**How could the Jazz improve drastically 2015-2016 w/out changing a single roster spot?***

[Lakers_Slapper]

We are always talking about the free agency, trades, etc.. We know the team that we have with the 2014-2015 season at its end. Regardless of contracts, draft picks, free agency, etc. If we were to come into the 2015-2016 season with the same exact roster that we ended this season with, what improvements would have to be made to see this Jazz team go into the playoffs next year?
I am asking this because I saw so much of the right attitude coming out of the players on our team during the last 3 months of the season, I am wondering what everyone's thoughts are.
I think the biggest thing that the team could work into their game play is bottom line toughness, especially in the post. The Jazz used to be known for a team that didn't care about "being gentle" in the paint. I see a little bit of that tendency in our team now, and really think that we would cross that threshold into the next level if the whole roster was consistent.
Again, without changing a single player on the roster I think we would advance as a playoff team if every player showed this same tenacity. Booker is one guy that I think everyone on the team could learn from. He doesn't care what anyone thinks. He is sold on the Utah Jazz and is proud to be a Jazzman. He does everything that doesn't show up on a stat sheet. He is young and willing to learn, and just loves to play the game. He talks smack during press conferences and he has the confidence in himself and the team to back it up.
I am not asking that we play dirty. I am asking that we play with our heart, and without care to what may come up on ESPN at the end of the night. We need to play to plant seeds of fear in those we face. When they play the Jazz they need to know that they are leaving the game with bruises. There should be no such thing as an easy drive to the basket.

 

[Gameface]

I thing so too.

 

[Chris]

Good post. I think Jerry Sloan would co-sign on that idea. Playing with heart and toughness were the cornerstones of his approach.

However, in addition, the guys will have to work on certain other things that also can be improved if they are focused enough to do so. Long range shooting and finishing after contact are among those other things.

I have confidence, with as thorough as Quin seems to be, that he gave every player (and the team as a whole) a very simple list of things to work on this summer. I am very excited to watch the draft, any offseason moves they might make, and the summer league. Next season should be sweet.

 

[Coach Ellis]

Two words. . . Chip Engelland.

Imagine if every player on this team shot the ball even a little bit better than they do right now. Especially at the free throw line. How many more points per game would that be? And with a defense that consistently keeps opponents from scoring 90, how many games did the Jazz lose this year by less than 5 points?

This is the one acquisition that the Jazz could make that would essentially be the same value as a max player in free agency without upending the cap at all. I wanted him last year, I'm praying for him this year. Need Dala to get on board.

 

[Stifle Tower]

Agree. Just a little improvement from everyone on their shooting could give this team 10 more wins.

 

[spycam1]

Didn't read the OP (look at that thing lol), but the most important thing moving forward is the improvement of Exum.

 

[sgjazzfan]

I'm not sure if the Jazz need any improvement to make the playoffs next year. With Rudy, Hood, Hayward and Favors playing the same next year, I think this team has a good chance at about the 7-8 seed if healthy. Where they will see the most improvement is with Exum improving, Rudy can improve offensively, Burks can take Burke's shots in the second unit, and adding a 3rd big (tomic presumeably). This could get them closer to 5-6 range. Not sure if they can be a top 3 WC team next year, will probably take another year for that (or Hayward getting the Harden treatment from refs somehow).

 

[Monte666]

Exum taking the brakes off, and Alec coming back ought to help

 

[franklin]

Invite dancers from Golden Trails to the new skin tryouts.

 

[peakbagger1971]

Alec Burks could be the difference between playoffs and no playoffs next year.

 

[Stifle Tower]

Alec Burks could be the difference between playoffs and no playoffs next year.

And a full season of Hood.
I'm still amazed Utah won as many games as they did with a) their PG's shooting so poorly and b) having former DLeaguer's and waiver reclamations starting so many games at SG.

It really speaks to the system Quin has put in place. Yeah, it's boring as heck at times. But it does allow lesser players to come in, understand what they're supposed to be doing, and compete. San Antonio has similar success. They rest their starters, you chalk up an automatic win for the other team and then look at the scores and find out they either won or barely lost.

 

[sgjazzfan]

I think the Jazz improve pretty dramatically from this year to next year even before making any move, but its still going to be tough to get into the playoffs. As of now, they would be about 7-8. I'd easily put GS, Houston,LAC as the top 3. Lots to see in FA, but if LMA returns to Portland, Gasol/Randolph returns to Mem, and SA returns Duncan/Ginobili, they are probably ahead of Utah. NO is only going to get better with AD there. If KD is healthy alongside Westbrook they you have to put OKC in the mix too. Dallas will retool somehow as well and Phoenix will be in the mix. The west is just really tough. I have kept thinking that the Jazz are easily a playoff team with who they have now, but I'm not so sure. FA will tell a lot obviously. Hopefully they add 2-3 pieces (backup C, 4th Wing, backup PG) that can put them over the edge, and not just teetering around the 8th seed.