Jazz notes: Quin Snyder reluctant to give progress report on Dante … – Deseret News

SALT LAKE CITY If you want to slightly annoy Quin Snyder, just ask him about Dante Exums progress.

The Utah Jazz coach has had about enough of this question probably for good reason and hes not afraid to let you know that.

Here we go again, Snyder bristled Friday morning when a reporter asked a question about the 21-year-old Aussie.

So what does Snyder like best about the fifth pick in the 2014 draft?

His progress, the Jazz coach said. If he has a bad game tonight, Ill still be pleased with his progress, because its just part of it (the process). We just analyze and analyze and analyze Dantes growth and development. Its OK, but it doesnt help him to see his game on a day-to-day basis. Its better for him (to analyze), Where is Dante today versus where he was in January? Thats the important thing to me.

Snyder added that he likes where Exum is headed even if hes had some bumps along his return from a major knee surgery that kept him out his entire second season. (By the way, he also said he'd always answer reporters questions, but he'd rather compare Exum to where he was a month ago rather than give daily updates.)

I feel like I need to educate people about how we feel about Dante, Snyder said, and that is we think the world of what he is doing and his competitiveness.

Snyder pointed out that hed rather young guys like Exum, Trey Lyles and Raul Neto all of whom have started but are now in reserve roles or rarely playing to focus more on how they can help the team instead of centering their efforts around personal progress.

These guys cannot worry about their progress and they can think about how they can help the team. Thats how they make their progress, Snyder said. Every time we break Dantes game down like we do a young tennis phenom I dont think thats the best way for him to look at his development. I think it distracts and it hurts him.

AND EXUM?: The third-year point guard appreciates how the Jazz have helped him this season even if hes been on a short leash at times after making mistakes in games.

Im going to kind of develop in my own way, my own time, Exum said. Definitely with the injury I had last year, it makes things kind of tougher, but (Snyder)'s been really patient in helping me and making sure Im feeling comfortable.

Exum is averaging 6.3 points, 1.8 rebounds, 1.7 assists and 18.3 minutes this season. As a rookie, he averaged 4.8 points, 2.4 assists and 1.6 boards in 22.2 minutes.

INJURY LIST: The Jazz had a brief moment last week when all of their players were available, but that hasnt been the case since they returned from their post-All-Star-break road trip.

Shooting guard Rodney Hood missed his second game in a row Friday because of right knee soreness. Forward Joe Johnson joined him in the training room. The 15-year veteran sat out against Brooklyn, his former team, with left groin soreness.

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Jazz notes: Quin Snyder reluctant to give progress report on Dante ... - Deseret News