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The Utah Jazz and the Monomyth - The story of the 2015 season and why it will be great.

We are all experts at what makes a great story. Every one of us has our preferred mediums. Whether it’s movies, TV shows, Books, the stage, etc., we all know whether a story is bad or good. But how? How do we just know? It’s because we are all masters of the Monomyth.

So what is the Monomyth?

More commonly, it is known as the Hero’s Journey. It is the steps that take place in EVERY story. Really, every single one. Well, at least the good ones. Name your favorite movie, book, whatever, it will hold most, if not all, of the elements of the Hero’s Journey. Here’s an amazing explanation of the Hero’s Journey. Watch it, it’ll blow your mind.

The best part about the Monomyth is how it can lay out what will happen in every story. And so now, let's look at the different characters of the Jazz story and find out what will happen this year.


The Archetypes

The Hero(s) - (someone who is willing to sacrifice his own needs on behalf of others)

Derick, Gordon, Rudy

At one point, the big three were all doubted. Gordon was boo’d by Jazz fans (FOREVER TO OUR SHAME!), Derrick Favors was traded during his first season, then wasn’t a starter for like 3 years and Rudy barely made it into the first round of his draft and then was sent to the D-League during his first season. Yes, these things happened.

Rage

The point of all this is that all of our best players started small. Did anyone think they all would get to this point? They are all the essence of the underdog, on a team that no one gives any respect. I’m looking at you NBA2K, ESPN, NBA, and basically all national bloggers and writers (outside of Zach Lowe) who pretend to know anything about the Jazz.

Mentor- (all the characters who teach and protect heroes and give them gifts)

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Possibly the most obvious than all the other archetypes. It wasn’t till Quin Snyder came that we saw our Hero’s gifts truly utilized. He recognized their talents and instead of forcing square pegs into archaic, boring and outdated circle holes, he altered his system and philosophies during the season to fit the team’s obvious strengths. And it showed with the Jazz finishing with one of the best records in the league post all star break.

Threshold Guardian- (a menacing face to the hero, but if understood, they can be overcome)

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For all that has been said about Corbin’s poor decision making, coaching ability and philosophies, Coach Corbin was a necessary part of the Monomyth. Without Ty, the Hero’s of our story would not have had some of the obstacles necessary to evolve and grow. And evolve they did.

Herald- (a force that brings a new challenge to the hero)

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The one who has sung praises of our players has been Dennis Lyndsay. When our hero’s were being benched by the Threshhold Guardian, Lindsay would always praise our core and their growth. He was also the one who set the players on their journey, deciding that he wouldn’t resign the older veterans who weren’t a part of our teams future. His praise of our heroes is most evident in him not trading for players that would keep our hero’s from going on their journey. He laid the path and G, D-Fav and Rudy are now walking it.

Shapeshifter- (characters who change constantly from the hero's point of view)

The shapeshifter would be the team itself. Before all star break, the Jazz were near the bottom of the league in defense. Step in Rudy Gobert for "a former player" and things changed. People will claim that the change began to happen before he stepped in, and that may be true to some degree, but to claim that Rudy wasn’t a major part of that change would be ignorant. Go look at Rudy’s plus-minus, win share, RPM, block or just rerun Rudy flexing on Wiggins. No matter how you look at it, Rudy was a huge part of the turn around and will be the cornerstone of a devastating defense that will terrorize opponents for the entire year. Playing the Jazz will be the equivalent of having to do billing late on a Friday. You’re just gonna take an L and get out of there. Let those d-bags in accounting deal with it. The best evidence of that was done by @prodigyjf's Rudy and Derrick Hype video. Pure awesome!

Shadow- (character who represents the energy of the dark side)

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He who must not be named was the thing holding this team back. He "didn’t play hard" by his own admission. And the only reason he would play hard was to get an undeserved contract. Enjoy the shadow that will ruin your defense and chemistry, OKC. Perhaps those sunset jersey’s will become a sad irony if Kanter ruins your chances at a title and Durant rides off in a sunset jersey to D.C.

Ally- (someone who travels with the hero through the journey, serving variety of functions.)

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Though most of the Jazz role-players could fill this position, Trevor Booker is the epitomy of the ally. Remember when Jimmy Butler stepped up on Jingles when he was on the ground. Who came to his aid. It was Booker. Who didn’t back down from that punk, Blake Griffin? Booker taught the players what it means to be a team. No, not just running the offense and defense and playing your role. It’s not leaving Jingles on the ground with Jimmy Butler looming over. It’s not backing down from Griffin’s BS and screaming in their damn face when you dunk on them. There are many ways to describe Trevor Booker, but the best is a badass. And any good story has a badass ally willing to protect the Hero.

Trickster- (embodies the energies of mischief and desire for change)

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He’s our favorite locker room quote and social media deviant. The first half of the year was rough. We were losing, our defense was underwhelming as the team learned Quin’s schemes. But Joe Ingles brought much needed levity to the fan base. His jokes and demeanor were invaluable to a frustrated and Jaded fanbase hungry for something positive after years of mediocrity. Now that we’re seeing fruits after years of famine, Jazz fans better not forget who brought a smile when times were rough.

The Stages of this Season’s Journey, and why it will be the best story in the NBA.

The Ordinary World - (the hero is seen in his/her everyday life)

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It’s been a fun offseason. Jazz players have had babies, gotten married and taken time to play for their home country. After the draft and summer league, social media allowed us a peek into the surprisingly ordinary lives of our players. They’re real people that have real lives. Perhaps I’m biased but I feel that our players are the most down to earth in the NBA.

The Call to Adventure- (the initiating incident of the story.)

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Monday brings media day and then training camp. But that isn’t the inciting incident of this story. At an Australian Euro friendly, Dante (possibly our most intriguing player) tore an ACL. It put even more pressure on our big three, and showed the Jazz what they would be facing this season. Our best defender at the point of attack is gone. Someone will need to fill his shoes and it can’t be our big three.

Refusal of the Call- (the hero experiences some hesitation to answer the call)

Knowing that our point guard of the future is out with a possible career threatening injury has got to be disappointing. Dante stepped in at nearly the same time Rudy did. He was a part of our rise and to see him fall would be disheartening. It would not be surprising if you sat down with one of our players and heard their doubts about how far they think they can go. Or if they think they can make the playoffs.

Meeting with the Mentor- (the hero gains the supplies, knowledge, and confidence needed to commence the adventure)

But Quin won’t let us down. After meeting with Quin this summer during open play and when training camp starts. Our big three, and the rest of the team, will be ready for what’s coming. Quin will be willing to make the hard choices and will work tirelessly to prepare and scheme for every opponent. Honestly, Quin is the type you follow. He’ll listen to you, truly listen. His ability to connect with players has been extensively documented. And we’ve seen in the heat of a game, he’ll do anything to win. After training camp, the Jazz will come out with an insane amount of fire.

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Crossing the First Threshold- (the hero commits wholeheartedly to the adventure)

The Jazz will start 5-0. They’ll implement what they learned last year and add on a more elaborate offense with more time under their belt. The national media, who goes out of it’s way to ignore the Jazz, will be forced to look upon us, like the eye of Sauron. And the Jazz will be up to the task.

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Tests, Allies and Enemies- (the hero explores the special world, faces trial, and makes friends and enemies)

The Jazz will lose games, players will get hurt. But our big three will show that they are worthy of praise. For the first time in years, teams will have to scheme for the Jazz. Before last year, we were a joke. What scheming did coaches need to do. We had no direction, no identity and no hope. Quin Snyder changed things. The Jazz dictate to their opponents now. We have a style and players that other teams have to reckon with. Entire offenses will be altered because of Rudy and Derrick’s inside dominance. Team defenses will have to stay honest with the 3 point shooting of Alec, Gordon and Hood. And because the floor will be stretched, Rudy and Derrick will become devastating pick and roll bigs. And there’s even tell of Derrick working on a corner three. Needless to say, the Jazz will have rivals and enemies, but they’ll be up to the task.

Approach to the Innermost Cave- (the hero nears the center of the story and the special world)

Near all star break, the Jazz will be at the 7th or 8th spot. The NBA will have noticed and there will be the recognition that Jazz fans have been thirsting for for so long. All star break will be highly interesting. Gordon, Derrick and Rudy will all be all-star caliber players on a winning team in the west.

The Ordeal- (the hero faces the greatest challenge yet and experiences death and rebirth)

But the Jazz won’t have an all-star next year. With the fan vote having so much sway, Kobe will make the team which will most likely be the tipping point that keeps one of the big three from making the team. It’s unfair, but it’s the reality of being a member of the Jazz. You will always be underappreciated nationally.

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Reward- (the hero experiences the consequences of surviving death)

Not making the all-star team will be painful for the big three. It has to be frustrating to be so underrated. Gordon is a legit star and Derrick took the crown from Mike Conley as the most underrated player in the NBA. And how does Rudy, literally the best defensive big man in the NBA, not make the all defensive team. I MEAN SERIOUSLY WTF NBA YOU ARE STUPID SOMETIMES.

The Road Back- (the hero returns to the ordinary world or continues to an ultimate destination)

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Perceived failure will unite the Jazz. An "all in this together" mentality combined with a winning culture created by Quin will keep the Jazz on a 50 win pace, with or without Dante. The final stretch of the season makes my mouth water. Instead of guessing lottery position, the Jazz will be looking at matchups. MATCHUP OH EM GEE PLAYOFF MATCHUPS. And unlike last time, this 8 seed will be different, it will be an 8 seed on the way to higher 8 seed. And will do it without Dante. Oh man, my heart. I don’t know if it can take the awesomeness.

The Resurrection- (the hero experiences a final moment of death and rebirth so they are pure when they reenter the ordinary world)

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The Jazz will lose in the first round, but not like last time. Not at all. They’ll win a game in Utah, maybe even two. They'll show that they belong and they’ll scare whoever they play. Heaven help any 1 seed who might have a late season injury. Rudy’s gonna feast on you.

Return with the Elixir- (the hero returns with something to improve the ordinary world.)

The season will be over, and it will be painful. But these will be growing pains. And our young team will grow into true contenders. Dante will return having spent a year watching and learning with the team. And our playoff runs of the future will be deeper and deeper. The Jazz wil have built something great and contract negotiations will become simple. The core will stay and the role players will want to be a part of it. What Dennis Lindsey began years ago will finally come to fruition. A culture of winning with the talent to back it up will be what we witness this season.

Go Jazz.

Let me know what I had wrong! Will the story be different?


All comments are the opinion of the commenter and not necessarily that of SLC Dunk or SB Nation.