It has been over a week now since the Utah Jazz agreed to a deal to resign point guard Mike Conley Jr. The move was a definite win now signing for Utah, and I wrote about how the contract seemingly puts an expiration date on their young core. At the time the feeling was as it currently sat, the move did little to make the Jazz better. It actually made them seemingly worse after trading backup center Derrick Favors for nothing. However, as a few days passed, the signings showed the bigger picture from the Jazz front office.
Rudy Gay
The next domino to fall for the Utah Jazz was signing Rudy Gay. Rudy is set to fill the void left by Georges Niang’s departure to the Philadelphia 76ers. It is also a clear upgrade for the Jazz. Rudy Gay was Utah’s top target this offseason, as reported by The Athletic’s Tony Jones. Gay was being courted by many of the top teams in the league this offseason. However, he chose the Jazz. Of his choice, Rudy was quoted saying:
“A lot of really, really good teams were coming after me and wanted me to be there but I think this team was the team that had the most need for what I can do,” Gay said. “The culture, the ownership group is great, coach Quin (Snyder) is great. They really sold me on it.”
Rudy Gay had a particularly good season this year in San Antonio. In 2021, he averaged more than 11 points per game and shot almost 40 percent from 3-point range. The addition brings a 6’9″ forward that can score, shoot, and defend. He also brings much-needed versatility for the Utah Jazz. One development could be playing him as a small-ball center, a role they wish they had this postseason.
Gay’s versatility does a lot to fill the needs the Jazz had to address this offseason. Niang was a decent option off the bench and had some really great moments in his role. However, he was kind of one-dimensional as a three-and-d big man. Gay adds size, playmaking, and natural scoring ability. Rudy Gay will be able to score from the post, make a mid-range jumper, and hit a three in Utah’s spaced-out offense. Ways Niang just wasn’t capable of contributing for Utah.
Hassan Whiteside
The Jazz were also able to lure Hassan Whiteside from Portland. Ultimately choosing Utah over Oregon, he accepted a role to come to Utah on a veterans minimum contract. Whiteside’s play is a great fit for Utah. He is an excellent finisher around the rim, plays above the rim, is an elite shot-blocker, and frequently a top rebounder. However, he does have a track record for being a team distraction. While his stats defensively are impressive, he has been known to be a liability in the pick and roll.
While he has been a distraction in the past, one of his best runs was in Miami with Dwyane Wade. Perhaps the Jazz will get that same level of engagement he saw in Miami.
“It’s just going to be a great environment. That’s the biggest thing I really wanted out of free agency this year, regardless of the money.” Whiteside said. “I just wanted to go somewhere where we could win. I don’t want to be at home watching the playoffs.”
Hassan Whiteside is an excellent replacement for the loss of Derrick Favors and at an excellent price. He also plays a similar style as Rudy Gobert and can comfortably fit in when Rudy misses a game.
Bigger Picture In Utah
Each of these moves for the Jazz improve the weaknesses we saw this postseason. After a first-place season, Utah took a 2-0 lead over the Los Angeles Clippers in the second round. However, they didn’t win another game that series and much of that came because of matchup problems. The Clippers turned Rudy Gobert and his defense into a liability, and they lost at the hands of Terrance Mann. These moves help answer these needs. Gay allows the Jazz to play small ball and matchup well there. Whiteside helps them not miss a beat in Gobert’s absence and keeps a shot-blocking rim defender on the floor for long stretches.
Utah also have high hopes in the development of some of their young players. There is still an eye on the growth of Elijah Hughes, who Utah believes could add shooting off their bench. Miye Oni is a wing defender that can play more minutes this year. However, that is one role they may still bring someone in for. They also drafted Jared Butler, who is a rookie that many believe can contribute immediately. Trent Forrest has also impressed in the Summer League thus far for the Jazz.
All in all, the Utah Jazz filled their weaknesses this offseason. But not only did they fill their weaknesses, they upgraded them. Gay is a significant upgrade over Niang, and Whiteside is certainly an upgrade defensively over Favors. Utah had the best record in the NBA this year, and answered their biggest questions this offseason. With a clean bill of health, they should be an exciting team this season.
The Western Conference improved this offseason, and so did the Utah Jazz. Most importantly, their acquisitions allow them to match up well against each team. If the Clippers go to a small ball lineup again in the postseason, Rudy Gay helps combat that. If the Jazz meet the Suns in the playoffs having both Gobert and Whiteside to play defense against Ayton is a definite asset. Give this offseason an A if you are doing grades for the Utah Jazz.
