When it comes to accrediting the success of the Utah Jazz, the bulk of that credit usually goes to the same people. Here are three new people that deserve a shout-out.
It’s no secret for the Utah Jazz that they can rely on their two stars to carry them throughout the season. Donovan Mitchell and Rudy Gobert both have a shot at making the All-Star game, which if they did would be the first time two Jazzmen were selected in 13 years.
They deservedly get a lot of praise and attention for all the heroics they perform, but they shouldn’t necessarily receive all the credit around town.
Bojan Bogdanovic has been a great find from the 2019 free agency class, and is clearing the 20 point per game threshold along with his teammate Mitchell. If they hold on, they will be the first Jazz duo to perform such a feat since 1993.
Dennis Lindsey and Justin Zanik also deserve a lot of credit for constructing such a great roster from the ashes of Gordon Hayward‘s exit. Joe Ingles has really stepped up his game since being put back in the starting lineup, and of course most fans love Quin Snyder for his reputation as a top coach in the league.
He has worked wonders with Emmanuel Mudiay‘s game. Before Mudiay arrived I considered him an inefficient volume scorer at point guard, the kind that doesn’t really positively impact the game when all is said and done. Now 37 games into the season, Mudiay is able to play within the system and be a positive on a playoff-level team, something he hasn’t been able to say his whole career.
However, there are three players in particular that people tend to omit when speaking of the Jazz’s recent success. These players have helped their teammates play better and are willing to do things that don’t get a lot of accolades.
Whether it’s a willingness to dive for loose balls, or sacrifice touches on offense, and generally accept the role Coach Snyder has given him, here are the three most unsung heroes on the Utah Jazz this season.