PORTLAND, OR – APRIL 11: Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Utah Jazz stands for the National Anthem before the game against the Portland Trail Blazers on April 11, 2018 at the Moda Center in Portland, Oregon. Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Sam Forencich/NBAE via Getty Images)
Despite an up and down season, the Utah Jazz exceeded expectations by finishing with a 48-34 record and the fifth seed in a loaded Western Conference. Which Jazz players graded out the best at season’s end?
After losing both Gordon Hayward and George Hill last offseason, returning to the playoffs seemed like more of a long-term goal than an immediate one for the Utah Jazz. That’s what has made the 2017-18 season and this Jazz squad so special.
Thanks to a major injury to Rudy Gobert and a grueling December stretch, many counted the Jazz out and the speculation as to which potential lottery picks Utah should target began. However, as the “#TankNote” sentiment began to grow among segments of Jazz Nation, Gobert and company remained confident.
The Jazz were more than “fine” over the season’s final three months. Utah went from lottery expectations to a shot at the West’s third seed. A turnaround as drastic as Utah’s requires a team effort.
Which players contributed most to Utah’s impressive season and how do they each grade out after 82 games? Let’s take a look.
January 6, 2018</a></p></blockquote>
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<p>The Jazz were more than “fine” over the season’s final three months. Utah went from lottery expectations to a shot at the West’s third seed. A turnaround as drastic as Utah’s requires a team effort.</p>
<p>Which players contributed most to Utah’s impressive season and how do they each grade out after 82 games? Let’s take a look.</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/2018/04/14/utah-jazz-grading-every-jazzman-2017-18/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> Rudy Gobert </a>
</div><!—pageview_candidate—><hr id="pagebreak"><div class="fs-shortcode" data-type="Grade" data-grade="A" data-name="RUDY GOBERT" data-meta-a="C" data-meta-b="Utah Jazz" data-inner-content=""
> <div class="grade remove-native-227"> <div class="grade-header"> <div class="photo"> <img src=https://thejnotes.com/2018/04/14/utah-jazz-grading-every-jazzman-2017-18/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/w_200,h_200,c_fill,g_auto,f_auto/https%3A%2F%2Fthejnotes.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fgetty-images%2F2018%2F04%2F944477652-golden-state-warriors-v-utah-jazz.jpg.jpg"> </div> <div class="border"> <h3 class="first-name">RUDY GOBERT</h3> <span class="position">C,</span> <span class="team">Utah Jazz</span> </div> <div class="the-grade"> <h3 class="letter-grade">A</h3> </div> </div> </div>
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<p>Despite missing 26 games this year due to injury, Gobert’s impact on the season was monumental; and it goes far beyond his on-court presence. His leadership and contagious confidence was exactly what Utah needed after falling to 19-28 in January.</p>
<p>Gobert averaged 13.5 points and 10.7 rebounds per game to go along with 2.3 blocks. While impressive, Gobert’s numbers are not what makes him such a game-changing player.</p>
<p>His elite-level defense and offensive efficiency were arguably the key factor in Utah closing the year on a 29-6 run.</p>
<div class="embed ">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">On January 19th, the Utah Jazz were 8 game below .500, with a negative point differential, and 4.5 games behind the 8 seed.</p>
<p>They are currently the 4 seed and 12 games over .500.</p>
<p>Why January 19th? That's the day Rudy Gobert returned to the lineup.</p>
<p>— Dave DuFour (@DaveDuFourNBA) <a href=https://thejnotes.com/2018/04/14/utah-jazz-grading-every-jazzman-2017-18/"https://twitter.com/DaveDuFourNBA/status/981402962332454913?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%22>April 4, 2018</a></p></blockquote>
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<p>Despite missing over a quarter of the season, it’s impossible to give the Stifle Tower anything but an “A” for the impact he had on and off the court.</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/2018/04/14/utah-jazz-grading-every-jazzman-2017-18/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> Ricky Rubio </a>
</div><!—pageview_candidate—><hr id="pagebreak"><div class="fs-shortcode" data-type="Grade" data-grade="B+" data-name="RICKY RUBIO" data-meta-a="PG" data-meta-b="Utah Jazz" data-inner-content=""
> <div class="grade remove-native-227"> <div class="grade-header"> <div class="photo"> <img src=https://thejnotes.com/2018/04/14/utah-jazz-grading-every-jazzman-2017-18/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/w_200,h_200,c_fill,g_auto,f_auto/https%3A%2F%2Fthejnotes.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fgetty-images%2F2018%2F04%2F941636610-los-angeles-lakers-v-utah-jazz.jpg.jpg"> </div> <div class="border"> <h3 class="first-name">RICKY RUBIO</h3> <span class="position">PG,</span> <span class="team">Utah Jazz</span> </div> <div class="the-grade"> <h3 class="letter-grade">B+</h3> </div> </div> </div>
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<p>Dennis Lindsey traded Utah’s 20th overall pick in the 2017 NBA Draft for Ricky Rubio as a replacement for Hill. He was rumored to have been brought in to entice Hayward to stick around.</p>
<p>Whether those rumors were true or not, Rubio has proven to be a valuable piece for the Jazz despite Hayward’s departure.</p>
<p>Rubio’s play seems directly related to Utah’s success as much as any other player, if not more. In Jazz wins, Rubio averaged over 15 points and nearly six assists per game. In comparison, his numbers fall to 10.5 points and under five assists per game in losses.</p>
<p>His leadership and toughness were also a major factor in the late-season development of the Jazz.</p>
<p>While his assist numbers have taken a dip since joining the Jazz, he has made up for it with improved shooting. Specifically, the ability to knock down the three-ball.</p>
<p>Rubio’s season was definitely a roller coaster ride. However, there were considerably more ups than downs for the “Spanish samurai” as the year wore on. He has definitely earned his first postseason trip of his seven-year career.</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/2018/04/14/utah-jazz-grading-every-jazzman-2017-18/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> Derrick Favors </a>
</div><!—pageview_candidate—><hr id="pagebreak"><div class="fs-shortcode" data-type="Grade" data-grade="B+" data-name="DERRICK FAVORS" data-meta-a="PF/C" data-meta-b="Utah Jazz" data-inner-content=""
> <div class="grade remove-native-227"> <div class="grade-header"> <div class="photo"> <img src=https://thejnotes.com/2018/04/14/utah-jazz-grading-every-jazzman-2017-18/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/w_200,h_200,c_fill,g_auto,f_auto/https%3A%2F%2Fthejnotes.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fgetty-images%2F2018%2F04%2F942473072-los-angeles-lakers-v-utah-jazz.jpg.jpg"> </div> <div class="border"> <h3 class="first-name">DERRICK FAVORS</h3> <span class="position">PF/C,</span> <span class="team">Utah Jazz</span> </div> <div class="the-grade"> <h3 class="letter-grade">B+</h3> </div> </div> </div>
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<p>Derrick Favors has been an unsung hero for the Jazz this season.</p>
<p>Playing the same position as Utah’s franchise cornerstone in Gobert, Favors found himself at the center of trade rumors. Despite the outside noise and being in the final year of his contract, Favors has consistently delivered on both ends of the floor.</p>
<div class="embed ">
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Tonight, Derrick Favors plays his 500th game as a Jazz man.</p>
<p>He's one of 12 players in franchise history to hit that mark ❤️ <a href=https://thejnotes.com/2018/04/14/utah-jazz-grading-every-jazzman-2017-18/"https://t.co/cxlYpehVr6">pic.twitter.com/cxlYpehVr6
<p>— x – Utah Jazz (@utahjazz) <a href=https://thejnotes.com/2018/04/14/utah-jazz-grading-every-jazzman-2017-18/"https://twitter.com/utahjazz/status/984256499147878400?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%22>April 12, 2018</a></p></blockquote>
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<p>Whether he ends up re-signing with the Jazz or not this offseason, Faves has cemented his place in the hearts of Jazz fans. #Stayvors?</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/2018/04/14/utah-jazz-grading-every-jazzman-2017-18/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> Alec Burks </a>
</div><!—pageview_candidate—><hr id="pagebreak"><div class="fs-shortcode" data-type="Grade" data-grade="C-" data-name="ALEC BURKS" data-meta-a="SG" data-meta-b="Utah Jazz" data-inner-content=""
> <div class="grade remove-native-227"> <div class="grade-header"> <div class="photo"> <img src=https://thejnotes.com/2018/04/14/utah-jazz-grading-every-jazzman-2017-18/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/w_200,h_200,c_fill,g_auto,f_auto/https%3A%2F%2Fthejnotes.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fgetty-images%2F2018%2F04%2F942464846-la-clippers-v-utah-jazz.jpg.jpg"> </div> <div class="border"> <h3 class="first-name">ALEC BURKS</h3> <span class="position">SG,</span> <span class="team">Utah Jazz</span> </div> <div class="the-grade"> <h3 class="letter-grade">C-</h3> </div> </div> </div>
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<p>Coming into the season, finding consistent scoring appeared to be Utah’s primary concern. I don’t think I was the only one looking forward to what Alec Burks could do in an increased role.</p>
<p>Dante Exum’s preseason injury also left Burks with a golden opportunity to finally break through as a reliable rotation piece.</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>Despite a few early season flashes from the former 12th overall pick, Burks’ inconsistency remained. The emergence of undrafted rookie Royce O’Neale pushed AB even further down Utah’s depth chart. He only appeared in nine games after the beginning of March, largely in garbage time.</p>
<p>While I have not entirely lost faith in Burks’ ability to contribute, he simply didn’t live up to expectations this year.</p>
<p>Despite his athleticism, Burks’ future with the team appears as unclear as ever.</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/2018/04/14/utah-jazz-grading-every-jazzman-2017-18/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> Jae Crowder </a>
</div><!—pageview_candidate—></p><hr id="pagebreak"><div class="fs-shortcode" data-type="Grade" data-grade="B+" data-name="JAE CROWDER" data-meta-a="PF" data-meta-b="Utah Jazz" data-inner-content=""
> <div class="grade remove-native-227"> <div class="grade-header"> <div class="photo"> <img src=https://thejnotes.com/2018/04/14/utah-jazz-grading-every-jazzman-2017-18/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/w_200,h_200,c_fill,g_auto,f_auto/https%3A%2F%2Fthejnotes.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fgetty-images%2F2018%2F04%2F943509468-utah-jazz-v-los-angeles-lakers.jpg.jpg"> </div> <div class="border"> <h3 class="first-name">JAE CROWDER</h3> <span class="position">PF,</span> <span class="team">Utah Jazz</span> </div> <div class="the-grade"> <h3 class="letter-grade">B+</h3> </div> </div> </div>
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<p>Utah’s interest in Jae Crowder could be traced back to the offseason. The Jazz were finally able to bring over the tough, sixth-man in the trade deadline deal that sent Rodney Hood to the Cavs and Joe Johnson to the Kings.</p>
<p>Since joining the team in February, Crowder has been Utah’s most consistent bench player.</p>
<p>Even when his shot hasn’t fallen, Crowder’s team-first attitude and toughness have been a perfect fit with this Jazz team and the impact has been felt.</p>
<div class="embed ">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">This lineup by the Jazz leads the entire NBA in +/-</p>
<p>Ricky Rubio<br />Donovan Mitchell<br />Joe Ingles <br />Jae Crowder <br />Rudy Gobert</p>
<p>— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) <a href=https://thejnotes.com/2018/04/14/utah-jazz-grading-every-jazzman-2017-18/"https://twitter.com/TheHoopCentral/status/983418732931436545?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%22>April 9, 2018</a></p></blockquote>
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<p>Crowder has been exactly what Utah was hoping they would get when they traded Hood for him.</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/2018/04/14/utah-jazz-grading-every-jazzman-2017-18/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> Raul Neto </a>
</div><!—pageview_candidate—><hr id="pagebreak"><div class="fs-shortcode" data-type="Grade" data-grade="C+" data-name="RAUL NETO" data-meta-a="PG" data-meta-b="Utah Jazz" data-inner-content=""
> <div class="grade remove-native-227"> <div class="grade-header"> <div class="photo"> <img src=https://thejnotes.com/2018/04/14/utah-jazz-grading-every-jazzman-2017-18/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/w_200,h_200,c_fill,g_auto,f_auto/https%3A%2F%2Fthejnotes.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fgetty-images%2F2018%2F03%2F881089048-milwaukee-bucks-v-utah-jazz.jpg.jpg"> </div> <div class="border"> <h3 class="first-name">RAUL NETO</h3> <span class="position">PG,</span> <span class="team">Utah Jazz</span> </div> <div class="the-grade"> <h3 class="letter-grade">C+</h3> </div> </div> </div>
</div>
<p>Raul Neto is a tough player to evaluate.</p>
<p>He has proven to be a reliable back-up point guard, however, injuries and the emergence of Donovan Mitchell have largely made Neto an afterthought.</p>
<p>A wrist injury forced Neto out from mid-March until April 10th. Before that, he had an extended stint in the league’s concussion protocol. When healthy, Neto gives Utah’s second unit a more than capable floor general. Look for Neto to prove his worth this postseason.</p>
<p>I strongly believe that Neto would really improve if given a greater role. That opportunity might not come in Utah, though.</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/2018/04/14/utah-jazz-grading-every-jazzman-2017-18/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> Donovan Mitchell </a>
</div><!—pageview_candidate—><hr id="pagebreak"><div class="fs-shortcode" data-type="Grade" data-grade="A+" data-name="DONOVAN MITCHELL" data-meta-a="G" data-meta-b="Utah Jazz" data-inner-content=""
> <div class="grade remove-native-227"> <div class="grade-header"> <div class="photo"> <img src=https://thejnotes.com/2018/04/14/utah-jazz-grading-every-jazzman-2017-18/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/w_200,h_200,c_fill,g_auto,f_auto/https%3A%2F%2Fthejnotes.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fgetty-images%2F2017%2F10%2F859985706-utah-jazz-v-los-angeles-lakers.jpg.jpg"> </div> <div class="border"> <h3 class="first-name">DONOVAN MITCHELL</h3> <span class="position">G,</span> <span class="team">Utah Jazz</span> </div> <div class="the-grade"> <h3 class="letter-grade">A+</h3> </div> </div> </div>
</div>
<p>Rookie of the Year or not, Donovan Mitchell has had an unbelievable first season. When Utah traded Trey Lyles (good riddance) to Denver to acquire Mitchell, nobody could have foreseen (or even imagined) the kind of year the 13th overall would have during his rookie campaign.</p>
<p>Without Hayward and Hill, where was Utah going to find offense?</p>
<p>Mitchell quickly wasted little time answering that question.</p>
<div class="embed ">
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Stop it, <a href=https://thejnotes.com/2018/04/14/utah-jazz-grading-every-jazzman-2017-18/"https://twitter.com/spidadmitchell?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%22>@spidadmitchell. <a href=https://thejnotes.com/2018/04/14/utah-jazz-grading-every-jazzman-2017-18/"https://t.co/Yk7Rjpy9yB">pic.twitter.com/Yk7Rjpy9yB
<p>— NBA TV (@NBATV) <a href=https://thejnotes.com/2018/04/14/utah-jazz-grading-every-jazzman-2017-18/"https://twitter.com/NBATV/status/983888191274004480?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%22>April 11, 2018</a></p></blockquote>
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<p>Mitchell is the first rookie since Carmelo Anthony to lead a playoff team in scoring. Mitchell’s 20.5 points per game led all rookies this season.</p>
<p>Sure, Mitchell has his fair share of rookie mistakes, however, the good FAR outweighed the bad.</p>
<p>His dunk contest victory 3-point record and the national #ROY attention he brought Utah, were just a few of the season’s highlights.</p>
<p>Utah’s future appears bright with both Gobert and Mitchell as the franchise’s foundation.</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/2018/04/14/utah-jazz-grading-every-jazzman-2017-18/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> Jonas Jerebko </a>
</div><!—pageview_candidate—><hr id="pagebreak"><div class="fs-shortcode" data-type="Grade" data-grade="B" data-name="JONAS JEREBKO" data-meta-a="F" data-meta-b="Utah Jazz" data-inner-content=""
> <div class="grade remove-native-227"> <div class="grade-header"> <div class="photo"> <img src=https://thejnotes.com/2018/04/14/utah-jazz-grading-every-jazzman-2017-18/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/w_200,h_200,c_fill,g_auto,f_auto/https%3A%2F%2Fthejnotes.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fgetty-images%2F2018%2F04%2F944489154-golden-state-warriors-v-utah-jazz.jpg.jpg"> </div> <div class="border"> <h3 class="first-name">JONAS JEREBKO</h3> <span class="position">F,</span> <span class="team">Utah Jazz</span> </div> <div class="the-grade"> <h3 class="letter-grade">B</h3> </div> </div> </div>
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<p>Not much to say about Jonas Jerebko.</p>
<p>He was signed this offseason as a three and D payer. Jerebko has given Utah excellent minutes whenever he is on the floor.</p>
<p>His 46.7 percent shooting gave Quin Snyder lineup flexibility and allowed Jazz the spread the floor. Jerebko’s effort was also contagious and helped propel Utah down the stretch of some early season games.</p>
<p>Despite losing minutes with the addition of Crowder, Jerebko hasn’t missed a beat. His preparation and ability to stay ready speaks volumes for the player that Jerebko is.</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/2018/04/14/utah-jazz-grading-every-jazzman-2017-18/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> Thabo Sefolosha </a>
</div><!—pageview_candidate—><hr id="pagebreak"><div class="fs-shortcode" data-type="Grade" data-grade="B" data-name="THABO SEFOLOSHA" data-meta-a="G/F" data-meta-b="Utah Jazz" data-inner-content=""
> <div class="grade remove-native-227"> <div class="grade-header"> <div class="photo"> <img src=https://thejnotes.com/2018/04/14/utah-jazz-grading-every-jazzman-2017-18/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/w_200,h_200,c_fill,g_auto,f_auto/https%3A%2F%2Fthejnotes.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fgetty-images%2F2018%2F04%2F889894864-houston-rockets-v-utah-jazz.jpg.jpg"> </div> <div class="border"> <h3 class="first-name">THABO SEFOLOSHA</h3> <span class="position">G/F,</span> <span class="team">Utah Jazz</span> </div> <div class="the-grade"> <h3 class="letter-grade">B</h3> </div> </div> </div>
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<p>Like Jerebko, Sefolosha was also an offseason addition.</p>
<p>Unfortunately, his season came to an end in January with an MCL injury. Prior to the injury, Sefolosha was a crucial member to Snyder’s rotation.</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>While he was brought in a defensive specialist, Sefolosha proved his worth on both ends of the floor with an uncanny ability to cut to the rim for open layups.</p>
<p>Sefolosha’s leadership and ability to help Mitchell were also invaluable assets he brought to the team.</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/2018/04/14/utah-jazz-grading-every-jazzman-2017-18/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> Royce O'Neale </a>
</div><!—pageview_candidate—></p><hr id="pagebreak"><div class="fs-shortcode" data-type="Grade" data-grade="B+" data-name="ROYCE O'NEALE" data-meta-a="G/F" data-meta-b="Utah Jazz" data-inner-content=""
> <div class="grade remove-native-227"> <div class="grade-header"> <div class="photo"> <img src=https://thejnotes.com/2018/04/14/utah-jazz-grading-every-jazzman-2017-18/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/w_200,h_200,c_fill,g_auto,f_auto/https%3A%2F%2Fthejnotes.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fgetty-images%2F2018%2F04%2F943517346-utah-jazz-v-los-angeles-lakers.jpg.jpg"> </div> <div class="border"> <h3 class="first-name">ROYCE O'NEALE</h3> <span class="position">G/F,</span> <span class="team">Utah Jazz</span> </div> <div class="the-grade"> <h3 class="letter-grade">B+</h3> </div> </div> </div>
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<p>Royce O’Neale has been as good of story as any on this Jazz squad.</p>
<p>In limited early-season minutes, O’Neale showed his potential to Snyder and his staff. As the season went on, he continued to make his case for a role in Utah’s rotation.</p>
<p>Despite showing flashes on offense, O’Neale’s real brilliance has been on the defensive end.</p>
<div class="embed ">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">The fact that an undrafted rookie is one of the players sitting in garbage time means Dennis Lindsey found another diamond in the rough in Royce O’Neale. <a href=https://thejnotes.com/2018/04/14/utah-jazz-grading-every-jazzman-2017-18/"https://twitter.com/hashtag/GSWatUTA?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%22>#GSWatUTA</a></p>
<p>— David J. Smith (@davidjsmith1232) <a href=https://thejnotes.com/2018/04/14/utah-jazz-grading-every-jazzman-2017-18/"https://twitter.com/davidjsmith1232/status/983902557348159489?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%22>April 11, 2018</a></p></blockquote>
<p><script async src=https://thejnotes.com/2018/04/14/utah-jazz-grading-every-jazzman-2017-18/"https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p></div>
<p>Having a defensive stopper like O’Neale should come up huge in a playoff series that features Russell Westbrook, Paul George and Carmelo Anthony.</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/2018/04/14/utah-jazz-grading-every-jazzman-2017-18/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> Ekpe Udoh </a>
</div><!—pageview_candidate—><hr id="pagebreak"><div class="fs-shortcode" data-type="Grade" data-grade="B" data-name="EKPE UDOH" data-meta-a="PF/C" data-meta-b="Utah Jazz" data-inner-content=""
> <div class="grade remove-native-227"> <div class="grade-header"> <div class="photo"> <img src=https://thejnotes.com/2018/04/14/utah-jazz-grading-every-jazzman-2017-18/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/w_200,h_200,c_fill,g_auto,f_auto/https%3A%2F%2Fthejnotes.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fgetty-images%2F2018%2F01%2F897867000-oklahoma-city-thunder-v-utah-jazz.jpg.jpg"> </div> <div class="border"> <h3 class="first-name">EKPE UDOH</h3> <span class="position">PF/C,</span> <span class="team">Utah Jazz</span> </div> <div class="the-grade"> <h3 class="letter-grade">B</h3> </div> </div> </div>
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<p>Udoh is another player that significantly saw his role decrease as the season went on.</p>
<p>During Gobert’s absence, Udoh did a fantastic job anchoring Utah’s defense. Despite a below-average offensive game, he found ways to be effective.</p>
<p>He has been a fantastic locker room guy and active in the community as wll. I don’t think it is possible not to like Udoh.</p>
<p>Also, he provided us with this gem…</p>
<p>https://twitter.com/HandiMan23/status/985123027321946113</p>
<p>Bonus points for the picture! #DunkLife</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/2018/04/14/utah-jazz-grading-every-jazzman-2017-18/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> Joe Ingles </a>
</div><!—pageview_candidate—><hr id="pagebreak"><div class="fs-shortcode" data-type="Grade" data-grade="A" data-name="JOE INGLES" data-meta-a="SG/SF" data-meta-b="Utah Jazz" data-inner-content=""
> <div class="grade remove-native-227"> <div class="grade-header"> <div class="photo"> <img src=https://thejnotes.com/2018/04/14/utah-jazz-grading-every-jazzman-2017-18/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/w_200,h_200,c_fill,g_auto,f_auto/https%3A%2F%2Fthejnotes.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fgetty-images%2F2018%2F04%2F931669740-detroit-pistons-v-utah-jazz.jpg.jpg"> </div> <div class="border"> <h3 class="first-name">JOE INGLES</h3> <span class="position">SG/SF,</span> <span class="team">Utah Jazz</span> </div> <div class="the-grade"> <h3 class="letter-grade">A</h3> </div> </div> </div>
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<p>Count me among those that were skeptical at Joe’s contract this offseason.</p>
<p>Also, count me among those that were dead wrong. Ingles has proven his worth on the team. And his value goes far beyond his 3-point ability.</p>
<p>He has not only become one of the team’s leaders, but he has also become one of Utah’s most dangerous offensive weapons. His ability to run the pick-and-roll has become a staple in Utah’s offense and at times appears unguardable.</p>
<p>His court vision, leadership and his 44-percent shooting from three make Ingles an invaluable member of this Jazz team and one of their most reliable pieces entering the postseason.</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/2018/04/14/utah-jazz-grading-every-jazzman-2017-18/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> Dante Exum and final team GPA </a>
</div><!—pageview_candidate—><hr id="pagebreak"><div class="fs-shortcode" data-type="Grade" data-grade="B-" data-name="DANTE EXUM" data-meta-a="G" data-meta-b="Utah Jazz" data-inner-content=""
> <div class="grade remove-native-227"> <div class="grade-header"> <div class="photo"> <img src=https://thejnotes.com/2018/04/14/utah-jazz-grading-every-jazzman-2017-18/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/w_200,h_200,c_fill,g_auto,f_auto/https%3A%2F%2Fthejnotes.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fgetty-images%2F2017%2F10%2F856856708-sydney-kings-v-utah-jazz.jpg.jpg"> </div> <div class="border"> <h3 class="first-name">DANTE EXUM</h3> <span class="position">G,</span> <span class="team">Utah Jazz</span> </div> <div class="the-grade"> <h3 class="letter-grade">B-</h3> </div> </div> </div>
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<p>From one Aussie to another.</p>
<p>This was supposed to be the year that Dante Exum finally started to live up to his lottery-pick expectations.</p>
<p>Unfortunately, a preseason injury derailed those plans for most of the 2017-18 campaign. After missing most of the regular season, Exum finally returned to the lineup on March 15th.</p>
<p>Exum’s return was highlighted by a 21-point effort in a win over Memphis.</p>
<p>So far so good for the former fifth overall pick. Utah will want to continue see improvement from Exum, however, his improved awareness over the season’s final few weeks was a good sign.</p>
<p>The injury drops Exum’s grade slightly. That said, I expect him to have a big moment or two this postseason.</p>
<p>Bonus points for this moment as well…</p>
<p>https://twitter.com/LegionHoops/status/982072532776796161</p>
<p><strong>Team GPA</strong>: 3.15 (B)</p>
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