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Clint Nielson
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Photo by Jordan Johnson/NBAE via Getty Images
The Utah Jazz season has ended but there are some former Jazzmen you can still cheer for this postseason.
The Utah Jazz finished the season at 31-51, 15 games behind the final qualifying Western Conference Play-In team, the Golden State Warriors. The Jazz may not have more games to play this season (assuming Buddy Hield makes and plays in the playoffs this season, Lauri Markkanen will become the active NBA player with the most regular season games played without playing any playoff games), but several former Jazzmen are instrumental pieces of NBA playoff teams.
Donovan Mitchell
Spida and the Cavaliers secured the 4 seed. They face the up-and-coming Magic in the 1st round. Mitchell has been hampered by nagging injuries this season, he currently has knee irritations. These injuries might limit Mitchell’s performance, especially considering the Magic’s grueling and intense defense. If the Cavs lose in the first round, the Mitchell trade rumors will become quite loud this summer.
Rudy Gobert
The Stifle Tower has regained his DPOY form this season, anchoring the Timberwolves league’s best defense. The Wolves have a tough 1st round matchup against the star-studded Suns. This postseason is an opportunity for Gobert to quiet his critics who have questioned his value in modern playoff settings.
Mike Conley
Mike Conley’s leadership presence and influence as a fundamentally pure point guard have been an underrated part of the Timberwolves success this season. Since his days in Utah, Conley has thrived as the 3rd or 4th best player on good teams. Conley is 36 and a small guard, there is a good chance he will significantly regress soon, so enjoy him while you can.
Bojan Bogdanovic
Bogey continued to be a valuable scorer and competitor on the rebuilding Pistons and was traded to the Knicks who hope to make a deep playoff run. Bogdanovic has been bad in his 29 games on the Knicks, though he has occasionally shown flashes of good play. This postseason, Bogdanovic has a chance to rise to the occasion and earn his keep as a Knick next season.
Royce O’Neale
O’Neale continues to do what earned himself a spot in the NBA, play hard, play smart, defend stars, and hit open 3’s. O’Neale is a perfect fit next to Durant, Booker, and Beal. Expect Royce to play heavy minutes against the Wolves.
Joe Ingles
Utah’s favorite trash-talking Aussie continues to produce for the Magic, though he is showing his age. Ingles’ shooting and playoff experience will give him a role this postseason. Something interesting to look for is if Ingles tries to get into Mitchell’s head like he has before with Paul George and Russell Westbrook.
Jae Crowder
Crowder’s hard-nosed defense and passionate play made him a fan favorite in his time with the Jazz. Nowadays, Crowder is in a similar role for the Bucks. With Giannis potentially missing some time, Crowder may be in line for heavy minutes against the high-scoring Pacers.
Gordon Hayward
Hayward, a former Jazz all-star, was the midseason upgrade move for the 1-seed Thunder. Hayward’s playoff experience is a valuable asset to OKC, the youngest 1 seed in NBA history. Hayward has been mediocre for the Thunder so far; it’ll be interesting to see if that changes during the postseason.
Dante Exum
Exum’s time with the Jazz was disappointing because of his unfortunately high number of injuries. Exum’s 2 seasons overseas and better health have led him to be a key piece of the Mavericks. Exum’s defense is as good as always but he now is shooting the 3 ball well (49% on the season). NBA fans from around the league have been pleasantly surprised by Exum’s NBA comeback.
Alec Burks
Burks on the Jazz showed real potential as a quality starting player but was often injured. Burks has carved out a place in the league due to his ability to score inside and outside and as the ballhandler or off-ball. Alec’s first stint with the Knicks made him a fan favorite due to his fun and effective style of play, but 23 games into his time with the Knicks this season has been brutal. Hopefully, Burks can have a big moment in the playoffs.
Wesley Matthews
Matthews was an undrafted rookie for the 2009-2010 Jazz. Matthews quickly played himself into a role on the Jazz because of his defense, 3-point shooting, and overall athleticism. Letting Matthews sign with the Blazers for his 2nd season was a mistake on the Jazz’s part. Currently, Matthews is 37 and occasionally sees DNP’s. Don’t be surprised if Matthews gets some minutes in the Play-In Tournament.
Additional former Jazzmen in the postseason
Grayson Allen, who just signed a 4 year 70-million-dollar extension, is starting for the Suns.
Malik Beasley is starting for the Bucks.
Trey Lyles is a rotational player for the Kings.
Georges Niang is a rotational player for the Cavaliers.
Nickeil Alexander-Walker is a rotational player for the Timberwolves.
Trent Forrest is on the Hawks.
Will you be rooting for any former Jazz players this post season? Comment below.
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