Open Jazz practice showcases all-around excitement


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SALT LAKE CITY — At times last season, the Utah Jazz fan base lacked the excitement it was previously synonymous with.

The team wasn’t winning, fans weren’t happy, and someone had to be accountable. Obviously, former coach Ty Corbin bore the brunt of the accountability, ushering in a new era of Jazz basketball. So, an offseason of moves led to Thursday, where the Jazz opened their usually closed doors to the public, holding an open practice as the team prepares to open Summer League play against Philadelphia on Saturday in Las Vegas.

Throughout the practice, fans demonstrated they are more than excited about the franchise’s future. First, head coach Quin Snyder received a strong ovation when he entered the arena, followed by a standing ovation for rookie guard Dante Exum from a packed lower bowl at EnergySolutions Arena.

Snyder said the crowd’s relationship with the franchise is important to him.

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“I was driving with (Jazz president Randy Rigby) on our way here, and I saw the line outside,” said Snyder, who won’t be coaching in the Summer League, but will observe. “I don’t know who is more excited — our players, or the fans. Just to see that enthusiasm, I think it lets the guys know that they’re appreciated, and the way we want to play is appreciated.

“It’s interesting to me what a knowledgeable fan base we have here," Snyder said. "People here — they know basketball.”

Obviously, Exum was the center of attention for Jazz fans, as he played in front of the fans for the first time. The native Australian said he was impressed with the crowd's passion.

“I haven’t played a five-on-five game in awhile, so it was about getting out there, just having a run with the guys, and just getting those jitters out,” Exum said, who last played a game in December 2013. “It’s good to know that the fans are behind the team, and to know everyone wants to come and cheer, and see what we’re going to look like next year.”

There was a notable moment in the first quarter of the scrimmage, when Exum tiptoed the baseline, and then threw to second-year guard Trey Burke for a 3- pointer. Certainly, Jazz fans hope for the result to be repeated, and Burke said he expects it, too.

“I think that tandem (of Burke and Exum) is going to be really good,” Burke said, who was named All-Rookie first-team point guard by the NBA last season. “I think we’re going to continue to grow together; our relationship off the court has grown. The future is bright.”

Another bright spot that night was Rodney Hood, who Utah drafted with the 23rd pick. The former Duke Blue Devil, like Snyder, hit several different shots and said it’s important for him to stay aggressive at all times.

“I had a little jitters, going out there for the first time,” he said. “Once I got going, I got into a little rhythm, so that was good. … Every day, I’m getting more and more aggressive, and picking my spots where to be aggressive.”

Besides the exploits of Exum and Hood, Jazz fans were excited to see that second-year center Rudy Gobert had recovered from appendix surgery, and appears to have the opportunity to see his role with the team grow. Snyder said fans should expect Gobert to play a role in the retooled Jazz offense.

“If Rudy embraces the things that he’s good at, and the things our team needs, he’ll have an opportunity to play, and really have an opportunity to succeed,” Snyder said. “If he continues to run like that … (our team) will throw him the ball. Our guys are good about sharing it, and obviously on defense, he’s a presence down there.”

Overall, Snyder said fans should expect the Jazz to take the Summer League opportunity seriously.

“I want to see our (defensive) principles,” he said. “Sometimes you see energy, and guys jump around a lot, and I obviously want to play hard. But, I’m curious to see the carryover. It’s only been three days, so a lot of that there is going to be some people in the wrong places.”

NOTE: Jazz big man Derrick Favors made an appearance at the scrimmage, sitting behind the Jazz bench for much of the night. During the scrimmage, Snyder said in public comments that he’s appreciated Favors’ willingness to be close to the team in this transitional period.

Contributing: Jeremiah Jensen

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