The Jazz went 19-10 after the All-Star break last season. They allowed – by far – a league-low 94.8 points per 100 possessions in that span. They were historically young.
Rudy Gobert looks like a future star. Gordon Hayward is more confident. Derrick Favors has rounded into an impressive player. Alec Burks, Rodney Hood and Trey Burke all have potential to reach the next level.
Many are optimistic about Utah this season, myself included.
Jazz coach Quin Snyder wants to hear none of it.
Jody Genessy of the Deseret News:
Quin Snyder was asked if he wants to see Rudy Gobert get it going before the season starts. This epic quote ensued: pic.twitter.com/Fxbdp9Pyv0
— Jody Genessy (@DJJazzyJody) October 21, 2015
Hayward has bought into the message.
Tony Jones of The Salt Lake Tribune:
Gordon Hayward tonight
— Tony Jones (@Tjonesonthenba) October 21, 2015
"Guys like you were hyping us up, and hyped us up all off season. We really didn't deserve any of that."
Consider my optimism only increasing. If the Jazz remain hungry to improve, that only serves them well.
Snyder is right that it’s too soon for Utah to rest on its laurels. This group hasn’t even made the playoffs, though I suspect that will change this season.
But Snyder is underselling what this team has accomplished. The Jazz are good and should be even better this season – especially if they follow his lead on this.