OKC Thunder vs. Utah Jazz, 2019-20 team preview

Starting schedule:

While the Jazz got deeper and more versatile they’ll still require time to integrate the new players and learn the systems. Quin Snyder is adept at both sides of the court so teaching a complicated defense and offense takes time.

Even if the systems aren’t overly difficult there are the issues of timing. Simple things like figuring out where a player likes to receive the ball. Teams with constancy who’ve spent years together still need to rediscover their rhythm at season start. So, with players who figure to be such a big part of the equation, it stands to reason it will take an extended period of time.

Preseason offered hints of the growing pains as the team learns each other’s tendencies. Passes weren’t crisp, 3-point shooters faltered. But, examine the career stats of those individuals and that’s more of an indication of where they should return back to once comfortable.

The problem is at least in the early part of the schedule the squad will have to work on chemistry while simultaneously playing a tougher part of the schedule.

To wit, in their first 20 matches, Utah will face 11 teams who participated in last season’s playoffs. A further four games feature two games each against the plucky (and much improved) Kings and the Minnesota Timberwolves who insist they are a playoff squad. Plus, games versus the Lakers and Pelicans who boast their own restructuring.

Therefore, 17 of those 20 aren’t gimmes.  Utah could dominate or they could stumble. The Jazz can’t afford to panic or worry.

By the same token, it’s the Western Conference. There won’t be load management happening here (well – maybe Popovich will utilize that strategy, but only for a game here and there). They also can’t afford to panic, start pressing and complicate the process.

Ultimately, this is the one thing other than injury which has the greatest potential to derail where the team finishes the season.