2014-2015 regular season!

[Xiao Yao You]

[QUOTE]Option 1: Trade Kanter

Many assume this is a foregone conclusion at this point, but there are plenty examples in recent NBA

[Xiao Yao You]

A. Sherrod Blakely: #Celtics monitoring Enes Kanter situation w/Utah, but aren't expected to make a run at the disgruntled center now, source says. #Celticstalk Twitter

[Xiao Yao You]

Nice to see Exum attack the rim and take people off the dribble. Hopefully he can do that in a real game now.

[Xiao Yao You]

Marc Stein: Had chance to ask @Rudy Gobert postgame on @espnradio which nickname he prefers. Says he likes 'em both: Stifle Tower AND French Rejection Twitter @ESPNSteinLine

stifle tower!

[Xiao Yao You]

Marc Stein: Word is Suns more apt to try to move IThomas before trade deadline, to restore last season's roster balance, rather than surrender GDragic Twitter @ESPNSteinLine

Marc Stein: Suns understandably want lots for Dragic. Of course, if they find deal to ship out Thomas and then Dragic can't be re-signed, PG depth gone Twitter @ESPNSteinLine

They'd still have Ennis and Bledsoe. Could send them Burke.

http://espn.go.com/nba/tradeMachine?tradeId=ogthqt9

[Xiao Yao You]

[QUOTE]Based on this data, it appears as though Rudy Gobert and Andrew Bogut both have a good case to be selected as the defensive specialist for the Western Conference All-Star team this season. Gobert has the highest block percentage, holds opponents to the lowest field goal percentage at the rim and helps Utah

[Xiao Yao You]

[QUOTE]The source said the Sixers could again partner with one of the league

[Xiao Yao You]

Tony Jones: The Utah Jazz are starting to get healthy. Have been told Joe Ingles and Rodney Hood are both getting close to return. Twitter @Tjonessltrib

Tony Jones: If Hood is healthy, this will be important last stretch for Hood. He's hardly played this season. Jazz wanna see what they have in him. Hood has been cleared to practice, I'm told. He and the team have been conservative about his rehab, want to make sure foot issues are done Twitter @Tjonessltrib

D-league

[Xiao Yao You]

[QUOTE]there

[Xiao Yao You]

The more interesting questions surround Ty Lawson and Kenneth Faried. Denver isn’t shopping those guys, but Jusuf Nurkic is the only true untouchable on the roster, per several league sources who have dealt with the Nuggets. The sense around the league is that you could land Lawson or Faried with a Godfather offer. They are gettable. Boston and Denver have had exploratory talks about Lawson, per several sources. Grantland

Been checking different scenarios in the trade machine as I read the rumors especially since Enes' statement and Lawson to the Jazz is the most exciting yet.

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

Losing Enes or having to overpay him in the off-season would be a big risk and the tank would suffer but you get the young vet pg they have been missing since Deron was traded and another borderline all-star caliber player who has become more of a pass first guy but can shoot the 3 and score. Remember he was the best player on a very good team a couple years ago. Takes a lot of pressure off Maxi G. Not much of a defender I don't think but with Rudy it might not matter much. Give Exum time to develop behind a real NBA pg. Burke replaced by Neto next year. Tomic to back-up Rudy. With Rudy's perimeter skills they could play together some I'm sure too.

I think in the future Maxi G, Hood and Chandler could play the 4 alongside Rudy too as great as he is not too mention Booker and another lottery pick.

Improve their outside shooting, depth on the wing and the balance of the roster. Open up another roster spot. Pick up a pg and center.

Throw in whatever picks, cash and what not to make it work. Denver gets younger. Saves some money this year and next. Something like this looks doable. Involve other teams if need be.

[Xiao Yao You]

Guard Trey Burke and center Enes Kanter could be on the move; guard Dante Exum and center Rudy Gobert make them expendable. Yahoo! Sports

Exum doesn't make anyone expendable yet. Neto might. Kanter does things they can't replace with Rudy or Favors or Booker.

[Xiao Yao You]

Enes Kanter: The Jazz’ young big man has been losing playing time to Rudy Gobert, who’ll come much cheaper. Kanter is a free agent and the Jazz has locked up Gordon Hayward, Alec Burks and Derrick Favors. He said he’d like to be traded. The Celtics have been most rumored chasing big men and the Bucks are said to be interested as well. NBA.com

Phoenix looks like a better option than those two. Like my Denver deal best though.

[El Kabong]

Sounds like Boston have Kanter as their Plan B target if they can't score DeMarcus Cousins from Sacremento, who might trade him as they still want to go up-tempo and Karl doesn't seem to want to use him. Hell, Jazz should try and get him.

[Xiao Yao You]

Never understood them wanting to play up tempo with Cousins. Jazz have been better playing at a slower pace with their frontcourt.

Can't see them going after Cousins even if he could hit 3's and defend the perimeter next to Rudy.

[Xiao Yao You]

[QUOTE]Enes Kanter and his agent very publicly asked the Jazz last week to trade the young center by Thursday's NBA trade deadline. However, the Jazz are unlikely to bend to Kanter's demand. The Salt Lake Tribune has learned, via NBA sources, that while the team will listen to offers, Kanter is still valued highly by the franchise and very much in its long-term plans. Salt Lake Tribune

The Jazz have not publicly reacted to their center's trade request. The source said that while the team is aggressively surveying the market and fielding calls, it will take a pretty amazing offer to even think about parting with Kanter

[Xiao Yao You]

Michael Scotto: A league source confirms the Utah Jazz won't trade Enes Kanter at the deadline without a huge return as the Salt Lake Tribune first reported Twitter @MikeAScotto

doubt they can get a huge return with his contract status.

[Xiao Yao You]

Two of the names being attached to the Celts in weekend rumors should be considered, at best, longshots. It remained unlikely yesterday that either Ty Lawson or Enes Kanter would be Shamrocks by the end of this week. Boston Herald

And, according to several league sources, the fact Kanter said publicly last week that he wants to be traded from the Jazz certainly will be a concern to potential suitors. Boston Herald

[Xiao Yao You]

Adrian Wojnarowski: Executives say Utah has significant threshold for Enes Kanter deal - including young player, 1st rounder, etc - but several teams pursuing. Twitter

[El Kabong]

Here's how far apart Jazz and Enes Kanter were last fall: Utah offered 4 years, $32M, but Kanter's camp wanted Hayward-type money. #sources
Guess he'll get something in between or be gone if he keeps holding out for the Max.

[Xiao Yao You]

He'll certainly be looking for the max and I wouldn't be surprised if he got it especially with the cap raising after next year. I'd guess they may have settled for 10-12 million

[Xiao Yao You]

The Milwaukee Bucks are known to be among the teams that have interest, in part because coach Jason Kidd has had a front-row seat to some of Kanter's best games in the past two seasons. He averaged 19.5 points and nine rebounds in two games against Kidd's Brooklyn Nets last season, then finished with 23 points and 16 rebounds in Utah's lone game against the Bucks this season. Kidd, it's safe to say, took notice and would love to add him to his group that has been such a pleasant surprise this season (30-23). USA Today Sports

[El Kabong]

Never understood them wanting to play up tempo with Cousins. Jazz have been better playing at a slower pace with their frontcourt.

Can't see them going after Cousins even if he could hit 3's and defend the perimeter next to Rudy.
Yea, not quite sure what they've been doing up there. Can't say I can see them being a good team any time soon if they continue with the moves they've been making.

[Xiao Yao You]

They were doing pretty good when they fired Malone. Karl's always won so I'd expect it now somehow.

[Xiao Yao You]

Michael Scotto: The Utah Jazz haven't received any serious offers for Enes Kanter at this time. The team remains fine with keeping him, per a league source. Twitter @MikeAScotto

[Xiao Yao You]

Kanter should realize that sulking won't help him in the free-agent market and he needs to do whatever he's asked, even if that means playing behind Rudy Gobert.

Why not Favors behind Rudy?

[QUOTE]Develop the rookies

[Xiao Yao You]

Where Gobert stands out however, is how he improves the frontcourt player starting next to him. In five games starting alongside Gobert, Derrick Favors' season averages increase from 15.9 points per game to 19.8, and 8.1 rebounds per game to 9.6, while his 54 percent field goal percentage climbs to 58 percent.

The same improvements can be seen when Gobert starts alongside Kanter. In three starts, Kanter improves his season averages from 13.8 points per game to a staggering 20.6, and 7.8 rebounds to 11.3, while retaining a respectable 49 percent field goal percentage.

When combined, Kanter and Favors combine to average an elite 20.1 points and 10.2 rebounds per game while shooting 54 percent from the floor.

So where is the argument to keep Kanter alongside Rudy and bench/trade Favors?


Currently, the Jazz offensive rating (a measurement of the team's points scored per 100 possessions) stands at a slightly above average 106 points for the season, 14th best in the NBA. This number improves slightly to 106.83 with Gobert starting, good for 12th in the league.

That's without an NBA caliber pg or shooting.

[QUOTE]The Jazz have a defensive rating of 108.7 for the season, good for 26th in the league, which improves to 107.45 with Gobert filling the starting role, improving to 21st in the NBA. This represents significant growth for a young roster that soon will be fighting for a playoff spot.

Whether the Jazz find a trade partner for Enes Kanter, or risk bringing him back under less than ideal circumstances, the future of the starting line-up seems clear.

Snyder and the team

[Xiao Yao You]

if the Jazz do make a deal, there are just two players I consider untradeable.

Neither uses mousse gel to keep his hair in place.

Derrick Favors and Rudy Gobert are the players the Jazz most need to keep.

Rudy is at least.

[QUOTE]Gordon Hayward is still the team

[Xiao Yao You]

[QUOTE]In the current standings in the league, the Jazz are expected to pick seventh or eighth overall in the 2015 NBA Draft. According to ESPN, that puts the Jazz in position to pick anyone from the likes of Kentucky star Willie Cauley-Stein and Texas

[Xiao Yao You]

[QUOTE]Enes started playing basketball at 14 years old in 2006

In 2007-08 Enes played for the U16 Turish team and lead the European Championships with 23 points and 17 rebounds. This tournament was over 10 games. Turkey finished 3rd.

In 2008-09 Enes Kanter played 4 games in the Euroleague for a total of 31 minutes and 5 games for Fenerbahce in the Turkish League at 14 minutes a game.

In 2009-10 he went to the US for high school and played limited competition at Stonebridge Prep and then played 9 games in the u18 championships averaging 19 points and 16 rebounds. Turkey finished 3rd

In 2010-11 he didn

[Xiao Yao You]

With the Milwaukee Bucks closing in on a buyout of big man Larry Sanders, they have turned their attention to the trade market in a significant way. The Bucks have been linked to several notable players including Denver

[Xiao Yao You]

As the trade deadline nears, the Atlanta Hawks are open to trading reserve shooting guard John Jenkins according to a source close to the situation. The Hawks are reportedly seeking a second round pick in return for the third year guard who will be an unrestricted free agent this summer. Basketball Insiders

According to the source, Jenkins’ looming free agency has been the primary reason Atlanta has been unable to find a taker willing to give up an upcoming draft pick. Basketball Insiders

Might be worth one of their 2nd to take a look at the next couple months.

[El Kabong]

Might be worth one of their 2nd to take a look at the next couple months.
They got a bunch of them in the GS trade, could do worse.

[Xiao Yao You]

Enes to OKC

[Xiao Yao You]

Perkins and buyout. Kanter, Novak gone. 20 million in cap space next year to go after max guy. Tibor Pleiss rights. Sounds like he might be in the mix next year.

http://newsok.com/oklahoma-city-thunder-tibor-pleiss-not-expected-to-join-thunder-for-2014-15-season/article/4984063

[Xiao Yao You]

Spencer Checketts @1280Spence
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In addition to Perkins, the Jazz will receive a 1st round pick, a 2nd round pick, and the right to an international player for Enes Kanter.

Novak? Pleiss? Thunder's 1st round pick next year would be nice.

[Xiao Yao You]

Also Jerrett in the deal who looks like a stretch 4 prospect.

Two roster spaces to fill. I imagine the guy they just had might take one. Coolley mentioned. Think they need a back-up center and a pg most.

[Xiao Yao You]

OKC 2018 1st

Detroit 2nd.

[El Kabong]

Eh, not all that thrilled with the return. Having the $ for a max contract is nice and all, but doesn't mean much until you use it.

I guess the 2018 pick could be OK if Durant and Westbrook both end up leaving OKC.

[Xiao Yao You]

They got back possibly 4 pieces that could help them for someone that was gone. Pleiss sounds like a possible back-up for Rudy if they can't get Tomic over. Jarrett looks to be young with stretch 4 potential. The 1st could be good. Another 2nd. Rudy gets to be the man!

I'd go all in for Brandon Knight. They have Bledsoe. Might be able to get him. Great fit for their biggest weakness and the guy they should have drafted when they took Enes.

[Xiao Yao You]

Sounds like they could have traded Burke too but they like him.

[Xiao Yao You]

Doesn't sound like they think that German is ready. I'd try to bring over Tomic. if that doesn't go through Wright and Koufos would be nice back-ups on the FA market. I'd look for a young center to groom in the draft as well. Might be able to find someone now. They need a back-up. Evans isn't going to cut it there I don't believe. Not sure Cooley is the answer either. That's more of a reward to show guys that go to their D-league team can get a call-up.

[El Kabong]

David Pick from Eurobasket.com is saying Tibor Pleiss is working on a deal to join the Jazz.

[Xiao Yao You]

good they need a back-up. Means no Tomic I guess and probably no Koufos which I was liking the thought of.

[Xiao Yao You]

[QUOTE]With a pair of open roster spots, the Utah Jazz are reportedly bringing in Austin Toros point guard Bryce Cotton on a 10-day contract.

Cotton is averaging 22.4 points (while shooting 44.3 percent from 3), 4.7 rebounds and 4.6 assists in the D-League. Cotton is undersized, generously listed at 6-foot-1, but he's been a big-time scorer in college at Providence and now with the Toros.

Cotton worked out for the Jazz last summer, but he went undrafted in June and played for the San Antonio Spurs summer league team.

The signing was reported by ESPN.

[Xiao Yao You]

Not a good sign for Clark's future with the club.

[Xiao Yao You]

[QUOTE]Tibor Pleiss is not happy in Barcelona due to his role. FC Barcelona is not happy with his performances

[Xiao Yao You]

Emiliano Carchia: Bryce Cotton will sign tomorrow a 10-day contract with the @Utah Jazz Twitter @sportando

David 'Dubi' Pick: Utah Jazz picking up Tibor Pleiss hit a roadblock, a source said. I'm still investigating. Twitter @IAmDPick

[Xiao Yao You]

Cotton coming from the Spurs D-league team shouldn't have too much of a problem fitting in.

[Xiao Yao You]

Adrian Wojnarowski: The Utah Jazz are signing the Idaho Stampede's Jack Cooley to a 10-day contract, league sources tell Yahoo Sports. Twitter @WojYahooNBA

Hard to believe he's the best they can do. This is more of a reward for sticking with the D-league team.

[Xiao Yao You]

[QUOTE]The reports about Utah

[El Kabong]

2 wins against good sides since Kanter has been moved on. They'll miss his rebounding, especially on the offensive end, but running much better with Gobert as the main man in the middle.

[Xiao Yao You]

More Rudy is certainly a great thing. Not sure Favors is better than Kanter though.

[Xiao Yao You]

[QUOTE]2. Utah emulated the Bucks

[Xiao Yao You]

[QUOTE]He

[Xiao Yao You]

[QUOTE] Gobert, asked about the mid-range jumper he took at the end of the game
Yeah, of course. You know, I

[Xiao Yao You]

Chris Reichert: Source: Utah Jazz will sign Jerrelle Benimon of the Idaho Stampede to 10-day contract in coming days Twitter

Jody Genessy: The Utah Jazz's next D-League call-up will be Idaho Stampede power forward Jerrelle Benimon, according to @Chris_Reichert. Twitter @DJJazzyJody


I was just checking to see what Clark had done and noticed this guy. Some huge numbers. Points, boards, assists, turnovers. Only 6'8". 24 years old. Looks like maybe he's trying to develop into a stretch 4. With Jerrett around not sure where this guy fits. They obviously need a back-up center.

[Xiao Yao You]

Boston leaned more and more on super-tiny units tonight, and the Jazz had no answer. Jae Crowder went for 18 points as Utah was consistently unable to stick with him on pick-and-rolls, not much of a surprise given a notable quickness advantage over guys like Favors and Trevor Booker. The Jazz didn’t play bad defense by any stretch, but seemed to be a bit more confused and yield a few more good looks than they typically have in their recent stifling stretch of defense. There were several notable occasions where Jazz players lost their men coming back down the court and gave up easy baskets on mismatches, and though some of this is just plain brain-fart, some may also be due to a bit of confusion because of a difference from their normal style of matchup.

The larger worry by far, though, was on the other end of the floor. If the Jazz are going to stay big when teams downsize against them, they absolutely must be able to win the battle down low convincingly and get enough easy baskets to make teams think twice about trying to space them out. Utah did win the points in the paint battle tonight, but it was by only four points (36-32), and there wasn’t enough emphasis on getting the bigs, particularly Derrick Favors, involved. Despite having Crowder or a similar mismatch on him nearly the entire game, Favors attempted just 10 shots (he made seven, unsurprisingly), four of which were in the fourth quarter when the Jazz did seem to finally run the offense through him a bit more. Boston did a good job of denying him post entries at times, but this is in many ways the point; Utah needs to have answers for this stuff when the games start to really matter, and there have been several occasions this year versus smaller teams like this where they haven’t.

There’s plenty of time to iron this out, and the current roster certainly may change in the future in ways that could make this less of a concern.2 But Quin appears to have encountered his first major schematic challenge as Jazz coach, and it’ll be interesting to see how he and the team respond going forward.

With Rudy there is no reason you can't go smaller at the 4 with Maxi G, Hood and Ingles though technically they are all taller than Booker.


2. Jazz show more of their patented resilience in the 4th quarter.

We’ve noted several times this year how this Jazz team has exponentially more fight in them than a couple recent years, and it was present tonight as well. On the road coming off a tough win Tuesday night in Memphis3, it would have been easy enough for them to give up down eight or nine points in the fourth. Instead, they fought for every possession as is their custom, and the result was a game they likely should have won on a gorgeous step-back from Gordon Hayward.

Favors was great down the stretch, and Hayward hit another big shot despite continuing to struggle both from the field and overall since the All-Star break. Trey Burke could have shown a bit more selectivity with his shots and also a bit more urgency given the deficit down the stretch, but he did a good job of at least forcing Boston’s defense to account for him and move around as the Jazz made their run. Even in a fairly ugly game with a few notable question marks, the Jazz displayed positive signs.

3. Analyzing a couple big decisions by Quin Snyder down the stretch.

Allow me the honor of second-guessing a coach who, by basically any notable measure, has done an incredible job for the Jazz this season. One area Quin has found himself grappling with has been imperfections on his roster, and some of this just comes with the territory. The small-ball issues discussed above are just this sort of struggle; given his personnel, there’s only so much Snyder can do when teams downsize against his big front line.

He’s an NBA rookie too, though, and the occasional question is certainly warranted. Tonight it’s the way the Jazz defended Isaiah Thomas, particularly in the second half when Boston’s new addition went for 19 points and three assists, willing the Celtics to the win virtually on his own. Again, this is a situation where there’s no perfect answer – Utah’s personnel simply doesn’t offer a sure-thing solution to a speedster like Thomas. But the decision to check Thomas with Rodney Hood and Joe Ingles (only a possession or two in the latter case) down the stretch seems curious, mostly because neither is much of a defender even at their own position. Neither had any chance whatsoever of keeping up with Thomas, and the Jazz even found themselves staring down a dreaded five-on-three on a couple occasions when Thomas split screens so quickly that both he and the roll man were ahead of Utah’s two corresponding defenders. Hiding a guy like Burke is standard, but if his replacements are getting beaten just as badly (they were), it makes more sense to stick to the original matchup and try more in the way of traps or well-placed double-teams.4 Dante Exum may have also been an option (Quin used him on Thomas for the final possession), though he was struggling badly for much of the game offensively. In any case, expect the answers to be more swift and more efficient next time around.

And then, of course, there’s that fateful final play. First things first: switching everything the way the Jazz did is absolutely the correct play in such a scenario, and this was an exemplary play call from Boston coach Brad Stevens with this knowledge in mind. Furthermore, as Quin noted postgame, Utah has consistently put length on the inbound passer in these situations this year, so going with Gobert on Marcus Smart on the sidelines isn’t the least bit out of character. And as our own Dan Clayton noted on Twitter, much of the harm here came when Rodney Hood was slow to recognize a switch, leaving Tyler Zeller just enough space to collect a perfect pass from Smart and lay it in for the win.

My only quibble here5 relates to the specific game context, particularly the clock and the personnel. With about 1.5 seconds left, even a giant like Gobert likely won’t be enough to drastically alter the potential shot – a good coach like Stevens has multiple inbounds drawn up without question, and even if Rudy forces a tough pass, there’s enough time for a dribble or two and a shot. Furthermore, it’s obvious that down one point and with time for just one attempt, a look closer to the hoop has to be a real possibility. Throw in the fact that Hood is a rookie who has missed a lot of time this year and isn’t known for his defensive prowess, plus the fact that a switch to a bigger guy is fully within the realm of possibility, and I think it’s very close indeed.

Basically, my own risk-reward calculus seems to favor allowing what would have only been a slightly easier inbound pass for Smart with Hood on him6 while retaining Gobert’s services down low. Gobert and Favors have far more experience switching with each other, and had been doing so with Boston’s small-ish lineups (like the one they had out to close) all game. Switches elsewhere mean that even if Hood allows an easy inbound pass on the perimeter, any jumper is going to be well-contested and have a very low probability rather than an inexperienced player being forced to switch onto a much bigger guy so close to the basket.

Again, it’s super close and the delay from Hood is likely the largest culprit in the end. If he makes the switch seamlessly, this is very possibly all a moot point. But given the specific context and the personnel on the floor for both teams, it seemed worthy of a second look and may do so again in the future in similar scenarios.

Ben Dowsett

Of course Snyder blamed Rudy. Got to have Rudy at the rim I'd think. He seems to agree. 2nd guessing the coaching has not usually turned out well in Utah where they value their coaches more than star players. And he almost blocked it anyway! :bowdown: https://jazzfanatical.files.wordpress.com/2015/03/end-of-game.gif?w=400

[Xiao Yao You]

Despite finding answers at what looks like four of the five starting positions, the Jazz are in need of a starting shooting guard to complete the line-up.

The Utah Jazz are definitely getting better. They take steps forward, with steps backward. However, at this point, there are more steps forward than backward.
The hole in the roster appears larger due to the absence of fourth-year guard Alec Burks, sidelined with a season-ending shoulder injury. The Jazz hope Burks is able to fill the role, having signed him to a four-year, $40 million contract this past offseason, but questions remain about his fit.

For his career, Burks shoots 35 percent from the 3-point line, a respectable but unspectacular number. With the logjam created in the paint by Gobert and Favors, Burks’ ability to get into the lane and finish at the basket may be seriously impacted. While Hayward, Exum and Burke are willing 3-point shooters, none of the three are deadeye marksmen providing Burks the spacing needed to utilize his attacking style.

John Stockton and Karl Malone combined to create one of the NBA’s best duos, but neither could take the Jazz to the Finals prior to the arrival of Jeff Hornacek. Only when Hornacek added an elite long-distance shooter to the Jazz scoring punch were they able to make a run to the NBA’s championship round.

The Jazz find themselves in a similar situation now.

While the team has filled the shooting guard position piecemeal, starting Joe Ingles, Elijah Millsap and Rodney Hood, none of the three qualify as elite shooters at this point in their careers.

Burks was at 38% on 2.5 3 attempts a game this year. Better than anyone else on the team. Still not convinced he and Maxi G can start together though or if Burks is an NBA starter or great 6th man. They have to try to make it work with him as a starter after the contract they gave him. Hood is starting to look like a shooter too. Ingles and Millsap like most of the roster have to hit open 3's to play next year when they should be competing for the playoffs again finally. No more tanking and excuses.


Unfortunately, two of the NBA’s best shooters have recently played for the Jazz in Wesley Matthews and Kyle Korver, but both have gone on to leave the team in free agency, only to find greener pastures with their new teams.

Of the NBA’s current top 20 3-point shooters, only former Jazzman DeMarre Carroll fits the Jazz needs by position, age and availability as an unrestricted free agent this offseason. Carroll’s willingness to return to Utah could be enhanced based on his relationship with current Jazz coach Quin Snyder who former worked with Carroll as an assistant in Atlanta. Though his relationship with the front office is in question, as they allowed him to walk away empty-handed once before.

Money talks. I'd love to have Demarre back! Would he be willing to come off the bench? Will they have money for him after they address the bigger needs they have at the 1 and back-up 5? If the Hawks do something this year they might keep their team together.


Beyond bringing back old names, the Jazz's best option will be adding a shooter through the draft. With the Jazz's recent success, the team appears bound for a late lottery pick, somewhere between 10 and 14, with the NBA’s lottery system making it unlikely to move up in June’s draft. Duke’s Justise Winslow, Kansas’ Kelly Oubre, Michigan’s Caris LeVert and Kentucky’s Devin Booker all project as shooters in the NBA, though only Booker maintains a 3-point shooting percentage over 40 percent. LeVert is likely the most NBA ready, as the only player on the list who has played more than one season in college, but has battled multiple foot injuries that will certainly draw red flags from teams in the draft.

Not sure anyone in the draft is ready to be in the Jazz's rotation next year. I'd be looking to trade their picks. Maybe draft a young center if anything to develop not to play. A guy they should be looking for right now. Jazz have enough young guys everywhere else. Time to win games!


No NBA team is perfect, and every team has a hole in its roster it could fill to create a more complete product, and this Jazz team is no different. The Jazz have found talented young players in the draft to build the roster that appears on the brink of a major break-out, but they’ll likely have to repeat the process once more this summer to complete a roster that is still in need of one major piece.

About the Author: Ben Anderson

It's in need of a major piece at pg. Exum might be that guy eventually but they can't wait around for him. The time is now. Brandon Knight would be the guy I'd go after in FA unless there is someone else available in a trade. Bring over Neto. Let him, Burke and Exum fight it out for the back-up job with maybe another proven vet in case none of them are ready. Exum still could earn some wing minutes. D-league for the losers. Tomic or Pleiss or Koufos at the 5. If Hood keeps doing what he's been doing since his return I might stay pat on the wing other than bringing in guys to compete with Ingles and Millsap for the end of the rotation/bench.

[Xiao Yao You]

[QUOTE]I don

[Xiao Yao You]

Emiliano Carchia: The Utah Jazz are expected to sign Bryce Cotton to a 2nd 10-day contract, according to sources Twitter @sportando

[Xiao Yao You]

The Utah Jazz have let FC Barcelona's Ante Tomic know they are willing to pay his buyout. Marca.com

Must not be very much now. Is he willing to be a back-up for 15-20 minutes a night? Are they better off trading his rights and bringing in my boy Kosta? Are they willing to give him mid level type money for that many minutes? I think offensively he could be a nice fit.

[Xiao Yao You]

Wes Matthews price may have went down.

[Xiao Yao You]

Spencer Checketts: Rather irrelevant at this point, but just caught wind that Jazz had serious discussions at trade deadline with Warriors to acquire David Lee Twitter

That's hard to imagine. They were going to keep bringing Rudy ff the bench? I thought the trade was made for Rudy more than anything? :confusedshrug:

[Xiao Yao You]

[QUOTE]For some guys on the roster, this last chunk of competitive ball could be extremely valuable. Whether it

[Xiao Yao You]

Both sides are thriving with the trade; everybody’s happy. It’s been a win-win, at least so far.

Since the trade on Feb. 18 ...

The Jazz are 5-2 — easily their best stretch of the season — and Rudy Gobert, the Frenchman who moved into a full-time job with the departure of Kanter, is averaging 10.6 points and 13.3 rebounds. He’s making 59 percent of his shots from the field. C’est magnifique. As if to put an exclamation point on the trade and the team’s vote of confidence, Gobert produced 15 points and 24 rebounds in a road win over Memphis this week. He has 40 rebounds in his last two games.

The question is what would they be doing if they'd traded Favors instead though.


The Oklahoma City Thunder are 5-1 with Kanter in the lineup (he missed one game, a loss, with a thigh injury). Kanter is averaging 14.5 points and 9.3 rebounds since joining the Thunder. He’s shooting 57 percent from the field. In last Sunday’s win over the Lakers, he collected 16 points, 15 rebounds and five assists.

In Oklahoma City, they’re wondering what the Jazz were thinking when they traded this guy for relatively little in return.

They got potentially 4 players out of it. Too early to say they got little for an expiring contract.


Fans are wondering the same thing in Utah. But given this recent turn of events, there’s this question: Is it possible that Dennis Lindsey knows what he’s doing after all?

Has a lot to prove yet.


The trade has been a short-term success, but how will it play out for the Jazz long term (let’s face it, the Thunder can’t really lose in this deal)?

They could. Durant and Westbrook might both be gone when the Jazz cash in the picks.


To recap: The Jazz sent Kanter — the No. 3 pick of the 2011 draft — and Steve Novak to Oklahoma City in exchange for Kendrick Perkins, Grant Jerrett, the rights to Tibor Pleiss, a first-round pick from the Thunder and a second-round pick from the Pistons.

On the face of it, the Jazz appear to be starting over again, just as they did when they onloaded Deron Williams. Kanter and Williams were both No. 3 picks in the NBA draft, six years apart. They are tied with Dominique Wilkins (No. 3 in 1982) as the second highest draft picks in team history, trailing only Darrell Griffith in 1980.

starting over? :no:


In other words, the Jazz haven't had many lottery picks in the draft, and now they’ve traded away the last two (actually, they’ve traded every No. 3 pick they’ve ever made, but that’s ancient history). Here’s what the Jazz got for Kanter:

— Perkins, sort of. He never set foot in Utah. The Jazz bought out his contract and he signed with the Cleveland Cavaliers, and if you understand all of that then you must be an accountant. All Jazz fans need to know is this: HE AIN’T PLAYING FOR YOUR TEAM.

— Jerrett. The only statistic he has since joining the Jazz is three minutes of playing time.

Anyone expect him to play? He's a 21 year old D-leaguer with stretch 4 potential. Could be a player for them eventually.


— Pleiss. He’s been passed around like a bad rumor. The Nets made the German the 31st pick of the draft — in 2010. The Nets traded his rights to the Hawks, who traded his rights to the Thunder, who traded his rights to the Jazz. Pleiss still hasn’t played in the NBA.

High 2nd rounder who the Thunder wanted on the team this year. Sounds like Rudy's potential back-up eventually to me.


So for practical purposes, ignore the three players in the deal, which takes us to all that matters: First- and second-round draft picks

dumbass


which takes us to all that matters: First- and second-round draft picks, which means more young players and waiting for them to develop.

The Jazz keep kicking the future of the team farther and farther down the road and urging patience from their fans. When they let go of Williams, Kyle Korver, Paul Millsap, Al Jefferson and now Kanter, they pretty much started over again. Who knew sports teams were like 401(k)s, and fans must wait for years before they‘re worth anything.

Or maybe the wait is shorter than we think, given the Jazz’s resurgence.

Doug Robinson's columns run on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Email: drob@deseretnews.com

How do thoese guys even have jobs? Kanter was likely gone. They got something out of it. They should be a playoff contender next year. I think Kanter/Gobert may have been the way to go. Time will tell.

[Xiao Yao You]

The Utah Jazz announced today that the team has signed forward Jerrelle Benimon of the Jazz

[Xiao Yao You]

[QUOTE]Therefore, it

[Giaodollo]

Got to wonder how much money they want to have invested in two combo guards though. Jazz should make them think about it anyway.

That is bullshit, I don't think anyone is offering Knight a market max. He should be happy if he gets 8/year and run with it.

[Xiao Yao You]

He'll get more than that.

[Xiao Yao You]

The Jazz did re-up point guard Bryce Cotton to another short deal.

[Xiao Yao You]

Gobert and Noel each got slapped with a technical foul late in the fourth quarter for a brief, less-than-cordial interaction under the basket. The double techs were doled out after Noel swung on the rim a bit and Gobert swiped his arm at him after the play. Spur of the moment reaction? Or was that act of frustration building up throughout a physical game against a potential rival player?

[Giaodollo]

He'll get more than that.

I forgot about the cap going up, so maybe you are right.

[Xiao Yao You]

The Jazz give up six points more per 100 possessions with Exum off the court than when he's out there, trying to lock down opposing guards.

Not sure that says a whole lot since Trey is so horrible on D.

[QUOTE]While he's struggled on some nights (a 22-point explosion from Lakers rookie point guard Jordan Clarkson comes to mind), Exum has also been able to disrupt plenty of opponents.

"He certainly looks a whole lot more confident and understands what Quin wants a lot more now than at the beginning of the season," Spurs coach Gregg Popovich said after San Antonio lost last month in Utah.

A speedy point guard and a high lottery pick might be expected to try to prove his worth on the other end of the floor, but not Exum.

"It's not common," Snyder said. "Usually guys associate their value with offense, and I've been pretty adamant [that] that not be the case."

Surprisingly, most of Exum's troubles this year seem to come on offense, where he often looks timid with his drives and off-line with his jump shot, rather than as a defender.

Brown, the Sixers coach and the man who invited Exum to the Australian national team when he was 15, isn't surprised.

"I feel for him, with his body and the fact that he [did not play last year while preparing for the draft], the easiest thing for him to focus on would be defense," Brown said.

The coach said he believes Exum's offense will follow.

"It doesn't surprise me what he's done," Brown said. "I applaud Quin for giving him the ball and playing him. They've really, at times, taken some hits. We all do with young guys. But the dividends that I think they're going to see in him, given the pain I'm sure they're experiencing giving a young player the ball this year, I think it will end up being worth it."

Snyder also sees the potential for Exum to become a better offensive player

[Xiao Yao You]

[QUOTE]While the Jazz deserve credit for foresight, having watched him since he was 16, they weren

[Xiao Yao You]

Tony Jones: The Utah jazz have assigned forward Grant Jerrett to the Idaho stampede of the D-League Twitter @Tjonessltrib

Alright let's see how he does playing Jazz basketball.

[El Kabong]

Another gross 1/11 game from Burke. Favors should have had 40 against Bargs though. Had 20 in the first half and only 9 in the second. Lucky Ingles got hot in the 4th, had 8 of his 12 points in aboht a 2 minute period late in the game.

[Xiao Yao You]

Yeah typical Trey game. A lot of Favors work was against Amundsen who had no chance against him. They definitely should have got Favors the ball more. Ingles looked good looking to shoot for a change. Hood is starting to look like a legitmate rotation player.

[Xiao Yao You]

[QUOTE]Update on Ante Tomic and Raul Neto

Well, we

[Xiao Yao You]

Two foreign players whose rights the Jazz own are not likely to help, in regard to dusting bombs. Ante Tomic can score, but he's not a traditional deep threat. "He's really a great passer for his size and position," Perrin said. "He helps our team more that way as a scorer." And Raul Neto is not a gifted shooter. "He's more of a true point guard, a guy who tries to help his teammates get great shots rather than him getting his own good shot."

Neto is going to have to be able to hit open 3s like the rest of team. But with Burke and Exum in the low 30's not sure how good he has to be. Tomic also has a post game with both hands and can face up as well.

[Xiao Yao You]

http://www.deseretnews.com/top/3118/0/Utah-Jazz-international-How-Tomic-Pleiss-and-Neto-are-doing-in-Europe.html

Pleiss hits free throws.

[El Kabong]

Gobert is destroying the rockets. 14 points and 18 rebounds at the half.

[El Kabong]

Good job keeping Harden to 3-13 and the entire team to 22% from 3pts. Burke was 0-8, which makes his FG% 35% over his last 10 games. Hood was 8-16 today, if he keeps that up Burke is going to find himself sitting more than playing. Ingles was solid again from 3 hitting 2-4 as well and Favors and Gobert putting up 4 blocks each is a bonus too.

Jazz had a 5 game home run of the Knicks, Houston, Detroit, Charlotte and Washington and this was probably the hardest one to win, so they could find themselves edging closer to .500 if they can win the rest.

[Xiao Yao You]

Trey was only 37 % on the year so he's just doing what he's done the past two seasons.

Hood has looked like a legitimate rotation player since he came back. Hopefully his foot problems are behind him. They'll have to consider starting him next year.

Washington will be tough. Detroit might be too.

[Xiao Yao You]

Rudy was amazing. He had 18 rebounds in the first half. He is the 5thplayerdo that in the first half of game since 1980. The Jazz completely dominated the offensive glass and Gobert had 12 offensive rebounds. The jazz ended with 17 offensive rebounds.

The 18 and his first quarter double double hadn't been done this season. He'll be breaking all the Jazz rebounding records.

[El Kabong]

Just saw this on Reddit.

Utah Jazz Starting Lineup - March 12th vs Houston Rockets
C Rudy Gobert - 22.26
F Derrick Favors - 23.24
F Gordon Hayward - 24.36
G Rodney Hood - 22.14
G Dante Exum - 19.24
Average Age = 22.25

BYU Mens Basketball Starting Lineup - March 10th vs Gonzaga
C Corbin Kaufusi - 21.91
F Josh Sharp - 24.76
F Chase Fischer - 22.1
G Tyler Haws - 23.92
G Kyle Collinsworth - 23.44
Average Age = 23.23

Mormon work makes you an old college player!

[Xiao Yao You]

Just saw this on Reddit.

Utah Jazz Starting Lineup - March 12th vs Houston Rockets
C Rudy Gobert - 22.26
F Derrick Favors - 23.24
F Gordon Hayward - 24.36
G Rodney Hood - 22.14
G Dante Exum - 19.24
Average Age = 22.25

BYU Mens Basketball Starting Lineup - March 10th vs Gonzaga
C Corbin Kaufusi - 21.91
F Josh Sharp - 24.76
F Chase Fischer - 22.1
G Tyler Haws - 23.92
G Kyle Collinsworth - 23.44
Average Age = 23.23

Mormon work makes you an old college player!

Yes Kaufusi is a freshman return missionary. I think he may have redshirted in football before he left? Collinsworth is a return missionary junior. Fischer is a transfer junior. Haws is a return missionary senior and Sharp is a transfer return missionary senior. Collinsworth might be someone for the Jazz to look at next year.

[Xiao Yao You]

Ante Tomic had 16 points on perfect shooting, plus 12 rebounds and 6 assists with a performance index rating of 35, which earned him Euroleague MVP honors for Top 16, Round 10.

Barcelona defeated Maccabi Tel Aviv 89-71 in the game.

This is the second time Tomic has won the award this season.

[Xiao Yao You]

Marc Stein: Hearing that the Utah Jazz are lining up another 10-day deal for @nbadleague rebound machine Jack Cooley. Jack Cooley already had one 10-day with Jazz and has been a 20/20 guy since return to @nbadleague, topped by record-setting game w/29 boards. Twitter @ESPNSteinLine

seems like they have bigger needs

[Xiao Yao You]

Ante Tomic: At 28, right now this is my last train to the NBA, but as of now I don't know anything (about it). Mundo Deportivo

Are you talking with FC Barcelona about re-signing? Tomic: Yes, but there's also the NBA. Let's see what happens at the end of the season. Mundo Deportivo

Sounds like he could be coming. Either as Rudy's back-up or another trade piece.


Shams Charania: The Utah Jazz and guard Bryce Cotton are progressing in discussions on a deal for the rest of the season, league sources tell RealGM. Twitter @ShamsCharania

Will leave them 1 spot to look at other guys. for the last month.

[Xiao Yao You]

Jody Genessy: Beginning Monday, I

[Xiao Yao You]

[QUOTE]We

[Xiao Yao You]

The Utah Jazz announced today that team has signed guard Bryce Cotton to a multi-year contract. Per team policy, financial terms were not released. Cotton signed his first of two 10-day contracts with the Jazz on Feb. 24 and has appeared in three Jazz games, averaging 1.7 points in 4.0 minutes per contest. NBA.com

Might end up in Trey's spot at the end of the bench next year.

[Xiao Yao You]

[QUOTE]The Los Angeles Clippers, Boston Celtics and Utah Jazz are showing interest in the possible call up of Eric Griffin of Texas in the NBA D-League, league sources told RealGM. Griffin

[Xiao Yao You]

Andy Larsen: Bryce Cotton's deal is essentially the same as Elijah Millsap's, so they didn't sign him for $3M to use as trade bait this summer. Twitter @andyblarsen

They have guarantees? I figured they were non guaranteed that could be used in a trade. I'd guess Millsap and Ingles will at least be at the end of the bench next year.

[El Kabong]

Destroyed the Hornets today. Hood was shooting lights out too. Hood was 9-11 and 5-5 from 3. Gobert with a lazy 22 rebounds as well.

Burkes again shooting poorly, going 3-14.

[Xiao Yao You]

Hood has been great since his return at the break. Exum is hitting his 3's too of late. Trey's days look numbered. Rudy is the man! :bowdown:

[Xiao Yao You]

Tony Jones: Jazz forward Elijah Millsap told me he received a concussion in tonight's win over the Hornets. Said status Wednesday is uncertain Twitter @Tjonessltrib

Yeah he definitely was hurt. He kept playing though.

[Xiao Yao You]

The Jazz defensive rating over the last 16 games is 91.6.

The 1989-99 Spurs team with Robinson and Duncan is thought of as the best defensive team of all time with a defensive efficiency of 92.1. They surpassed that in 03-04 with a 91.6. The Jazz are playing Duncan/Robinson defense and have been for 16 games.

It

[Xiao Yao You]

In other Jazz news, Grantland.com's Zach Lowe has named Utah center Rudy Gobert to his 2015 Marc Gasol All-Star team, the 12-man roster honoring the guys Lowe has enjoyed watching most this season.

"The linchpin of the NBAs stingiest defense since the All-Star break is coming to knock down your buildings, eat your children, and steal your citys food supply," Lowe writes. "Gobert has worked his way into the conversations about defensive player of the year, most improved player, and sixth man of the year."

That's a no brainer. He's a joy to watch.

[Xiao Yao You]

The Utah Jazz announced today that the team has recalled guard Ian Clark from the NBA Development League

[El Kabong]

http://espn.go.com/nba/statistics/team/_/stat/team-comparison-per-game/sort/avgPointsOpponent

Jazz now have the NBA's best opponent points allowed record after that game against the Hornets.

[Xiao Yao You]

amazing after where they ranked just a few weeks ago.

[Xiao Yao You]

Utah holds a team option on the second year of the contract he signed last summer. Booker thought at the time that it might wind up being a one-season proposition, but he's now holding out hope for a longer stay. "I definitely want to be back," Booker said. "I love this place. I have great teammates, and I see big things for the team. I want to be a part of that." Salt Lake Tribune

[Xiao Yao You]

Andy Larsen: Steve Starks announced as president of Miller Sports Properties in a release, replacing Steve Miller. Twitter @andyblarsen

Andy Larsen: Starks will oversee the operation of the Utah Jazz, the Salt Lake Bees, EnergySolutions Arena, KJZZ, 1280AM, 97.5FM, and the Tour of Utah. Twitter @andyblarsen

[Xiao Yao You]

e Utah Jazz announced today that the team has recalled forward Grant Jerrett from the NBA Development League

[Xiao Yao You]

[QUOTE]Favors, for one, did not want to be any part of a tanking bunch, and he knew it would be up to those who were designated to lead the team to ensure that did not happen. New coach Quin Snyder put much on Favors' shoulders to begin the year.

[Xiao Yao You]

[QUOTE]As far as talent, there's no question that he belongs in the NBA. It's the other things that have been suspect

[Xiao Yao You]

[QUOTE]Rudy Gobert had just 3 points and 7 rebounds tonight, the lowest totals in both categories since he became a starter after the All-Star break. Teams are starting to put significant scouting efforts on Rudy Gobert

[Xiao Yao You]

[QUOTE]The Russian superstar came back home after three months out of action in the NBA due to family reasons. He signed a short-term contract with CSKA in mid February wanting to win the Euroleague for first time and is ready to finish his career this summer.

[Xiao Yao You]

[QUOTE]Is there a player that tantalizes you within your draft range, and is there a player that excites you that you would be willing to

[Xiao Yao You]

[QUOTE]

[Xiao Yao You]

So what should the Jazz do in the upcoming offseason? Option one is trading young talent and possibly a draft pick to acquire something better, for example, swapping Burke for a veteran like Danilo Gallinari of the Denver Nuggets.

I doubt Trey has much value. They need a pg maybe 2 and a back-up center not another wing that needs time.

[QUOTE]Option two is continuing to draft and develop new talent since they will most likely pick 12th in this year

[Giaodollo]

Matt talked about tanking but didn't really say the Wolves were. I thought it was funny considering the Jazz's tanking the past two years. Burke with another horrible game and he's been starting or playing a key role off the bench the past two years. Dante hasn't done anything for a few games now. That is tanking.

I actually talked about it in another thread, and said I wonder if he had said this before the all star game.

[Queen Sansa]

On Simmon's Trade Value Column part 2, Gobert was in the 30's i think. In part 3 Simmons said he regretted not putting him in the low 20's with Giannis and Wiggins.

He's more valuable than Giannis, and probably close to Wiggins if not tied. That's as far as perceived value though. In actual play i would rather have him than Wiggins on pretty much any team.

[Xiao Yao You]

Aaron Falk: Jazz announce they have purchased the Idaho Stampede. Team has signed a one-year extension to stay in Boise through 2015-16 at least. Twitter @tribjazz

Jeff Zillgitt: Told Jazz had option in contract w/Stampede, giving team ability to buy the D-League team. Jazz were interested in buying at start of season Twitter @JeffZillgitt

So they going to use the team now? They have many guys that could use it.

[Xiao Yao You]

The Houston Rockets could lose starting point guard Patrick Beverley to a wrist injury for the rest of the season, sources told Yahoo Sports. Yahoo! Sports

How will it affect his free agency? Looks like a good fit for the Jazz.

[El Kabong]

Looks like Hood and Hayward will be out against Portland.

[Xiao Yao You]

http://saltcityhoops.com/trey-burke-searching-for-an-identity/

All I can say is he better not be penciled in the rotation going into next year. He's a 3rd pg/D-leaguer until he proves otherwise. I'd guess if he's on the team next year they might not pick up his option for his 4th year and cut their losses. Bring in Neto and proven vets and make him actually earn something. Funny that he and the media were putting him in the Jazz's big 3 earlier in the year! :roll:

[Xiao Yao You]

[QUOTE]Part of Portland

[Xiao Yao You]

[QUOTE]Trey Burke was really solid tonight. He stayed is lane. He didn

[Xiao Yao You]

The Utah Jazz announced today that team has signed forward Jack Cooley to a multi-year contract. Per team policy, financial terms were not released. Cooley signed his most recent 10-day contract with the Jazz on March 16 and has appeared in six Jazz games, averaging 1.7 points in 4.3 minutes per contest. NBA.com

They still need a center and now have no flexibility without cutting someone which I doubt they will do. They probably could have had another guy for Burks if they wanted. Hard to believe this is the best that's out there though. :eek:

[Xiao Yao You]

Shams Charania: Utah Jazz have reached agreement to sign Bucks free agent Chris Johnson for the remainder of the season, league sources tell RealGM. Twitter @ShamsCharania

David Locke: The Utah Jazz have waived Ian Clark. Waiving Clark makes a lot of roster mangement sense. Better to have non-guarnteed contract on books than expiring. More flexibility Twitter @Lockedonsports

Believe Clark had a team option though. Still not a center. Couldn't they have signed this guy to another 10 day? I think he only had the one.

[Xiao Yao You]

[QUOTE]So exactly how much room will Utah have this summer? Even if we assume we know the cap is $66 million, the answer to that question depends on a few guys who affect the Jazz

[Xiao Yao You]

[QUOTE]On why the Jazz drafted Rudy Gobert

When we decided to purchase the pick for Rudy, we wanted to avoid going to market. One of, on

[Xiao Yao You]

[QUOTE]Jazz swingman Joe Ingles announced today that he will not participate in international play this summer. Here

[Xiao Yao You]

David Locke: Rodney Hood is getting further medical evaluation in Salt Lake which is why he is not with the team Twitter @Lockedonsports

Let's hope he gets right at some point. He was just starting to look like a part of the core moving forward.

[Xiao Yao You]

Tony Jones: Rodney Hood didn't make the trip to Denver because he's going through further evaluation back in SLC. Hope is that he can return soon Twitter @Tjonessltrib

[Xiao Yao You]

RIP Hot Rod. You will be missed! :cry:

[Xiao Yao You]

[QUOTE]I

[Xiao Yao You]

Andy Larsen: Enes Kanter ripped the Jazz org in his interview today. He pretended to hold back, but that wasn't a holding back. "I love it. It's a team that I've never experienced before. I actually like playing basketball there. I think the difference is I like playing basketball there. I think that's the most important thing. I never liked playing basketball before in my NBA career. It's the first time that I felt like playing basketball. It wasn't just a one game, two game frustration, it was a three and a half year frustration. I'm happy for both sides." Twitter @andyblarsen

Andy Larsen: What was the biggest frustration? Enes Kanter: "I will say almost everything. I didn't bring it every night. Almost everything was a frustration. It wasn't just basketball stuff. It was just professionalism. After I see OKC, then I was like, this is how NBA teams are. You know how you're like in a dream, that you have a superpower and you don't want to open your eyes? OKC's been like that for me." Twitter @andyblarsen

Andy Larsen: Enes Kanter: "I still respect them. I still like my coaches here, I still have friends here, some friends here, not a lot. I don't want to make no comments on them, but I think, after I went to OKC, I was like 'Oh man, this is how NBA teams [are]. Everything there is just professional. Everything they do is for the players. You just only focus on basketball. Like I said, I don't really want to talk about it here. I've got a lot of things to say but just don't want to say it right now." Twitter @andyblarsen

Andy Larsen: Enes, do you miss anything about Utah? "Mountains. That's it, I guess." Twitter @andyblarsen

[Xiao Yao You]

[QUOTE]The Denver Nuggets claimed guard Ian Clark off waivers, league sources told Yahoo Sports. The Utah Jazz waived Clark on Thursday. Clark played in 23 games for the Jazz, averaging 1.9 points in seven minutes a game. He averaged 14 points in seven games for the Jazz

[El Kabong]

Wow, based off Kanter's comments I don't think he'd be staying around even if they didn't trade him. Probably needs to learn a thing or two about professionalism.

[Xiao Yao You]

Should be fun whenever he comes to town now! :applause:

[Xiao Yao You]

Hood weighed in at 214 pounds on March 16 and was down to 208 on Sunday as he tried to pack pounds back on.

Dating back to his time at Duke, Hood has dealt with occasional bouts of nausea coinciding with games, something that has been chalked up to nerves.

"It's obviously something that we're aware of right now," Jazz coach Quin Snyder said. "Like anything, any injury or any condition, you want to address it and we'll continue to."

But Hood believes his latest illness was different.

"It's just an isolated incident," he said. "I'm better now."

Between this and his foot issues I'm a bit concerned about him. Appears to be a big part of their future if he can stay on the floor.


Slow down, big fella

Free throws have cost the Jazz games this year, no question, and late against OKC, Utah needed a pair of them from big man Rudy Gobert. With eight seconds left, the Jazz leading by two and the 62-percent foul shooter headed to the line, point guard Trey Burke stopped his center and said a few things.

"I knew those were crucial free throws," Burke said, "and he's been a pretty good free throw shooter when he takes his time. A lot of times when he rushes he misses. Just told him to take his time. No pressure."

Gobert sank them both, though the first one provided a bit of a scare as it bounced on the rim and teetered precariously before falling through the net.

"When I saw the ball rolling I was just like, 'Go in!' " Gobert said. "That was the touch."

Welcome back

The ink on Christapher Johnson's new contract with the Jazz has barely dried. But on Saturday night, the swingman got a chance to make an impact. Johnson stole the ball from Thunder point guard Russell Westbrook, ran the floor and spotted up in the corner for a clutch 3 to slow an OKC run.

"I was just wide open," he said.

Said Snyder, "Seems like this is happening a lot this year where somebody gets off the plane" and performs. "He was terrific. … He's comfortable with our group from being with us previously. We're happy that he came back and that he had a chance to help us win."

afalk@sltrib.com

Twitter: @tribjazz

He'll probably have a job if he can hit 3's.

[Xiao Yao You]

That

[Giaodollo]

Gobert flexing on Wiggins. I love him so much.

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

[Xiao Yao You]

Hard not to love him! :cheers:

[Xiao Yao You]

http://saltcityhoops.com/utah-jazz-draft-prospects-2015-jakob-poeltl/

Sounds like he might be a good guy to develop. Maybe have him play abroad until he's ready.

[Xiao Yao You]

[QUOTE]Can we discuss Rudy for a moment. I love Rudy. He plays without so much fire and competitiveness. When Wiggins dunked on him he was going to return the favor it was only a matter of time. He loves to play. He wants to be great. Quin had an interesting comment before the game that Rudy has a good understanding of what needs to improve and he works on it.

Part 2 of this is crazy talk on what Rudy can be. Since All-star break he is averaging 11 points (had 15 tonight) 14 rebounds (had 12) 2 assists (had 2). 1 steal (had 1) and 3 blocks (had 3) Now what happens when he gets a little stronger. What happens when he develops some basic offensive ability. What happens if he makes 2 to 3 plays a night out of an offensive game. Could he really become a 15-15 guy. That is crazy. Guys don

[Xiao Yao You]

[QUOTE]The Jazz didn

[Giaodollo]

Hate to break it to you but after Hayward, Booker, Gobert, Favors, Burks and Hood when he's able to stay on the floor the Jazz have no other clear cut NBA players right now. All I can say is they better use the money and assets they have to change that next season.

So again why not send him to the D-league than? :confusedshrug:

I don't even like Burke for the moment, I don't know if he is the one they should go with. I am growing more hesitant of Exum to. He has a lot of work cut out for him. Then again I am not ready to give up on back to back top 10 pg picks and I am certainly not ready for another pg pick. Furthermore I would not like to pick up and overpay for a PG in the free agency. Whatever pick we manage to get, thank you Gobert:mad: I think it should be 2/3. You can get away with a decent PG, certainly hasn't been important on any championship team last decade, as long as the player can shoot and defend. I think Dante can grow into an all star defender and also become a three point shooter.

I hope they can pick up Hezonja.

[Xiao Yao You]

Dante needs to be able to consistently hit open 3's at the minimum next year if he's in the rotation. They are showing they should be one of the best teams in the league on their defense alone. They can't wait for guys to get it at the offensive end. They have a Dleague team for development. Use it. Rudy has given them no reason not to try to win as much as possible again next year rather they like it or not.

Trey's time is running out. He doesn't play D and just looks to shoot. If he could consistently hit shots it would be one thing but he hasn't shown he can. D-league or end of the bench or traded. My guess is he won't be with the team past next year unless he shows more before the start of next year.

So what should they do with the 15-20 million they will have under the cap next year if not a couple proven pg/combo guards? It's where they have been lacking the past two years. They need to be able to play small too and Trey and Cotton are their two choices now. Sounds like Tomic is coming. I'd guess he gets mid level type money maybe a bit more as one of the top players in Europe the past 3 years.

Possible that Booker could be gone and they look to upgrade there too.

They have Hayward, Burks and Hood at the 2-3 plus Exum can guard those positions. Don't see why they'd be looking to draft someone there unless they get lucky in the lottery. And unless they do I'd only be looking for a young center to develop or to stash guys overseas. Trade the picks otherwise. They don't need to get younger. They need some proven guys to go with what they have.

[Xiao Yao You]

http://weareutahjazz.com/lockedonjazz/2015/03/31/insider-what-to-make-of-jazz-defense-since-all-star-break/

They might have to give up something on D to improve their offense next year. They have to shoot better.

[Xiao Yao You]

[QUOTE]** Quin Snyder on going small in the last few games

I

[Xiao Yao You]

The Nuggets discussed Lawson deals at the deadline, and sources at the time said Denver wanted multiple first-round picks. The 11th pick alone might not get it done, but if Utah included another asset — Hood, two future second-rounders, something — the Nuggets might think about going head-on into a full rebuild. Grantland

I like the idea of him but it sounds like he's a headcase. Wouldn't want to give up Hood. Burke, Neto, Pleiss, non guaranteed deals, picks, cash maybe.

[Xiao Yao You]

http://weareutahjazz.com/lockedonjazz/2015/04/02/insider-will-jazz-d-translate-to-2015-16/

They'll be tough on D as long as Rudy is around. They need to improve offensively even if they're not as good on D especially at the one. Tomic and Burks will improve them a lot at the offensive end. Get better at the one.

[Xiao Yao You]

[QUOTE]Gobert doesn

[Xiao Yao You]

[QUOTE]What

[Xiao Yao You]

http://www.sltrib.com/sports/2359787-155/utah-jazz-alec-burks-patiently-waiting?fullpage=1

Definitely sounds like his injury had a lot to do with his disappointing numbers. Look for big things from him next year!

[Xiao Yao You]

He could play both guard positions. When(if?) Exum is ready he can move over no problem. Another ball handler. Can stick the 3.

[Xiao Yao You]

[QUOTE]While the major statistical categories are about the same, it

[Xiao Yao You]

[QUOTE]The Utah Jazz announced today that the team has recalled forward Grant Jerrett from the NBA Development League

[Xiao Yao You]

Even the biggest guy in the building, when he squeezes his massive, 7-foot-4 frame into his seat in a corner of EnergySolutions Arena, has trouble taking his eyes off the biggest guy on the floor. That's right, count Jazz legend Mark Eaton among Gobert's admirers. "I love watching him play," Eaton said of the 7-foot-1 Frenchman. "I love his energy. I love how the crowd reacts. When he blocks a shot, I get pumped up." Salt Lake Tribune

[Xiao Yao You]

http://www.sltrib.com/sports/2369489-155/utah-jazz-shot-blocking-legend-mark-eaton

Can't see Rudy learning much from Eaton. Different players. Eaton was big. Rudy is great.

[Xiao Yao You]

[QUOTE]Zach Lowe: On my potential free agent steals list today. RT @JMcDonald_SAEN: Pop says CoJo has "played his ass off" and has "earned the time." Ryan Wolstat: @ZachLowe_NBA @JMcDonald_SAEN Expect Cleveland and Toronto to take long looks

[Xiao Yao You]

The NBA is set to become the first U.S. professional sports league to visit Cuba since President Barack Obama ordered diplomatic relations between the countries to be restored. The league will hold a four-day development camp and host clinics for youth from April 23-26. Recently retired two-time MVP Steve Nash, newly elected Hall of Famer Dikembe Mutombo, and former WNBA star Ticha Penicheiro will take part, along with NBA coaches Quin Snyder of Utah and James Borrego of Orlando. The league said it will make an official announcement on Tuesday. Deseret News

[Xiao Yao You]

Jazz Bear, the creatively named mascot for the Utah Jazz, sustained a painful fall. When this happened is not readily identifiable (even though it

[Xiao Yao You]

http://www.sltrib.com/sports/2377913-155/utah-jazz-rookies-exum-and-hood

Hood's too good for Summer League. He's looking like he might be eventually be their 2nd best player.

Trey needs Summer League but I'm guessing he won't be there.

[Xiao Yao You]

http://www.sltrib.com/blogs/jazznotes/2377748-155/video-alec-burks-now-practicing-jump

Summer League might be a good idea for Alec after missing most of the year.

[Xiao Yao You]

http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865626053/Morning-links-Grantland-names-Trey-Burke-one-of-the-NBAs-least-efficent-shooters-Update-on-Pac-12.html

[Xiao Yao You]

With home court advantage in the first round of the playoffs a long shot, the Trail Blazers aren't going to risk anything. The Blazers announced on Friday evening power forward LaMarcus Aldridge will sit out Saturday's game against the Utah Jazz with a left foot sprain. It's unclear when Aldridge suffered the injury, but it's likely the team is just holding him out to rest and avoid further injury. Oregonian

I'm sure he's real disappointed not to have to go against Rudy again who's been in his head the past couple games.

[Xiao Yao You]

Went to the game last night. Rudy is even more awesome in person. Cotton is gaining confidence. Could be a cheap alternative to Burke.

[Xiao Yao You]

Aaron Falk: Trey Burke did not travel to Portland, the Jazz say. This will be the fourth game in the last five he's missed because of a sore back. Twitter @tribjazz

[Giaodollo]

Went to the game last night. Rudy is even more awesome in person. Cotton is gaining confidence. Could be a cheap alternative to Burke.

I am never really traveling to Utah, hope I can catch him on a road trip someday in Miami or New York along with Hayward, Favors, Hood and Exum.

[Xiao Yao You]

[QUOTE]This offseason, he

[Xiao Yao You]

Tim MacMahon: Dirk and others will fly home on Mark Cuban's jet instead of making the trip to Utah. Twitter @espn_macmahon

[Giaodollo]

Got to wonder what his post game would look like if he hadn't came to Utah.

Yeah, I get mad everytime I see him do those super sweet post moves, cause he is so talented and has a great footwork on the offensive end but then just doesn't do anything back home. He reminds me so much of Al Jefferson.

He is still 22, which is crazy.

I am glad evertyhing turned out good with Gobert and Favors though, they should make us forget about kanter.

[Xiao Yao You]

[QUOTE]Is there a value to Joe Ingles

[Xiao Yao You]

NBA action will return to Salt Lake City this summer with the 2015 Utah Jazz Summer League, which the Jazz will host at EnergySolutions Arena from July 6-9, the team announced today. In addition to the Jazz, the six-game, four-team event will also feature the Boston Celtics, Philadelphia 76ers and San Antonio Spurs. NBA.com

Bigger news is they will play in the Vegas one as well. Trey needs to be there if he hasn't been dealt.

[Xiao Yao You]

http://saltcityhoops.com/the-triple-team-three-thoughts-on-jazz-rockets-41515/

[QUOTE]Hayward, Favors, and Gobert are essential heavy lifters long-term. Trey Burke, Dante Exum, and Rodney Hood are intriguing questions on the perimeter. Alec Burks is a wild card Lindsey has long been touting as the team

[Xiao Yao You]

EMPTYING THE NOGGIN – The final one: simple and sweet
Posted on April 15, 2015 by David Locke
• The future is bright.

• Quin is a star.

• Thanks for your awesome support—it makes my job wonderful.

• Trevor Booker is a stud.

Posted in Emptying the Noggin

At least Rudy made Snyder look like one

[Xiao Yao You]

Scott Howard-Cooper: Rodney Hood (West) and Bojan Bogdanovic (East) named Rookies of the Month for April. Twitter @SHowardCooper