The J-Notes
Fansided

Utah Jazz: One thing each starter needs to improve in 2019-20

By Jared Woodcox

Donovan Mitchell, Rudy Gobert, Utah Jazz. (Photo by Gene Sweeney Jr./Getty Images)
Donovan Mitchell, Rudy Gobert, Utah Jazz. (Photo by Gene Sweeney Jr./Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
5 of 6
Next
MEMPHIS, TN – MARCH 8: Royce O’Neale #23 of the Utah Jazz plays defense against Mike Conley #11 of the Memphis Grizzlies during the game on March 8, 2019 at FedExForum in Memphis, Tennessee. 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 2019 NBAE (Photo by Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images)
MEMPHIS, TN – MARCH 8: Royce O’Neale #23 of the Utah Jazz plays defense against Mike Conley #11 of the Memphis Grizzlies during the game on March 8, 2019 at FedExForum in Memphis, Tennessee. 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 2019 NBAE (Photo by Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Royce O’Neale – Defensive Versatility

Royce O’Neale is an incredible story for the Utah Jazz. Originally an undrafted free agent signee who many thought was a long-shot to make the roster, he’s climbed up the ladder to become a solid 3-and-D threat who very likely will be in the Jazz starting lineup next season.

As far as offensive efficiency and wing defense go, O’Neale has already proven himself to be formidable. Last year, he posted incredible shooting clips of 47.5 percent from the field and 38.6 percent from deep, both of which were massive leaps from his rookie season. Defensively, he’s drawn the assignment of guarding some of the toughest guys in the league, and has thrived in that position.

Last year, he had one of Utah’s top defensive ratings on the team, topping even Rudy Gobert at a mark of 101.9. O’Neale’s length and defensive IQ quickly earned him the trust of Quin Snyder as he found rotation minutes thanks to his ability to hold in check prolific opposing players on the wing.

But for O’Neale to truly take the Jazz to a new level and thrive in the projected power forward spot where he’s believed to be starting next season, he’ll have to add a whole new angle to his defense. Namely, Royce will have to become versatile enough to be exceptional at covering opposing power forwards.

While a quick glance at Royce may lead some to believe that such is too tall an ask for him, at 6-6, 226 pounds, he certainly is built to be up to the task, especially in a league that continues to downsize at the four-spot. After all, he’s the same height and only nine pounds lighter than former teammate Jae Crowder who is most certainly viewed as a legitimate power forward.

Not to mention, while the sample size is small, Royce actually did a pretty solid job in his brief time in lineups at the four-spot last year. Of all the Utah Jazz lineups that logged over 10 minutes played together last year, the one with O’Neale at the four alongside Rubio, Mitchell, Ingles and Gobert posted the fourth best net rating.

So there are some big question marks surrounding O’Neale’s move to the starting four-spot next season, but also some encouraging aspects including one I’ve hardly touched on which would be Royce’s potential nightmare matchup for opposing fours on the offensive end. But no matter how you look at it, O’Neale’s ability to thrive defensively at the four-spot could very well bring a new dynamic to the Jazz and shape just how dangerous they can become.

Home/Jazz News