The J-Notes
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The curse of who? – Four ridiculous explanations to the Utah Jazz’s slow start

By Jared Woodcox

SALT LAKE CITY, UT - OCTOBER 19: Jonas Jerebko #21 of the Golden State Warriors talks with media after the game against the Utah Jazz on October 19, 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 - OCTOBER 19: Jonas Jerebko #21 of the Golden State Warriors talks with media after the game against the Utah Jazz on October 19, 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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PHOENIX, AZ – OCTOBER 17: Head coach Igor Kokoskov of the Phoenix Suns sits on the bench before the NBA game against the Dallas Mavericks at Talking Stick Resort Arena on October 17, 2018 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Suns defeated defeated the Mavericks 121-100. 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 Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
PHOENIX, AZ – OCTOBER 17: Head coach Igor Kokoskov of the Phoenix Suns sits on the bench before the NBA game against the Dallas Mavericks at Talking Stick Resort Arena on October 17, 2018 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Suns defeated defeated the Mavericks 121-100. 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 Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /

The Curse of Igor

Now unlike some of the aforementioned curses, this one might actually have a little bit of truth to it. While Jerebko and Stockton were the only two players the Jazz parted with this summer, they also lost a great contributor in former assistant coach Igor Kokoskov who is now the head coach of the Phoenix Suns.

The fact that Igor was picked up by another NBA team is solid evidence of how great of a coach he is. Whether it’s a leading contributor to the Jazz’s woes as an all-too-true curse or not, there’s simply no denying that the Jazz miss Kokoskov and his impressive basketball mind.

What perhaps strikes the closest to home is that Kokoskov was largely credited with working with the Jazz point guards, who have been awful to start out the season. Most specifically, he had a great relationship with Ricky Rubio, who turned things around big time last year, but has reverted back to his woeful ways in 2018-19. The departure of Igor Kokoskov may have more to do with that than we can ever know.

And whether missing his strategical thinking and coaching prowess is the problem or if perhaps he left a daunting curse behind after departing Salt Lake for Phoenix, either way I think it’s safe to say that lacking Kokoskov has been quite detrimental to Utah so far this year.

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Alright, so perhaps none of these ‘curses’ are the real reason for the Jazz’s struggles. In fact, perhaps I made all these curses up. I’ll let you decide.

But the fact of the matter is that the Jazz have been disappointing to start this season and quite confusing, if we’re being honest. This squad looks nothing like the one that finished the year 29-6 last year. And while we knew they had some shortcomings coming into this season, they managed to overcome those last year with ease, so why haven’t they been able to do so again this year? That’s been the million dollar question I just can’t seem to wrap my head around.

When you think long and hard about it, perhaps a curse truly is the only explanation.

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