A pair of midseason acquisitions, Damian Jones and Juan Toscano-Anderson arrived in Utah following a three-team trade between the Jazz, Lakers, and Timberwolves.
Despite being new to the team, they each made their presence felt over the final third of the season as their veteran leadership proved invaluable during Utah’s push for the postseason.
Playing in 19 games, Jones gave Utah a much-needed lift off the bench as the team’s backup center. He averaged 4.6 points and 3.5 rebounds in 15.8 minutes per game.
His first game with the Jazz against Memphis on Feb. 15 showed off his skillset as he was solid defensively, capable of switching out onto the perimeter to defend quicker guards. He also showed off his elite athleticism, finishing 3-of-4 from the field with numerous high-flying dunks as a rim-runner.
But he saved his best for last — and against his former team — when Utah hosted the Lakers Apr. 4. He dropped a season-high 16 points and grabbed eight rebounds as the Jazz fell 135-133 in overtime.
While he was great, Jones showed off a different part of his game that night. Looking confident with every shot, he went 3-for-3 from beyond the arc, hitting shots from the corner, the wing, and at the top of the key. Not known initially as a threat from deep, he said at the time that it’s a shot he’s been working on and feels comfortable taking.
Jones controls his future, as he has a player option for the upcoming season. Regardless of whether he exercises it or not, he’s proven that he’s somebody capable of playing in the league and making a difference on both ends of the court.
Just like Jones, Toscano-Anderson’s arrival meant giving Utah a championship presence in the locker room, somebody who’s been through the highs and lows of the league to help mentor this young team.
And he did just that.
Not the most stat-driven player, Toscano-Anderson’s contributions come from doing all the little things that help a team win. He’s unafraid to defend anybody and constantly diving for loose balls, grabbing offensive rebounds, and hustling. Head coach Will Hardy and the team praised that contribution throughout the last part of the season, proving his positive effect.
He averages 3.4 points, 2.9 rebounds, and 1.8 assists in 15.2 minutes per game, getting two starts in his 22 games.
It was evident that Toscano-Anderson became more comfortable in Hardy’s system as the season wore on, upping his numbers across the board in April. His best game was when he finished with seven points, six rebounds, and five assists in Utah’s 118-114 victory over Denver in the home finale.
Under contract for next season, Toscano-Anderson should continue to give the Jazz a veteran presence in the locker room and a physical edge on the court.