Rudy might be our most important player, but he isn't the 'best'. I don't know if that makes sense.
Basically, the way I see it, a season-ending injury to Rudy would be most damaging to the Jazz record this season.
With that said,
I think Favors is becoming our best player (crazy). His defense is unreal, and his offense has been all-star calibre so far this season. If he sustains this play, there's simply no way that we don't make the playoffs. If we're 5-5 (with 8 away games) with Hayward playing like ***, i think it's safe to say that we're clearing 46-48 games this season barring significant injury.
As of now
1) Hayward
2) Favors
3) Gobert
4a) Alec
4b) Hood
5) Trey
That's a damn good core to develop for this season. I'm realizing how important the development of Trey Lyles is. If he can be the Odom to our Gasol and Bynum, that's simply huge for this team.
Next season, sign one more 3-point shooter, and maybe a top-shelf PG if Burke doesn't show starting panache. Cue playoff-run