NBA Predictions: How will the Utah Jazz do in the playoffs?

Dwayne Wade, Miami Heat, Donovan Mitchell, Utah Jazz, — MIAMI, FL – DECEMBER 02: Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Utah Jazz and Dwyane Wade #3 of the Miami Heat exchange jerseys after the game at American Airlines Arena on December 2, 2018 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)

The X-Factor

You might be thinking to yourself, “How are the Jazz going to get a marquee superstar talent?” There is a scenario where the Jazz might have a superstar already on their roster.

Without a doubt, all eyes are on Donovan Mitchell to see if he can make a leap in year three similar to Dwayne Wade’s year three leap when he led the Heat to a championship.

Even though he'll have more help than he's accustomed to, the success of the 2019-20 Utah Jazz season will rest heavily upon the shoulders of third-year player Donovan Mitchell. Via @jaredwoodcox https://t.co/7lpa41vvWf
— The J-Notes (@TheJNotes) August 16, 2019

From year two to year three, The Flash went from scoring 24.1 points per game to 27.2, with a slight uptick in shooting efficiency and cutting down his turnover percentage.

If Mitchell can make that kind of leap to superstardom while the Jazz core is still intact (Mike Conley is 31), you bet the Utah Jazz are favorites to win the title just as much as anyone. If he fails to do so, the Jazz have long odds of hoisting the Larry O’Brien trophy in June.