The 2015-2016 Utah Jazz season is over. All those lucky socks that resulted in numerous painful close losses have finally been washed. The Stockton and Malone jerseys have been returned to their offseason resting place in the closet. The NBA League Pass app has been deleted from your phone, and it's time to rediscover what it's like to not have firm plans after 7:00 MST again.
But beneath it all, the urge of Jazz fandom runs deep.
You keep checking twitter as if there's another game to be played.
You keep refreshing SLCDunk.com eagerly waiting for some news to break.
You check the injury report out of habit, someone must have got hurt today.
You talk to your friends about the Jazz in present tense as if the Jazz could still make the playoffs.
You went to your favorite sports bar only to discover that Pacers vs Raptors was playing.
You flipped the channel to Root Sports and watched a Rockies game. You're not even a Rockies fan. You just wanted to see those familiar graphics and commercials.
You keep telling your wife about how you think Dante Exum grew and is now 6'9", you think. It's hard to tell from the photos. But you know.
If you have done even one of these things, you're an addict. A Jazz addict.
You're a glutton for pain and remorse. But luckily there's a 7 step plan for recovery. If you follow this plan you'll slowly feel the pain of missing the playoffs turn into hope and excitement for the next season. Guaranteed.
| Step 1 | Step 2 | Step 3 | Step 4 | Step 5 | Step 6 | Step 7 |
Step 6
2016 Olympics Games
Now that NBA Free Agency has come to an end, your excitement for the next NBA season is starting to reach fever pitch. You're excited about the new additions to the squad and want to see some real basketball. You've survived the exhibition games of Summer League and you're ready for an appetizer before the real season begins. This year, you're in luck and it's Step 6 of our 7 Step Program. The 2016 Olympic Games.
These games will feature some high level basketball and the best part is there's not a big chance you'll be heartbroken with the results. Since the Dream Team started taking the court at the Olympics, the United States Basketball team has dominated (except for that one time against Puerto Rico and Argentina). There's not a high chance of upset or remorse in these games.
The best part about the Olympics this year will be that Marv Albert is back on the call. Marv Albert, Doug Collins, and Craig Sager will be working these games. IT'S GOING TO BE EPIC.
These Utah Jazz players might be active in this year's Olympics:
- Rudy Gobert - France
- Raul Neto - Brazil
- Gordon Hayward - USA
- Dante Exum - Australia
- Joe Ingles - Australia
- Trey Lyles - Canada
Rudy Gobert
Rudy Gobert suffered an ankle sprain in the second to last game of the season. Who knows what his condition will be toward the end of the season. At locker cleanout, Dennis Lindsey said that Rudy had been playing basketball non-stop since last season due to his time playing for France in the offseason. It hadn't allowed Gobert a lot of time to heal from the season and get stronger. The unfortunate truth about big men is that a season takes a bigger toll on their bodies because of all the fighting in the paint. Rudy Gobert's thin frame does not do him any favors in this department. Rudy Gobert could be sitting this one out to heal and get his body right. Rudy Gobert is only 23 years old. He will most likely be healthy and ready for the next Olympics, 2020, when they roll around.
Raul Neto
The Olympics are in his home country of Brazil. He's healthy. He's playing.
Gordon Hayward
Hayward said during locker cleanout that he wants to represent the USA, but he hasn't been invited to be on the roster. Gordon Hayward's game is suited for the international stage. He can play that stretch 4 position and be a playmaker. Gordon Hayward wants to be there, but it's up to Team USA to send the invite. Unfortunately, I believe he won't get an invite. I absolutely think he belongs there, but I'm not sure he's as valued as he should be.
Dante Exum
He's going to be just two months in from being cleared for contact. He'll be far from basketball shape and still regaining strength. There would be a high chance for re-injury and I don't know how he'd help the Australian basketball team in his condition. Luckily for Exum he's only 20 and he'll have a couple more chances at representing his country.
Joe Ingles
He's going. Why? Because he's Joe Ingles. He's wrestled a crocodile in his backyard before. Okay, so he hasn't, but you didn't even question that statement because it's Joe Ingles.
Trey Lyles
He wasn't on Canada's 2015 roster, but guess who was? Anthony Bennett. Trey Lyles is light years better than Anthony Bennett. If Trey Lyles is not on the Canadian team then it's a travesty. Play the kid. He's good.
These Olympic games will be your last live basketball simulation before the regular season. How you react to success and failure will tell you how far you have come in your basketball recovery. We're pulling for you. We believe in you.
Upbeats
- Get a suit like Craig Sager. #SagerStrong
- Root for your home country. Show some patriotism.
- Cheer on your favorite Jazz players.
- Enjoy some high quality international basketball.
- Come for the basketball. Stay for the synchronized swimming.
| Step 1 | Step 2 | Step 3 | Step 4 | Step 5 | Step 6 | Step 7 |