The J-Notes
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Utah Jazz: One bold prediction for every player on the roster

By Jared Woodcox

DALLAS, TX - MARCH 22: Jae Crowder #99 Donovan Mitchell #45 and Rudy Gobert #27 of the Utah Jazz look on during the game against the Dallas Mavericks on March 22, 2018 at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas. Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Glenn James/NBAE via Getty Images)
DALLAS, TX - MARCH 22: Jae Crowder #99 Donovan Mitchell #45 and Rudy Gobert #27 of the Utah Jazz look on during the game against the Dallas Mavericks on March 22, 2018 at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas. Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Glenn James/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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HOUSTON, TX – MAY 2: Dante Exum #11 of the Utah Jazz dunks the ball against the Houston Rockets in Game Two of Round Two of the 2018 NBA Playoffs on May 2, 2018 at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas. 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 Bill Baptist/NBAE via Getty Images)
HOUSTON, TX – MAY 2: Dante Exum #11 of the Utah Jazz dunks the ball against the Houston Rockets in Game Two of Round Two of the 2018 NBA Playoffs on May 2, 2018 at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas. 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 Bill Baptist/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Dante Exum will win Most Improved Player Award

If there were an award for most frustrating start to an NBA career, Dante Exum would almost certainly be one of the frontrunners. A barrage of injuries has prevented him from coming anywhere close to reaching his full potential, despite the brilliant flashes he’s shown between setbacks.

However, with a healthy offseason under his belt and as he’s able to build off a productive postseason from last year, I suspect that Exum will be competing for a much different and very real award in 2018-19, namely the Most Improved Player Award.

He most certainly will have a spot in the rotation and a well-defined role heading into next season, so if he shows massive strides, he could very well end the season with the hardware. The MIP Award typically goes to someone who has underachieved but then surpasses expectations out of nowhere. Considering the onslaught of doubt surrounding Exum from outside observers right now, a breakout season should indeed put him at the forefront of the conversation.

I also believe it should be one of Exum’s main goals. If he excels in the upcoming year and finally begins reaching his ceiling, there should be nothing stopping him from becoming the NBA’s Most Improved Player.

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