SALT LAKE CITY, UT – APRIL 23: Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Utah Jazz warms up prior to Game Four of Round One of the 2018 NBA Playoffs against the Oklahoma City Thunder on April 23, 2018 at vivint.SmartHome 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 2018 NBAE (Photo by Melissa Majchrzak/NBAE via Getty Images)
In order for the Utah Jazz to take yet another critical leap next season, their first focus will need to be on internal improvement this summer.
Recently here on TheJNotes.com, my partner in crime Ryan Aston bestowed us with an exceptional gift – a Utah Jazz offseason wishlist detailing where this Jazz team needs to improve in order to take the next step in the 2018-19 season. It was masterfully written and nothing less than a must-read for Jazz fans curious to see what their hopes for the team should be this summer.
You can check it out for yourself via the link in the tweet below:
One of the areas he touched on was a simple but crucial requirement for Utah’s offseason – internal development. While adding some extra talent, particularly in the form of reliable three-point shooters and/or playmakers would be nice, it’s also vital that the Jazz continue to grow and improve from within.
Utah has built a reputation as having an excellent development program which has been evidenced by the leaps made by both former and current Jazzmen such as Joe Ingles, Ricky Rubio, Donovan Mitchell, Rudy Gobert and Royce O’Neale, as well as Gordon Hayward and George Hill (during their time in Utah anyway).
Despite strides made this past season, all of those guys currently on the roster still need to continue to grow this summer in order for the Jazz to take a massive step forward. In particular, there are four players with specific focuses that need to be added to their individual games to help improve the Jazz as a whole.
Let’s kick it off with Utah’s rookie phenom, shall we?
TheJNotes.com, my partner in crime Ryan Aston bestowed us with an exceptional gift – a <a href=https://thejnotes.com/2018/05/16/utah-jazz-four-internal-improvement-focuses-this-offseason/"https://thejnotes.com/2018/05/15/utah-jazz-2018-offseason-checklist-bigs-burks-wing/">Utah Jazz offseason wishlist</a> detailing where this Jazz team needs to improve in order to take the next step in the 2018-19 season. It was masterfully written and nothing less than a must-read for Jazz fans curious to see what their hopes for the team should be this summer.</p>
<p>You can check it out for yourself via the link in the tweet below:</p>
<div class="embed ">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">The <a href=https://thejnotes.com/2018/05/16/utah-jazz-four-internal-improvement-focuses-this-offseason/"https://twitter.com/hashtag/UtahJazz?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%22>#UtahJazz</a> are pretty darn good, but have a ways to go to join the ranks of the elite. Here's <a href=https://thejnotes.com/2018/05/16/utah-jazz-four-internal-improvement-focuses-this-offseason/"https://twitter.com/RoundballRuckus?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%22>@RoundballRuckus' offseason checklist for contuing the slow build toward contender status. <a href=https://thejnotes.com/2018/05/16/utah-jazz-four-internal-improvement-focuses-this-offseason/"https://twitter.com/hashtag/TakeNote?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%22>#TakeNote</a> <a href=https://thejnotes.com/2018/05/16/utah-jazz-four-internal-improvement-focuses-this-offseason/"https://twitter.com/hashtag/NBAPlayoffs?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%22>#NBAPlayoffs</a> <a href=https://thejnotes.com/2018/05/16/utah-jazz-four-internal-improvement-focuses-this-offseason/"https://t.co/wBDtf6eSCC">https://t.co/wBDtf6eSCC
<p>— The J-Notes (@TheJNotes) <a href=https://thejnotes.com/2018/05/16/utah-jazz-four-internal-improvement-focuses-this-offseason/"https://twitter.com/TheJNotes/status/996585959230652416?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%22>May 16, 2018</a></p></blockquote>
<p><script async src=https://thejnotes.com/2018/05/16/utah-jazz-four-internal-improvement-focuses-this-offseason/"https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p></div>
<p>One of the areas he touched on was a simple but crucial requirement for Utah’s offseason – internal development. While adding some extra talent, particularly in the form of reliable three-point shooters and/or playmakers would be nice, it’s also vital that the Jazz continue to grow and improve from within.</p>
<p>Utah has built a reputation as having an excellent development program which has been evidenced by the leaps made by both former and current Jazzmen such as <a href=https://thejnotes.com/2018/05/16/utah-jazz-four-internal-improvement-focuses-this-offseason/"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>, <a href=https://thejnotes.com/2018/05/16/utah-jazz-four-internal-improvement-focuses-this-offseason/"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>, <a href=https://thejnotes.com/2018/05/16/utah-jazz-four-internal-improvement-focuses-this-offseason/"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>, <a href=https://thejnotes.com/2018/05/16/utah-jazz-four-internal-improvement-focuses-this-offseason/"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> and <a href=https://thejnotes.com/2018/05/16/utah-jazz-four-internal-improvement-focuses-this-offseason/"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>, as well as <a href=https://thejnotes.com/2018/05/16/utah-jazz-four-internal-improvement-focuses-this-offseason/"https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/h/haywago01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-%22 target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener" ref="nofollow">Gordon Hayward</a> and <a href=https://thejnotes.com/2018/05/16/utah-jazz-four-internal-improvement-focuses-this-offseason/"https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/h/hillge01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-%22 target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener" ref="nofollow">George Hill</a> (during their time in Utah anyway).</p>
<p>Despite strides made this past season, all of those guys currently on the roster still need to continue to grow this summer in order for the Jazz to take a massive step forward. In particular, there are four players with specific focuses that need to be added to their individual games to help improve the Jazz as a whole.</p>
<p>Let’s kick it off with Utah’s rookie phenom, shall we?</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/2018/05/16/utah-jazz-four-internal-improvement-focuses-this-offseason/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> Donovan Mitchell improving 3-point shooting </a>
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<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-large wp-image-69348" src=https://thejnotes.com/2018/05/16/utah-jazz-four-internal-improvement-focuses-this-offseason/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/c_fill,g_auto,f_auto,h_389,w_590/https%3A%2F%2Fthejnotes.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fgetty-images%2F2017%2F07%2F951261170-850x560.jpeg" alt="" width="590" height="389"><div class="fs-center-img">
<p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:590px;">SALT LAKE CITY, UT – APRIL 23: Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Utah Jazz warms up prior to Game Four of Round One of the 2018 NBA Playoffs against the Oklahoma City Thunder on April 23, 2018 at vivint.SmartHome 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 2018 NBAE (Photo by Melissa Majchrzak/NBAE via Getty Images)</p>
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<h3>Donovan Mitchell improving 3-point shooting</h3>
<p>It’s hard to nitpick Donovan Mitchell for anything considering that he blew all expectations out of the water with an incredible rookie season. The first-year player out of Louisville put up 20.5 points per game for the Jazz to help lead them into the playoffs.</p>
<p>Amid several impressive achievements that he accomplished in 2017-18, one that really stands out was that he passed <a href=https://thejnotes.com/2018/05/16/utah-jazz-four-internal-improvement-focuses-this-offseason/"https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/l/lillada01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-%22 target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener" ref="nofollow">Damian Lillard</a> to set the all-time record for most three-point makes in a season by a rookie. Lillard had set the previous record back in 2012-13 with 185 made threes. Mitchell finished 2017-18 with 187.</p>
<p>With that being the case, we all know that Donovan is undoubtedly a threat from behind the arc. However, if he is to truly elevate his game and help the Jazz improve, he needs to become even more dangerous from three-point range. Not only would doing so simply allow Donovan to put up points at a higher clip from deep, but it would cause him to command more respect on the perimeter resulting in better spacing and more opportunities for him to attack the rim or find open teammates.</p>
<p>Although Mitchell’s 187 made threes was an impressive mark, the efficiency at which he made those shots leaves something to be desired. He shot just 34 percent from three-point range this past season and just 31.3 percent in the playoffs. By comparison, Lillard shot 36.8 percent from deep in his rookie season with nearly one fewer attempt per game than Mitchell.</p>
<div class="embed "><iframe loading="lazy" width="500" height="281" src=https://thejnotes.com/2018/05/16/utah-jazz-four-internal-improvement-focuses-this-offseason/"https://www.youtube.com/embed/2C45OvHmKH4?feature=oembed%22 frameborder="0" allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
<p>Imagine if Mitchell can just get up to right around that 37 to 38 percent range. It would work wonders for his game! When he got hot this season, he could be electrifying from deep, but there were certainly times where he struggled to connect. If he can get a little more consistent and efficient, there’s no telling how much more effective it will make him overall. As he draws more attention beyond the arc, he’ll also have greater opportunity to blow past his defender and get to the rim.</p>
<p>Donovan particularly needs to get more comfortable with above the break threes, something the Jazz as a whole could use work on as well. That was by far the shot he attempted the most this season – 482 attempts, nearly 100 more than restricted area shots – thus improving in that regard would significantly help his efficiency.</p>
<p>Knowing when to settle for those tough threes compared to looking to get a better shot would be helpful, too. But that’s something I expect to come with time for the rookie. He seems to have the determination and work ethic that will result in him improving in many areas this season. If that includes three-point shooting efficiency, both he and the Jazz will be in great shape.</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/2018/05/16/utah-jazz-four-internal-improvement-focuses-this-offseason/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> Rudy Gobert solidifying offense </a>
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<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-large wp-image-69350" src=https://thejnotes.com/2018/05/16/utah-jazz-four-internal-improvement-focuses-this-offseason/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/c_fill,g_auto,f_auto,h_389,w_590/https%3A%2F%2Fthejnotes.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fgetty-images%2F2017%2F07%2F931046044-850x560.jpeg" alt="" width="590" height="389"><div class="fs-center-img">
<p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:590px;">SACRAMENTO, CA – MARCH 3: Rudy Gobert #27 of the Utah Jazz warms up against the Sacramento Kings on March 3, 2018 at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, California. 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 Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Rocky Widner/NBAE via Getty Images)</p>
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<h3>Rudy Gobert solidifying offense</h3>
<p>There’s no disputing just how important Rudy Gobert is to this Jazz team. Utah struggled through Rudy’s pair of knee injuries early in the season. However, his return to action helped the Jazz put the clamps down on defense and was the main catalyst for their incredible run to finish the season which saw them go from nine games under .500 (19-28) all the way up to 14 games above (48-34).</p>
<p>The way his presence turned the Jazz around could very well prove to be enough to earn him Defensive Player of the Year this season, despite the time missed due to injury. Whether he wins the award or not, though, it’s quite clear that he’s a monster for the Jazz defensively and about as steady as they come.</p>
<p>However, as was exposed in the playoff series against the Houston Rockets, Gobert has a ways to go to solidify his offense. He continued to have trouble handling passes on several occasions this season, and throughout the year and especially in the postseason, he would seemingly fail to have the necessary confidence to go up strong and finish at the rim, sometimes even failing to capitalize against smaller defenders.</p>
<p>As such, Gobert has to make it a priority this offseason to diversify somewhat on offense. Now, I’m not saying he needs to add a big-time jumpshot or become <a href=https://thejnotes.com/2018/05/16/utah-jazz-four-internal-improvement-focuses-this-offseason/"https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/m/malonka01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-%22 target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener" ref="nofollow">Karl Malone</a>-esque with a variety of post-up moves. What I am saying, though, is that Gobert needs to take the things he does well and grow them even further.</p>
<div class="embed "><iframe loading="lazy" width="500" height="281" src=https://thejnotes.com/2018/05/16/utah-jazz-four-internal-improvement-focuses-this-offseason/"https://www.youtube.com/embed/CrGKJkLaVo8?feature=oembed%22 frameborder="0" allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
<p>Gobert often serves as the roll-man who dives to the rim in the pick-and-roll, but he needs to get better at handling passes in that situation, then finishing strong. Rudy could benefit significantly from adding simple pieces to his offensive game such as effective pump fakes, working to go up with enough strength to likely draw a foul and perhaps a few other around the basket moves such as a little hook shot or other weapon that will be hard to block.</p>
<p>Too many times against the Houston Rockets, we saw Gobert be too timid at the rim offensively for which he often paid dearly.</p>
<p>Gobert is awesome to have on the court for his defense, as well as for the several ways he affects the offense with his solid screens and mere size. However, in order for him to be even more effective and more of a dangerous weapon, he will need to focus dramatically this offseason on adding to his offensive repertoire and becoming more confident with the ball in his hands.</p>
<p>Gobert’s field goal percentage dropped from 66.1 percent in 2016-17 to 62.2 percent this past year. That’s a trend he’ll need to look to reverse as he transforms himself this summer into more of an offensive threat, not by completely changing his game, but by solidifying and growing on the things he already does well.</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/2018/05/16/utah-jazz-four-internal-improvement-focuses-this-offseason/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> Jae Crowder further assimilating </a>
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<p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:590px;">LOS ANGELES, CA – APRIL 08: Jae Crowder #99 of the Utah Jazz warms up before the game against the Los Angeles Lakers at Staples Center on April 8, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. 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 John McCoy/Getty Images)</p>
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<h3>Jae Crowder further assimilating</h3>
<p>It goes without saying that adding <a href=https://thejnotes.com/2018/05/16/utah-jazz-four-internal-improvement-focuses-this-offseason/"https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/c/crowdja01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-%22 target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener" ref="nofollow">Jae Crowder</a> to Utah’s ranks was an upgrade over <a href=https://thejnotes.com/2018/05/16/utah-jazz-four-internal-improvement-focuses-this-offseason/"https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/h/hoodro01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-%22 target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener" ref="nofollow">Rodney Hood</a>, especially considering how much the latter is struggling in his new home (which is quite sad to witness, to be honest). Crowder may not have the knock-down shooting potential of Hood, but his energy, versatility, great attitude that includes a willingness to come off the bench and his defense make him a much better fit.</p>
<p>Almost immediately, Crowder stepped in to be a solid contributor for the Jazz and one of their most important scorers off the bench. Even so, at times Crowder’s shot selection and decision making were discouraging at best. Although he averaged a solid 11.8 points per game in his 27 regular season contests with the Jazz, he shot just 38.6 percent from the field and 31.6 percent from deep.</p>
<p>Both of those figures were below his career averages and worse than what he shot in the first half of the season in Cleveland. Things didn’t get much better in the playoffs as he shot just 32.4 percent from the field, which was worse than the regular season, and went just 33.3 percent from deep. That was better efficiency, but his attempts in the postseason went from 4.3 to 6.0. Honestly, six three-point attempts is far too many for Crowder, in my opinion.</p>
<div class="embed "><iframe loading="lazy" width="500" height="281" src=https://thejnotes.com/2018/05/16/utah-jazz-four-internal-improvement-focuses-this-offseason/"https://www.youtube.com/embed/651jJz3SSIg?feature=oembed%22 frameborder="0" allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
<p>The good thing about Crowder, though, is that he has a clear desire to modify his game and improve. He fits the Jazz mold and mantra in just about every way. It was undoubtedly hard for him to join a new squad midseason as he was flung into the flames and tried to learn his role on the fly.</p>
<p>He now has an entire offseason to get better acquainted with what the Jazz want him to be, do and work on. While improving on the court will be critical, Crowder will also need to do a lot of off-court film study and work with Utah’s coaches as much as possible so he can get a sense of how he can best be assimilated with the team.</p>
<p>Going through training camp and preseason with this squad will be impactful as well, as it will give him even more opportunity to understand Utah’s system and discover his role within it. Crowder already showed last season how valuable he can be to this Jazz squad. If he’s able to grow further upon that, then he could be an absolute game changer, be it off the bench or possibly replacing <a href=https://thejnotes.com/2018/05/16/utah-jazz-four-internal-improvement-focuses-this-offseason/"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> (should he leave the Jazz) in the starting lineup.</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/2018/05/16/utah-jazz-four-internal-improvement-focuses-this-offseason/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> Ricky Rubio picking up where he left off </a>
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<p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:590px;">SALT LAKE CITY, UT – OCTOBER 21: Ricky Rubio #3 of the Utah Jazz warms up before the game against the Oklahoma City Thunder on October 21, 2017 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 2017 NBAE (Photo by David Sherman/NBAE via Getty Images)</p>
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<h3>Ricky Rubio picking up where he left off</h3>
<p>Ricky Rubio’s 2017-18 season was undoubtedly a tale of two halves. From the start of the season up until January 31st, Rubio averaged 11.4 points on just 39.3 percent shooting from the field and 30.4 percent from deep. He hit a low point in December as he averaged just 9.2 points on abysmal shooting splits of 37.4 percent from the field and 24.4 percent from deep. There came a point when several fans wondered if Rubio could even remain playable.</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>Then, near the end of January, it was as if a switch flipped within Rubio and he was lights out to finish the season. From the start of February until the end of the regular season, Rubio put up 16 points per game on astounding shooting marks of 45.6 percent from the field and 43.1 percent from deep, while chipping in 5.1 rebounds, six assists and 1.6 steals.</p>
<p>Suddenly, he had transformed into an even better version of the player Jazz fans hoped they were getting when Utah traded for Rubio last summer. It was an impressive finish that saw the Spanish Samurai play the best ball of his career while revolutionizing the Jazz.</p>
<p>And in order for the Jazz to continue to compete at a high level next season, Rubio needs to have an incredible offseason that allows him to pick up right where he left off (if not even better). Despite the slow start, Rubio still posted the best field goal shooting and three-point shooting marks of his entire career, meaning he can certainly still get better. If his shooting remains high to start next season and throughout the entire year, he will make this Jazz team exceptional.</p>
<div class="embed ">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Ricky Rubio's turnaround was one of the most impressive parts of an incredible 2017-18 Utah Jazz season. Via <a href=https://thejnotes.com/2018/05/16/utah-jazz-four-internal-improvement-focuses-this-offseason/"https://twitter.com/john_keeffer?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%22>@john_keeffer <a href=https://thejnotes.com/2018/05/16/utah-jazz-four-internal-improvement-focuses-this-offseason/"https://twitter.com/hashtag/TakeNote?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%22>#TakeNote</a> <a href=https://thejnotes.com/2018/05/16/utah-jazz-four-internal-improvement-focuses-this-offseason/"https://t.co/P7h4ZOZkmV">https://t.co/P7h4ZOZkmV
<p>— The J-Notes (@TheJNotes) <a href=https://thejnotes.com/2018/05/16/utah-jazz-four-internal-improvement-focuses-this-offseason/"https://twitter.com/TheJNotes/status/995462293134692353?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%22>May 13, 2018</a></p></blockquote>
<p><script async src=https://thejnotes.com/2018/05/16/utah-jazz-four-internal-improvement-focuses-this-offseason/"https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p></div>
<p>Along with continuing to improve his three-point shooting and dangerous mid-range shot, Rubio should put a heavy focus on getting better at finishing at the rim. He shout under 50 percent from within five feet of the basket and barely above 50 percent in the restricted area during the regular season. Rubio is crafty with the ball in terms of his handling and getting to the rim, but he needs to work on his touch and scoring methods once he gets there.</p>
<p>Although Rubio now has a full season with the Jazz under his belt, this year’s training camp will be extremely valuable for him as well. Now, instead of coming in having to learn everything new, he’ll already be familiar with Utah’s schemes and simply have a chance to further his cohesion and performance with the team.</p>
<p>Ricky Rubio’s midseason improvements took the Jazz to an entirely different level this past year. If he can now experience another leap from 2017-18 to 2018-19 which sees him better his shooting, get more confident around the rim and increase his cohesion with this Jazz squad, we could see the Utah Jazz truly reach new heights next season.</p>
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