Are we, or not an elite team this year?

[Isaiah 1:13]

At the beginning of the week we were #6 in the power rankings of every major poll (NBA, ESPN, CBS). But then of course this week we layed two gigantic goose eggs, and the worst one was televised internationally on NBA TV. Now I know the stock excuse is we were not healthy, but isn't the sign of a good team the ability to carry on when players are injured? It's the strength of their bench that defines the best teams in the NBA. And then there's the curious fact that we actually performed much better against Golden State when we were completely decimated and Gobert was our only starter available. I'm not giving up on the idea that Hill's return will return us to glory and a playoff berth, but elite? top ten power rankings? I'm not convinced. Your thoughts?

 

[dipship31]

Everyone's definition of "elite" might be different. I'd call an elite team in this league a team that could win a championship and no one would be surprised. I'd only put 3 teams in that category this year (although at times I feel like I'd be shocked if anyone took it besides GS). So healthy or not healthy in my mind we were never going to be elite this year.

 

[fishonjazz]

At the beginning of the week we were #6 in the power rankings of every major poll (NBA, ESPN, CBS). But then of course this week we layed two gigantic goose eggs, and the worst one was televised internationally on NBA TV. Now I know the stock excuse is we were not healthy, but isn't the sign of a good team the ability to carry on when players are injured? It's the strength of their bench that defines the best teams in the NBA. And then there's the curious fact that we actually performed much better against Golden State when we were completely decimated and Gobert was our only starter available. I'm not giving up on the idea that Hill's return will return us to glory and a playoff berth, but elite? top ten power rankings? I'm not convinced. Your thoughts?

If ingles, diaw, mack, and jj were replaced with favors, burks, hood, and hill then the jazz would be much better than they have shown ...... which is still pretty good btw.
Injuries is a legit, real excuse.

How good would the Warriors be without iggy, draymond, klay, and durant?

What about the spurs without aldridge, Tony parker, gasol, and mills?

Clippers with no reddick, deandre, griifin, and crawford?

Those teams would struggle too.

 

[Goodluckchuck]

I think we are very close. The downside also to the injuries is how long when everyone is back will it take for the team to gel? I don't know but I am seriously starting to wonder why the past 2 years has been so bad. It's almost curse like haha


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[Isaiah 1:13]

Everyone's definition of "elite" might be different. I'd call an elite team in this league a team that could win a championship and no one would be surprised. I'd only put 3 teams in that category this year (although at times I feel like I'd be shocked if anyone took it besides GS). So healthy or not healthy in my mind we were never going to be elite this year.

You've got a point. Semantics I suppose, perhaps then elite was not quite the right word but instead top ten.

 

[Isaiah 1:13]

If ingles, diaw, mack, and jj were replaced with favors, burks, hood, and hill then the jazz would be much better than they have shown ...... which is still pretty good btw.
Injuries is a legit, real excuse.

How good would the Warriors be without iggy, draymond, klay, and durant?

What about the spurs without aldridge, Tony parker, gasol, and mills?

Clippers with no reddick, deandre, griifin, and crawford?

Those teams would struggle too.

OK valid point, am I wrong in thinking we have a weak bench?

 

[Isaiah 1:13]

I think we are very close. The downside also to the injuries is how long when everyone is back will it take for the team to gel? I don't know but I am seriously starting to wonder why the past 2 years has been so bad. It's almost curse like haha
Sent from my iPhone using JazzFanz mobile app

Close yes, I guess I'm just not sure that infusing a couple of geriatrics in Johnson and Diaw was the proper course. Maybe I'm mistaken but there were younger more athletic guys available.

Off to work, check back later....

 

[fishonjazz]

OK valid point, am I wrong in thinking we have a weak bench?

Ya I think you are wrong.
Our "weak bench" has us in the playoffs right now fighting for home court advantage.

 

[MVP]

We are good but not elite yet. Biggest difference from being elite is experience and chemistry. We are lacking it so far. We are very close though and I hope next season we will be able to call Jazz elite.

 

[Miggs]

Elite? Hell no. To me, an elite team is a rare breed. That's the Cavs, Dubs and Spurs. That's it. But we can certainly be in that second tier. No reason we can't be unless these injuries linger the whole year.

 

[Jeditiger]

We're not an elite team yet. A very good team, yes. But not elite.

 

[addictionary]

Don't need to be considered as elite. The thing is, every team has a gameplan and it's stable through out the regular season but when it comes to 7 game series, you shift and start to analyze your opponent specifically. I see a Jazz vs Warriors playoff game a lot more different than the two league games that have passed. And it's in JAzz's favor because unlike Jazz, Warriors gets their success mostly from being comfortable on the court. Jazz are quite the opposite. They have to enforce on D and keep attacking the paint.