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Utah Jazz: Grades for every Jazzman’s 2017-18 season

By Tyler Thorpe

PORTLAND, OR - APRIL 11: Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Utah Jazz stands for the National Anthem before the game against the Portland Trail Blazers on April 11, 2018 at the Moda Center in Portland, Oregon. Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Sam Forencich/NBAE via Getty Images)
PORTLAND, OR - APRIL 11: Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Utah Jazz stands for the National Anthem before the game against the Portland Trail Blazers on April 11, 2018 at the Moda Center in Portland, Oregon. Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Sam Forencich/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Utah Jazz. RICKY RUBIO. B+. . PG

Dennis Lindsey traded Utah’s 20th overall pick in the 2017 NBA Draft for Ricky Rubio as a replacement for Hill. He was rumored to have been brought in to entice Hayward to stick around.

Whether those rumors were true or not, Rubio has proven to be a valuable piece for the Jazz despite Hayward’s departure.

Rubio’s play seems directly related to Utah’s success as much as any other player, if not more. In Jazz wins, Rubio averaged over 15 points and nearly six assists per game. In comparison, his numbers fall to 10.5 points and under five assists per game in losses.

His leadership and toughness were also a major factor in the late-season development of the Jazz.

While his assist numbers have taken a dip since joining the Jazz, he has made up for it with improved shooting. Specifically, the ability to knock down the three-ball.

Rubio’s season was definitely a roller coaster ride. However, there were considerably more ups than downs for the “Spanish samurai” as the year wore on. He has definitely earned his first postseason trip of his seven-year career.

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