Utah Jazz 2015-16 Review: Shelvin Mack

Despite joining the Utah Jazz late in the season, Shelvin Mack had a positive impact in a greatly expanded role and was a beacon of hope in a position that had been a glaring weakness for the Jazz.

Although Shelvin Mack came to the Utah Jazz late in the season as part of a trade deadline deal, his solid play in an otherwise lacking position was enough to instantly earn popularity among Jazz fans. Despite being the third-string point guard for the Atlanta Hawks, the team’s dire point guard situation had given Mack an exceptional opportunity, one that he largely took advantage of.

After just one game in a Jazz uniform, an impressive 16 point, five assist effort against the Portland Trail Blazers, he went from being a player who was averaging just 7.5 minutes per game prior to the trade to Utah’s starter for the rest of the season.

Despite a few concerns regarding turnovers, which honestly were to be expected after being thrust into a much larger role on a different team, Mack performed very well overall for the Jazz and nearly helped carry them to an elusive playoff berth.

The Highs

In 27 games with the Jazz, Mack averaged 12.7 points per game on 44 percent shooting, as well as 5.3 assists and 3.8 rebounds–an impressive number given his size. In his 28 games with the team, he put up double figures in 20 of those appearances, including in eight of his last nine.

Mack also improved on his three-point shooting, knocking down 35.7 percent from deep with the Jazz. This was an improvement of more than three percent over his career mark.

Considering the increase in role and responsibility that were instantly thrust upon Mack, his positives from 2015-16 certainly outweigh the negatives. He became a much more consistent scoring threat than either Raul Neto or Trey Burke had been, but was still able to compete on defense, allowing the Jazz to slide Neto to the second unit and provide an improved defensive presence among the reserves.

Mack was also much more effective at creating his own shot, showing an array of floaters and fadeaways that were a welcome sight considering the lack of point guard offense that existed before his arrival.

Furthermore, Mack brought experience and a certain mentality that were a great fit for this Utah team. Despite only having four years in the league, Mack’s playoff experience from his time in Atlanta, his college run with Gordon Hayward at Butler and a familiarity with Quin Snyder’s coaching style, all made him bear the appearance of a seasoned veteran on a squad that certainly benefited from his presence.

Another important plus about Mack is his affordable contract that ends at the end of 2016-17. With Dante Exum still being very much a question mark, the Jazz are fortunate to have Mack as an insurance plan for next year at a reasonable $2.4 million mark.

The Lows

Despite all the positives that Mack brought to the table, questions and concerns remain. The most obvious is where he fits with the team in the long-term. While he was a welcome and helpful addition this past season, Mack likely isn’t the savior that will push the team to the next level. The Jazz may be faced with tough decisions regarding Mack in the not-so-distant future.

In regards to his play, the previously mentioned high turnover rate is definitely a concern, however that problem could have largely been due to having to adjust to a new team. As he continues to adapt, that problem could easily begin to dissipate. Time will tell.

Also, while he shot above his career mark with Utah, Mack’s three-point shooting isn’t quite as dangerous or consistent as one would hope to see from a starting point guard, especially in a guard-heavy Western Conference that features the likes of Chris Paul, Damian Lillard, and MVP Stephen Curry.

His shooting from the charity stripe is also worrisome. Mack is just a 76.8 percent career free throw shooter and shot a forgettable 73.5 percent as a Jazzman. His crucial misses in the late-season loss to Golden State is likely the most painful example of how costly his poor free throw shooting could be. This is an aspect that has to improve, particularly with a point guard like Mack who is better at attacking the paint than spotting up for deep jumpers.

The Future

While Shelvin Mack certainly has proven that he deserves a spot in Utah at least for 2016-17, if not beyond, he will have his work cut out this offseason to prove that he still deserves to be the starter. Excluding the possibility of the Jazz adding a veteran point guard in free agency, Mack and Exum will likely be competing for that spot.

Exum may have him beat on defense, but Mack certainly is the better scorer and veteran leader. However, if Mack doesn’t improve in the key areas described — three-point shooting, assist-to-turnover ratio, and free throw shooting — don’t be surprised if Coach Snyder gives the starting nod to the younger and more promising Exum.

2016-17 should be a key year for Mack as he once again will have an enormous opportunity to prove that he deserves meaningful minutes in the league. With his contract expiring at season’s end, he will have a shot to earn a significant pay raise, be it with the Jazz or with another team.

Considering his performance last year and looking at the Jazz’s current situation, I would say it would be wise to keep him on board, even if just to serve as a reliable and formidable backup. Nevertheless, his future in Utah will depend largely on the decisions of Dennis Lindsey and the Jazz brass, the growth of Dante Exum and Mack’s own hard work and improvement.

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