One gift on every Utah Jazz player’s wishlist for the 2021-22 season
The Last Utah Jazz Players to Receive Gifts
Royce O’Neale: More shot attempts
O’Neale might actually fall into that same category as Rudy Gobert and Joe Ingles. There may not be a realistic gift that O’Neale would actually like this season.
He certainly looks content with his role on this team. He’s by far the best perimeter defender on the Utah Jazz. In fact, his 2.5 DBPM leads the entire team, as do his 1.4 steals per game.
His 5.8 field goal attempts per game, however, do not come particularly close. In fact, that’s the lowest mark among all Utah Jazz starters.
That may in fact suit O’Neale, but if he asked Santa for a couple more attempts per contest, we wouldn’t hold it against him.
Hassan Whiteside: Twin tower lineups
At no point did we suggest that every player on the Utah Jazz should get what they’re asking for this Christmas. We don’t want to see Quin Snyder go with twin tower lineups, but Hassan Whiteside probably would.
After all, Whiteside is responsible for major production whenever he’s on the floor. The veteran big man is averaging 17.9 points and 16.0 rebounds per 75 possessions this season. Unfortunately for him, he backs up Rudy Gobert, and there is no probable path towards increased minutes for him.
Rudy Gay: More small-ball minutes
Gay’s wish is at direct odds with Whiteside’s, but he need not worry. He’s actually likely to receive his.
Per CleaningtheGlass, no Utah Jazz lineup featuring Gay at the 5 has seen more than 16 possessions together so far this season. However, the best of those formations is a staggering +53.3 in points differential.
The Jazz will continue leaning into Rudy Gobert, and so they should. Still, a few more opportunities for Gay to try his hand as a small-ball center would diversify this Utah Jazz attack.
Eric Paschall: Veteran mentorship
It’s hard to pinpoint an area where Paschall might wish for improvement. He’s been a little subpar across the board this season.
His 54.7 TS% is not ideal for a player who primarily feasts off the playmaking of his teammates. His 11.5 points and 6.2 rebounds per 75 possessions don’t exactly suggest that he’s a player wanting for a bigger opportunity either.
He’s decidedly stuck behind Rudy Gay in the rotation this season. Ideally, he’ll at least learn a thing or two from him.
Next. Ranking every season in Jazz history. dark
The Utah Jazz could easily present old St. Nick with a full slate of Christmas wishes this season. Hopefully, he grants some of them as the 2021-22 season advances.