Ranking each Utah Jazz player in season-opening win

8. Evaluating Utah Jazz forward Royce O’Neale against the Thunder

Stats for Royce O’Neale:

• 28 minutes
• Zero points
• 0-for-4 from the field, 0-for-4 from three
• Six rebounds
• Two assists
• Zero steals
• One block
• One turnover
• Zero fouls

Fifth-year Utah Jazz small forward Royce O’Neale, who has been a full-time starter for the franchise the past two seasons and looks to be again this season, doesn’t need to fill up box scores to be an effective weapon. No, his specialty revolves around dirty work, which he took care of on Wednesday night — mostly away from the spotlight.

Screen-setting. Quick passing. Proficient, disruptive defense both inside and outside the arc. Positive vibes all the time.

Yes, the 6-foot-4, 225-pound O’Neale provides all of that and more. Yet against the Oklahoma City Thunder, the “more” part did not include a single made basket. So until the 28-year-old finds his shooting touch this season, there’s no way he’ll be anywhere close to a Grade A performer.

Player grade: 80 (B-)