You know, when the topic of Utah Jazz guards have come up, the two names that understandably get mentioned are Keyonte George and Darryn Peterson. That is for good reason: George just got a nice new deal and Peterson is the most hyped up prospect the Jazz have had since Deron Williams. But you know what else? Isaiah Collier's name has fallen through the cracks.
At this time a year ago, Collier was getting more hype than George was after an impressive rookie season (for a late first-round pick), but once George ascended, Collier became forgotten. Well, in the Jazz's first preseason game, he showed a new wrinkle to his game that would not only skyrocket his value, but change everything for the Jazz: an improved three-point shot.
Collier's three-point shot has been dinged against him since before he was drafted. Despite his obvious skills in other areas, his floor-spacing is not great, and that could be a problem with Utah's hopes of being a threat.
However, he hit two threes - that he shot with confidence - against Denver, which is a more than welcome development for the Jazz's playoff hopes. If that was a sign of things to come, Utah becomes all the tougher to beat.
Collier trusts his three-pointer more than ever
Collier shot nearly 25% from three in his rookie season, then shot 27% from distance in Year 2. His work on his three-point shot further demonstrates of what this season could be for Utah. Also, if he becomes a respectable three-point shooter (or just not negative), it benefits both him and the Jazz.
Collier is both an elite passer and an excellent driver, using both his speed and his mass to his advantage. That's why opponents are more than happy to let him spot up from deep. If he can make them pay, it gives them fewer options on defense.
While talking with reporters, Collier succinctly said "It's just the trust in it" that's different about his shot this season.
It's not like he's going to suddenly turn into Bojan Bogdanovic out of nowhere, but Collier's confidence is very welcome, as he's always shown confidence in what he knows he can do. His jumper has always been the one question and if he can just take a leap like this, he comes an important fixture to Utah's success as a team.
The Jazz won't count on Collier as much as some of their other players, but contenders need connective tissue, and if Collier proves he is the jack-of-all-trades as a guard, he could be the missing ingredient.
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