When fans think of former Utah Jazz player that could make a difference in how these playoffs turn out, they think of Donovan Mitchell and/or Rudy Gobert, and for good reason. Those guys are still very impactful NBA players playing for teams vying for a title. But it's fair to say that there are other Jazz alumni who could make their own impact.
It wouldn't be as big as Mitchell's or Gobert's, but they could make a big enough difference to swing a series. With the playoffs starting today, here are four ex-Jazzmen who could swing a series.
Jordan Clarkson - New York Knicks
Clarkson had a bit of a topsy-turvy season in his first year not playing for the Jazz since 2019. A few months in, it felt as though his goose was cooked. However, Clarkson played with some renewed vigor by showing more efforts on both sides of the floor.
With the Knicks aiming to go to the NBA Finals, Clarkson could really be the difference in whether they succeed. He's never been the most consistent player, but he showed that he can swing a game or two during his tenure with Utah.
His glory days may be behind him, but that doesn't mean he can't be a difference maker in a few playoff games.
Nickeil Alexander-Walker - Atlanta Hawks
Yeah, so NAW didn't exactly have the most notable Jazz tenure, but look what's happened for him since. While it's painful to see that he could have become the player he has in Utah, Alexander-Walker has evolved into one of the NBA's better jack-of-all-trades two-way wings.
He hasn't turned himself into a star per se, but it's fair to suggest that he and the Hawks will be a tough out no matter who they face because of what he can do on both sides of the floor.
Atlanta's not a contender, but they could steal a series or two if everything breaks right. Alexandeer-Walker is good enough that he could play a huge role in that.
Royce O'Neale - Phoenix Suns
Remember when the Suns added O'Neale as a desperate effort to change their fortunes? Well it has, but only two years later. Phoenix has been one of the league's most pleasant surprises, and he played a role in that doing the same role for the Jazz.
The Suns have quite the challenge ahead with the Oklahoma City Thunder ahead. The odds aren't looking good, but Phoenix could definitely rattle the Thunder's cage. O'Neale's floor-sapcing and high IQ play can play a role in that.
Grayson Allen - Phoenix Suns
Now this is a blast from the past! Even if Allen only played one year for the Jazz, which was seven years ago, Allen is back in the playoffs. Better yet, he's in a role that suits him as more of a complementary role compared to when he was Phoenix's fourth-best player two years ago.
Allen can score, and with Jordan Ott's tutelage, he can be even more effective. Again, Phoenix probably won't come up victorious, but if they can make a mark on the reigning champions, that's good enough.
Allen can go off on any given moment, and if he does, not only will he have done his part, but the Suns will leave the playoffs being pretty optimistic about the future.
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