Rewards of the tank:2014 off-season!

[Xiao Yao You]

[QUOTE]Walt Perrin has been with the Utah Jazz for 14 years, the last seven as the vice president of basketball operations. He evaluates players on all levels and assists general manager Dennis Lindsey in player personnel decisions. He is responsible for bringing players in prior to the NBA draft on June 26. He sat down and spoke with Mike Sorensen last week about how the Jazz are preparing for the upcoming draft.

Q: What are your main duties over the next three weeks before the draft?

A:

[Xiao Yao You]

Adam Zagoria: Former UNLV/UConn F Roscoe Smith works out Monday for Utah, Tuesday for Chicago & Thursday for Phoenix, source tells @SNYtv Twitter @AdamZagoria

Looks like an early 2nd. SF


Chris Haynes: Bulls assistant coach Adrian Griffin will interview a second time for Jazz head coach opening on Thursday, league sources inform @CSNNW. Twitter @ChrisBHaynes

[Xiao Yao You]

Tony Jones: The Utah Jazz will hold NBA pre-draft workouts tomorrow morning. Aaron Craft, LaQuinton Ross, Roscoe Smith, Cam Bairstow Twitter @Tjonessltrib

Tony Jones: James Bell from Villanova and Billy Baron of Rhode Island to attend. Twitter @Tjonessltrib

Ross mid to late 2nd. This is the biggest workout yet it appears. One guy projected right where they will select in the 2nd.


Gery Woelfel: Ex-MU standout Jamil Wilson was forced to cancel workout for Pistons today after suffering ankle sprain in a workout for Utah the other day. Twitter @GeryWoelfel

[El Kabong]

Maybe down to these 2? I wonder who else has bee interviewed. Only a handful have been reported out of the supposedly 20 or so they were supposed to interview.
Sounds like it's Snyder, Griffin, Boylen and Gentry. I'd be going in that order for my preference.


Don't forget the Jazz though an early 2nd rounder might be costly.
76ers have about 5 2nd rounders this year. They'll be moving the picks for cash or stashing guys with them most likely.

[Xiao Yao You]

Sounds like it's Snyder, Griffin, Boylen and Gentry. I'd be going in that order for my preference.


76ers have about 5 2nd rounders this year. They'll be moving the picks for cash or stashing guys with them most likely.


Where you get that? Mostly just been rumors. Certainly as far as Boylen I haven't seen anything other than the early talk.

[Xiao Yao You]

Jeff Goodman: Adreian Payne will work out for Boston on June 4, Phoenix on June 6 and Utah on June 7, source told ESPN. Twitter @GoodmanESPN

Could be in play for their 2nd pick


Jeff Goodman: Seton Hall's Fuquan Edwin working out for Milwaukee today and Phoenix on Friday, Has already worked out for SA, Philly, Utah, Sac and LAC. Twitter @GoodmanESPN

[Xiao Yao You]

Tony Jones: Biggest thing I took away from today's workouts: The Jazz Front Office fully expects Gordon Hayward to be with the team moving forward Twitter @Tjonessltrib

That could be good or bad depending on how much money they are ready to spend.

[Xiao Yao You]

[QUOTE]Scott Howard-Cooper: Other Smart visits scheduled: Celtics (6) and Lakers (7). With the Kings today and Magic, that

[Xiao Yao You]

Jody Genessy: Finding RFA Gordon Hayward's replacement in draft not on Jazz's minds. Walt Perrin: "We think we

[Xiao Yao You]

[QUOTE]there still remain several large question marks for Favors defensively. His rim protection left something to be desired considering expectations, with SportVU data from NBA.com painting him as slightly below-average of 76 rotation players defending at least five rim attempts per game. Again, some of this can be attributed to team context, but we can paint it another way: Favors

[Xiao Yao You]

Ramona Shelburne: Word is Clippers associate HC Alvin Gentry will have a second interview with the Utah Jazz on Tuesday. He's also interviewed with Cle&LAL Twitter @ramonashelburne

You were right about Gentry. That's 3 we know of with a 2nd look.

[Xiao Yao You]

Multiple league sources say that there are a surprising number of top picks for "sale" this year. "I thought getting a lottery pick via trade would be virtually impossible this year," one NBA GM told Insider. "It's not. There are a lot of teams in the lottery right now that would prefer a proven player. A lot of owners have lost their patience with the rebuilding process." ESPN.com

Among the teams that would be open to trading their lottery pick? It's highly likely that the Milwaukee Bucks, Philadelphia 76ers, Orlando Magic and Utah Jazz are all holding onto their picks. ESPN.com

However, after pick No. 5 things are much more fluid. Sources say that the Boston Celtics, Los Angeles Lakers, Sacramento Kings, Charlotte Hornets, Timberwolves and Phoenix Suns are all open to offers. [...] While the Celtics, Lakers, Kings, Hornets, Wolves and Suns aren't likely to get an All-Star for their picks, they should be able to score players or multiple assets that help their teams right now. ESPN.com

Look for the Bucks, Hawks, Mavs, Blazers and Raptors to be especially busy trying to move up or acquire a second pick. ESPN.com


After last year I wouldn't be surprised to see them move it especially if Exum or someone doesn't fall to them.

[Xiao Yao You]

David 'Dubi' Pick: San Diego St. SG Xavier Thames (@Xthames2) works out this week for the Utah Jazz. Twitter @IAmDPick

non draftee

[Xiao Yao You]

The Sixers and Magic also are fans of Exum, so I don't think he slides past the Jazz at No. 5. ESPN.com

[Xiao Yao You]

Beehive State basketball fans who've fretted about former University of Utah coach Jim Boylen being hired as the Jazz's next head coach can take a deep breath. Boylen, a close friend of Jazz general manager Dennis Lindsey, is no longer in the running to replace Tyrone Corbin as Utah's bench boss, according to multiple sources. Deseret News

Jody Genessy: Hearing from multiple sources that ex-University of Utah coach Jim Boylen is no longer a candidate for the Utah Jazz's head coach position. Twitter @DJJazzyJody

[El Kabong]

I wonder if that's because he pulled out of the running or the knocked his name off the list.

I get a feeling that Alvin Gentry is going to be the guy the end up hiring.

[Xiao Yao You]

Gentry isn't known for D though and that's supposed to be about under Lindsey. Who's the mystery guy. I think Snyder or Griffin unless someone hires them.

[Xiao Yao You]

"I

[Xiao Yao You]

[QUOTE]Not since Frank Layden took over for the fired Tom Nissalke has the team faced such an important coaching decision. For the first time since 1981 the Jazz are hiring a coach whose predecessor didn

[Xiao Yao You]

So the last 365 days gained the Jazz no playoffs, no 26th win, no compensation for the loss of Al Jefferson or Paul Millsap, no coach of the future, no emergent star from the young core, and no top three pick.

I'd say it remains to be seen. They are still getting compensation for the contracts of Al and Paul in the expiring contracts and picks from the GS deal which was made possible by letting them go. A star could still possibly ome from the core and they could still get a top 3 pick or a top 3 caliber pick drop to them anyway.

[QUOTE]Yup.

Well, life goes on, hangovers are blessedly of limited duration, and once Jazz fans pass through all five stages of grief1 they should realize that there will be a number of exciting prospects available when pick five rolls around on June 26th.

The problem is who to select. And its a doozy.

Andrew Wiggins and Jabari Parker, the two most likely dominant scorers in the draft, are beyond reach now. Joel Embiid, the new Olajuwon in the minds of many, as well. Orlando will almost certainly pick Dante Exum to pair with Victor Oladipo in a hybrid guard duo from Hell.

That

[Xiao Yao You]

[QUOTE]Don

[Xiao Yao You]

Six more NBA hopefuls will show their stuff to the Utah Jazz on Thursday as the team hosts its sixth pre-draft workout.

This tryout group includes Nevada Deonte Burton (6-1, 190), Missouri guard Jordan Clarkson (6-5, 193), Cincinnati guard Sean Kilpatrick (6-4, 210), New Mexico center Alex Kirk (7-0, 250), Russia center Artem Klimenko (7-0, 242) and Wichita State guard Nick Wiggins (6-6, 192).

Three players are slotted to be selected in the second round in DraftExpress.com's mock draft: Klimenko (37th), Clarkson (45th) and Burton (47th).

The Jazz have the fifth, 23rd and 35th picks in the June 26 NBA draft.

EMAIL: jody@desnews.com

TWITTER: DJJazzyJody

Klimenko might be in play for them. Maybe a euro stash player?

[Xiao Yao You]

Northwestern University: Today was the fourth workout with an NBA team for @Drew Crawford. Also scheduled to work out with Kings, Jazz and Bulls. #B1GCats Twitter

undrafted

[Xiao Yao You]

maybe Stockton in the running? He'd probably want it kept quiet.

[Xiao Yao You]

Sean Cunningham: Aaron Gordon has only pre-draft workouts left with Orlando, Utah and Boston. Very quick process for the Bay Area native Twitter @News10Sean

I think he's the first one that is actually in the range of their pick I've seen that is actually scheduled to come to Utah.

[Xiao Yao You]

According to multiple sources, Brad Jones, an assistant under Corbin last year, remains a candidate for the Jazz’s coaching vacancy. Salt Lake Tribune

Jazz officials have had talks with Jones since it was announced that Corbin and his staff would not be returning next season. But sources also suggested Jones could be retained as an assistant should the Jazz opt to hire one of the other three candidates who appear to be on the team’s short list: Alvin Gentry, Quin Snyder and Adrian Griffin. Salt Lake Tribune

The mystery man unveiled? Would make sense. Jerry's relative. Media wouldn't know about them talking to him because he's already there with the team.

[Xiao Yao You]

Jody Genessy: From what I'm hearing, it sounds like Quin Snyder remains at the front of the pack for the Utah Jazz coaching position. Jazz like them all. Twitter @DJJazzyJody

that's who I'm thinking

[Xiao Yao You]

Aaron Falk: Walt Perrin isn't concerned about not having Marcus Smart in yet for a workout. "We know Marcus. We met with him in Chicago. We've got multitudes of tapes to look at. There's no concern. If we like him at 5 and he doesn't come in, we still take him." Twitter @tribjazz

Tony Jones: Source says the Jazz saw Vonleh workout already last week in a private workout in New York. Twitter @Tjonessltrib

Tony Jones: With that thinking, Jazz FO man Walt Perrin is confident that Noah Vonleh can come in and play along side Favors, with no issues. Even if Vonleh isn't a starter, FO thinks he can come in and instantly make the Jazz' regular rotation because of rebounding and defense Twitter @Tjonessltrib

Tony Jones: Interesting take away from today's Utah Jazz pre-draft workout: Longterm, the organization sees Derrick Favors as a center, not a PF Twitter @Tjonessltrib

Plenty of minutes for 3 guys.


Tony Jones: Jazz also like Missouri point guard Jordan Clarkson, and he's in the mix to be drafted at either 23 or 35 Twitter @Tjonessltrib

Tony Jones: Jazz are very intrigued by russian seven-footer Artem Kilmenko. Worked out well. Consistently hit 18-footer this morning Twitter @Tjonessltrib

[Xiao Yao You]

Emiliano Carchia: Greg Somogyi has been invited by the @Utah Jazz to Vegas Summer League, I am told Twitter @sportando

[El Kabong]

that's who I'm thinking
Would be quite pleased with them hiring Snyder.

[veilside23]

vonleh or randle .. there's also a draft you guys might pick exum or smart...

[Xiao Yao You]

Three former Utah college basketball players and the older brother of the "Greek Freak," Milwaukee's popular rookie, highlight a list of 12 players who will work out for the Jazz on Friday.

Utah will have two sessions at Zions Bank Basketball Center as the organization continues to evaluate players who will be draft prospects or potential players down the road.

Weber State guard Davion Berry, who helped the Wildcats make the NCAA tournament, Utah State center Jarred Shaw and ex-University of Utah athlete Shawn Glover will be the first former Beehive State players to try out for the Jazz this spring. Glover played for the Utes from 2009-11 before transferring to Oral Roberts.

Players to participate include:

Group A: Shaw, Michigan State guard Keith Appling, Arizona State guard Jahii Carson, Northwestern swingman Drew Crawford, Nevada guard Jerry Evans Jr. and Pittsburgh forward Talib Zanna.

Group B: Berry, Glover, Thanasis Antetokounmpo, Giannis's older brother who played in the D-League last season, North Carolina forward James Michael McAdoo, Stanford forward Dwight Powell and Alabama guard Trevor Releford.

EMAIL: jody@desnews.com

TWITTER: DJJazzyJody

Carson late 2nd. Antetokounmpo early 2nd. Powell mid 2nd.

[Xiao Yao You]

http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865604544/Former-Jazz-assistant-Sidney-Lowe-to-coach-in-Minnesota.html

Good to see their landing on their feet not surprisingly.

[Xiao Yao You]

[QUOTE]

[Xiao Yao You]

[QUOTE]

[Xiao Yao You]

Jordan Clarkson instantly stands out for his physical attributes.

As a point guard, his size doesn

[El Kabong]

Woj says Snyder has the job.

[El Kabong]

Trying to get Ettore Messina over as an assistant too.

[Xiao Yao You]

nice! Now to get some stars to play for them somehow.

[Xiao Yao You]

Jody Genessy: The Jazz will have Aaron Gordon, Adreian Payne and David Stockton in for workouts on Saturday. Twitter @DJJazzyJody

Wonder if they delayed the big prospects until they got their coach?

[Xiao Yao You]

Tony Jones: Jazz forward Derrick favors tells the tribune that he can't wait to start working with new head coach Quin Snyder Twitter @Tjonessltrib

Jody Genessy: From what I'm hearing, it wouldn't be surprising if other teams try to make a play on snatching Alex Jensen from the Utah Jazz. Twitter @DJJazzyJody


So Jensen isn't part of Snyder's staff than?

[El Kabong]

nice! Now to get some stars to play for them somehow.
I reckon Kanter will be on the block, they've talked about wanting to play Favors at the 5.


So Jensen isn't part of Snyder's staff than?
I think he is, I'm just assuming he means that other teams might make him a better offer or as a head associate or whatever they call the #1 assistant now

[Xiao Yao You]

Emiliano Carchia: Quin Snyder agreed on a three-year deal with the @Utah Jazz to become the next head coach of the team, I am told Twitter @sportando

Adrian Wojnarowski: The deal will include three guaranteed years, plus a team option, sources tell Yahoo. Twitter @WojYahooNBA

Marc Stein: One scenario circulating in coach circles is that Snyder, upon landing Utah job, will try to import Euro legend Ettore Messina as assistant Twitter @ESPNSteinLine

Jody Genessy: Confirming Jazz will hire Quin Snyder as head coach. Team is expected to hire Brad Jones as an assistant and promote Alex Jensen to bench. Twitter @DJJazzyJody


So he has 3 years to do something.

[Xiao Yao You]

I reckon Kanter will be on the block, they've talked about wanting to play Favors at the 5.


I think he is, I'm just assuming he means that other teams might make him a better offer or as a head associate or whatever they call the #1 assistant now

They think Favors is a 5, We'll see what the new coach thinks. I'd think they'll go into camp and see if they can make it work. He'll be gone by the deadline I'd imagine if they can't.

[Xiao Yao You]

Zach Links: Source: Former #Tennessee #Volunteers rebounding machine @Jarnell Stokes is 1 of 12 players working out for #Jazz today #NBA #RockyTop #fb Twitter

Aaron Falk: Walt Perrin on Thanasis: "Still a little bit raw offensively, but he's a much better, much better athlete than his brother." Twitter @tribjazz

Stokes is early 2nd.

[El Kabong]

They think Favors is a 5, We'll see what the new coach thinks. I'd think they'll go into camp and see if they can make it work. He'll be gone by the deadline I'd imagine if they can't.
Oh yea, I'm sure they're not going to go out and make the first deal that comes along, but it does give them a decent chip to put in their pot along with their draft picks if they choose to make a move.

[Xiao Yao You]

Jones is expected to be retained as an assistant coach on the Jazz staff, according to sources. Jones, the nephew of Jerry Sloan, spent the past two seasons as an assistant and player development director in Utah. He was a regional scout for the Jazz from 2001-07 before a successful coaching stint with the now-defunct Utah Flash through 2010.

and also the Spurs connection


Former University of Utah standout Alex Jensen could also be promoted from his position as player development coach to a full-time assistant on Snyder's staff, according to sources.

Jensen has been leading Utah's pre-draft workouts with Johnnie Bryant, also likely to be retained on staff, after being retained following Corbin's dismissal. It's possible other teams will try to snatch Jensen, mentored by the late Rick Majerus as an assistant at St. Louis and the 2013 D-League coach of the year, but the Centerville native is highly regarded by the Jazz organization.
You'd think a veteran NBA coach to fill out the staff would be nice.


The next process for Snyder will be to familiarize himself with the Salt Lake City community and Jazz organization, which is preparing for the important June 26 draft. In fact, the team will host two workouts following Saturday's press conference.

I'd think preparing for the draft and next season would come first. The community stuff will come if he does his job good.


Snyder will also be tasked to handpick assistants to fill out his Jazz bench.

"Quin Snyder, welcome to the Utah Jazz family," Jazz CEO Greg Miller wrote on his Twitter account Friday night. "I'm looking forward to working with you to build our team into a championship contender."

Jazz president Randy Rigby said the organization's thorough search elicited "overwhelmingly positive feedback regarding Quin from some of the most respected basketball minds in the game."

The 47-year-old Snyder has played for and worked with Mike Krzyzewski at Duke, but he became a national coaching star while guiding the Missouri Tigers from 1999-2006. He's been an NBA assistant on multiple occasions, including with Larry Brown (Clippers), Mike Brown (Lakers) and the Hawks' Mike Budenholzer last season.

There's some defensive minds there. What about offense?


"We are extremely happy for Quin and his family," Budenholzer, Lindsey's friend from their Spurs jobs, said in a statement. "He played an instrumental role within our coaching staff and team. This is a great opportunity for him and we wish the best."

Snyder, first reported as a lead candidate by the Deseret News, held multiple positions on Krzyzewski's staff from 1993-99, including associate head coach. His Missouri coaching days were filled with Elite Eight success in 2002 followed by bumpy times, including the program being placed on probation for minor NCAA violations.

From there, Snyder returned to the professional ranks, beginning with a three-year stint with the Toros. Since then, he has toiled as the Sixers' player development coach (2010-11), as a Laker assistant (2011-12), on Ettore Messina's staff at CSKA Moscow (2012-13) and with the Hawks (2013-14).

Snyder received multiple votes of confidence from former Jazz players on Atlanta. Forward DeMarre Carroll, who's credited Quin for helping his footwork, shot and overall game, tweeted, "Big (shout out) to my friend/coach Quin Snyder on getting the Utah Jazz job. #Jazznation you all have gotten a great COACH. Trust me!!! ##blessed."

All-Star Paul Millsap also gave Snyder some public love on Twitter, congratulating him and adding, "The Jazz are getting a great coach and person."

Demarre was certainly better this year. Maybe Snyder will want them back? :rockon:

[QUOTE]Snyder also received high praise from former NBA coach Doug Collins, his boss in Philly who once told USA Today that he's "one of the best basketball minds I've ever been around."

"He has an impressive basketball pedigree, including more than a decade of head coaching experience that positions him well to succeed in the Jazz organization," Miller added. "We look forward to Quin

[Xiao Yao You]

[QUOTE]Arizona forward Aaron Gordon, No. 8 on ESPN writer Chad Ford's Top 100 board, will be the first projected lottery athlete to participate in a pre-draft workout in Utah this year. First-round prospects Adreian Payne (Michigan) and Jerami Grant (Syracuse), and Gonzaga point guard David Stockton are other recognizable names among the nine who

[Xiao Yao You]

[QUOTE]Lindsey started another story that he wouldn

[Xiao Yao You]

[QUOTE]Snyder

[Xiao Yao You]

Tony Jones: The Jazz are quite interested in Payne, a 6-foot-10 power forward out of Michigan State. True stretch power forward, fits the system Twitter @Tjonessltrib

Aaron Falk: Jazz working out Cleanthony Early, Glenn Robinson III, P.J. Hairston, Xavier Thames, Kendrick Perry and C.J. Wilcox tomorrow. Twitter @tribjazz

If they target Payne than Vohleh and Randle are probably not likely. Looks like the best group with a lot of guys they could be looking at in the draft not as free agents.

[Xiao Yao You]

Jeff Goodman: PJ Hairston has workouts with Utah tomorrow and Philadelphia on Wednesday. Twitter @GoodmanESPN

projected around their 2nd pick

[Xiao Yao You]

Jody Genessy: Seeing Ante Tomic rumors. Jazz exec Walt Perrin said team will have conversations about bringing him to NBA from Spain. Not certain yet. Twitter @DJJazzyJody

David Locke: Dennis Lindsey mentions analytics show that minor league experience as head coach leads to NBA success as a head coach. #tipoff Twitter @Lockedonsports

Snyder might be familiar with Tomic from his European experience too.

[Xiao Yao You]

[QUOTE]Yes, Kanter can play power forward. But he

[Xiao Yao You]

Tony Jones: Glenn Robinson III said his agent is giving him a draft range of 17-25 Twitter @Tjonessltrib

Tony Jones: Former Pleasant Grove star CJ Wilcox had a good workout for the Jazz today. Shooter. Shot in the low 60's from 3-point range Twitter @Tjonessltrib

Tony Jones: After the workout, Wilcox stood at the 3-point line and effortlessly made shot after shot. He's certainly got the range Twitter @Tjonessltrib

[Xiao Yao You]

[QUOTE]C.J. Wilcox, another participant, that dream began while he was growing up in Pleasant Grove.

[Xiao Yao You]

After ranking ninth, ninth and 11th in the NBA in shooting the previous three years, the Jazz fell off to No. 24 in the league last year at 44.4 percent and ranked 25th in 3-point shooting at 34.4 percent.

They fell off because they took more 3's. They need to make more obviously though.

[QUOTE]Two Jazz players were among the eight worst shooting players in the league among regular players. Gordon Hayward ranked 117th out of 124 players at 41.3 percent, while Burke was 123rd at 38.0 percent, ahead of just Detroit

[Xiao Yao You]

Snyder, who earned a double major, MBA and Juris Doctor law degree at Duke, shared interesting nuggets about his family

[Xiao Yao You]

[QUOTE]

[Xiao Yao You]

[QUOTE]Guys named Stockton and Gordon were among the nine players who worked out for Jazz coaches and executives Saturday morning and afternoon at Zions Bank Basketball Center.

David Stockton, son of Jazz Hall of Famer John Stockton, was on hand, as well as Aaron Gordon, a projected top-10 pick in this year

[Xiao Yao You]

Both Hairston and Antetokounmpo should be drafted later this month, and Jazz Vice President of Player Personnel expects to see more D-League alums in future drafts.

"It's going to be more and more," he said.

With new NBA commissioner Adam Silver in favor of raising the league's age limit, it could accelerate that process.

"I would guess if the league raises the age limit that there will be more players that will go that route," Perrin said. "Everybody's not made to go to school. Some of them are just players. A lot of them now, with the one-and-done, can get through one year. But I don't know if they can get through two."
Hairston, who was held out of a workout with the Jazz on Sunday because of back spasms, is a first-round talent, who could be in play for the Jazz at No. 23.

They shouldn't have to get through one year of school. College should be for student athletes. Let others play basketball for a living. Makes too much sense.

[QUOTE]The D-League was a shock.

"I wasn't supposed to be there. I was supposed to be in college," he said. "But at the end of the day, it helped me a lot."

It was difficult being away from Carolina, watching his old teammates struggle. At the same time, he faced stiffer competition and received more attention from professional coaches and staff.

That's why Perrin believes more young players will eventually take the same path.

"D-League experience is much better than college," Perrin said. "They're playing more of an NBA schedule. They're not playing two games a week. They're playing three games a week. They could play back-to-backs. They're playing with more experienced players. It's a huge advantage, I think."
With the Delaware 87ers, Antetokounmpo averaged 12 points, four rebounds and two assists a game last year.

"I wanted to choose a route that brings me closer to the NBA," he said.
Along the way, he impressed the Jazz with his athleticism and hard play.
"Still a little bit raw offensively, but he's a much better, much better athlete than his brother," Perrin said after the Greek swingman worked out for the Jazz this week. "Really can run, really can jump. He's strong, plays extremely hard. But he's still learning to play the game of basketball."
Antetokounmpo is projected be drafted in the second round.
"It's going to be a dream come true," he said.

[Xiao Yao You]

1. Snyder’s Jazz will play with a chip on its shoulder

Every figure in sports has doubters who question whether they will ever make an impact. However, Snyder’s story is unique. It’s best to look at Snyder’s career, and life, in two ways: pre-Missouri and post Missouri. Pre-Missouri, Snyder was a golden child — three degrees from Duke, led the Blue Devils to Final Four appearances and beat out John Calipari and Bill Self for the Missouri job. However, in the post-Missouri time, he was forced to put his life back together riding the buses of basketball’s minor leagues.

Snyder is eager to prove he can run a program at the highest level and lead it to a championship as the head guy. He will get that chance in Utah. As part of that, expect Snyder to use the doubters as motivation. In that sense, he is not unlike a previously unsuccessful head coach that would become a success with the Jazz. Maybe you’ve heard of him, his name is Jerry Sloan. Yes, Sloan washed out as a head coach in Chicago. However, the experience helped shape his views on coaching and motivation. Sloan was hungry to show he could do it and Snyder, too, is hungry to show he can do it.

It may be unreasonable to expect Snyder to have a Hall of Fame career. However, it is not unreasonable to think Snyder will certainly push him and his players to success. He will use the small-market sleights to motivate players; he will create an “us-against-them” mentality in the locker room. Snyder’s players will either be successful, or he will render them useless. He has to be ruthless; this is his best shot at proving he can do it.

2. Development will be Snyder’s calling card

It’s no secret the Jazz franchise has to develop if it is going to once again become an elite team in the Western Conference. Simply, the organization’s youngest players have to develop. Snyder was likely hired because of his history of developing players in the D-League. While in Austin, he placed more of his players in the NBA than any other D-League organization.

Snyder said development is his passion.

“I love player development,” said Snyder, who was lauded by Atlanta forward DeMarre Carroll for helping him develop his jump shot. “One of the things that’s central to me with this program is having a chance to coach these young men and help them develop both as individual players, but also in the team setting. I think that’s going to be crucial for our success.”

Jazz general manager Dennis Lindsey noted Snyder’s player development experience was his trump card in getting hired.

“The development issue was really central to our decision,” said Lindsey, who interacted with Snyder when both were part of the San Antonio organization. “… Our team is really young, and so to embrace (development) is key now, in going forward.”

For Jazz fans, the statements from Snyder and Lindsey should exemplify why Snyder was the organization’s choice, and why he is the best choice for the Jazz. The Jazz have to find a way to turn forward Derrick Favors into an All-Star, and it has to find a way to develop the top picks that will join the team after this year’s draft. The expectation of Snyder is Snyder will develop their abilities and that he will find ways to turn their individual talents into a machine. If he can turn Utah’s promising young talent into veteran stars that balance each other well, he will prove himself a successful NBA head coach.
Expecting him to turn Favors into an all-star is a lot to ask. Turning him into the great defender and rebounder he's been billed as would be nice though.


3. Little things will matter

It’s not an oversimplification to say that every successful NBA coach has paid attention to the details. Whether it was Pat Riley in how his Lakers ran the fast break, or Phil Jackson in how his players executed the triangle offense, or Jerry Sloan in setting the proper screens, successful coaches have a style of play that they believe in, and they ensure that players execute in a way to ensure that style is followed. Snyder will likely be no different, as he studied under successful coaches like Gregg Popovich, Larry Brown and Mike Krzyzewski. Everything will matter to Snyder, and he mentioned that the proper style of communication is key in dealing with players.

Snyder’s comments indicate he will make sure players are committed to defending and playing fundamental basketball.

“We’d like to have a defensive identity,” he said. “I think that’s an area where we can try to take a stand. It involves habits, it involves energy, effort, focus. (Another thing) I’d like to see our team start to show and develop is an attention to detail. I think if you have attention to detail in all these situations, it just makes you better.”

Attention to detail, specifically defensively, means stopping teams from operating their system, and denying players the basketball in situations where they can be successful. An attention to detail starts with communication, which Snyder has learned from some of the game’s greatest minds, and finishes with players buying into the system.

The goal now is for Snyder to get the players to buy in as he attempts to lift his players from the ashes. He should know how, he’s already done it once in his career.

[veilside23]

[QUOTE=Xiao Yao You]Jordan Clarkson instantly stands out for his physical attributes.

As a point guard, his size doesn

[Xiao Yao You]

do you agree with this @ Xiao Yao You?

I like Clarkson a lot as well I think he is a little underrated in this draft. but that's because the draft is deep.

Sounds like he could be a good fit. I haven't seen any of them play so I can't really say.

[veilside23]

Sounds like he could be a good fit. I haven't seen any of them play so I can't really say.


he probably should fit in nicely

Burke
Clarkson
Hayward
Vonleh
Favors

[Xiao Yao You]

he probably should fit in nicely

Burke
Clarkson
Hayward
Vonleh
Favors

Assuming they take Vonleh and Hayward is signed the rookies have to beat out Burks, Kanter, Gobert still

[Xiao Yao You]

[QUOTE]The Utah Jazz and the D-League's Idaho Stampede are set to announce a new affiliation on Tuesday.

Jazz general manager Dennis Lindsey and president Randy Rigby will join Stampede president Steve Brandes and managing investor Bill Ilett in Boise on Tuesday afternoon for the announcement.

Last season, Utah was one of five teams to share affiliation with the Bakersfield Jam, sending rookies Ian Clark and Rudy Gobert on multiple assignments with the D-League team during the season.

The two leagues, however, are working toward one-to-one affiliations across the board. And last month, the Jam and the Phoenix Suns announced a hybrid affiliation.

The Jazz now will renew their relationship with the Stampede, giving the NBA club greater control over player development and a chance to grow its fan base in the area.

The deal will make the Fort Wayne Mad Ants, currently associated with 13 NBA teams, the only D-League club with a multiple-team affiliation.
The Jazz previously teamed up with the Stampede in 2006-07 and 2011-12.
The Jazz were affiliated with the Albuquerque Thunderbirds in 2005-06, the Utah Flash from 2007-11, and the Reno Bighorns during the 2012-13 season.

[Xiao Yao You]

Jody Genessy: Per PR, Utah Jazz host a mini-camp from June 10-12 at Zions Bank Basketball Center, with 27 free-agent invitees scheduled to participate. Twitter @DJJazzyJody

[Xiao Yao You]

Aaron Falk: Rudy Gobert underwent an appendectomy in Santa Barbara, Calif., last night, the Jazz say. Back in SLC and recovering later today. Twitter @tribjazz

Rudy Gobert: Surgery went well.Thanks for the support im already walking to my plane. Twitter @rudygobert15

get well soon big guy. Looking for you to dominate the summer league next month.

[Xiao Yao You]

[QUOTE]This past weekend, I was in Utah. That was really cool. It seems like Utah has a good thing going. The new coach Quin Snyder was there. I got to meet him before players on the Jazz got to meet him. He was sitting on the side while we worked out. I played well. I shot well, and I think I showed them my versatility. I talked to the rest of the staff, and I think I had a good showing. By then, the nerves weren

[Xiao Yao You]

Daniele Labanti: #nba Sources: the San Antonio @spurs plan to hire Italian legend Ettore Messina as assistant coach. Full story tomorrow @corrierebologna Twitter

Daniele Labanti: #nba the agreement between ettore messina and the san antonio #spurs will be official after the #nbafinals, source says Twitter

Andrew A. McNeill: After leaving Real Madrid in 2011, Ettore Messina spent a few days in San Antonio hanging out with Pop and his staff. Dude knows Spurs org. Twitter @drew_48moh

So much for him. I'd guess he could be taking over the Spurs once Pop and TD bow out. Jazz need to get an offensive veteran coach I'd think.

[Xiao Yao You]

This might be a dream scenario for the Jazz. While Exum could go to the Bucks, Sixers or Magic (in fact, those are the only teams for whom he's scheduled to work out), there is also a chance he slides. The Bucks and Sixers both have players higher than him on their boards (though workouts might change that), and the Magic are seriously looking at Vonleh at 4. ESPN.com

[Xiao Yao You]

Jorge Sierra: Free agent guard Courtney Fells is attending Utah's mini camp, we're told. Twitter @*********

[Xiao Yao You]

[QUOTE]While Snyder isn

[Xiao Yao You]

http://saltcityhoops.com/due-diligence-the-utah-jazzs-free-agent-mini-camp/

some good names there that might have a chance of making some noise in summer and/or fall

[Xiao Yao You]

[QUOTE]Snyder briefly explained his coaching philosophy in the press conference and media availability. In short, he wants to run a motion offense, with lots of reads, spacing, and unselfishness with the ball. The motion offense

[Xiao Yao You]

Lindsey said that the Jazz will be in charge of the Stampede's coaching staff. In the question and answer following their statements I asked Lindsey what the Spurs did that allowed the Toro's to be successful. (I mentioned that the Toros finished 1st or 2nd in the standings 5 of the 7 years since the Spurs have owned the Toros).

Lindsey gave a beautiful answer. Lindsey talked about the importance of instilling the NBA's team culture into the D-League team. Lindsey said that the Spurs were in charge of the coaching staff. Having that control, the Spurs were able to train the coaching staff, run the Spurs system and decide how players were used. Lindsey made special mention of the young players on the Spurs and the growth they experienced through the Toros. Lindsey said that the Spurs insured that the 12th-15th bench players were young. They didn't want veterans at the end of the bench. By having young players they were able to teach them through their D-League experience. Lindsey gave the example of Danny Green. Green played for the Toros, running the Spurs system, getting the reps and the minutes that the Spurs deemed best. Now he is starting for the Spurs in the NBA Finals. Lindsey wants to do the same with the Jazz and the Stampede.

Long over due! Where was O'Conner? :roll: He never took advantage of their D-League team when it was just down the highway.


Lindsey told me that the Jazz will implement their system with the Stampede. The Jazz will have control over which players are played and how they are used. I asked about which young players would benefit from the affiliation, mentioning Rudy Gobert and Ian Clark. Lindsey said he couldn't mention specific players but did mention how young our team was and then mentioned our three 2014 draft picks.

Lindsey mentioned that this is all possible because Quin Snyder knows the importance of the D-League. Lindsey said that was a contributing factor into why Snyder was hired. Lindsey said that Snyder knows how to develop players. The Jazz have a young team that needs to be developed, Snyder was hired for that role.

:cheers:

[El Kabong]

So much for him. I'd guess he could be taking over the Spurs once Pop and TD bow out. Jazz need to get an offensive veteran coach I'd think.
Buford denied it, but I'm sure he's just making sure everyone is focused on the Finals.

[QUOTE]MIAMI, Florida

[Xiao Yao You]

Buford denied it, but I'm sure he's just making sure everyone is focused on the Finals.

Yeah no reason they'd want to talk about that now.

[Xiao Yao You]

The shooting ability of European forward Damjan Rudez has generated an interest in him as a lower-cost, free-agent possibility, league sources told Yahoo Sports. Yahoo! Sports

Rudez, 27, has been working out for the Cleveland Cavaliers this week. Yahoo! Sports

Several front offices, including Indiana, Toronto and Utah, are taking close looks at him, sources said. Yahoo! Sports

[Xiao Yao You]

Tony Jones: Jazz vets expected to play in summer league: Rudy Gobert. Ian Clark. Malcolm Thomas. Erik Murphy. Diante Garrett Twitter @Tjonessltrib

I would hope so. What about Burke? He needs it. Deron played a couple games after his first year and he was a lot better player. Neto?

[Xiao Yao You]

Tony Jones: Source: Colorado guard Spencer Dinwiddie will interview with the Jazz at some point next week. Twitter @Tjonessltrib

[Xiao Yao You]

Tony Jones: Darvin Ham is on the Jazz radar for the lead assistant job. He's lead assistant with the Hawks right now. So - source says - for Jazz to get Ham, they'd likely have to make him associate head coach to pry him away. Source also says there is big question as to whether the Hawks would even let Ham leave the organization for the Jazz Twitter @Tjonessltrib

Locke did a piece on him a month ago.

http://weareutahjazz.com/lockedonjazz/2014/05/02/tip-off-may-2nd-what-do-you-want-in-coaching-resume-meet-darvin-ham/


Tony Jones: Source told me Brad Jones and Alex Jensen are virtual "definites" to be included on Quin Snyder's staff as assistants Twitter @Tjonessltrib

That would complete the staff. Add another developmental guy and the D-league coaches.

[Xiao Yao You]

Michael Scotto: Utah Jazz have notable players in mini-camp through tomorrow, including: Darius Morris, Orlando Johnson, Tyler Honeycutt and James Nunnally. Twitter @MikeAScotto

Tony Jones: At the Jazz free agent mini-camp this morning. Three local guys: Jason Washburn, Nick Covington and Carlon Brown Twitter @Tjonessltrib

Tony Jones: Jazz coach Quin Snyder, assistant GM Justin Zanik, General Manager Dennis Lindsey were all watching the action this morning Twitter @Tjonessltrib

Jody Genessy: Guest coaches helping Jazz at mini-camp include Curtis Townsend (Kansas), Phil Beckner (Weber), Roy Rana (Canada) and Joe Dooley (Fla GC). Twitter @DJJazzyJody

D-league coach candiadates? I'd assume they'd be looking at players for summer and fall camp and also D-league too.

[Xiao Yao You]

Chris Forsberg: Noah Vonleh said Boston is his fourth workout (after visiting LAL, SAC, ORL). Said this might be final, but considering adding PHI and UTH. Twitter @ESPNForsberg

Why wouldn't he?

[Xiao Yao You]

http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865604954/Hawks-assistant-Darvin-Ham-up-for-Jazz-coaching-position.html


It's possible the 40-year-old Ham would need to be hired as the Jazz's associate head coach, a more lucrative position with some organizations, to be lured away from the Hawks. He's in line to be promoted as Mike Budenholzer's lead assistant in Atlanta, a position Snyder held last season.

Ham played for Snyder in Austin when the two were in the D-League back in 2008. He then retired as a player and began coaching for the Albuquerque Thunderbirds, first as an assistant and then as head coach, until joining Snyder on Mike Brown's staff in L.A. in 2011.

He's got strong ties with Quin.


Brad Jones and Alex Jensen continue to be in contention for assistant positions with the Jazz, as has been reported. It's also possible Jones could be hired by Atlanta. He has ties to Budenholzer from his time as the Austin Toros' head coach from 2010 to 2012.

Other strong possibilities for an assistant job in Utah include Spurs shooting coach Chip Engelland and Hawks assistant Taylor Jenkins, both of whom have ties to Snyder.

Spurs shooting coach would be a get too!

[Xiao Yao You]

[QUOTE]In addition to Ham, Jensen and Jones, The Tribune has learned that Snyder also has talked to current Los Angeles Clippers assistant Howard Eisley

[Xiao Yao You]

[QUOTE]Utah on Wednesday opened a free-agent mini-camp at its practice facility that runs through Thursday. Of the 26 players invited, some will emerge as candidates for Utah

[Xiao Yao You]

The Golden State Warriors and Utah Jazz are interested in hiring Chip Engelland, shooting coach of the San Antonio Spurs.

Steve Kerr succeeded Engelland as the top perimeter gun at Pacific Palisades High School.

Engelland has famously worked with Kawhi Leonard, Tony Parker and Danny Green with the Spurs.

Via Marc Stein/ESPN

[Xiao Yao You]

Michael Scotto: Utah Jazz will bring in Jordan Adams, Patric Young, Jabari Brown, Alec Brown, Chaz Williams and T.J. Bray for workouts tomorrow. #NBADraft Twitter @MikeAScotto

[Xiao Yao You]

Adam Zagoria: Some NBA Draft intel I've heard...Utah loves Dante Exum at 5, Sacramento likes Nik Stauskas at 8 & Charlotte likes McBuckets at 9 Twitter @AdamZagoria

Sounds like they might have a shot at him with Vonleh and Smart possibly moving into the top 4

[El Kabong]

Sounds like they might have a shot at him with Vonleh and Smart possibly moving into the top 4
As an Australian, i'd be over the moon to see Exum on the Jazz, but I still worry he'll flee the first chance he'll get since all the talk is been about him wanting to be in LA.

[Xiao Yao You]

As an Australian, i'd be over the moon to see Exum on the Jazz, but I still worry he'll flee the first chance he'll get since all the talk is been about him wanting to be in LA.

He's denied it. Not sure the Lakers are going to be that desired of a destination anymore as long as Jim Buss is there screwing things up. Don't think the Jazz can worry about it though. You hope you build something and people want to stay. The Rockies would certainly be different for someone from down under.

[Xiao Yao You]

Jeremy Rauch: Former #XUHoops star Semaj Christon has worked out for #76ers, #Thunder, #Jazz, #Celtics, #Heat, #Bulls, #Knicks. Should be 12-13 by draft. Twitter

interesting he tried out for Jazz. I guess he has moved up 10 or so spots?

[Xiao Yao You]

Jody Genessy: Jazz are still hopeful they'll get Noah Vonleh in for a workout. Utah exec Walt Perrin said he looked in shape when he saw him in New York. Twitter @DJJazzyJody

not sure why he wouldn't

[Xiao Yao You]

Adam Zagoria: After his impressive workout for Pat Riley & the Heat on Wednesday, @KyleAnderson5 works out for Utah tomorrow. Twitter @AdamZagoria

[Xiao Yao You]

Teams with whiter fan bases tended to have whiter rosters than teams with less-white fan bases (although at p=0.06, this difference wasn't quite significant by standard measures), while teams with blacker fan bases tended to have blacker rosters than teams with fewer black fans (p=0.01). Deadspin

Not so fast, though. The white fan base vs. white player trend is very dependent on two teams: the Utah Jazz and the Minnesota Timberwolves. Take those teams out, and the trend becomes insignificant (r=0.12, p=.55). If you also remove the Wizards, a black team with a large black fan base, the trend disappears (r=0.04). The black fan base vs. black players trend is more resilient, but its significance also decreases as you start removing the most influential teams (p=0.08 without the Jazz and T'Wolves; p=0.21 if you also cut out the Wizards). Deadspin

[Xiao Yao You]

Marc Stein: Some coaching stuff: Word is Warriors would love, if they could pull it off, to hire Alvin Gentry, David Blatt AND Chip Engelland. But ... Twitter @ESPNSteinLine

Marc Stein: But Gentry and Blatt are both leading candidates for Cleveland's head coaching opening. Can fellow Cavs finalist Tyronn Lue beat both out? Twitter @ESPNSteinLine

Hopefully the Jazz Spurs connection gives them the edge. They could probably give him a better role too.

[Xiao Yao You]

A. Sherrod Blakely: Julius Randle said he is "pain free" and has no plans to have any surgical procedure on his right foot. #Celticstalk. Tony Jones: @SherrodbCSN My man with the Jazz said they aren't scared off by this at all. Twitter @Tjonessltrib

I doubt they take him unless they move down.

[Xiao Yao You]

Tony Jones: Also hearing Jason Washburn and Carlon Brown both played extremely well in the Jazz free agent mini-camp these past few days Twitter @Tjonessltrib

played locally so could see more of them

[Xiao Yao You]

Marc J. Spears: Pelicans aggressively trying to trade into 1st round in hopes of drafting a small forward or center, sources say.2014 1st dealt in Jrue deal Twitter @SpearsNBAYahoo

Maybe they'd want Kanter? Not sure you want to trade him inside the conference to another up and coming team though. Could be a great fit with Davis. Both inside/out on the offensive end. Davis could make up for Enes at the defensive end better than Favors.

Looks like Rivers was a lot better last year. Should be a 6th man combo guard type at least. A bit younger than Enes. Morrow is a nice vet/expiring deal/shooter. Jazz maybe get some other stuff for trading a former 3 pick though Rivers was a 10 himself. NO also has the rights to Pierre Jackson who had a pretty good year in the D League.

http://espn.go.com/nba/tradeMachine?tradeId=ppbnvgf

[Xiao Yao You]

[QUOTE]One of Derrick Favors

[Xiao Yao You]

[QUOTE]Unless the Jazz can pull off some major upgrades beyond acquiring a fine player with the No. 5 pick in the draft, Snyder won

[Xiao Yao You]

[QUOTE]Moke Hamilton: Yes. I

[Xiao Yao You]

Aaron Falk: Noah Vonleh will work out for the Jazz tomorrow. Twitter @tribjazz

Now how about Smart and Exum?

[Xiao Yao You]

Michael Scotto: Noah Vonleh, C.J. Fair, Markel Brown and Jamil Wilson will work out for the Utah Jazz tomorrow. #NBADraft Twitter @MikeAScotto

Jody Genessy: The Utah Jazz have worked out 75 draft hopefuls

[El Kabong]

He could be worth their 2nd first. I thought Phil liked him? He shot well from 3 his 2nd year. He might just need the Jazz's new shooting coach(hopefully) to help him. Not sure if they'd want 3 guys up for extensions or 3 more rookies?
Lots of teams with multiple picks this year. Got Chicago (#16 and #19), Charlotte (#9 and #24), Orlando (#4 and #12), Phoenix (#14, #18 and #27), Philly (#3 and #10), Boston (#6 and #17) and Utah (#5 and #23).

You'd think Phoenix would be interested in the cash for one of their picks (or even a swap, i'm sure Horny would be a big help) and Chicago might like a big guard like Shumpert for pick #19 or Charlotte for #24. Philly's and Orlando's second picks are probably too high for the Knicks to reach.

[Xiao Yao You]

[QUOTE]he had the largest wingspan of any player at the NBA combine (7 foot 4), that he had the second-largest hands of any player in the history of the combine, and at 18 years old is the second-youngest player in next week

[Xiao Yao You]

Tony Jones: Julius Randle will work out for the Utah Jazz tomorrow morning. HUGE workout Twitter @Tjonessltrib

David Locke: Julius Randle will workout only with 6'5 205 guard Michael Burwell out of Towson. Twitter @Lockedonsports

I guess the top 10 player Perrin mentioned

[Xiao Yao You]

http://www.sltrib.com/sltrib/jazz/58079578-87/jazz-wells-coach-toledo.html.csp

I assume he will be lead assistant with his experience?

Maybe another guy to replace Jensen's old role now.

[Xiao Yao You]

[QUOTE]While the 76ers do seem willing to move up, they are not alone. There has been talk that the Utah Jazz would like to move into the top three and may be willing to give up some of the assets the acquired from Golden State last year for a shot at Parker. There was also talk that guard Alec Burks could be had if it netted the Jazz Parker. Expect the

[Xiao Yao You]

Aaron Falk: Perrin says the Jazz don't have concerns about Randle's foot. Twitter @tribjazz

Tony Jones: Perrin said he's talked to Smart's agent four times in hopes of bringing him in for a workout. No dice Twitter @Tjonessltrib

Lame! He's considered a better prospect than Burke I think. No reason he should let that get in the way.

Doubt they're taking Randle unless they trade down or they might be concerned.

[Xiao Yao You]

Jody Genessy: Team indications are to bring John Lucas III back for the second year of his deal with the Jazz if his contract isn't used in a trade. Twitter @DJJazzyJody

No! They have Garrett, Neto and possibly someone else in the draft. They need a vet that can start or back-up possibly a combo guard not Lucas.

[Xiao Yao You]

Tony Jones: Kentucky Forward Julius Randle is currently working out Twitter @Tjonessltrib

Aaron Falk: UConn's DeAndre Daniels just finished his workout with the Jazz. Didn't know his title-game opponent Julius Randle was also in SLC today. Twitter @tribjazz

Tony Jones: Daniels said he has four more workouts remaining, and said that he wanted to finish strong. Definitely in the home stretch now Twitter @Tjonessltrib

[Xiao Yao You]

[QUOTE]Jazz vice president of player personnel Walt Perrin was high on Randle and said the Jazz had

[Xiao Yao You]

Randle’s 6-foot-9, 250-pound frame — making him one of the most NBA-ready bodies to come through town for a workout this summer.

The Jazz have been impressed with Randle since last summer and came away even more so after interviewing him during the pre-draft combine in Chicago last month.

"First and foremost, he’s an absolutely great kid," Perrin said. "We had a great interview with him in Chicago. He has an extremely high motor. He’s a lot stronger than I think he even realizes. He’s got big upside."

Randle, who had 15 points and 10.4 rebounds a game last season at Kentucky, helping the Wildcats reach the national title game, has a chance to be a special offensive player in the league and should be available when the Jazz pick at No. 5 later this month.

"He was probably the most dominant big man [coming out of high school] last summer," Perrin said. "Because of the situation at Kentucky, with all the great players, I think he can show a lot more than he showed at Kentucky."

At his workout, Randle impressed with his shooting, knocking down shots in the 18- to 20-foot range. He also said he was able to fight through the altitude during his first trip to Utah.

On Wednesday, Randle looked up at the banners hanging in the Jazz’s practice facility when asked if he thought he would fit in with the franchise.

"You look up there and see all the accomplishments, all the Jazz organization has done," he said. "I think I fit in right away because I come from a program like that."

And the banner the Jazz are missing — a championship banner — is something Randle says is foremost on his mind.

"My expectations are a championship," he said, "and here would be a great spot for it."

afalk@sltrib.com

Twitter: @tribjazz

another that sounds like he wouldn't mind being there

[Xiao Yao You]

Alex Kennedy: Source: The Bulls may trade both of their first-rounders (#16 and #19) for future firsts, to free up cap space for Carmelo Anthony pursuit. Twitter @AlexKennedyNBA

Jazz have extra firsts in the future if they want to do something

[Xiao Yao You]

Adam Zagoria: One league source tells @SNYtv Joel Embiid "could drop to 3 or 4" now with the foot injury. Twitter @AdamZagoria

The next Hakeem or next Oden?

Would the Jazz want him?

[Xiao Yao You]

Chad Ford: After polling teams, currently Embiid's range appears to be 3-6 right now. Could change when teams see medicals. Twitter @chadfordinsider

Hopefully they at least get to look at the x rays and stuff if he drops to them

[El Kabong]

Rumour making the rounds that with Embiid maybe falling down the Jazz and Cavs are talking a #1 for the #5 and Derrick Favors trade with the Jazz picking Parker. Cavs reckon they can get Embiid at #5.

[Xiao Yao You]

[QUOTE]One league insider claims Dennis Lindsey is working like a madman to move up to get a shot at Jabari Parker, which, no doubt, would please a lot of Jazz fans because Parker is a known talent ready to help now. He also might be a player comfortable thriving in the Utah market, given his familiarity

[Xiao Yao You]

Interesting. Like I've said anyone should be available not necessarily Burks/Kanter that everyone is floating. Gobert/ Kanter/Parker/Hayward/Burke/Burks might be the way go?

[Xiao Yao You]

http://www.sltrib.com/sltrib/jazz/58088661-87/snyder-coach-game-coaching.html.csp

[Xiao Yao You]

[QUOTE]Religion has never been an issue with Jazz fans. Check the banners at EnergySolutions Arena. Only one bears an LDS name: Larry H. Miller. Everyone else wouldn

[Xiao Yao You]

Jody Genessy: Haven't been able to confirm @Joe Kotoch report that Jazz are in talks with Cavs to send #5 pick, Derrick Favors to Cavs for #1 pick. Derrick Favors' camp hadn't heard that the center is rumored to be included in a possible trade between the Jazz and Cavaliers. Twitter @DJJazzyJody

[Xiao Yao You]

[QUOTE]Assuming the Jazz stay at five, the likely choices are Noah Vonleh, Dante Exum and Julius Randle. Who do you get?

The choice here is Vonleh.

From the day they hired Lindsey two years ago, the Jazz have emphasized the great need to improve on defense. Now they have the chance to prove it.


Noah Vonleh could contribute to the Jazz

With the NBA draft just around the corner, teams are wrapping up workouts for potential players. The Utah Jazz are no exception. They've hosted over 80 players and are working to narrow down the prospects. And among these prospects is Noah Vonleh.

At 6-foot-9, 240 pounds, Vonleh is the second-best defensive big man in the draft behind seven-footer Joel Embiid, who is expected to go first to the Cleveland Cavaliers. He could fit in well with Derrick Favors, being able to defend perimeter players and in turn allowing the Jazz center to protect the rim.

[Xiao Yao You]

http://weareutahjazz.com/lockedonjazz/

a bunch of new mocks

[El Kabong]

http://weareutahjazz.com/lockedonjazz/

a bunch of new mocks
I get the reservations on taking Embiid, but at the same time he's got the potential to turn the team around, which is very hard to pass up if he's available.

[Xiao Yao You]

the possibility of the next Hakeem vs another nice piece is hard to pass up but other than Ilgauskas what big man has gotten past broken feet?

[Xiao Yao You]

"I have talked with Marcus

[Xiao Yao You]

Adam Zagoria: One NBA source tells @SNYtv Joel Embiid could fall to 6-10 because of the 'Greg Oden factor. 'GMs are afraid of a top 5 pick.' Twitter @AdamZagoria

Chris Mannix: Several medical experts have described Embiid's type of injury to me as serious. Say navicular bone is the slowest healing in the body Twitter @ChrisMannixSI


Can't blame teams either way. It's a huge gamble with a potentially high pay off.

[Xiao Yao You]

the Utah Jazz want to pick the best player on the board at No. 5. Even if that best player has a few warts.

Embiid?

[QUOTE]"This is the nice thing about this roster," Lindsey said. "It

[Xiao Yao You]

Although many Jazz fans would contend that Derrick Favors is an untouchable player in any trade talk conversations

No one is untouchable. I'd trade Lebron James if it made the team better. Favors(and maybe Hayward) appears to be closest to his ceiling of anyone on the Jazz. He didn't dominate defensively. I trade everyone for a potential superstar. Not sure why another team would do it unless they still think they can get Embiid and want to roll the dice.

[QUOTE], the decision to move Favors for the No. 1 pick is exactly what the Jazz need to do to be competitive moving forward.

Yes, Favors is a fan favorite and would be greatly missed, but he will never be the type of player to lead the Jazz to an NBA title, which is the goal of any team, especially the Jazz who flirted with that dream twice. Favors would be a great asset to help a team get to the finals, and could likely be an All Star, but the Jazz need a superstar. And the Jazz have the potential to get a superstar with Parker.

Favors may be one of the best players on the Jazz roster, but if someone like Jabari Parker, who is expected to be at the top of the Jazz draft board and a potential superstar in the league, is available, the Jazz should agree to any reasonable offer extended. And the Kotoch rumor is exactly the perfect scenario for the Jazz.

The supposed deal would work for both parties involved. The fact that Cleveland is looking to shop the No. 1 pick means it was looking for a power forward or center in the draft. Favors, who has proven his ability to play a significant role as a starter in either position, would fit that role for the Cavs. The Jazz would get a potential superstar for a team lacking a go-to guy and a necessary piece to assembling a team that could someday compete for an NBA title.

Additionally, the Jazz need someone who can consistently score and be the go-to player in clutch situations. In high school, Parker was thought to be the best high school athlete in the country. Parker followed it up by leading an always talented Duke team in scoring (19.1 points) and rebounding (8.7 rebounds).

By all accounts, Parker should be able to make that transition to the NBA, especially with former head coach Mike Krzyzewski

[Xiao Yao You]

Jeff Goodman: One NBA GM picking in Top 10 on Embiid: "My medical people told me flat-out not to take him." Twitter @GoodmanESPN

Adrian Wojnarowski: Joel Embiid's recovery process is expected to cover 4-to-6 months, sources tell Yahoo Sports. Twitter @WojYahooNBA

[Xiao Yao You]

[QUOTE]Multiple NBA sources told SNY.tv that Embiid could even slide to the Utah Jazz at No. 5 or even the Boston Celtics at 6. ZagsBlog.com

Any team that doesn

[Xiao Yao You]

[QUOTE]Joel Embiid had a stress fracture of his back only three months ago and last Friday underwent surgery on his right foot to repair a broken bone. There might not be two worse injuries on a medical record for a 7-footer to enter the NBA with, meaning he

[Xiao Yao You]

[QUOTE]Utah Jazz General Manager Dennis Lindsey is keeping all of his options open for Thursday

[Xiao Yao You]

[QUOTE]This is a STORYLINE post. This will continue to be updated as the latest news and rumors are mentioned. Each will have the Jazz take on the news.

UPDATED : June 21st

[Xiao Yao You]

[QUOTE]There is a good chance his navicular will heal correctly, quickly, and never be a problem again. However, Joel Embiid is a special case. He is an athletic 7 footer, who is light on his feet. He had a foot fracture that was found only recently. We won

[Xiao Yao You]

http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865605625/Jazz-center-Enes-Kanter-to-have-treatment-on-right-knee.html

[El Kabong]

Apparently the Cavs want an unprotected 1st along with #5 and Favors, or they want to do #5, #23, Favors and Burks for #1 and Jarrett Jack.

[El Kabong]

Pretty pleased with picking Exum!

[Xiao Yao You]

Apparently the Cavs want an unprotected 1st along with #5 and Favors, or they want to do #5, #23, Favors and Burks for #1 and Jarrett Jack.

Jack's the kind of vet combo guard they need.

[Xiao Yao You]

Steve Luhm: Exum will apparently wear No. 11, I'm told. Some other No. 11s in Jazz history: Delaney Rudd, Sasha Pavlovic, Earl Watson and Jacque Vaughn. Twitter @sluhm

I hope he's a bit better than any of them were!

[Xiao Yao You]

Tony Jones: Raul Neto - a point guard out of Brazil - will NOT play with the Jazz in next month's summer league, sources inform The Salt Lake Tribune Twitter @Tjonessltrib

Tony Jones: Sources say the Jazz are still deciding whether to bring Neto over for the season, or let him stay overseas and develop another year. Sources say the Jazz are still extremely high on Neto and he figures prominently in future plans with the organization. Neto - who was a 2013 second round pick of the Jazz - had been in Salt Lake City for the previous month Twitter @Tjonessltrib

Tony Jones: The Jazz will continue to watch Neto closely this summer, as he works closely with his national team Twitter @Tjonessltrib

That sucks. Good to hear he's been in town working anyway. I'd guess with Exum's size they could play Burke and Neto too. Also have the D-League team now too.

[Xiao Yao You]

Jody Genessy: Jazz GM Dennis Lindsey insists pre-draft trade reports about Derrick Favors (he didn't mention his name) were "wildly inaccurate." Twitter @DJJazzyJody

[Xiao Yao You]

http://www.deseretnews.com/article/765655832/Dante-Exum-introduces-himself--and-his-Aussie-accent-in-these-short-videos.html

He's already the biggest thing ever in Utah.

[Xiao Yao You]

Ryan Wolstat: Some info from a North American source: Utah and Phoenix were hot after Caboclo, would have taken him if on the board with next picks Twitter @WolstatSun

[Xiao Yao You]

http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865605823/Utah-Jazz-extend-qualifying-offer-to-Gordon-Hayward.html

[Xiao Yao You]

Jody Genessy: Raul Neto will play on the Jazz's Summer League squad, but the addition of Dante Exum all but guarantees he'll play in Spain next year. Twitter @DJJazzyJody

So which reporter has a clue?

[Xiao Yao You]

Michael Scotto: Source: Boston Celtics passed on Noah Vonleh partly due to character concerns. #NBADraft Twitter @MikeAScotto

so I'm guessing the Jazz had no interest than

[Xiao Yao You]

Jody Genessy: Marcus Smart was considered a top-three talent by Utah in '13 before he opted to return to college, so he is well liked by many in the Jazz. Twitter @DJJazzyJody

Jody Genessy: I'm told Trey Burke's camp has "no concerns" about the Jazz possibly drafting Marcus Smart and adding another top-tier point guard to team. Twitter @DJJazzyJody

Jody Genessy: Some believe Jazz will take Aaron Gordon or Noah Vonleh (assuming Embiid/Exum are off board) ahead of Marcus Smart. Decisions, decisions. Twitter @DJJazzyJody

[Xiao Yao You]

Tony Jones: Jazz feel that Gordon could be a jumper away from being a star. Question is whether he can get that jumper, or not Twitter @Tjonessltrib

Tony Jones: Jazz could also trade down.... Vonleh, randle, smart all prominently in consideration at no. 5....McDermott and stauskas are also liked Twitter @Tjonessltrib

[Xiao Yao You]

Adrian Wojnarowski: Marcus Smart is emerging as serious consideration for Utah with fifth pick, league sources tell Yahoo. Smart didn't workout for Jazz. Twitter

[Xiao Yao You]

Aran Smith: ATL promise with Saric at 15. UTAH promise with Adams at 23. Mock Draft 7.0 - Twitter @nbadraftnet

Wonder if they'd have taken him over Hood who dropped.

[El Kabong]

Ryan Wolstat: Some info from a North American source: Utah and Phoenix were hot after Caboclo, would have taken him if on the board with next picks Twitter @WolstatSun
Explains why Toronto took him when everyone was saying they could have gotten him in the 2nd. Still, they reckon it'll be 3-4 years before he'll be ready, big risk on that pick.

[Xiao Yao You]

Brad Jones and Alex Jensen will be retained by the Utah Jazz, as has been reported. Both have also received promotions, with Jones moving up into the lead assistant position, and Jensen, the former University of Utah standout, becoming a full-time assistant, according to sources.

Ex-Duke basketball player Antonio Lang will round out Snyder's bench staff. He has vast overseas experience, including his most recent stints as the head coach of Japan's national team and the Mitsubishi Diamond Dolphins.

Former Ute guard Johnnie Bryant will also remain with the Jazz as a player development coach. Mike Wells, who's coming to Utah from Toledo, will join Bryant on that behind-the-scenes development staff.

interesting I figured Wells would be lead assistant with his experience


"We have assembled a talented group of coaches with a track record of winning and successful player development," Snyder said in a statement released by the team. "They are high-character individuals with a diversity of experience ranging from playing professionally to coaching in the NBA, D-League, collegiately and overseas, and will be invaluable in building a strong foundation for this team."

This will be the third season with the Jazz in this stint for Jones, who was on Tyrone Corbin's staff as an assistant last season and as a player development coach in 2012-13. Jones, the nephew of Jerry Sloan, previously worked for Utah as a regional scout from 2001-07 before moving on to the D-League where he had successful runs as head coach of the Utah Flash and Austin Toros.

Jensen cut his teeth in the coaching ranks under the late Rick Majerus at St. Louis from 2007-11 before guiding the Canton Charge for two seasons. The Centerville native, a former Mr. Basketball who helped lead the Utes to the 1998 NCAA championship game, was named the D-League coach of the year in 2013. He joined the Jazz staff as a player development coach last offseason.

Like Snyder, Lang played for Duke from 1990-94 when he was part of the winningest graduating class in NCAA history. He was drafted 29th overall by the Phoenix Suns in 1994, and played for five different teams in a six-year NBA career. Most of his coaching experience has happened in international hoops, including in Japan since 2006.

Wells began his NBA career in the video room in Houston (a la Jazz GM Dennis Lindsey). He has 17 years of experience at various levels in the league, including with the Rockets, Spurs and Lakers. He was hired by Toledo in April after coaching at South Florida and George Mason.

This will also be Bryant's third season with the Jazz. Following his playing days at Utah, the Utes' all-time 3-point-percentage leader helped train athletes at his Bryant Sports Academy.

EMAIL: jody@desnews.com

TWITTER: DJJazzyJody

[Xiao Yao You]

[QUOTE]From what I heard last night, the Jazz

[Xiao Yao You]

Having one pick fall into your lap requires a bit of luck.

Having two - in the first round - fall your away is a little more than luck.

The Jazz found themselves with Dante' Exum and Rodney Hood.

That means, the Jazz found a potentially elite point guard. That means the Jazz filled a need at small forward with a scorer who can get to the basket and shoot from the perimeter.

Many have called this an A plus haul for Utah. But will they contribute right away?

"I think we're going to have to be patient with Dante'," is how Jazz General Manager Dennis Lindsey put it. Yes, Exum is young, and will need a learning curve. But he also has a ton of talent, and can make an impact with his athleticism alone.

It will be interesting to see how it all turns out. Summer league and free agency are up next.

Tony Jones

Hood might be starting if they lose G.

[Xiao Yao You]

http://saltcityhoops.com/jumping-the-gun-six-free-agents-the-jazz-should-consider/

No pg? they need a vet not named Lucas. Not sure they need any more young guys though.

[Xiao Yao You]

As we were going through the media car wash with Dant

[Xiao Yao You]

[QUOTE]Last season, Jazz forward Marvin Williams showed a sense of leadership that makes him appealing to be a part of Utah

[Xiao Yao You]

Emiliano Carchia: Michael Stockton will play for the Oklahoma City Thunder in the NBA Summer League, I am told Twitter @sportando

Maybe get the younger one in Jazz camp

[Xiao Yao You]

Alex Kennedy: David Stockton (John's son) will play for the Phoenix Suns' summer league team, according to sources. Twitter @AlexKennedyNBA

guess not

[Xiao Yao You]

it’s natural to wonder where free agency fits into Lindsey’s master plan, along with drafting, developing and trading.

“We want to tell our story to top free agents and get that audience,” he said on Friday.

Top free agents. Hmmm.

“We have great wherewithal to pay — even by free agent market terms,” he continued.

Translation: the Jazz have mad cash. OK, at least they have cap room.

“So we’ll look at those and explain our story — which I think is a good story,” Lindsey said.

This is where it gets a little murky.

“Then we’ll move to the different tiers and look at their roles and who could be complimentary to the young guys,” he said.

So the Jazz are apparently going to pitch themselves to the big guys: LeBron James, Carmelo Anthony, Chris Bosh and maybe one or two others — if they’ll listen.

I wouldn't want Carmelo. The others are looking to win.


Then they’ll try for stars whose years are short and/or whose games have dipped, but could tide the Jazz over until the kids become stars. Possibilities are Pau Gasol, Ray Allen, Shawn Marion, Boris Diaw.

Diaw maybe. The others are too old and want to play for rings.


Maybe the Jazz can even acquire a rising star looking for more money or prominence, such as Patty Mills, Greg Monroe or Chandler Parsons.

Rising stars? :rolleyes:

Not sure Monroe works any better with Favors than Kanter but he is someone that might be had. Parsons too might be available if Houston signs another star. Mills might be a nice pick-up too. I thought they should have took a look at him before SA grabbed him.


(Jimmer Fredette is also a free agent. But with Quin Snyder saying defense will be a priority, that option seems unlikely.)

Not everyone has to be great defensively to be a great defensive team. Chicago signed Jimmer. He could fit in the new offense especially since they've got guys with size that could handle the ball and guard the bigger guards. But they didn't want him last year. Doubt that has changed.


Lindsey says he’s optimistic; the hunt hasn’t even begun. He was previously with the Houston Rockets, where “if you had a marquee player, you could attract another player.”

However, he said, “In San Antonio, for whatever reason, there wasn’t a lot of free agent signing, even with Gregg Popovich and Tim Duncan. We got good free agents, but not the ones you’d call marquee, so we had to go to the draft and parlay that via trades and augment with free agency. So I think that model is probably closer to the model we’ve played out here historically.”

LeBron is sounding more distant by the minute.

“I’m trying to tell the story of Salt Lake and the organization and how special this place is," Lindsey said. "I believe that out there somewhere there is a Reggie White, who will leave big markets — leave Philadelphia and go to Green Bay — because he can identify with the values. Hopefully we’ll find a marriage like that."

At the same time, Lindsey isn’t oblivious to the odds. When it comes to marketing and endorsements, players gravitate to Miami, Los Angeles, Boston, New York, Chicago. Lindsey notes Duncan’s unwavering loyalty to small-market San Antonio, which has resulted in championships.

“At the end of the day, I think the average player is looking at the win-loss column, more than he’s looking at his checking account,” Lindsey said. “I really believe that.”

Good, but what the Jazz need are above-average players.

Email: rock@desnews.com; Twitter: @therockmonster; Blog: Rockmonster Unplugged

Most are looking at the money. Need to fill out the roster with some vets and sign G. If there is money left they might be able to take on someone else's salary again too.

[Xiao Yao You]

[QUOTE]Jazz fans were perplexed when the team drafted Tennessee big man Jarnell Stokes and then traded him to Memphis in the second round.
The common thought was that Utah should have received more in return from the Grizzlies for the 35th pick in this loaded draft than the Grizzlies

[Xiao Yao You]

[QUOTE]The Jazz, team sources say, are still high on Neto, whom the organization traded for after Atlanta drafted him 47th overall in 2013. Coincidentally, Jazz coach Quin Snyder, then a Hawks assistant, was among those to be impressed by the 6-foot-2 point guard last year.

Utah hasn

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"My goal is to become one of the best defensive players in the league someday," Hood said Friday.

Smiling, Snyder replied, "I

[Xiao Yao You]

David Pick: Tyler Honeycutt, I'm told, is weighing NBA comeback over high paying Euro-offers. He auditioned for the Jazz, Rockets and Warriors. Twitter @IAmDPick

[Xiao Yao You]

Jody Genessy: The Phoenix Suns are expected to make Gordon Hayward a significant offer, possibly a max deal, but Utah Jazz will match, per sources. Twitter @DJJazzyJody

Jody Genessy: Jazz are prepared to match any offers to restricted free agent Gordon Hayward, per sources. Phoenix, Boston and Charlotte all interested. Twitter @DJJazzyJody

I hope that is wrong!

[Xiao Yao You]

Tony Jones: Recently spoke with Mark Bartlestein, the agent of Jazz restricted FA forward Gordon Hayward. He said "intentions are good on both sides." Twitter @Tjonessltrib

Jody Genessy: The Jazz hope to re-sign RFA Gordon Hayward and UFA Marvin Williams but aren't expected to be overly active in free agency, per sources. Twitter @DJJazzyJody

Tony Jones: Regarding the Jazz and Marvin Williams, sides are expected to speak at some point on Tuesday, league source tells the Salt Lake Tribune Twitter @Tjonessltrib

Tony Jones: Williams is an unrestricted free agent. Reports state that he is getting significant interest among the contenders Twitter @Tjonessltrib

bye bye Marvin! :cheers:

[Xiao Yao You]

Jody Genessy: Jazz players at summer league: Trey Burke, Dante Exum, Rodney Hood, Rudy Gobert, Diante Garrett, Ian Clark, Erik Murphy, Malcolm Thomas. Twitter @DJJazzyJody

Good to see Trey there. Who's headed to Spokane this summer?

[Xiao Yao You]

Tony Jones: even with interest from others, Marvin Williams is open to returning to the Utah Jazz, league source tells the Salt Lake Tribune Twitter @Tjonessltrib

[El Kabong]

Probably best for Marvin to move to a contender. Would be a decent bench option on a good team.

[Xiao Yao You]

Sources tell The Salt Lake Tribune that the Jazz will tier the available free agents, have conversations and see where there is a common interest. But at the top of the priority list is Hayward, the best all-around player on the team. While the former Butler star will have significant interest on the market, Lindsey has said for two months that the Jazz plan to match whatever offer comes his way. Salt Lake Tribune

Mark Bartelstein

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While Bartelstein seemed more than optimistic about Hayward, an NBA source said Williams has enjoyed his time in Utah and is "open and willing" to returning to the Jazz. His being an unrestricted free agent makes things more complicated for Utah

[El Kabong]

[QUOTE=Xiao Yao You]While Bartelstein seemed more than optimistic about Hayward, an NBA source said Williams has enjoyed his time in Utah and is "open and willing" to returning to the Jazz. His being an unrestricted free agent makes things more complicated for Utah

[Xiao Yao You]

front load it. overpay him this year. save money for Burks and Kanter next year

[Xiao Yao You]

LeBron James will have a completely different process and a different priority when he opens his free agency at midnight tonight that he did in 2010, sources told ESPN.com. Teams who contact James will be informed that he wants no less than the maximum salary number for next season, sources said. The max number is projected to be $22.2 million. In 2010, James accepted a pay cut when he signed with the Miami Heat, taking less than the maximum salary to help make space for other free agents. ESPN.com

Also, as of now, James is not scheduling any pitch meetings with teams -- he will let agent Rich Paul handle the opening stages of talks. In 2010, he scheduled six meetings with teams at his offices in Cleveland over the first three days of July. James' demands for the length of his next deal is in flux. After the Finals, James said flexibility was important to him, hinting that he may not be looking for a full four or five-year contract. ESPN.com

Currently seven teams have the cap space to offer James a deal starting at $22.2 million next season: the Heat, the Dallas Mavericks, the Los Angeles Lakers, the Phoenix Suns, the Utah Jazz, Philadelphia 76ers and the Orlando Magic. ESPN.com

Dream big? :oldlol:

[Xiao Yao You]

Adrian Wojnarowski: Two teams planning to make offers to their own restricted free agents within next day or two: Jazz (Gordon Hayward) and Suns (Eric Bledsoe). Twitter @WojYahooNBA

Could know soon

[Xiao Yao You]

One high priority Utah has, according to a team source, is a big man who can provide shooting and veteran experience. The 28-year-old Williams could fit that need, but he's also reportedly in demand elsewhere.

On draft night, Lindsey was asked to expound on the team's free-agency blueprint, and he seemed to indicate that the team wouldn't shy from reaching out to available top-tier players. While it's highly unlikely LeBron James, Carmelo Anthony or Dirk Nowitzki will land in Utah, the organization doesn't want to shut doors before at least presenting its case to the most appealing players.

"Our goal is to tell the Utah Jazz story and why this is a very attractive situation to free agents that we think could impact us the most," Lindsey said. "If we get a good audience, we’ll have a lot of money to spend on a high-impact player if that comes to fruition. If not, then we’ll look at different tiers and different roles."

Possibilities in the non-superstar tier include the likes of Detroit big man Greg Monroe, Houston forward Chandler Parsons, Washington forward Trevor Ariza, Lakers power forward Pau Gasol and Spurs forward Boris Diaw, among others.
Can't see Gasol. Tomic has been compared to him.


One thing the Jazz have going for them is financial flexibility.

Even with Utah center Derrick Favors' four-year, $49 million kicking in this fall, the Jazz only have a guaranteed payroll of $32 million for eight players for the 2014-15 season. And that includes the rookie salaries of Exum ($3.6 million) and Hood ($1.3 million).

The salary cap for next season is expected to be about $63.2 million.

Might be another deal taking on a contract like Lin.


"There's quite a few needs relative to experience and leadership and shooting and a serious mindset that will help continue to move our young group forward," Lindsey said. "There's a lot of characteristics. There’s several positions that we want to look at. There's always a dollar sign attached to all of that. Hopefully, we’ll make good value judgments there."

Hayward is set to make $4.7 million for his fifth season if a deal isn't worked out (a highly unlikely scenario), but his salary could be triple that depending on how negotiations go.

Thanks to the revised CBA, which encourages teams to keep their own players, the Jazz could offer Hayward a max deal of about $85.2 million over five years.

Utah, sources say, will allow the market to dictate the price for Hayward, and that's where the Jazz have the advantage. Other NBA teams, if salary space permits, can only offer a max deal of $63.5 million to Hayward over four years.

For comparison's sake, Indiana small forward Paul George, selected one spot after Hayward (ninth) in the 2010 draft, received a max deal for five years for $95 million.

Phoenix is among the interested teams that has room to make a large offer to Hayward (if the Suns' reported plan of luring James and Anthony to Phoenix doesn't pan out). Hayward developed a strong relationship with Suns coach Jeff Hornacek during the first three seasons of his career when the former Jazz shooting guard was a shooting coach and assistant, and the coach has always spoken highly of his former pupil.

“I truly believe in a couple of years he can be an All-Star in this league if he continues to work on his game," Hornacek said of Hayward last season.

The Jazz hold the cards to thwart that possible reunion — or one with his Butler coach, Brad Stevens, in Boston or another with Al Jefferson in Charlotte — and Utah intends to play that hand.

I can't imagine he wants to play Al ball again.


"We’re really pleased with Gordon, who he is, who he’s become as a player," Lindsey said. "We think that he’s got some unique skills. We think Coach (Quin) Snyder’s system will bring out some of the skills he’s already shown, maybe even to a greater degree. We anticipate that Gordon will be with the Jazz for a long time."

Hayward struggled with his shot this past season as the team's go-to guy, but he was only one of five NBA players and the only other Jazzman besides Pete Maravich to average more than 16 points (16.2), five assists (5.2) and five rebounds (5.1) during a season.

Hayward, a Jazz captain last season, was invited to try out for the USA men's national team this July in Las Vegas with 27 other elite American basketball players.

While finding another big man and shooting remain priorities for the Jazz this offseason — either through free agency or trades — the team plans to keep veteran playmaker John Lucas III. The 31-year-old playmaker has a nonguaranteed deal through the 2014-15 season, but Utah likes his professionalism and leadership attributes that can continue to help young points Burke and Exum.

lame


Utah could again look to take on some other teams' salaries, as it did last offseason when it received two first-round picks, second-round selections and cash in exchange for the Warriors' Richard Jefferson, Andris Biedrins and Brandon Rush and their $24 million salaries. But this offseason it might be hard for the Jazz to find a parter willing to exchange one first-round pick, let alone two.

Can't expect as much but if nothing else works out why not.


Whatever happens, Lindsey contends that the Jazz won't skip steps en route to building a championship-level organization.

"Teams, players are like water, they always find their level. The results never lie. We won't run from what we did a few years ago with (trading) Deron Williams or what we did last year with our extreme youth movement," Lindsey said when asked if Thursday's draft selections helped moved the Jazz a step closer to their ultimate goal.

"We had a greater goal in mind when we decided to take a step back relative to our team experience, so this is another step we think in a positive direction. With that said, Dante’s less than 19 years old. We have to temper expectations for him, especially, and let him find his way and nature take its course."

I agree but the NBA isn't set up to be too patient as we see with Enes now.


While teams can begin negotiating tonight at 10 MDT, the NBA doesn't allow contracts to be signed until July 10. Utah can also begin working on extensions with Kanter and Burks from now through Oct. 31.

XXXXXXXX

NBA.com free agent rankings

LeBron James, SF
Carmelo Anthony, SF
Dirk Nowitzki, PF
Dwyane Wade, SG
Eric Bledsoe, PG
Kyle Lowry, PG
Isaiah Thomas, PG
Pau Gasol, PF
Kris Humphries, PF
Jordan Hill, PF
Lance Stephenson, SG
Chris Bosh, PF
Marcin Gortat, C
Andray Blatche, C
Paul Pierce, SF
Amar'e Stoudemire, C
Patty Mills, PG
Chris Andersen, PF
Greg Monroe, C
D.J. Augustin, PG
Ramon Sessions, PG
Gordon Hayward, SF
Chandler Parsons, SF
Spencer Hawes, C
Darren Collison, PG
EMAIL: jody@desnews.com

TWITTER: DJJazzyJody

[Xiao Yao You]

[QUOTE]UPDATED

[El Kabong]

I like Patrick Patterson. Wouldn't be upset if they signed him at all, although I doubt it will happen.

[Xiao Yao You]

Sources indicated that the Lakers also contacted representatives for Houston's Chandler Parsons, Utah's Gordon Hayward and Sacramento's Isaiah Thomas - all of whom are restricted free agents. ESPN.com

Kobe like G

[Xiao Yao You]

Jared Zwerling: Hearing Ariza has a lot of interest, & he has big interest in a warm-weather city (Lakers?) & in $8 to $11 mil range. Wiz still intriguing. Twitter @JaredZwerling

Tony Jones: Jazz and RFA Gordon Hayward have talked tonight, league source tells The Salt Lake Tribune. Both sides are expected to continue talks on Tue Twitter @Tjonessltrib

Sounds like Utah is out of the Ariza sweepstakes. Don't think they need him unless G leaves anyway.

[Xiao Yao You]

Tony Jones: Second league source tells The Tribune tonight that Marvin Williams loves Utah and really wants to be with the Jazz Twitter @Tjonessltrib

:rant

[Xiao Yao You]

Jody Genessy: Can confirm that the Utah Jazz plan to make a contract offer to restricted free agent Gordon Hayward in the next couple of days. Twitter @DJJazzyJody

Tony Jones: can confirm Jazz interest in free agent small forward Trevor Ariza....perfect 3 and D type for Utah and new system Twitter @Tjonessltrib


With Hood and G not sure they would need Ariza. I'd think he's more of a back-up plan. G could spend more time at the 2 but with Burks, Exum and Burke not sure how much time is there either.

[Xiao Yao You]

Tony Jones: league source says that Lakers power forward Ryan Kelly is one name the Jazz could be interested in as FA wears on Twitter @Tjonessltrib

[Xiao Yao You]

Right as the free agency period started last summer, Paul Millsap, then a Beehive State resident, received a visit to his Utah home from Jazz general manager Dennis Lindsey.

Although Utah brass wanted Millsap to know how much they thought of him, the relationship ended later in the week when the seven-year Jazz power forward signed a two-year deal with Atlanta.

They didn't think much of him obviously. I'd much rather have Millsap and Demarre at the price they signed for than Hayward at max and Marvin at whatever he gets.

[QUOTE]This time around, the Jazz didn

[Xiao Yao You]

The Jazz were thought to be in the mindset of allowing the market to dictate Hayward

[Xiao Yao You]

As free agency wears on, the Jazz have an interest in adding "more shooting in more spots," a league source tells The Salt Lake Tribune.

One of the names that could pop up is Los Angeles Lakers forward Ryan Kelly.

He fits the mold of what Quin Snyder wants, which is a big man who can shoot the ball, stretch the floor and open up space for the guards to get to the rim. Kelly had a good rookie season with the Lakers, although he did battle foot issues.

But he can shoot. And right now - with Marvin Williams a free agent - the Jazz could use shooting in that spot.

Kelly also has size. He

[Xiao Yao You]

Hayward played out the season without a deal, and shouldered the load of being the Jazz's top option. He averaged 16 points and better than five rebounds and five assists a game, though he struggled with his shot.

"Last year was a great learning experience for him," Bartelstein said. "It was the first time he was put in that role. It was a huge adjustment. Teams were game-planning for him. It was a gigantic challenge. There were times he struggled, but those challenges are how players grow. There's no doubt what he went through last year will help him."

Will it help Hayward financially?

We'll see.

I'd think it could hurt him. I think that may have been part of his problem last year. He was 2nd guessing the money he gave up as he struggled with his shooting. The max deal stuff is hard to imagine really.

[QUOTE]Hayward is a talented wing in a free agent class that looks short on them. The 24-year-old will indeed shop around during his first taste of free agency.

[Xiao Yao You]

UPDATED

[Xiao Yao You]

Mark Murphy: Celtics contacted approximately 30 players last night, according to source. Gordon Hayward and Chandler Parsons are on the list. Twitter @Murf56

[Xiao Yao You]

Adrian Wojnarowski: Rival teams believe that Atlanta's Mike Scott is a restricted agent who can be had with a strong offer sheet. Hawks protecting cap space. Twitter @WojYahooNBA

well duh!

[El Kabong]

Not too worried about Marvin staying now that Corbin is out as coach. He's still worth keeping around for 10-15 minutes a game.

[Xiao Yao You]

Baxter Holmes: Have been told that both Danny Ainge and Brad Stevens have contacted Utah

[Xiao Yao You]

Jody Genessy: I'm told seven teams, including the Jazz, are showing interest in Marvin Williams. RT @jared123j: Any word on Marvin yet? Twitter @DJJazzyJody

fingers crossed

[Xiao Yao You]

[QUOTE]UPDATED - July 1st 5:39 pm

The two teams mentioned the most with Gordon Hayward today have been the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Boston Celtics.

The Cavaliers just finalized their deal with Kyrie Irving and are now looking for the next targer. The Cavs are not in play for the main targets so Hayward might be a nice addition.

Will be interesting to see if Hayward is willing to take an offer sheet from Cleveland, a place I don

[Xiao Yao You]

"Naturally, there is mutual interest," tweeted Baxter Holmes, the Globe's Celtics beat writer. "Stevens would of course love to coach Hayward again, and I

[Xiao Yao You]

This off-season the Utah Jazz will be taking part of the Las Vegas Summer league for the first time. So long cross country flights to Orlando, hello moving past old grudges and moving on with our lives! (I love this new Jazz front office, btw) The team has not made any official announcement just yet; however, through sleuthing you can find out some of the people who are currently scheduled to play for the team.

They are point guards Trey Burke, Dante Exum, and Diante Garrett; shooting guards Ian Clark and Khalif Wyatt; face up tweeners Rodney Hood and Malcolm Thomas; and centers Rudy Gobert, Greg Somogyi, Erik Murphy, and Jason Washburn. This is an incomplete list, as it's only 11 players. In the last two seasons the Jazz brought 17 (back in 2012) and 19 (back in 2013) players to summer league. I can expect that the Jazz add a few names to this list by the time the games start -- they did just finish working out 90+ players during the predraft period, and just worked out about another 30 guys in a free agent mini camp.

Player Pos HT WT Age From Last seen Last team League
1 Trey Burke 1 6 1 190 21.65 Michigan On Team Utah Jazz NBA
2 Dante Exum 1 2 6 6 190 18.98 Australia Drafted High School Australia
3 Diante Garrett 1 2 6 4 190 25.76 Iowa St. On Team Utah Jazz NBA
4 Ian Clark 2 1 6 3 173 23.31 Belmont On Team Utah Jazz NBA
5 Khalif Wyatt 2 6 4 205 23.08 Temple New Face Springfield Armor NBA-DL
6 Rodney Hood 3 4 6 8 215 21.71 Duke Drafted Duke NCAA
7 Malcolm Thomas 3 4 6 9 225 25.66 San Diego St On Team Utah Jazz NBA
8 Rudy Gobert 5 7 2 245 22.03 France On Team Utah Jazz NBA
9 Greg Somogyi 5 7 3 242 24.77 Hungary Predraft Workout '13 Alba Fehervar Hungary
10 Erik Murphy 5 4 6 10 230 23.70 Florida On Team Utah Jazz NBA
11 Jason Washburn 5 4 6 10 242 24.09 Utah Free Agent Camp '14 Brussels Belgium

Yeah. Right now it looks a little heavy at point guard and center. I can understand why Raul Neto isn't urged to play here as instead got the blessings from the Jazz to play for Brazil this summer. A return to the floor where the magic happened will be good for Ian Clark, and I hope he gets the ball in his hands. He didn't with the Jazz last season.

With this type of roster the team should try to speed up the tempo, and be able to attack the defense from a number of angles with dribble penetration. The bigs are really big and should be able to box out, get rebounds, set screens, and get out of the way. I think it would be silly to see the team try to run the Alfense and post up a big guy and see if he can go one-on-one, which is what the team did in Orlando the last few years.

I wonder who the Jazz front office will fill out this team with. The games start in 10 days, and the Jazz schedule can be found here. (It's worth the look, it's a detailed view of the times, dates, and locations of each game so you can better plan your trip)

[Xiao Yao You]

Marc Stein ✔ @ESPNSteinLine
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Jazz vowing to match any offer to RFA Gordon Hayward but fresh rumbles tonight that Cavs weighing wisdom of big offer sheet to Hayward

3:19 PM - 1 Jul 2014

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Brian Windhorst: Cavs believed to be preparing a max offer sheet for restricted free agent Gordon Hayward, sources said. Yahoo reported he is visiting today Twitter @WindhorstESPN

Adrian Wojnarowski: Utah RFA Gordon Hayward is meeting with Cavaliers officials in Cleveland today, sources tell Yahoo. Offer sheet could be forthcoming. Twitter @WojYahooNBA

Steve Luhm: Keep hearing Jazz fans/employees think Hayward-to-Utah is a done deal. Just match best offer. But he's a midwest guy. So is his new wife. Twitter @sluhm

Paul Flannery: 1. A max offer for Gordon Hayward is not the same as a max offer for LeBron James. 2. He's restricted and teams need to overpay to get him. Twitter @Pflanns

Tony Jones: Keep in mind, the Jazz can do a sign and trade if they don't want to match a max offer. question would be who on the cave do the jazz want Twitter @Tjonessltrib

Got to let him go if true. If he'd rather be in Cleveland than SLC than they deserve each other. Cavs have some good young pieces maybe they can get in a sign and trade. Can look for a vet to mentor Hood. Not Marvin.

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Ken Berger: If Cavs make max offer to Gordon Hayward, it would be a four-year, $63m deal starting at $14.8m. He made $3.5m last season. Twitter @KBergCBS

**** that shit! Almost 16 million a year. :facepalm

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Marc J. Spears: The Jazz and Lakers free agent guard Kent Bazemore's camp have had some preliminary contract talks, a source said. Twitter @SpearsNBAYahoo

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Adrian Wojnarowski: Cleveland's belief that Utah will match any Hayward offer sheet is strongly discouraging Cavs from extending one, league sources tell Yahoo. Twitter @WojYahooNBA

Which is why the Jazz say they will match. Got to believe they won't be that stupid

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The Cleveland Cavaliers will not be giving restricted free agent small forward Gordon Hayward an offer sheet after his visit with the team on Wednesday, a person with knowledge of the situation told USA TODAY Sports. The person spoke on the condition of anonymity because of the sensitive nature of the situation. USA Today Sports

Hayward, 23, is one of the top young free agents on the market, but the widespread belief is that the Utah Jazz would match any offer that comes his way. As USA TODAY Sports reported Monday, Hayward was expected to draw interest from the Boston Celtics, Phoenix Suns, the Lakers, Chicago Bulls, Miami Heat, Houston Rockets, Memphis Grizzlies and others. USA Today Sports

The Cavaliers' reluctance to tie up a large chunk of their salary cap space (approximately $16 million) may or may not be tied up to their belief that LeBron James is still considering the notion of leaving the Miami Heat. They have been considered a legitimate option for the four-time MVP, who played seven seasons for the Cavs in his home state before leaving in 2010, but teams have become increasingly skeptical that he's strongly considering an exit. USA Today Sports


Boston appears to be out too

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Dave McMenamin: Source says the talks between Kent Bazemore and the Utah Jazz have moved past the preliminary stage, but the sides are not close to a deal Twitter @mcten

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Barry Jackson: Besides Anthony Morrow, Heat also has reached out to Marvin Williams. With limited space, Heat searching for reasonably priced wing players. Twitter @flasportsbuzz

Do it Pat!

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Tony Jones: League source confirms to The Salt Lake Tribune that the Jazz have preliminary interest in combo guard Kent Bazemore Twitter @Tjonessltrib

Tony Jones: League Source said that while the Jazz have been quiet behind the scenes, they are open to almost any FA scenario should it benefit them Twitter @Tjonessltrib

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UPDATED

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[QUOTE]The Cleveland Cavaliers may or may not offer Jazz small forward Gordon Hayward a hefty contract in free agency. If not, another team around the league could swoop in with a significant offer sheet for the restricted free agent. Ultimately

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League sources also confirm to The Tribune that the Jazz have had talks with free agent guard Kent Bazemore, a 6-foot-5 athlete who showed flashes of promise last season after a midseason trade to the Los Angeles Lakers. Salt Lake Tribune

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According to league sources, the Wizards also have reached out to Anthony Morrow, Marvin Williams, PJ Tucker, Luol Deng and Danny Granger, among others. Washington Post

yeah!

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Tony Jones: League source said, Jazz have had multiple free agent conversations, but are focused on Gordon Hayward. Twitter @Tjonessltrib

Tony Jones: League source says Jazz are confident Hayward can take a leap, therefore not concerned at all about paying him top dollar Twitter @Tjonessltrib

should be worried

[El Kabong]

With FA's flying off the shelves I think you'll see a lot of teams hesitant on tying up all their capspace for 3 days on Hayward on a deal that'll just get matched. Will leave them missing out on a lot of deals. I hope most stay away and the Jazz can get him on a good deal.

[Xiao Yao You]

So Miami is concentrating on getting commitments from shooters like Anthony Morrow and Marvin Williams. But they

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[QUOTE]Forward-guard Gordon Hayward, one of the top free agents in this class, has scheduled a visit with the Charlotte Hornets for early next week, the Observer has learned. Charlotte Observer

Jefferson and Hayward are friends from their time together in Salt Lake City. A source familiar with the situation said Jefferson has been recruiting Hayward and will be part of the Hornets

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In a move to create salary cap space, the Toronto Raptors have reached an agreement to send Steve Novak to the Utah Jazz, league sources told Yahoo Sports. Yahoo! Sports

Along with Novak and the two years and $7.2 million left on his contract, the Raptors will send a future second-round draft pick to Utah, sources said. The deal can't be completed until the league's moratorium ends on Thursday. Yahoo! Sports

The Jazz will send the Raptors guard Diante Garrett, who, with a $915,000 non-guaranteed deal for this season, will be waived, sources said. Yahoo! Sports

Means Marvin is gone maybe? Novak starting? :(

I guess they could pick up Garrett again. Bazemore might take his spot if they sign him though.

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David Aldridge: Marvin Williams solidly on "next" line for threes after top four/five. Talking with Spurs, Heat, Wizards, Hornets, Clips, Magic, Suns. Twitter @daldridgetnt

You go Marvin! :cheers:

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Jody Genessy: Hayward's agent: "We're in the middle of the process and we've just got to work our way through it. Obviously people are interested in him." Twitter @DJJazzyJody

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The move makes real sense for the Jazz for one reason, Novak can really shoot the ball from the outside. That is the only really effective part of his game, and everyone knows it, including Novak. He can shoot it so well from beyond the arc (43.2 percent for his career), that he has managed to last eight seasons in the NBA on that one skill alone.

Novak is the true definition of a stretch 4 on the offensive end because all he wants to do is shoot the 3-point shot. In fact, Novak has attempted more than three times as many shots from beyond the arc (1,268 3-point attempts) as shots from inside it (368 2-point attempts), over the course of his career, according to Basketball-reference.com. He was at his best with the Knicks in 2011-12 when Novak led the league in 3-point percentage (47.2 percent on 5.2 attempts a game) while averaging a career-high 8.8 points a night.

While not a big-time producer, Novak can find time with the Jazz thanks to the skill set of most of their guards. Dante Exum, Alec Burks and Gordon Hayward (if he is re-signed) are all most effective when putting the ball on the floor and getting to the rim. That is where Novak fits in. He can space the floor and take away the opportunity for teams to double. That will also open up space on the block for Derrick Favors and Enes Kanter to go to work.

Novak won't get big minutes on the floor but should be a valuable piece on the second unit for the Jazz that really struggled to score a season ago.

Jay Yeomans is a courier by day and a freelance writer by night. He is the creator and lead writer of the website jmoneysports.com. Contact him at jmoney34@hotmail.com. Twitter: @jmoneysports

He might start and ideally he is an end of the bench minimum salary guy.

[Xiao Yao You]

It's uncertain if the Jazz will continue to pursue free agent forward Marvin Williams, whom the team has reached out to this week. The 6-9 Williams played an appreciated role as a stretch-four player and was a valued locker room presence in Utah for his two seasons.

Maybe if G leaves they could bring him back at the 3 otherwise I wouldn't think so now. Novak might be next in line for my hate. They keep replacing each other. From Harris to Marvin to Novak.


Garrett was a D-League success story this past season for Utah after being called up from the Iowa Energy in November. He had a nonguaranteed contract for $915,000 for the 2014-15 season, but Yahoo reported that he will be waived after this deal is finalized.

Garrett had been planning on participating with the Jazz in the NBA Summer League in Las Vegas from July 11-21.

There should be interest in him around the league. He showed he could shoot, defend and play a couple of positions with good size at the 1


This isn't on the scale of the salary dump the Jazz helped Golden State pull off last summer when Utah received two first-round picks, multiple second-rounders and cash in exchange for taking on $24 million worth of expiring contracts of Richard Jefferson, Andris Biedrins and Brandon Rush.

However, the move will clear up some payroll space for Toronto and help the Jazz inch closer to the salary basement. Novak has two years and $7.2 million remaining on his contract.

Utah's main priority in this free agency period remains the same: re-sign restricted free agent Gordon Hayward to a long-term deal. He will reportedly visit Charlotte next week, but sources continue to insist that the Jazz are intent on matching any offers made to the 24-year-old swingman.

Novak's best season came in 2012-13 when he averaged 8.8 points on 47.8 percent shooting for the New York Knicks. He only averaged 3.3 points and 10 minutes in 54 games last season after being traded to the Raptors from New York.

EMAIL: jody@desnews.com

TWITTER: DJJazzyJody

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The Jazz, according to sources, fully intend on keeping Hayward in the fold and matching any offer that comes the swingman's way. Knowing this reportedly made Cleveland hesitant to immediately give the former Butler star a contract offer sheet during their get-to-know-you meeting Wednesday.
Which I think is the idea with saying they will match anything. Can't see them actually matching any offer.

[QUOTE]While other teams continue to show interest in Hayward, Jazz management made certain to express its feelings about the athlete Monday night. Coach Quin Snyder and general manager Dennis Lindsey both reached out to Hayward and his agent over the phone as soon as the free agency negotiating period began.

On Friday, Hayward's agent, Mark Bartelstein, said he preferred to not list teams that are currently expressing interest in the 6-foot-8 guard/forward. Like the Jazz, Hayward's camp would rather keep the free agency business dealings private.

"We're in the middle of the process and we've just got to kind of work our way through it," Bartelsein told the Deseret News. "He's a free agent. Obviously people are interested in him."

Although it's good for Hayward to have interest from elsewhere, Utah has the upper hand over other NBA teams in this contract negotiating process. Because he's their restricted free agent, the Jazz can offer Hayward more money and one extra year than anybody else. The max he could receive from other teams is about $63 million over four years, while the Jazz would be allowed to sign him for around $85 million and five years.

Some sources believe Hayward will ultimately receive upwards to a max offer from another team because this summer's free agency pool is limited and multiple franchises have money to spend. Getting a versatile player like Hayward is enticing to some squads because, even though his shooting has slipped every year in the NBA, he's considered to be above average at many aspects of the game even when not scoring.

Jazz general manager Dennis Lindsey indicated recently that he believes the likelihood of Hayward returning to Utah is "very, very strong." He's also acknowledged that he wants Hayward to improve his leadership skills and to focus on having more fun while playing basketball in the future.

"We

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Before the Jazz embark on their 10-day visit to Las Vegas for summer league, the participants will cap off a training camp with an open practice for fans. The free event will take place next Thursday at EnergySolutions Arena, with doors opening for the 7 p.m. workout at 6 p.m.

Not only will fans be able to check out Jazz draft acquisitions Dante Exum and Rodney Hood, but the first 10,000 spectators to arrive to the arena will receive a T-shirt featuring the two rookies.

Might have went but have concert plans!

[QUOTE]Utah hasn

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http://saltcityhoops.com/should-utah-extend-alec-burks/

[QUOTE] a few smart folks I talked to while preparing this piece pegged him in the $6-$7 million/year range, while a few others were a little higher on him. On yesterday

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http://cdn0.vox-cdn.com/assets/4711640/Utah_Jazz_Future_Draft_Picks.png

That Memphis pick gives them 3 that year so I imagine even though it probably isn't as good of a pick as the one they gave up they figure with 3 they'll be able to package them together and do something more.

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[QUOTE]With new coach Quin Snyder, who is considered to be a development guru, it is likely he

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[QUOTE]He is not capable of being a starter even in the case of injury so this doesn

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While Morrow continues to attract attention, the Pelicans' primary focus continues to be finding a willing trade partner to move either Eric Gordon, Austin Rivers or center Alexis Ajinca in an effort to create enough cap space to absorb center Omer Asik's $8.3 million salary. New Orleans Times-Picayune

Jazz?

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Adrian Wojnarowski: Meanwhile, Rockets, Cavs pushing closer to creating max contract slots. Deals lined up for Jeremy Lin. Cavs shopping Jarrett Jack w/ a pick. Twitter @WojYahooNBA

Jack I'd love! Maybe get a 1st to take him too?


Marc J. Spears: Lakers free agent G Kent Bazemore is receiving interest from BOS (meeting), SA (meeting), ATL, HOU, UTAH, GS, LAL, PHX, DAL, a source said. Twitter

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The Cavaliers want to engage the Jazz on a sign-and-trade for Hayward, but Utah has shown no inclination to do anything with Cleveland but unblinkingly match an offer sheet and keep Hayward, league sources told Yahoo Sports. Yahoo! Sports

If that's max or even close do it. Cavs have some nice pieces.

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Dwain Price: According to a reliable source, the #Mavs still have #Jazz RFA Gordon Hayward on their wish-list. Twitter @DwainPrice

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Eric Pincus: The Kings do not want to re-sign RFA Isaiah Thomas but if the offer is cheap enough from another team- they will-Lakers at $2.7 mil is cheap Twitter @EricPincus

I'd like him at that price

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[QUOTE]As responsibilities have increased, Hayward

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Beyond Lucas, the Jazz have few options. They could bring back Ian Clark, however, he didn't get a lot of time with the ball in his hands much last season. Furthermore, he's not really a defensive guard either, and he's not exactly a veteran either. Jameer Nelson (recently waived by the Orlando Magic), Ramon Sessions (formerly of half the league), Kirk Hinrich (who will not be allowed to wear #12 here), and Luke Ridnour (FRODO!) are possibilities if we want to go out there and spend money. All of those guys would actually want to play though. So, uh, it's unlikely that any of them want to come to a team that has Burke and Exum. If you keep going down the list you eventually get to guys like Shelvin Mack (G-time's boy), but he's not really experienced either. A perfect situation would be to get Chauncey Billups -- but that's a pipe dream. There's no way he'll come here. And most likely, no way that the Jazz would look at him. They have their man in Lucas already, when you read between the lines. And I think that's absurd.

Dream Situation: Chauncey Billups or Earl Watson

Nightmare / Reality: John Lucas III

Strength or Weakness: This should be a strength, especially if they can shore up the position with a strong veteran defender. It's not going to happen. At best the Jazz can get two of those three things. With Lucas we are getting one of them, a veteran.

Billups being from Denver might play for the Jazz


Wingmen:

It looks like we are moving away from Richard Jefferson and Marvin Williams -- two of the three small forwards who started all season long. As a result, the fulcrum for our wing spot is going to be Gordon Hayward -- who was the third small forward who started. I adore his game and the Jazz would have a huge hole to fill if he is no longer on the team. But before we get there, we need to actually talk about who is on the team. Right now our three best wing players are Alec Burks (not bad for a guy in your wing rotation), Dante Exum (a tall point guard who has never played on the wing before), and Rodney Hood (another rookie). Video game basketball aside, this is not a sufficiently strong wing rotation. The next dude on the books who could even PLAY wing would be Jeremy Evans, and that's based on the concept that Andrei Kirilenko could play there.

So what's missing? Both talent and depth. The main target of Gordon Hayward is obvious. But the free agency hunt for a wing doesn't end there. The Jazz will need to add more talent after him. The obvious idea is to get Ian Clark back, who is on a non-guaranted contract. Clark is a shooter who has leadership ability and a better than average handle. He should be dirt cheap as well. RJ or Marvin could help here too, but Marvin appears to be courted by a TON of other teams, some of them contenders. RJ is better at being that veteran mentor than John Lucas III is, but will probably be much more expensive. Utah will have to look outside of their own team to fill these spots I think.

And really, my concept of a 15 man roster is to have four point guards and five bigmen. The rest should be wings. I don't think the Jazz are going to finish free agency with more than 13 players though (which would leave one open for training camp, and one open for a trade later). So if the Jazz do go with Hayward, Burks, Clark, Hood then there are four wings. Dante will have to play at the wing as well, but I count him as one of our point guards. At least one more player is needed. And, according to the rumors, that one guy could be Kent Bazemore.

After scouting him for all of one night (huge sample size, what was it, like 2-3 hours tops?) I feel confident that he could help our team because he's a really good three point shooter and has long arms. The problem I have with this is that he was a starter last year for the end of the season (Los Angeles Lakers) and was only really remarkable for 20+ games over his entire NBA career. They just happened to be the last 20+ games leading up to free agency. He also played 28.0 mpg last year with the Lakers, and I just don't think the Jazz have 28 mpg to spare for the wingspot right now. Hayward and Burks will both end up playing 30 each, leaving only 36 for Exum, Hood, Clark, Bazemore, and anyone else (Evans?) . . . that's going to be a logjam.

If the Jazz bring back Hayward and Clark, the last wing should be a cheap vet who doesn't need to play basketball anymore. Does such a player exist? Ryan Gomes, Josh Howard, Stephen Jackson, Brandon Rush, Hedo Turkoglu, Andres Nocioni, James Jones, Metta World Peace, Chris Douglas-Roberts, along with RJ and Marv, are vets. But a lot of them come with a lot of baggage. If I had to pick one I'd take either Gomes, Nocioni, or Jones. Or just bite the bullet and bring back RJ -- and thus risk losing a bunch of fans.

If the Jazz do not bring Hayward or Clark or neither of them, then there are many more options with which the Jazz can fill out their wing problem. You could instead of going for one guy to play the minutes, one guy to develop, and one guy to sit on the bench for eternity, the Jazz could go for two rotation guys, and an old guy. Or something entire different. Three old guys! (Hopefully not) Yes, the prospect of the Jazz paying Nick Young, Al-Farouq Aminu, and Richard Hamilton to fill out the wing vacancies frightens me to no end.

Dream Situation: Gordon Hayward, Ian Clark, Andres Nocioni

Nightmare: Kent Bazemore (because it kills Burks and Exum's mins), Richard Jefferson (in a big role), Josh Howard

Strength or Weakness: It really depends on what the team does, but in the big picture, I think wing is going to be somewhere in-between a strength and a weakness for at least another season or two. Hayward is really good. Burks can be really good. Exum, who isn't involved in this evaluation but will probably play some SG/SF at times, could be great. Hood is about two years away from being a legit rotation player no one can complain about. This will take time, which is fine, because the wing spot seems to be one of the most talented spots in the league right now.

Always liked Nocioni. Not sure he has much left


Bigmen:

This starts with Derrick Favors and Enes Kanter. And, not surprisingly, they also should start the games. While they do not have completely complimentary games, if you are assessing the talent your positional groups have, starting with two #3 draft picks isn't a bad way to start. Both are double double threats who can bang inside, play the pick and roll, and block shots. Backing them up will be sharp shooter Steve Novak, walking highlight reel Jeremy Evans, and an actual part of the French Alps in Rudy Gobert. In my theory, I'd love to have five bigmen. There are five already.

The only way to go is to maybe load up a tweener (a guy in-between the 3 and the 4) onto the roster, a dude like Malcolm Thomas fits the bill. He also doesn't need to play unless someone gets hurt.

If the front office starts to trade guys then, and only then, do the Jazz really need to go into the free agent marketplace and find someone to pick up. Channing Frye would be good here if we were in 'win now' mode, but the team just picked up Novak, who essentially does some of the same things. Kyrylo Fesenko is always fun to have around, but isn't nearly vet enough, or serious enough, to deserve actual consideration. Greg Monroe, Chris Bosh, and Pau Gasol are all talented, but by the same token, so is Ante Tomic, and there's no way he's coming over either

Effectively, our bigman rotation is already set now. Which is kind of a shame, because there are some very talented bigs out there who could be really good additions to our team. (No, I am not talking about Anthony Tolliver !)

Dream Situation: For me, they stay put

Nightmare: They break it up before seeing if Favors/Kanter can work, and we have to scramble to get back the same type of talent and potential we originally had.

Strength or Weakness: It better be a strength. There's an All-Around guy with a focus on Defense, and All-Around guy with a focus on Offense, a shooting specialist, an athleticism specialist, and a guy who is the single largest and longest player in the entire league right now. Hood could see some time at PF at times as well, being another shooting specialist, stretch four.

Tomic


Right now the Jazz have 7 players under contract, with two more rookies left to sign. Hayward should make it 9 players under contract when he signs somewhere, and we match it. That brings the team to 9 of 13. Two more guys could easily be found via picking up players that we have non-guaranteed contracts for. Three if the team is feeling thrifty. That means there's space for two free agents at the most. And unless trades start to happen, that's basically our team for 2014-15.

Holy crap, I just realized that Billups would really help not just Burke and Exum, but also Burks, who used to work out with him in the off-season in Colorado . . . man . . . this needs to happen.

Sorry for that tangent. But yes, this is our team, and our needs (vet presence, defense, three point shooting) are most likely not all going to be fulfilled through free agency. But that's just how it goes.

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Marc J. Spears: Heat prez Pat Riley and coach Erik Spoelstra flew to NC to meet with Jazz free agent forward Marvin Williams yesterday, a source told Yahoo. Twitter

:rockon:

[El Kabong]

:rockon:
Geez, Heat must be desperate if Spo AND Riley are flying out to meet someone like Marvin Williams.

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They do appear to be desperate at this point. Not sure Marvin is enough to keep the big 3 together though

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David Locke: Marvin Williams meeting with Heat. Problem for Jazz is with Marv being courted by Spurs and Heat, Jazz have to pay more than contenders Twitter @Lockedonsports

Jared Zwerling: Marvin Williams' agent Jim Tanner reps Ray Allen & previously Shane Battier = two high-class guys. A positive business connection for Heat. Twitter @JaredZwerling

Jared Zwerling: In addition to Anthony Morrow & Marvin Williams, Heat is in play for Kris Humphries. Also hearing Wiz, Celtics & Hornets emerging for Kris. Twitter

Why would you want to pay more than vet minimum if that?

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Adrian Wojnarowski: Cavaliers want to unload Jarrett Jack's $6M annual deal to clear space, without touching Anderson Varejao -- a LeBron James favorite. Twitter @WojYahooNBA

Only guaranteed 500,000 in 3rd year. The Jazz have already committed to Novak past this seasom so why not Jack and some other assets? Might have to let Lucas go though!

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Jody Genessy: Jazz quietly added another member to their staff: Lamar Skeeter. Twitter bio says he's doing video/player development. (h/t @5kl). Twitter @DJJazzyJody

Still have D-league coaches to add.

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Ken Berger: The Mavs, Cavs, Lakers and Heat are pursuing Wizards free agent Trevor Ariza, league sources say. Ariza seeking deal starting at $9-$11m. Twitter @KBergCBS

Ken Berger: With Ariza, incumbent Wizards also in pursuit, sources say. Twitter @KBergCBS

Alex Kennedy: Cavs continue to express serious interest in Trevor Ariza, per sources. LeBron James is obviously No. 1 target, but Ariza is part of Plan B. Twitter @AlexKennedyNBA

I guess Jazz are out of the running? Don't think I'd want him at that price anyway.

[Xiao Yao You]

https://twitter.com/JdotJohnson24/status/486230436033867776/photo/1

[El Kabong]

Mavs offered Parsons a deal, so I guess they're out of the Hayward running.

[Xiao Yao You]

I wouldn't say they're out of it until Parsons(or someone else) is a Mav.

[Xiao Yao You]

Sources say that Pau Gasol, Luol Deng, Marvin Williams and Anthony Morrow are among the other free agents that Riley and Spoelstra have chased. But Miami -- provided that it can successfully re-sign James, Chris Bosh and Dwyane Wade -- have only limited funds available now to pursue the likes of Williams and Morrow for additional outside shooting. ESPN.com

Veteran minimum and a ring Marvin!

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Alex Kennedy: No surprise, but Miami is no longer in the mix for Marvin Williams after using MLE on Josh McRoberts. Miami had met with Williams recently. Twitter @AlexKennedyNBA

:rant

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[QUOTE]All-Rookie point guard Trey Burke and new Jazz players Dante Exum and Rodney Hood are among 16 players who will begin four days of workouts in Utah on Tuesday afternoon.

Returning Jazz players Rudy Gobert, Ian Clark, Malcolm Thomas and Erik Murphy will also be in the group.

Two other basketball players with local ties

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[QUOTE]Jazz general manager Dennis Lindsey was a Houston executive in 2006, when the Rockets drafted Novak early in the second round. Novak was deep on the bench for the Houston teams that lost to the Jazz in the