Game Preview: Utah Jazz at Dallas Mavericks

What did Utah do over the summer?

The Jazz let a lot of people walk over the summer, most notably head coach Tyrone Corbin. In the current environment, it's no surprise that the team didn't renew his contract after coaching the team to a 25-57 record last season. Results matter and he wasn't getting them. Replacing him is Quin Snyder.

So, who is Quin Snyder? Good question. I have no idea. LOL, just kidding. They don't pay me the big bucks to not keep you informed. Synder was an assistant coach with the Atlanta Hawks last season after spending time coaching in Moscow, he was an assistant with the Lakers, and head coach with the Austin Toros before that. In fact, his coaching resume is far too long to list in this preview. He's well traveled.

His coaching pedigree isn't in question, what is in question is how he will fare as the Jazz's head coach. Since Jerry Sloan left the team, Utah has been awash with young players and an unimpressive mediocre product minus one brief postseason appearance.

Beyond Snyder, the Jazz added Dante Exum, Rodney Hood, Trevor Booker, and one-time Maverick Steve Novak. Yeah, get hype!

What are the Jazz's biggest strength and weakness?

Since this is the second game of the season for Utah, it would be premature to pinpoint specific areas where the team excels or doesn't this season. However, looking at their performance last season, which may not translate into how the team performs under a new head coach, there are plenty of negatives.

The Jazz were bad at offense, they were bad at defense, they were slow, and the pairing of Enes Kanter and Derrick Favors hasn't quite worked out to their advantage. What has worked is the paring of Trey Burke and Gordon Hayward. They were the bright spots in the lineup with Hayward leading the team in points and assists.

Utah is young and building for the future. How it works out for them this season is anyone's guess.

What do the Mavs need to do to be successful against the Jazz?

Dallas is the better team. If they can have the balanced scoring they did against the Spurs and limit points in the paint, this should be a game they win easily.

Is this a must watch game because Richard Jefferson is playing his former team?

Yes, that's right, Jefferson is facing Utah! BOO-YA, BABY! This is totally a grudge game.* RJ raked in the most dough on the Jazz's roster last season and appeared in all 82 games. You know he is looking to prove that he deserved to make even more money from them this season.** Look for him to be out for blood.*** Hide yo kids and hide yo wife! RJ is in the house!

*It isn't.

**He isn't.

***No.