Championship
This final ‘C’ goes hand in hand with the first, but also goes a step further. It’s one thing for individual players or teams to have mere confidence and belief in themselves. I’d say that even in years where deep down the Jazz knew they weren’t equipped for the rigors of an NBA Finals appearance, guys like Donovan Mitchell and Rudy Gobert weren’t short on confidence. But it’s another thing entirely for teams to have a true and realistic goal of winning a championship.
The oft-repeated message at Utah Jazz Media Day, though, was that such an accomplishment is exactly what the Jazz have their sights set on.
Over and over again, players mentioned that taking this Jazz squad all the way was not only possible but what they were aiming for. Georges Niang left no doubt when he mentioned their clear goal of an NBA Championship.
Georges Niang: The only expectations that matter are our own. We expect a lot out of each other. … We all have a goal of winning an NBA championship, but that can’t happen if we don’t focus on what’s [immediately] ahead of us.
— Eric Walden (@tribjazz) September 30, 2019
Conley talked about the aim for a championship as well, but the nice thing from both his and Niang’s statements is that it’s clear that this team isn’t throwing that word around lightly. Yes, they know it’s their goal. Yes, they know they’re capable of it. But they also know it’s not going to be a walk in the park.
The sentiment from Media Day was that they’re not just hoping and wishing to win a championship, but rather they’re planning to do all the little things and take the necessary steps to earn their way to a championship. Conley’s mention of showing up everyday and working hard toward the goals that will lead to that ultimate objective was clear evidence of that.
Mike Conley: our ultimate goal is to win a championship, but we aren’t acting like we’ve been there and done that. We are going to show up every day and work hard towards our goals
— Tony Jones (@Tjonesonthenba) September 30, 2019
Lastly, veterans Ed Davis and Jeff Green likewise spoke on the Jazz having all the pieces – including themselves – to be a title contending team. They liked what they saw in this Utah squad and that’s what led them to join in free agency. In other words, Dennis Lindsey and Co. have put together a team that legitimately finds itself in title contention. That was expressed throughout media day and will no doubt be the goal and expectation throughout the 2019-20 season.
Both Davis and Green say this team can compete for a title. Ed: "Hopefully we get lucky with the injury thing; other than that, we have all the pieces."
— Eric Walden (@tribjazz) September 30, 2019
Therefore, Utah Jazz Media Day should have left fans of the team feeling through-the-roof excited due to the “3 C’s” that embodied the main themes that were expressed – Confidence, Chemistry, and Championship.
This is easily the best Jazz team that has been assembled in Salt Lake City since the days of the highly acclaimed NBA Finals teams of over two decades ago. The excitement permeating from the roster, coaching staff and front office are real. The confidence is well-justified. The chemistry already appears very much intact. The championship hopes are legitimate.
The 2019-20 season, which begins in just over 20 days, is bound to be a thrill ride for fans of the Utah Jazz.