An ode to Dennis Lindsey: Architect of Utah Jazz playoff teams

One fan’s shout-out to Utah Jazz GM Dennis Lindsey, who acquired a group of players last offseason that have been good on the court and in the community.

While the Utah Jazz are in the middle of their most improbable postseason run, it’s only fitting to acknowledge one of the key figures in the team’s process. The man who added the pieces needed to return to the playoffs after the departure of the player who must not be named.

We’ve waxed philosophical before about Dennis Lindsey’s amazing GM powers on this site. So great are they that we often find ourselves fantasizing about blockbuster deals (like acquiring Damian Lillard).

However, it’s important to take a step back and acknowledge that by small and simple things are great things brought to pass. And some of the less-than-monumental moves Lindsey has pulled off have made major waves. 

With that in mind, I just wanted to say that the work that Lindsey and the Jazz scouting team have done is nothing short of incredible.

The additions that the Jazz GM made last summer undoubtedly comprise one of the most likable collections of basketball players on the planet. Not to mention each of them seems to be really genuine good-guy types. We don’t know how they did it, but their work and efforts in the community have not gone unnoticed.

Just look at the glowing review of the team that’s been assembled by the state of Utah’s own Lieutenant Governor —

Ricky Rubio is a great example to everyone, showing his commitment to the community and really taking the lead in the #5fortheFight campaign. For him to be able to give back in a way that honors his mother is an amazing thing that the Jazz and Ricky have been able to do this year.

Meanwhile, his improvement on the court is a testament to his work ethic and the excellent developmental staff that Lindsey and Jazz coach Quin Snyder have assembled.

Royce O’Neale’s early season contributions also can’t be ignored. And while he seems to have hit a bit of a wall of late, both he and Epke Udoh were great finds in the European basketball leagues that the Jazz are definitely scouting regularly.

Then there’s Thabo Sefolosha, who’s been a leader on and off the floor for the team, and has continued to do his part following a season-ending injury. I believe that Sefolosha can have a major impact on this team as a backup small and power forward who stretches the floor, with Jae Crowder at the PF with the starters.

I have come to accept that the departure of Derrick Favors is most likely inevitable. He’s been a consummate professional in his time here and I will cheer for him as a player no matter where he goes. It’s clear he’s a starting center in this league. I’m not sure with the advent of small ball if he can truly remain at power forward.

Going back to Thabo — he experienced a resurgence in his 3-point shooting after a couple of down seasons with the Atlanta Hawks. The numbers clearly indicate this.

Anyhow to round this out one only has to look at a team like the Blazers who has a payroll of 112 million dollars committed next year to nine players. You read that right. Nine players!

Next: Westbrook vows to shut down Rubio in Game 4

If you want to give the Lindsey family even more love follow his wife on Twitter @Bec6916.