolves forward Nemanja Bjelica (88) in the third quarter at Vivint Smart Home Arena. The Utah Jazz defeated the Minnesota Timberwolves 98-85. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Swinger-USA TODAY Sports /
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May 13, 2016; Miami, FL, USA; Miami Heat forward Joe Johnson (2) warms up before game six of the second round of the NBA Playoffs against the Toronto Raptors at American Airlines Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
May 13, 2016; Miami, FL, USA; Miami Heat forward Joe Johnson (2) warms up before game six of the second round of the NBA Playoffs against the Toronto Raptors at American Airlines Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports /

Joe Johnson

Although there are some legitimate concerns about Joe Johnson’s age, the veteran experience that comes with it is also what makes him so appealing and valuable to the Jazz.

Also, despite being 35 years old, Johnson still proved that he could ball last year by putting up an impressive 13.4 points per game on 51.8 percent shooting from the field and 41.7 percent from deep, all while starting every game as a member of the Miami Heat.

These figures as well as Johnson’s ability to create his own shot, hit clutch shots and be an all-around scorer, have him primed to be an incredible addition to the Jazz’s bench. Johnson truly could be a starter on this and many other teams in the league and that kind of talent will work wonders for the Jazz’s second unit.

While his age is enough of a concern to award him less minutes than Burks, Johnson should still shoulder a considerable load of the reserve minutes as a backup to Hayward. He logged an average of 33.4 minutes per game last season, showing he’s certainly capable of playing a significant role.

Although Johnson is very able to play the two and, particularly in Miami, gained valuable experience sliding to the small-ball four position, the majority of his time should be spent as backup small forward.

While this would likely put him alongside Burks and Trey Lyles at the two and four spots, respectively, in certain situations the Jazz could utilize Johnson at the four and insert Ingles in as the back-up three for a ridiculous floor-stretching lineup.

Something along the lines of Exum/Hill at the one, Burks/Hood at the two, with Ingles, Johnson and Boris Diaw rounding out the final three spots would be a dangerous offensive lineup with five three-point shooters.

That likely wouldn’t be used frequently, but the point is that Johnson’s versatility and ability to play multiple positions will likely also earn him more reserve minutes than any other player besides Burks. As Iso Joe is inserted where he fits best given the specific game, situation and condition of teammates, he should see himself become a critical and highly used player on this Jazz team.

Next: Versatile Point Guards