Utah Jazz: 2015 Projected Starting Lineup

bleacherreport.com

Last season, the Utah Jazz were expected to be a 20-30 win team and get a high lottery pick in the NBA draft. They had other plans, as they exceeded these low expectations, finishing with a 38-44 record. Most of their success originated from budding stars Derrick Favors and Gordon Hayward as well as young international phenoms like Dante Exum and Rudy Gobert. Unfortunately for the Jazz, Exum tore his ACL this past summer and is expected to be out for the 2015-16 NBA season. With Exum out, here is a look at the Utah Jazz’s projected starting lineup.

Point Guard: Trey Burke

Trey Burke had ups and downs last season, eventually losing his starting spot to Exum. With Exum out, Burke is expected to slide back into the starting lineup. This is a “make or break” season for Burke, as there will be a lot of pressure on him to improve upon his mediocre performance in 2014.

Shooting Guard: Alec Burks

Burks is a solid player who has been in the starting lineup for the Jazz over the past few years. If healthy, Burks may finally put it all together and blossom into a breakout star for the Jazz. However, if he begins to falter, the Jazz will not be hesitant with inserting Rodney Hood in the starting lineup.

Small Forward: Gordon Hayward

Hayward is a budding star that has the ability to become an All Star this season. If he puts it all together, he can possibly lead the Jazz to the playoffs for the first time since the days of Al Jefferson and Paul Millsap.

Power Forward: Derrick Favors

Favors has a great touch not only around the rim, but from outside the paint as well. Favors has superstar potential thanks to his superb rebounding ability and above average defense.

Center: Rudy Gobert

Gobert is the best defensive center that the Jazz have ever had since the days of Mark Eaton. After Gobert replaced Enes Kanter in the starting lineup, the Jazz looked like a completely different team that was ready for the playoffs. If Gobert can replicate his late season success, the Jazz have a great shot at the eighth seed in the Western Conference.