Jazz Finally Get Respect on the National Media Stage
The Utah Jazz finally got some respect from the national media. Bleacher Report’s Andy Bailey has Utah ranked as the fifth most underrated team entering the 2023-24 season. However, according to Bailey, with Lauri Markkanen and Walker Kessler bursting into the scene last season, catching other teams off guard may be more difficult.
“It's fair to say that the Utah Jazz won't catch as many teams by surprise this season. Now, everyone knows Lauri Markkanen is an All-Star. It's pretty widely accepted that Walker Kessler is one of the game's better rim protectors. Opponents will be more prepared to face the Jazz in 2023-24. And if Utah's out of the hunt for a playoff spot in February or March, it might start to make decisions aimed at improving draft position (like it did in 2023).”
Indeed, the league shouldn’t view Utah as bottom dwellers with an All-Star and fringe All-Star rostered heading into the new year. Also, adding John Collins this offseason gives Utah one of the longest frontcourts in the league.
Bailey didn’t stop with Utah’s frontcourt as he brought up the possibility of some other players outperforming their perceived value in 2023-24.
“And just getting back to 37 would be enough to clear this year's over-under. If Agbaji, Talen Horton-Tucker, Kessler or one of the Jazz' incoming rookies (a group that includes Taylor Hendricks, Keyonte George and Brice Sensabaugh), a total in the low to mid-40s could be in play.”
Bailey had the Jazz ranked in the five slot, with the Washington Wizards, Orlando Magic, and Brooklyn Nets rounding out teams 2-4, respectively.
So, which franchise is the most underrated team heading into the new year, according to Bailey? Look no further than the Luka Dončić and the Dallas Mavericks. The bookies have the win total for Dallas set at 44.5 games, but Bailey doesn’t see it that way.
“And this offseason, they added a number of players who should complement their two-man game well or help cover for them on defense. Seth Curry's shooting will make it difficult to double-team either playmaker, and Grant Williams and Dante Exum can take on all kinds of difficult defensive assignments. If Dallas can keep up the 121.7 points per 100 possessions they scored with Luka and Kyrie on the floor last season, while playing even slightly better defense, a 50-win total is in play.”
Jazz fans will get answers soon, with the regular season set to tip off in five weeks.
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