:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/61714321/usa_today_11399576.0.jpg)
:format(webp):no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/13246597/downbeat_1.jpeg)
When asked about what Grayson Allen needs to adjust at this point in his young career, Quin Snyder didn’t mince words.
Jazz coach Quin Snyder on rookie Grayson Allen's biggest early adjustment: "Right now his biggest adjustment is transition defense so he’s either going to make that adjustment or he’s not going to play. I hope he reads that."
— Eric Woodyard (@E_Woodyard) October 9, 2018
Allen has shown a surprising amount of skill in his time on the floor during preseason. His shooting stroke has been excellent. According to NBA.com he’s shooting 52% from three. He’s also been a good passer. With him on the floor the offense has been rolling. Per NBA.com when Grayson Allen has been on the court the Jazz are 4 points better and shoot a better 3pt%.
These numbers are exciting but when Allen has faced any sort of starting unit he’s been torched on the defensive end. Against Toronto it was apparent that one of his rookie struggles will be staying in front of his man. The same thing showed up against Portland where he gave up open lanes to the basket, at one point getting crossed up badly.
@NStauskas11 pic.twitter.com/yTSo6mk2LO
— NBA TV (@NBATV) October 8, 2018
This can also be seen as a good thing. Most rookies struggle on the defensive end and if Allen can figure things out and become at the very least an average defender, his offense becomes that much more effective for the Jazz.
:format(webp):no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/13246599/downbeat_2.jpeg)
Speaking of defense, according to John Schuhmann it turns out the Utah Jazz had the best defense in the league last year, not the Boston Celtics.
One noticeable change via the switch from possession estimate to true possessions (via pbp) - Last season's best defensive team is now the Utah Jazz (not the Celtics): https://t.co/Lh2x5MFT4d
— John Schuhmann (@johnschuhmann) October 9, 2018
Here's a full comparison of last year's efficiency numbers via true possessions vs. the estimate. Estimate had Warriors w/ a lot more possessions than their opponents, so they fell on both ends of the floor. pic.twitter.com/d6EZCGCXan
— John Schuhmann (@johnschuhmann) October 9, 2018
Interesting that estimates are in favor of the Celtics instead of the Jazz because there definitely isn’t an east coast bias.
The nice thing is that when actual facts are used the Jazz come out on top.
:format(webp):no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/13246601/downbeat_3.jpeg)
The Utah Jazz went through media training yesterday.
Utah Jazz players are going through media training today.
— Eric Woodyard (@E_Woodyard) October 9, 2018
The question here is did they spend the whole time talking about questions for the Boston vs. Utah game or just the entire time?
Other topics surely discussed are how to avoid annoying Jazz fans by not wearing Kobe Bryant Laker shirts when the Jazz play L.A. or complaining about practice.
:format(webp):no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/13246603/downbeat_4.jpeg)
Donovan Mitchell and Ekpe Udoh spoke with students from West High School and had some great advice for the kids.
Ekpe: “Get off social media. Have conversations face-to-face. And read books!”#EkpesBookClub pic.twitter.com/wCd1HDKU2k
— Utah Jazz (@utahjazz) October 9, 2018
Donovan: “I work my hardest with nobody around.” pic.twitter.com/4Z2IfhMqDT
— Utah Jazz (@utahjazz) October 9, 2018
These guys never cease to amaze!
:format(webp):no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/13246605/downbeat_5.jpeg)
With only one game left in preseason, the Utah Jazz are ready to pick up where they left off last season.
Personally, I’m interested in seeing if the Jazz play a more tightened up rotation with their last game or if they’ll do more experimenting with lineups.
7 days till the season begins!