Foreward (you can probably skip this): It's abundantly clear that looking at NBA history - including and especially recent history - that teams generally need three players that they can frame their offense and defense around in order to be a legitimate contender.
Baseline Character: "The strength of the team is the team."
In my view, the guys that could remotely be available and fit the bill (or could develop into such a player):
-Paul George
-Jimmy Butler
-Kawhi Leonard
-Kristaps Porzingis
-Aaron Gordon
-Andrew Wiggins?
-Otto Porter???
I know we've talked about some of these guys perhaps to death, but I just wanted to spend too much time to outline the characteristics and why it's important they all be met. Who am I missing? How the hell do we get any of these guys?
The other possibility is the draft, but I know nothing about the prospects, so if anyone wants to talk about that and how we get there, please do. The clock is ticking if we're going that way, IMO.
It's abundantly clear to anyone that The Jazz have at least one legitimate championship piece to build around in Mitchell, and probably two in Gobert. So it begs the question of who completes the triad.
What's less clear is if the Jazz can be the exception to that rule of thumb (the exception that proves the rule), or if that third player is already on the roster. I would strongly argue that you grab all the good pieces you can, whenever you can, so the discussion above is largely a moot point. Furthermore, I would strongly argue that considering the limitations that this roster has in off-the-bounce scoring and consistent strong-shooting lineups, the Jazz are especially needing that third player. What amplifies this necessity is how difficult it is to keep a large number of players together.
What's less clear is if the Jazz can be the exception to that rule of thumb (the exception that proves the rule), or if that third player is already on the roster. I would strongly argue that you grab all the good pieces you can, whenever you can, so the discussion above is largely a moot point. Furthermore, I would strongly argue that considering the limitations that this roster has in off-the-bounce scoring and consistent strong-shooting lineups, the Jazz are especially needing that third player. What amplifies this necessity is how difficult it is to keep a large number of players together.
The Necessary Characteristics of the Missing Piece
Baseline Character: "The strength of the team is the team."
This concept cannot be sacrificed in the pursuit. Players are not static, there are those that - given the opportunity - could fit the culture, even if not obviously so at first glance. We all know what that approximates (tough, defensive-minded, fun, loyal, reasonably efficient, shares the ball, can make an open shot), in addition to that they MUST be able to play ALONGSIDE Mitchell and Gobert.
Playmaker: They can create their own shot
This is perhaps the most important factor beyond the baseline questions. We know this team can go quite dry, especially if Mitchell isn't in the zone yet or isn't on the floor. It's an unfortunate but predictable reality. So the Jazz can use a bucket-getter. They can't be a black hole/chucker, but they have to be productive.
Shooter: They have to spread the floor
This is of nearly equal importance of playmaking and productivity. Considering Mitchell's prowess around the rim, and Gobert's complete reliance on buckets at the rim, this team needs spacing as much as possible. This will require both efficiency AND volume. They need to be shooting at least three 3-pointers a game, and 35% or better.
Better-Than-Average Defender: They can't be a liability/"two way player"
This can be tucked into the "baseline characteristics," but it deserves emphasis as this team's identity is built around defense and should remain so. The particulars of the defensive skillset come down to 'positional' questions or the players' size, but they need to be AT LEAST willing to put in the effort and have the intelligence to work within a scheme.
Versatile: Positional or otherwise
The league gets smarter and smarter, and the playoffs are about adjustments. A wing/big ("Kawhi, Butler, PG") allows you to play PF by committee, gives switchability on D, and punishes the opponent with speed and shooting; while a playmaking or shooting 4/center ("Porzingis") allows you to have a unique edge (size AND skill) in this league that covers some of the fundamentals. This flexibility/adaptability at the highest levels of competition aren't a luxury, they're a necessity.
Durable: Healthy
They have to play. They have to make it to the playoffs. Obviously this is somewhat a matter of chance, but it's certainly and obviously not the only factor.
Young Enough: Young enough
This window has just opened, if it's opened at all. It's pretty self-evident and self-explanatory
In my view, the guys that could remotely be available and fit the bill (or could develop into such a player):
-Paul George
-Jimmy Butler
-Kawhi Leonard
-Kristaps Porzingis
-Aaron Gordon
-Andrew Wiggins?
-Otto Porter???
I know we've talked about some of these guys perhaps to death, but I just wanted to spend too much time to outline the characteristics and why it's important they all be met. Who am I missing? How the hell do we get any of these guys?
The other possibility is the draft, but I know nothing about the prospects, so if anyone wants to talk about that and how we get there, please do. The clock is ticking if we're going that way, IMO.
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