Utah Jazz

          The Utah Jazz struggled in 2013, winning only 25 games. The Jazz have stockpiled talent and while the future looks bright, this will be an important year for the rebuilding process. Utah kept Gordon Heyward (who signed a four year-63 million dollar contract with the Hornets) and must make decisions on whether to invest in guys like Alec Burks and Enes Kanter. Heyward impressed last year, averaging more than 16 points, 5 assists and 5 rebounds. The jury is still out on whether he is worth the max but he is looking more and more like a franchise cornerstone. Burks, 23, is an interesting player who can well finish inside. Kanter has not been the player the Jazz thought they were getting when they drafted him with the 3^rd pick in the 2011 draft. Kanter has been working on developing a jump shot (specifically his stroke from three) which would make him much more valuable and a fit to pair with power forward Derrick Favors. Favors is in a big year as well, though already signed to a big contract. The Jazz also have French big man Rudy Gobert who, although raw, has the potential to be the best big man on this team. The Jazz invested their last two drafts in back court talent. 

        Trey Burke, 21, and Dante Exum, 19, are the future of this franchise. Burke started the season late but was probably the second best point guard in last years draft behind Michael Carter Williams. Exum has the most potential of any player on this roster and could be a star. Unfortunately, Exum can’t shoot yet and is very raw so his progress (like most Jazz players) will take years to comprehend.

X Factor: Derrick Favors:

Favors (above) is in a make or break year

            Derrick Favors, while solid, hasn’t exactly set the world on fire with his play for the Jazz. Favors was drafted by the Nets (3^rd in 2010) and then shipped to Utah as the key piece in the Nets landing Deron Williams. Favors is a monster rebounder and is one of the most physically imposing forwards in the league. At 6’10’’ 268, it’s not wonder people are obsessed with Favor’s talent. Favor’s defends the basket well for a power forward (1.5 BPG) but hasn’t taken the next step in terms of his offensive game. This may have to do with his situation, as Tyrone Corbin’s offense was not suited for Favor’s game, which constantly put him in the post. Favors works better off of the pick and roll which allows him to use his athleticism. I think Favors is in for a big year and will show the doubters what kind of talent he has. 

Question: What position will Dante Exum play?

Exum (above) is full of potential but what position will he play?

Similar to the Timberwolves, the Jazz might have drafted the same position in two consecutive years. It is no secret that Trey Burke is a point guard but Dante Exum might be a one or a two. Exum’s best trait is his ability to see the floor. Exum could be like Westbrook in that teams are not sure what position he plays. If Exum plays the two, Trey Burke’s future in Utah is safe but if Exum shows that he is a better fit at the point guard position, Burke’s situation becomes cloudy. Dante Exum has the potential to be a special player, as he has been compared him to Kobe. Playing in Australia might be a red flag but the guy has talent. It will take Exum years to grow into the player he projects to be but he could well be worth in the investment. Exum has tremendous vision and incredible length.

Best Case: Exum looks like the Australian Kobe, Burke shows he has starter potential, Favors, Gobert and Kanter play well to increase their trade value, players stay healthy

Worst case: Heyward contract was a bust, Exum is another example of how risky international picks in basketball are (BARG) Kanter is a bust and the Jazz spend another pick on a big man or a point  guard.

Bold prediction: Derrick Favors averages a double double with at least 15 and 10.