The J-Notes
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The Utah Jazz 2017-18 Christmas List

By Jared Woodcox

SALT LAKE CITY, UT - DECEMBER 23: Utah Jazz fans try to disrupt an Oklahoma City Thunder free throw attempt in the second half of the 103-89 win by the Thunder at Vivint Smart Home Arena on December 23, 2017 in Salt Lake City, Utah. (Photo by Gene Sweeney Jr./Getty Images)
SALT LAKE CITY, UT - DECEMBER 23: Utah Jazz fans try to disrupt an Oklahoma City Thunder free throw attempt in the second half of the 103-89 win by the Thunder at Vivint Smart Home Arena on December 23, 2017 in Salt Lake City, Utah. (Photo by Gene Sweeney Jr./Getty Images) /
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BOSTON, MA – DECEMBER 15: Rudy Gobert #27 of the Utah Jazz is introduced before the game against the Boston Celtics on December 15, 2017 at the TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Brian Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images)
BOSTON, MA – DECEMBER 15: Rudy Gobert #27 of the Utah Jazz is introduced before the game against the Boston Celtics on December 15, 2017 at the TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Brian Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images) /

3. Rudy Gobert’s return to All-NBA form

There’s no denying that Rudy Gobert was an absolute monster last year, which earned him All-NBA and All-NBA Defensive honors for his efforts. While many expected that he would pick up right where he left off this season and largely help fill the void left by Gordon Hayward’s departure, things haven’t exactly gone swimmingly for Rudy to start the year.

He’s struggled on both ends of the floor to match his performance from last season, has not been able to develop any sort of chemistry with starting point guard Ricky Rubio and has looked about a half-step slow in nearly all aspects of his game.

Donovan Mitchell has been an amazing and much-needed surprise for the Jazz this year, but for Utah to truly be a threat this season, they’ll need Rudy Gobert to round back into form. Injuries have clearly thrown off his rhythm and prevented him from having the season he hoped to have, but once he’s back on the floor, if he can turn back into the splendid player he once was, it will work wonders for the Jazz.

Ultimately the Jazz may need to decide whether it’s more important to give Ricky Rubio starter minutes or maximize Gobert’s potential. I think the answer to that question is quite clear, and while it may be somewhat of a tough decision, at some point Utah may just need to try giving Mitchell or Raul Neto more run with Gobert in the pick-and-roll to get him back up and running on both ends of the floor.

However it comes about, the simple truth is that an All-NBA version of Rudy Gobert is exactly what the Jazz should hope to find under the Christmas tree this year.

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