So, the Jazz went out and got the player they believed would make them great. Utah had an interest in upcoming free-agent point guards Kemba Walker and D’Angelo Russell. The Jazz also liked Tobias Harris, who projected as a playmaking power forward in Quin Snyder’s system.
But Conley was the guy they wanted all along. Snyder runs a pick-and-roll-centric offense. The Jazz believe Conley is one of the best pick-and-roll point guards in the league. The Jazz wanted a guy who they believe is ready to win at the highest level. Conley has long been known as a terrific playoff performer and along with Zach Randolph and Marc Gasol led some fantastic Memphis teams.
The Jazz strongly believe in locker room fit. Conley is widely regarded as one of the best locker room guys around. Most important, the Jazz knew they needed to pair a dynamic playmaking presence with the talent of Mitchell. And, just as important, more than Walker and Russell, Conley fits with Mitchell because of his ability to be just as effective off the ball as he is with it in his hands.
Conley has never played with another backcourt guy capable of averaging 25 points a night. Mitchell can do that. Mitchell has never played with a point guard capable of carrying the offense. Conley can do that. Conley is coming off a season in which he averaged over 21 points and over six assists per game. Rubio — who will leave the Jazz this summer in free agency — was a very good influence on Mitchell. He ran the offense well. He defended. He turned into a great mentor for Mitchell in his first two NBA years. But the Jazz ran into a ceiling with Rubio as their point guard. So, for all the good Rubio did on and off the court in Salt Lake City, a parting of ways was obvious and necessary.