The Differences
The modern Jazz have an advantage over the ’96-97 Jazz, and that is because of age and league parity. They just have to make the most of this opportunity. Michael Jordan was one to snag many of those opportunities away from deserving NBA legends, as he simply couldn’t be stopped from winning titles in the ’90s.
Several great teams of the past have been forgotten because of MJ’s three-peat that he accomplished twice.
Fortunately for the Jazz, there appears to be no giant favorites in the NBA title race this year. Some think that the two Los Angeles teams are favorites to win it all, but even they have their roster flaws that can be exposed in a seven game playoff series.
Utah is built on Gobert (27) and Mitchell (23), who are only getting started in their best years of basketball. Malone and Stockton were in their late 30s by the time Utah made it to the Finals.
Additionally the modern Jazz have a deeper roster, where they don’t have to rely on two guys in their late 30s to play at a hall of fame level. It can be Conley’s night one night, Bogey’s night the next, Don’s night the game after that, and then Rudy’s.
Another advantage the ’19-20 Jazz have is Snyder’s advantage offense. It generates tons of open looks, and allows several players to handle the ball and even make plays of their own (Bogey’s game-winner was drawn up by himself). Gone are the days of where the point guard has to orchestrate every play, and also gone are the days of a predictable Jazz offense.
Furthermore, this Jazz team is superior defensively to the old school Jazz. When shots aren’t falling, defense always travels to keep your team alive, and Gobert isn’t getting any less intimidating as a post defender.
Verdict:
While the new Jazz roster is certainly exciting with all the new pieces added to budding stars Mitchell and Gobert, they still haven’t proven themselves to be as good as the old school Jazz. A lot of that has to do with the dominance of Stockton and Malone, as they were both legit top 15 players in the league in their time.
In theory, the modern Jazz should have a potent offense, but let’s not forget that Stockton piloted the Jazz offense to the second best and best ratings the two years they made the Finals. The Jazz right now are tied for 23rd in offensive efficiency.
For Gobert and his squad to climb the same mountains that Stockton and Malone did, the Jazz must find a way to stave off opposing teams when Rudy sits on the bench. They simply need Conley to out-duel most point guards in the league, and Rudy and Donovan must be able to match the heroics of other duos in the NBA, such as Kawhi Leonard and Paul George, or James Harden and Russell Westbrook.
If Coach Snyder can find a way for his players to accomplish all these tasks and fire on all cylinders come April, then you know what’s coming. Another “uh-oh” moment for the rest of the NBA.
*All stats are a courtesy of Basketball Reference.