Utah Jazz: Top five moments to look forward to this offseason
With the NBA offseason in full swing, there are plenty of exciting moments for Utah Jazz fans to look forward to leading up to the 2018-19 campaign.
The NBA offseason can be a lot of fun as drama and speculation build nearly all summer long. However, it can also be somewhat discouraging when considering the long nights and weeks without any basketball being played. Fortunately, there’s enough going on in the coming weeks and months that should keep Utah Jazz fans entertained and excited about what lies ahead.
If you’re hoping to keep up to speed with the Utah Jazz and the rest of the NBA between now and the start of the 2018-19 season, the following are the five things you’ll want to mark on your calendar or keep the closest eye on. Any one of them could have significant meaning for the Jazz or dramatically alter their outlook for this year and years to come.
Utah Jazz</a> fans entertained and excited about what lies ahead.</p>
<p>If you’re hoping to keep up to speed with the Utah Jazz and the rest of the NBA between now and the start of the 2018-19 season, the following are the five things you’ll want to mark on your calendar or keep the closest eye on. Any one of them could have significant meaning for the Jazz or dramatically alter their outlook for this year and years to come.</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/2018/06/14/utah-jazz-top-five-moments-look-forward-offseason/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> 2018 NBA Draft - June 21 </a>
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<p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:590px;">BROOKLYN, NY – JUNE 22: Donovan Mitchell of the Denver Nuggets shakes hands with NBA Commissioner Adam Silver during the 2017 NBA Draft on June 22, 2017 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. 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 Ashlee Espinal/NBAE via Getty Images)</p>
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<h3>2018 NBA Draft – June 21</h3>
<p>The first such event that should be circled in bright red on the calendars of Jazz fans is the 2018 NBA Draft which will be held on June 21 beginning at 5:00 PM MT and broadcast on ESPN. As of this writing, that’s only a week away, meaning the high anticipation of who the Jazz will end up drafting is quickly nearing an end.</p>
<p>If you’ve kept up to speed with <a href=https://thejnotes.com/2018/06/14/utah-jazz-top-five-moments-look-forward-offseason/"http://www.thejnotes.com">TheJNotes.com, you know that there are tons of intriguing options for the Jazz to consider with the No. 21 overall pick in the draft. A deep draft class should yield some exciting talent even in the late first round. When Utah is on the clock, you can bet that they’ll be in for a tough decision and have no shortage of great options.</p>
<p>The Jazz also own the No. 52 pick in the draft, which will give fans motivation to watch until nearly the end of the two-round draft.</p>
<p>Last year the Jazz ended up nabbing a potential franchise player in <a href=https://thejnotes.com/2018/06/14/utah-jazz-top-five-moments-look-forward-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> by trading up in the draft. Can they get lucky once again this year and nab a similar impact player? Will Dennis Lindsey show off his craftiness yet again and make a draft day trade to get the guy he likes? After all the dust settles, the biggest question of all is, who will be the newest Jazzmen to be brought into the fold?</p>
<p>All of these exhilarating questions that create hope and anticipation for the future make the draft one of the most exciting moments of the offseason.</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/2018/06/14/utah-jazz-top-five-moments-look-forward-offseason/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> NBA Awards Show - June 25 </a>
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<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-large wp-image-69129" src=https://thejnotes.com/2018/06/14/utah-jazz-top-five-moments-look-forward-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%2F956283754-850x560.jpeg" alt="Utah Jazz Rudy Gobert 2018 NBA Playoffs" width="590" height="389"><div class="fs-center-img">
<p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:590px;">HOUSTON, TX – MAY 8: Rudy Gobert #27 of the Utah Jazz talks with media after the game against the Houston Rockets during Game Five of the Western Conference Semifinals of the 2018 NBA Playoffs on May 8, 2018 at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas. Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images)</p>
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<h3>NBA Awards Show – June 25</h3>
<p>Mere days after the NBA Draft, Jazz fans will want to be sure to tune in to the second annual NBA Awards Show on June 25th at 7:00 PM MT on TNT. This year’s edition should hold special meaning to Utah Jazz fans as the team has finalists in three different categories.</p>
<p>Donovan Mitchell is up for Rookie of the Year, <a href=https://thejnotes.com/2018/06/14/utah-jazz-top-five-moments-look-forward-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> is up for Defensive Player of the Year and Quin Snyder is up for Coach of the Year.</p>
<p>Will Rudy finally take home his coveted award? Will Donovan Mitchell be snubbed, as many have predicted? Will Quin get the recognition and respect he deserves?</p>
<p>Honestly, I have a feeling a Jazzman will walk away with at least one of these awards, perhaps even two. And if Donovan Mitchell does get snubbed, I’m all here for the torch and pitchfork reactions that will ensue across Jazz Nation.</p>
<p>Regardless of how things shake out that night, it’s certain to be an exciting show for Jazz fans in one way or another.</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/2018/06/14/utah-jazz-top-five-moments-look-forward-offseason/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> Free Agency - beginning July 1 </a>
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<p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:590px;">SALT LAKE CITY, UT – APRIL 27: Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Utah Jazz and Paul George #13 of the Oklahoma City Thunder hug after Game Six of the Western Conference Quarterfinals during the 2018 NBA Playoffs on April 27, 2018 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 2018 NBAE (Photo by Garrett Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images)</p>
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<h3>Free Agency – beginning July 1</h3>
<p>Free agency this offseason is bound to be absolutely nuts. With the likes of <a href=https://thejnotes.com/2018/06/14/utah-jazz-top-five-moments-look-forward-offseason/"https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/j/jamesle01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-%22 target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener" ref="nofollow">LeBron James</a> and <a href=https://thejnotes.com/2018/06/14/utah-jazz-top-five-moments-look-forward-offseason/"https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/g/georgpa01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-%22 target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener" ref="nofollow">Paul George</a> potentially finding a new home, the entire landscape of the league could very well change this summer. Beginning July 1, free agents can <a href=https://thejnotes.com/2018/06/14/utah-jazz-top-five-moments-look-forward-offseason/"https://www.hoopsrumors.com/2018/04/key-2018-nba-offseason-dates-deadlines.html">begin to reach verbal agreements with teams</a>, even though teams won’t be able to officially sign players until July 6.</p>
<p>That first week of July is always a crazy stretch for NBA fans as Woj bombs drop right and left and phones are constantly refreshed while pursuing the latest news of what teams have signed who. My one hope is that James and George will just make their decision by July 3rd so I can finally enjoy my 4th of July in peace unlike the past two seasons. I’m looking at you <a href=https://thejnotes.com/2018/06/14/utah-jazz-top-five-moments-look-forward-offseason/"https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/d/duranke01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-%22 target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener" ref="nofollow">Kevin Durant</a> and <a href=https://thejnotes.com/2018/06/14/utah-jazz-top-five-moments-look-forward-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>!</p>
<p>All jokes aside, the NBA is going to be taken by storm regardless of where those and other high profile free agents end up, even if they opt to stay put. Teams will be aiming to build a squad that can dethrone the Golden State Warriors and it will be fascinating to see how they attempt to pull it off.</p>
<p>On the Utah Jazz side of things, despite Donovan Mitchell’s recruitment efforts of Paul George, it’s highly unlikely that they’ll land a high-profile free agent this summer. Nevertheless, they’re still probably going to be active. The Jazz need to add some shooting and could very well find some nice under-the-radar pieces to add to their ranks in free agency.</p>
<p>Not only that, but they have their own free agent issues to sort out. <a href=https://thejnotes.com/2018/06/14/utah-jazz-top-five-moments-look-forward-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> and <a href=https://thejnotes.com/2018/06/14/utah-jazz-top-five-moments-look-forward-offseason/"https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/n/netora01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-%22 target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener" ref="nofollow">Raul Neto</a> are unrestricted free agents who can join any team they please while <a href=https://thejnotes.com/2018/06/14/utah-jazz-top-five-moments-look-forward-offseason/"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> is a restricted free agent that could potentially see some lucrative offers thrown his way. Furthermore, the deadline for the Jazz to decide on the team option on <a href=https://thejnotes.com/2018/06/14/utah-jazz-top-five-moments-look-forward-offseason/"https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/s/sefolth01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-%22 target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener" ref="nofollow">Thabo Sefolosha</a>‘s contract is on July 1 and for <a href=https://thejnotes.com/2018/06/14/utah-jazz-top-five-moments-look-forward-offseason/"https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/j/jerebjo01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-%22 target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener" ref="nofollow">Jonas Jerebko</a> and <a href=https://thejnotes.com/2018/06/14/utah-jazz-top-five-moments-look-forward-offseason/"https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/u/udohek01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-%22 target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener" ref="nofollow">Ekpe Udoh</a> it’s on July 9, making each of them a free agent of sorts.</p>
<p>Depending on what opportunities arise, what decisions Utah makes in free agency and what Favors, Neto and Exum opt to do, we could see several changes to the Jazz roster in July. That’s somewhat nerve-wracking, but also extremely exciting to consider all that may lie ahead.</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/2018/06/14/utah-jazz-top-five-moments-look-forward-offseason/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> NBA Summer League - July 2-17 </a>
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<p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:590px;">LAS VEGAS, NV – JULY 11: Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Utah Jazz and Wade Baldwin IV #4 of the Memphis Grizzlies stand on the court during the 2017 NBA Las Vegas Summer League game on July 11, 2017 at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas, Nevada. 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 Bart Young/NBAE via Getty Images)</p>
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<h3>NBA Summer League – July 2-17</h3>
<p>It isn’t quite as entertaining as the actual NBA season, but NBA Summer League is still a lot of fun. Heck, you could argue that it’s more intriguing than the NBA Finals have been the past two years!</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>The Utah Jazz will kick off their rendition of Summer League in Salt Lake City right during the thick of free agency madness on July 2-5. The Jazz welcome two new squads to Summer League within Vivint Smart Home Arena this year as the Atlanta Hawks and Memphis Grizzlies will be taking the place of the Boston Celtics and Philadelphia 76ers. The San Antonio Spurs will return once again this year.</p>
<p>The four teams will all play on July 2nd, 3rd and 5th. Following Utah Summer League, all 30 NBA teams will participate in this year’s Las Vegas Summer League, making for an even more exciting event. That runs from July 6-17, with the Jazz playing on July 7th, 8th and 10th leading up to tournament play from July 11-17.</p>
<p>The full schedule can be found in the tweet below–</p>
<div class="embed ">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Complete Jazz 2018 Summer League Schedule Released <a href=https://thejnotes.com/2018/06/14/utah-jazz-top-five-moments-look-forward-offseason/"https://t.co/dXN9N5p8kk">pic.twitter.com/dXN9N5p8kk
<p>— Utah Jazz PR (@UtahJazzPR) <a href=https://thejnotes.com/2018/06/14/utah-jazz-top-five-moments-look-forward-offseason/"https://twitter.com/UtahJazzPR/status/1006636562006720514?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%22>June 12, 2018</a></p></blockquote>
<p><script async src=https://thejnotes.com/2018/06/14/utah-jazz-top-five-moments-look-forward-offseason/"https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p></div>
<p>Summer League provides an awesome opportunity to see the newest Jazzmen hit the floor for the first time as well as view some of the most promising young talent across the league. Considering that the Hawks and Grizzlies are both selecting in the top four of the 2018 NBA Draft, fans in Salt Lake City will very likely be treated with the pleasure of seeing two elite rookies in action at Utah Summer League.</p>
<p>Last year, Donovan Mitchell was one of the sensations of Summer League. It will be exhilarating to see if a Jazzman can match such a performance this time around.</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/2018/06/14/utah-jazz-top-five-moments-look-forward-offseason/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> NBA Trade Season </a>
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<p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:590px;">CLEVELAND, OH – JUNE 5: Donovan Mitchell of the Utah Jazz interviews Kevin Love #0 of the Cleveland Cavaliers during practice and media availability as part of the 2018 NBA Finals on June 5, 2018 at Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland, Ohio. 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 Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images)</p>
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<h3>NBA Trade Season</h3>
<p>Although there isn’t a specific date for when trades will exactly go down throughout the offseason, that’s part of what makes them so exciting. Teams will be aiming to improve in whatever way they can all throughout the summer and whenever news of a blockbuster trade breaks, it’s an exciting time in the NBA world.</p>
<p>The Jazz aren’t strangers to being active in trade situations, particularly on draft day. We could very well see trades take place as early as next week or some not happen until just before September training camps.</p>
<p>Either way, especially as free agency likely alters the landscape of the NBA this summer, expect several teams to be open to dealing players to either improve their roster, clear cap space or blow things up. A number of high profile players such as <a href=https://thejnotes.com/2018/06/14/utah-jazz-top-five-moments-look-forward-offseason/"https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/l/loveke01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-%22 target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener" ref="nofollow">Kevin Love</a> and <a href=https://thejnotes.com/2018/06/14/utah-jazz-top-five-moments-look-forward-offseason/"https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/l/leonaka01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-%22 target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener" ref="nofollow">Kawhi Leonard</a> have already been linked to trade rumors. These and other story lines will lead to plenty of intrigue for Jazz and NBA fans to follow all offseason long.</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/2018/06/14/utah-jazz-top-five-moments-look-forward-offseason/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> Utah Jazz 2018 NBA Draft Profile: Melvin Frazier </a>
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<p>The 2018-19 NBA season may seem like it’s eons away. But the good news is that there will be plenty of excitement to help bide the time until then. Between the draft, free agency and trades, the Utah Jazz roster could change dramatically this offseason. And the NBA Awards Show and NBA Summer League are sure to provide plenty of drama and talking points throughout the summer.</p><!—pageview_candidate—>">