Estimated read time: 2-3 minutes
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SALT LAKE CITY — Ty Corbin's resilient group survived several disruptive injuries and a ridiculously road-heavy schedule to stay in the Western Conference playoff chase.
The Jazz are 20-19, just one game out of the eighth and final playoff spot, BUT here comes the "schedule-flip" home security blanket.
This evolving, growing young Jazz team is now "in the Solution", with 15 of their next 20 at home. Now is there great chance (and responsibility) to climb up the playoff ladder.
More intrigue? Just look at the calendar. Only five weeks until to the NBA trade deadline, and obviously Big Al and Millsap are Dennis Lindsay's best bargaining chips. Reports on ESPN has been that Jazz covet a front-line, star point guard to help blend all the young talent.
Gordon Hayward has justified his increasing minutes at the two-guard - Favors is still learning as is Kanter.
Long ago (6-8 weeks) I called for Alec Burks to get some time at point guard. Low and behold, Burks has emerged out of the Jazz "Witness Protection Program" to contribute nicely at the point and two-guard. His ability to blow up court, push the Jazz break, stress the defense and finish is unlike any Jazzman in recent memory! And Burks can defend. Certainly defense has been part of the Jazz recent improvement.
#poll
So Jazz fans here is new GM Dennis Lindsay's first big (and crucial in terms of building a serious contender) opportunity. With the upcoming trade deadline with ample assets to maneuver to get better-fitting pieces going forward, how big does Dennis go? Big Al and Millie are likely gone (unless Jazz want to seriously pay up) when their contracts expire in July. They have great expectations and how much of the "risk-reward" game does Lindsay wants to play?
Fascinating stuff if you love observing the key elements of team-building! Good luck Mr. Lindsay, it's only the near future of the Jazz on the line here!
Personal note: Happy 14th to my son Tristan. Special young man, loved our trip to Foxboro and the Patriots spotty but often electric performance vs Houston! Great bonding w/Tris. I am among the luckiest people alive. #greatfam
