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What Would it Take to Make the Playoffs?

Saint Cy of JFC

Well-Known Member
2022 Award Winner
2025 Award Winner
Since it's something we are all discussing with the direction of AA, what would it actually take (both internally and externally) for the Jazz to make the playoffs next season?
 
Sabonis is not a 16 game player, but he is one of the best 82 game players in the league. I think he would be gettable if that's what you're aiming for. Trae Young in a similar boat. You get Trae, Lauri, and Sabonis together and you've got an elite regular season offense that could be good enough to make the playoffs.
 
The 22-23 team would have easily made the playoffs if they had been given a few ok-level reinforcements at the deadline. Maybe even without them.

Instead, Ainge kneecapped that group, and now we're here – wondering what it would take to make the playoffs.

Go figure.
 
Playoffs or play in?
 
Here would be my list:

- Multiple high level/difference making defenders that can shoot
- An offensive engine

We have a plethora of guys that can give you some offense/shooting off the bench. We have a top tier rim protector. We have a borderline all star level play finisher.
 
I think it's pretty simple--and doable if we wanted to go the "mid" route--: (1) resign Collins, (2) trade for Jrue Holiday, (3) stay healthy for a full 82. I think with Holiday's veteran leadership and Hardy's skill at getting the most out of players who are actually engaged, we could win a couple of play-in games and end up in the playoffs.
 
Resign Collins, keep Lauri, trade for or sign a journeyman point guard, go shopping for veteran free agents either here or overseas. Resign Oscar.
 
Jazz would need to add an on-ball initiator, a primary scorer, and a veteran 3D type while Keeping Lauri, Walker, Keyonte and Brice in tact.

Teams in the West:
- OKC
- MIN
- DEN
- LAL
- HOU
- LAC
__________
- DAL
- MEM
- GSW

We would need to beat Golden State, Memphis and either Dallas or LA Clippers just to make the playoffs. Then there's San Antonio lurking. Seems like a longshot.
 
fanspo-nba-trade-machine-snap_v_6-3-2025_3-28-09PM.jpegfanspo-nba-trade-machine-snap_v_6-3-2025_3-29-37PM.jpeg

Ok, here is some buy low/opportunistic trades to make a playoff team.

Jazz would be:

Collier/Keyonte/Harkless
Holiday/Clarkson/Juzang
Johnson/Sensabaugh/Dadiet
Lauri/Filipowski
Towns/Yang

Then use the 5th pick to take Tre Johnson and use the 21st pick to take Yang. Sign a good vet to the MLE (maybe bring back NAW?)

I'm not sure what the exact temperature is on Towns. I think you would have to include a future pick, but nothing crazy high value.

Same with the Holiday deal. Maybe have to include a future pick, but nothing crazy.

I know most will hate this (rightfully so probably) but I would enjoy seeing this team. Having the two best shooting bigs next to Collier would be fun if Collier somehow manages to take a significant leap. Holiday gives us a defensive presence (would be a great mentor to Collier/Keyonte as well).

But more importantly, I dont think getting Towns/Holiday would actually cost all that much in terms of pick capital. Both NYC/Boston will want to save money and get younger, and both these deals do that for those teams.

Included Dadiet because I still love him and people need to be reminded of my most recent draft proclamation fail.
 
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