The J-Notes
Fansided

Ranking the 10 best former Utah Jazz players in the 2023 playoffs

By Jared Koch

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - APRIL 14: Mike Conley #10 of the Minnesota Timberwolves celebrates his three-point basket against the Oklahoma City Thunder in the fourth quarter of the NBA Play-In game at Target Center on April 14, 2023 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Timberwolves defeated the Thunder 120-95 to advance to the NBA Playoffs as the #8 seed. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by David Berding/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - APRIL 14: Mike Conley #10 of the Minnesota Timberwolves celebrates his three-point basket against the Oklahoma City Thunder in the fourth quarter of the NBA Play-In game at Target Center on April 14, 2023 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Timberwolves defeated the Thunder 120-95 to advance to the NBA Playoffs as the #8 seed. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by David Berding/Getty Images) /
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MINNEAPOLIS, MN – APRIL 09: Rudy Gobert #27 of the Minnesota Timberwolves warms up before the game against the New Orleans Pelicans at Target Center on April 9, 2023 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Stephen Maturen/Getty Images) NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement.
MINNEAPOLIS, MN – APRIL 09: Rudy Gobert #27 of the Minnesota Timberwolves warms up before the game against the New Orleans Pelicans at Target Center on April 9, 2023 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Stephen Maturen/Getty Images) NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. /

2. Rudy Gobert (MIN)

The man who was centered around endless controversy and public shame to end the regular season, Gobert finds himself second on the list. Despite the unfathomable haul the Jazz were able to get for Rudy, and how he’s not even close to worth that existing value anymore, Rudy can still bring an impact to the Timberwolves this postseason.

In his first season in Minnesota, Gobert averaged 13.4 points, 11.6 rebounds, and 1.4 blocks. Yes, these numbers are all big dips from what he was producing for Utah, but Gobert still is a force on the defensive end.

He’ll have a tough matchup with Jokic this upcoming series against Denver though. With Jokic’s ability to stretch the floor and make plays for his teammates, a limited paint defender like Gobert could find himself getting exposed in the first round.

Maybe if Gobert gets frustrated enough, he can punch Nikola Jokic in better hopes to stop him.

SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH – JANUARY 10: Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Cleveland Cavaliers speaks to Lauri Markkanen #23 of the Utah Jazz after a game at Vivint Arena on January 10, 2023 in Salt Lake City, Utah. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Alex Goodlett/Getty Images)
SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH – JANUARY 10: Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Cleveland Cavaliers speaks to Lauri Markkanen #23 of the Utah Jazz after a game at Vivint Arena on January 10, 2023 in Salt Lake City, Utah. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Alex Goodlett/Getty Images) /

1. Donovan Mitchell (CLE)

This one should come as no surprise. Donovan Mitchell is by far the most valuable player remaining in the playoffs that has dawned a Jazz jersey at some point in his career.

In his first season with Cleveland, Mitchell has become the face of the Cavaliers to help them net a 50-win season, something the franchise hasn’t seen very often without the help of #23. He’s averaging 28.3 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 4.4 assists on track to make an All-NBA team in the coming weeks. An incredible season for Don.

While it’s been a successful season for Mitchell, he’s no stranger to winning. During his first five seasons in the league with Utah, he managed to lead to Jazz to a playoff appearance in the Western Conference every year. This season, he’ll look to take on a different challenge in the East, taking on the Knicks in round one.

Mitchell is playing well enough to the point where I question if it was the right decision to trade him this past off-season. However, with the Cavs’ future assets coming soon down the line, we’ll have to wait and see if the deal ends up paying off in the Jazz’s favor.

Next. 3 Utah Jazz players who definitely shouldn’t be back next year. dark