Utah Jazz: Three takeaways from training camp with preseason looming

MEMPHIS, TN- MARCH 08: (L-R) Quin Snyder Head Coach, Donovan Mitchell #45 and Johnny Bryant Assistant Coach of the Utah Jazz talk after practice at FedExForum in Memphis on March 08, 2019 in Memphis, TN. 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 Melissa Majchrzak/NBAE via Getty Images)
MEMPHIS, TN- MARCH 08: (L-R) Quin Snyder Head Coach, Donovan Mitchell #45 and Johnny Bryant Assistant Coach of the Utah Jazz talk after practice at FedExForum in Memphis on March 08, 2019 in Memphis, TN. 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 Melissa Majchrzak/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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HOUSTON, TX – APRIL 17: Head Coach Quin Snyder of the Utah Jazz speaks to the media after Game Two of Round One of the 2019 NBA Playoffs against the Houston Rockets on April 17, 2019 at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas. 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 Bill Baptist/NBAE via Getty Images)
HOUSTON, TX – APRIL 17: Head Coach Quin Snyder of the Utah Jazz speaks to the media after Game Two of Round One of the 2019 NBA Playoffs against the Houston Rockets on April 17, 2019 at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas. 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 Bill Baptist/NBAE via Getty Images) /

#3 Quin Snyder already really trusts Conley and Davis

It’s no secret that the Utah Jazz have had their eyes on Mike Conley for quite some time and that everyone from the coaches to management was thrilled when they finally landed him. And based on what we’ve seen and heard thus far, Coach Snyder is very much trusting of his new point guard.

The coach had the following to say about his new point man:

"“It’s unusual that you trust a player so quickly, but I think he’s earned that. That’s who he is.”"

Snyder added that merely calling Conley smart is selling him short, which speaks volumes to how confident he and the Jazz are in Mike running the offense for the team. He was brought in to be a stabilizing force at the point guard position, a dynamic shot creator and a reliable player on both ends of the floor. Considering some of the inconsistent ups and downs the Jazz have had at the point guard position with the likes of Ricky Rubio, George Hill and others, Conley should prove to be a breath of fresh air.

Conley has long been known as a great teammate, an excellent defender and a high-IQ guy that takes care of the ball. And as he does all those things in Utah while meshing seamlessly with his teammates, expect him to only further gain Snyder’s trust.

But Conley isn’t the only newcomer that Snyder has really highlighted thus far in training camp, he’s also had exceptional things to say about big man Ed Davis. When asked what he’s liked about Davis up to this point, he replied bluntly, “What have I not liked?!”

That is befitting of what Davis has brought to the table for every team he’s played with. He has an incredible motor, an unrelenting hustle and an amazing drive. He’s not afraid to do the dirty work, and his extra effort and determination plays will likely make him a favorite in no time among the Jazz faithful. He’s an elite rebounder and a solid rim protector that will be both a trusty backup for Gobert while bringing a unique dynamic of his own when he’s on the floor.

It’s great to see Quin trusting these new guys so quickly. Coach Snyder has built a reputation as a guy who has high expectations for his players and that wants to see them succeed within his system, so for the newcomers to already be earning high marks is a great sign.

Conley and Davis have already obviously both made a major impression on their teammates as well with Mitchell and others praising Conley as a leader and teammate and Rudy Gobert speaking about Ed Davis’ relentless toughness and effort.

dark. Next. Utah Jazz Media Day: “3 C’s” that should have fans feeling ecstatic

Of course, during the optimism and excitement of training camp, it’s rare to find much discouragement or criticism. This Utah Jazz team is looking and sounding great, but they still have a lot to prove. Nevertheless, there seems to be an undeniable confidence and readiness about them that makes it hard to not be giddy about the upcoming year.

Save for the disappointing setbacks for Dante Exum, the team seems to be coming together nicely, earning both the trust of their coach and the trust of each other. If their solid chemistry and elite play together can uphold throughout the rigors of a challenging season against daunting opponents, this Utah Jazz team could very well be poised to make big waves in 2019-20.