If the Jazz are better than expected it's because...

[Handlogten's Heros]

It feels like every year there are at least 2 teams that join the tank race through injury or just slow start. It was what gave me pause when some were like "we won17 games last year... we will be awful... who is worse than us?" All the teams we thought would suck do suck. And the a few teams joined them.

 

[KqWIN]

I think so. If you discard the defense. His first year here he was a better two way player but I think this is the best he's been offensively.

There is however like one forced shot per game that I would love for him to eliminate at some point. Its usually a rushed three off a screen that hits with a thud... you can see it as soon as it happens though.

I think his defense is definitely worse. Maybe he's had some higher highs on offense this season, but overall he's significantly less efficient than he was his first season here. He did have more talent around him back then though.

 

[Handlogten's Heros]

I think his defense is definitely worse. Maybe he's had some higher highs on offense this season, but overall he's significantly less efficient than he was his first season here. He did have more talent around him back then though.

Yeah I kinda factor that in. He has to do more on his own than he did that season. I think he's got more stuff in the bag now. I know he doesn't have a bag per se but I think you know what I mean. He was a legit positive on defense in his first season imo. Now I think he's bad most nights. I think its in there maybe still.

 

[SoberasHotRod]

It feels like every year there are at least 2 teams that join the tank race through injury or just slow start. It was what gave me pause when some were like "we won17 games last year... we will be awful... who is worse than us?" All the teams we thought would suck do suck. And the a few teams joined them.

At least Phoenix is better than expected.

 

[Tremendous Upside]

Now I think he's bad most nights.

He's mostly mid.

For a guy his size, Markkanen does a ridiculous amount of defensive work around the perimeter, which obviously takes its toll.

 

[Handlogten's Heros]

At least Phoenix is better than expected.

Yes but they were one I wasn't super worried about since their pick goes elsewhere. Clips should pass us. NOP may depend on if we lose all 3 of our back half of the season matchups with them. They may make a late surge.

I think Wash, Bkn, NOP, Charlotte may be tough to beat out. Indiana, Sacramento could really commit to the tank. Clips may just suck... and I'm watching out for Dallas/Chicago/Milwaukee.

If we take a hard tank approach starting right now... I think we have a shot at getting to 4 on the high end outcome. I think we are most likely to land 6th-ish. Still worried about Nepo Ainge and his pride though.