For many it has seemed like forever since the Utah Jazz have been Injury free. With Injuries to George Hill, Derrick Favors, Alec Burks, Gordon Hayward, and even Rodney Hood. Last night for the first time all season, the Jazz where injury free as they faced the Memphis Grizzlies. Even though the Jazz walked away with a loss, there is certainly a lot to be excited for Jazz fans.
Although injuries have plagued Utah, the Jazz have still had a great season. Obviously there not at the top of the west but, they are having a great season despite the injury’s. With a healthy roster I can believe the Jazz can be one of the top 5 teams in the league. I am going to go through what the Jazz are getting back as players come back from injury’s.
George Hill Is possibly the player that the Jazz need back the most. He has only played 4 games this season, but regardless He is averaging 18.8 points per game and is shooting 53.8 percent from the field. The Jazz main struggle last season was scoring the basketball. Hill adds a scoring threat to the Jazz offense. The other main problem the Jazz had last season, a problem that has already surfaced for the Jazz this season is there lack of perimeter defense. When they play teams like Oklahoma city, Golden state, Cleveland, and many others they always have a problem slowing down these athletic point guards. The Jazz are still going to struggle slowing these guys down, but with a player like Hill back we might have a chance.
Alec Burks is another player that the Jazz are going to be glad to have back. When Burks was drafted by the Jazz back in 2011, he quickly found his way into the starting lineup. The fact is, Burks is talented enough to be a starter on most teams in this league. Even though the Jazz have a solid starter in Rodney Hood, there is nothing better for a locker room than a little bit of competition. Burks adds some depth to the Jazz roster and can possibly be good for starter Rodney Hood, who needs to step up his game if he wants to remain a starter.
Derrick Favors has been playing most of the games this season, but its important that he keeps healthy. Favors has struggled with injury’s in the last couple of seasons, including a couple of games this season. Derrick Favors not only helps create one of the best bigman duos in the league. We have also seen him evolve his game, and add a deep shot to his game. He adds a ton to the Jazz team on both sides of the ball. In todays league you need that “stretch big” to spread the floor. The Jazz may have found that.
Besides these three guys, there is a lot of moving parts in this team. It is important for guys like Gordon Hayward, Rudy Gobert, and Rodney Hood to keep healthy. I believe that the Jazz have the talent to go deep into the playoffs, beside there lack of experience. In order for this team to continue to gain experience and improve they must get a little help from lady luck.