Utah Jazz: Answers to 10 Big Questions at Midseason

By Ryan Aston | Jan 16, 2017

Oct 28, 2016; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Utah Jazz forward Derrick Favors (15) is congratulated by guard George Hill (3) after a basket and a foul in the second quarter against the Los Angeles Lakers at Vivint Smart Home Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Swinger-USA TODAY Sports /

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Mar 30, 2016; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Utah Jazz forward Gordon Hayward (20) and Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) fight for a loose ball during the second half at Vivint Smart Home Arena. Golden State won in overtime 103-96. Mandatory Credit: Russ Isabella-USA TODAY Sports /

Who’s the best player on the team to this point?

It’s Gordon Hayward, who continues to be the straw that stirs the Jazz drink. Hayward has played near the All-Star level for a while now, but his consistency and overall production have been better than ever through the first half of the season.

His offensive game alone makes a strong case here; everyone knows about the 22-6-3.5 line, the shooting uptick across the board and the five 30-point games. What really seals the deal for me, though, is his defensive performance.

Hayward is often charged with covering the opposition’s most explosive scorers and manages to hold his own more than you would expect.

Rudy Gobert is a close second here. He’s played in every game for the Jazz, he continues to give the squad its defensive identity and his offensive game has reached new heights. However, Hayward is still the top dog in the 801.

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