Utah Jazz fan wish list for the upcoming 2018-19 season

3 of 6

SALT LAKE CITY, UT – APRIL 27: Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Utah Jazz celebrates the Jazz win at the end of Game Six of Round One of the 2018 NBA Playoffs against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Vivint Smart Home Arena on April 27, 2018 in Salt Lake City, Utah. The Jazz beat the Thunder 96-91 to advance to the second round of the NBA Playoffs. 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 Gene Sweeney Jr./Getty Images) /

A return to (at least) the second round of the playoffs

The Utah Jazz have definitely spoiled their fans over the course of the past couple years by not only making the postseason, but advancing to the second round. Both seasons saw tough first-round opponents, but the Jazz were able to overcome in both cases.

As such, the expectation will absolutely be that they do so again. The Jazz have an argument for being one of the top three or four teams in the Western Conference, and if such ends up being the case, then there will be no reason why they shouldn’t be able to advance past the first round.

If things really come together and particularly if seeding works in their favor, the Jazz may even be able to surprise whoever they face in the Conference Semifinals and go on to play in the Western Conference Finals for the first time since 2007. Had the Jazz been healthy against the Rockets this last postseason, there’s no telling how things may have planned out, so while it will be a tough task, the Jazz shouldn’t be counted out in terms of their playoff potential for this year.

Still, once again, I don’t want to get greedy here. As this Jazz team continues to slowly but surely ascend the NBA ranks towards becoming a legitimate title contender, even returning yet again to the second round would be an enormous feat. As good as the Jazz are becoming, they’re still likely a step behind the likes of Golden State and Houston, so getting to Round 2 is nothing to be ashamed of.

On the flip side, though, failing to get that far would be quite the let down and, depending on the situation, could feel like somewhat of a failed season for the Jazz. Therefore, a third straight second-round appearance should be firmly planted on each and every Jazz fan’s 2018-19 wish list.

Home/Jazz News