Fansided

3 ways Ricky Rubio’s return could lift the Jazz

By Rucker Haringey

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK - APRIL 25: Ricky Rubio
OKLAHOMA CITY, OK - APRIL 25: Ricky Rubio /
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HOUSTON, TX – MAY 4: Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Utah Jazz looks on during the game against the Houston Rockets during Game Three of the Western Conference Semifinals of the 2018 NBA Playoffs on May 4, 2018 at the Vivint Smart Home Arena Salt Lake City, Utah. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images)
HOUSTON, TX – MAY 4: Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Utah Jazz looks on during the game against the Houston Rockets during Game Three of the Western Conference Semifinals of the 2018 NBA Playoffs on May 4, 2018 at the Vivint Smart Home Arena Salt Lake City, Utah. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images) /

1. He’ll free Donovan Mitchell

Without a doubt, the top way Rubio can help the Jazz will be to free Donovan Mitchell of any point guard responsibilities. He can still handle the ball and initiate the offense, but he won’t have to worry nearly as much about getting his teammates involved.

Snyder openly admits that what they ask of Mitchell without Rubio in the lineup is “different.” To say that Mitchell struggled in Game 3 would have a massive understatement. He finished his evening -31 in his 31 minutes of action. Going 4-of-16 from the field isn’t going to be anywhere near good enough to get the Jazz back into this series.

With Rubio back on the floor, Snyder will again be free to run plays for Mitchell off the ball as well. Getting him the ball on the move could be the key to unlocking his offensive game. Many of his best performances start with him scoring out of actions Rubio begins. Then, as he feels comfortable, he starts to handle the ball and create space for himself.

Next: Celtics legend Al Horford is too much

Ricky Rubio is a key piece for the Utah Jazz, but they can’t win this series if Donovan Mitchell doesn’t play like a star. The biggest potential benefit of getting Rubio back in the starting five is his ability to shift Mitchell back to his familiar role for the team.

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