The Utah Jazz have enjoyed a solid 2021-22 so far. It just so happens that this organization’s goals go a little beyond the solid. The Jazz have championship ambitions, and they haven’t quite looked the part of a contender yet.
They’ve had some rough luck. A string of injuries led to a brutal stretch in January. Every team in the National Basketball Association will struggle to win games without their best players on the floor.
Regardless, championship contenders aren’t in the business of making excuses. They’re in the business of making improvements to maximize their ability to weather tough situations.
Here’s an improvement every Utah Jazz starter could make to further the team’s goals.
Utah Jazz center Rudy Gobert: Cut down turnovers
If you’re surprised that turnovers are even an issue for the Utah Jazz bigman, you’re not alone.
Gobert commits 1.8 turnovers per contest. That’s not necessarily an egregious amount, but it is high for a center. In fact, his Turnover % (TO%) of 16.4 ranks in the 25th percentile among centers.
That’s not ideal. It’s particularly unfortunate considering Gobert’s role on this Utah Jazz team. Typically, he’s a low usage offensive player who gets most of his baskets out of pick and roll sets, finishing with dunks.
On a closely related note, his 71.1% shooting from the field is utterly outrageous. It paces the entire league. Gobert is a wildly efficient player who the Jazz should have precious few complaints about.
Still, cutting down his turnovers would make this Utah Jazz offense even more reliable.