Despite an up and down season, the Utah Jazz exceeded expectations by finishing with a 48-34 record and the fifth seed in a loaded Western Conference. Which Jazz players graded out the best at season’s end?
After losing both Gordon Hayward and George Hill last offseason, returning to the playoffs seemed like more of a long-term goal than an immediate one for the Utah Jazz. That’s what has made the 2017-18 season and this Jazz squad so special.
Thanks to a major injury to Rudy Gobert and a grueling December stretch, many counted the Jazz out and the speculation as to which potential lottery picks Utah should target began. However, as the “#TankNote” sentiment began to grow among segments of Jazz Nation, Gobert and company remained confident.
The Jazz were more than “fine” over the season’s final three months. Utah went from lottery expectations to a shot at the West’s third seed. A turnaround as drastic as Utah’s requires a team effort.
Which players contributed most to Utah’s impressive season and how do they each grade out after 82 games? Let’s take a look.