2016-17 NBA Season Preview: Utah Jazz
Welcome to theScore's 2016-17 NBA preview, where you'll find comprehensive coverage of all 30 teams and storylines to watch this season.
Utah Jazz
2015-16
| Record | Northwest | West | Playoffs |
|---|---|---|---|
| 40-42 | 3rd | 9th | N/A |
Offseason Roundup
| Additions | Departures |
|---|---|
| George Hill (acquired from IND) | Trey Burke (traded to WSH) |
| Joe Johnson (2/$22M) | Trevor Booker (BKN) |
| Boris Diaw (acquired from SAN) | Tibor Pleiss (traded to PHI) |
| Joel Bolomboy (draft) | |
| Marcus Paige (acquired from BKN) | |
| Tyrone Wallace (draft) | |
| Henry Sims (minimum) |
Projected Starting 5
- PG George Hill
- SG Rodney Hood
- SF Gordon Hayward
- PF Derrick Favors
- C Rudy Gobert
Player to watch
It feels like Hayward has been on the verge of something bigger the last few years, although that could also be because the Jazz haven't made the playoffs since 2012. Utah's leading scorer the last three seasons can opt out of his contract next summer, and he'll be looking to improve on last year's field-goal percentage of 43.3 - the second-lowest of his career.
For whatever reason, Hayward's 3-point shot also seems to be better in seasons ending in odd numbers. Note the years of his production that were over or closer to the optimal league consensus of a 38 percent success rate.
| Season | 3PA-3PM | 3P% |
|---|---|---|
| 2010-11 | 0.5-1.0 | 47.3 |
| 2011-12 | 0.8-2.4 | 34.6 |
| 2012-13 | 1.4-3.4 | 41.5 |
| 2013-14 | 1.1-3.6 | 30.4 |
| 2014-15 | 1.6-4.3 | 36.4 |
| 2015-16 | 1.8-5.1 | 34.9 |
Hayward has had a habit of forcing bad shots at times, but that shouldn't have to be an issue in Utah's team-oriented, pass-happy offense. The Jazz had the bizarre honor last season of leading the NBA in passes per game while also registering the league's slowest pace. Hayward is their most talented scorer; and at age 26 he still has lots of room for improvement.
Gobert's athletic rim protection, Hood's continued development, and Dante Exum's return from injury also merit watching in 2016-17.
Season Expectations
The expectations are high for the Jazz. The moves made for Hill, Johnson, and Diaw were specifically designed to get Utah into the postseason, potentially as a top-four seed. Hill bolsters a tight backcourt defense alongside Hood, and is a significant upgrade at the point over last year's platoon of Raul Neto and Trey Burke.
Wily veterans Johnson and Diaw will provide a new level of toughness off the bench, and both are still capable contributors in their respective areas at ages 35 and 34, respectively. With the Oklahoma City Thunder losing Kevin Durant and a real sense that the Portland Trail Blazers overachieved last season, the Jazz are clear favorites to win the Northwest Division.
It's a big year for the organization as several financial decisions lurk down the road. In addition to Hayward's likely opt-out, Hill is a free agent next summer. Gobert hits restricted free agency in 2017, with Hood and Exum the year after - when Favors is also unrestricted.
Given the current mix of youngsters and veterans, this season may be the Jazz's best chance to take a hard swing at the Western Conference.