Complementary starters
Joe Ingles- a shot of energy
Joe Ingles has never been known for his speed in the NBA, but he’s looked a step slower this season. If he could receive a juice of energy to his legs, his three point shooting percentage would probably go back up and he could cut down on his late arrivals in transition that result in a bucket for the other team.
He’s looked better since being inserted in the starting lineup, but seems to be a little over-reliant on Rudy Gobert to clean up his mistakes. He’ll often overplay the man he’s guarding to try and intercept a passing lane, but too often his man will cut to the basket for a layup. Perhaps a little cup of joe (get it?) would help shape up Ingles’ off-ball defense.
Royce O’Neale- more confidence, less limelight
Royce O’Neale shot the lights out from the three point line early in the season, but I thought he was too selective in his shooting passing up good looks. Over the last couple weeks he’s improved and the Jazz offense has been humming at a better pace.
Royce needs to keep that confidence and keep doing what he does best. He was part of two huge defensive stops late in the fourth quarter against the Hawks, picking up two steals in back-to-back possessions. He also won a box-out against Nikola Vucevic which didn’t receive its proper praise for sealing the win against the Magic. Vucevic has a seven inch height advantage over Royce, which makes it all the more impressive O’Neale got the defensive rebound.
O’Neale should wish for his teammates to continue to soak up the attention while he makes crucial plays behind the scenes. That’s where thrives the most.
Mike Conley- speedy recovery
Maybe this injury will be a blessing in disguise for Mike to see the court from the view of the bench, and figure out how Rudy likes the ball in the pick and roll. But blessing or not, the Jazz will need him back when the schedule ramps up in intensity at the end of January. If they can’t get Conley 100 percent healthy and acclimated to Snyder’s system in time for the playoffs, then the Jazz are likely facing a first round exit.