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Utah Jazz: Four players I’m most looking forward to watching this season

By Jared Woodcox

LOS ANGELES, CA - APRIL 8: Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Utah Jazz and Royce O'Neale #23 of the Utah Jazz move up the court during the game against the Los Angeles Lakers on April 8, 2018 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, California. 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. Man
LOS ANGELES, CA - APRIL 8: Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Utah Jazz and Royce O'Neale #23 of the Utah Jazz move up the court during the game against the Los Angeles Lakers on April 8, 2018 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, California. 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. Man /
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SALT LAKE CITY, UT – APRIL 27: Head coach Quin Snyder of the Utah Jazz talks with Royce O’Neale #23 during 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. 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)
SALT LAKE CITY, UT – APRIL 27: Head coach Quin Snyder of the Utah Jazz talks with Royce O’Neale #23 during 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. 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) /

Royce O’Neale

If you were surprised to see Ricky Rubio on this list, you’ll probably be even more shocked to see Royce O’Neale. However, I’ve got to say, I’m absolutely ecstatic to see him back in action.

I’m a sucker for a good underdog story and O’Neale perfectly embodies that. An undrafted player that no one thought had any sort of chance to make the final Jazz roster went on to be a starter in the backcourt in the second round of the playoffs. Incredible.

And he got to that point by being an absolute stud on the defensive end. O’Neale had some flashes on offense, but his dominance as a lockdown defender on the perimeter was a thrill to watch. If he can morph into a legitimate 3-&-D guy by adding to his offensive repertoire and expanding his elite defense, he’s going to be an invaluable rotational piece that makes Utah’s bench one of the most sound in the league.

Royce O’Neale has already written a pretty incredible underdog story for himself. But watching him continue to build on that will be an absolute joy. He was a blast to watch last season, but his continued efforts to defy the odds by improving further should make for an incredible 2018-19 season.

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I truly could list all 15 players on the Utah Jazz roster as guys I’m excited to see for next season. That’s just how incredible this team is. However, these four absolutely stand out above the rest in my mind. I can hardly wait for the upcoming campaign to finally get underway so we can see all of them in action, flexing their muscles and showcasing just how much they’ve improved since a year ago.

Which players are you must anxious to see get back in action? Let me know in the comments below or on Twitter.

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