The J-Notes
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Amidst tough start, it’s important to remember that things have been worse for the Utah Jazz

By Josh Padmore

SACRAMENTO, CA - OCTOBER 17: Donovan Mitchell #45 and Joe Ingles #2 of the Utah Jazz look on during the game against the Sacramento Kings on October 17, 2018 at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, 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 Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Rocky Widner/NBAE via Getty Images)
SACRAMENTO, CA - OCTOBER 17: Donovan Mitchell #45 and Joe Ingles #2 of the Utah Jazz look on during the game against the Sacramento Kings on October 17, 2018 at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, 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 Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Rocky Widner/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Utah Jazz fans, don’t get too down about your team. They haven’t even played ten games yet and remember, things have been much worse for them.

Down and out. Doubted. Given up on. These are all words and phrases that described the 2017-2018 Utah Jazz team.

Remember the hashtag #TankNote that some fans came up with, wanting the Jazz to intentionally lose to get a high draft pick? Remember when the Jazz fell to 19-28 on the season following an awful loss to the Atlanta Hawks in ATL?

Yeah, it got pretty ugly last year for the Jazz. But, they turned it around dramatically and made it all the way to Game 5 of the Western Conference Semi-Finals. We’re only nine games into this season and, like most fan bases in the NBA, Jazz fans are concerned about the squad.

Don’t worry. The Jazz will be fine. Let’s break down some positives, negatives and the season outlook for the Jazz.

Positives

The Jazz are getting excellent production from Rudy Gobert and Jae Crowder. Gobert has double-doubled in all but one game, and is averaging a monstrous 17 points and 14 rebounds per game on 72 percent shooting from the field. It’s looking like the Jazz will have an All-Star on the team this year.

Jae Crowder is looking like the Crowder-of-old, back when he played a huge role for the Boston Celtics. He’s averaging 14 points and six rebounds per game, and has also made 22 3-pointers through the first nine games. He’s been an absolute beast.

SALT LAKE CITY, UT – OCTOBER 22: Jae Crowder #99 of the Utah Jazz gestures towards a teammate in a NBA game against the Memphis Grizzlies at Vivint Smart Home Arena on October 22, 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 – OCTOBER 22: Jae Crowder #99 of the Utah Jazz gestures towards a teammate in a NBA game against the Memphis Grizzlies at Vivint Smart Home Arena on October 22, 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) /

Another positive is that the Jazz are looking road tough. They’ve earned some nice road wins in Houston, New Orleans, Dallas and Sacramento. We all know they’ll begin getting some wins at home. They’ll have no problems finishing with a winning home record. Vivint Smart Home Arena is too tough to play in, and the Jazz are too good of a team.

Negatives

Derrick Favors is looking like an awkward fit once again next to Rudy Gobert. Unless he starts splashing threes and guards opposing stretch fours perfectly, that likely won’t change. I still believe Favors is a center in today’s game. They made it work towards the end of last season, though, so we’ll see if history repeats itself.

Donovan Mitchell has had a so-so start to his Sophomore campaign. He may have made NBA history by making more 3-pointers than any other rookie in league history, but Mitchell is more of a streaky shooter than he is a consistent one. I don’t like seeing him settle so often on his shot. Hopefully he attacks the basket more and does his magic in the paint. Mitchell is a young star, adjusting to defenses prioritizing stopping him.

Outlook

The Jazz will be fine, and I still peg them as a top-four team in the Western Conference. Hopefully they can get home court advantage in the playoffs and, for the third straight year, win a playoff series.

Next. Utah Jazz in deep trouble against Toronto without Donovan Mitchell. dark

My point is, don’t overreact until it’s necessary to overreact. It’s definitely not necessary right now. The Jazz will look to get their first victory at home this season, as they take on the Toronto Raptors Monday night at 7:00 PM MT.

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