It’s still early in the 2021-22 NBA season, but many Utah Jazz fans are beginning to worry about the team’s defensive struggles.
Despite Utah’s recent win over the Philadelphia 76ers, the Jazz have lost 4 of their last 6 games, and many are wondering if this team’s defensive issues are just a phase or something more than that.
In the latest episode of The Tribune’s “How ‘Bout This Jazz” podcast, host/moderator Xoel Cardenas and Jazz beat reporters Andy Larsen and Eric Walden break down what is wrong with the Jazz defensively. Is it lack of effort, transition defense, allowing teams to get offensive rebounds or a combination of all?
The guys also talk to Rudy Gay, who is now participating in full-team practices and may be close to seeing on-court action soon. How will Gay fit into the rotation and system, and how will he need to adjust in order to succeed with his new team?
As always, the trio preview the upcoming Jazz schedule, including another game against those pesky Sacramento Kings, and a Monday night matchup with Ja Morant and the Memphis Grizzlies.
Lastly, inspired by the 25th anniversary of the nationwide release of “Space Jam,” Andy, Eric and Xoel share their favorite basketball movie of all time. Spoiler alert: Eric is not a fan of “Hoosiers,” Xoel is planning on rewatching “Celtic Pride” to see the Jazz win a title, and Andy’s pick for favorite basketball movie is a 1990s Disney “flub.”
Click below to listen now! You can also find the podcast on every major podcast platform.
Find the HBTJ podcast at sltrib.com/podcasts/bout_jazz/
SUBSCRIBE FOR FREE: iTunes | Spotify | SoundCloud
Follow @@XoelCardenas