Are we, or not an elite team this year?

[Isaiah 1:13]

At the beginning of the week we were #6 in the power rankings of every major poll (NBA, ESPN, CBS). But then of course this week we layed two gigantic goose eggs, and the worst one was televised internationally on NBA TV. Now I know the stock excuse is we were not healthy, but isn't the sign of a good team the ability to carry on when players are injured? It's the strength of their bench that defines the best teams in the NBA. And then there's the curious fact that we actually performed much better against Golden State when we were completely decimated and Gobert was our only starter available. I'm not giving up on the idea that Hill's return will return us to glory and a playoff berth, but elite? top ten power rankings? I'm not convinced. Your thoughts?

 

[dipship31]

Everyone's definition of "elite" might be different. I'd call an elite team in this league a team that could win a championship and no one would be surprised. I'd only put 3 teams in that category this year (although at times I feel like I'd be shocked if anyone took it besides GS). So healthy or not healthy in my mind we were never going to be elite this year.

 

[fishonjazz]

At the beginning of the week we were #6 in the power rankings of every major poll (NBA, ESPN, CBS). But then of course this week we layed two gigantic goose eggs, and the worst one was televised internationally on NBA TV. Now I know the stock excuse is we were not healthy, but isn't the sign of a good team the ability to carry on when players are injured? It's the strength of their bench that defines the best teams in the NBA. And then there's the curious fact that we actually performed much better against Golden State when we were completely decimated and Gobert was our only starter available. I'm not giving up on the idea that Hill's return will return us to glory and a playoff berth, but elite? top ten power rankings? I'm not convinced. Your thoughts?

If ingles, diaw, mack, and jj were replaced with favors, burks, hood, and hill then the jazz would be much better than they have shown ...... which is still pretty good btw.
Injuries is a legit, real excuse.

How good would the Warriors be without iggy, draymond, klay, and durant?

What about the spurs without aldridge, Tony parker, gasol, and mills?

Clippers with no reddick, deandre, griifin, and crawford?

Those teams would struggle too.

 

[Goodluckchuck]

I think we are very close. The downside also to the injuries is how long when everyone is back will it take for the team to gel? I don't know but I am seriously starting to wonder why the past 2 years has been so bad. It's almost curse like haha


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[Isaiah 1:13]

Everyone's definition of "elite" might be different. I'd call an elite team in this league a team that could win a championship and no one would be surprised. I'd only put 3 teams in that category this year (although at times I feel like I'd be shocked if anyone took it besides GS). So healthy or not healthy in my mind we were never going to be elite this year.

You've got a point. Semantics I suppose, perhaps then elite was not quite the right word but instead top ten.

 

[Isaiah 1:13]

If ingles, diaw, mack, and jj were replaced with favors, burks, hood, and hill then the jazz would be much better than they have shown ...... which is still pretty good btw.
Injuries is a legit, real excuse.

How good would the Warriors be without iggy, draymond, klay, and durant?

What about the spurs without aldridge, Tony parker, gasol, and mills?

Clippers with no reddick, deandre, griifin, and crawford?

Those teams would struggle too.

OK valid point, am I wrong in thinking we have a weak bench?

 

[Isaiah 1:13]

I think we are very close. The downside also to the injuries is how long when everyone is back will it take for the team to gel? I don't know but I am seriously starting to wonder why the past 2 years has been so bad. It's almost curse like haha
Sent from my iPhone using JazzFanz mobile app

Close yes, I guess I'm just not sure that infusing a couple of geriatrics in Johnson and Diaw was the proper course. Maybe I'm mistaken but there were younger more athletic guys available.

Off to work, check back later....

 

[fishonjazz]

OK valid point, am I wrong in thinking we have a weak bench?

Ya I think you are wrong.
Our "weak bench" has us in the playoffs right now fighting for home court advantage.

 

[MVP]

We are good but not elite yet. Biggest difference from being elite is experience and chemistry. We are lacking it so far. We are very close though and I hope next season we will be able to call Jazz elite.

 

[Miggs]

Elite? Hell no. To me, an elite team is a rare breed. That's the Cavs, Dubs and Spurs. That's it. But we can certainly be in that second tier. No reason we can't be unless these injuries linger the whole year.

 

[Jeditiger]

We're not an elite team yet. A very good team, yes. But not elite.

 

[addictionary]

Don't need to be considered as elite. The thing is, every team has a gameplan and it's stable through out the regular season but when it comes to 7 game series, you shift and start to analyze your opponent specifically. I see a Jazz vs Warriors playoff game a lot more different than the two league games that have passed. And it's in JAzz's favor because unlike Jazz, Warriors gets their success mostly from being comfortable on the court. Jazz are quite the opposite. They have to enforce on D and keep attacking the paint.

 

[SoUjazzfan]

Not elite, and I think to be considered very good we have to win the games we're suppose to and make some noise in the playoffs. Not just make it, but go somewhere once we are in. There needs to be a little more physical toughness and a whole lot more mental toughness before we are even an above average team.

 

[Cappy_Smurf]

Elite? Hell no. To me, an elite team is a rare breed. That's the Cavs, Dubs and Spurs. That's it. But we can certainly be in that second tier. No reason we can't be unless these injuries linger the whole year.

We are in the 2nd tier while being injured. If completely healthy, this team is elite.

Best indication of an elite team is the ability to win on the road. Some people argued that Utah was elite the year Deron and Boozer took us to the WCF. That was not the case, as that team just never could figure out how to win on the road. Utah hasn't had an elite team since S&M, but this team is when healthy.

Even with being decimated with injuries to the tune of missing 2 starters for the majority of this season, Utah is 8-6 on the road. I don't even think it's a case of maybe. If healthy, this team is elite.

 

[oldjazzfaithful]

Agreed [MENTION=3123]Cappy_Smurf[/MENTION]

 

[Chargers Jazz Angels]

jazz can be elite defensively

 

[Isaiah 1:13]

Not elite, and I think to be considered very good we have to win the games we're suppose to and make some noise in the playoffs. Not just make it, but go somewhere once we are in. There needs to be a little more physical toughness and a whole lot more mental toughness before we are even an above average team.

I think we may be a bit lacking in those categories as well although I do believe we are above average. I just don't see us being #6 ahead of the Clippers. That's a very good team that is still finding a way to be competitive without Griffin. I do question our toughness as the roster is currently filled out.

 

[Isaiah 1:13]

Ya I think you are wrong.
Our "weak bench" has us in the playoffs right now fighting for home court advantage.

See I would argue that has more to do with a guy named Rudy Gobert, the most dominant and dynamic center in the NBA this year. He made a quantum leap this year that nobody expected.

 

[fishonjazz]

I think we may be a bit lacking in those categories as well although I do believe we are above average. I just don't see us being #6 ahead of the Clippers. That's a very good team that is still finding a way to be competitive without Griffin. I do question our toughness as the roster is currently filled out.

True

 

[jaytulao]

On paper, and potentially, Jazz are elite. But since we haven't played much yet with our full strength, it all has to been seen.