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SALT LAKE CITY — The NBA is just finishing up the All-Star break and unofficial middle of the season. No matter what happens from now on, there is still time to enjoy this season.
The rest of the season starts with a game against the Brooklyn Nets on Wednesday. The Jazz might win that game, they might not. The trade deadline is on Thursday, and the Jazz may or may not make a move.
In a little over two months, the Jazz will almost certainly have a representative at the lottery, and they might winm or they might not. In three months, the Jazz will have an early pick in the NBA draft. They might select a star, or they might not.
Depending on your outlook, the Jazz might have had a very bad season or a very good one. General manager Dennis Lindsey has said this season is about developing and that the team “won't skip steps.” That normally means the team is rebuilding, tanking or just going to find out what they have, depending on how you want to spin the story.
There is a lot that could happen in the next three months that will shape the future of the Jazz organization, but there is one thing that any fan can do in the meantime — enjoy.
The Jazz are 19-33, which means they have 30 games left with this squad. This could be the last 30 games of this current incarnation of the Jazz. Once it's gone, it's gone.
On April 16, the Jazz will play the Minnesota Timberwolves in their last game of the season. Two days before the Jazz will finish their home schedule against the Los Angeles Lakers. Fans will be torn whether they want to see one last victory or another loss to secure some ping-pong balls.
This is my opportunity to just say that however you want to see this season, take time to enjoy it, win or lose.
If all goes as planned, there are better times ahead. To steal a line from The Beatles, “it can't get much worse,” but it can still be enjoyed. There is no one on this team who couldn't end up on a different team next year. Yes, there are a lot of players with contracts beyond this season, but if the right offer comes along, there is nothing that would stop the Jazz from making a move to get better fast.
Enjoy Gordon Hayward's talent. In the next 30 games, he will have at least 10 chase-down blocks that will make opponents look foolish. He has flirted with a triple-double over the past few games, and he just might get one. Enjoy seeing what he can do.
There is a very real chance that Hayward will be wearing another team's uniform next year. If you have enjoyed his run from rookie to team veteran, remember that he could be gone and savor his brilliance, even if it is mixed with some frustrating moments.
Marvin Williams is in a contract year scrapping and working hard for his teammates. His abilities have led to victories, and he could be elsewhere next year. Same story with Richard Jefferson. He isn't the most popular member of the Jazz, but he is on the team now, so why not enjoy him?
Watch Derrick Favors evolve into an elite player. He is on his way, and now you can watch flashes of greatness. Take time to enjoy Trey Burke as he fights through his rookie struggles.
Yes, John Lucas III played a lot of minutes early this season. If that is still bothering you, just stop and enjoy what Diante Garrett has done.
There was a time when the Jazz were 0-8 and 1-14. Fans would leave disgusted at a lack of effort and ability, but now the team is playing hard and winning games.
Alec Burks isn't starting, but he is getting minutes and looking really good doing so. Watch him finish at the rim, and marvel about how he is doing it. If he keeps doing what he is doing, think about the future and enjoy the current situation.
I'm not forcing you to like Jefferson or Williams. There are lots of fans who hate coach Tyrone Corbin, and this isn't about stopping that. You many wonder why certain players aren't starting, or why some play so much. It's OK to do so.
The Jazz are going to win some games this year, probably not many, but enjoy them.
The Jazz are going to lose a lot of games still this year, enjoy the growing pains.
The season will be over soon. The home opener against the Houston Rockets seems like a long time ago. April 14 will be the last home game of the season. If things go well this offseason, fans will stream back into EnergySolutions Arena. It will be easy to live to high times again.
However, the future isn't guaranteed. The NBA lottery can do funny things. Players might leave, get injured or just not pan out as expected. In two years, everyone could be gone and the future could be bright, or everyone could still be here and the future could be just as exciting.
No, I can't make you love the players, the system or the lineups. I can't do anything that will make you enjoy the season anymore, but I will suggest one last time that you enjoy what you have. Because we don't know what is waiting around the bend.
