Starter Level Play From O’Neale Helps Streaking Jazz

Royce O’Neale saw his minutes dip, but has producing of late.

Nearly a month ago, I wrote a column highlighting Royce O’Neale’s early struggles and considered allocating some of the defensive wing’s minutes elsewhere until he could prove himself in spot minutes. His production from last season, including decision-making on both sides of the floor and shooting, had taken a dive through the first part of the year. From that time on, beginning with the Jazz’s December 19 win against Golden State, Royce in fact did see his minutes almost halved, down to less than 10 minutes a game over the next 10 contests.

However, even in fewer minutes, his production did increase… eventually. Through the remaining games in December, Royce averaged 9.9 minutes, 28 percent from three, and 33 percent from the floor overall. His defense did look better though, with an individual defensive rating (per NBA.com) of 92.8. 

But then January brought O’Neale a chance to get back on the floor. So far this month, not one, not two but three point guards from Utah’s rotation went down with injury. All of Raul Neto, Dante Exum, and Ricky Rubio will spend an extended period on the bench and not suited up, per reports earlier this week. 

Utah Jazz Injury Update pic.twitter.com/In41M0kY82

— Utah Jazz PR (@UtahJazzPR) January 16, 2019

This left Quin Snyder with a predicament. Donovan Mitchell had to move to point and O’Neale would be forced to play an elevated role, a sharp change from the scrap minutes he was getting before those guys got hurt. And he picked up his game accordingly. His 3-point percentage in January exploded to over 45%. 

In January, he’s also averaging nearly 20 minutes per game. In the last three, however, he’s playing 34 and his defense has been even better with a rating under 90. He’s finally looking like the player he was last season. And he’s especially looked good next to Donovan in the starting backcourt. 

Future of Utah’s guard rotation

The next obvious question then becomes, should Donovan get more time as the team’s point guard (a debate I won’t get into here) and who should start next to him?

While his production of late is commendable and much needed, O’Neale doesn’t project as a long-term Jazz starter. He’s on a good contract that’s very cheap (Jae Crowder style!) and will be with the Jazz for a few seasons¹ as a solid rotational backup. Jazz GM Dennis Lindsey should receive recognition for the deals and contracts he’s put together, because those cheap deals for value players mean the Jazz have extra cash to use up in a trade or free agency. 

Royce’s, and the team’s, hot streak without their true point guards probably won’t last forever, but the improved play from both Mitchell and O’Neale has been crucial for the 4-game winning streak. Of course, Donovan’s contributions speak for themselves², but Royce has also played a big part. He’ll just have to keep it up if he hopes to stay in the rotation once Exum and Rubio are healthy. 

If he continues to play this way as a 3-and-D guy, a bargain Trevor Ariza type, he’ll have a long future in Utah and in the league.