Rewards of the tank:2014 off-season!

[Xiao Yao You]

[QUOTE]In Sacramento, Corbin will act as coach Michael Malone's lead assistant. The hire was first reported by USA Today.

Malone and Corbin have expressed mutual respect for each other in the past, and the two coaches share an agent.

It's also a return to a place where Corbin twice landed as a player. Corbin played half of the 1995-96 season with the Kings before being traded. In 1999, he returned to Sacramento as a free agent.

The Kings went 28-54 last season, Malone's first as head coach.

[El Kabong]

Ideally he isn't a rotation player. Someone that can step in at times.
Even if it's just as a decoy on inbound plays late in the game.

[Xiao Yao You]

After losing free agent Josh McRoberts to the Miami Heat, the Charlotte Hornets are pursuing free agent Marvin Williams to take over the power forward slot, league sources told Yahoo Sports. Yahoo! Sports

The Hornets and Williams have discussed parameters of a deal, but no agreement is imminent, sources told Yahoo Sports. Yahoo! Sports

The Jazz still value Williams and haven't given up hope of re-signing him, but his desire for contract security may exceed what Utah's willing to pay, sources said. Yahoo! Sports


Go Hornets!! :bowdown:

[Xiao Yao You]

David Aldridge: Hornets pleased with meeting with Gordon Hayward today, but Jazz maintain stance that they plan to match any offer sheet for him. Twitter @daldridgetnt

[Xiao Yao You]

Rick Bonnell: Re @Adrian Wojnarowski report concerning Marvin Williams: He is coming to Charlotte for a visit. Twitter @rick_bonnell

Tony Jones: Jerry Evans won't be playing with the Jazz for Summer League....He wasn't cleared medically Twitter @Tjonessltrib

[Xiao Yao You]

Rick Bonnell: Gordon Hayward has agreed to an offer sheet with the Charlotte Hornets, the Observer has learned. Twitter @rick_bonnell

Adrian Wojnarowski: Charlotte has agreed to a 4-year, $63M maximum offer sheet with Utah RFA Gordon Hayward, league sources tell Yahoo Sports. Twitter @WojYahooNBA

Aaron Falk: Hayward can't officially sign anything until the 10th. Then the Jazz would have 72 hours to match--and all indications so far are they will. Twitter @tribjazz

Jody Genessy: Sources have told me all along that the Jazz both anticipated that Gordon Hayward would get a hefty offer and that Utah would match. Twitter @DJJazzyJody

Adrian Wojnarowski: Utah's insisted it will match any offer sheet for Hayward, but bold move out of MIchael Jordan. Charlotte is desperate for talent infusion. Twitter @WojYahooNBA

Unreal! They can have him. Sign and trade maybe?

[Xiao Yao You]

Chris Haynes: Utah, New Orleans, Brooklyn, Houston have expressed interest in free agent G/F Francisco Garcia, league source says. Dialogue is ongoing. Twitter

[Xiao Yao You]

Tuesday marked the first day Snyder got to observe the soon-to-be 19-year-old Exum in an up-close working environment, as the rookie point guard and 14 other players began a mini-camp to prepare for the upcoming NBA Summer League in Las Vegas.

So, coach?

“He’s fast,” Snyder said. “I think more than anything he really looks like he knows how to play.”

The new Jazz bench boss liked what he saw in his 6-foot-6 playmaker in pick-and-roll situations, in his ability to distribute the ball upcourt in transition, in the way he was “a willing passer” and, yes, in how he played alongside fellow point guard Trey Burke.

“Clearly, they’ve done a really good job teaching him in Australia. He knows how to play,” Snyder said of the Melbourne native. “There’s an aptitude that sometimes guys (have) — the game comes easy to them — and he’s one of those guys.”

Burke also likes what he’s seen so far in his new teammate, who figures to play with him in the backcourt at times and replace him at the point in stretches. Snyder pointed out a couple of examples of how they successfully worked in unison, passing back and forth in transition.

“I didn’t know him before he got drafted, but he‘s a really good player,” the returning All-Rookie Burke said of Exum. “He has a lot of potential. He’s still young, but his work ethic is going to allow him to continue to grow in this league. I definitely think we can play together.”

Sounds good! Time for the next chapter. Let's say goodbye to G.


Exum, whose pre-draft hype was only matched by his hoops mystique, is just excited to be on the court in an NBA setting. He hadn’t played in an organized five-on-five basketball game since shortly after graduating from his Aussie high school near the end of 2013. Instead of going to college in the U.S., he relocated to Southern California, where he spent the five months leading up to the June 26 draft working out.

“It was good,” Exum said of his Day 1 practices at Zions Bank Basketball Center.

It was also his first real introduction to playing at 4,400 feet above sea level.

“We started just running up and down (and) the high altitude got to me a bit,” Exum said. “But the coaches (were) on the sideline stressing defense. I was trying to stay locked in and get through the practice.”

Exum recently returned from a family visit to North Carolina after a weekend in Utah for his introductory press conference at the end of June, so he hasn’t had a chance to find an apartment. That will happen after the Jazz wrap up their Summer League experience.

Exum hasn’t had much of a chance to get acquainted with his new surroundings in Salt Lake City, either, except for the drive from the hotel to the practice facility. He’ll know that even better after Utah wraps up this week of practices, including multiple two-a-day sessions.

While that settling-in period will eventually happen, Exum has his heart set on Saturday night. That's when the Jazz begin their summer action against Philadelphia at the Thomas & Mack Center.

Dante Exum is still living out of his hotel room and suitcase.

His version of exploring Salt Lake City — to this point — has been the ride to the gym for workouts and back. With him and his Utah Jazz teammates heading to the Las Vegas Summer League this week, he probably won’t resume apartment hunting for at least a few weeks.

One other thing: He has to learn professional basketball, and learn it on the fly.

Since being drafted a few weeks ago, Exum’s life has been nothing short of a whirlwind as he acclimates himself to a new life and new surroundings. But he’s straddled the line of wide-eyed 18-year-old and mature basketball player with aplomb over the past few weeks with both pure talent and the ability to absorb quickly.

As the Jazz prepare for summer league with mini-camp this week, Exum’s been fed a lot over a short period of time. But he’s impressed his coaches and teammates with his willingness to learn, his basketball IQ and the advanced game that made scouts fall in love during the draft process.

"He’s fast," coach Quin Snyder said. "More than anything, he looks like he knows how to play. He kicks the ball head, he’s a willing passer, he knows how to play pick-and-roll. He’s a good player."

As Snyder watched practice Tuesday night, he noted how Exum and incumbent point guard Trey Burke worked well together. Each took turns as the primary ball-handler. Each took turns playing off the ball.

It’s something the Jazz envision during the regular season, their ability to play in the same backcourt in a dual-point guard role. Both will play significant minutes together in Las Vegas.

Should be able to throw Burks and G, if they are stupid enough to match, into that mix as well.


Snyder, however, was emphatic in his desire for both of them to play well defensively, or they run the risk of warming the bench.

"Coach has been stressing defense a lot," Exum said. "That’s what I want to be able to go in and do. I want to go in and play hard. I want to help this team on defense and be able to turn defense into offense. I believe everything else will kind of take care of itself."

Trey might be in trouble!


Most of Exum’s traits have been on display the past few days: His speed in the open court; his ability to get to the rim; and his ability to set teammates after getting into the lane off the dribble.

But for all of the talent, and for his engaging personality with the media, there’s still significant unknown with Exum that can’t be answered simply through workouts. He hasn’t played a fullcourt basketball game since last December. He’s yet to turn 19, and nobody knows how he will react under the pressure of a real game — even in summer league.

Most rookies, though, impress their coaches with raw ability. Exum impressed Tuesday with his knowledge and willingness to play within the system. Both — at this stage — are hard to accomplish quickly.

"He’s a good player and I think he can definitely play together," Burke said. "He’s easy to play with, and I think we could be a good tandem. It puts pressure on a defense when you have two guys who can be primary ball-handlers. It was good to sometimes bring the ball up, or sometimes go to the corner and spot up and let someone else do the work."

Trey has a good attitude about it anyway. See how Exum feels about it as time goes by. He's said he wants to be a pg.

[Xiao Yao You]

"The Jazz feel like he’s young enough and enough of a hard worker that he will get better," an NBA source told The Salt Lake Tribune last week. "They think he can get better and that he can take a leap forward."

Utah had a chance to extend Hayward in the fall, but the two sides were unable to reach a deal. Now Hayward stands to receive the biggest raise possible.
And the Jazz will have to decide if he's worth the price.

— Aaron Falk

Huge gamble! You're expecting him to take a leap from very good player to one of the best in the game with the deal. 15% trade kicker and player option for the 4th year too. How much could the Jazz pay this year if they signed him to their own deal for the same amount of money? Would look a lot better to me.

[Xiao Yao You]

[QUOTE]Exum said he has another Jazz experience he

[Xiao Yao You]

They can try to negotiate a sign and trade deal where the Jazz would actually sign Hayward and then trade him to Charlotte for pieces the Hornets give the Jazz. However, the Hornets have very little the Jazz would be interested as their roster is currently constructed.

That's what it looked like to me.

[QUOTE]3) The Jazz can match the contract offer and assume the contract as their own.

WHEN DOES ALL THIS TAKE PLACE?

The offer sheet while reported today can

[Xiao Yao You]

[QUOTE]CAN THE JAZZ STILL SIGN ALEC BURKS AND ENES KANTER?

Nothing is as easy as a yes or no but basically yes. Hayward

[Xiao Yao You]

[QUOTE]As practice ended, Quin Snyder gathered the players bolded above (those with NBA contracts for next season) on the far end of the practice court, and ran through a quick drill displaying some of the spacing that he

[Xiao Yao You]

"Can Rudy Gobert be like Mark Eaton?"

The size is there, but more than that, Gobert has a fluidity to his game. (Like we saw in his turn around jumper in the Orlando Summer league last year) Furthermore, Gobert has superior length and jumping ability. One thing he does not have is a massive mountain man beard. But that will come with time, I hope.

Don't tell me Rudy can't do all of this, and more.

I believe in Rudy Gobert, and hopefully he will be given a shot to show what he can do on the court this season. And his performance this season starts this weekend in Las Vegas.

He's already a lot better than Mark. The game has changed though. They can't afford to have him on the court if he can't contribute on the offensive end.

[Xiao Yao You]

The only way this does not make any sense is if the Jazz have Jabari Parker or Andrew Wiggins on their team. They do not. They do have Rodney Hood. But he's not someone at risk of being upset if he's not playing 30+ mpg.

Having Hood is another reason to let G go as far as I'm concerned. Sign a vet sf/sg and between him, Hood, Burks and Exum they have it covered. SG is covered though a vet combo guard/pg(not Lucas) would be nice.


What about the alternative, not matching and then using up this money in some other way? I don't think you're going to find a single player 'worth it' who will sign an offer sheet here. Furthermore, while the Jazz have money -- spending it on a B+ player is better than spending it on a C+, C, and D- player for about the same price.

Likelihood: 9.9/10

I think the Jazz match. They said they would. And a beat writer who covers the team and JUST TALKED TO EXES THERE was once again told that they would. So they will.

Ultimately, I believe in Gordon Hayward. And I am confident that the Jazz will do the smart thing and bring him back. It is an exciting time for Jazz basketball.

[Xiao Yao You]

http://www.deseretnews.com/top/2604/5/Take-a-chance-Options-the-Jazz-should-consider-before-matching-the-deal-for-Gordon-Hayward.html

Forgot about Evan Turner. He's put up similar numbers as G. Why not just let G go and sign Turner for whatever it takes?

[Xiao Yao You]

[QUOTE]Though Charlotte

[Xiao Yao You]

[QUOTE]On Tuesday, Rodney Hood was hesitant. Utah

[Xiao Yao You]

[QUOTE]Utah

[Xiao Yao You]

[QUOTE]Jazz big man Derrick Favors was at Wednesday

[Xiao Yao You]

Alex Jensen set a screen at the high post, with Johnnie Bryant on the wing. Quin Snyder cut inside, took a pass and flipped the ball off the backboard.

After the Jazz

[Xiao Yao You]

According to an NBA front office executive, Ariza is seeking a salary comparable to the four-year, $48 million deal that Andre Iguodala received last season. CBS Sports is reporting that he wants a deal starting between $9 million and $11 million. Washington Post

rather have him at that price and have some extra money for others than max out G.

[Xiao Yao You]

Snyder said he looks forward to Burke stepping into a new leadership role.

[Xiao Yao You]

[Xiao Yao You]

http://www.sltrib.com/sltrib/blogsjazznotes/58168131-62/jazz-garcia-capable-francisco.html.csp

Rather sign him than G or Marvin

[Xiao Yao You]

[QUOTE]The lower bowl, which seats 8,900, was full, and dozens more sat in the nosebleed sections.

For a Summer League practice.

Welcome to Utah, Quin Snyder, Dante Exum, Rodney Hood et al.

Welcome back, Trey Burke, Rudy Gobert, Ian Clark, Malcolm Thomas and Erik Murphy.

[Xiao Yao You]

"When they started clapping for me, it kind of hit me a bit," he said. "It took me a bit to settle down."

Not sure that Exum ever did.

"My shots weren

[Xiao Yao You]

There was a certain edge that Jazz second year big Rudy Gobert played with on Thursday night. Indeed, on the interior, Gobert dominated defensively in the open practice before nearly 10,000 fans. He was omnipresent in the lane. He gobbled up seemingly every rebound. He covered for the mistakes of his guards on the defensive end. He ran the floor.

He impressed nearly everyone in attendance at EnergySolutions Arena. Especially his head coach.

"I thought Rudy ran the floor very well," Quin Snyder said. "I thought he played hard. He's a great passer, and he did what we wanted from him on defense. If he continues to play this way, he's going to have the chance to earn minutes and be successful this season."

Gobert will receive extended minutes during summer league play this coming week. He will be counted on to rebound and defend, and play with the same edge he showed on Thursday night.

Indeed, he seems to be one of the Jazz players who can potentially make a jump this coming season.

Tony Jones

He looked good in summer leage last year too. Good to hear he's running the floor and passing.

[Xiao Yao You]

P
ace was clearly an emphasis: after every miss, both teams sought to push the tempo and get in advantageous situations in the open court. Usually, this consisted of the ballhandler getting a screen at the top of the arc, then attacking with 3 shooters behind the arc providing spacing and being ready to take the three point jump shot.

Sounds good. Do they have the shooters though?


Playing in flow (i.e., without a set play) after missed shots was clearly a change from last season. Trey Burke agreed, saying that the biggest change in Snyder’s system was “freedom”.

Dante Exum looked somewhat nervous and eager to impress. “I was expecting everyone to kind of look at me, not clap for me… It took me a little bit to settle down and start playing my game.” He made the biggest impression on the defensive end, playing solid on-the-ball perimeter defense and using his length to great effect. While he occasionally got lost in help defense, and looked out-of-sorts offensively, Snyder congratulated his performance. He’s still just 18 years old, and looked like it at times during this showing.

Rodney Hood looked like the best player on the floor, hitting shots from outside and showing a impressive driving game. He led a White team comeback to give his side the lead after 2 quarters.

Let Hayward go!


Snyder chose to put all of the players with an NBA contract for next season on the White team (which won the scrimmage 37-33), with the exception of Ian Clark. Clark played most of his minutes at the point guard position, so had a lot of the ball. He didn’t look out of place, but probably tried to show a little bit too much on the ball.

[Xiao Yao You]

David Locke: Believe my math is correct here after Jazz match Hayward they can still take on 8.7 million. Before they sign Hayward have around15 M Twitter @Lockedonsports

David Locke: If LeBron goes to Cleveland, Bosh to Houston, Jazz could be in play for Houston players with their cap space. Twitter @Lockedonsports

David Locke: If Carmelo goes to the Bulls the same could be true for the Jazz with Bulls assests for cap relieft Twitter @Lockedonsports


They'll be looking for expiring contracts and 1 year deals now I imagine so they have money for Burks/Kanter/Evans next year.

[El Kabong]

They'll be looking for expiring contracts and 1 year deals now I imagine so they have money for Burks/Kanter/Evans next year.
Rockets need to desperately move Lin to make way for Bosh and to match Parsons. Would allow Exum to develop slowly for the first year.

[Xiao Yao You]

Sounds like Lin to the Lakers. Bosh to Miami. If everyone is available. How about Terrence Jones or Beverly?

[Xiao Yao You]

Aaron Falk: Big payday for Marvin Williams, who heads back to Carolina. Best of luck to a really good guy. Twitter @tribjazz

something to cheer about! :cheers:

[El Kabong]

Exum looked pretty good in the first game.

[Xiao Yao You]

I recorded it. Haven't had a chance to watch it yet.

[Xiao Yao You]

Just saw some highlights. Looked pretty good. He's not going to be able to do those things if he can't shoot though. Trey should dominate the Summer League.

[El Kabong]

Jefferson off to the Mavericks on a 1 year deal for the minimum.

[Xiao Yao You]

Saw that. I'd pay him 7 million before Marvin! :oldlol:

[Xiao Yao You]

the Jazz may have hit the jackpot in drafting the 6-foot-6 floor leader from Australia. With his size, his speed, his court vision and his basketball IQ, Exum was sensational at times, showing athleticism and making plays that are simply hard to teach.

He scored 10 points, grabbed four rebounds and handed out three assists in what turned out to be a loss to the Sixers. But more than once, he brought the crowd at the Thomas & Mack Center to its collective feet with his deft playmaking.

"I thought I did some good things, but I know that I have a lot to learn and a long way to go," Exum said. "I know this is a young team and I want to fit in. It was good to get the first game out of the way, I had some butterflies out there, but that was to be expected. The biggest thing is that I want to stay confident in my shot. I want to be able to make plays out there and just be confident."

The whirlwind hasn

[Xiao Yao You]

"We like [him] a lot," Duke and USA coach Mike Krzyzewski said during a Monday morning conference call with reporters. "At 6-8 … he’s one of those guys who really, internationally, can play 2, 3, or 4 depending on the lineup. I love his versatility and the fact that he is really ball friendly. He can dribble it, pass it, score. He’s an easy guy to play with."

Be interesting to see how Snyder uses him. G at the 4 with Alec, Exum, and Burke with either Favors, Kanter or Gobert or maybe even Jeremy at the 5 for a really small and athletic line-up.


Krzyzewski has seen Hayward’s game expand since the 2010 NCAA title game, when Hayward’s half-court heave rimmed out at the final buzzer.

Last season with the Jazz, Hayward averaged 16 points, five rebounds and five assists a night, showing off an all around game that Krzyzewski admires.

"He’s becoming really one of the outstanding players in the NBA," Krzyzewski said. "We’re really excited about him being a part of this camp."

Hayward has been a part of the USA basketball system since 2012, when he was part of a select team that trained against the U.S. Olympic team. Last summer, Hayward participated as a member of the team’s mini-camp.

The competition for the final World Cup roster will be hefty, with a star-studded group fighting for one of 12 positions. Former Jazz sharpshooter Kyle Korver and former Weber State standout Damian Lillard will also be vying for a spot.

The other participants at the camp are: Bradley Beal (Washington Wizards); DeMarcus Cousins (Sacramento Kings); Stephen Curry (Golden State Warriors); Anthony Davis (New Orleans Pelicans); Andre Drummond(Detroit Pistons); Kevin Durant (Oklahoma City Thunder); Kenneth Faried (Denver Nuggets); Paul George (Indiana Pacers); Blake Griffin (Los Angeles Clippers); James Harden (Houston Rockets); Kyrie Irving (Cleveland Cavaliers); Kevin Love (Minnesota Timberwolves); Derrick Rose (Chicago Bulls); Klay Thompson (Golden State Warriors); DeMar DeRozan (Toronto Raptors); and Chandler Parsons (Dallas Mavericks).

"At the end of the day, we feel very positive about the roster we have now in our training camp," Krzyzewski said. "There are players with gold-medal experience and some young players on their way up the ladder in terms of recognition and talent."

The Las Vegas camp runs July 28 through Aug. 1.

After that, the team will play exhibition games in Chicago and New York in the run-up to the World Cup, which begins Aug. 30.

afalk@sltrib.com

Twitter: @tribjazz

[Xiao Yao You]

Or they can go big and still remain fast and athletic with Hood, Hayward, Exum or Alec with two of the bigs. Maybe 3 of the bigs with Jeremy at the 3.

[Xiao Yao You]

Tomic and Neto?

They still have the money for Tomic even after the recent spending.

[Xiao Yao You]

"We’re happy for Marvin," Utah General Manager Dennis Lindsey said. "He’s been a great person and a great player for us. We talked, and I told him that sometimes things come full circle. Maybe one day he can be in a Jazz uniform for us again."

I'm happy too! He'll be welcome backfor the vet minimum at the end of the bench.


The offer from Charlotte was an appealing one. Williams played his college basketball at North Carolina, and the owner of the Hornets, Michael Jordan, is a Tar Heel alum.

Williams gives the Hornets the stretch power forward they lost when Josh McRoberts left for the Miami Heat. Williams isn’t as athletic as McRoberts. But he makes shots and is a locker-room presence.

Without Williams, Enes Kanter is now the undisputed starter at power forward. The Jazz could bring in free agent help, but have said they are committed to the overall team youth movement.

I'd call Tomic a young vet. This appears to be the time to bring him over. He's been one of the top players in Europe the past couple years. Can trade him if they don't like him.


"Marvin really helped us out," Lindsey said. "We repositioned to him to power forward and I think that helped him out some. He deserves this contract, and I’m very happy for him."

Tony Jones

[Xiao Yao You]

The Jazz are one of a handful of teams with the space to take on salaries, and the franchise has shown a willingness to facilitate deals in exchange for assets. Last season, Utah took on more than $20 million in contracts from the Golden State Warriors, picking up a trio of draft picks in the process.

How much room does Utah have? Even if the Jazz match the offer sheet for Gordon Hayward, which appears all but certain, the Jazz will still have about $8.5 million in cap space — and up to around $12 million depending on what the team does with the non-guaranteed contracts of John Lucas, Ian Clark, Erik Murphy and Malcolm Thomas.

After Summer League any of them could be gone. Looks like Malcolm played pretty well in game one and Marvin leaving gives him an opportunity. I'd imagine they're looking at a 15 man roster ideally with some flexibility now that they have a D-league team.


Even with the window for a deal with Houston seemingly closed for now, there remain other possibilities. And Lindsey has said he is willing to listen to offers.

The Bulls could find themselves in a similar situation as Houston thought it was in should Carmelo Anthony choose Chicago over New York.

The Jazz could also help facilitate a sign-and-trade elsewhere.

James’ announcement will also open up the rest of the market.

With James off the market, teams with money to spend will starting looking at Plans B and C.

The Jazz made a pair of signings Friday, though ones that were expected. The team officially inked deals with first-round draft picks Dante Exum and Rodney Hood. The two newest Jazzmen were to make their summer league debuts Friday night in Las Vegas.

And the Jazz on Thursday renounced free agents Brandon Rush and Richard Jefferson, officially clearing enough cap space to take on forward Steve Novak in a trade with Toronto.

So did Jefferson ask for it first? Or he signed after they made the choice?


Jefferson averaged 10 points and 2.7 rebounds a game last year, as the team’s starting small forward. Rush played in 38 games, averaging 2 points a game off the bench.

afalk@sltrib.com

Maybe Rush even with mostly a new coaching staff?

[Xiao Yao You]

[QUOTE]When that topic came up in Sunday's interview, Exum listed a few names people have suggested for him, including D, DX and X-Man.

The birthday boy

[Xiao Yao You]

[QUOTE]

[Xiao Yao You]

[QUOTE]Jazz center Rudy Gobert got a technical foul Saturday night after slamming the ball on the court in frustration. He said it was

[Xiao Yao You]

Gordon Hayward is not a max-money NBA player.

Oh, sure, he's a nice all-around athlete, one who can help a team in many ways — scoring, rebounding, assists and defense. And at 6-foot-8, he can play either the shooting guard or small forward positions.

What's more, he's a wonderful, thoughtful and classy young man who's good in the locker room and in the community and one who, thankfully, doesn't ever cause problems or make any trouble in either of those places.

But a max-money player? One who will be a huge difference-maker on the court, display tremendous leadership and turn his team into a title contender?

Nope, not right now. And probably not ever.

But that didn't prevent him from getting a max-money offer sheet from the Charlotte Hornets. And it didn't keep the Utah Jazz from matching that offer — $63 million over the next four years — and re-signing the restricted free agent on Saturday.

After all, the Jazz said all along that they were gonna match whatever offer came Hayward's way once the free-agent signing period got going. It was only a matter of time before somebody — in this case, Charlotte, where former Jazz big man Al Jefferson now resides — decided Hayward was their guy.

"He's 24 years old and he has the talent, the character and the work ethic to be an All-Star player," Hornets head coach Steve Clifford told reporters last week.

Or not their guy, as it turns out.

Instead, he'll stay in Utah for the forseeable future. Jazz general manager Dennis Lindsey, who had until late tonight to make the move or allow Hayward to walk away, apparently looks at the former Butler University star as one of those indispensable cornerstone pieces in the franchise's rebuilding project, along with young big man Derrick Favors, who received a hefty contract extension from the team last season.

Speaking of a contract extension, the Jazz could've signed Hayward to one last season — and saved themselves a pile of money.

Hayward reportedly was asking for a new deal in the $13 million-a-year range, but Utah reportedly wouldn't budge off its offer of $12 million a year, so they decided to table discussions until after the 2013-14 season ended.

12 million would have been too much. They made the right choice there. Almost 16 mill with the trade kicker now is the wrong choice.


In doing so, the Jazz took a chance that another team wouldn't come calling with a big-money offer for Hayward's services. In essence, though, the Jazz gambled and lost.

Now, instead of locking him up for $13 million a year over the next four years, they'll be dishing out $15.75 million a year instead.

Sure enough, though, that strategy backfired, costing the team $11 million ($63 million instead of $52 million for four years), and might go down as the first major misstep in Lindsey's short but purposeful tenure as the Jazz general manager.

His biggest misstep is matching.


Then again, four years from now, if Hayward can progress as a player and steadily improve on his performance, perhaps experts around the league will laud Lindsey's foresight in keeping the 6-8 swingman around.

But for that to happen, Hayward will have to play a whole lot better than he did last season.

Oh, sure, he averaged career highs in points (16.2 per game), assists (5.2), rebounds (5.1) and steals (1.4) in 2013-14, when he led a lousy 25-57 Jazz team in scoring and minutes played. He was the first Jazz player to average 16/5/5 per game since the late, great Pete Maravich.

But Hayward's shooting percentages took a nosedive, dropping from 43.5 percent from the field and 41.5 percent from 3-point range in 2012-13 to 41.3 percent from the field and 30.4 percent — a startling 11.1 percent decline — from beyond the arc in 2013-14.

Some folks are quick to point out that the added pressure of playing for his next contract may have had a negative impact on Hayward's shooting last season.

Fact is, though, that his shooting numbers have declined every year he's been in the league.

And now he'll have the added pressure of trying to play up to that max-money contract and prove that he deserves it.

His agent, Mark Bartelstein, confirmed his client's deal on Saturday.

"Charlotte put a great presentation in front of him, as far as (owner) Michael Jordan and (general manager) Rich Cho and Steve Clifford; I mean they really just made a terrific impression," Bartelstein told USA Today Sports. "And you know, it's great to know the Jazz think so highly of Gordon that they want to match it. So I think it's a win-win, you know?

"Charlotte made an incredible impression on him, and that's why he signed with them, and it's always great to know that your team values you that they would match an offer like that. (Hayward is) very thankful to Charlotte … and that won't be forgotten. For the Jazz, I think they made a strong statement about how they feel about Gordon and now he'll come and play his heart out for them as he always has."

"I think it's certainly a gigantic statement of how the Jazz value Gordon," Bartelstein told The Associated Press. "It's always a wonderful thing when your own organization values you so much that they'd match a contract like this. I think it makes a great statement to Gordon about how they feel about him and value him."

Or, in this case, overvalue him.

Heck, it's not like he's been a bust since he got here. Hayward, the ninth overall pick in the 2010 NBA draft, has averaged 12 points, 3.4 rebounds and 3.1 assists per game over his first four NBA seasons.

And if they hadn't re-signed Hayward, who would the Jazz have gone after instead? It's not like Utah is a hot spot for big-name free agents to land. Maybe they felt like he was the best player they could hope to get.

Again, he's a nice player, a guy who'd be a solid, complimentary second- or third-best player on a lot of NBA teams.

But a max-money player?

No way.

Hopefully, over the next four years, Gordon Hayward will prove me wrong.

EMAIL: rhollis@desnews.com

Related Stories

[Xiao Yao You]

The Hornets view Williams as a potential replacement for power forward Josh McRoberts, who previously agreed to a contract with Miami. Williams is also versatile enough to play small forward.

McRoberts' departure left the Hornets extremely thin at power forward and in need of some veteran help. Charlotte's only two power forwards on the roster were Cody Zeller, who is entering his second season, and Noah Vonleh, the ninth overall pick in this year's draft.

Coach Steve Clifford said Friday the loss of McRoberts was a "big hit" for Charlotte, calling him a valuable "connector" for the team.

"Not many guys of his size make the game easy for his teammates the way he does" Clifford said. "Not just offensively, but defensively, too. But I've said to his (now former) teammates that's what this league is about. We have other good players and we're still in the process of adding other players to our roster.

"What it will mean is, particularly on offensive part of the floor, we'll have to do things in a different way. No question he was a big part of what we did. Doesn't mean we have to take a step back, but we have to change."

Marvin is no McRoberts or Hayward. Getting paid more than McRoberts.


Williams' addition should be popular among area Tar Heel fans.

Williams played college basketball at North Carolina, the same school as Hornets owner Michael Jordan, and helped the Tar Heels to a national championship as a freshman in 2005. He was the second overall pick in the 2005 NBA draft.

Also Saturday, the Hornets announced they had acquired guard Scotty Hopson and cash considerations from the Cleveland Cavaliers in exchange for center Brendan Haywood, finalizing a draft-night deal. The Cavaliers received the draft rights to forward Dwight Powell, the 45th overall pick.

The 6-foot-7 Hopson missed the entire 2013-14 season due to a stress fracture in his left foot.

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[QUOTE]Both players, the general manager said, will have key seats at the "decision-making table" as Utah shapes its future.

"We

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[QUOTE]Malcolm Thomas impressed with his game around the basket, he ended up being the Jazz

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Emiliano Carchia: Jazz rookie Dante Exum is in Australia extended squad for FIBA World Cup in #Spain2014 Twitter @sportando

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[QUOTE]CHRIS ROBERTS, guard, 6

[El Kabong]

Hood shooting 5-6 from 3 so far today.

[El Kabong]

7-9 from 3 now. Good to see him rebound from the 1-10 he shot the other game.

[Xiao Yao You]

He looks like a player. Rudy too!

[El Kabong]

Trevor Booker signed up. Don't know details of the deal yet. Adds a nice bench option for the team.

EDIT: 2 years/$10 million. Not bad, won't hurt any future signings at all and could be used in a trade fairly easily if the need arises.

[Xiao Yao You]

Seems like a lot for him. Mid level. So Jeremy going to play some 3? Kanter on his way out? Gobert to the D League? Novak on the bench?

[Xiao Yao You]

He 105 has starts in 4 years. Think of the Jazz front line as two centers Favors and Gobert with Kanter as the power forward. With the additions of Trevor Booker and Steve Novak the Jazz now have options on how they want to play when they go to the bench at the power forward .

Moreover, if Kanter misses any games Booker is capable of stepping into the starting lineup, whereas that is not something you want to do with Steve Novak.

Booker is physically strong. He is a decent rebounder grabbing a 17.7% defensive rebounding percentage last season. His defensive rating over the last three years has been 104,102 and 104. The Wizards were far more successful defensively when he was coupled with Gortat than with Sheraphin or Nene. Likely, because Booker is not particularly mobile and athletic so he is better with the bigger more athletic big.

Gortat is more athletic than Nene?

[QUOTE]Offensively, he is a bruiser who has developed a bit of a mid range game. Last year he shot 46% from 10 to 16 feet a huge improvement in his game and well above the league average. In his Career he shoots 36% from 16+ feet which is right about league average

Booker closed the year very well last year. He started 26 of 30 games post all

[Xiao Yao You]

[QUOTE]Rodney Hood does not struggle with the additional NBA length. Shoots easy and smooth. Effortless.

When Gordon Hayward entered the league, he told me that the extra 3-point distance was brutal. He said he felt like he was "throwing the ball at the hoop." Hood does not struggle with the extra three feet. His shot flows as smoothly Mrs. Butterworth does over hot waffles. Watching Hood shoot is as effortless and relaxing as a massage.

Hood is a really good and unselfish passer.

Most shooters seem allergic to the pass

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Burke is also being counted on to help tutor Dante Exum.

I think he might have more to learn from Alec and G.

[QUOTE]The fifth pick in last month

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From a Fesenko interview

[QUOTE]Do you plan on sticking with Minnesota after this?

We

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[QUOTE]Rudy Gobert was simply fantastic tonight, especially in the first half. In that half, he was easily the most impactful player on the floor: scoring 11 points on 5-5 shooting, garnering 5 rebounds, and rejecting 4 shots in just 11:30 of play. 1 Even better, it came against NBA grade competition: this Bucks team features legitimate NBA players in Jabari Parker, Giannis Antetokounmpo, and Nate Wolters.

So is this a new and improved Rudy Gobert? Quin Snyder thinks so. When asked if there

[El Kabong]

Seems like a lot for him. Mid level. So Jeremy going to play some 3? Kanter on his way out? Gobert to the D League? Novak on the bench?
Seems like the standard in the new CBA and these 2 year deals. A guy you might get for $3-$4 million that you'd sign for 3-4 years will now cost you $4-$5 million if you only want him for 2. I'd think in most cases (unless you're right up at the tax level) the extra few million for the shorter contract isn't an issue.

[Xiao Yao You]

The biggest problem is they have to play him regardless if Jeremy and Gobert deserve time or not.

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[QUOTE]

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[QUOTE]Ian Clark had his best game in a Jazz summer league jersey tonight. While he hasn

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[QUOTE]The Jazz are going to enter the season with three point guards with a combined two years of NBA experience.

Trey Burke is the obvious starter, Dante Exum is the backup, and Ian Clark is the backup

[Xiao Yao You]

[QUOTE]The Brock Motum experience

He

[East_Stone_Ya]

If he and Evans can show they can play some 3 there could be room. Got to think Evans and Kanter might be going soon with the Booker signing.

or even Favors maybe?

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or even Favors maybe?

I doubt it but no one should be untouchable. They've certainly got a crowded front court now.

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one of the more untold stories of the first week has been the play of Thomas. He

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[QUOTE]one of the learning curves he

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The Jazz are not done making additions to their roster, a league source told The Tribune. Utah is in the market for a third point guard, and could also be looking for a shooter as well. Salt Lake Tribune

Good to hear. How does Lucas fit in than? I would hope it's someone that will compete for time. Not sure they have a starting caliber pg now let alone two rotation capable ones.


Tony Jones: Jazz would like one more shooter on the wing as well. Name I keep hearing is Francisco Garcia Twitter @Tjonessltrib


I think a vet center too.

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Utah plans on making Exum its backup at the point, figuring it best to get him some experience right away. The Jazz seemed to force-feed playing time to Exum on Friday, especially without Burke in the lineup. He responded by making some big plays, most notably a lay-in as the time expired in the third quarter.

tjones@sltrib.com

Twitter: @tjonessltrib

I'd make him earn it. If he's not ready for rotation minutes there is the D-League team.

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[QUOTE]the Jazz want to be fleet, and want to shoot 3-pointers, layups and free throws. They want to attack with the fast break, and do it frequently. It

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You think Quin Snyder is sick of being asked whether Exum and Trey Burke can play together.

Here's the new Jazz coach after yesterday's loss to the Spurs summer league squad:

"I was waiting for that Dante-Trey question. It usually comes a little later. I've talked about this every time we've played, every time we've practiced. To me there, there aren't positions in basketball. If you have five guys on the floor that can defend the five guys on the other team, it doesn't matter if you call them ones, twos, threes, fours, fives. Those two guys can match up defensively with other guards. If they can play together, which I think they can, they really present matchup problems. I'm being a little bit facetious. But I do think they can be a unique backcourt. In my minds, I see them as a backcourt as opposed to a one, two, three."

Excited to see it in October!

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[QUOTE]Making some waves of his own after taking something of a backseat hype-wise during a whirlwind couple weeks surrounding the draft and early free agency is 23rd pick Rodney Hood. Regarded as a player who could offer certain contributions at an NBA level immediately, Hood nonetheless fell to the Jazz despite a late lottery projection from most experts, another steal in the minds of Utah

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Marc Stein: Hearing Bulls, in addition to their interest in Aaron Brooks, have also explored reacquiring Tom Thibodeau fave John Lucas III for backcourt Twitter

:cheers:

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http://www.jambands.com/news/2014/07/18/phil-lesh-friends-add-terrapin-crossroads-show-with-anders-osborne-scott-metzger/

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[QUOTE]

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[QUOTE]Ian Clark never ran the point guard spot in high school.

He played the position a bit during his senior year at Belmont, but nobody was comparing him to Chris Paul. His one year with the Utah Jazz was defined as a shooting guard.

But if he

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Aaron Falk: Looking to round out roster, a possible FA target, per Jazz source, is G/F Toure' Murry. But sounds like Murry is waiting on Miami first. Twitter @tribjazz

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[QUOTE]with 11 guaranteed contracts on the Jazz

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The Utah Jazz organization and fans weren't the only ones to appreciate what second-year center Rudy Gobert did in Las Vegas last week.

The 7-foot-1 big man was named to the All-NBA Summer League second team after averaging 11.8 points, 9.8 rebounds and 2.5 blocks in four games.

"All around, I feel better defensively, because I feel stronger offensively," said Gobert, who's returning to France on Monday to begin training with the national team for the World Cup competition. "I feel just more confident. I like the way we play."

Looked good in Summer League last year too. See how it translates in the fall.


Wizards shooting guard Glen Rice Jr. was a unanimous selection as MVP for putting up a summer league-high of 25 points in six games. He also averaged 7.8 rebounds and 2.5 steals.

Other first-teamers included Chicago's Doug McDermotte and Tony Snell, Houston's Donatas Motiejunas and Washington's Otto Porter. Gobert was joined on the second team by New York's Tim Hardaway, Jr., Philadelphia's Jordan McRae, New Orleans' Russ Smith and Phoenix's T.J. Warren.

Sacramento, coached by new Kings assistant Tyrone Corbin, will face the Rockets on Monday night for the 2014 NBA Summer League title.

EMAIL: jody@desnews.com

TWITTER: DJJazzyJody

Good for Ty! :applause:

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[QUOTE]Shooting and stamina are two major areas of emphasis the highly touted Australian will have to focus on while with his national team the rest of the summer leading up to Jazz training camp in October.

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Steve Bulpett: Celtics finishing deal for FA Evan Turner, sources tell Herald. He will get a portion of their mid-level exception. Twitter @SteveBHoop

Jeff Zillgitt: Celtics front-office and agent David Falk just got off the phone finalizing deal for Evan Turner. Twitter @JeffZillgitt

Don't get why G is worth more than 3 times as much as this guy.:wtf:

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It didn

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Eric Pincus: Trevor Booker's $9.775 mil contract with Utah Jazz is $5 mil this year and just $250k guarnateed in 2nd year at $4.775 mil Twitter @EricPincus -

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[QUOTE]Utah brass have some roster decisions to make by Aug. 1. The contracts of guard Ian Clark (fully) and forward Erik Murphy (partially) will become guaranteed after the end of this month. The Jazz

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Trey Burke has been invited to participate in the camp as part of the USA Select team, a squad of up and coming players that will practice against the national team.

Burke earned All-Rookie honors last season, averaging 12.8 points and 5.7 assists per game.

Burke's Michigan teammate Tim Hardaway Jr., Boston point guard Marcus Smart, and Magic guard Victor Oladipo s are among the others reportedly invited to be part of the squad.

In past years, Hayward and Jazz forward Derrick Favors have participated with the Select Team.

The USA camp begins July 31 in Las Vegas.

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http://www.sltrib.com/sltrib/blogsjazznotes/58210224-62/story.csp

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The Utah Jazz announced today that forward Jeremy Evans and guard Ian Clark will take part in this summer's annual Junior Jazz road trip, which tips off on Monday, July 28. The three-week, 42-city event will reach more than 2,000 boys and girls and cover more than 4,000 miles across four states.

The 2014 edition of the Junior Jazz road trip marks the 30th straight year the Jazz has conducted the events, which feature Jazz players running hour-long basketball clinics for kids in participating Junior Jazz towns across Utah, Nevada, Wyoming and Idaho. Following each clinic, Evans and Clark will sign autographs and pose for pictures.

"Throughout the years, our players have been tremendous ambassadors for the Jazz with their participation in Junior Jazz clinics," said Randy Rigby, Utah Jazz president. "We appreciate the support of our surrounding communities and look forward to visiting the hometowns of these Junior Jazz players for an up-close basketball experience."

- The Utah Jazz, 2014

This looks like Clark's option will be picked up.

[El Kabong]

Lucas, Murphy and Thomas traded to Cleveland for Carrick Felix, 2nd round draft pick (so pick 60?) and $1 million.

http://www.slcdunk.com/nba-free-agency/2014/7/22/5928081/nba-free-agency-2014-trade-cleveland-cavaliers-utah-jazz-carrick-felix-john-lucas-malcolm-thomas


Who is Carrick Felix?

Carrick Felix was drafted #33 overall in the 2013 draft (so, the Trey Burke draft). He is a 6'6 shooting guard who is only 23 years old and played at Arizona St University. He was born in Las Vegas, Arizona. I learn things every day.

As a three year player in college he averaged 10.2 ppg (.456 / .326 / .704) and 4.8 rpg. He made more than one three a game. In the NBA-DL he played for the Canton Charge in but nine games, and finished with 11.0 ppg and 5.2 rpg. He shot 33.3% from outside. And with the Cleveland Cavaliers last year he got into only 7 games, 38 total minutes, and even Ian Clark felt bad for him.

Woj says the deal for the Cavs is they wanted non-guaranteed contracts they can use in the Kevin Love trade.

[Xiao Yao You]

Lucas, Murphy and Thomas traded to Cleveland for Carrick Felix, 2nd round draft pick (so pick 60?) and $1 million.

http://www.slcdunk.com/nba-free-agency/2014/7/22/5928081/nba-free-agency-2014-trade-cleveland-cavaliers-utah-jazz-carrick-felix-john-lucas-malcolm-thomas



Woj says the deal for the Cavs is they wanted non-guaranteed contracts they can use in the Kevin Love trade.

Jump on that deal. :cheers:

[Xiao Yao You]

Felix was the 33rd player taken last year so he should have some potential to fight Hood and Exum for time on the wing. Throw in another 2nd rounder. Jazz always deal for cash!

They must like Clark. I know he loves Lucas and Thomas has been the best player of those.

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David 'Dubi' Pick: Malcolm Thomas is pissed for being dealt to the Cavaliers. He played for David Blatt in Israel. Bad fit, got cut. Twitter @IAmDPick

Jason Lloyd: #Cavs source insists they like all 3 players acquired, not necessarily stepping stones to bigger deal. But certainly provides options Twitter @JasonLloydABJ

[Xiao Yao You]

Lucas struggled mightily in his lone season in Utah.

Did he? That's what he does. Expecting him to be a starter and back-up was the mistake(or the tank).


Murphy's shooting touch was absent during summer league. And Thomas, despite an impressive showing Las Vegas, faced an uphill battle to make a roster already filled with young big men.

Carrick will also have to fight for what little playing time might be left after Dante Exum, Alec Burks, Gordon Hayward and Rodney Hood get their time.
But the Jazz believe he'll have a chance to contribute.

Most of the minutes should be going to their two vets. After that he could have a chance.


"He's another young wing, but he's a little different from what we've got," Jazz General Manage Dennis Lindsey says. "He sees himself as a defender first.
Anybody that can defend and move the ball and make the corner three, that's a role we can envision we'll have going forward. Certainly Carrick's game defensively is where he hangs his hat."

Felix played at the College of Southern Idaho in Twin Falls before transferring.
He initially committed to Duke, but ended up choosing Arizona State.

Walt Perrin, the Jazz's vice president of player personnel, saw plenty of Felix.
"He had a very good coach in Herb Sendek, in a very defensive program," Lindsey said.

And in his senior year as a Sun Devil, Felix broke out. He averaged 14.6 points and 8.1 rebounds that year.

"He was able to develop some shooting touch," Lindsey said.

During the draft process last year, Felix's interview left an impression on the Jazz.

"He was one of the guys that stood out, who said, 'I defend. That's what I do. That's how I get on the court,'" Lindsey recalled.

The franchise did not end up using a pick on the 6-foot-6 guard out of Arizona State last summer, but the team kept tabs on him.

"We don't really close the book on any player unless we think they're just not good enough or not of the right character," Lindsey said. "We kept that book open and [director of pro player personnel] David Fredman tracked. We watched him a little bit this summer. This is a chance for us to take a look at a young developing defensive wing."

Felix saw action in just seven games with the Cavaliers last year and spent some time in the D-League.

But Utah is holding out hope he can provide depth going forward.

Felix is due about $800,000 this year and he has two non-guaranteed years left on his deal.

— Aaron Falk

They like him and he'll be a trade piece next summer with his non guaranteed deal.

[Xiao Yao You]

"We've been looking for wing depth, and Carrick is a young player with a defensive mindset," Jazz general manager Dennis Lindsey said. "We've watched him at Arizona State and at Cleveland and in the D-League and feel like with his defensive mindset and toughness, he could be a good complement to our young group.

"If you can defend the athletic wings in this league and make an open shot and can move the ball, you have a chance to play for Quin Snyder and the Utah Jazz."

The deal, first announced by Yahoo Sports, will give Cleveland increased trade asset flexibility and more salary cap maneuverability in its bid to put together a blockbuster deal for Love, an All-Star power forward with one year remaining on his current contract with the Minnesota Timberwolves.

The Cavs have been trying to swing a deal for Love since signing free agent superstar LeBron James a couple of weeks ago.

Felix, a 6-foot-6 swingman out of Arizona State, averaged 2.7 points in seven games with Cleveland last season, his first in the NBA. He also appeared in nine games with the Canton Charge in the NBA Development League, averaging 11 points, 5.2 rebounds, 2 assists and 1.4 steals per game.
Was hoping maybe for big numbers at the D-League at least. I guess he was injured much of last year? How did he do in Summer League?


He was taken in the second round (33rd overall) of the 2013 NBA Draft by the Cavs. Before that, he played three seasons at Arizona State, averaging 14.6 points, 8.1 rebounds, 1.4 steals and 1.1 blocks as a senior, when he was named to the All-Pac-12 second team and to the league's All-Defensive Team. He played his freshman year at the College of Southern Idaho.

Felix, who turns 24 next month, has one guaranteed year remaining on his contract.

Lucas, a 5-11 point guard, averaged 3.8 points and 1 assist in 42 games for the Jazz last season. Thomas, a 6-9 forward out of San Diego State, averaged 1.9 points and 2.6 rebounds in eight NBA games with Utah and San Antonio last season. The 6-10 Murphy was claimed off waivers on April 5 but did not appear in a game with the Jazz.

EMAIL: rhollis@desnews.com

[Xiao Yao You]

[QUOTE]"When I'm on the court, I'm focused and I'll do whatever it takes to win," said Booker, a free agent who was signed by the Jazz on Monday to a two-year deal and met with the media on Tuesday at Zions Bank Basketball Center. "If that means knocking you out of the air, I'm gonna do it.

"Off the court, I'm just a laid-back, chill guy. But when I'm on the court, I'm just an animal."

Utah could use a little of that fierce in-the-paint intensity and physicality after sputtering through a 25-57 record last season.

Booker comes to the Jazz after spending his first four NBA seasons in Washington, where he averaged 6.4 points and 5.1 minutes per game in 235 career games, including 105 starts. He averaged 6.8 points and 5.3 rebounds last season, when he helped the Wizards reach the first round of the NBA playoffs.

He's well aware that, in joining the Jazz, he's going to have to earn his playing time

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[QUOTE]Chad Ford on night of 2013 Draft -

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[QUOTE]His season was derailed by a stress fracture of his left patella (knee cap) sidelining him for 8 weeks on January 29th.

He played 9 D-league games as well, scoring 11pts, grabbing 5 rebounds and dishing 2 assists while shooting 46% and hitting 33% of his three

[Xiao Yao You]

Eric Pincus: The Cavaliers sent $1.3 million to the Jazz to get the trade done today Twitter @EricPincus

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On Thursday, France also announced that big man Kevin Seraphin was not being released for the World Cup by his NBA team, the Washington Wizards. Seraphin has not fully recovered from arthroscopy surgery on his knee. FIBA.com

So with star center Alexis Ajinca announcing shortly before the start of the preparations for the FIBA Basketball World Cup that he will remain with his pregnant wife, who is due to give birth during the tournament, instead of playing this summer, Collet is okay. He'll have his squad ready when they arrive in Granada, Spain, for Group A games against Serbia, Brazil, Iran, Egypt and the tournament hosts. "This is a blow," he said of losing his 2.15m tall starting center, "but we must move forward with those who are there." FIBA.com

Gobert!

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After the season, Corbin was searching for a new home. Player personnel decisions was not the only thing that got Corbin fired, but it played a role.

Did it? I think he was gone the minute Lindsey was named GM.


Lindsey has taken the vet bat out of new coach Quin Snyder’s hand. The Jazz have 13 players under contract and the average age is 23.4 years. Steve Novak is a fossil at 31 years old. Jeremy Evans and Trevor Booker are 26, the other 10 are 24 years old or less.

“We decided to go extremely young,” said Lindsey.

Still 3 spots open and they need some vets no matter how much everyone loves to tank and play guys that aren't ready for prime time. They have a DLeague team to develop young guys. Don't have to play them at the NBA level if they aren't ready.


Uh, yah ... ya’ think?

Gordon Hayward has worn a Jazz jersey longer than anyone else, and he’s 24 and just finished his fourth season.

The Jazz are destroying the Bucks for the race to the league’s youngest team — Jazz lead 23.4 to the Bucks' 24.2. If the Jazz got rid of Novak they’d have to attach permission slips to their players' per diem.

Lindsey has this freedom because the team owner's have given him great autonomy. They’ve shown patience, spent money and supported drastic change.

It’s a tired storyline, but Enes Kanter, Alec Burks, and Rudy Gobert spent much of last season watching Richard Jefferson, Marvin Williams and even Brandon Rush steal their minutes.

Gobert didn't deserve to play. Still might not as much as everyone wants to pencil him in. He's got a lot to prove and the Summer League isn't the place to prove it.


Lindsey got rid of them and those that were playing them. Something tells me that Coach Q won’t be throwing 30 minutes at elder statesmen Novak (31), Booker (26), and Evans (26).

If he does, Lindsey might just give Snyder a wry smile and say, “I can do this all day.”

They gave Booker mid level money to sit at the end of the bench? Novak makes pretty good money for an end of the bench player too. It's where he belongs certainly. At some point you have to look to win games rather it's young guys or vets playing.

[Xiao Yao You]

Rockets free agent guard Francisco Garcia is considering the Rockets among a group of teams interested in signing him, his agent said on Thursday. Garcia

[Xiao Yao You]

Jody Genessy: Jazz guard Dante Exum will take a break from the Australian team to participate in the NBA's Rookie Transition Program from Aug. 5-7 in N.J. Twitter @DJJazzyJody

[Xiao Yao You]

Patrick Beilein is leaving West Virginia Wesleyan to take a job on coach Quin Snyder's staff with the Utah Jazz, league sources told Yahoo Sports. Beilein, the son of Michigan coach John Beilein, will work under Snyder in a player development and video coordinator role. Snyder plans to utilize Beilein's strengths as a shooting instructor with a young, developing roster. Yahoo!

Shooting coach might be the best move of the off-season! Still need DLeague coaches.

[Xiao Yao You]

West Virginia Wesleyan coach Patrick Beilein will join Jazz coach Quin Snyder's staff to help with player development and video work, it was confirmed to the Deseret News.

The 31-year-old Beilein is the son of Michigan coach John Beilein, whom Snyder recently complimented while talking about former Wolverine Trey Burke.

"Snyder plans to utilize Beilein's strengths as a shooting instructor with a young, developing roster," wrote Yahoo's Adrian Wojnarowski, who broke the news Friday afternoon.

Beilein played for his dad in college at West Virginia, helping the Mountaineers reach the Elite Eight, before embarking on a two-year international career. Since then, he's had multiple stops, including as director of basketball operations at Bradley, as an assistant coach at Dartmouth and as a graduate assistant at Michigan.

Utah recently added Lamar Skeeter in a similar position on Snyder's expanding staff.

Since being hired as head coach, Snyder has also hired Brad Jones (lead assistant), Antonio Lang and Alex Jensen as his bench coaches. Johnnie Bryant and Mike Wells round out his player-development staff.

EMAIL: jody@desnews.com

TWITTER: DJJazzyJody

was the Skeeter hire reported?

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[QUOTE]http://c296307.r7.cf1.rackcdn.com/lockedonjazz/files/2014/07/motum.png

According to the West Australian newspaper, Brock Motum has been invited to training camp by the Utah Jazz.

The trade of Malcolm Thomas and Eric Murphy opened up spots on the training camp roster. However, with Favors, Kanter, Gobert, Booker, Novak and Evans present, finding a spot on the roster is going to be a tough task for Motum.

Motum, born in Brisbane, Australia, is 23 years old and played three seasons at Washington State. He played last season in the Italian League. He will be teaming with Utah

[Xiao Yao You]

http://saltcityhoops.com/advice-for-dealing-with-a-max-contract/

[Xiao Yao You]

Dante Exum should get a lot of minutes for Australia in the World Cup of Basketball next month.

The Utah Jazz see the tournament as a great opportunity for their first round pick.

"We

[Xiao Yao You]

Emiliano Carchia: Recent NBA draft picks Dante Exum and Cameron Bairstow have been included in the Australia squad to play at the FIBA Basketball World Cup Twitter @sportando

Don't get hurt! I assume Motum made it?

[Xiao Yao You]

As for the occupants of those seats in EnergySolutions Arena, Hayward also feels considerable responsibility to them. But that feeling has more to do with "25-57" than "$63 million." He

[Xiao Yao You]

[QUOTE]"The amount of [defensive] pressure on the ball is at an all-time high right now," Burke marveled after the first session of camp Monday.

So he

[Xiao Yao You]

[QUOTE]Millsap is definitely a Snyder advocate. A late addition to this week

[Xiao Yao You]

Atlanta became a high-assist team last season with Snyder as an assistant coach, "and that

[Xiao Yao You]

Back in 2008 the Utah Jazz used one of their second round picks on Croatian bigman Ante Tomic. The young man was supposed to be a Pau Gasol clone, what with his 7 foot stance, soft hands, solid fundamentals, and court vision. For the Utah Jazz he was supposed to be a rotation player by now. It's 2014 and the team has begun talking about using him as an asset in trades

He looks like an asset rather they want him or not.


or some other non-decisive on the record stance. He was drafted back when he played in the Adriatic league, and since that time has gone on to play in the top European league, and pretty much dominate on his way to team and individual awards. While guys like Tadija Dragićević even made it to the states for a closer inspection during summer league (he didn't play in any games though), Tomic has always been an ocean away.

Until this World Cup, I presume.

I don't expect many Utah Jazz fans to watch EuroLeague play, and pay only a little attention to EuroBasket tournaments. But this one, the FIBA world cup, is going to be on all kinds of TV and internet streams. And Tomic, at his peak, is most likely going to be a big part of what Croatia does. (N.B. Croatia is in training camp right now, but I don't assume Tomic will not make the team. But there are no confirmations that he has as of yet.)

Ante is still a 7'1 bigman with soft hands who scores with ease around the basket. Either in isolation, pick and roll, or crashing the glass. It's a skilled passer, even adding very odd looking, but effective, look-away passes to his post repertoire. Even though he has height, he has yet to demonstrate to me that if can be a shot blocker at higher competition levels. Furthermore, I am excited to see how he will deal with beefier guys being physical with him on offense and defense.

Sounds like the perfect fit for the Jazz. He was too skinny 4 years ago when I watched the FIBA.


It is a great litmus test, if nothing else, to see how someone like DeMarcus Cousins will fare against Topic, one of the best bigs on the planet who just happens to not be playing in the NBA.

Still, for Jazz fans watching him is going to be a funny feeling. I don't see him coming to Utah anytime soon. The Jazz also don't need him right now as they are focusing on Derrick Favors, Enes Kanter, and Rudy Gobert. And as for a fit beyond on-court structure, off the court I don't see a guy at the top of his game, an MVP candidate, leaving all of his glory to come to Utah and come off the bench for a lotto team.

Bring him in and open up the competition. Kanter and Gobert both have lots to prove yet. As does Favors but he has already been paid so he's in.


He's good. Sometimes he's great. He's "our" guy because we drafted him. It's just going to be hard to cheer for him. If he's going to look good in the World Cup does that make it harder knowing that he's not going to be in a Jazz uniform for a long time, if ever?

It's a bitter sweet meeting this summer. We'll finally get to see our guy up close and personal, but at the end of the summer he's going back home. Will he forget us? Is this just a summer time fling? Or does he "like" like us?

I want him to do well. Croatia will be in Group B, where Argentina (minus Manu Ginobili), Greece, the Philippines, Puerto Rico, and Senegal await. They should be no lower than third there. So we may get to see him play the USA in later rounds.

Whatever happens it's going to be interesting. It's also going to be awful for Jazz fans to watch without getting mixed feelings. He's good. He has proven that to the world by now. But if he's great . . . that is a kick in the pants.

[Xiao Yao You]

Jody Genessy: Jazz guard Ian Clark's contract for the 2014-15 season will be guaranteed. The second-year player from Belmont will make about $800,000. The Jazz will have the opportunity to extend a qualifying offer to guard Ian Clark to make him a restricted free agent next offseason.

Twitter @DJJazzyJody

Must see something in him.

[Xiao Yao You]

The Knicks also may still re-sign Toure' Murry. The free agent guard has drawn interest from the Heat, Jazz and Clippers, according to a league source. ESPN.com

[Xiao Yao You]

David Locke: Some names for Jazz camp possible PG: Byrce Cotton (Providence) Jahii Carson (ASU) Deonte Burton (Nevada) DeAndre Kane (ISU) Aaron Craft Twitter

[Xiao Yao You]

Marc Stein: Players staying in as show of support for Paul George. USAB officials, meanwhile, still deliberating on how many players to take to Chicago. Team USA scheduled to resume practice Aug. 13 in CHI. USAB officials now deciding whether to keep 14, 15 or 16 from the 19 players available. USA Basketball still planning to make a few cuts before practices resume in Chicago, but there might be as few as three. Or as many as five. Twitter @ESPNSteinLine

G and Millsap didn't do much in the scrimmage but the injury should help them especially G.

[Xiao Yao You]

http://www.slcdunk.com/nba-free-agency/2014/8/5/5970681/nba-free-agency-2014-raul-neto-changing-teams-from-lagun-aro-gbc-to


I don't have any contract info on how long this deal is.

Biggest problem I see is a buyout. He didn't have a buyout on his last deal which seems rare.


I am worried that we're going to eventually get nothing just like the Ante Tomic issue that is on-going. (Y'all know he was drafted the same year as Kosta Koufos right? The Koof is going into his 7th year in the NBA this season.)

Koufos was ready to play in the league. Tomic wasn't. Maybe still isn't but they need to do something with him. He's one of the top players not in the league. He has to have value.


I hope that the plan is still to bring him to the NBA, and more specifically the Utah Jazz. Another year in Spain isn't going to hurt. It will help way more than playing a year in Brazil, or some other league.

Maybe? Hard to say. Might get huge minutes in Brazil. Spain he might be on the bench?


I guess him playing for Murcia will eventually lead to him playing FOR a team in 'Murrica! Right?

We Utah Jazz fans will just have to admire him from afar for at least another year. We support you too Raul Neto, and will be with you during the good times and bad as well! There are just more of us! You are way prettier than Raul Lopez, who honestly, that was just a crush. And we are so-ho over it now.

[Xiao Yao You]

Michael Pointer: Coach K said Gordon Hayward was a strong candidate to get past first cut anyway, but got an even closer look after George's injury. Twitter @michaelpointer

[Xiao Yao You]

[QUOTE]Even before George broke his leg on the stanchion at Thomas & Mack Arena last Friday, Utah Jazz forward Gordon Hayward had a chance to make the team that will represent the country in the upcoming World Cup.

But with Coach K now needing guys who can play multiple positions, Hayward

[Xiao Yao You]

The yearly NBA rookie survery is out

Jazz players showed up in the following manners

Rodney Hood got a vote for Rookie of the Year and a vote for best career

Rodney Hood got a vote for best shooter.

Dante Exum was 4th for best playmaker, behind Tyler Ennis, Kyle Anderson and Marcus Smart

[Xiao Yao You]

[QUOTE]When looking at their team

[El Kabong]

http://grantland.com/features/the-nbas-bigs-problem/


Booker’s minutes fluctuated in Washington, and he’s the exact sort of player we’re talking about here; he’s listed at just 6-foot-7, and he’s made just one triple in four seasons. Consensus around the league is that the Jazz overpaid a bit, but this is a fine deal. Booker doesn’t do the sexy power forward things the league increasingly expects, but the Jazz are a bad team paying to see if he might be better than the league anticipates.

Booker is a bouncy dude who cuts hard to the rim and has shown flashes, both in college and Washington, of being an effective ball mover. He has a decent stroke, and a team with good player development might invest in teaching Booker the corner 3. In talking to coaches and GMs over the last month, it’s clear we’ll see more teams pushing the corner 3 on bigs — the Chris Bosh–Serge Ibaka route. There could be some surprising names experimenting with the corner 3 as early as this season.

[QUOTE]The Jazz were terrorized on defense when Marvin Williams played power forward, but their offense functioned well enough, and Williams can now put “stretch 4” on his r

[Xiao Yao You]

Will be interesting to see how the front court shakes out. Sounds like Kanter will be one of the guys shooting the corner 3 which will up his value. I'm sure Evans is working on extending his range. Obviously Novak but to me he's more of a situational guy than a regular rotation guy regardless of his shooting ability.

[Xiao Yao You]

[QUOTE]they can try to lock Kanter up to an extension that pays him anywhere from $8-12 million

[Xiao Yao You]

Marc Stein: Hearing Utah Jazz closing in on two-year, $2 million deal free-agent guard Toure Murry, who had also been chased by Heat & incumbent Knicks Twitter

[Xiao Yao You]

a bunch of stuff disappeared

Jody Genessy: Toure Murry's agent, Bernie Lee, said the report of an imminent deal with the Jazz is "news to him." He had no further comment. Twitter @DJJazzyJody

[Xiao Yao You]

[QUOTE]he Utah Jazz Jazz have named Dean Cooper as Head Coach of the Idaho Stampede.

Cooper spent the past two seasons as an assistant coach for the Houston Rockets.

[Xiao Yao You]

Gino Pilato: Two Idaho Stampede players from a season ago will take part in Utah Jazz training camp, Kevin Murphy and Dee Bost. Twitter @DleagueDigest

I think Murphy was one of the better players in the D-league last year. He has some scoring ability. He might have a shot. I believe they've had Bost in camp before too ?

[Xiao Yao You]

Gino Pilato: Two Idaho Stampede players from a season ago will take part in Utah Jazz training camp, Kevin Murphy and Dee Bost. Twitter @DleagueDigest

He's certainly looking bigger. Might be able to play him at some 4?

[Xiao Yao You]

Jonathan Feigen: That's their plan and his, but no agreement on deal yet RT @rjanssen37: @Jonathan_Feigen is it ture that the rockets re sign fransico garcia Twitter

[Xiao Yao You]

The Utah Jazz announced today that the team has signed free-agent guard Dee Bost. Per team policy, financial terms were not released. NBA.com

Doesn't shoot well. Looks like he does some other things though.

[Xiao Yao You]

Jody Genessy: Guard Dee Bost's deal with Jazz/Stampede is worth $65,000, per sources. He'll attend Jazz camp but will likely play in D-League for Idaho. Twitter @DJJazzyJody

Eric Pincus: The Utah Jazz signed Dee Bost to a 3-yr $2.35 mil contract - 1st season $65k guaranteed - rest non @BBallInsiders Twitter @EricPincus

He'll likely make the team until contracts become guaranteed at least I'd think. They got their vet I guess. All of 25!

[Xiao Yao You]

I wonder if the Jazz are looking to sign him or Murray still? They have 13 guaranteed contracts and the partial for Bost. Probably like to have some flexibility.

[Xiao Yao You]

With the Jazz already having guards Alec Burks, Trey Burke, Dante Exum and Ian Clark on the roster as well as guard-forwards Gordon Hayward and Rodney Hood, Bost may have a difficult time making the team.

Burks and Exum could be playing some 3 so there's room for him.


He could end up playing again for Idaho, which is the D-League affiliate for the Jazz, if he doesn’t make the roster after training camp.

Bost was an D-League all-star last year when he averaged 15.2 points, 8.4 assists, 6.1 rebounds and 2.1 steals for Idaho. He scored in double figures in 41 of 50 games and also registered five triple-doubles and 10 double-doubles.

At Mississippi State, Bost played with Jazz first-round draft choice Rodney Hood in 2009-10 when Hood made the SEC all-freshman team. That year Bost averaged 13.0 points per game and was named second-team all-SEC, while Hood averaged 10.3 points per game.

Interesting. Wonder if that has anything to do with the signing?


Before playing for Idaho last year, the 24-year-old Bost attended training camp with the Portland Trail Blazers. He spent the 2012-13 season with Budućnost Podgorica of Montenegro, where he appeared in 54 games (44 starts) and averaged 8.3 points, 1.8 assists and 3.0 rebounds in 21.5 minutes per game.

Bost is a native of Charlotte, N.C., and besides playing at Concord High School in Concord, N.C., he played one season at Hargrave Military Academy in Chatham, Va., helping lead the team to a perfect 29-0 record and the 2008 National Prep Championship.

[Xiao Yao You]

[QUOTE]Former Rockets assistant Dean Cooper has been hired to coach the Jazz's D-League affiliate in Boise.

Cooper has spent the last two years in Houston on Kevin McHale's bench. But he crossed paths with Jazz general manager Dennis Lindsey earlier in his career; he was hired by the Rockets in 1999 as a video coordinator and worked his way up to an assistant under Rudy Tomjanovich, before moving to the front office.

In Boise, Cooper will the man responsible for developing talent for the Jazz.
"Having coached in the D-League for three seasons, I learned what an extension your affiliate is of your NBA program," Jazz coach Quin Snyder said in a press release. "Dean has a proven history of player development which is an integral aspect of my coaching philosophy. As an extension of our staff, he will work hand-in-hand with us to establish a clear, seamless connection to ensure we are stressing the same principles in Utah and Idaho."

Lindsey called Snyder's job a "critical component" of building an NBA team.
"Dean

[Xiao Yao You]

Dante Exum was a mystery, but before long we're going to be super saturated with information on the kid. From what Utah Jazz fans have seen so far, from his commercials, interviews, and play on the court, we love him. The Jazz franchise seem to as well, as they did not hesitate to pick him #5 in the 2014 NBA Draft. ESPN's panel seems to have some love for him as well, as they recently gave him enough votes to be their 4th place player in the Rookie of the Year race.

Seems high to me. Sounds like a project at best right now but so was Kanter and he contributed as a rookie to a playoff team. I expect more from Hood this year personally.


That's not bad for a kid that few people knew much about.

I don't think that many people would argue about Jabari Parker or Andrew Wiggins taking the lion's share of the votes. Nerlens Noel is ready to make a big impact on a bad team as well. Exum is a distant fourth, but it's not a bad place to start.

If you remove the last T from that word you get star. And that's pretty much how Dante has been playing this summer. In the summer league he showed everyone his potential to be a celestial object. His first points were on a back door cut alley-oop in the half court, he made threes, passed extremely well, and even had game winning steals. While he didn't shoot too well, we all can see how he was picked Top 5.

We can? I'd say it's because of where he was drafted.


His summer didn't end there, right now he's playing in warm up games with his national team, Australia, en route towards the FIBA World Cup 2014. The games are hard to find if you're not in front of a computer all day long. And he didn't dominate against a team that is from a basketball pipeline that they almost beat the Dream Team back in 1992. (Lithuania's basketball legacy is much larger than Australia's) But if you add up his performances together you get to see that he's doing pretty okay.

Dante Exum has played in three games (vs. Ukraine, Lithuania, and Finland), and in those games he's averaging 20.61 mpg. During his time on the court he's averaging 9.67 ppg, 1.67 rpg, 3.00 apg (with a 3:1 assist to turn over ratio), and 0.33 spg. It's not as well rounded as we'd expect, but these games don't count and he's not playing but half the game. He is scoring well enough though. 50.0 fg%, 40.0 3pt%, 72.7 ft%, and 1.21 PPS (which is cumulative league average for the NBA over the last 30 years).

What the average stats don't tell is his ability to adjust his game against how he's playing within it -- that's a self assessment ability not a lot of younger players have. He couldn't buy a bucket against Lithuania, so he instead got to the line 8 times, making 7 of them. Against Finland he needed to take more threes, and he went 2/3 from outside there. And vs the Ukraine he dominated them, and because of his aggressive play on offense and defense he was able to elicit extra defensive pressure and was then able to find his guys for easy scores.

We're going to see more of him in 16 days when the World Cup starts.

[Xiao Yao You]

I think it's awesome that we're taking overt control of the Stampede and making the hirings. I have great confidence in what Lindsey is doing, and hopefully we'll actually use the D-League for more than 8 games this season. While Ian Clark, Carrick Felix, and possibly even Toure' Murry are elite players to make the NBA, they aren't quite great enough to displace the normative rotation of Trey Burke, Dante Exum, Alec Burks, and Gordon Hayward at the one and the two spots. More seasoning in the same time zone isn't going to hurt them.

As far as I'm concerned Exum is a D-league possibility. I think he should have to earn his spot in the rotation and even than he might be better off playing huge minutes up there than back-up minutes in the NBA. Same with Gobert.

[Xiao Yao You]

The Utah Jazz announced today that the team has signed free-agent forward Jack Cooley. Per team policy, financial terms were not released. Cooley (6-9, 246, Notre Dame) played for Trabzonspor in the Turkish Basketball League during the 2013-14 season, averaging 12.6 points and 6.9 rebounds in 22.9 minutes in 28 games (19 starts). NBA.com

If I remember correctly other teams were after him too so I wonder if they had to give him some guaranteed money too? Headed for Idaho? Kabong's boy Motum has some competition it looks like anyway for a spot on the roster.

[Xiao Yao You]

That makes 16 I believe. 4 more spots potentially. I imagine they will have another tryout camp before training camp.

[Xiao Yao You]

17 I guess. Forgot Murphy.

[Xiao Yao You]

As for the other cuts that will get the roster down from 16 to 12, Gordon Hayward now seems the most likely to receive the

[Xiao Yao You]

The Utah Jazz today announced that the team has hired Patrick Beilein and Lamar Skeeter as player development/video analysts, and named Taylor Snarr as coordinator of analytics. Per team policy, terms of the agreements were not announced. NBA.com

Has to help!

[Xiao Yao You]

http://www.sltrib.com/sltrib/blogsjazznotes/58325665-62/beilein-basketball-jazz-season.html.csp

[Xiao Yao You]

Eric Pincus: Utah Jazz signed Kevin Murphy today at $840k - $65k guaranteed - same # they guaranteed Dee Bost and Jack Cooley @BBallInsiders Twitter @EricPincus

So they will eat guaranteed money. I guess it's an investment in the Idaho team.

[Xiao Yao You]

Eric Pincus: Brock Motum also signed with the Utah Jazz - likely a non-guaranteed camp invite contract but TBD Twitter @EricPincus

[Xiao Yao You]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YDFm_v0FqiE

Rudy!

[Xiao Yao You]

Eric Pincus: Utah Jazz add Toure' Murry - he'll earn $1 mil flat over next 2 years - $250k guaranteed in 1st year @BBallInsiders Twitter @EricPincus

So he's guaranteed through the 1st couple of months. They'll be carrying at least 14.

[Xiao Yao You]

The Boomers begin their tournament against Slovenia in Gran Canaria, Spain on Sunday morning and coach Andrej Lemanis is expected to bring Exum off the bench, charging his young star with using his speed and athleticism to make an impact. Sydney Morning Herald

Maybe the same role he plays for the Jazz early on.

[Xiao Yao You]

Nikos Varlas: Αccording to @Gabriel Pantel-Jouve French center @Ian Mahinmi leaves the team and @Kim Tillie of @Baskonia returns! #Spain2014 Twitter @Eurohoopsnet

More minutes for Rudy!

[Xiao Yao You]

Exum takes what are typically thought of as highly-efficient shots. He took one mid-range jumper over the three games, and the other 23 shots were either 3-pointers or within 8 feet of the basket. This tendency is definitely in line with the desirable shots of the new offense that Quin Snyder is instituting.

To me an efficient shot is one you make. So until he can make them they're not efficient. He needs to concentrate on shots he can make first.


The Negatives

Those corner-threes. The sad part: all of those 7 corner threes were open looks. With Trey and Dante sharing the point guard duties, when Trey is running the pick and roll, Dante will most likely be parked in the corner. He is still young, so I’m hoping he could develop a serviceable 3-point shot a la Kawhi Leonard, who was not a shooter at all at San Diego State.

Many cases of this. If he puts in the work he should be able to hit them someday. Otherwise he's just Ricky Rubio.


Dante shot a dismal 5 free throws over his 9 exhibition games;and he only made one of those. Yikes. From the shot chart (and personally watching him) you can tell that he gets to the rack, he’s just not to the point of seeking contact at the rim yet. Instead, he’s either going in uncontested or most likely dishing the ball off. He did have one sick drive and floater in Jonas Valanciunas’ face though.

Burke doesn't get to the line either. He had a problem even getting to the rim though.


Exum’s playmaking ability was consistent, but his shooting was not. Against sub-par competition (i.e. Finland, the Philippines), he shot 51.5% from the field. In the three games against France and Lithuania, he only shot 27.3%. As we also saw in the summer league, Dante is going to have to adjust to the higher level of competition.

And if he can't he should be in the Dleague until he can but the roster obviously says tank again so I doubt that happens.

[Xiao Yao You]

http://www.fiba.com/basketballworldcup/2014/3008/CroatiavPhilippines

Looks like Tomic and Blatche might have had a good battle.

[Xiao Yao You]

http://www.fiba.com/basketballworldcup/2014/3008/AustraliavSlovenia#|tab=boxscore_statistics

Not much from Exum. Motum did alright.

[Xiao Yao You]

Neto with the highest plus minus on his team. Gobert in foul trouble. not many boards but looks like he did ok otherwise.

[Xiao Yao You]

Brazil started Neto over the vet Huertas in the 2nd half after his play in the 1st. He was a big key to their upset. Only reason I can see the Jazz not having him on the team would be D and Burke was horrible on D. He can't be any worse. He's a better floor general for sure. Jerry would have loved him.

Gobert looked good at the offensive end and made it tough on Brazil's NBA frontline all game long at the other end.

[Xiao Yao You]

Saw Tomic's 2nd game against Argentina. He is a lot bigger than 4 years ago. Maybe getting too big? Has both knees in sleeves. He went from Manute like to bigger than Rudy. Very solid now. Was on Scola most of the game. Looks like he could now bang with the big boys. He lumbers up and down the court but in the half court he's certainly skilled.

Looks like an elite passer from the low and high post. Post moves with both hands though the announcers didn't think he was aggressive enough. Benched to start the 2nd half. Would easily be the best passing big on the Jazz and maybe one of the best in the league. He'd be their 2nd best low post scorer after Kanter. Didn't shoot from up top. Length on the defensive end.

He and Neto would definitely make the Jazz a lot better team but that obviously isn't what they're trying to do with their off-season moves. I could understand the tank in the last draft but again this year?

12-14 from the line today

[Xiao Yao You]

A few months ago, a photo circulated of Utah Jazz forward (and former Slam Dunk Contest champ) Jeremy Evans showing off his incredible vertical leap in an effort to top the vertical leap recorded by number one draft pick Andrew Wiggins. Evans may have taken the crown, but apparently that wasn

[Xiao Yao You]

Looks like Exum got benched. Makes you wonder if he should be in the rotaion for the Jazz if he can't make Australia's.

[El Kabong]

Saw Tomic's 2nd game against Argentina. He is a lot bigger than 4 years ago. Maybe getting too big? Has both knees in sleeves. He went from Manute like to bigger than Rudy. Very solid now. Was on Scola most of the game. Looks like he could now bang with the big boys. He lumbers up and down the court but in the half court he's certainly skilled.

Looks like an elite passer from the low and high post. Post moves with both hands though the announcers didn't think he was aggressive enough. Benched to start the 2nd half. Would easily be the best passing big on the Jazz and maybe one of the best in the league. He'd be their 2nd best low post scorer after Kanter. Didn't shoot from up top. Length on the defensive end.

He and Neto would definitely make the Jazz a lot better team but that obviously isn't what they're trying to do with their off-season moves. I could understand the tank in the last draft but again this year?

12-14 from the line today
If he's a good passer then he'll probably fit in really well with how Snyder has been saying how he wants them to play.

[Xiao Yao You]

Yeah that's what I figured. Gobert made some nice passes out of the post even!

They keep talking about Neto's d. Why isn't he on the team again?

[Xiao Yao You]

[QUOTE]Deron Williams is the cover model on this month's Resident Magazine: "I

[Xiao Yao You]

Looks like Exum had a nice game. I guess that game was meaningless for them.

[Xiao Yao You]

Big game for Neto. Love watching him. He's a player! As a late 2nd rounder he looks like a steal.

[Xiao Yao You]

another 5 assists in 13 minutes for Tomic!

[Xiao Yao You]

[QUOTE]

[Xiao Yao You]

http://www.todayszaman.com/latest-news_kanter-rejects-accusations-he-left-national-basketball-team-in-lurch_358069.html

It's a huge year for Kanter. He's hurt. Not like anyone beats Spain or the USA with or without all their horses.

[Xiao Yao You]

Locke says It's all Tomic as far as him not coming over. Who knows though?

He says there is no reason to bring over Neto with Burke and Exum. The fact that he looks better than both is reason to me.

[Xiao Yao You]

I'm sure the Jazz were happy to be able to see Tomic and Gobert go to head to head for a bit anyway.

[Xiao Yao You]

Finally caught the France Croatia match up. Tomic took over late. Left hand, right hand, fall aways, hooks. They had no answer for him. He made Gobert look silly on one play. They brought him in early to get them back in it and had to pull him at the end and it cost them. He should be the Jazz #1 or 2 option behind Burks.

[Xiao Yao You]

[QUOTE]Only one team in Utah Jazz history garnered fewer wins for 82 games of effort than the Jazz

[Xiao Yao You]

And he isn't close to Neto as far as that aspect goes.


No longer a rookie, look for him to further improve his playmaking skills with another year under his belt and more offensive weapons on the team. He has a lot to prove this year with another playmaking guard added to the roster in Exum, who has lofty expectations of his own.

defense is where he has to prove you can keep him on the court at least as a starter.

[QUOTE]Top Clutch Player: The departure of dependable veteran big men Al Jefferson and Paul Millsap left the Jazz searching for someone who would be able to step up to get buckets when they need it the most. While swingman Gordon Hayward did have his moments last year, it was Trey Burke in the end who showed the most poise in the clutch for the team. While to some he may have had a disappointing rookie season, with the game on the line it was Burke that led the team in points scored (2.4), free throw shooting (93.3 percent), three-point shooting (57.1 percent) and shooting from the field overall (51.9 percent). The Jazz are hopeful the game-winning three pointer he hit over the outstretched arms of the Orlando Magic

[Xiao Yao You]

[QUOTE]Youth, talent and flexibility are some things the Jazz can count on next season. That translating into wins is a whole other matter, considering the Jazz were one of the worst teams in the league last season. Look for new head coach Quin Snyder to maximize that young energy next season by playing with a quicker tempo and a heavy emphasis on ball movement. The Jazz have bigs that can run the floor in Derrick Favors, Enes Kanter and reserve high-flyer Jeremy Evans. They

[Xiao Yao You]

Neto is out! If his Spanish team isn't together yet I'd love to see him come over for the open gym and go at Burke.

[Xiao Yao You]

David Locke: France Coach Vincent Collet on @Rudy Gobert “He has a real desire to do good,” -- this is the key to his progress (http://*********.com/twitter/media.html) Twitter @Lockedonsports (http://*********.com/twitter/media.html)

Gobert clearly listened. From a second-quarter dunk on Pau Gasol to almost flawless post play to helping hold two All-Star big men in check, Gobert was everywhere he needed to be. His 13 rebounds were only one fewer than the brothers Gasol and the ineffective Serge Ibaka combined, and a key factor in a 50-28 advantage on the boards. The young big man's single block of the night, on a Pau Gasol attempt, preempted France's closing 10-0 burst. "I knew everybody was expecting me to help the team," said Gobert, who averaged 2.3 points and 3.4 for the Utah Jazz last season amid two stints in the D-League. "Everybody knew I could stop them. That was just my mission. Everyone else played great offensively. I just had to stop Pau. He's one of the best players in the world and if you stop him, they're not as strong." (http://espn.go.com/olympics/basketball/story/_/id/11504770/france-halts-spain-fiba-basketball-world-cup-title-dreams) ESPN.com (http://espn.go.com/olympics/basketball/story/_/id/11504770/france-halts-spain-fiba-basketball-world-cup-title-dreams)

Raul Barrigon: Jazz center Rudy Gobert told @MuriloFBorges that tonight was the best game of his life. (http://*********.com/twitter/*********.html) #spain2014 Twitter @Barri********* (http://*********.com/twitter/*********.html)

[Xiao Yao You]

[QUOTE]we

[Xiao Yao You]

Jake Fischer: According to a league source, former Memphis Tigers high flyer DJ Stephens is working out for the Utah Jazz in Salt Lake City this weekend. Twitter @JakeLFischer

Jake Fischer: DJ Stephens spent the last season overseas after going undrafted in 2013 and he signed a 10-day contract with the Milwaukee Bucks. Twitter @JakeLFischer

Wonder this is part of a free agent camp that I imagine they will have again. Still have a couple training camp spots open.

[Xiao Yao You]

But heading into his fifth season, the Jazz big man knows that he needs to expand his offensive game and continue to evolve into a defensive and rebounding force at the other end of the floor. To that end, Favors’ off-season has been dedicated to expanding the range on his jumper, adding moves with his back to the basket and losing weight. Favors is expected to play center in Snyder’s new offense. Largely gone are the days of him occupying the low post. Much of his time will be spent playing pick-and-roll basketball with the guards. "When I was younger, I would try to dunk on everyone," Favors said. "But I know that’s not possible all the time." Salt Lake Tribune

Locke said he was a lot thinner.

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Gordon Hayward: It was great being able to work with some of the talented players and coaches on the team. Coach Krzyzewski and Coach Thibodeau are very detail oriented

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Darren Wolfson: #Twolves still hope to move Barea. But told they are open to buying him out. Twitter @DarrenWolfson

Ray Richardson: Once Glenn Robinson III signs, #Twolves will have 16 players with guaranteed contracts. Further writing on wall that J.J. Barea is on outs. Twitter @twolvesnow

Could be a nice vet to take on and get another pick or something in return. I believe they have the space to do it. Might be able to send Clark or something so they still have some flexibility moving forward.

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http://www.deseretnews.com/top/2646/30/1-Paul-George-The-2010-NBA-draft-redone-Where-do-Favors-Hayward-land.html

Questionable list. Evans was certainly a good pick!

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http://www.sltrib.com/sltrib/jazz/58417493-87/booker-jazz-cereal-team.html.csp

[QUOTE]Utah

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[QUOTE] Gobert

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[QUOTE]Teodosic, Preldzic and Tomic -- are 27-years-old, a weird age when it comes to NBA prospects. No longer can stateside suitors view them through the lens of potential, as that age signals the beginning of a players prime. Teodosic, Preldzic and Tomic all can certainly get better and add things to their game, but for the most part they are fully-realized as basketball players.

At 7

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Eric Pincus: Once Rockets sign Papanikolaou/Garcia - and keep Beverley - 16 players locked in- 1 too many. Looking at roster - Donatas Motiejunas seems the Rocket w/ guaranteed $ most likely to go to make room @BBallInsiders

could be the stretch 4 they need?

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[QUOTE]Jody Genessy: In English, Mehmet Okur will act as a consultant for the Utah Jazz, president Randy Rigby announced on the team's radio station today. Twitter @DJJazzyJody

Mehmet Okur was among the blasts from the Jazz past who returned to Utah to honor Jerry Sloan last week. The retired center hopes to focus on someone else in his next trip to his old NBA stomping grounds. Enes Kanter, have some free time?

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[QUOTE]Murry is a 6

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The San Antonio Spurs are taking a more active involvement in the development of unsigned players whom they own the draft rights for in the NBA.

The Spurs have sent an assistant to work with Livio Jean-Charles.

"David was sent by the Spurs, and he will be present throughout the year," said Jean-Charles in an interview with BeBasket. "He is here to witness but also be involved with my season here. But I want to be clear, Peter Vincent is in charge of my evolution at ASVEL."

Tony Parker partially owns ASVEL.

The Spurs also played a role in setting a timetable for Davis Betrans' return from injury. Betrans was a 2011 draft pick of the Spurs, but he has no contractual obligations to the team.

Spurs continuing to lead the way. I guess the fact that Parker is the owner allows them to do that though.

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The Utah Jazz today announced that Andrae Patterson and Travis Walton have been named assistant coaches on Idaho Stampede Head Coach Dean Cooper

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Enes Kanter will be an important man this season.

For the new Quin Snyder offense to work for the Utah Jazz, the Jazz need Kanter to develop his jumpshot, and more importantly to develop the range on that jumpshot. The Jazz need floor spacing to open driving lanes to the basket and to allow Derrick Favors room to maneuver in the paint. A power forward that can shoot is essential to this operation.

Same as last year really. Be even better if other bigs could develop their perimeter or inside game so Enes isn't forced out on the perimeter all the time and sacrificing the best part of his offensive game in the post.

[QUOTE]That

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Idaho Stampede and Utah Jazz Systems:

Coach Cooper said that the plan is to fundamentally play how Coach Snyder wants to play. The goal is to make it easy on the players. Whether the players are with the Jazz or with the Stampede the system will be the same. Of course, they will consider talent level and skill set so, inevitably, some adjustments will be made. But, overall, the basic system on both ends of the court will be the same.

Utah Jazz and the D-League:

The Utah Jazz and the Idaho Stampede have not decided which players to send to Idaho for the season. Dean Cooper said that unless a team is extremely veteran there usually isn't anything predetermined. Many of the decisions made about how the Jazz will use the Stampede will depend on how the Jazz are performing this season. As a young team the Jazz will use the D-League differently than how maybe a veteran team would use it.

Good to hear!


Coach Snyder

In the last 3 weeks, Dean Cooper has worked with Coach Snyder and Utah's coaching staff throughout the open gym sessions in Salt Lake. Coach Cooper shared that both the Stampede and the Jazz will be playing with pace but taking the right shots. When I asked Coach Cooper what is the right shot, he laughed and said, "I'm not going to divulge that information." One can assume that the Jazz and Stampede will be playing a different style of play than the Jazz have in the past.

Not sure offensively it's a whole lot different. They'll be running more and taking more 3's and less mid range but in the half court they'll still be playing pick and roll and passing the ball and looking to take good shots.


Defensive Specialist

When Coach Cooper worked with the Houston Rockets, he was known as a defensive specialist. I asked him how his defensive knowledge could help the Jazz and the Stampede.

Coach Cooper on his role with the Jazz coaching staff:

"Coach Snyder has been great at making me part of his staff, which is why I have spent so much time in Salt Lake prior to to coming here. We share ideas in that. We have a really exhaustive collaborative effort from the coaching staff in its entirety. I think our discussions are healthy. I think we come to a decision and, once a decision is made, we just, boom. This is how its going to be. I think, hopefully, I have been able to contribute some things that I've learned along the way. Obviously, that's going to transfer here because we are going to play the same way. It's been collaborative."

Coach Cooper on Coach Jones and Coach Jensen:

Coach Jones and Coach Jensen have been a great resource to Cooper since they both have spent time as head coaches in the D-League. The D-League and the NBA are very different. Cooper knows that he is able to call up Jones and Jensen throughout the season to get their opinions and advice. They will provide a lifeline and clarity so that the Utah Jazz's system and vision is conveyed from top to bottom.

Snyder coached in the DLeague to.


On what Coach Cooper can bring to the Stampede with his 15 years of NBA experience:

What I can bring to the players outside x and os ... I have been very fortunate to coach with some very successful coaches in my career, I mean, very, very lucky. Everybody's dream is to play in the NBA. I've spent 15 years there. I know what it takes to play in that league, to have a chance to play in that league, and what can help you stay in that league. Besides just the x's and o's and how we're going to play and all that, I think I feel I can help them understand. I truly know what its like. So it's gotta be a partnership. You have to trust me when I'm trying to help you get there. I hope that half my team that I start the year with we only have half of that team when we're in the playoffs because they have been called up. That's my goal. If that happens, I think we've accomplished my mission.

Refinement:

Coach Cooper is said to be a great teacher and developer. I asked Coach Cooper if he will have to teach more in the D-League than he did in the NBA. Coach Cooper talked about refinement. He believes it is not really about teaching players new skills, rather it is about refining their game.

Don't know if you have to teach them more. You have to refine them more. Usually what it is its the refinement of their game which allows them to play at the next level. You're refining their game up there too but a lot of times its there's areas of opportunities, the things they need to work out. Instead of being a six inch hole its a nine inch hole, now you just got to shrink it. You have to refine it.

Guys up here a lot of D-League players. The guys up here, they may have a more complete game than an NBA player but a lot of the NBA is being special at something. You have to find something. These guys they're more utility guys but you try to find that one thing that you can that they can become elite at and boom and now they're in the NBA.

Conclusion:

Coach Cooper is a perfect fit for the Idaho Stampede and the Utah Jazz. Within the first two minutes of talking with Coach Cooper one can see how much he loves the game, that love shines through effectively to his players. After the practice players were going up to Cooper to thank him for the opportunity and asking to take pictures with him.

The Stampede and the Jazz will both benefit from Coach Cooper's depth of knowledge about the game. Cooper is a good teacher, yet he is demanding. His coaching style will help the Utah Jazz develop their young prospects when they are on assignment in the D-League. Cooper's style allows players to gain experience, learn the system, and to be disciplined. Players will leave his tutelage knowing how to play the "right way".

Exactly why Exum, Gobert etc. would be better off in the DLeague if they aren't ready to play every night in the NBA and even if they are might be better off playing big minutes in Idaho than bench minutes in Utah.

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David Stockton worked out with the Thunder last week and will work out with the Jazz this week, according to sources. Stockton is a point guard out of Gonzaga where he averaged 7.4 points, 2.4 rebounds and 4.2 assists as senior. Sportando

love to see him in camp. His brother sure looked good in summer league the first year.

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Priority Sports: Congrats @Dahntay Jones on signing with the @Utah Jazz. We know you'll have a huge impact! Twitter

That leave one spot I think. Maybe Stockton.

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Tony Jones: The Jazz and Dahntay Jones are not quite official, NBA source tells the Salt Lake Tribune....The vet wing is in town today taking physical Twitter @Tjonessltrib

Tony Jones: The contract Jones is expected to sign will be non-guaranteed Twitter @Tjonessltrib

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Jorge Castillo: The #Wizards are considering inviting David Stockton to camp, as has been reported. His dad

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Gone is the gangly youngster. In his place is a sometimes snarling shot-blocker, a serious deterrent to guards and forwards with the audacity to drive into the paint. Will the Jazz benefit from their young center’s seeming improvement? Gobert certainly thinks so. "I feel way more confident than I did last season," he said. "I feel like I can help my team win. I feel like I can make a defensive impact, and help the team maintain. I was motivated to play in the World Cup. We had a good run and we finished high. I’m proud of what we accomplished." Salt Lake Tribune

No doubt he can make an impact defensively and on the boards. What about the other end?

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Gone is the gangly youngster. In his place is a sometimes snarling shot-blocker, a serious deterrent to guards and forwards with the audacity to drive into the paint.

He was a deterrent last year. Can he contribute at the other end is the question.

[QUOTE]Will the Jazz benefit from their young center

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Shams Charania: David Stockton, son of NBA legend John Stockton, plans to sign a training camp deal with the Wizards on Friday, league source tells RealGM. Twitter @ShamsCharania

Jazz still have spot if they want to use it on someone.

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With the starting five pretty much set in stone, the Jazz have to figure out a second unit.

Who's the shooters if they play those 5 together?


Booker and Novak will compete for power forward minutes behind Kanter.

Should be Evans, Booker and Gobert competing for minutes. Novak is a specialist not a rotation player.


The Jazz also have five or six players competing for the last open roster spot.

Are they going to add a 6th?

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Still, the Jazz will be under a bit of pressure to improve upon the 25 wins they were able to squeeze out of the 2013-2014 campaign. Lindsey and the entire Jazz organization knew last season would be difficult, and it was. But fans will want to see a step forward this time around, no matter how small.

Looks like they are tanking even harder to me. Not sure the fans care.

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Derrick Favors has established himself as a leader.

He has?


There is a thought that Burks could take a leap forward in Snyder’s pick-and-roll offense.

I'd expect it.


And center Rudy Gobert has the look of a defensive anchor, thanks to standout performances in summer league and the FIBA World Cup.

Not if he can't play both ends.


"Everyone’s excited to prove themselves, and we’re just chomping at the bit to get it all started," Hayward said. "We’re definitely going to be a little inexperienced. At the same time, we have youth, but we have a lot of athleticism on our side as well. With the way coach wants to play, we think we’re going to be able to surprise some people. We’re definitely going to be competitive. This is going to be a year of growth and learning. But at the same time, we’re definitely not going to be laying down for people."

This season will be pivotal in many ways.

Lindsey will have to make decisions on Burks and Kanter, who are both slated to be restricted free agents next summer. And 2014-15 will surely be a season of evaluation for second-year point guard Trey Burke, who will receive the bulk of the floor leader minutes

You sure? G and Burks are better floor leaders and Exum will be.


, but will do so with Exum’s shadow looming as the No. 5 pick and a potential franchise guy down the road.

The Jazz have many floating parts behind the core five, such as Gobert, Hood and players like free agent addition Trevor Booker, a power forward. There is a chance that the roster will need to be tweaked in order to add more shooting to space the floor the way Snyder truly wants.

Funny how Evans is a forgotten man after a solid year.


"There’s a little bit of unknown heading into the season," Lindsey said. "We’re excited to see the same players, but with added maturity. We’re excited that Trey has been much different; he’s taking on a leadership role. Gordon has added to his body to handle the load. We’ve all been able to see Rudy’s growth. Derrick has plugged himself into the community. When you wrap up all of that hard work, there’s a tangible excitement around the team. There are a lot of subplots, and a lot of intrigue."

It all translates into a different way of basketball for the Utah Jazz. Fans are more apt to see a Jazz team scoring 100 or 110 points in a given game, instead of 90 or 95. The 3-point shots at EnergySolutions Arena will be free-flowing and plentiful. A Utah team that has traditionally plays little transition basketball will get out on the break and run the floor.

Will all of this translate to wins? Probably not immediately, not with a team this young and callow. But the fans have been clamoring for the youth movement in full, and this is the first season where it will be on display.

tjones@sltrib.com

Twitter: @tjonessltrib

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Jody Genessy: The Utah Jazz made it official that Mehmet Okur will act as a team ambassador. Jazz president Randy Rigby: "Memo is an ideal fit for us." Twitter @DJJazzyJody

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[QUOTE]2. Gordon Hayward will be a new player now that he isn

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[QUOTE]Despite being the third overall pick in the 2011 draft, Kanter has never been able to eclipse the likes of Derrick Favors, Gordon Hayward and Trey Burke when it came to being the focal point of the team

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A few days ago at HoopsHabit D'Joumbarey A. Moreau broke it all down and asks if Derrick Favors is the next Kwame Brown. Brilliant work. No really. It's a positive piece that has an eye grabbing headline. Solid points are made that other bigs from the same draft class have NBA niches already (DeMarcus Cousins is an All-Around talent, Larry Sanders great on defense, Greg Monroe is a legit back to the basket scorer, etc). Favors does not display any one generalized talent (besides, I guess, having played his entire career under bad coaches). Here's an excerpt:

What Favors can do though is use his ability to help create one of the best front courts in the NBA with his fellow rim protector center Enes Kanter. The way the Jazz are using Favors though is as an essential role player on a very productive winning team. Though their lineups have not translated into wins yet, the talent is there and they need better coaching (Counting on you, Quin Snyder).

A lot of people see Favors as one of the cornerstones of the franchise but that is something that is hard pressed for my eyes.

- D'Joumbarey A. Moreau, Hoops Habit / Fansided, 2014

Hard to argue with that. Kwame was a better defender than Favors has proven to be though.


Enes Kanter isn't much of a rim protector, but hey, I don't write for FanSided. And I'm not a national writer, I focus on mainly the Western Conference and in that the Jazz. So my eyes may see different things than Mr. Moreau's eyes do. Check it out, it's a good read. And for the record, the article asks questions. Questions that Derrick Favors has to answer with his play on the court.

Exactly! Favors has a lot to prove yet.

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Rudy needs to play at least 20 mpg this year, and in 75 games. The only thing that can stop him . . . is the bigman rotation set up by the Jazz coaches.
Makes more sense to have him playing 35 in Idaho if he isn't ready for the NBA nightly which he still has to prove.

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Aaron Falk: Dennis Lindsey says the Jazz have opened extension talks with both Alec Burks and Enes Kanter. Twitter @tribjazz