The J-Notes
Fansided

Midseason Grades For Every Utah Jazz Player

By Ryan Aston

Dec 23, 2016; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Utah Jazz forward Gordon Hayward (20) warms up prior to their game against the Toronto Raptors at Vivint Smart Home Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Swinger-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 23, 2016; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Utah Jazz forward Gordon Hayward (20) warms up prior to their game against the Toronto Raptors at Vivint Smart Home Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Swinger-USA TODAY Sports /
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Utah Jazz Boris Diaw
Dec 6, 2016; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Utah Jazz center Boris Diaw (33) and Phoenix Suns forward Jared Dudley (3) battle for the ball in the fourth quarter at Vivint Smart Home Arena. The Utah Jazz defeated the Phoenix Suns 112-105. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Swinger-USA TODAY Sports /

Boris Diaw

Make no mistake about it, Boris Diaw does a lot of good things for the Jazz. His passing in particular has been a joy to watch all season. He’s also been able to start 19 games for Coach Snyder in Derrick Favors’ absence while providing the kind of veteran leadership the Jazz have lacked in years past.

It’s crazy to think that it only cost Utah the rights to Olivier Hanlan to bring him in.

That said, I’m not sure how much Diaw has left in the tank. He’s averaging just 4.9 points per game, his lowest output since his rookie season. He’s also rebounding at a career-low rate (2.1 boards per game) and hitting just 30 percent from distance, his lowest mark since 2005-06.

Nevertheless, he’s recovered well from an early season slump and has played a key role in multiple Jazz wins. That works for me.

Grade: B- 

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