We've lost to Phoenix, the Sixers (without Embiid), and got blown out basically by the Clippers. I could see us landing a top 8 - 10 pick without trading out anyone.
Here's my observation:
Defenses are clogging the lane to stop Gobert rolling to the rim, and in most cases, they're getting out on our shooters as well. Rubio and Gobert both have limitations that reduce space, but adding Favors' lack of range, footspeed and versatility in general to the mix just makes things even more difficult. Ideally, Favors is a guy who plays out of the high post (think Joakim Noah or Zaza Pachulia), not 20+ feet out on the floor.
What Quin Snyder is trying to do can work if the players are quick and mobile, but whether it's Hood or Ingles or Favors or Joe Johnson for that matter, these guys just aren't quick enough to take advantage of what little space they're being given, and they're not great shooters off the dribble. That's why Plan B for the Jazz is just to give the ball to Mitchell who is quick enough to create looks for himself in limited space, even if they're difficult looks.
I think realistically, Mitchell is going to take over playing at the 1 as sort of a George Hill on steroids. Or maybe Mitchell and Exum will be a two-guard front. I know people have been critical of Donovan's shot selection, but look at some of the things he has to do just to get the Jazz a look before the shotclock runs out.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kECBrq3sd-o
Freeze the video at 0:42. Note that all 5 Jazz players are outside the 3-pt line, while 4 out of 5 Heat defenders are dropping 12 - 15 feet off the Jazz shooter to guard the paint. The only guy actually drawing a defender is Mitchell 28 feet out.
Freeze the video again at 1:27 and you'll see defenders dropping off by 15 feet again. Mitchell has to manufacture a tough shot (and 1) with 6 seconds on the shotclock.
but also DL built the team too lopsided. All defense and no offense. In todays NBA, as we're finding out, a good offense is the best defense. Look at Boston, they have no elite individual defenders except perhaps Smart, but are the #1 defense in the league. Why? A great offense.
