The Utah Jazz have both the talent and versatility to do some real damage this season. However, to live up to their full potential, they need the right character in the locker room. Blake Hinson could actually be useful in that regard.
After the Jazz's preseason victory over the Denver Nuggets, Hinson gave a pretty raw, but heartwarming rant about what he's willing to do to stay with the Jazz during his post-game interview.
"I can help however. I can go get coffee. I can maybe make a shot. I can talk to somebody. I can watch your dog. I just want to be a part of the program."
Now that is the kind of character a title contender needs, even if the Jazz wouldn't depend on Hinson much in the locker room. Players willing to go the extra mile just to be around the team is simply a heartwarming development even if it's coming from someone who probably won't be in the rotation even if he makes the team.
Having guys who have bought in is crucial. They always say the whole is greater than the sum of its parts. Well, on a team that had a lot going for themselves coming into this season, having a good locker room presence like Hinson can be the secret ingredient to their success.
Hinson has gone out of his way to be part of the team
Hinson first joined the team last year as an older rookie. He didn't play much, but he clearly left a good enough impression for both sides to let him come back on a two-way contract. He may not be a long-term factor, but he was among the Jazzmen to show up at Keyonte George's press conference after he signed his contract extension.
It's clear that Hinson values his time with the Jazz that he'll take some of his down time just to be with his teammates. Maybe that's his way of trying to stay in the NBA for as long as he can, but even so, it's clear that Utah means something to him.
Maybe Utah hasn't committed much to him in the long term but it's his humble confessions while talking to media that are quite telling as far as what he wants and he's willing to do to keep himself in the league. It's those little things that builds the winning culture that the Jazz undeniably want to reach their potential both this season and for the foreseeable future.
Add us as a preferred source on Google