The J-Notes
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Five story lines for Utah Jazz fans to watch for in NBA Finals

By Caleb Manser

May 4, 2017; Oakland, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors forward Kevin Durant (35) dribbles the basketball against Utah Jazz forward Gordon Hayward (20) during the first quarter in game two of the second round of the 2017 NBA Playoffs at Oracle Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
May 4, 2017; Oakland, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors forward Kevin Durant (35) dribbles the basketball against Utah Jazz forward Gordon Hayward (20) during the first quarter in game two of the second round of the 2017 NBA Playoffs at Oracle Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /
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Deron Williams Utah Jazz Cleveland Cavaliers D-Will
May 17, 2017; Boston, MA, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Deron Williams (31) questions a call to the official during the first half in game one of the Eastern conference finals of the NBA Playoffs against the Boston Celtics at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports /

Former Jazzmen in NBA Finals

While your favorite team may not be playing in the NBA Finals, you can still root for former players of your team. This year’s matchup features five total former Jazzmen from two different eras.

The Warriors have six-foot-three combo guard Ian Clark serving as a spark plug off the bench for instant offense. Back in the day Ian Clark won the MVP of the 2014 Las Vegas Summer League, and was picked up by the Utah Jazz as an undrafted free agent. While he never panned out in Ty Corbin or Quin Snyder’s system, he has found a home in the Bay Area, averaging 6.8 points per game on 48 percent from the field, while appearing in 77 contests this year.

The Warriors also have Jarron Collins serving as an assistant coach to Steve Kerr (or Mike Brown temporarily until Steve Kerr gets well with his back pain). Collins played eight seasons in Utah as a backup center and hustle guy for Jerry Sloan, his best season coming in 2003-04 when he averaged six points and 3.9 rebounds in 21 minutes per game for 81 regular season contests.

Apr 2, 2017; Oakland, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Ian Clark (21) dribbles against Washington Wizards guard Brandon Jennings (7) during the second quarter at Oracle Arena. Mandatory Credit: Sergio Estrada-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 2, 2017; Oakland, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Ian Clark (21) dribbles against Washington Wizards guard Brandon Jennings (7) during the second quarter at Oracle Arena. Mandatory Credit: Sergio Estrada-USA TODAY Sports /

The Cavaliers have Richard Jefferson, who was part of Golden State’s salary dump the Utah Jazz took on in the tear-down rebuild year of 2013-14. He’s proved he still has good basketball left in the tank, and has succeeded in winning a championship which he indicated he wanted in his time with the Jazz.

The Cavs also picked up former Jazzmen Deron Williams and Kyle Korver while shopping around at the trade deadline. Korver was traded for Mike Dunleavy as a sharpshooter that perfectly complements LeBron’s drive and kick offense, while Williams was picked up off waivers signing for the veteran minimum after flaming out as a starter in Dallas. I’m personally rooting for Williams and Korver to win their first rings, so that they are potentially more inclined to sign with the Utah Jazz this summer if the opportunity presents itself.

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