Three questions the Jazz face heading into training camp
With training camp about to tip off, here’s what to watch for as your favorite team prepares for the 2015-16 season. Some of these questions will be answered quickly; others could linger into the regular season. Either way, here are three things that will define the first month of this new season:
Who steps up at point guard?
Everything was falling into place for the Utah Jazz before Dante Exum was lost for the season before it even started. Now, the Jazz must begin the season by figuring out who gets the starting point guard job. Trey Burke likely has the inside track, but Raul Neto and Bryce Cotton both bring changes of pace off the bench. And if either clicks with the starters, it might behoove Quin Snyder to consider rolling with it in the early going. Utah has a fairly easy slate over the first five games before things get tough.
How real is Rudy Gobert?
Anyone asking “Is Gobert for real?” isn’t paying attention. That’s already in the bag. Now, the question is how high the ceiling goes on the Stifle Tower. He’ll keep honing his defensive intelligence, which is already through the roof, and now he’ll have ample opportunity to work on his offensive game. As much as the point guard question will dictate Utah’s postseason prospects, Gobert’s offensive growth is just as important.
When will people stop forgetting about Derrick Favors?
Perhaps he’s too solid for his own good. But Gobert’s rise is just the latest Jazz phenomenon to overshadow Favors. He’s already said that becoming an All-Star is a personal goal for 2015-16. It’ll take such an impressive effort that no one can ignore him anymore. Favors has it in him. And if he unleashes it, Utah’s playoff hopes become a lot more realistic.
