Utah Jazz: 3 bold predictions for the 2021-22 NBA season

Prediction #2: Utah Jazz rookie Jared Butler averages 15 minutes per night

This particular prediction is almost entirely based on the tremendous potential Butler demonstrated in preseason. Through 2 games of the regular season, he hasn’t had an opportunity to demonstrate much of anything.

Indeed, Snyder has been conservative in managing the rookie’s role and playing time. In 5.5 minutes per game over his first two games, Butler is yet to convert a field goal. He’s made one assist and committed one turnover. He’s grabbed one rebound and committed one foul. He’s barely even existed.

Look for that to change as the season progresses. Mike Conley is the only point guard on the Utah Jazz averaging 10 or more minutes per game this season, and like any team in the NBA, the Jazz will need a backup point guard. Jordan Clarkson has been slotting in as the team’s de facto floor general for stretches, and while that’s fine, his score-first mentality is probably better suited alongside a pure point guard in the long term.

So far, Trent Forrest is narrowly edging Butler in playing time, playing 7 minutes per contest. He’s been effective, averaging 10.3 points and 10.3 assists per 36 minutes. Perhaps the sophomore will earn a place in the rotation ahead of the rookie, but Butler’s higher upside has to intrigue Snyder.

Rookies need to be afforded the breathing room to adjust to the big league, and Butler has been granted exactly that through two games in 2021-22. Eventually, look for Snyder to make use of his immense talents, and grant him a modest place in the regular rotation.