Utah Jazz: Jazz Need Consistency from Both Millsap and Jefferson

One team that has been on the rise in the Western Conference is the Utah Jazz. After a slow start to the 2011-12 NBA season (only one win in the December), the Jazz have improved their record to 9-4 thanks to the better play of big men Al Jefferson and Paul Millsap.

The Jazz have two young and experienced players in the frontcourt that can become the leaders of their young team. Jefferson, 27, is in his eighth NBA season while Millsap, 26, is in his seventh NBA season.

Head coach Tyrone Corbin needs his frontcourt duo to set the tone in games and have his younger players (mainly rookies Enes Kanter and Alec Burks) learn on the fly. Jefferson and Millsap’s consistency has been the key in winning more games for the Jazz.

Millsap averaged 13.3 points and 9.3 rebounds per game in the month of December, as he was trying to find his “legs” due to the shortened season. Currently, Millsap has been averaging 22.4 points and 8.4 rebounds in his last five games, where the Jazz went 4-1.

Center Al Jefferson has also increased his production after a slow start to the season. In the month of December, he averaged 14.7 points and 8.7 rebounds per game. In his last five games, Jefferson has averaged 17.8 points and 10.4 rebounds providing a much needed frontcourt presence along with Millsap.

Although a good portion of the Jazz roster contains younger players who are inexperienced at the professional level, head coach Tyrone Corbin has been looking to his veteran group to set the tone in games. This will give the younger players a chance to learn on the fly and see what they can do to help out.

Second-year forward Derrick Favors and guard/forward Gordon Hayward have7 found their role on the team for the most part. In order to be better, though, the Jazz need some consistency from their rookies. Kanter has shown the knack of being a decent offensive rebounder while Burks can eventually replace Devin Harris.

Thankfully—especially since time is a factor this season—the Jazz have been seeing progress from both rookies, and that will help keep their veteran players fresh throughout the season.