Utah Jazz: Regular Season Team Award Predictions

Team MVP: Rudy Gobert

No snub here for Rudy Gobert. Gobert has fixated himself as the team’s leader heading into the season. There are few players in the league that are so obviously competitive. The thing that separates Gobert from other potentially dominant players in the league is that he uses his competitiveness to drive his desire to improve himself and help his team win. Gobert is the team identity and the Jazz will only go as far as he can take them this year.

The good news for Jazz fans is that Gobert could take them farther than many outside the organization expect. This pick was by far the most cut and dry of the list.

Runner-up: Ricky Rubio

While Gobert’s spot as the team’s MVP seems like a lock, that leaves the spot as Rudy’s right-hand man up for grabs.  Rubio has had an up and down preseason on the offensive end, especially over the last three games. In his first three preseason games, Rubio had struggled immensely with his shot. He was a combined 2-of-16 from the field against Sydney, Maccabi and Phoenix.  That was until his offensive explosion last night against the Suns.

As I stated above, I wouldn’t expect these sorts of numbers from Rubio to continue as the regular season begins. As he becomes more familiar with Coach Snyder’s system and his new teammates, I predict he will average right around 15 points per night and be a major factor to Utah’s success this season.

Next: 10/10 Utah Jazz at Los Angeles Lakers: Keys to the Game

Without a doubt, we are in for an exciting 2017-18 season.