Utah Jazz: New Year’s Resolutions for Each Player

Georges Niang:  Be Ready. Always.

At 41.9 percent, Georges Niang is (mathematically, at least) currently a better three-point shooter than Kyle Korver or Joe Ingles. His distance shooting legend began and grew in the G-League, and many Jazz faithful have been excited to see him contribute at the highest level.

Sadly, this hope seems to have hit a roadblock this season, as the return of Thabo Sefolosha and improved play from other Utah Jazz rotation players have edged Georges largely out the rotation.

Niang’s New Year’s resolution should be simple: Be Ready. Always.

His shooting is every bit as elite as many of the league’s offensive stars.

His basketball IQ is off the charts.

His passing is fabulous for his position.

Now he just needs an opportunity, whether it comes through an unforeseen injury, regression on the part of another rotation player, a match up opportunity, or some other circumstance.

Your time will come, Georges. Be Ready.

Grayson Allen:  Show Prowess from Distance

It’s hard to be a rookie in the NBA sometimes.

Grayson Allen is averaging a paltry 9.7 minutes per contest so far this year, which obviously isn’t much time with which to prove one’s NBA worth. When he gets those minutes, however, Allen can best show his worth to the Utah Jazz’ future rotation by showing he can shoot reliably from distance.

On a team that has struggled to find consistent three-point shooting from its guards, Grayson Allen could bring something unique to the backcourt rotation. Unfortunately, so far this year, he’s only connecting on 26.8 percent of his long-range attempts (a team worst mark).

This isn’t the make-or-break year for Allen’s NBA potential, but if he wants to make a splash this year, it’s time to hit some threes.

Ricky Rubio:  Con. Sis. Ten. Cy.

You’ve heard this song before.

So has Ricky.

We know what kind of player Rubio can be for the Utah Jazz. A fiery, passionate competitor who gives his all for his team, all while shooting confidently and setting up his teammates as few NBA players can.

But we also know the other side of the coin. The alter-ego Ricky who bricks 10 out of 13 shots, turns the ball over, and shoots with the confidence of an 11-year-old Dungeons and Dragons enthusiast.

Will the real Ricky Rubio please stand up?

And remain standing?

And take us to the playoffs?

The Utah Jazz badly need consistency from their sometimes-brilliant-sometimes-bewildering  point guard.