Utah Jazz stud: Royce O’Neale
As we all know, the NBA’s trade deadline came and went on Thursday. The Utah Jazz, in spite of much speculation, did not add a 3-and-D wing.
That leaves Royce O’Neale to man that role singlehandedly. That’s a lot to ask of any NBA player, so when they contribute offensively in addition to anchoring the perimeter D, it’s a bonus.
Royce O’Neale gave the Utah Jazz quite the bonus last night.
He finished with 14 points on 5/6 shooting from the field and 4/5 shooting from three-point range. He also contributed 5 assists and 4 steals to the cause.
When O’Neale is connecting from range, he’s one of the most valuable 3 and D wings in the NBA. The reasoning for Utah needing a player in his archetype was always that they needed another one.
That may hold true, but they have to be satisfied with the one they have. O’Neale provided his usual brand of defense last night. He’s got an uncanny feel for when to gamble on defense. His man expects him to play it safe, so when he springs into action, he takes players by surprise.
O’Neale didn’t lead the Jazz in scoring last night. He wasn’t a primary playmaker. That’s not his job description.
Neither, in fact, is being the most important Jazzman towards a double digit win. It just so happens that that’s exactly what he was last night.