A first-round loss could help the Utah Jazz more than it hurts them

PHILADELPHIA, PA – DECEMBER 02: Rudy Gobert #27 of the Utah Jazz talks to Donovan Mitchell #45 against the Philadelphia 76ers at the Wells Fargo Center on December 2, 2019 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)

There are ominous signs now appearing for the Utah Jazz, with the Dallas Mavericks now 3-2 up and nearing a first-round series win. Right now, they look like a floundering team with little chance of escaping from this predicament, let alone looking ahead to the thought of winning a championship.

Don’t get me wrong, their consistent success is admirable and is far greater than what most teams achieve. Still, the question should be posed – would the Jazz losing in the first round actually be better for their long-term future?

The Utah Jazz have yet to make it past the second round in five straight playoff appearances. Time is ticking.

Losing in the first round, especially to a team whose best player has dealt with an injury issue, would be the undoubted catalyst for major change at the franchise. That change would almost certainly revolve around three cornerstones – young All-Star guard Donovan Mitchell, defensive anchor Rudy Gobert, and head coach Quin Snyder.

Another failure in the playoffs would likely lead to at least one of the three being moved on. This is Gobert’s ninth season at the Jazz, Snyder’s eighth as coach, and Mitchell’s fifth.

In a rather impatient modern society, Utah’s inability to make it past the second round must be wearing thin on loyal fans. Of course, some will also plead patience given Mitchell, at 25 years of age, should still be on the rise.

One just needs to look at the Milwaukee Bucks as an example of benefitting from patience. They could have easily moved on from Mike Budenholzer or broken up the duo of Giannis Antetokounmpo and Khris Middleton. Yet instead, they remained loyal and were rewarded with a long-awaited championship last season.

Unfortunately for the Jazz, this team doesn’t hold the same nucleus or talent level as the Bucks. Even before last season’s drought-breaking title, Antetokounmpo was a dominant two-time MVP. As good as Mitchell is, you’d be hard-pressed to find someone who thinks he’ll elevate to that level.

This roster needs a revamp, ideally with Mitchell as a leading sidekick rather than the number one option. Or, if the roster remains largely the same, a different voice to perhaps rejuvenate the playing group.

A disappointing first-round exit to the Mavericks could be the tonic for that change. Alternatively, if they were to advance, a second-round exit would make it much easier for management to frame the season as one of growth or steadiness.

That could eventuate in the Jazz ‘running it back’ again, which, for the long-term future of the franchise, might be the worst possible result.