Opinion: Utah Jazz on the rise

It’s great to be a Jazz fan right now.

The events leading up to the first preseason game greatly increased the confidence of the Jazz fanbase. It was a tremendous free agency for Utah with the re-signing of Jordan Clarkson to a four-year, $52 million contract, and former Jazz-man Derrick Favors agreeing to return on a three-year, $30 million contract.

The Jazz did not realize exactly how desperately their team needed Clarkson until the moment he stepped on the court. From his first game on Dec. 26 until the infamous season-ending game in March, the Jazz led the NBA offensively thanks to Clarkson’s stellar scoring ability. He sees something special about the future of this team and other teammates see it too. He has repeatedly stated that his “instant connection with his teammates” led him to re-sign with Utah.

As for Favors, the impact his departure to New Orleans had on Utah was apparent. There was a desperate need for a back-up center to Rudy Gobert — a role Favors had previously filled during his nine years in Utah.

Favors said returning to Utah after one season apart was like “coming home.” He had always maintained a close relationship with Jazz head coach Quin Snyder and is familiar with how things are run in Utah. If only there were fans present to give Favors the standing ovation he deserves, welcoming him home.

Derrick Favors on why he returned to the @UtahJazz.

"I want to play for Coach Quin.
He's my favorite coach in the world right now" @KSLSports

— Ben Anderson (@BensHoops) November 25, 2020

On Sept. 22, the Jazz agreed to a 5-year extension with Donovan Mitchell, worth a maximum of $195 million, depending upon whether or not he maintains his All-Star status. Although, if you’ve ever witnessed a Jazz game over the past few years, you know Mitchell was born to be an All-Star. Averaging 24 points a game (and even more during finals) there’s no question that the Utah Jazz will be a force to be reckoned with so long as Mitchell continues to pursue his ambitious goals for himself and for the team.

And of course, the recent major talking point has been Rudy Gobert’s massive 5-year $205 million contract extension. It was easily the most lucrative contract for a center in NBA history.

There have been mixed responses from the public concerning Utah’s decision to offer such a costly deal, prompting a storm of debate on social media. Jazz fans have worried that there may still be a rift between Gobert and Mitchell, even ten months after the incident in Oklahoma City.

The fact is, Gobert is the most integral player on the team. Quin Snyder builds the Jazz offense and defense around Gobert. In an essay published in The Undefeated by Marc J. Spears, Gobert details his thoughts about his new contract, reflecting on his past in Utah, and what he hopes to accomplish in the years to come.

“I’m excited to continue this journey,” he writes. “I want to say climb the ladder, and to do it with Donovan [Mitchell]. All the things that happened between me and Donovan, within our team and also in the world, I think it really helped us to understand each other better. And now I’m really sure that – and I’m speaking with my heart – we know we can win together, and I want to win with Donovan.”

True Jazz fans know how much passion Gobert has and how hard he has worked to become an All-Star and two-time defensive player of the year. “My goal is to win a championship here,” Gobert stated to KSL reporters. “It’s been my goal since I got here and I feel the same.”

Everything is looking bright for the Utah Jazz. Bojan Bogdanovic is finally healthy and ready to play, Mike Conley is back and playing very well and the entire team has been on a roll early this season.

Mitchell truly believes that this season will be like none other. “There’s no easing our way into this. We need to come out ready to go because losing in the first round ain’t it no more.”

Donovan isn’t the only one tired of being first and second-round exits. Everyone — fans, players, coaches — we are all anticipating something more.

It’s been twenty-three years since the Jazz made it to the NBA finals. It’s the one thing on everyone’s mind, and this year it may just happen.

Brayden Rigby is a sophomore studying Journalism. He enjoys writing of any kind, and spends most of his free time running and swimming.

brayden.rigby@usu.edu

Photo attribution: Derrick Favors #15 of the Utah Jazz against the Portland Trail Blazers on October 7, 2018 at Moda Center in Portland, Oregon.
https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Derrick_Favors_Utah.jpg