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It’s Not ‘Too Early’ for the Utah Jazz | via JabberJazz.com

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It’s Not 'Too Early' for the Utah Jazz

It’s Not ‘Too Early’ for the Utah Jazz

By Adam Bushman (via JabberJazz.com)

“You are who your record says you are.”

“You’re only as good as the teams you beat.”

“If you wanna be the best, you gotta beat the best.”

These classic sports refrains have long been used to motivate, encourage, and propel teams and players alike to rise to the occasion and defeat a superior opponent. The power in these statements lie in the message that proving yourself in the moment your back is against the wall elevates you to a level you had yet to achieve.

The Utah Jazz entered the 2018-19 season with high expectations. Fans were anxious at the thought of challenging Houston for the 2nd Seed in the West and potentially arriving at the Western Conference Finals.

Fans weren’t the only ones hyped for this year. Donovan Mitchell penned the following words this off-season to Jazz fans in a Players’ Tribune article:

“Hopefully the next time we hang out at the airport, we’ll bring a trophy.”

Having just been awarded DPOY this summer, Rudy Gobert didn’t hold back his expectations, saying:

“I truly believe we’re going to win [a] championship.”

Like it or not, this is the bar and everyone wants to see measurable progress towards it.

Tough Early Season Schedule for the Utah Jazz

The Utah Jazz have endured a tough schedule to open the season. A combination of road trips, back to back games, injuries to star players, and off shooting nights have led to a slow start.

With a 6-6 record, the Utah Jazz remain afloat. The phrase “It’s early” has almost become a second slogan for this year’s Jazz as media personnel and fans remind themselves not to blow anything out of proportion.

On the other hand, it doesn’t matter when you lose, but to whom and how.

Memphis, Golden State, Minnesota, Toronto, and Denver have all secured wins against Utah to open the year. What’s the common thread between them? They are all good teams…some, even great.

Who Have the Utah Jazz Beaten?

Many sports analysts ask the question “Who have you beaten?” to judge a team’s trajectory. The Jazz’s only wins have come against bad teams or good teams without their star player. This paints a worrisome picture.

It is also important to note how the Utah Jazz have fallen to these opponents. You’d expect a defensive minded team like the Jazz to lose despite their stifling defense. Unfortunately, that’s not the case. In only one loss did the Jazz perform better than average defensively.

It appears the Jazz have lost their identity to some degree. For whatever reason, they are not the same defensive team as last year. If the Jazz aren’t a defensive team first, who are they?

Though the outlook seems dull and the future less than bright, all hope is not lost. The optimists are still correct: it’s still early in the season and the back half of the schedule is light. Come February and March, the Utah will have many opportunities to make up ground.

In fact, the Utah Jazz aren’t far off pace for a 50 win season. FiveThirtyEight, a renowned predictions source for sports and politics, currently projects a 52 win season.

However, should the Jazz continue to wilt before the good and great teams this year, a record sporting 50 wins will likely be hollow. Don’t underestimate the value of wins against the league’s elite; it’s the very measuring stick the Jazz must use to determine their greatness.

“If you wanna be the best, you gotta beat the best.”

“You’re only as good as the teams you beat.”

“You are who your record says you are.”

About The Jazz Fan Show

The Jazz Fan Show is a podcast and blog focusing on all things Utah Jazz. Founded by Ryan Van Dorn and Kelby Jones in September of 2018.

Listen to the show Sunday mornings from 9:00 – 10:00 AM MST on 1280 AM and 97.5 FM The Zone.

The Jazz Fan Show is also now available in podcast format! Click the links below and subscribe today!

iTunes

Spotify 

JazzFanShow.com

TryDayTrading.com

1280TheZone.com

The Zone Sports Network App

Soundcloud

Why Subscribe to The Utah Jazz Fan Show?

The show began in an attempt to create more content around the Utah Jazz for the fans to enjoy.

Thus, our goal has been to contact and bring together as many die-hard Utah Jazz fans as we can, and we’re having a great time doing it!

If you or someone you know love the Utah Jazz, contact us today for a chance to come on the show and discuss what it means to you to be a Utah Jazz fan!

PLUS, listening to The Jazz Fan Show is your best way to get information on upcoming Giveaways, including our first giveaway…

CLICK THE IMAGE BELOW FOR YOUR CHANCE TO WIN A
SIGNED CUSTOM DONOVAN MITCHELL JERSEY

Game 12 Takeaways – Utah Jazz vs Boston Celtics

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Game 12 Takeaways - Utah Jazz vs Boston Celtics

Game 12 Takeaways – Utah Jazz vs Boston Celtics

Jazz Survive Furious Boston Comeback in Hayward’s Return.

Gordon Hayward returned to Utah for the first time as a Boston Celtic Friday night to take on his former team. Jazz fans (The Jazz Fan Show included) have undoubtably circled this game on the schedule as “must watch” since Hayward was unable to play in last year’s game due to… that whole…. leg… snapping in half…. ordeal.

Utah held a big lead late in the game, but Boston mounted a furious comeback to bring it close near the end. Luckily for Jazz fans, Utah was able to fend off the Celtics, and an incredibly sad-looking Gordon Hayward, to win its second straight at home 123-115.

Watch the full game highlights below:

Game 12 Takeaways – Utah Jazz vs Boston Celtics

Quick Notes

#1 | I Feel… Shortchanged

I obviously had a lot of feelings in regards to Gordon Hayward returning to Utah for the first time to face the team he… shortchanged years before.  In fact, I even went as far as refusing to say the guy’s name (instead, I referred to him as Voldemort).

So, needless to say, when I thought about G-Time’s return, I expected to be so furious that going to the game wasn’t even an option for me. The truth is, and I’m not proud of this, I was scared I may whip a battery at GH from the stands during a rage blackout where I’m screaming “YOU WANT TO PLAY IN BOSTON?! I’LL GIVE YOU BOSTON!”… or something like that.

I am reminded of The Count of Monte Cristo’s Alexandre Dumas:

“How did I escape? With difficulty. How did I plan this moment? With pleasure.”

― Alexandre Dumas, The Count of Monte Cristo

However, after all was said and done, I can honestly say I feel genuinely sorry for the guy. He’s obviously not back to where he was, or even close. Can you blame him, though? There must be some PTSD inside of him from that, right?

But even more important, and surprising, was how robbed I felt of the joy that would have filled my soul had the Jazz beat a Celtics team with a fully-healthy Gordon Hayward throwing everything he had at us.

But what was I expecting? Satisfaction?

Unfortunately, Alexandre Dumas warned me of this:

“Fool that I am,” said he,”that I did not tear out my heart the day I resolved to revenge myself”.”

― Alexandre Dumas, The Count of Monte Cristo

Please heed my warnings, Jazz fans: Revenge is never as satisfying as you think it’ll be.

Let us all move on from this embarrassment. Instead of dwelling on our dreadful past, let us focus on our rich and blessed future:

 

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#team

A post shared by Melissa Majchrzak (@melissamajch) on

Hey Rev, can I get an Amen?

#2 | Joe the Jazz Man

Why do we love Joe Ingles so much in Utah?

Perhaps it’s because he is an underdog, and in Utah, we identify with underdogs because that’s what we’ve always been.

So when Joe Ingles goes off for 27 against his former teammate (tying a career-high), it makes my heart happy.

I say we just guarantee him an assistant spot the second he retires. Anyone object?

#3 | Jae the Jazz Man

Jae Crowder is another underdog who I’ve come to love watching during his time as a Jazz Man.

Two seasons ago, while playing for the Celtics, Jae was visibly upset following a game against the Jazz because Boston’s home-crowd was cheering for Gordon more than their own players.

Eventually the Celtics traded him to a systemless Cleveland team last season in the deal that brought Kyrie in.

This had to be tough for the man after losing his mother and playing such a big part in a very special season for the Celtics.

Well, Jae, there’s no need to worry anymore, my friend. You’re a Jazz Man now.

Congrats on one helluva win.

(Photo by Melissa Majchrzak/NBAE via Getty Images)

#4 | The Future vs The Past

Every time Donovan got the ball and the defense switched so GH was guarding him, the crowd began screaming for him to take it to the hole.

This was just really interesting for me. I’d never seen it so obviously noticeable before.

#5 | Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas

Friday around lunch time, I began the drive from Salt Lake to Las Vegas along with my wife, my buddy Chase and his girlfriend Jess. We arrived in Las Vegas around the beginning of the second quarter, found the nearest sports bar and settled in for the night.

It’s important to note that I was wearing a throwback Karl Malone jersey and a Utah Jazz hat. My wife had a Jazz shirt on, my buddy Chase was also rocking a throwback John Stockton jersey (because John wouldn’t have been John without Karl and vice-versa and so on…).

During the remainder of the game, I had around five strangers walk up to me to talk about the team, Donovan Mitchell, Joe Ingles and, of course, Gordon Hayward.

To be honest, our exchanges were all rather pleasant. People in Las Vegas seem to be pretty generally on board with how our team is shaping up.

I’m not really sure why I’m including this other than to make this point: I repped the Jazz in Las Vegas and people respected it.

Well, for the most part. There were the hand full of Celtics fans paying to have Irish rock music playing on the juke box and giving us dirty looks the entire time.

Scoreboard, Ireland.

Scoreboard.

Game 12 Takeaways – Utah Jazz vs Boston Celtics

Prop Picks

Game 12 Takeaways - Utah Jazz vs Boston Celtics

Winner:

Tie: Kelby(.5)  and Andy (.5)

About The Jazz Fan Show

The Jazz Fan Show is a podcast and blog focusing on all things Utah Jazz. Founded by Ryan Van Dorn and Kelby Jones in September of 2018.

Listen to the show Sunday mornings from 9:00 – 10:00 AM MST on 1280 AM and 97.5 FM The Zone.

The Jazz Fan Show is also now available in podcast format! Click the links below and subscribe today!

iTunes

Spotify 

JazzFanShow.com

TryDayTrading.com

1280TheZone.com

The Zone Sports Network App

Soundcloud

Why Subscribe to The Utah Jazz Fan Show?

The show began in an attempt to create more content around the Utah Jazz for the fans to enjoy.

Thus, our goal has been to contact and bring together as many die-hard Utah Jazz fans as we can, and we’re having a great time doing it!

If you or someone you know love the Utah Jazz, contact us today for a chance to come on the show and discuss what it means to you to be a Utah Jazz fan!

PLUS, listening to The Jazz Fan Show is your best way to get information on upcoming Giveaways, including our first giveaway…

CLICK THE IMAGE BELOW FOR YOUR CHANCE TO WIN A
SIGNED CUSTOM DONOVAN MITCHELL JERSEY

The Utah Jazz Fan Show’s 2018 Season Predictions

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The Utah Jazz Fan Show's 2018 Season Predictions

Preseason Perfection for the Utah Jazz

The 2018 NBA Preseason has come and gone. The Utah Jazz, a team almost unchanged from a year ago, goes a perfect 5-0.

Click here to read more on The Utah Jazz Fan Show’s Takeaways from the 2018 NBA Preseason.

The Utah Jazz Fan Show’s 2018 Season Predictions

In Episode 02 of The Utah Jazz Fan Show, hosts and lifelong Utah Jazz super fans get together to discuss the final week of the 2018 NBA Preseason. This before bringing in JazzFanShow.com writer Andy Allred to make official predictions for the upcoming Utah Jazz NBA season.

The Utah Jazz Fan Show’s 2018 Season Predictions Podcast:

The Utah Jazz Fan Show’s 2018 Season Predictions At-a-Glance:

Total Regular Season Wins:

Ryan
– 56
Kelby
– 50
Andy
– 53
Twitter
– 50+

Playoff Seed:

Ryan
– 4
Kelby
– 4
Andy
– 3
Twitter
– 3/4

How Far Will They Go Overall:

Ryan
– 2nd Round
Kelby
– 2nd Round
Andy
– WCF
Twitter
– T-2nd rd./WCF

Most Improved:

Ryan
– Alec Burks
Kelby
– Dante Exum
Andy
– Ricky Rubio
Twitter
– Dante Exum

Pleasant Surprise:

Ryan
– Royce O’Neale
Kelby
– Dante Exum
Andy
– Jae Crowder
Twitter
– Grayson Allen

NBA All Stars:

Ryan
Yes – Rudy
Kelby
Yes – Donovan
Andy
Yes – Donovan
Twitter
Yes – Both

Most Minutes Played:

Ryan
– Donovan
Kelby
– Donovan
Andy
– Donovan
Twitter
– Donovan

Any changes before all star break:

Ryan
– Yes
Kelby
– No
Andy
– No
Twitter
– No

Human Victory Cigar/Surrender Flag:

Ryan
– Bradley
Kelby
– Bradley
Andy
– Bradley
Twitter
T – Bradley/Cavanaugh

 

 

About The Jazz Fan Show

The Jazz Fan Show is a podcast and blog focusing on all things Utah Jazz. Founded by Ryan Van Dorn and Kelby Jones in September of 2018.

You can hear the show on Sunday mornings from 9:00 – 10:00 AM MST on 1280 AM and 97.5 FM The Zone. If you’d like to be notified when articles and podcast episodes are released, subscribe below!

Takeaways – Utah Jazz vs Sacramento Kings Preseason

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Takeaways - Utah Jazz vs Sacramento Kings Preseason

Utah Jazz vs Sacramento Kings Preseason

Jazz Stay Perfect

The Utah Jazz vs Sacramento Kings preseason game seemed to be over almost before it even started. The Jazz ended the first quarter up 39-10 and scored 71 points by halftime.

The game featured two organizations which have been on opposite sides of the spectrum as of late. The Jazz being picked to remain near the top of the western conference for the foreseeable future. The Kings, perennial cellar-dwellers without much hope staring them in the face.

This gap was extremely apparent as the Utah Jazz absolutely crushed the Sacramento Kings, in Sacramento, 132-93.

For a review of this game, CLICK HERE!

Takeaways – Utah Jazz vs Sacramento Kings Preseason

#1 | Who Will Be The Jazz’s Sixth Man?

This is a question I’ve found myself asking over and over throughout the preseason.

It’s no secret that the Jazz have quite the depth on their bench. The problem is that the Jazz seem to be so deep  that I’m not sure who will lead that group.

I’ve narrowed my choices down to Jae Crowder and Alec Burks. Continue reading to find out why.

#2 | Jae Crowder on Movement

At Utah Jazz media day, Jae Crowder was able to speak about getting into better shape over the off season. He even mentioned losing around 14 pounds since last year. When asked why, Crowder responded because he wasn’t moving like he should’ve been.

Personally, I think Jae is going to have one helluva year. I’ve been saying from the very beginning of his Utah Jazz career that if he could just get an offseason with the organization, we’d be seeing a much-improved player in the year(s) to come.

This already seems to be the case, as Jae has already noticeably improved his game on both sides of the floor.

#3 | The Revival of Alec Burks

Another thing I’ve noticed is the amount of playing time Alec Burks has been getting.

Look, if there’s one thing we’ve noticed over the past few years, it’s that Alec Burks can score the basketball. The issue has been his consistency and health over long durations of time.

I could see this being the year the bad luck finally flips for Alec. He seems to be understanding Quin Snyder’s offense, moving well and even succeeding in it. We see less hard falls at the rim and a lot more long range shots hit nothing but net.

Look for Alec Burks to surprise us all a little by contributing in a much larger way this year.

#4 | Change to the Rules

As I was watching the game, I noticed Craig Bolerjack mention a change to the rules in the NBA this year.

The change comes to the shot clock, which will not reset to 14 seconds after hitting the rim instead of back to 24 seconds.

How will this affect the game? I’m excited and terrified to find out!

#5 | The First Thing I Notice About Thabo

Thabo Sefolosha has been a Jazz Man now for a little over a year. Each time he steps onto the court, I notice one thing: The Nike Air Max.

Thabo Sefolosha Nike Air Max

Thabo is the only player in the NBA who wears this shoe to play.

CLICK HERE to find out why.

About The Jazz Fan Show

The Jazz Fan Show is a podcast and blog focusing on all things Utah Jazz. Founded by Ryan Van Dorn and Kelby Jones in September of 2018.

You can hear the show on Sunday mornings from 9:00 – 10:00 AM MST on 1280 AM and 97.5 FM The Zone. If you’d like to be notified when articles and podcast episodes are released, subscribe below!

Takeaways From the Utah Jazz Meet The Team Event

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Takeaways From the Utah Jazz Meet The Team Event

Kelby’s takeaways from the Utah Jazz Meet The Team Event.

The Utah Jazz Meet The Team event went off without a hitch Friday evening. The beginning-of-year fan night experience sees small changes in format year to year, but this season’s event was one for the books.

For an overview of the Utah Jazz Meet The Team Event, CLICK HERE.

First Thing’s First – Utah Jazz Meet The Team Event.

First off, I know it’s a bit of a stretch to try and find takeaways from the friggin’ FAN NIGHT, but that’s the kind of thing we do at The Jazz Fan Show.

Without further adieu, my takeaways:

#1 | SO MANY Utah Jazz Fans

I arrived at Vivint Smart Home around 3:30 PM to record some segment for an upcoming episode of The Jazz Fan Show. I miraculously found free street parking next to the steps on the northwest corner of the arena.

As I came around the corner, I was surprised to find a line of people waiting for the doors to open… at 5:00 PM.

Now, I know an hour and a half isn’t actually that long, but this wasn’t for a game. This was a FAN NIGHT.

Pretty impressive.

As the night moved forward, the entire lower bowl of the stadium filled up. To my surprise, the first few rows of the upper bowl were also full.

We love this team, plain and simple. They work hard, win games and never back down.

But I think a lot of that love lies in how the team interacts with each other. We’re all friends when it comes to our Utah Jazz.

That will never change.

#2 | Still Looking Good in Purple

It was rumored ahead of the Utah Jazz Meet The Team Event that players would be showing off their new Classic Edition Purple uniforms.

Even though I knew the purple was coming, it was still almost overwhelming to see the jerseys in person. I felt it my chest.

It literally gave me chills.

“We look good in purple,” Jazz coach Quin Snyder said.

I think all of here at The Jazz Fan Show agree.

#3 | Offseason (of Nothing) Was Good To Us

When Jae Crowder was acquired from the Cleveland Cavaliers for Rodney Hood, I have to admit I had my concerns. He just didn’t look good in Cleveland, which was surprising following his time in Boston the previous year.

Again, as happens so often in my life, I was forced to admit I was wrong almost immediately.

After seeing what Jae did during the final stretch of last season, I could see some serious potential.

“Give him an offseason with the Jazz coaching staff and I think he’s gonna make a big improvement,” I’d always say (mostly to people who didn’t want to be talking to me about basketball).

It already looks like that offseason is paying off. Jae is noticeably thinner and moving around better. I can’t wait to see how his role evolves throughout the year.

Derrick Favors also came into camp in even better shape than his already surprising transformation last season. Could it be that chasing kids around the house all summer is better for you than we thought?

#4 | Taking a Shot In The Dark (Hey-oh)

There were a few things I wanted to see improvement in almost immediately this upcoming season. One of those things was the shooting of one Dante Exum.

Coming off shoulder surgery last season following an injury-plagued career, Dante’s shot looked like the rust may have done permanent damage to those shooting mechanics.

But I’m happy to say he was absolutely lighting it up during the 3-point shooting competition, along with Ricky Rubio, who has improved his shot exponentially since arriving in Utah.

Can’t wait to see how Dante improves after an offseason of health.

#5 | Watching Grown Men Dance Badly

I hate this, and that is a MASSIVE understatement.

I literally had to turn my head and pretend it wasn’t happening.

 

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Rookie dance off

A post shared by David Locke (@dlocke09) on

This gives me no joy.

About The Jazz Fan Show

The Jazz Fan Show is a podcast and blog focusing on all things Utah Jazz. Founded by Ryan Van Dorn and Kelby Jones in September of 2018.

You can hear the show on Sunday mornings from 9:00 – 10:00 AM MST on 1280 AM and 97.5 FM The Zone. If you’d like to be notified when articles and podcast episodes are released, subscribe below!

PRESEASON EPISODE #3 – The Jazz Fan Show

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Utah Jazz Media Day Instant Reactions

In this special preseason edition of The Jazz Fan Show…

Hosts Ryan Van Dorn and Kelby Jones discuss their instant reactions to Utah Jazz media day. They also discuss which players the Jazz can’t afford to lose this upcoming season and how they feel the Jazz can improve.

About The Jazz Fan Show

The Jazz Fan Show is a podcast and blog focusing on all things Utah Jazz. Founded by Ryan Van Dorn and Kelby Jones in September of 2018.

You can hear the show on Sunday mornings from 9:00 – 10:00 AM MST on 1280 AM and 97.5 FM The Zone. If you’d like to be notified when articles and podcast episodes are released, subscribe below!

Utah Jazz Purple Throwback Jerseys Revealed

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Utah Jazz Purple Throwback Jerseys Revealed

Utah Jazz Purple Throwback Jerseys Revealed

The new jersey design will be worn nine times during the Jazz’s 2018-2019 season.

The Utah Jazz purple throwback jerseys were revealed Sept. 20. This after months of rumors that suggested a purple throwback design was in the works.

The jersey will commemorate the Jazz being in Utah for 40 seasons. The Jazz moved to Salt Lake City in 1979 from New Orleans.

Check out social media posts from the players regarding the new jerseys below:

 

View this post on Instagram

 

Throwing it back but always lookin ahead 👀

A post shared by Rudy Gobert (@rudygobert27) on

 

View this post on Instagram

 

POPS IM WALKING IN YOUR FOOTSTEPS & LOVING IT.!!! TRIPLE BLESSED.!! 🙏🏾💜💜 NEW PURPLE JERSEY’S 🔥🔥🔥 99X15

A post shared by JAE CROWDER (@bossmann99) on

This is one of six jerseys the Jazz will wear throughout the season. Check out which games will feature which jerseys below:

Utah Jazz Purple Throwback Jerseys Utah Jazz Purple Throwback Jerseys Utah Jazz Purple Throwback Jerseys Utah Jazz Purple Throwback Jerseys Utah Jazz Purple Throwback Jerseys

About The Jazz Fan Show

The Jazz Fan Show is a podcast and blog focusing on all things Utah Jazz. Founded by Ryan Van Dorn and Kelby Jones in September of 2018.

You can hear the show on Sunday mornings from 9:00 – 10:00 AM MST on 1280 AM and 97.5 FM The Zone. If you’d like to be notified when articles and podcast episodes are released, subscribe below!