The J-Notes
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3 studs and 1 dud from Utah Jazz win over Clippers

By James Piercey

Utah Jazz guards Donovan Mitchell and Jared Butler (Jeffrey Swinger-USA TODAY Sports)
Utah Jazz guards Donovan Mitchell and Jared Butler (Jeffrey Swinger-USA TODAY Sports) /
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Utah Jazz guard Jared Butler (Jeffrey Swinger-USA TODAY Sports) /

Utah Jazz stud: Jared Butler

“Utah Jazz stud: Jared Butler” might be our favorite phrase to type in the English language.

That’s not only because he’s the only member of the team to speak directly with the J-Notes this season. Although, that doesn’t hurt. The kid is instantly likeable: he’s poised, mature, and gracious. He’s also going to be a very good NBA player.

That’s the main reason it’s so encouraging to see him get opportunities like the one he got last night. Butler has a real opportunity to be part of the future in Salt Lake City. He plays with effort and aggression. He’s the rare player with a high level of skill and a role player’s mentality. The only comparison that comes immediately to mind is Kyle Lowry.

For anyone who’d peg that comparison as overly optimistic: Butler finished with 21 points on 8/13 shooting from the field and 5/10 shooting from deep to go with 7 assists and just 1 turnover.

We may have seen a new gear from Butler last night. Normally, he plays with an aggression that borders on reckless abandon. You can always see that the basketball IQ is there, but there have been times this season that he let his hunger get the best of him.

Last night, that certainly wasn’t the case. Butler managed the game like a certified NBA point guard. He may be taking tips from Mike Conley, another player he can model his game after.

Whatever he’s doing, it’s working. Butler had the best game of his young NBA career last night.

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