Utah Jazz Break Into Top Ten in NBA Power Rankings

With the Utah Jazz enjoying so much success despite a number of early season obstacles, it’s no surprise that they find themselves in the top ten of the NBA Power Rankings this week.

It’s been an up and down kind of season for the Utah Jazz. They began the year with some tough outings, but have bounced back and forth between encouraging hot streaks and disappointing losses throughout the season ever since. Of course, a lot of their inconsistency has come due to injury as the Jazz have rolled out the most different starting lineups this season of any team in the league.

However, despite the ups and downs and the battles with injury, a Jazz squad that has seen its projected starting lineup log just 12 minutes of action together is still currently standing at a formidable 15-10 record through their first 25 games.

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They have won eight of their last ten and have continually found a way to win even when the chips have been against them. It’s been refreshing to see that Utah’s highly touted depth is actually paying off as their well-rounded group of role players have helped the Jazz weather the storm in the early goings of this season.

And while we’ve known for a while that the Jazz were in the top ten in the league in a number of key statistical areas, Utah’s recent play has gotten them some pretty significant recognition as the Jazz were slotted at eighth in yesterday’s edition of the weekly NBA.com Power Rankings compiled by John Schuhmann.

In reference to the Utah Jazz through their first 25 games, Schuhmann had the following to say:

"The Jazz have missed a total of 39 games from four starters, and all four missed Thursday’s loss to Golden State. But the additions they made to their bench have paid off and the fifth starter has been much improved. Rudy Gobert ranks third in rim protection (having defended almost four more shots at the rim per game than the top two guys), has grabbed 10-plus rebounds in 10 straight games, and has averaged 18.3 points over his last four (though only one of his 23 baskets has come from outside the restricted area). That’s the highest four-game scoring average of his career. With games against the two teams directly ahead of them in the standings this week, it would be nice for the Jazz to get George Hill (toe) and/or Rodney Hood (hamstring) back."

He brings up some great points that Jazz fans know all too well, such as the onslaught of injuries and how vital it will be to get George Hill and/or Rodney Hood back with some critical Western Conference match-ups coming up this week.

But it’s great to see the high praise that NBA.com dished out to Rudy Gobert, who has been phenomenal of late, in these latest power rankings. He is surely deserving and as the only starter to suit up in all 25 games this year, he has no doubt been a leading reason that the Jazz have been able to get off to their solid 15-10 start.

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Those of us who have watched and followed the Jazz this season know just how good they are capable of being. As they continue to get more and more healthy and as guys like Gobert and Hood continue to improve while the team develops greater chemistry, they have a real chance of eclipsing the eighth spot in the power rankings.

With an already elite defense, a rising offense and a depth that is strong enough to overwhelm practically any team in the league, it’s no surprise that Utah is finally turning some heads and getting the attention and recognition that they deserve.

Make no mistake about it, this is a tough Jazz team that is on the rise and they should figure to become a mainstay in the NBA Power Rankings top ten throughout the season.