The J-Notes
Fansided

Five issues from Utah Jazz loss to Grizzlies perfectly encapsulate season’s woes

By Jared Woodcox

MEMPHIS, TN - NOVEMBER 15: Dillon Brooks #24 of the Memphis Grizzlies handles the ball against the Utah Jazz on November 15, 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 - NOVEMBER 15: Dillon Brooks #24 of the Memphis Grizzlies handles the ball against the Utah Jazz on November 15, 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) /
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NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – OCTOBER 11: Tony Bradley #13 of the Utah Jazz reacts during a preseason game against the New Orleans Pelicans at the Smoothie King Center on October 11, 2019 in New Orleans, Louisiana. 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 Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – OCTOBER 11: Tony Bradley #13 of the Utah Jazz reacts during a preseason game against the New Orleans Pelicans at the Smoothie King Center on October 11, 2019 in New Orleans, Louisiana. 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 Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images) /

Jazz missing Ed Davis, terrible with Gobert off floor

The Utah Jazz have been very patient with Tony Bradley, as have the fans. But thrust in his first opportunity with meaningful minutes, it’s hard not to wonder if he’s truly cut out to be a meaningful contributor in the NBA.

Bradley showed some flashes early, and I even found myself caught up in some minor excitement about his rebounding and finishing prowess. However, not only has he regressed in that area, but his defense and overall impact have been horrific across the board. Against Memphis, Bradley was a team-worst minus-11. Put another way, the Jazz were minus-11 during the 11 minutes that Rudy Gobert wasn’t on the floor. That hurts.

Anyone who follows the Jazz knows just how impactful Rudy Gobert is for this Jazz squad. Their entire scheme on defense essentially revolves around him and he is a key cog that makes their offense work as well. With that being the case, it’s essentially a given that when the Stifle Tower is on the bench, the Utah Jazz will be less daunting.

But in the past, the Jazz have had Derrick Favors to serve as a stopgap for them. And while he wasn’t Rudy Gobert, he was arguably the next best thing as a solid rim protector and a potent pick-and-roll offensive force. After losing Favors this offseason, the Jazz brought in Ed Davis to hopefully fill some of that void. And while he looked shaky in preseason, his initial regular season games with the Jazz were encouraging.

Unfortunately, he’s out for an indefinite amount of time with a leg fracture and the Jazz are forced to lean on Bradley. As he showed in Memphis and on other occasions this year, that could lead to strenuous circumstances. Utah’s bench has been horrible and Bradley has been among the worst culprits. Ed Davis’ return could not come soon enough.

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