The J-Notes
Fansided

Utah Jazz Support International Play, But Should They?

By Ryan Aston

facebooktwitterreddit

It finally happened. The moment that every NBA owner fears; one that shatters a fan base and throws the outlook of a season into doubt. Last year, it was the Indiana Pacers that felt its sting when Paul George‘s leg was snapped like a twig during an exhibition game. Now, it strikes in our own backyard with Dante Exum and the Utah Jazz.

The entire affair is tantamount to a game of Russian Roulette and Exum’s knee just ate lead.

It’s the moment where national pride and love of the game are rewarded not with glory or gold medals, but the shattering of flesh and bone. The inherent risk of international hoops competition that causes many to wonder if the reward can ever truly be worth it–a question Jazz Nation is now forced to ask itself.

After tearing the ACL in his left knee while donning the yellow and green garb of the Aussie Boomers, the fate of Exum’s Jazz in the upcoming season and, potentially, the course that his professional career will inevitably take have been irrevocably altered.

The lanky speedster may yet recover to become the Übermensch Jazz brass had hoped to develop when the franchise plucked him from the ether with the fifth pick of the 2014 NBA Draft. Furthermore, Quin Snyder’s motley crew of hardwood vagabonds could still have the requisite je ne sais quoi to secure a return to the Playoffs.

And yet, the chance that things have gone horribly, irreparably awry looms over the Wasatch like the Salt Lake Valley’s ceaseless inversion.

The powers that be in Utah have stated their continued support of Jazz players who chase their international basketball dreams. Citing patriotism and player development, the franchise has elected to step to the side as their multi-million dollar assets march off into the dark unknown of FIBA and the Olympics.

Jazz president Randy Rigby on Utah radio station KZNS 1280 AM–

"“I have been one who has kind of changed my attitude to be supportive of our players playing internationally. Especially our young players. It’s a good opportunity for them to really develop their game and continue their development.”"

A seemingly enlightened attitude in an age where the sport’s reach extends to every corner of the globe, but is it pragmatic in the high-stakes world of the Association, where teams fight to the death for basketball relevancy and a bigger slice of the league’s fiscal pie?

The Jazz are backing the international endeavors of their star players, but should they? The entire affair is tantamount to a game of Russian Roulette and Exum’s knee just ate lead.

Both the franchise and its legion of faithful followers have been shaken to their cores, but must remain at the guard–Gordon Hayward will participate in the USA Basketball minicamp that once doomed Paul George in a matter of days. Rudy Gobert, perhaps the team’s most vital cog, is with the French squad even now.

One week ago, we were thrilled at the prospect of seeing three of our core players on the floor, representing their respective nations. We even lamented the fact that Derrick Favors would not be taking his rightful place alongside them. Do we still feel that way today?

The allure of international competition runs strong. Even as I bemoan the healthcare system or the efficacy of congress to the point of pondering a midnight run for the Canadian border, I’m loud and proud when the U.S. Women’s Soccer Team owns the pitch or Misty May and Kerri Walsh capture gold.

When John Stockton and Karl Malone did their thing with the Dream Team, it inspired a generation. When Deron Williams helped pace the Redeem Team as Carlos Boozer waved his towel from the end of the bench, well…you get the idea.

With Exum banished the cold confines of the operating table, do we still swell with the same sense of pride?

The Utah Jazz continue to support their players in the cause, come what may–something I would have applauded last week. Now, I’m not so sure.

As pop philosophers Wilson Phillips once declared, “The dream is still alive,” but the urge to go bang my drum with Mark Cuban is growing by the day.

Next: Options for the Utah Jazz with Dante Exum Out

More from The J-Notes

Home/Jazz News