The J-Notes
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Utah Jazz: Grading the Kyle Korver trade

By Jared Woodcox

DETROIT, MI - NOVEMBER 19: Kyle Korver #26 of the Cleveland Cavaliers reacts to a play during the game against the Detroit Pistons on November 19, 2018 at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, Michigan. 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 Chris Schwegler/NBAE via Getty Images)
DETROIT, MI - NOVEMBER 19: Kyle Korver #26 of the Cleveland Cavaliers reacts to a play during the game against the Detroit Pistons on November 19, 2018 at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, Michigan. 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 Chris Schwegler/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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CLEVELAND, OH – NOVEMBER 24: Fans celebrate after Kyle Korver #26 of the Cleveland Cavaliers hit a three point shot during the first half against the Houston Rockets at Quicken Loans Arena on November 24, 2018 in Cleveland, Ohio. 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 Jason Miller/Getty Images)
CLEVELAND, OH – NOVEMBER 24: Fans celebrate after Kyle Korver #26 of the Cleveland Cavaliers hit a three point shot during the first half against the Houston Rockets at Quicken Loans Arena on November 24, 2018 in Cleveland, Ohio. 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 Jason Miller/Getty Images) /

The Good

The number one item on this list for the Jazz is the fact that regardless of any of Korver’s shortcomings, the guy can shoot the ball as well as anyone. He’s an absolute weapon from the 3-point line as evidenced by his career 43.2 percent shooting from deep. So far this season, he’s at 46.3 percent which isn’t even close to his career-high of 53.6 percent which he shot in 2009-10 in Utah. That’s incredible.

Utah’s 3-point shooting has been absolutely abysmal so far this season as they’re converting at a rate of just 31.9 percent, third worst in the NBA. What’s worse is that mark has steadily been dropping after a reasonably hot early start. If that trend were to continue, the Jazz’s season would likely be sunk.

But now with Korver in their ranks, this trend should absolutely turn around. Not only will he single-handedly help the Jazz improve in this standpoint, but he’ll also dramatically help Utah’s spacing overall, creating more opportunities for the rest of this Jazz squad. Teams will be forced to stay on Korver’s hip, and that gravity alone will open things up leading to better shots both from the perimeter and at the rim.

Imagine opposing defenses having to contain both Korver and sharpshooter Joe Ingles, two guys who have been among the league’s best shooters over the past few seasons. That will be a complete reversal from what they’ve experienced so far this year as no one besides Ingles has been much of a threat at all.

Not only that but fans would do well to remember that Korver briefly played for Quin Snyder in Atlanta while Quin was an assistant there. That familiarity between one another should help Kyle make a quick transition, especially since he figures to be a perfect fit in Snyder’s offense.

The Jazz get a lot of open shots, but the trouble this year has been their inability to knock down said shots. If Korver is getting good looks and continues to move well without the ball and drill shots on the move in the fashion he’s known to, then he will be an incredible asset for a team that’s starving for shooting.

Furthermore, while Korver’s defensive deficiencies (more on that in a moment) are a reason for some concern, he’s also an underrated team defender that can hold his own within a system. He’s a relentless hustler and energy guy as well as a smart defender that should be able to find his own within the Jazz defensive schemes even if isolation defense isn’t his strong suit.

Last of all, while Korver is under contract for another year beyond this one, his next season is only partially guaranteed. Thus, while having his contract won’t allow for quite as much space as the Jazz would have had by removing Burks’ completely off the books this summer, it’s still not all that pricey. It also opens up a little bit of room this season in case the Jazz need any more wiggle room for more moves this year.

Make no mistake about it, though. Those other perks are mere gravy. Korver is being brought in for one main aspect – to shoot and drain the 3-ball. Even when he’s not shooting and draining them, his mere presence and threat from the perimeter could very well be enough to revolutionize the Jazz offense.

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