The J-Notes
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Five replacements if Utah Jazz can’t retain free agents

By Jared Woodcox

May 2, 2017; Oakland, CA, USA; Utah Jazz forward Joe Ingles (2, left) and forward Gordon Hayward (20, right) sit on the bench during the fourth quarter in game one of the second round of the 2017 NBA Playoffs against the Golden State Warriors at Oracle Arena. The Warriors defeated the Jazz 106-94. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
May 2, 2017; Oakland, CA, USA; Utah Jazz forward Joe Ingles (2, left) and forward Gordon Hayward (20, right) sit on the bench during the fourth quarter in game one of the second round of the 2017 NBA Playoffs against the Golden State Warriors at Oracle Arena. The Warriors defeated the Jazz 106-94. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /
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March 5, 2017; Los Angeles, CA, USA; New Orleans Pelicans guard Jrue Holiday (11) moves the ball against Los Angeles Lakers guard D’Angelo Russell (1) during the first half at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
March 5, 2017; Los Angeles, CA, USA; New Orleans Pelicans guard Jrue Holiday (11) moves the ball against Los Angeles Lakers guard D’Angelo Russell (1) during the first half at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports /

George Hill Replacement: Jrue Holiday

George Hill:

2016-17 Stats: 31.5 MIN, 16.9 PTS, 47.7 FG%, 40.3 3P%, 80.1 FT%, 3.4 REB, 4.2 AST, 1.0 STL

2016-17 Salary: $8,000,000

Jrue Holiday:

2016-17 Stats: 32.7 MIN, 15.4 PTS, 45.4 FG%, 35.6 3P%, 70.8 FT%, 3.9 REB, 7.3 AST, 1.5 STL

2016-17 Salary: $11,000,000

Let me preface this replacement option of Jrue Holiday for George Hill by saying that I’m a big fan of Hill and truly hope that the Jazz can retain him. Injuries aside, he had a fantastic year and I think his fit with this team is exceptional. However, if Hill decides to join up with another team or if his asking price ends up being more than the Jazz are willing to dole out, I would be absolutely thrilled to see them add Jrue Holiday.

Unfortunately, there’s no guarantee that Holiday’s asking price won’t be as high or higher than Hill’s. As you can see above, he’s currently making more than Hill, though both should be in for significant pay raises. Futhermore, the New Orleans Pelicans will be hard-pressed to find a better option at point guard, so it’s quite likely that they’ll extend him a rather lucrative offer.

Assuming though that Utah could get Holiday at a better price or if Hill walked and the Jazz simply needed a replacement, he could be an exceptional piece. He doesn’t quite have the length of Hill, but he’s still an underrated defender. Offensively, though his scoring this past year wasn’t as good as Hill’s, he’s been a better offensive player for his career, and honestly on a team like the Jazz I would expect Holiday to make a major leap much like Hill did this past season.

The thing I like the most about Holiday, though, is his passing and playmaking ability. His assists tell a significant story as he’s able to dish the ball out effectively and thus make his teammates better. Although Hill was a major improvement for the Jazz at the point guard spot, there were still times when Utah’s offense would go stagnant even with Hill running the show.

That’s where Holiday could be a major asset. He’s quicker than Hill and has the potential to help Utah’s offense hum and flow even more than its current starting point guard.

Frankly, I expect that the Jazz will either retain Hill or add a cheaper vet than him or Holiday, but it’s still a exhilarating prospect to imagine Jrue being added to the mix. The point guard position has long been an area of woe for the Jazz and it would be great to finally see someone, whether it be Hill or otherwise, take over the position long-term.

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