The J-Notes
Fansided

Five things that must happen for the Utah Jazz to be title contenders post-Conley trade

By Jared Woodcox

MEMPHIS, TN - MARCH 23: Mike Conley #11 of the Memphis Grizzlies looks on during the game against the Minnesota Timberwolves at FedExForum on March 23, 2019 in Memphis, Tennessee. Minnesota won 112-99. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using the photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
MEMPHIS, TN - MARCH 23: Mike Conley #11 of the Memphis Grizzlies looks on during the game against the Minnesota Timberwolves at FedExForum on March 23, 2019 in Memphis, Tennessee. Minnesota won 112-99. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using the photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
4 of 6
Next
SALT LAKE CITY, UT – OCTOBER 22: Shelvin Mack #6 of the Memphis Grizzlies looks to pass around the defense of Derrick Favors #15 and Dante Exum #11 of the Utah Jazz in the first half of a NBA game 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: Shelvin Mack #6 of the Memphis Grizzlies looks to pass around the defense of Derrick Favors #15 and Dante Exum #11 of the Utah Jazz in the first half of a NBA game 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) /

A willingness to make further moves

My apologies for continuing to refer to the Toronto Raptors, but they executed so well in the 2018-19 season en route to a championship that it’s hard not to give them their due credit.

The Raptors put themselves in a prime position to compete for a championship back in the summer of 2018 simply by adding a superstar in Kawhi Leonard to their mix. But they didn’t stop there. Not even close.

As the season went on and the trade deadline approached, Masai Ujiri and the rest of the Raptors front office kept their ears to the ground and watched for opportunities to strike whenever possible. In so doing, they swung a trade to add another proven winner in center Marc Gasol, who proved to be crucial to their postseason success including in pivotal matchups against the likes of Joel Embiid, Brook Lopez and Giannis Antetokounmpo.

Relating this to the Jazz, by adding Conley, they’ve likewise given themselves a chance. However, as things continue to play out this upcoming season, they’ve got to do all it takes to continue to capitalize on a championship window if it appears that it’s truly there. I just finished talking about how important it is for Exum to improve. But if he doesn’t seem to be getting where the Jazz need him to be, then they have to be open to dealing him at the trade deadline.

The same – as much as it pains me to say it – applies to Derrick Favors who the Jazz have miraculously been able to still hold onto. Ideally, he will thrive with Conley in the mix and continue to be a stud for the Jazz. But if he’s not quite taking the Jazz to the appropriate level, his expiring contract could be an incredible asset this February.

Dealing either of those players will sting to some degree. But if it’s what it takes to continue the upwards climb towards the Larry O’Brien Championship Trophy, then the Jazz have to be open to it. Adding Conley was an enormous first step. But not only does work remain to be done this summer to fill out the roster, but the Jazz front office should view that work as continuing constantly, while simultaneously evaluating their team, from the start of the year until the trade deadline.

Home/Jazz News