The J-Notes
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Utah Jazz: Five reasons to look forward to the 2018-19 season

By Jared Woodcox

SALT LAKE CITY, UT - APRIL 27: Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Utah Jazz celebrates after Game Six of the Western Conference Quarterfinals against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the 2018 NBA Playoffs on April 27, 2018 at Vivint Smart Home Arena in Salt Lake City, Utah. 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 2018 NBAE (Photo by Garrett Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images)
SALT LAKE CITY, UT - APRIL 27: Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Utah Jazz celebrates after Game Six of the Western Conference Quarterfinals against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the 2018 NBA Playoffs on April 27, 2018 at Vivint Smart Home Arena in Salt Lake City, Utah. 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 2018 NBAE (Photo by Garrett Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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NEW ORLEANS, LA – MARCH 11: Rudy Gobert #27 of the Utah Jazz reacts during the first half against the New Orleans Pelicans at the Smoothie King Center on March 11, 2018 in New Orleans, Louisiana. 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. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS, LA – MARCH 11: Rudy Gobert #27 of the Utah Jazz reacts during the first half against the New Orleans Pelicans at the Smoothie King Center on March 11, 2018 in New Orleans, Louisiana. 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. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images) /

The Jazz are underdogs again

Remember when the Jazz were 19-28 last season and everyone, especially nationally, had pretty much given up on them being a playoff threat? And then remember how cool it was to watch them prove everyone wrong, bounce back and storm into the playoffs? It would have been cool if the Jazz had won 50-60 games last season, but something about their midseason turnaround just made the entire year feel all that more special and unique.

I truly think they will eclipse the 50-win mark this upcoming season, and hopefully they won’t need a 29-6 run to close out the season in order to do it. However, no matter what their projected record is or what it ends up being, there’s definitely a feeling that people are overlooking the Jazz once again.

All over social media, folks are saying that the Lakers and Nuggets are going to rise and that the Jazz will be one of the teams to falter. Many members of the national media seem to think that the Jazz aren’t going to be able to take teams by surprise anymore and so they’ll take a bit of a step backwards next season.

I have a feeling that the the defending Defensive Player of the Year Rudy Gobert and Rookie of the Year snub Donovan Mitchell have a thing or two to say about that.

The Jazz seem to perform their best when everyone is counting them out. They’ll definitely start out the season with more believers than they had when they dropped to 19-28 this past year, but the fact that so many people are already counting them out ought to help them play with a chip on their shoulder and a drive to prove those doubters wrong.

Utah’s ability to come back and defy the odds last year is what made the team so fun. If they’re able to do so again this year, which there’s every reason to believe they can, it’s going to be an exciting season.

Next: Utah Jazz: The Mailman sounds off, Jeremy Evans still on the Jr Jazz tour

The 2018-19 season is still about three months away, which can feel like an eternity for die-hard fans. And unfortunately, with how much there is to look forward to, that time definitely has the potential to drag on.

As they say, a watched pot never boils. And I don’t know about you guys, but I just can’t get my mind off of how thrilling the Utah Jazz are going to be next season. It’s going to be a long wait until October…

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