MINNEAPOLIS, MN – OCTOBER 30: Donovan Mitchell #45 and Mike Conley #10 of the Utah Jazz hug after a game against the LA Clippers on October 30, 2019 at Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by David Sherman/NBAE via Getty Images)
The Utah Jazz’s first 10 games of the 2019-20 NBA season have been full of both disappointments and very encouraging pleasant surprises.
We’re 10 games into the 2019-20 NBA season and the Utah Jazz sit at a solid 7-3 record, putting them just a half-game out of first place in the West behind the 7-2 Los Angeles Lakers and Denver Nuggets, and locked in a tie with the LA Clippers and Houston Rockets. That definitely isn’t bad company to be in and is a nice start to the year for the Jazz considering a tough early schedule and all the new faces they’re working to assimilate.
With that being the case, it’s safe to say that there have been a lot of positives about the Jazz’s start through 10 games. Nevertheless, there also have been a few disappointments as they look to get up to speed.
It’s hard to make a clear judgement of any team 10 games into the season, so it’s wisest not to overreact. Regardless of what we’ve seen thus far – both good and bad – it’s important to stay even-keeled. We know the Jazz figure to be an exceptional team this year, but it’s also safe to say they have things to work on. The highs shouldn’t be too emphasized and the lows shouldn’t be read into too much.
Nevertheless, with the first span of games under the Jazz’s belt, there certainly have been some impressionable things to pick up on. Therefore, without further ado, let’s take a look at the three most pleasant surprises the Jazz have shown thus far as well as the three disappointments that will need some work for games 11-82.
a recent article from Forbes’ Ben Dowsett</a>.</p>
<p>Beyond the difficult system, this year the Jazz are working in several new faces such as <a href=https://thejnotes.com/2019/11/12/utah-jazz-three-pleasant-surprises-three-disappointments-10-games-season/"https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/c/conlemi01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-%22 target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener" ref="nofollow">Mike Conley</a>, <a href=https://thejnotes.com/2019/11/12/utah-jazz-three-pleasant-surprises-three-disappointments-10-games-season/"https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/b/bogdabo02.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-%22 target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener" ref="nofollow">Bojan Bogdanovic</a>, <a href=https://thejnotes.com/2019/11/12/utah-jazz-three-pleasant-surprises-three-disappointments-10-games-season/"https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/g/greenje02.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-%22 target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener" ref="nofollow">Jeff Green</a>, <a href=https://thejnotes.com/2019/11/12/utah-jazz-three-pleasant-surprises-three-disappointments-10-games-season/"https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/d/davised01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-%22 target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener" ref="nofollow">Ed Davis</a> and <a href=https://thejnotes.com/2019/11/12/utah-jazz-three-pleasant-surprises-three-disappointments-10-games-season/"https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/m/mudiaem01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-%22 target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener" ref="nofollow">Emmanuel Mudiay</a>, so it was projected that Utah would take even longer to get their feet underneath them. Originally, that appeared as if it would be the case when the Jazz dropped an embarrassing game to the hapless Sacramento Kings, then later fell to 4-3 after losing to the Clippers as well.</p>
<p>But Utah bounced back amazingly from there and rattled off three straight wins, including consecutive victories over the elite Philadelphia 76ers and Milwaukee Bucks to jump to 7-3. 7-3 is a great start – their best in several years – and has them among the league’s best teams.</p>
<p>Sure, there have been hiccups in those games. Many have come in closely contested bouts that felt wholly unconvincing. But the Jazz have still figured out a way to win without even scraping their uppermost potential. That’s reassuring for what they’ll be able to do once they peak and it’s thrilling to see them pull off big wins even when they have yet to fully click.</p>
<p>In other words, the fact that the Jazz are off to such a quick start when many presumed they could stumble out of the gates has been an excellent sign! And considering just how winnable their next six games are, they could very well be poised to further climb the standings and set claim on a top seed early in the young season.</p>
<div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background: #00265D" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://thejnotes.com/2019/11/12/utah-jazz-three-pleasant-surprises-three-disappointments-10-games-season/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> Disappointment #1 </a>
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<p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:1600px;">LOS ANGELES, CA – NOVEMBER 03: Utah Jazz Guard Mike Conley (10) looks on during a NBA game between the Utah Jazz and the Los Angeles Clippers on November 3, 2019 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, CA. (Photo by Brian Rothmuller/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)</p>
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<h3>Disappointment #1 – Mike Conley’s early struggles</h3>
<p>Mike Conley has looked much more like the player he was expected to be in Utah over the course of the past few games, but that doesn’t change the fact that for most of the first 10, he’s struggled to find his way. Even now with the recent improvement, Conley is still shooting just 36.5 percent from the field, which would be a career-low by a long shot.</p>
<p>If we clip off his last three performances, though, things look even worse. In the first seven games, Conley put up just 12.4 points on 31.8 percent shooting from the field and 28.2 percent from deep while logging nearly as many turnovers (3.1) as assists (3.9).</p>
<p>Mike looked largely out of sorts and without rhythm through the early stretch of the season as he struggled to find his place in a new Jazz system having left the Memphis Grizzlies for the first time in his professional career. Considering all the hype and excitement surrounding him as a missing piece for the Jazz and a prolific <a href=https://thejnotes.com/2019/11/12/utah-jazz-three-pleasant-surprises-three-disappointments-10-games-season/"https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/r/rubiori01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-%22 target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener" ref="nofollow">Ricky Rubio</a> replacement, there’s no denying that his start was disappointing.</p>
<p>Fortunately, Mike has looked much better of late which will ideally become a trend for him as he strives to become one of the key pieces of a championship-worthy Jazz team. He has a ways to go yet to prove himself and shake off the slow start, but all signs during the three-game winning streak indicate that he’s getting swiftly back into a groove.</p>
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<p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:3200px;">SALT LAKE CITY, UT – NOVEMBER 08: Bojan Bogdanovic #44 of the Utah Jazz celebrates after hitting a game winning shot against the Milwaukee Bucks at Vivint Smart Home Arena on November 8, 2019 in Salt Lake City, Utah. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Alex Goodlett/Getty Images)</p>
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<h3>Pleasant Surprise #2 – Contributions of Bogey and Mudiay</h3>
<p>When the Utah Jazz added free agent extraordinaire Bojan Bogdanovic, most fans of the team knew they were getting a good player. But I don’t think they realized just how good.</p>
<p>So far, Bojan Bogdanovic has been absolutely extraordinary for the Jazz as a superb second scoring option alongside <a href=https://thejnotes.com/2019/11/12/utah-jazz-three-pleasant-surprises-three-disappointments-10-games-season/"https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/m/mitchdo01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-%22 target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener" ref="nofollow">Donovan Mitchell</a> by absolutely torching the nets, including concreting himself in Jazz lore with a thrilling game winner over the Milwaukee Bucks on Friday. So far, Bogdanovic is shooting a solid 46.7 percent from the field as well as a scorching 44.3 percent from three, which would be a career-high if it holds.</p>
<p>Bogey has long been known as a three-point ace, and all the open looks he’s receiving in Quin’s system seem to be paying off and should only continue to do so. He’s launching at the highest rate of his career (6.8 deep attempts per game) and if he keeps connecting at this level, he will be in for a stellar year.</p>
<p>But what has made Bogdanovic such a pleasant surprise is, first of all, the fact that he got off to such a sluggish start in preseason. His woeful shooting prior to the start of the regular season had many Jazz fans panicking. Fortunately, he’s quickly resolved all their concerns with several electrifying games.</p>
<p>Secondly, Bogey has shown that he is far more than just a three-point shooter as he’s displayed a knack for getting to the rim, setting up his teammates, cutting without the basketball and playing better-than-expected defense. His D on big man <a href=https://thejnotes.com/2019/11/12/utah-jazz-three-pleasant-surprises-three-disappointments-10-games-season/"https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/h/horfoal01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-%22 target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener" ref="nofollow">Al Horford</a> last week was a primary reason why the Jazz were able to slow down and defeat the mighty Philadelphia 76ers. Bogdanovic is a guy who can always be relied upon to give his all, and he’s been superb in a Jazz uniform.</p>
<p>Even more surprising in many ways than Bogdanovic has been the play of Emmanuel Mudiay, in terms of expectation versus reality anyway. Mudiay signed a minimum contract to join the Jazz and made it clear that he was doing so with his eyes set on development and improving his game. He’s had a turbulent NBA career thus far, and many had their doubts about whether or not he’d even be able to contribute for the Jazz.</p>
<p>He’s still had some inconsistencies, but for the most part he’s been far better than expected in Utah. He’s cut down on his costly decisions and is finding comfort on offense to provide scoring for the second unit. While his abysmal 25 percent shooting from behind the arc is perhaps even a little worse than expected, he’s been great from the floor at a whopping 50 percent field goal percentage. That may not be sustainable, but if it does hold, it would be far and away a career-high.</p>
<p>Mudiay’s defense also looks much better than it has in years past as he is clearly making strides and effort on that end. In short, Mudiay isn’t setting the world on fire. But when comparing the rather low and skeptical expectations surrounding him when he joined the squad, he’s done far better than many presumed. If he can keep it up, he could prove far more valuable for the Jazz than many had predicted.</p>
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<p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:1600px;">SALT LAKE CITY, UT – OCTOBER 26: Cory Joseph #9 of the Sacramento Kings guards Georges Niang #31 of the Utah Jazz during a game at Vivint Smart Home Arena on October 26, 2019 in Salt Lake City, Utah. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Alex Goodlett/Getty Images)</p>
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<h3>Disappointment #2 – The lackluster play of Georges Niang</h3>
<p>A big contributor to the Jazz reaching their potential in 2019-20 was certain to be their internal development coupled alongside the arrival of the newcomers. So far, Donovan Mitchell and <a href=https://thejnotes.com/2019/11/12/utah-jazz-three-pleasant-surprises-three-disappointments-10-games-season/"https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/o/onealro01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-%22 target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener" ref="nofollow">Royce O’Neale</a> have led the charge as returning players that are showing significant improvements from a year ago, and it’s been a pleasure to see.</p><div class="widget fs_ads"> <div class="fs_ad_widget-ad" style="margin:0 auto; width: 300px;"> <div class="fs-ll-ad" data-ad-type="minutemedia_slideshow_inline_300x250__desktop__tablet" data-vendor="minutemedia">
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<p>However, I likewise was quite vocal in my projections that another certain Jazzman would be in for a big year where he took massive strides over the summer and played a big role for Utah. The player I speak of is <a href=https://thejnotes.com/2019/11/12/utah-jazz-three-pleasant-surprises-three-disappointments-10-games-season/"https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/n/niangge01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-%22 target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener" ref="nofollow">Georges Niang</a>, but unfortunately, thus far he has done the opposite of prove me right for putting such high faith in him.</p>
<p>It’s been a rough start for Niang who is shooting a measly 30.8 percent from deep, an area that figures to be one of his strong suits. To his credit, he is at a solid 47.4 percent from the field, but with only 0.7 two-point attempts per game, that figure is a bit misleading.</p>
<p>But more than anything, lineups featuring Georges just haven’t been good so far this year. I’ve always respected Niang’s hustle and energy, but thus far on the year, that hasn’t translated to meaningful impact. His defensive rating is a decent 99.4, though it should be pointed out that that figure is third-worst on the team among players who have logged significant minutes.</p>
<p>But his lack of offensive impact has been even more noteworthy as his offensive rating is a meager 82.7, leading to a net rating of -16.7, both of which are the worst marks on the team among players who have played significant minutes. The Jazz aren’t depending all that heavily on Niang in order to be a championship-contending team, but he still possesses skills that, if maximized, can help them in their pursuit, so it’s reasonable to hope for more out of him.</p>
<p>Although he’s struggled so far, though, I’m still bullish on his prospect of putting together a solid 2019-20 campaign. He has the work ethic and determination to fill his role well, and I imagine once he settles in a little better with the new faces surrounding him and finds his shot from deep, he’ll begin to significantly rectify some of the issues he’s had in the early part of the year.</p>
<p>It’s been a lackluster start for Niang thus far. But with only 10 games under his belt this season, there’s plenty of time for him to right the ship.</p>
<div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background: #00265D" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://thejnotes.com/2019/11/12/utah-jazz-three-pleasant-surprises-three-disappointments-10-games-season/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> Pleasant Surprise #3 </a>
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<p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:3200px;">SALT LAKE CITY, UT – NOVEMBER 8: Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Utah Jazz smiles after a game against the Milwaukee Bucks on November 8, 2019 at Vivint Smart Home Arena in Salt Lake City, Utah. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Melissa Majchrzak/NBAE via Getty Images)</p>
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<h3>Pleasant Surprise #3 – Donovan Mitchell’s efficiency</h3>
<p>Perhaps the biggest criticism Donovan Mitchell has taken in his young career is that he is an inefficient volume shooter that takes bad shots at too high of a clip. There is probably some truth to that, but those that have been too hard on him would do well to remember that he has just two years of NBA experience and was forced to shoulder a colossal load for his Jazz team that is rare for a player as young as he is.</p>
<p>Regardless of any former impressions of the third-year star, though, he’s quickly silencing his critics so far this season as he’s off to an exceptionally efficient start. Through 10 games, Mitchell is shooting a wonderful 48.1 percent from the field as well as a difficult-to-believe 45.5 percent from the perimeter.</p>
<p>Both obviously would be career-highs, but what’s perhaps even more impressive is that his three-point clip has him at the second-best mark on the team, trailing only Royce O’Neale and ahead of the likes of Bogdanovic, Conley and <a href=https://thejnotes.com/2019/11/12/utah-jazz-three-pleasant-surprises-three-disappointments-10-games-season/"https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/i/inglejo01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-%22 target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener" ref="nofollow">Joe Ingles</a>.</p>
<p>Some have gone as far as to say that the three-point shot isn’t a reliable part of Mitchell’s game and not something he should count on. But, so far, it’s been one of his most deadly weapons. And if he keeps up this kind of efficiency, he’s going to make the Jazz even more dangerous than imagined.</p>
<p>His 24.6 points per game is an impressive mark in and of itself, but when considering the efficiency he’s doing it on, it’s even more incredible. Sure, it’s only been 10 games, but if Mitchell keeps this up, he’s almost certain to become a first-time NBA All-Star this season.</p>
<div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background: #00265D" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://thejnotes.com/2019/11/12/utah-jazz-three-pleasant-surprises-three-disappointments-10-games-season/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> Disappointment #3 </a>
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<p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:3200px;">SALT LAKE CITY, UT – OCTOBER 23: Dante Exum #11 of the Utah Jazz looks on before a opening night game against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Vivint Smart Home Arena on October 23, 2019 in Salt Lake City, Utah. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Alex Goodlett/Getty Images)</p>
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<h3>Disappointment #3 – Injuries to Dante Exum and Ed Davis</h3>
<p>Of course, one of the most frequently disappointing occurrences to take place in any sport is injury. The Utah Jazz are no strangers to the injury bug, and it’s bitten them already. First and foremost, it’s been frustrating to see the continued health issues of <a href=https://thejnotes.com/2019/11/12/utah-jazz-three-pleasant-surprises-three-disappointments-10-games-season/"https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/e/exumda01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-%22 target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener" ref="nofollow">Dante Exum</a>.</p>
<p>His battles with injury are well-chronicled, so it was expected that the Jazz would be cautious and patient with him. But even through the first 10 games of the season, things have gone from hopeful to disappointing with him very quickly. During preseason, there was speculation that he could be ready to go for the regular season opener. That, of course, has long since passed with Exum remaining unable to suit up.</p>
<p>Next, it was presumed that he could be back for the Jazz’s battle against the Milwaukee Bucks last Friday. That obviously didn’t happen either, though. And Tuesday will mark four days and two more games played since then that Dante hasn’t been able to be in action.</p>
<p>We’ll see if he’s able to go for the Jazz’s following bout on Friday in Memphis, but considering the lengthy delays we’ve already experienced, I’d encourage Jazz fans not to hold their breath. Once he is finally back, expect significant load management, rest and caution to be exercised. Even if the Jazz do luck out and get the true Dante Exum back sometime this year, don’t expect it to be for several months still.</p>
<p>Injury to Exum has become almost expected, though, so the even more disappointing injury news came regarding Ed Davis. Ed Davis was brought over with the expectation that he could help soften some of the blow of losing <a href=https://thejnotes.com/2019/11/12/utah-jazz-three-pleasant-surprises-three-disappointments-10-games-season/"https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/f/favorde01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-%22 target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener" ref="nofollow">Derrick Favors</a> as he would play most of <a href=https://thejnotes.com/2019/11/12/utah-jazz-three-pleasant-surprises-three-disappointments-10-games-season/"https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/g/goberru01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-%22 target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener" ref="nofollow">Rudy Gobert</a>‘s backup minutes. In his first games in action, he did just that by bringing energy, hustle, rebounding and a defensive presence that was much improved from the preseason, making it look quite promising.</p>
<p>Unfortunately, just six games into the season, Davis suffered a leg fracture that will hold him out for upwards of a month if not far more. Davis’ acquisition was a reason for much celebration among Jazz fans, but unfortunately he disappointingly hasn’t been allotted the opportunity to prove his worth. Ideally, he can make a quick recovery and be back out their grabbing offensive boards and swatting shots away with ease for Utah’s second unit.</p>
<div class="fs-shortcode" data-type="StoryLink" data-theme="dark" data-text="Game thread: Utah Jazz aim for fourth straight win as they host Brooklyn" data-url="https://thejnotes.com/2019/11/12/game-thread-utah-jazz-aim-fourth-straight-win/" data-call-to-action="Next"> <div class="story-link-next"> <a class="story-link-next-btn" style="background: #00265D" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="story-link-next-shortcode" href=https://thejnotes.com/2019/11/12/utah-jazz-three-pleasant-surprises-three-disappointments-10-games-season/"https://thejnotes.com/2019/11/12/game-thread-utah-jazz-aim-fourth-straight-win/"> <span class="call_to_action">Next:</span> Game thread: Utah Jazz aim for fourth straight win as they host Brooklyn </a> </div>
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<p>All in all, it’s hard to find much to complain about regarding Utah’s 7-3 start. Sure, there have been some roadblocks here and there, but for the most part I’d say they’ve displayed more good than bad and are on an encouraging trajectory to post a sensational season.</p><!—pageview_candidate—>">