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Utah Jazz: Notes From Day 1 of Training Camp

By Ryan Aston

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A rundown of the biggest stories coming out of Day 1 of training camp for the Utah Jazz; Alec Burks’ status, Quin Snyder’s comments and Dante Exum’s return.

After an eventful summer, the road to the 2016-17 NBA season is officially underway. The Utah Jazz opened training camp on Tuesday, holding their first official practices of season. The team will continue to hold practices twice each day for the next week. Following the first day of action, there’s already a lot to talk about in Jazzland.

The big revelation coming out of Tuesday’s sessions was that Alec Burks has yet to receive clearance for full contact. The Jazz guard underwent surgery in early June to clean up some of the tissue in his knee and ankle.

It was believed that procedure was a minor one and that Burks would be ready to go for camp. However, at Jazz Media Day, the 25-year-old wouldn’t elaborate on his official status beyond saying he was close.

Following practice, Jazz coach Quin Snyder said that Burks is making “really good progress.” He compared the team’s approach with Burks to what they did with Dante Exum and his injury–

"“We’re doing the same thing with Alec that we did with Dante.” “Our focus is going to be on 12 years as opposed to 12 months and I think the same thing is true with Alec. We just want to get him where he’s comfortable and confident.”"

Speaking of Snyder, the Jazz coach revealed some things about his team, where they stand and things they want to accomplish in camp. Here are the highlights–

  • The most important thing for the team early in camp will be “our habits.” Snyder thinks the team is further along than in years past, but needs to build connectivity.
  • Joe Johnson showed some things defensively. Snyder says he shows pride in everything he does.
  • Rebuilding the defense is going to take time, despite past success. It’s not “tattooed” on; needs to be re-applied over time.
  • The Jazz will look to play more in transition and in the pick-and-roll.
  • Gordon Hayward‘s decision to stay in Salt Lake City this summer was a productive one. He spent a lot of time working with Johnnie Bryant.
  • Derrick Favors is in a good place mentally after the difficulties of last season.

Finally, perhaps the biggest story of Day 1 was Exum’s return to practice after missing all of last season. In a sentiment undoubtedly shared by many Jazz fans, the 21-year-old said he had never been more enthusiastic about a practice.

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The big thing with Exum is that he’s no longer caught up in the injured player protocol loop. In reference to Exum, Snyder said, “I don’t look at him as an injured player. I look at him as a player.”

Having shaken the shackles of rehab, the young Aussie is looking to be more aggressive this season. Said Exum: “I got in the paint multiple times this session during the scrimmages. The biggest thing for me once I get in the paint is trying to finish. And once I get back down and get back up.”

Exum also spoke about his shooting, saying that it has improved by leaps and bounds since his rookie campaign.

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