3 Reasons Jazz are Better Off in Playoffs Than Lottery
We’re down to the home stretch where every game matters for the Utah Jazz. But despite having a loose grip of a possible play-in scenario, there are still some opinions out there that Utah should take its foot off the gas the rest of the way.
There are obvious advantages to having a lottery pick in a loaded 2023 draft class, but the pros of playing to win outweigh the cons, and Utah should make a push for the playoffs moving forward.
Here are three reasons why Utah is better off in the postseason rather than the lottery.
The Wembanyama & Henderson Ship has Sailed
If Utah were to sneak in the playoffs, the most likely scenario would be getting bounced out in the first round and drafting in the No. 15 or 16 slot. On the other hand, if the Jazz were to “tank” the rest of the way, they could realistically improve their draft position to No. 8 overall.
In order to do the latter, the Jazz would have to reduce the minutes of Lauri Markkanen, Walker Kessler, and Jordan Clarkson, to name a few. Is it worth hindering the development of Markkanen and Kessler for a 12% chance at a top-two selection for Victor Wembanyama or Scoot Henderson? Not from this point of view.
Sending the Correct Message to the Players
Is it even possible to start sitting your best players when it’s on the verge of a playoff berth? What message are you sending to your young core? Utah has made huge strides in player development this year.
The Jazz participating in even one playoff series will accelerate the development of the team and a first-year head coach that needs playoff experience. Killing the momentum that the players worked hard to get for a puncher's chance at a top-five pick doesn’t bode well for the locker room culture moving forward.
Utah Could Still Get in the Lottery
If the Jazz make the playoffs, they could still get a lottery pick via trade or with the Minnesota Timberwolves selection gleaned in the Rudy Gobert trade. Getting a top-five pick is most likely not in the cards, but if there’s a player they really like, it’s plausible to trade up to the 8-10 slot with all the draft capital executive Danny Ainge has acquired.
Also, let’s not forget the Timberwolves pick that’s in Utah’s possession. Currently, the Timberwolves are in a three-way tie for the No. 7 seed in the Western Conference.
But Minnesota plays 13 of its last 20 games on the road, with 19 of those contests against teams still in the hunt for the playoffs. In fact, Tankathon.com has the Timberwolves facing the fourth toughest schedule for the remainder of the season.
That doesn’t bode well for a team that’s 11-17 on the road this year. Don’t be surprised if the Timberwolves pick free falls to the lottery when it’s all said and done, to Utah's advantage.
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