HAVE THE JAZZ FOUND THE RIGHT NOTE?
Here’s a question: What would you rather do?
- Start on a high note?
2. End on a high note?
3. Have a strange little high note somewhere right before the All-Star Break?
If you’re the Utah Jazz, then you’ve decided to go with the unorthodox option three. The Jazz have been putting some wins together now. They’ve been on a hot streak within these past few weeks, going 9-2 in their past 11 games. A lot of people contribute the success to serious ROTY candidate (and 2018 Dunk Contest Participant) Donovan Mitchell. The film shows something different. Their success has really been in the coaching, and how well put together this team is. The offensive barrage of Donovan Mitchell, the boards and blocks of French powerhouse Rudy Gobert, the beautiful passing and newly found jump-shot of Spanish guard Ricky Rubio, and the offensive option in Derrick Favors (and Rodney Hood, although he was just traded to the Cavs) have all been catalysts in the success of the Jazz. The only Jazz player I didn’t mention is who we’re here to talk about today. That player is the glue of the Utah Jazz, Joe Ingles.
JOE INGLES: THE AUSTRALIAN DEADEYE
Joe Ingles is a staple in the NBA now. But what a lot of people don’t know is that this wasn’t always the case. Ingles didn’t make his NBA debut until 2014, and even then, it wasn’t an amazing start. He played his first game at 27 years old, five to seven years older than your average rookies. Before declaring for the NBA Draft in 2009, Ingles most notably was a young member of the NBL, which is essentially just the Australian NBA. He played for the South Dragons (despite being a hardcore Adelaide 36ers fan) for three seasons, racking up some high-level awards in Australia. Though his abilities were enough in Australia, NBA scouts didn
’t think he had what it took to make it in the league. He went undrafted in 2009 and moved his talents away from the NBL towards a more competitive basketball environment to develop, signing and playing one year with CB Granada in Spain. After floating around in the NBA Summer League with the Warriors, Ingles wanted to take his game to the next level, signing with FC Barcelona, which, although primarily known for soccer, is one of the best Euroleague basketball clubs as well. He played there for several seasons and had a successful run. After the 2012-2013 season, Ingles decided to join future NBA coach David Blatt and Macabbi Tel Aviv in Israel, winning the Euroleague championship in 2013. NBA scouts had seen enough, especially after such an impressive performance at the FIBA World Cup, and he was signed by the Utah Jazz. He has been with the Jazz for four seasons now and has taken an increased role over the past two years, incorporating himself into the starting lineup, starting all but one game this year.
HOW DOES HE GET IT DONE
Joe Ingles definitely does one thing well and that is shoot the three-pointer. He is a CAREER 41.4% three-point shooter (in the NBA), and has averaged more than 2.5 3PA in every season in his career. This year, he has already eclipsed the 130 three-pointers made mark. His previous career high in a season was the 123 he made last season. This 130 three-pointer mark ties him with Wesley Matthews for 15th most in the league. However, his efficiency is where he is the deadliest. Out of every player this season who has hit 120 three-pointers (there are 21), he’s the ONLY on
Joe Ingles is a great shooter, Jazz staple, has a rags to riches NBA story, and is definitely:
How do you think a SLEPT ON starting 5 would do? Comment their record below:
PG- Lou Williams, SG- Joe Ingles, SF- TJ Warren, PF- Lauri Markkanen, C- Steven Adams, 6th Man- Zach Randolph
Wanna talk basketball? Wanna send suggestions? Hit up my twitter: