The J-Notes
Fansided

Every ex-Utah Jazz player currently in the NBA Playoffs

A lot of former Jazzmen are playing sizable roles on playoff teams this year.

By Dan Lower

Minnesota Timberwolves v Phoenix Suns - Game Three
Minnesota Timberwolves v Phoenix Suns - Game Three / Christian Petersen/GettyImages
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Apr 7, 2024; Dallas, Texas, USA; Dallas Mavericks guard Dante Exum (0) drives to the basket with
Apr 7, 2024; Dallas, Texas, USA; Dallas Mavericks guard Dante Exum (0) drives to the basket with / Andrew Dieb-USA TODAY Sports

Dante Exum - Dallas Mavericks

The former lottery pick and injury-prone guard landed with the Dallas Mavericks, where he has made a respectable return to the NBA - showing his defensive chops and ability to drive and hit the 3 with more consistency than during his time with the Jazz.

With Dallas facing the LA Clippers in the first round, Dante will have plenty of chances to go head-to-head with players like Norman Powell, Russell Westbrook, Terence Mann, and James Harden.

It remains to be seen if Dallas will be able to repeat their 2022 run to the Conference Finals, but they are certainly better than last year's outfit, and Dante is one of the reasons why.

Apr 12, 2024; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Orlando Magic guard Joe Ingles (7) dribbles the ball
Apr 12, 2024; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Orlando Magic guard Joe Ingles (7) dribbles the ball / Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

Joe Ingles - Orlando Magic

The man Jazz fans knew as "Jingles" is back and annoying opponents with his slo-mo game and annoying trash talk. While Joe might not be the dominant 6th man he was with the Jazz, he is vital to this Orlando Magic team as a veteran who has been through the playoff battles that this young squad has yet to experience.

While Joe's stats look underwhelming (4.4 ppg, 3.0 ast in 17.2 minutes a night), he is hitting at 43% from deep and really keeps Orlando's 2nd unit together, just like he did in Utah for many years.

The Magic will need Joe to step things up if they hope to upset the Cleveland Cavaliers in their 4/5 matchup.

Gordon Hayward
Phoenix Suns v Oklahoma City Thunder / Joshua Gateley/GettyImages

Gordon Hayward - Oklahoma City Thunder

In one of the more puzzling moves of the season, the Oklahoma City Thunder acquired former Jazz star Gordon Hayward from the Charlotte Hornets at the February 2024 trade deadline.

Sure, Hayward wasn't going to get 32 minutes a night in OKC, like he did in Charlotte. Something around 20-22 seems about right. Instead he got 17 minutes a night and was barely involved, averaging 5.3 points on 43% shooting after the trade.

Hayward could have a shot at that elusive championship that never materialized in Utah or Boston. He just has to bide his time and be ready when called upon.

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