How Can The Utah Jazz Return To The Playoffs Next Season?

How Can The Utah Jazz Return To The Playoffs Next Season? by Greg Foster

Mar 9, 2015; Charlotte, NC, USA; Washington Wizards guard Garrett Temple (17) signals to his team during the second half of the game against the Charlotte Hornets at Time Warner Cable Arena. Wizards win 95-69. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe-USA TODAY Sports

Following a potential season-ending knee injury to Dante Exum, the Utah Jazz are scrambling to find a new starting point guard for the 2015-16 season. While the team could fill the role from within with Trey Burke, Bryce Cotton or Raul Neto, many believe the trade market may yield the best solution.

If Jazz GM Dennis Lindsey elects to go down that particular road, one player that could serve as a placeholder while Exum recovers from his ACL tear is Washington Wizards point-man Garrett Temple. According to Jody Genessy of the Deseret News, the team could make a play for the guard–

Jazz coach Quin Snyder established a good relationship with Garrett Temple when the guard played for San Antonio in the 2010-11 season. — Jody Genessy (@DJJazzyJody) August 6, 2015

The six-foot-six, 190-pound Temple averaged four points and one assist in 14 minutes per game for the Wizards last season. His length would help to compensate for the loss of Exum’s defense in the starting lineup. Had he played enough minutes to qualify, Temple’s steal percentage of 2.9 would’ve placed him in the top five in the NBA.

Despite a reported willingness to deal on both sides, J. Michael of Comcast Sportsnet Washington has been told that no discussions about a potential deal between the teams have taken place–

Im told as of today Wizards still haven't had any discussions w/ #Jazz regarding trade involving Temple @CSNWizards #NBA #WizardsTalk — J. Michael (@JMichaelCSN) August 14, 2015

While Temple isn’t a perfect solution to Utah’s point guard shortfall–the 29-year-old is a career 39 percent shooter–his defensive ability and history with Jazz coach Quin Snyder make him an intriguing possibility.

Stay tuned to Purple & Blues for more information on the rumored Temple dealings or any other trade talks the Jazz become engaged in as it becomes available.