The sure to be epic 2013 Jazz off-season!

[El Kabong]

Nice quick write up on the Jazz summer league team

http://www.shamsports.com/2013/07/2013-summer-league-rosters-orlando_8344.html

[Xiao Yao You]

Marc Stein: Hearing: Free-agent PG John Lucas informed other suitors today that he has committed to Utah. Deal w/Jazz on course to be sealed this week Twitter @ESPNSteinLine

I'm ok with him as a 3rd pg but it appears as if he will be the back-up possibly forced to start because Burke is so far in over his head. Tell us again Lindsey how you're looking to compete. :rolleyes:

[Xiao Yao You]

Always look pretty crap when i've seen the Warriors play last year.

M. Gaye was crappy too.

[Xiao Yao You]

Lucas' signing would bring the Jazz's roster up to the league minimum of 13 players, including guard Jerel McNeal's nonguaranteed deal.

Though the Jazz have added six other players this offseason, Lucas is the first via free agency. Utah acquired Trey Burke, Rudy Gobert and Raul Neto in draft-day deals, while Andris Biedrins Richard Jefferson and Brandon Rush all came from Golden State in a three-team trade with the Warriors and Nuggets.

It's possible the Jazz will still bring in another player via free agency or a trade. Last week, general manager Dennis Lindsey said he's more than willing to take on salaries from other teams to acquire future assets.

1 to 3 roster spaces open. I would think Lucas is a minimum wage guy but who knows. He had the Jazz at the top of the list. I'd think just because he could be playing but maybe for money reasons too?

[Xiao Yao You]

Alex Kennedy: Sources say if the Dallas Mavericks reach a revised agreement with Devin Harris, it's unlikely they'll continue to pursue Jamaal Tinsley.

Twitter @AlexKennedyNBA

[Xiao Yao You]

Alex Kennedy: I'm hearing Mo Williams is considering taking less to join a contender such as the Spurs or Heat. Nothing imminent, but he's considering it.

Twitter @AlexKennedyNBA

Alex Kennedy: The Dallas Mavericks, Houston Rockets, Charlotte Bobcats and Phoenix Suns have expressed interest in Jamaal Tinsley, according to sources.

Twitter @AlexKennedyNBA

Alex Kennedy: A return to the Utah Jazz for Jamaal Tinsley is no longer being considered after the team signed John Lucas III, according to a source.

Twitter @AlexKennedyNBA

Kind of figured that. I'd rather have Tinsley. I guess with Burke, Lucas, Burks and possibly McNeal, Neto and/or Stockton they are set. Could get really ugly!

[Xiao Yao You]

Terms of the deal were not known, but the minimum salary for a five-year veteran is $1,027,424 and indications are that Lucas will receive more.
Another head scratcher. He is a vet minimum 3rd pg and not a very efficient one at that. Anyone doubting a tank job?

[El Kabong]

Kind of figured that. I'd rather have Tinsley. I guess with Burke, Lucas, Burks and possibly McNeal, Neto and/or Stockton they are set. Could get really ugly!
I'd rather Tinsley too. Neto sounded good from them describing Summer League play, so hopefully they bring him over.

[Xiao Yao You]

http://basketball.realgm.com/blog/228988/Behind-Utahs-Unique-Rebuild


The Jazz broke apart a 43-win team and received nothing in return

2 firsts, 3 2nds, 3 expiring contracts and cash isn't exactly what I'd call nothing and it sounds like they are still looking on getting more out of what's left of their cap space. Would they have got this much if they'd traded their guys before the trade deadline as everyone thought they should do?


All five fit together, something teams that build through the draft are rarely able to pull off.

Remains to be seen how Burke fits. Gobert and Neto look like they could certainly.


While they made the playoffs only once in the last three years, they were always in the hunt

They were in the hunt until they traded Deron 3 years ago. Than they had the worst meltdown in league history.


the most important lessons might have come in practice, where Favors and Kanter battled 1-on-1 with Jefferson, one of the best post scorers in the NBA.

I'm sure they got nothing from battling the other vets.


Neither is a great perimeter shooter

Kanter looks like he very well could be.

[QUOTE]Hayward, Burks and Burke don

[Xiao Yao You]

[QUOTE]The Nets were not even in Brooklyn two years ago, they were in New Jersey

[Xiao Yao You]

http://www.slcdunk.com/2013/7/18/4536684/nba-breaking-news-raul-neto-to-return-to-europe-for-at-least-one-more

[Xiao Yao You]

Raul Neto: The Jazz are not interested in me this year. They just hired another guard who was drafted along with me Basketeria

Jody Genessy: This isn't surprising that Raul Neto won't play in NBA yet if it turns out to be true. Jazz wouldn't mind him getting more Euro experience. Twitter @DJJazzyJody

Why can't he play in the D-league instead of a 2nd division Spanish league? I think it comes down to the fact that they will look bad if he out plays Burke and also might make them more competitive when obviously they are shooting for gold in the lottery. He only makes 100,000 in Spain so it's not like his buyout should be a problem. He would pay it just for the pay raise.

[el gringos]

Another head scratcher. He is a vet minimum 3rd pg and not a very efficient one at that. Anyone doubting a tank job?
Easiest way to tank. Minor league gaurds. The head scratcher to me was butchering the draft. That wasn't needed to tank

[Xiao Yao You]

Easiest way to tank. Minor league gaurds. The head scratcher to me was butchering the draft. That wasn't needed to tank

If Lucas is in the rotation it's definitely a sure sign they are tanking although it sounds like maybe they plan on playing Burks at both guard positions again and Lucas will be at the end of the bench hopefully where he belongs.

What was your idea for the draft? I liked McCollom personally but Burke was the highest rated pg and that was the position they needed though I think more of a combo guard to play with Hayward and Burks makes sense. Sounds like Burke could fit that role though he didn't look like he was anywhere near ready for the NBA in the summer league. The fact that he dropped and he's the one guy they didn't work out seems a bit risky but they've said the workouts is a small part of their process. Obviously they had scouted him.

Hard to complain about the other two picks that they bought and who both looked like great fits in SL.

[Xiao Yao You]

The Utah Jazz announced today that Brad Jones has been promoted to an assistant coach on Tyrone Corbin's staff, after having spent the 2012-13 season as assistant coach/player development. Jones joins returning assistants Sidney Lowe and Michael Sanders on Corbin's staff.

NBA.com

I read somewhere he was their best pg coach after he sat on the bench with Burke the game they sat him out. Not sure if it's true but until Stock comes aboard they obviously need someone.

[Xiao Yao You]

Bill Oram: As his tweets suggested, John Lucas III will sign contract with the Jazz tomorrow pending a physical. Twitter @tribjazz

John Lucas: Just touch down SLC Twitter

[Xiao Yao You]

[QUOTE]Bill Oram: John Lucas III

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[QUOTE]Favors has spent the summer training alongside Jazz legend Karl Malone, who turns 50 on Wednesday and "could come out here and still hold his own," Favors said.

Malone, who won Olympic gold medals in 1992 and 1996 as a member of Team USA, was notorious for his training regimens, and Favors said that holds true.

"When I

[Xiao Yao You]

Hayward reminisced about previous opportunities he

[Xiao Yao You]

Throughout the 2012-13 season, Hayward and Favors spoke positively of how their Team USA experience boosted their self-esteem and level of play.

"I think I've shown that I belong in the league. It's something that you work for and you work towards. Now I think I know that I belong," Hayward said of his 2012 experience just before last season. "Now you push yourself even further, try and become an All-Star.

[Xiao Yao You]

Lucas said Lindsey had

[Xiao Yao You]

[QUOTE]Asked what he remembers most about playing in Utah, Lucas said the fans because "they are constantly talking to you

[Xiao Yao You]

[QUOTE]According to the whispers emanating from UNLV's Mendenhall Center, Portland's Damian Lillard, Utah's Gordon Hayward and collegian Doug McDermott of Creighton were among the Day 1 standouts, with the Los Angeles Clippers' Jordan said to have made his presence felt defensively. ESPN.com

Utah Jazz center Andris Biedrins has decided not to represent Latvia this summer at Eurobasket in Slovenia. Hot on the heels of Latvia

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Amid a strong finish over the final week of NBA summer league, Dionte Christmas has received interest from teams, including from the organization he played for, the Phoenix Suns.

[Xiao Yao You]

[QUOTE]Jody Genessy: Gordon Hayward on his increased offensive responsibility: "I

[Xiao Yao You]

Bill Oram: The Jazz have made official the hiring of former Ute Alex Jensen as player development assistant. Long expected. Twitter @tribjazz

Former Utah Jazz star Karl Malone, who turns 50 on Wednesday, has made one concession to age. He bought a mule. During 18 seasons with the Jazz and one with the Los Angeles Lakers, Malone was known as a fitness fanatic who willed himself into the Hall of Fame. "In 30 years," says Jazz strength coach Mark McKown," I

[Xiao Yao You]

“It’s time,” Favors said, “for two other people to be the new leading scorers.”

The two candidates best positioned to take over an offensive responsibility that’s been shouldered by Jefferson and Millsap are participating together this week at Team USA’s minicamp.

I'd be looking for Kanter and Burks and eventually Burke if he ever lives up to expectations as the first options. Hayward is their leading return scorer but he'd be most effective making plays for others and not concentrating on scoring. I'd like to see his assists go up more than his points. Favors looks like a double double guy but unless the Mailman can do something miraculous he certainly hasn't looked like a go to type guy yet.


Who knows if Favors and Gordon Hayward will be able to match the 7,600 points Jefferson and Millsap combined to score over the past three seasons?

One thing is certain.

The soon-to-be fourth-year veterans can’t wait to have increased offensive opportunities — and the accompanying responsibilities.

“I’m really excited,” Hayward said after Tuesday’s practice session at UNLV’s Mendenhall Center. “It’s going to be a challenge, for sure. But it’s time. I’m ready to step up and take that challenge.”

The new-look Jazz will need somebody to do that.

Even with their reliable post players last season, Utah only ranked 13th in the NBA in scoring with 98.0 points per game.

In a remarkable indication of the organization's overhaul, Hayward is the only player on the Jazz's current roster who averaged double digits in the NBA last season.

Utah had five players in the 10 points-plus range in 2012-13, but Jefferson (17.8 ppg), Millsap (14.6 ppg), Mo Williams (12.9 ppg) and Randy Foye (10.8 ppg) will all have new homes next year.

Hayward was third on the team with a 14.1 scoring average on 43.5 percent shooting, while Favors produced 9.4 points an outing on 48.2 percent shooting.

The Team USA hopefuls, who’ll undergo contract-extension negotiations this summer, will have plenty of chances to improve all of those numbers in the future.

“We’ve just got to come in and work harder,” said Favors, who knows something about hard work after training with Jazz big man coach Karl Malone this summer. “Obviously, we’re going to have to adjust, but it should be fun. It’ll be exciting.”

The Jazz, Hayward noted, will likely veer a bit away from the rigid inside-out philosophy that’s been in place since 2010-11 to capitalize on the strengths of their dearly departed post players.

With rookie Trey Burke running the show from the point guard position, the Jazz are likely to focus more on one of his strengths — scoring off of screens. Favors and Hayward are also adept at that style of offense.

“You’ve got to adapt to the players that you have — maybe a little more pick-and-roll, perimeter-oriented stuff,” Hayward said, anticipating possible offensive changes.

“We still have Fav and Enes (Kanter) down low. They’re still big bodies that can move people and make good moves and create stuff for other people,” he added. “I’m not going to say the offense is going to change a lot, but there will probably be some differences.”

More easy transition baskets coming off better d at the other end. Definitely more pick and roll and motion offense with Al gone. G and Burks should be running the show until Burke shows he can too.


Ah, yes. Enes Kanter.

The Jazz center spent the past 10 days working out and rehabbing at the P3 training center in Santa Barbara, Calif. He’s expected both to be fully healed from his spring shoulder surgery and to be a big contributor in Utah’s offense, something he showed he’s capable of doing while racking up 23 points and 22 rebounds while filling in for Jefferson against the Bobcats last March.

Hayward said the Jazz are going to need Kanter (7.2 ppg in 2012-13), projected starting shooting guard Alec Burks (7.0 ppg) and champing-at-the-bit Jeremy Evans (5.8 ppg) to fill the offensive void created by management’s new direction.

Yesterday G was the projected starting 2. Evans filling the offensive void? He's got a jumper now but that might be asking too much. Rush I'd look to more.


It remains to be seen what Utah will get from Marvin Williams, who isn’t expected back from his Achilles tendon surgery until December, or from their new acquisitions. Burke, the 2013 national player of the year, was a prolific scorer in college (18.6 ppg), but the 6-1 playmaker struggled mightily while shooting just 24 percent overall and 1 for 19 from 3-point range in the Orlando Pro Summer League.

I'm not expecting anything from Marvin but a place at the end of the bench and an eventual trade. I'm hoping Burke isn't the complete bust he looked like in Summer League.


And the incoming veterans?

Combined, Jazz additions Andris Biedrins, Richard Jefferson, Brandon Rush and John Lucas III averaged 3.1 ppg, 1.7 rpg and 0.9 apg last season.

Even if they have outstanding offensive years, Hayward and Favors can’t do it all.

“We’re going to have to find other ways to get other people involved,” Hayward said. “But, yeah, Derrick and I are going to have to step up big-time — not just in a leadership role but in a production role.”

Hayward, a versatile 6-8 wing, has been working hard to improve his ballhandling skills and his ability to find better ways to finish close to the basket, whether it be with floaters, pull-up jumpers or other creative shots.

“I see everything — drives to the basket, pull-up jumpers, everything from him, man. He’s doing a lot here,” Favors said of Hayward. “I think he can take on that role of being the leading scorer on the team.”

Favors, being tutored by the Mailman, continues to search for his “go-to move,” and he showed a couple of promising glimpses in a scrimmage Tuesday. He drew a few “oohs” from the small crowd while powering past defenders for a dunk, and he used his imposing athletic ability for a 6-foot-10, 248-pound man with an equally impressive spin move in the post to get to the foul line.

“There’s a lot of stuff I can do. I’m multi-talented, man,” Favors said. “I’m going to be a lot more aggressive this upcoming season because we don’t have Al or Paul here.”

Hayward won’t argue with his teammate on that multi-talented part.

“Derrick is still developing his game down low. What he’s best at in my opinion is setting screens, rolling, finding the open area, and just making power finishes. He can do that with anybody in the NBA,” Hayward said. “He’s gotten tremendously better since he came into the league with his post game, and he’s only going to get better doing that.”

Hayward doesn’t believe that the Jazz’s renewed emphasis on building a “defensive foundation” — something Jazz general manager Dennis Lindsey said will be more important than 2013-14 win-loss totals — is out of necessity due to a lack of firepower. He sees it more as giving the team more transition opportunities from making stops.

“Defense is what wins ballgames," Hayward said. "We’ll be able to score.”

Favors emphatically agrees.

"Points will come from anywhere," he said. "Last year, because we had Al and Paul, mostly we were a post-up team because those guys were out there killing everybody. But there's different ways you can score points."

EMAIL: jody@desnews.com

TWITTER: DJJazzyJody

[Xiao Yao You]

Ian Clark Receives Interest From Warriors, Blazers, Jazz, European Teams
Jul 23, 2013 6:09 PM EDT

Ian Clark is receiving interest from the Golden State Warriors, Portland Trail Blazers and Utah Jazz following a strong performance in Summer League.

Clark played for the Warriors in Las Vegas and for the Miami Heat in Orlando.

"I'll sit down with my agent and family and talk about," Clark said. "I don't know too many details. But I want to make the right decision.

"I'm trying not to pay attention to what I can't control. I just wanted to come out, play basketball and play well."

Clark is a 6-3 combo guard that is also receiving interest from European teams.

Clark played collegiately at Belmont.

Via Jeff Zilgitt/USA Today

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[QUOTE]With Kanter sidelined because of offseason shoulder surgery, Malone

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Mo Williams has told friends in the league that if the offers don

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Enes Kanter: Happy birthday to the best power forward of all time @Karl Malone #NBALegend #JazzNation Twitter @Enes_Kanter

[Xiao Yao You]

The Golden State Warriors have waived forward/center Dwayne Jones, guard Scott Machado and guard Kevin Murphy, the team announced today. NBA.com

I thought he might make it to camp anyway.

[Xiao Yao You]

NBA summer league star and undrafted rookie guard Ian Clark reached a two-year deal with the Utah Jazz, his agent Bill Duffy told USA TODAY Sports Wednesday. USA Today Sports

NBA summer league star and undrafted rookie guard Ian Clark reached a two-year deal with the Utah Jazz, his agent Bill Duffy told USA TODAY Sports Wednesday. USA Today Sports
Guess McNeal is gone. Maybe why they left Neto in Spain too? I'm guessing he and Lucas' 2nd years aren't guaranteed?

[Xiao Yao You]

Ian Clark has agreed to a two-year deal with the Utah Jazz.

The Jazz will hold a team option for the second season of Clark's contract.

Clark had an excellent showing in the Summer League with the Miami Heat and Golden State Warriors.

The Warriors and Portland Trail Blazers also expressed interest in signing Clark.

[Xiao Yao You]

Luke Winn: Awesome to see undrafted Ian Clark get a 2-year deal w/ Jazz. Source says it's 200k guaranteed w/ team option for year 2. Twitter @lukewinn

A lot of money for an undrafted FA. Had to outbid others for him it looks like. No sure why Lucas got so much though?

[Xiao Yao You]

Rosters for USA Basketball's intra-squad scrimmage at UNLV on Thursday... USA Blue Team: 46 Harrison Barnes, 36 DeMarcus Cousins, 42 Anthony Davis, 41 DeMar DeRozan, 37 Derrick Favors, 31 Gordon Hayward, 22 Damian Lillard, 62 Greg Monroe, 34 Klay Thompson, 51 Dion Waiters, 26 Kemba Walker, 50 John Wall. Twitter

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[QUOTE]The Utah Jazz have signed undrafted rookie Ian Clark, his agent, Bill Duffy, told The Salt Lake Tribune.

Clark was named the MVP of the Las Vegas Summer League after a 33-point performance in Golden State

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Terms of Clark's deal, first reported by USA Today, haven't been announced. But the guard's contract is set up similarly to recent Jazz signee John Lucas III, with the first year being guaranteed and a team option for 2014-15.

Clark, who chose Utah over several other NBA offers, expects to get a chance to play. He is known for his prolific scoring but is also heralded for being a good defender.

"I was so happy to end up with Utah when I got the news," Clark told USA Today. "I'm just a little bit overwhelmed."

The 6-3 Clark went undrafted out of Belmont, a small school in Nashville, Tenn., but he caught the attention of many in the NBA by his breakout play this summer, topped by a 33-point performance in the Warriors' 91-77 win over Phoenix in the Vegas title game Monday. Clark, who also played for Miami's summer squad in Orlando, averaged 12.4 points with the Warriors while earning MVP honors.

NBA teams certainly knew about him before the draft, though.

At Belmont, Clark scored 18.4 points and connected on 45.9 percent of his 3-pointers — third-best in the NCAA — his senior season. This past spring, Clark was named the Ohio Valley Conference co-player of the year with Murray State's Isaiah Canaan along with earning the league's defensive player of the year honor.

In March, Clark scored 21 points in an opening-round loss to Arizona at an NCAA Tournament game played at EnergySolutions Arena.

"I didn't expect to get drafted," Clark said. "I wanted to come into Summer League, and it was my shot to show what I could do. It's good to be here. Hard work pays off. You never want to settle."

Clark scored in double digits in nine of 12 games with summer league teams in Orlando and Las Vegas. He also hit 28 of 61 3-pointers.

Incidentally, Clark shot 5-for-9 from the field and scored 15 points for the Heat in Jazz rookie point guard Trey Burke's rough 1-for-12 debut two weeks ago.

"I'm going to continue to work," Clark said. "The knock on me was playing the point guard position. It's something I've worked on over the summer a lot. I'm not going to be a pure point, but being able to handle the ball and make reads and come off ball screens and make plays is something I'm working on.

"It's been a long process, but you have to keep working."

Clark's signing brings the Jazz roster to the league minimum of 13 players with guaranteed contracts. It's unknown what his addition means to the future of combo guard Jerel McNeal, who finished the 2012-13 season with the Jazz and has a nonguaranteed deal with Utah.

EMAIL: jody@desnews.com

TWITTER: DJJazzyJody

As I suspected Lucas is guaranteed just for this year. Another good defender it sounds like. McNeal is done I'd imagine. Camp fodder at best but who knows since they both are combo guards but different ages and experience. Clark could spend the year in the D-League or the first couple of months before McNeal becomes guaranteed for the season anyway. I'd say they need another veteran big man. Maybe give someone cap relief for a pick as we heard earlier?

[Xiao Yao You]

Trey Burke

[Xiao Yao You]

Kevin Pelton: Most likely to claim Ayon, in waiver order: PHI, UTA, GSW, LAC. ATL and CLE could also make it happen but unlikely. Twitter @kpelton

He could be the other 'vet' big they need? Leave one roster spot. They still planning on giving someone cap relief for another pick?

[Xiao Yao You]

[QUOTE]Gordon Hayward is making a strong impression on Team USA coaches and teammates.

The 23-year-old Hayward is spending his second straight summer with USA basketball.

[Xiao Yao You]

Gordon Hayward recorded 7 points and 3 rebounds in 24 minutes in Team USA's Blue and White Scrimmate at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas. Hayward's Jazz teammate, Derrick Favors, added 5 points, 3 rebounds, 1 steal, despite not playing in the second half, as their "blue" team lost 128-106.

Hayward was particularly active early, breaking up passes and distributing the ball. He made his first 3-point attempt and opened the sencond half with a corner jumper.

Cleveland guard Kyrie Irving led all scorers with 23 points, while New Orleans' forward Anthony Davis added 22 points and 7 rebounds for the white team. The scrimmage marked the conclusion of a four-day minicamp in Las Vegas, where 28 young players tried to catch the eye of Team USA coach Krzyzewski and earn a spot on the roster for the 2014 FIBA Basketball World Cup and, eventually, on the 2016 Olympic squad.

Hayward and Favors both represented the Jazz last summer when they played on the Team USA "select" team, which practiced against the team that went on to win gold at the London Games. Hayward and Favors were generally listed among players who stood out this week, but their future with Team USA remains uncertain. However, they'll have every opportunity to increase their stock. They will both serve greatly enhanced roles for the rebuilding Jazz.

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“We got smashed, but it was just good to be out there competing with ‘USA’ on your chest,” said Hayward, who made a post-Butler name for himself at minicamp. “It’s pretty frustrating (to lose), but what can you do? When I was out there, I played hard.”

Jazz power forward Derrick Favors, on the other hand, had an even more frustrating night because he wasn’t able to be on the Thomas & Mack Center court to play hard for very long with Team Blue.

Favors tweaked his lower back at practice Wednesday — no shocker, he didn’t tell anybody — and then quickly realized Thursday night that his mobility was impacted by the injury.

The 6-10 big man spent the entire second half in the training room, getting treatment on his back while 23 other Team USA hopefuls played an entertaining exhibition game.

“I couldn’t really move, couldn’t really jump, couldn’t run, so I just sat out,” Favors said, hunched over in obvious discomfort. “I was mad. I was mad as hell about it.”

Though ticked about the inconvenient timing of his back issue, Favors isn’t too worried about it keeping him sidelined from his goal of entering training camp in prime physical and mental playing shape.

“You’ve just got to regroup, rest a little bit and get back to it,” Favors said. “It just tightened. It ain’t that serious.”

The lower-back injury certainly explains why Favors looked sluggish in his short stint of just eight minutes (only player with single-digit PT). He didn't get in until the 8:09 mark of the second quarter, and he had a couple of turnovers, including one in which he bobbled away an on-target pass inside the paint from Hayward.

By the time halftime arrived, Favors had a very Vegas-like boxscore line. His statistical straight included one steal, two turnovers, three rebounds, four fouls and five points.

Despite his back and playing struggles, Favors said his second experience with USA Basketball — he and Hayward were on last summer’s Select Team that trained the gold-medal-winning national team — was definitely a positive one.

His takeaway from Vegas?

“Just how to bring it every day in practice, being around a lot of other good basketball players,” he said. “Just working hard and just bringing it every day.”

His two-team teammate, Hayward, is one of the guys who did that this week during three days of training sessions with the bulk of the best young American basketball talent — from Kyrie Irving (game-high 23 points Thursday) to Olympian Anthony Davis (22 points) and Weber State alum Damian Lillard (nine points, three assists).

Hayward made a strong impression in the practices and then continued his two-way solid effort in this intrasquad scrimmage in front of 9,513 patriotic basketball fans.

The versatile 6-8 wing, who started with Lillard, Davis, Dion Waiters and Greg Monroe, began the game with a steal, then pushed the ball upcourt and dished to Lillard for a strong dunk.

A moment later, Hayward swished a 3-pointer as Team Blue took an 11-1 lead.

Hayward finished with seven points, three assists, three steals and one rebound. He hit 2 of 5 shots and had one turnover in 23 minutes, but he seemed to be one of the few players who cared about busting it on the defensive end in this high-scoring highlight-friendly event.

“I gained some confidence, for sure. I gained some respect probably from other people,” Hayward said. “I just tried to get better through this week, and I think I did.”

That’s the word Jazz coach Tyrone Corbin heard as well after arriving in Vegas on Wednesday to observe Hayward and Favors.

"It doesn’t matter who he’s playing with or against,” Corbin said, “he’s showing his talents more — and that’s what we want."

Thursday’s balanced stat line wasn’t enough to trump the sour feelings from his team’s setback, but Hayward enjoyed his time with USA Basketball. This was his third national experience, having led the country to a gold medal in the U-19 World Championships in New Zealand in 2009 and helping prepare the 2012 Olympic winners in Vegas last July.

What did he gain from this particular week going against Paul George, Chandler Parsons, Klay Thompson et al. and being tutored by U.S. coach Mike Krzyzewski & Co.?

“The experience … the whole thing,” he said. “Listening to the coaches, hearing what they have to say. Just playing with these guys is good for me.

“Competing with the best and practicing with the best only makes you better,” he added, “so that aspect of it was great.”

Another great part of Thursday’s game?

Nobody wowed the crowd like Air Force's high-flying Nathaniel "Sgt. Slam" Mills, whose windmill dunk in military gear during a timeout break was the talk of the night. After fans and media buzzed about the slam, senior Airman Nathan Mills told USA Basketball media director Craig Miller, "You should see me without fatigues and boots.”

That’s what Favors might say about having a good back.

EMAIL: jody@desnews.com

TWITTER: DJJazzyJody

Explains why Favors looked so bad anyway. His numbers looked better than his play did. He better work out with Karl more it sounds like.

[Xiao Yao You]

[QUOTE] http://www.sltrib.com/sltrib/jazz/56644340-87/league-jazz-nba-team.html.csp

The remaining 16 NBA teams share three D-League affiliates. While teams with single affiliations hire their coaches, provide support and direct on-court decisions, others like the Jazz have to live with the decisions of their independently owned affiliates.

"There certainly is a breaking point where the system might not work as well for everyone involved," said Dan Reed, the D-League president.

The NBA is moving toward a day when every NBA team has its own affiliate

[Xiao Yao You]

Tinsley nearly signed with the Brooklyn Nets earlier in the offseason, but the team ultimately decided to go with Shaun Livingston instead, according to sources close to the situation. Now, Tinsley is weighing his options and considering several other teams such as the Dallas Mavericks, Houston Rockets, Charlotte Bobcats and Phoenix Suns among others. HoopsWorld

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Jody Genessy: Derrick Favors on missing this playing opportunity because of his back injury: "I'm mad as hell." Twitter @DJJazzyJody

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Marc Stein: Still hard to pinpoint a frontrunner for Mo Williams but hearing Grizzlies are firmly in mix for vet PG who's unexpectedly still available Twitter @ESPNSteinLine

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[QUOTE]The Suns now will have 16 guaranteed contracts once they sign top draft pick Alex Len, whose rehabilitation on his ankles remain on target for him to participate in training camp. The Suns could add free agents on non-guaranteed deals for camp but the regular-season roster maximum is 15. The health statuses of Malcolm Lee, acquired to get Archie Goodwin on draft night, and Channing Frye are not settled. Frye missed last season for an enlarged heart but expressed optimism to azcentral sports about being cleared to play after seeking top cardiologists

[Xiao Yao You]

Looks like Shannon Brown, Gortat , and PJ Tucker would be the guys the Jazz might want with expiring contracts. Gortat might take too much time from the kids. The others might make some sense.

[El Kabong]

Looks like Shannon Brown, Gortat , and PJ Tucker would be the guys the Jazz might want with expiring contracts. Gortat might take too much time from the kids. The others might make some sense.
Gortat could be a decent get if you get a 3rd team involved who's willing to give up another draft pick for him. I wouldn't want him on the Jazz at this point.

[Xiao Yao You]

Chris Vernon: Mo Williams is flying in to meet with Grizzlies front office tonight Twitter @ChrisVernonShow

The Utah Jazz announced today that the team has signed rookie free-agent guard Ian Clark to a contract. NBA.com

[Xiao Yao You]

[QUOTE]During the months of May and June, the Utah Jazz brought in 70 players for pre-draft workouts at the Zions Bank Basketball Center. None of those players happened to be Ian Clark, a 6-foot-3 guard from Belmont University who visited nine other NBA teams for workouts.

Yet Clark was the guy in the purple shirt and striped tie being introduced Monday afternoon as the latest Utah player. Clark was offered

[Xiao Yao You]

[QUOTE]Clark most likely will be the Jazz

[Xiao Yao You]

[QUOTE]Along with five NBA teams, Duffy said many European clubs were interested in signing Clark, but that the Jazz

[Xiao Yao You]

[QUOTE]There is a popular notion in the basketball world that the Utah Jazz are

[Xiao Yao You]

Zach Lowe: Lots of people around league remain mystified Utah, especially, didn't act more aggressively in pursuing Harden. Twitter @ZachLowe_NBA

They don't know Utah and O'Conner was still the GM not Lindsay I believe. Easy to 2nd guess now but giving Harden a max deal was no given with what he'd done thus far. He would be a great fit in the flex. In retrospect I'd probably give up anyone but Kanter for him so they could have definitely offered better prospects but not the guaranteed lottery pick they got..

[El Kabong]

I was under the impression that OKC wanted picks? If the Jazz offered Favors then they'd be coming into the same situation again where Favors needs an extension, but they're only $5 million under the tax line they don't want to go over. At least in 2-3 years if Lamb and their picks pan out they'll have Perkins gone to free up more $.

[Xiao Yao You]

True. Burks and picks might have been enough if the Jazz had wanted to do it. Didn't have the guaranteed lottery pick to offer though.

[Xiao Yao You]

Jody Genessy: Jazz assistant Sidney Lowe's case for alleged tax evasion in North Carolina has been continued until Sept. 18, per WNCN.com.

Twitter @DJJazzyJody

[Xiao Yao You]

[QUOTE]Why he just bought a home in the mountains above Salt Lake City: "I

[Xiao Yao You]

[QUOTE]The big question surrounding the athletic big man this summer revolves around how much money he

[Xiao Yao You]

Andrew Gruman: #Bucks have officially signed second-round pick Nate Wolters Twitter

Frank Madden: Bucks roster now at 16 with Wolters signing--will have to get down to 15 by the regular season. Twitter @brewhoop

Another team that might need to dump someone on the Jazz. Looks like Ridnour might be the only expiring contract and he can't be traded yet because they just acquired him. Hard to say about guarantees. Some of the young guys maybe could be expiring if you don't pick up their option for next year.

[Xiao Yao You]

http://probasketballtalk.nbcsports.com/2013/07/29/nba-post-free-agency-
power-rankings-who-is-closing-in-on-miami/?ocid=Yahoo&partner=ya5nbcs

[QUOTE]27. Jazz (43-39). Trey Burke, Derrick Favors and Enes Kanter could be part of a good team in a few years, but this season they will learn some hard lessons. Burke is going to be a lot of people

[Xiao Yao You]

[QUOTE]Locke

[Xiao Yao You]

Veteran forward Anthony Tolliver has narrowed his free agent choices to Charlotte, Chicago and Utah and is expected to finalize a deal by this weekend, one source told *********. *********

That would be the 2nd vet big they need. Stretch 4. Brings something different to the team.

[El Kabong]

That would be the 2nd vet big they need. Stretch 4. Brings something different to the team.
Wouldn't be the worst signing.

[Xiao Yao You]

Rick Bonnell: Also, Bobcats have offered power forward Anthony Tolliver a 1-year contract. Tolliver is weighing his options next few days. Twitter @rick_bonnell

[Xiao Yao You]

Free agent Anthony Tolliver told me Lakers have entered mix as possible team for him & he visited Charlotte Monday. Tolliver said the Lakers recently called his agent, Larry Fox, to express interest. He said talks are still preliminary but he would have definite interest if the Lakers turn out to be a serious option.

[Xiao Yao You]

Chris Tomasson: 3 more teams interested in FA F Anthony Tolliver are Knicks Magic & Spurs, joining Lakers Bobcats Jazz Bulls. Decision hoping made next week Twitter @christomasson
Read more at http://*********.com/rumors.htm#2jeXGAOto637fhOY.99

[Xiao Yao You]

The Charlotte Bobcats have signed Anthony Tolliver to a one-year contract.

[Xiao Yao You]

[QUOTE]"John

[Xiao Yao You]

"It made me feel so good that there's a team out there that has so much belief in my game," Jefferson says of his dinner with Higgins and Clifford. "I was like, 'Done deal.' And then when they started talking money, it was like, 'Oh my god!' It was icing on the cake."5 Grantland

"They used to call me The Black Hole, and that's really who I was," Jefferson says. "But going to Utah just matured me in so many ways. I'm past the stage in my career where I feel like I have to take all the shots." Grantland

Good luck to Al and the Bobcats with that. Pretty sure they'll need it.

[Xiao Yao You]

No team has had a more interesting offseason than the Utah Jazz.

General manager Dennis Lindsey passed on re-signing four starters, traded up to the No. 9 pick in June's draft, acquired three veterans who rarely played last season, signed a journeyman point guard, and grabbed the MVP of the Las Vegas Summer League championship.

He was like one of those guys in your fantasy league that unceasingly adds and drops just for the sake of it.

Now here's the $55 million question: What will these changes result in?
Win Shares

To make a decent guess, I used Basketball-Reference's 2013-14 per-36 projections to estimate win shares for each player on the Jazz's roster. Check it out:

Enes Kanter (31 min.): 4.0
Derrick Favors (35 min.): 5.2
Gordon Hayward (37 min.): 5.4
Alec Burks (28 min.): 2.2
Trey Burke (28 min.): 2.2
Rudy Gobert (10 min.): N/A
Jeremy Evans (10 min.): 2.2
Marvin Williams (16 min.): 1.9
Brandon Rush (17 min.): 2.1
John Lucas III (10 min.): 1.1
Ian Clark (10 min.): 0.7
Richard Jefferson (5 min.): 0.6
Andris Biedrins (3 min.): 0.4
Total: 28
Yikes. Last year, 28 wins would've tied Utah with Sacramento for the third-worst record in the Western Conference. (Note: I realize my guesstimate on minutes won't be perfect -- who knows how much time Ty Corbin will give to any of these guys, especially veterans like Williams and Rush -- but I think it's a decent approximation.)

28 is pretty optimistic I'd say.


Here's the good news: When compared with the ex-starting five, the new lineup looks pretty strong. They combined for 19 wins -- just seven less than what Al Jefferson, Paul Millsap, Gordon Hayward, Randy Foye, and Mo Williams collected last season. Not bad for group that has an average of just two years of experience per player.


Exactly. Very optimistic!


Other Stats

Based on the same numbers, we can expect some solid per-game averages from Utah's collection of lottery picks.

Gordon Hayward, for instance, would up his scoring from 14.1 points per game to a team-leading 16.7. He'd also grab 4.2 rebounds and hand out 3.7 assists.

I'd hope to see more assists from him.


As for the bigs, Derrick Favors would collect a double-double -- 14.5 points, 10.6 rebounds -- and block 2.2 shots per contest

About what I figure based on his numbers last year but as his number of shots has went up his FG% has went down so who knows what he'll do playing against starters and not bench players.


while Enes Kanter's averages would jump from 7.2 points and 4.3 rebounds to 13.8 and 9.0, respectively

And, although they come from the smallest players of the bunch, Burks' and Burke's stats would be big: No. 10 would average double figures for the first time with 11.8 PPG, while the rookie floor general would gather 4.7 assists an outing.

These 3 need to step up as scorers.

[Xiao Yao You]

stats for Derrick Favors are predicted to jump from 9.4 points, 7.1 rebounds and 1.7 blocks to 14.5 points, 10.6 rebounds and 2.2 blocks. Although these numbers are estimates calculated by one guy, the projections at least look hopeful.

Hopeful for the supposed franchise player would be closer to 20/12/3.


Another hopeful prediction is the NBA success of rookie point guard Trey Burke. A recent article by Purple and Blues predicted the Minnesota T-Wolves, who drafted Burke then promptly traded him to Utah, will be kicking themselves for giving him up.

The article suggested if Burke can get a way from his 3-point shooter mentality, he can become a versatile NBA guard. It also referenced a highlight video in which Burke didn't make a single 3-pointer, yet was still effective. Purple and Blues believes Burke will be the next big thing for the Jazz if he allows himself to grow and improve each year.

Minnesota will be sorry for giving up a guy they drafted for another team? Did anyone else see the summer league?

[Xiao Yao You]

Jeff Goodman: Agent Justin Zanik -- who has worked with Andy Miller the last few years -- is on the verge of joining Utah Jazz front office, per source. Twitter

Jeff Goodman: Justin Zanik's title with Utah Jazz expected to be assistant general manager, source told ESPN. Twitter

[Xiao Yao You]

Jody Genessy: Justin Zanik will make the leap from player agent to Utah Jazz assistant general manager, a source confirmed. Twitter @DJJazzyJody

[Xiao Yao You]

[QUOTE]Jody Genessy: Per his agency's website, Justin Zanik was "an integral part of ASM

[Xiao Yao You]

During Al Jefferson's three seasons in Utah, the Jazz routinely finished in the bottom half of the league in a variety of defensive statistics.

From the 2010-11 season to this past year, the Jazz were never ranked among the NBA's top 15 teams in opponents' points per game or opponents' field-goal percentages.

Jefferson was particularly weak against the pick and roll. According to Yahoo Sports! writer Dan Devine, the Jazz finished in the 20s (24th, 20th and 21st) in opponent points per possession during Jefferson's time in Salt Lake City, and the Jazz allowed "an eye-popping 9.2 more points per 100 possessions with Big Al in the middle than when he sat last season."

Who wanted to bring Al back? They will definitely be a lot better defensively this year.

[QUOTE]During a recent interview with Grantland's Zach Lowe, Jefferson acknowledged his defensive deficiencies.

"It ain't no secret around the league that I struggle with my defense," Jefferson told Lowe. "My pick-and-roll defense is my weakness. And that's mind over matter. I just gotta suck it up

[Xiao Yao You]

[QUOTE]Skeptics around the league will tell you the Jefferson signing might represent the perfect "best of both worlds" endgame for Charlotte

[Xiao Yao You]

Jorge Sierra: ASM's Andy Miller announces Justin Zanik leaving the agency effective August 31 to join the Utah Jazz as assistant GM. Twitter @*********

[Xiao Yao You]

Bill Oram: Dennis Lindsey says on @1280thezone that conversations about extending Favors, Hayward are ongoing. But willing to let market dictate price. Twitter @tribjazz

Looks like the Bucks may be setting the price for Favors now. I'd guess Hayward is more likely to sign. They have a lot better idea what they have with him I think. If they can get Favors for 10-12 they probably have to roll the dice that he'll live up to the hype because he could get a lot more next summer. Hayward to for that matter especially with them getting the chance to take the reins of the team. But I guess that could go either way if they have dissapointing seasons. Hayward might get something similar though the new CBA does seem to have had an effect on spending.

[Xiao Yao You]

Jody Genessy: Jazz promote David Fredman to director of pro player personnel and Richard Smith to executive director of basketball operations. Twitter @DJJazzyJody

Bill Oram: Hired former interns Bart Taylor (coordinator of scouting) and Isaiah Wright (asst. strength and conditioning coach) Twitter @tribjazz

Fredman has had a lot of different positions with the team over the years. Think he's been with the team the longest by far now probably. Maybe since the b eginning in NO? Certainly since the early Utah days. Actually come to think of it he may have left to another team for a while?

[Xiao Yao You]

[QUOTE]The euphoria Jazz fans felt when the team acquired Trey Burke in the NBA Draft could soon be waning.

I

[El Kabong]

Not sure what people are expecting from the young Jazz? 20 wins will be a good result from my perspective. It's not really about winning games at the moment, it's about development and seeing if the guys they've recruited have it in them to carry the team in the future or not.

[Xiao Yao You]

I'm hoping they win at least 10 so they aren't the worst team ever. Could definitely be the worst Jazz team ever which would be saying something considering their early history. Most people want them to finish with one of the worst records so they will get one of the studs in the next draft. Hard to imagine that they won't and would be pretty disappointing if they didn't with the obvious tank job they're doing.

See what they have so they know who they want to pay in the next couple years(Hayward and Favors might get paid beforehand though). See if they want to bring Neto and possibly Tomic over next year based on what Burke, Clark and their bigs do. See if Biedrins, Rush and Lucas will be worth keeping around.

I think they should be more exciting anyway. Pushing the ball. Getting after people defensively and hopefully running the Jazz offense again in the half court. Looking forward to seeing what Enes and Burks can do in a featured role finally.

[Xiao Yao You]

Ronnie Brewer Considered Bulls, Jazz Before Signing With Rockets
Aug 27, 2013 12:12 AM EDT

Ronnie Brewer considered returning to the Chicago Bulls or Utah Jazz before signing with the Houston Rockets in unrestricted free agency.

"They play my style," Brewer said. "Dwight Howard is a defender, but can get up and down the court."

Brewer played with the Bulls for two seasons and was the Jazz's draft pick in 2006.

I liked him but not sure how he would have fit. Not sure how he fits with Dwight either though.

[Xiao Yao You]

Trey Burke Wants To Make Immediate Impact

Aug 26, 2013 | John Schuhmann/NBA.com

Trey Burke feels pressure being the Jazz's starting point guard, but he also senses lowered expectations for the team from outsiders.

[Xiao Yao You]

[QUOTE]Over the next week or so I am going to dig inside the numbers on the our returning Jazz players. Here is the Alec Burks breakdown

OVERALL

[El Kabong]

I liked him but not sure how he would have fit. Not sure how he fits with Dwight either though.
Would have thought they'd want another shooter.

[Xiao Yao You]

Would have thought they'd want another shooter.

He could make sense playing with Motiejunas. Someone has to spread the floor to open up the inside for Ronnie like Okur did for the Jazz.

[Xiao Yao You]

[QUOTE]When Utah Jazz coach Tyrone Corbin reached out to Alex Jensen about joining his staff, a number of qualities drew him to the D-League Coach of the Year and, likewise, Jensen to Corbin. That Jensen was a Centerville native and played a starring role on the University of Utah team that advanced to the 1998 NCAA championship game was low on Corbin

[Xiao Yao You]

Gery Woelfel: Told by sources Bucks in the market for established small forward. They made a run at Caron Butler last month. Will they again? Twitter @GeryWoelfel

Marvin?

[Xiao Yao You]

http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865585771/Player-options-Its-a-make-or-break-season-for-Burks-Kanter-and-Fredette.html

[QUOTE]The Utah Jazz have made their decisions, as they will exercise the options on both Alec Burks and Enes Kanter. Does Kanter deserve it?

According to Grantland writer Zach Lowe,

[El Kabong]

Hayward would probably attract a lot of interest from teams, but I don't see anyone offering an over the top deal, maybe $9-$10 million?

And I guess Larry Sanders 4/44 deal could be used as a gauge for Favors. He's the one that'll get the bigger offers.

[Xiao Yao You]

Hayward would probably attract a lot of interest from teams, but I don't see anyone offering an over the top deal, maybe $9-$10 million?

And I guess Larry Sanders 4/44 deal could be used as a gauge for Favors. He's the one that'll get the bigger offers.

Hard to say now. Contracts have definitely went down. Under the old system 10-12 for Hayward would be norm. After what Batum got I could definitely see someone throwing a lot of cash at G. He is loved by many if not everyone. He brings a lot to the table and could fit pretty much anywhere I'd think.

Hayward is worth more to me right now than Favors as is Kanter. He has a lot to prove. If they can get him to sign for 10-12 million they probably have to roll the dice and hope he lives up to it eventually because he could cost them a lot more next summer especially if he lives up to the hype this year.

[Xiao Yao You]

Jodie Valade: OSU alum Dallas Lauderdale and ex-Cav Flip Murray in Utah minicamp this week Twitter @PDcavsinsider

Flip could actually be a great fit if he's got anything left. When's the last time he played anywhere? They need a vet big if anything though and I'm thinking Dallas isn't their guy!

[Xiao Yao You]

Also on the horizon: Free agency. Potentially, at least. Hayward and his agent, Mark Bartelstein, are currently in talks with the Jazz to extend his contract this summer. If no deal is reached, he

[El Kabong]

Flip could actually be a great fit if he's got anything left. When's the last time he played anywhere? They need a vet big if anything though and I'm thinking Dallas isn't their guy!
09-10 last time Flip played in the NBA, but made the training camp for Memphis in 2012. He's still been playing in Europe though between that.

[Xiao Yao You]

Hayward and his agent, Mark Bartelstein, are currently in talks with the Jazz to extend his contract this summer. If no deal is reached, he

[Xiao Yao You]

Zelmo Beaty, a dominating center who led the Utah Stars to the ABA [QUOTE]championship in 1971, has died. Beaty had been battling cancer for four years. He passed away Saturday at the age of 73, according to the Atlanta Hawks, his first professional team. Salt Lake Tribune

"He was a terrific player," said former Jazz coach Jerry Sloan, who played against Beaty as a member of the Chicago Bulls. "Zelmo was big and strong and nasty *

[Xiao Yao You]

The 6-6 swingman Justin Holiday, the older brother of New Orleans All-Star point guard Jrue Holiday, has workouts scheduled with the Utah Jazz and Miami Heat this week, he tells CSNNW.com. According to Holiday, on the 11th and 12th of September, he's working out for the Jazz. The Heat workout is expected to take place towards the end of the week.

CSNNW.com
Share on FacebookShare on TwitterSubscribe to ********* rumors
There are ongoing talks of two more workouts he'll be involved in next week, however he says there's nothing concrete as of now.

[Xiao Yao You]

[QUOTE]BREAKDOWN

[Xiao Yao You]

[QUOTE]With seven guards already under contract, the Suns signed shooting guard Dionte Christmas on Friday after he showed his pure scoring ability on their NBA Summer League entry in July.
Arizona Republic

Christmas signed a multi-year contract with a small guarantee on the first season, a deal that is similar in structure to what he had with Boston last year. Suns general manager Ryan McDonough was with Boston last year, when Christmas was waived during the preseason.

[Xiao Yao You]

According to L'Equipe, the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Utah Jazz are interested in Alexis Ajinca. Basket USA

I guess he's a vet. Been out of the league a couple years. Looks like he has some offensive skills out to 3 point range. Gets blocks and steals. Good numbers in the Euro Championships and French League. Has put on 30 or so lbs.

[Xiao Yao You]

Looks like OKC might not even have any roster spots open. Jazz looks like a better opportunity for playing.

[Xiao Yao You]

http://probasketballtalk.nbcsports.com/2013/08/22/jazz-could-get-marvin-williams-back-from-achilles-early-in-season/?ocid=Yahoo&partner=ya5nbcs


Reserve forward Marvin Williams could be back from his Achilles injury by training camp or early November, a couple weeks into the season.

This sucks unless it means they'll be able to trade him.

[Xiao Yao You]

*********: French big Alexis Ajinca said this morning his contract with Strasbourg still includes an NBA out. Agent looking at options in the States. Twitter @*********

*********: Ajinca said he's focused in the Eurobasket and letting his agent do work. Thinks he will be back in the NBA eventually. Twitter @*********

*********: Ajinca said things didn't work out in the NBA for him because he was not mentally or physically ready at the time. Twitter @*********

[Xiao Yao You]

Jorge Sierra: Briscoe also tells us former Sixer Xavier Silas will work out for the Utah Jazz today and tomorrow. po.st/sUYXOk Twitter @*********

Xavier James Silas, son of the former NBA James.

[Xiao Yao You]

As he continues to workout for an array of NBA squads this month, RidiculousUpside.com has learned that James Nunnally has already received a training camp invite from the Memphis Grizzlies.

Ridiculous Upside

Though receiving such an invite is quite an honor in itself, the guard's work is not yet done. He'll continue to workout for other teams as scheduled this week, including the Utah Jazz and New Orleans Pelicans.

Ridiculous Upside

[Xiao Yao You]

Former Illini and Peoria Central product DJ Richardson has earned a tryout with the Utah Jazz. As a senior at Illinois, Richardson was second on the team in scoring, averaging 12.3 points per game. He was ninth in the Big Ten in scoring.

CIProud

[Xiao Yao You]

Jared Zwerling: Source: Earl Barron worked out for the #Jazz yesterday.

Twitter @JaredZwerling

vet center

[Xiao Yao You]

http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865586539/Utah-Jazz-offseason-rated-least-productive-by-NBAcom-writer-David-Aldridge.html


"Losing both Al Jefferson and (Paul) Millsap, no matter the circumstances, cannot be spun as having a good summer."

Losing Jefferson was a plus. Losing Millsap, Demarre and Tinsley was tough.


he believes the Jazz are a worse team now than at the end of the 2012-13 regular season

You think? :rolleyes:


In the ratings, Aldridge said Utah's difficulty bringing free agent to the Jazz negatively affected its offseason.

They weren't really trying were there? That would go against the tank that's obviously happening.


The Jazz will heavily rely on Derrick Favors and is banking on Trey Burke to rise to the occasion.

scary!


There is a lot of different opinions floating around, however it's almost certain the Jazz will struggle in its rebuilding year. Despite this, hope for a brighter future remains still for the Jazz faithful in Salt Lake City.


What else do we have?

[Xiao Yao You]

THE KEY MAN: Forward Derrick Favors. Executive VP Kevin O'Connor wanted him as the centerpiece of the Deron Williams trade two years ago, and the Jazz were willing to let both Jefferson and Millsap bolt, in part, because Utah thinks the 22-year-old Favors is ready for his closeup and a starring role. At the least, Favors will get more than the 23 minutes per game he played last season.

He's a key. Not sure he is the key. How much Burks, Kanter, Burke and others can step up I think could be bigger.

[Xiao Yao You]

Mark Woods: Alexis Ajinca has a NBA out from Strasbourg until September 30. If he plays like this, he might get a camp invite from someone.

Twitter @markbritball


I doubt an invite is a problem. Probably looking for some kind of guarantee at least. Jazz only have 14. need some camp bodies I'd think.

[Xiao Yao You]

The New York Knicks coaching staff would like to sign Earl Barron, but team management is not in any rush to do so, according to a source close to the veteran free-agent center. "The Knicks coaches want Earl, but ownership wants to wait," the source told Bleacher Report. Bleacher Report

A second source familiar with the Knicks' free-agency plans confirmed they are interested in Barron, 32, who appeared in seven games (six starts) for the Knicks in 2009-10, averaging 11.7 points and 11.0 rebounds over 33.1 minutes. Last season

[Xiao Yao You]

Steve Luhm: Lindsey says "there's no going back." The Jazz are committed to seeing if young core (Hayward, Favors, Burks, Kanter, Burke) is good enough. Twitter @sluhm


Good enough for what? One of the worst records ever?

[Xiao Yao You]

Free agent guard Xavier Silas is accepting a training camp deal with the Washington Wizards, a league source told RealGM.

Silas had worked out for the Utah Jazz recently, but he took the Wizards' invitation to camp, where he'll battle Josh Childress -- among others -- for a spot on Washington's regular season roster.

Silas, 25, went undrafted in 2011, earning a contract with the Philadelphia 76ers in that offseason. He played 38 minutes and scored 11 points over two games in the 2011-12 season.

Silas participated in the Las Vegas summer league in July with the Milwaukee Bucks.

Via Shams Charania/RealGM

[Xiao Yao You]

http://basketball.realgm.com/article/229958/Previewing-The-2014-NBA-Free-Agent-Class

[Xiao Yao You]

Mark Deeks: The Jazz have signed Scott Machado. Twitter @MarkDeeksNBA

He seemed like a good fit a year ago. Now I'm not so sure. 15 for camp now.

[Xiao Yao You]

Bill Oram: Jazz announce PG Jerel McNeal has been waived. D-League call-up had two 10 contracts last season w/ Jazz, appeared in Orlando Summer League. Twitter @tribjazz

Didn't expect him to make the team. I'd think they'd need some camp bodies though. 14 is all you got for us?

[Xiao Yao You]

Shams Charania: Free agent center Dwayne Jones has agreed to a non-guaranteed deal with the Utah Jazz, source tells RealGM. Jones closed '12-13 w/ Warriors. Twitter @ShamsCharania


And there we have it! He's the vet center I guess. He rebounds. Has some experience. I can see him making the team at least until contracts become guaranteed or they take on someone elses crap for draft picks.

[Xiao Yao You]

[QUOTE]

[Xiao Yao You]

[QUOTE]Burke wants to lead the Jazz to the postseason, possibly as early as the 2013-14 season.

[Xiao Yao You]

I'd think all their ball handlers could benefit from time in Spokane with John. Hayward, Burks, Clark and Neto.

[El Kabong]

I'd think all their ball handlers could benefit from time in Spokane with John. Hayward, Burks, Clark and Neto.
Certainly couldn't hurt, just as the bigs should all spend time with Malone.

[Xiao Yao You]

Enes in some pretty select company.

http://c296307.r7.cf1.rackcdn.com/lockedonjazz/files/2013/09/kanter-comparisions.png

[Xiao Yao You]

The Jazz are also expected to add forward/center Dwayne Jones as well as guard Justin Holliday, the older brother of New Orleans Pelicans point guard Jrue Holliday. Southeastern Louisiana had tweeted that guard Brandon Fortenberry would also receive an invite, but the Jazz said Thursday that was unlikely to occur. Salt Lake Tribune

16 or 17?

[Xiao Yao You]

http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865587166/Utah-Jazz-sign-Mike-Harris-Scott-Machado-and-Dominic-McGuire-to-free-agency-contracts.html

Harris is good. Too bad he's undersized. McGuire has great size for a wing and a lot of experience. Be nice to have around if they could dump Marvin!

So officially 16? Sounds like Dwayne Jones and Justin Holliday too.

[El Kabong]

DeMarcus Cousins gets a 4 year, $62 million max extension

http://sports.yahoo.com/news/nba--demarcus-cousins-agrees-to--62-million-extension-with-kings-050230969.html

[Xiao Yao You]

Should keep Favors from max until the off season anyway.

[Xiao Yao You]

David J. Smith: Glad to hear Jerel McNeal leaving was a mutual decision and that he's got a nice contract overseas. Could see him coming back one day. Twitter

[Xiao Yao You]

Adrian Wojnarowski: After Utah released him this week, guard Jerel McNeal has reached deal with Zhejiang of the Chinese Basketball Association, source tells Y Twitter @WojYahooNBA

Be interesting to see what kind of numbers he puts up.

[Xiao Yao You]

Jody Genessy: NBA veteran Brian Cook will participate in the Utah Jazz's training camp. The 6-9 big man entered the league in 2003. Twitter @DJJazzyJody

He can shoot anyway. Not much else. Be another vet. He might make it if Jones isn't there.

[QUOTE]Bill Oram: Enes Kanter told me yesterday he left job of baiting hook with cricket to Karl Malone when fishing with Mailman. Enes: "I don

[Xiao Yao You]

Justin Holiday Agrees To Make-Good Deal With Jazz
Sep 26, 2013 | Marc J. Spears/Yahoo! Sports
Justin Holiday was most recently with the 76ers.

I'm getting confused to how many are actually going to be in camp.

[Xiao Yao You]

Dwayne Jones To Sign With Jazz
Sep 25, 2013 | Shams Charania/RealGM
Despite the deal being unguaranteed, Dwayne Jones will receive a chance to make the Jazz's regular season roster.

[Xiao Yao You]

Kanter said he participated in a game of five-on-five Thursday for the first time since he was injured.

He's back! It's too bad he hasn't been able to get as much work done because of his shoulder. Stunt his growth a bit anyway.

[QUOTE]Kanter spent most of the summer in Chicago, where he makes his offseason home, only returning to Turkey for 13 days.

The Jazz offseason was strategically quiet, with the Jazz adding players who would not get in the way of plans to turn the team over to a young core that includes Kanter.

"That

[Xiao Yao You]

Interesting stuff. I don't believe the Jazz to be boorish and fatuous and have McNeal stay with the team all summer and then release him right before camp for no reason. Maybe it was McNeal's agent like Steve Luhm thinks, maybe it was a money issue. It seems like releasing him days before training camp begins benefits McNeal more than the Jazz so that hopefully he can catch on with another team.

Many teams have been cutting guys recently. They have unguaranteed contracts. They could be valuable in a trade. You don't want to just cut them until you have to. It looks like McNeal probably would have been in camp and had a shot to make the team if he'd wanted to. Taking the money and opportunity in China was probably the way to go though.

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[QUOTE]A Bulls insider from the website CSN Chicago (a Yahoo site) gave their predictions for the 2013-2014 NBA season. They of course picked the Jazz to come in dead last of the Northwest Division

5. Utah Jazz: There was no ambiguity from the Jazz, as far as what direction the organization is going, as veteran stars Al Jefferson and Paul Millsap were allowed to depart via free agency, meaning Utah will build around its young core moving forward. The big-man combination of power forward Derrick Favors and center Enes Kanter will get every opportunity to blossom, while swingman Gordon Hayward should emerge as the team

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Jazz general manager Dennis Lindsey said last week that Corbin, whose career record is 87-89, has "performed really well under these circumstances," but declined to comment on anything related to his contract status. Corbin

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[QUOTE]Jazz general manager Dennis Lindsey said last week that Corbin, whose career record is 87-89, has "performed really well under these circumstances," but declined to comment on anything related to his contract status. Corbin

[Xiao Yao You]

Jody Genessy: Utah Jazz camp roster will include Brian Cook, Scott Machado, Mike Harris, Dominic McGuire, Nick Covington, Justin Holiday and Dwayne Jones. Twitter @DJJazzyJody


Covington doesn't look like much of a prospect. Hits 3's. Maybe a terror on D? He played one year of college ball locally might explain his inclusion?

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I'd guess Jones or Cook for one spot and Machado or Holiday for the other if they don't make a deal which I think could definitely happen with their flexibility and other teams lack of.

Don't think they've ever had close to the 20 player limit before. Things are definitely changing under Lindsey.

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[QUOTE]Scouting Report on Alec Burks prior to the NBA Draft
Posted on September 29, 2013 by David Locke
I was searching through files getting ready for the season. This was my scouting report on Alec Burks prior to the NBA Draft

Player: Alec Burks
Specifics: 6

[Xiao Yao You]

Utah Jazz blog Salt City Hoops had an interesting look at how some Utah players improved their performance at athlete training center P3 in Santa Barbara, California. One player jumped out at me.

"Alec [Burks] was the biggest winner," said (Dr. Marcus) Elliott (of P3). The staff really admired him for his work over the past couple years. He has apparently improved in a number of areas from hip stability, knee position and trunk strength, all of which affect quickness. They recognize the unique opportunity Burks will have this season to finally get steady minutes, potentially even as a starter. He is considered one of their more "elastic" athletes. He reached a vertical height of 12′ 2.5″ during an approach this summer. When he first arrived in May 2012 he maxed out at 11′ 8.5″. That height is especially worth noting considering that he also weighs 11 more pounds than when he started."

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[QUOTE]In a loud and clear sign that the Jazz are officially in rebuild mode, the organization didn

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The Jazz made a big buzz in their fanbase by sending their own pick (14th overall) and the acquired Warriors selection (21st) to Minnesota in exchange for the NCAA player of the year.

The Michigan star immediately became a fan favorite in Utah.

Is this before or after summer league?

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Jazz fans were really torn when Neto came in and looked polished in his first appearance. (The Brazilian playmaker will not join the team until 2014.)

2014? Has this been stated? I think they said not this year maybe next.

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While Biedrins and Jefferson are several years past their primes, the Jazz are hopeful they can bounce back to their previous forms and provide veteran court savvy and play.

Biedrins is young enough he could still have his best ball ahead. He still rebounds and blocks shots. Seems to have lost all confidence on his shot though. Being a contract year maybe he'll get his head straight?

[Xiao Yao You]

[QUOTE]What Favors learned in early workouts with Malone?

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Perhaps the biggest offseason loss for Utah was the departure of longtime assistant coach Jeff Hornacek,

Love ya Jeff but bigger than Millsap?

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Utah increases its scouting budget and brings in about 100 free agents and NBA hopefuls for evaluation prior to the June draft.

This could be big. The camps they've had before summer league and training camp were nice changes from Lindsey too.

[Xiao Yao You]

[QUOTE]P3 first got involved with the Jazz through an unlikely source

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[QUOTE]The unique relationship that the Jazz organization has developed with P3 goes back to the original days with Paul Millsap and Ronnie Brewer. Ever since those two started the excursions down to sunny, southern California, more and more players have joined in each year. Not all of them were as open to the idea initially. When Deron Williams was still with the team, he was one of the players who needed to be

[Xiao Yao You]

[QUOTE]Tyrone Corbin

Then the part where I get really, really confused: In 2011-2012, Tyrone Corbin

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Training Camp Challenge

Earn a roster spot. Justin Holiday's strength lies in his defense. It is no surprise that the Jazz lack strong perimeter defenders. If Justin Holiday can show a knack for defending the perimeter at an above league average level he has a chance to earn a coveted roster spot. His competition will be Scott Machado. While Scott Machado has the inside track on a roster spot because the Utah Jazz point guard depth chart looks like this, the real way to earn a roster spot is by showing the ability to defend. Dennis Lindsey said he wants players who show the "ability to build a defensive foundation ... and guys who are really committed." If Justin wants coveted contract for the 2013 season and a roster spot the spot is his if he can defend better than Scott Machado.

They play different positions. Comes more down to need and who's better.

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Training Camp Challenge

Earn a roster spot and beat out John Lucas III for the backup PG position. The point guard depth chart is still to be determined heading into training camp. The Utah Jazz front office had made it clear that they want a competition to occur for the starting point guard position. The same can be said for the backup point guard situation.

Where did they make it clear? Got to be Burks or Burke starting at the one I'd think though to me Hayward should be the point forward. Clark possibly but he'd be more of a two with Burks at the one I'd imagine. Clark sounds like more of a 6th man type but he might be the best defensively to match up with opposing pg's.


The backup point guard battle could get muddied with Alec Burks going to Spokane to work on his point guard skills.

Alright! Who else visited Stock?


Not only will Scott Machado be fighting for that coveted backup point guard position against Lucas III, he will be competing against Alec Burks and, possibly, Ian Clark as well.

As I said with Justin Holiday, in order for Scott Machado to earn a roster spot and compete for the backup PG position he will have to show that he is not only a floor general on the offensive side of the ball but on the defensive side as well. If he can show he can defend NBA-caliber point guards he will earn a spot on this roster. He has the accolades as proof that he can be an exceptional ball distributor, but he will have to prove he can do more than get assists to stick with the Utah Jazz for the remainder of the 2013-2014 season.

He's more of a Sloan type pg. Not sure he fits with this team so much.

[Xiao Yao You]

Training Camp Challenge

Jump Andris Biedrins on the depth chart. Rudy Gobert has the toughest training camp challenge. Rudy Gobert is not only competing against Biedrins everyday in camp, he is competing against Ty Corbin's past preference for veteran players.

He might be better off getting big minutes in the D-League but even that might not happen with so many teams sending guys to just a few teams now. He was impressive and appears to be a great fit for Utah. Might be hard to keep him off the floor. He looks to be a better fit than Favors to me.


Gobert will have to show he can avoid foul trouble, stay his ground against bigger opponents, and is less of an offensive liability than Biedrins.

His screen setting alone probably moves him ahead of Biedrins unless Biedrins returns to form somehow.


In no world should Rudy Gobert lose a camp battle against Andris Biedrins. This is the same Biedrins who had Festus Ezeli leapfrog him on the depth chart. For reference, Festus Ezeli was the 30th pick in the 2012 NBA Draft. Jeremy Tyler even got some burn to avoid Andris Biedrins making it on to the court. If Rudy Gobert can play at a Festus Ezeli level or higher in training camp he should be the backup center. But, BUT, this is a Tyrone Corbin coached team.

Different teams. Jazz need a vet more than GS did. Biedrins still brings it at the other end and on the boards. Comes down to how much you can live with him at the other end of the court.

[Xiao Yao You]

Training Camp Challenge

Seize the starting point guard position and get on the same page as Derrick Favors. Trey Burke must show and prove from day 1 that he is unequivocally the best point guard on the roster. Not by a small margin, but by a wide margin. His competition is John Lucas III, Ian Clark, and Scott Machado.

Alec Burks and really Hayward. They need Burke to be able to score and match up defensively more than to run the team at this stage I'd think.


He must show he is the man. As Trey goes so do the Utah Jazz. The faster Trey Burke learns the intricacies of the flex offense and how to ready defenses through the lens of the flex the better the Jazz will be. His progression will allow Derrick Favors to blossom and develop and a high rate. Trey Burke has the potential to be a devastating pick and roll point guard. Derrick Favors is a devastating pick and roll power Forward who has spent all summer working with the greatest pick and roll power forward of all time, Karl Malone. These two must think as one by the end of the season or an already difficult season will get a lot harder.

As he goes so do the Jazz? I see no reason to put more pressure on him than he can handle. Hayward and Burks can run the team as he acclimates.

[Xiao Yao You]

[QUOTE]More extension talk

I promise not to bore you with too much on the topic of extensions, since I

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Trade: According to ShamSports.com, the Jazz have $55.87 million in committed salaries (not including Jerel McNeal, who is not guaranteed until October 31). With the salary cap at $58.68 million, Utah has room to sign a nearly $3 million dollar pe ryear player. As they did with the Golden State trade, the Jazz could absorb a player from a team that wants to shed some salary, perhaps picking up another asset along the way. Teams like Miami, Chicago, or the Lakers may want to broker such a deal, thus helping defray a portion of their luxury tax bill. Doing so would give the Jazz short-term help, while adding another pick to Lindsey

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1. Paul Millsap wrote a letter to the Jazz organization, thanking them for the last seven years. Here

[El Kabong]

Gobert will have to show he can avoid foul trouble, stay his ground against bigger opponents, and is less of an offensive liability than Biedrins.
Far out, you'd have to be bloody terrible if you're more of an offensive liability than Biendrins.

[QUOTE=Xiao Yao You]1. Paul Millsap wrote a letter to the Jazz organization, thanking them for the last seven years. Here

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[QUOTE]Peter: I think we both agree that at this point in time it is difficult to see a scenario where the Jazz offer a full 4 year, $62.3mm maximum extension to either player. When I consider how much either player is worth, I look for recent comparable players/contracts. In Favors

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[QUOTE]Peter: Since we are further apart on Favors, let

[Xiao Yao You]

Far out, you'd have to be bloody terrible if you're more of an offensive liability than Biendrins.


That's a cool thing he did.

Biedrins used to average a double double on 60% plus shooting so it's possible he returns to form.

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[QUOTE]HoopsWorld recently projected that the Jazz will finish next season 15th in the West. That is dead last. While I

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[QUOTE]They aren

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[QUOTE]Somebody else wore Paul Millsap

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Lindsey said he has a

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[QUOTE]Jefferson was asked if being traded from Golden State to Utah gave him a new lease on life:

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Kanter has rehabbed well from his spring shoulder surgery and should be able to fully participate in camp, which begins Tuesday morning with two-a-days. Rookie big man Rudy Gobert is also expected to go after having a foot procedure this summer.

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[QUOTE]The youth movement is among the boldest reorganizations the Jazz franchise has ever made. Hayward is the oldest among the four players at 23, and when 20-year-old Burke is added to the mix, the projected starting lineup has an average age barely above the legal drinking limit.

The one question mark may be Burks. If the Jazz were looking for a candidate to bring off the bench

[Xiao Yao You]

Dennis Lindsey, General Manager of the Utah Jazz, applauded the offseason work of all the Jazz players, but none more than Alec Burks

Alec Burks has been just very consistent with plugging in to team related activities. He's starting to maximize, you'll notice his body. That's what everybody says. They say, "Oh my gosh he's becoming a man!" He's much more athletic than he was when we got him two years ago. He's more balanced. He had what we call an upper body sway that impacted a some of his lateral movements. So if he's moving to his right putting his foot down and changing direction back to the left, his upper body would move more like a noodle. We wanted it to be a little more over his hips. Hopefully, we have helped his contain defense, in theory.

We know that Alec Burks has been putting in some serious work at P3. As reported by Scott Stevens at SaltCityHoops.com, P3's Dr. Elliot declared Alec Burks "the biggest winner". Alec Burks put on 11 lbs this offseason and increased his vertical height by 6 inches. With what we know about P3 and Dennis Lindsey, Alec Burks has increased his max vert, his muscle mass, his balance, and has put in extra work to #getbetter. Impressive.

Alec Burks had one of the funniest responses to a question during media day. When asked by David Locke what he should call Alec during the game because of the impending dilemma of two Burk(es) on the court at the same time Alec Burks quickly retorted this.

Just call me by my government name, Alec.

Nobody tell him that the government is shut down. NOBODY. Let this be the day that #CornerPimp is forever accompanied by #GovernmentName.

Alec Burks may be quiet in interviews about himself but he will stick up for his teammates. Alec Burks was asked about Trey Burke and his struggles during Summer League. This was his response.

People seen him struggle a little bit, but they weren't there for the practices where he was making some pretty amazing things happen. I've been working out with him a lot this summer. With him being in Spokane and P3, he's a great player and going to bring a lot to the team with a bright future.

This will be a recurring theme with 3 of the 4 Core 4. They all keep close to the vest what they have improved upon in the offseason. Alec Burks is no different. While he doesn't share many of the specifics of his offseason workouts and stays humble about his improvement, he is quick to highlight his fellow teammates who are excelling and doing well. I must say I'm impressed by the leadership that the members of the Core 4 are displaying on the first day of training camp. Alec Burks is the guy on this team that needs to be a brother to Trey Burke. It appears he has already accepted this role with open arms.

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[QUOTE]ESPN.com ranked Trey Burke as the #161 best player in the NBA. Pretty high honors for a rookie point guard who has not logged a single NBA minute.

Trey Burke told the media on Monday that he learned a lot of things from Stockton. One of which was how to handle the screen. In this conversation with David Locke, Trey Burke glowed about John Stockton.

"It was an honor, first and foremost, to have the opportunity to meet him. ... He's such a basketball genius. He wants to stop you ... he wants to teach you. ... He taught me a lot about patience, ball screen, shot selection, different reads out of the pick and roll. He taught me a lot. Really. In the two, three days I was with him, I tried to soak it in and apply it. There was so much coming at me, I tried to take the important points he was teaching me. and take it in. The main thing he tried to tell me was that we were both small guards. When you're small you have to be smarter than the other guys. You gotta play at your own pace, you have to understand angles and spots on the court.

I'm impressed by Trey Burke's reverence towards John Stockton. Not only that, but his attention to everything that John Stockton was teaching him. He was a very attentive listener. He was a very willing learner. If he is willing to put that much skin into the game and pay the price with work while furthering his learning by listening to greats like Stockton, he is going to be an amazing addition to the Utah Jazz.

Trey was floated a hypothetical situation from David Locke. In the 3rd quarter on October 30th against OKC he calls for the screen. Russell Westbrook decides to go below the pick and roll. What is Trey Burke's next move? This is his response. Pay attention to what Trey Burke has already learned from John Stockton.

Burke: I'm going to call for the rescreen. Then come of the screen and it's going to be a good pocket pass or 5 foot jumpshot.

Locke: So you're not just banging the minute ...

Burke: Maybe before Spokane I would have done that. John, he told me, he told me he didn't like to start out the game shooting a lot of threes. If he missed a couple his percentage would drop.

Trey Burke has already shown that he has learned from Stockton patience in this whole process.

In addition to Stockton helping Burke become a better playmaker, Stockton shared with Burke the secret to becoming a better shooter. In true John Stockton fashion it had nothing to do with shooting.

He said something that stuck with me: 'The better passer you are, the better scorer you are going to be. Guys expect you to pass - a lot of times you are going to be open when you come off that pick-and-roll.

John Stockton sharing his secret. The secret to shooting better is distributing better. Classic John. John Stockton does have a point. If the point guard is seen as a multiple threat, meaning that any person on the floor is about to score at a moment's notice, rather than a singular threat then he is harder to guard and given more space to work with. Kudos, John. Kudos.

Count John Lucas III as a member of the Trey Burke bandwagon. He has been impressed by Trey Burke already just through their interactions during open gym and P3.

John Lucas III on Trey Burke: "Trey, he's going to develop into a wonderful player. He

[Xiao Yao You]

[QUOTE]This was one of my favorite exchanges between Hayward and any media member. This one happened to be with David Locke. Gordon Hayward's attitude has always been that winning is the most important thing above all, not individual accolades. Which makes him the perfect lens through which the Jazz can look through. If Hayward can establish this type of mindset throughout the whole team as a vet then the Jazz will be building a very fundamental building block for a championship winning team.

Locke: Wowed some people with some numbers in Santa Barbara this summer. Care to share?

Hayward: Uh ... I think there were a lot of other numbers I could have done a lot better at. So ... I don't know about the wowing factor.

Locke: Didn't you go to Santa Barbara last weekend, did some testing, how'd it go?

Hayward: It was good. Solid. Had a good offseason.

Locke: Take over. He's giving me nothing you go. *laughs* *Motions to Ron Boone to take over*

Ron Boone: Why did you have a good offseason. What'd you do?

Hayward: I think ... uh ... I was able to ... uh ... with this offseason, obviously, with the disappointing season we had last year ... um ... took about a month off. Didn't do anything. Didn't think about basketball. Um ... Indianapolis, the Pacers, had a good run in the playoffs, which pissed me off. And I got right back to work. Was doing two-a-days, three-a-days before Vegas. I was able to spend, about a month and a half, every single day, 5 days a week straight of doing weights in the morning and basketball in the afternoon. I got kinda got in a groove of working and getting better.

Boone: So you had some numbers at the end of last season. Where are those numbers now?

Hayward: They're better. They're not where they need to be.
This is why Hayward continues to be my favorite on the Utah Jazz. He is a humble guy, but, beyond that, he knows what is most important. He doesn't need to gloat about how great his offseason work is. He just works. That's the price one pays to get better and improve. Those are things a guy just does to get better.

I like the fire he had to see his hometown Pacers with a semi young team make the playoffs and have a deep run. Hayward must have seen how they relied upon their defense to get there. Something last year's Utah Jazz lacked. This is the Gordon Hayward Coach K was glowing about during Team USA scrimmages. He has the right mindset.

The biggest challenge facing Gordon Hayward (and Derrick Favors) is their ability to vocally lead the Utah Jazz. This is what Gordon Hayward had to say about that.

[Author's Note: I had to turn up the volume all the way just to hear what Gordon Hayward was saying about being vocal as a leader.]

David Locke: What's going to be the hardest part [about leading this team]?

Gordon Hayward: Vocally. We're both quiet guys, Fave even more than I am. So ... if something happens, if something doesn't go our way, somebody is not doing their job, it's part of our responsibility, our job, to make sure that we ... you don't have to yell at the person, you don't have to do anything crazy like that. To be motivators a little bit. Hold people accountable, hold ourselves accountable, and make sure the next time they get the job done.

There are different types of leaders. There are vocal leaders. There are motivators. There are those that just do the work and expect others to follow. In either situation, in order to lead, a leader has to be extraordinary in one of those areas. If they are going to be a vocal leader they need to speak up consistently and be the voice people expect to hear. If they are a motivator, they must be their consistently to pick their teammates up and be a force for good. If they are going to show by example their example must be so consistently high so that no one can mistake where the bar is set. I'm very interested to see what type of leaders Gordon Hayward, and Derrick Favors, become this year.

While Trey Burke and Alec Burks glowed about John Stockton and Derrick Favors and Enes Kanter left impressed and inspired by Karl Malone, Gordon Hayward seemed to be motivated by something different. Himself. While these other players may need at this point in their careers some mentorship by a Hall of Fame player or a standard to aspire to, Gordon seems to constantly be driven by wanting to win.

Gordon Hayward: "I'm focused on being a better leader this year, being a better basketball player and helping us win games" #JazzMediaDay

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This seemed to be the most interesting quote from Favors all day.

Locke: My favorite moment [was Karl Malone], "WHAT'S YOUR GO TO MOVE? WHAT'S YOUR GO TO MOVE?!"

Favors: I mean, I tell everybody, a go to move to me is just scoring the ball, really. I know a lot of people might say, the sky hook, or Big Al, the one hand hook shot, whatever. I think my game, until I work on it a little bit more, and just figure out something, it's just scoring the basketball right now.

Locke: It seemed like his point, though, was he wanted you to have something to build off of?

Favors: Yeah just something to just have a foundation with and to have something to build off of. So that when they take that away that I have a countermove to that, tho.

Upon the first reading it is very easy to think that Favors just doesn't understand the gravity of working with Malone. He says, "A go to move is just scoring the basketball," which is not what Malone had in mind. But then, remember, that Favors is the guy who requested, begged even, to work with Karl Malone. He wasn't just going to throw this opportunity away.

When going through Hayward's quotes, however, Hayward seemed like he was keeping a lot of things close to the vest as though he had a really good poker hand. For the time being, the same can be assumed for Derrick Favors. What good would working with Karl Malone be, learning his secrets, and getting better if Favors just blabbermouthed to the entire league how to guard him now? What he's better at? Favors' development is a huge unknown to opposing teams' scouts and coaching staffs. Good on Favors to be as vague as possible and keep opposing defenses guessing for a little time longer.

Derrick Favors has a message to all those who believe that he's too shy to lead.

Boom. RT @JazzGameNight: Favors-I'm not quiet y'all think I am.

[Xiao Yao You]

General manager Dennis Lindsey says the Jazz’s No. 1 priority heading into the season is improving their defense.

Utah allowed 98.1 points a game last season. Opponents shot 45.8 percent from the field. By comparison, the NBA champion Miami Heat allowed 90.7 points and 43.6 percent shooting.

"Real simply," Lindsey said, "we want to develop a defensive foundation. I don’t think anything great is accomplished in this league unless you can get stops. ... The No. 1 goal is to build a championship-caliber defense."

They should be better defensively.


Coach Tyrone Corbin and 19 players will start training camp with two practices on Tuesday. They will also practice twice on Wednesday, once on Thursday and twice on Friday.
The Jazz will hold an open scrimmage at 4 p.m. on Saturday at EnergySolutions Arena.

"It’s exciting to have this group of guys ready to go into battle," Corbin said. "... Seeing how it all comes together, it’s just exciting."

Corbin’s goal for the rebuilt Jazz this season: "... To compete every night we step on the floor."

Asked if it’s difficult working with so many players at the same time -- the Jazz will likely carry 13 or 14 during the regular season -- Corbin shook his head.

"Everybody that’s in this camp is here for a reason," he said. "They are going to help us, from where we are right now. There will be a lot of focus on the young guys, but everybody on the roster has a chance to get some time on the floor."

I thought they had 20? Not counting Rush or Marvin who are still rehabbing? Carry only 13 or 14? They are below the cap. I think they should have guys down in the D-League if they aren't getting time on the big club.


Generally speaking, Jazz president Randy Rigby reported ticket sales for the coming season are "good" and corporate sponsorships are "great." He was not more specific.

According to Rigby, $15 million worth of offseason renovations have helped transform 22-year-old EnergySolutions Arena into one of the best venues in the country for fans to "... consume NBA basketball."
— Bill Oram and Steve Luhm

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Enes Kanter talked to David Locke about how Karl Malone helped him improve.

It was so much fun. He's a really fun guy. Just not about basketball, but it's fun to be around him, his family, cuz he's really such a nice guy, and his family is also, too. And we had a lot of hard practices. And besides basketball, we went a fishing.

Most of the summer we worked on the balance and leg strength. He said if your legs aren't strong you're going to get pushed around. And, ya know, he talked about when he was playing how he treated his teammates, how he treated his coaches. So, he helped me a lot. When you listen to a legend like that, he helped me a lot.

Karl threw his teammates under the bus.

[QUOTE]It's interesting to compare Kanter's experience with Karl Malone with Derrick Favors' experience. Favors' seemed more inclined to keep what he learned close to the vest. While Kanter is doing the same, Kanter seems to have grown immensely from being around Malone and his family. He grew up. But Kanter won't share everything he learned.

Kanter on Malone: "Even when he talks you understand why he's a legend...He taught me some secrets I can't say on here." #JazzMediaDay

[Xiao Yao You]

When the Jazz decided to let Al Jefferson and Paul Millsap leave last summer via free agency, the message was clear.

The team has big plans for young power forward Derrick Favors.

The situation is similar to one that evolved in 1986, after the Jazz traded All-Star Adrian Dantley to create more opportunities for an emerging Karl Malone.


Difference being A.D. was traded because he and the coach had a disagreement. Jazz blew it by choosing Layden over A.D. A.D. could play in the high post. He could pass. He hit the offensive boards, which was never Karl's strong suit. He and Karl were close He had mentored him much like Al has Kanter. They could have definitely played successfully together.

Karl had a big rookie year as a starter on a playoff team too. It was easy to envision building around him. Favors and Kanted still with a lot to prove.

[QUOTE]Going into his second year, Malone made the most of coach Frank Layden