Just to preface this post, it's my first ever. I've enjoyed reading here, and enjoyed watching the Jazz this year, and for most of my life.
This has probably been one of my favorite years to watch and follow the Jazz, and has been just about and fun and exciting as it can get without making the playoffs. One of the main reasons that I love this team is that I feel like the players really enjoy playing for the Jazz. They like playing in SLC, and don't mind playing in a smaller market and sacrificing their egos a little. For example, DFaves is an Atlanta product. Instead of playing his college ball at Duke or Kentucky, he elected to stay close to home and play for GATech. He's been the same way in the Association. He has stated multiple times that he enjoys playing here, and that he wants to stay here for his whole career. I loved that article about his mom telling him to become a man when he was traded to the Jazz. He's done that. Gobert has a winning attitude, doesn't care about his stats, and is a humble, hardworking player who has surprised everyone. Hayward has improved a ton throughout his years. He's matured into a leader, and also came from a small school in Butler. Booker has brought an attitude and edge to this team, and like others have said, just seems to be a "Jazz Man." Lastly, Exum and Hood don't seem to care now, nor did they ever, about playing in a "bigger" market. They are smart, humble, team first players who are going to work hard to become our future (and present) starters at the 1 and 2.
To sum it up in one word, I would call the team LOYAL. Just about everyone (minus maybe Trey) loves playing for this organization, and likely wouldn't leave so easily for a bigger market. They are here to win, play for each other, and compete every night. Thats why I was so happy when Kanter was dealt; he was a player who was playing for stats and for himself, and it was definitely visible. The same went for DWILL and Boozer. You just knew that, when the offer came, they would bolt for a bigger market. This team is different. Thats why I love them.
This has probably been one of my favorite years to watch and follow the Jazz, and has been just about and fun and exciting as it can get without making the playoffs. One of the main reasons that I love this team is that I feel like the players really enjoy playing for the Jazz. They like playing in SLC, and don't mind playing in a smaller market and sacrificing their egos a little. For example, DFaves is an Atlanta product. Instead of playing his college ball at Duke or Kentucky, he elected to stay close to home and play for GATech. He's been the same way in the Association. He has stated multiple times that he enjoys playing here, and that he wants to stay here for his whole career. I loved that article about his mom telling him to become a man when he was traded to the Jazz. He's done that. Gobert has a winning attitude, doesn't care about his stats, and is a humble, hardworking player who has surprised everyone. Hayward has improved a ton throughout his years. He's matured into a leader, and also came from a small school in Butler. Booker has brought an attitude and edge to this team, and like others have said, just seems to be a "Jazz Man." Lastly, Exum and Hood don't seem to care now, nor did they ever, about playing in a "bigger" market. They are smart, humble, team first players who are going to work hard to become our future (and present) starters at the 1 and 2.
To sum it up in one word, I would call the team LOYAL. Just about everyone (minus maybe Trey) loves playing for this organization, and likely wouldn't leave so easily for a bigger market. They are here to win, play for each other, and compete every night. Thats why I was so happy when Kanter was dealt; he was a player who was playing for stats and for himself, and it was definitely visible. The same went for DWILL and Boozer. You just knew that, when the offer came, they would bolt for a bigger market. This team is different. Thats why I love them.
