The J-Notes
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The truth about Kris Dunn and 3 more observations from the Utah Jazz’s preseason debut

By Chad Porto

Oct 8, 2023; Honolulu, Hawaii, USA; Utah Jazz forward Lauri Markkanen (23) drives to the basket between Los Angeles Clippers center Ivica Zubac (40) and guard Terance Mann (14) during the first quarter at SimpliFi Arena at Stan Sheriff Center. Mandatory Credit: Steven Erler-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 8, 2023; Honolulu, Hawaii, USA; Utah Jazz forward Lauri Markkanen (23) drives to the basket between Los Angeles Clippers center Ivica Zubac (40) and guard Terance Mann (14) during the first quarter at SimpliFi Arena at Stan Sheriff Center. Mandatory Credit: Steven Erler-USA TODAY Sports /
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HONOLULU, HAWAII – OCTOBER 8: Kelly Olynyk #41 of the Utah Jazz reacts as he is fouled by Kenyon Martin #6 of the Los Angeles Clippers during the second half of the preseason game at SimpliFi Arena at the Stan Sheriff Center on October 8, 2023 in Honolulu, Hawaii. 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 Darryl Oumi/Getty Images)
HONOLULU, HAWAII – OCTOBER 8: Kelly Olynyk #41 of the Utah Jazz reacts as he is fouled by Kenyon Martin #6 of the Los Angeles Clippers during the second half of the preseason game at SimpliFi Arena at the Stan Sheriff Center on October 8, 2023 in Honolulu, Hawaii. 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 Darryl Oumi/Getty Images) /

Kelly Olynyk shows what he can do off the bench

The Utah Jazz’s acquisition of John Collins has forced Kelly Olynyk to the bench and it raised some questions about what that’s going to look like, and honestly, it doesn’t seem bad at all. The Utah Jazz are a deep team and scoring the ball won’t be a problem, and while you can always use more offense, you’re not going to be hurting for 20 points per game guys with this roster.

This is great because while Olynyk can get you 10+ points per game by being a versatile shooter, it’s his also host of skills that make Olynyk off the bench impressive. He’s not only a solid rebounder, but he’s a fantastic passer for a man of his size.

And we saw that on display against the Clippers. In 20:34 minutes off the bench, Olnyk had seven rebounds and two assists, all while being one of the better defenders the team had. His size and unique skillset make him a matchup nightmare. It’s not out of the realm of possibility of seeing Olynyk dropping seven rebounds and five assists on a lot of nights.

Not only that, while not a Defensive Player of the Year, Olynyk is someone who can body a lot of bigs in the league, and either draw or give fouls depending on the situation. To have a guy who can give you six fouls in a game, while still providing offense and rebounding, it’s a unique thing to have.

He’s absolutely a luxury item for the Jazz, but as long as he’s with the team, they should absolutely use him to his full potential off the bench.

Next. Did new Utah Jazz forward John Collins takes subtle dig at past teammates?. dark

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