The Utah Jazz are currently in the eighth spot in the Western Conference with their 18-23 record. Although the record itself isn't much to be excited about, the fact that Utah has been able to stay in contention for the playoffs despite all of the injuries they have had is very impressive. One of the big keys to the Jazz not having a major fall of has been rookie Trey Lyles who has recently started to play a very big role. Due to his great play Lyles seems to be earning a full-time spot even when the team gets fully healthy, according to Aaron Falk of The Salt Lake Tribune.
The Jazz selected Lyles with the 12th overall pick in the 2015 NBA Draft out of Kentucky with the idea of developing him as it didn't seem there would be a spot in the rotation for him. Lyles didn't play much through the first month of the season but once December hit his minutes started to increase and recently, as he has gotten more comfortable and confident, his production has increased as well.
Lyles was forced into the rotation due to injuries to Rudy Gobert and Derrick Favors among other players and he has given the Jazz more than they could have expected since entering the starting lineup.
"He makes good reads, as a young player, he's not always going to be capable of making plays in every situation, but he knows the right play to make. You can help a guy work on his shot, but knowing when he's open and should he pass or shoot is a more subtle thing. He's a good basketball player," said head coach Quin Snyder.
Lyles came into the NBA after playing one season at Kentucky and there he shot just 14 percent from the three point line. So far this season Lyles has shot 44 percent from beyond the arc and that has played a big part in his effectiveness for the Jazz. Nowadays stretch fours are some of the most coveted players in the NBA and Lyles looks like he is turning into one.
Through 39 games (25 starts) Lyles is averaging 4.7 points and 4.2 rebounds in 18.2 minutes per game but recently those numbers have spiked big time and he looks like he can be a special player. The Jazz were clearly high on him in the draft and he is paying some early dividends right now. Favors has missed the last 14 games with a back injury which has forced Lyles to play more but when Favors gets back Lyles will likely go back to a bench role. The difference now though, is that Lyles will likely continue to have a role even when the team has everyone healthy and available.
