While other Western Conference teams are loading up for a playoff run with key additions, the Utah Jazz have kept things intact, which shouldn’t change their contender status.
Over the years, we have seen countless instances where a playoff team makes a huge upgrade(s) leading into the final stretch of the regular season. The trade deadline and buyout market is typically a frenzy, but the Utah Jazz have decided to keep quiet and roll with what they have.
Adding another piece to the puzzle could have went a long way, but it also could have costed more than they are willing to part with. The Jazz made their big addition (Jordan Clarkson) earlier this season, and the buyout market has looked underwhelming.
It may feel a little scary seeing other contending teams in the Western Conference such as the Clippers and Rockets make major upgrades, but that shouldn’t hamper your expectations for this Utah Jazz team.
Marcus Morris was a major pickup for the Clippers. If he can regain some of his old form, Reggie Jackson could also be a major pickup for them. I still, however, believe that the Jazz are on par with them.
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Robert Covington, DeMarre Carroll and Jeff Green all fit perfectly in Houston’s small-ball strategy. They will make the Rockets even tougher to play against. I still, however, believe that the Jazz are on par with them as well.
The Jazz have had some low points during the season, but overall, this has been a positive season thus far. There’s still a lot of work to be done if they hope to accomplish their goal of winning an NBA Championship, but they’re on the right track.
Sitting with a 36-18 record and the fourth seed in the Western Conference, the Jazz have yet to reach their true potential.
Despite a 10-game winning streak, having two All-Star players and the highest win total going into the All-Star break in franchise history, something tells me we have yet to see the best from this team.
They still have some problems to address, such as rotations, consistency on the defensive end and taking care of the ball, but I’m satisfied with where this team is at. They’re going to be a dangerous team come playoff time.
If this team ever reaches 100 percent health and plays to their 100 percent potential, they are one of the few teams that can realistically win a championship this season, in my opinion. Unfortunately, most of those teams reside in the Western Conference — go figure.
The Jazz have the best defensive player in the sport, shooters that they haven’t had in previous seasons, guards who can create for themselves and a brilliant coach to lead the way. They are built for a deep run.
We all know how strong this conference is, but I firmly believe that the Jazz are right up there with the best of the best. It’s championship or bust for this team. With or without any additions, the Utah Jazz will have a shot.