With each frustrating loss the Utah Jazz suffer, it gets tougher to be optimistic. Because this was supposed to be their first season in some time where their biggest priority is to win as many games as possible, these losses hit twice as hard. This wasn't what they wanted, but they don't have much of a choice but to endure.
Among those who agree with this is Jazz owner Ryan Smith. During his appearance on KSL Sports Zone, Smith said they want to remain tough even through these hard times.
"From a fan standpoint, I get it. We all get it. But there's only one way to get through it, which is to go through it."
After losing as many games as they did over the past two seasons, it would have been great to see them win at least half of their games thus far. Some progress would have been nice, but, unfortunately, the team just hasn't figured themselves out.
They have lost personnel for an extended stretch, which has definitely limited them. When they get back, it could be a different story, which is why Smith's words ring true. Utah has no better choice. It is tempting to get drastic when starting 1-8, but teams have had bad starts, and they've gotten through it.
The Jazz have had bad starts like this one, with the difference being that those previous seasons came with no expectations. However, this is a season about progress, and hence, there were going to be speed bumps.
The panic button shouldn't be pressed... yet
It'd be nice to see Utah add some wins to their record, and it starts to get exhausting trying to take the glass half full when they barely lose. Struggles were expected, but just not this many this early on in the season.
All it takes is one good stretch, and the Jazz are back in business. That's the benefit of an 82-game season, even if many think it's long past time for the NBA to trim down the games. By proxy, it also means a team learning the ropes of developing winning habits can successfully do so in the coming months.
If Smith is optimistic about this group and Will Hardy running the operation, then everyone should follow suit. We're going to see if this bad start truly is who this team or is this is just a stutter step. of course, we all want it to be the latter, but like Smith said, the only way to know for sure about these struggles is to go through them.
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