SLC Dunk - Which Utah Jazz players are in round two of the NBA Playoffs?

[Clint Nielson]

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The Jazz are not in the playoffs, but some former Jazzmen are.

The Utah Jazz did not qualify for the 2024 NBA playoffs, but some former Jazz players did. The postseason Play-In Tournament and first round have come and gone, bidding adieu to the injured Bojan Bogdanovic (out for the playoffs with a foot and wrist injury), Royce O’Neale, Joe Ingles, Jae Crowder, Malik Beasley, Grayson Allen, Jarred Vanderbilt, Wesley Matthews, Trey Lyles, and Trent Forrest. Let’s evaluate the postseason performance of the former Jazzmen still in the playoffs.

Donovan Mitchell​

Donovan Mitchell’s incredible play in game 6 (50 points) and game 7 (39 points) saved the Cavaliers from a first-round exit. Mitchell’s ability to be an all-time great playoff scorer started in Utah, so his stunning play against the Magic is no surprise to Jazz Nation. Spida in the 2024 NBA Playoffs is averaging 28.7 points, 5 rebounds, 4.4 assists, 1.4 steals, 0.4 blocks, and 45.9/25/82.4 shooting splits. If the Cavaliers cannot upset the Boston Celtics, Mitchell’s name will be in trade rumors all summer.

Rudy Gobert​

The Stifle Tower has shown the critics that he is not a playoff dropper and that he is a clear-cut HOF player. Gobert in the playoffs is averaging 13.2 points, 11.4 rebounds, 1.8 assists, 1.2 blocks, and 1.2 steals while shooting 59.5% from the field and 88% from the charity stripe. Gobert’s defensive presence has made him the Wolves 2nd best player all season, including in the playoffs. Rudy’s defense was pivotal in the defensive-led sweep of the star-studded Phoenix Suns. Gobert is the best option available to slow down Nikola Jokic, part of why this is a legacy series for both Jokic and Gobert. Gobert is questionable tonight because of the expected birth of his child.

Mike Conley​

Mountain Mike has been a steadying veteran presence for the surging Timberwolves. In the playoffs, he is averaging 12.2 points, 7 assists, 3.8 rebounds, and 1 steal, on 40.7/42.3/85.7 splits. Conley’s ability to help the Wolf’s offense flow could be the difference maker for the series. The two-time Twyman-Stoke Teammate of the Year winner’s biggest impact on Minnesota has been improving the once-shaky team chemistry.

Nickeil Alexander-Walker​

Nickeil Alexander-Walker has been great in the 2024 playoffs. He scored double digits 3 games in a row and had 4 steals in a game against the Suns. NAW has carved himself out a long-term role in the NBA as a defensive specialist.

Dante Exum​

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Dante Exum has yet to have a big game in the playoffs. He continues to be a consistent member of the rotation because of his great defense. It will be exciting to watch Exum try to slow down Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.

Gordon Hayward​

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Hayward has played little minutes in the playoffs and has not scored a point yet. Hayward still can contribute to an NBA team, albeit as a role player. It would not be surprising if he seems more minutes against the Mavericks, but it would not be surprising if he still plays 10 minutes or less as well.

Georges Niang​

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Niang has not had a particularly impactful game for the Cavs this playoff, but he continues to be a good locker-room presence, partially because he is willing to get chippy and stand up to opposing teams.

Damien Jones​

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Damien Jones has played in 1 game in the postseason, and it was a blowout loss. Jones likely does not impact round 2.

Alec Burks​

Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images

Alec Burks has not played in the 2024 playoffs. Don’t expect he will crack the rotation in round 2.

Which Jazz players will make it to their Conference Finals? Comment your prediction below.

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