The J-Notes
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Utah Jazz Training Camp Battles: Back-Up Bigs

By Jared Woodcox

Apr 10, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Nuggets guard Emmanuel Mudiay (0) dribbles the ball against Utah Jazz forward Trey Lyles (41) in the third quarter at the Pepsi Center. The Jazz defeated the Nuggets 100-84. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 10, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Nuggets guard Emmanuel Mudiay (0) dribbles the ball against Utah Jazz forward Trey Lyles (41) in the third quarter at the Pepsi Center. The Jazz defeated the Nuggets 100-84. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-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

Second-year power forward Trey Lyles had a strong finish to the year last season and further proved his development with an exceptional showing during NBA Summer League. After averaging just shy of 13 points per game in the final month of the regular season, Lyles went on to be the Las Vegas Summer League’s leading scorer at 29 points per game.

Though he is a very different player from Favors – less of a low-post bruiser and more of a versatile stretch-four – he still should log the most minutes at the back-up four spot. Not only does the young power forward need the experience, but his play during the summer showed that he is now a more reliable option with an improved three-point shooting ability and overall offensive arsenal.

These attributes will be vital to add an extra scoring punch to the second unit while also keeping opposing defenses off balance by throwing the versatile Lyles at them while Favors grabs some rest.

Aside from shouldering the major load of the reserve power forward minutes, Lyles will also have to assume some of Trevor Booker’s former role which was to provide energy and a spark off the bench. Booker wasn’t ever a star for the Jazz, but he knew his role and fulfilled it well. Lyles will have to find his own niche, but will need to have a similar impact on this Jazz team.

One way that he can improve this from the get-go is by continuing to be an aggressive rebounder. He was very solid on the boards during summer league play and if that trend continues, it will be an extremely helpful bonus for the Jazz.

Next: Boris Diaw

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