Earlier this week, Sports Illustrated published their annual ranking of the top 100 NBA players. This year’s list features five players from the Utah Jazz.
Every year, Sports Illustrated ranks the top 100 individual NBA players. And, year after year, the list ignites conversation and debate among basketball fans just before the season begins. This year was no different after the release of their list of the Top 100 NBA players of 2017 on Thursday.
Utah Jazz fans were delighted to find five names from their team among the league’s hundred best players. Ranking at No. 85, shooting guard Rodney Hood made the list for the first time. Point guard George Hill came in at No. 56 and center Rudy Gobert showed up at No. 33.
Meanwhile, power forward Derrick Favors and small forward Gordon Hayward each cracked the Top 30, coming in at No. 28 and No. 27 respectively to top the list for the Jazz.
The Jazz are one of just six teams in the league with five players included in the top 100. Even more impressive is that fact that the Jazz are the only team in Western Conference with all five projected starters making the list.
A Closer Look
Without a doubt, Rodney Hood had a strong sophomore season. The 23-year-old guard established himself as a go-to offensive option. SI praised the versatility of his offensive game. He can initiate in pick-and-roll situations or find open space on the perimeter.
He’s able to read team defenses to find an opening. Looking at his overall game and progression makes it difficult to imagine why he fell to 23rd in the 2014 NBA Draft. At No. 85, Hood shows as well in these rankings as any other sophomore shooting guard in the league.
As for George Hill, only 12 players in the league had a higher three-point percentage last season. And of those 12 players, like Sports Illustrated’s Rob Mahoney points out, only Kawhi Leonard and Klay Thompson have any real claim to being a better defender. But there’s more to Hill’s game than exemplifying the 3-and-D mold. He has a unique ability to create offense for his teammates. His willingness and open-minded play — the two things that make him such a valuable addition to the Jazz roster–earn him a spot at No. 56.
At just 24 years old, Gobert is already playing at an elite level. For the last two seasons, he was in the top five in block percentage and top six in rebound percentage. Additionally, the 7-foot-1 center allowed the lowest field goal percentage at the rim last season. His defensive game is fearless, aggressive and incredibly effective.
“Put Rudy Gobert anywhere on God’s green Earth, and he’ll improve the local team’s defensive rating considerably,”
–Ben Golliver, Sports Illustrated.
Utah’s defensive rating improves considerably when he’s on the court. Gobert is ranked at No. 33.
Derrick Favors has been called the most underrated player in the NBA. But it seems that more and more people are recognizing the way Favors dominates on both ends of the court. Last season, Favors scored the third-most points in the NBA when cutting to the basket. He had the occasional knack for steamrolling over defenders on his way to the hoop.
Playing alongside Rudy makes it difficult to measure exactly how much of an impact he makes defensively, but Favors is able to do things that Rudy can’t. SI credits Favors for his ability to move defensively for a player his size. His comprehensive two-way play complements the kind of basketball Utah plays.
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And finally, Gordon Hayward arrives on the list at 27. Hayward finished another strong and steady season as the team’s first offensive option last year. The versatile, 26-year-old wing has finally grown into the role of lead scorer and ball-handler.
Hayward plays at a near All-Star level. Every year, pundits predict a break-out season for Hayward; and every year, he gets better…just not enough for All-Star consideration.
Not only is it time for Hayward to put a stop to that trend, it’s time for him lead the Jazz to the playoffs.
While Hood made his SI top 100 début, the four other Jazz players improved in their rankings from last year. And when it comes right down to it, whether you agree with the exact rankings or not, the list proves that Jazz fans aren’t the only ones excited to see what this team can do.