2015 Off-Season [Archive] - Page 2 - Message Board Basketball Forum

Xiao Yao You

07-08-2015, 10:02 AM

http://www.sltrib.com/sports/2706389-155/utah-jazz-rodney-hood-continues-his

Because Alec Burks will again be in a Utah Jazz uniform next season, nobody knows if Rodney Hood will begin the coming season in the starting lineup.

I could see starting Ingles and bringing both of them off the bench. I think they'll want to keep everyone's minutes down. Hood with his injuries they will be cautious. Burks might make sense off the bench. Rather Alec plays any one could factor into it too.

If he is or isn't could be trivial at this point. All Jazz fans know is Hood seems to be rapidly improving. Watching him glide on the court, it can be tough to pinpoint exactly what he does best, and that's because Hood is beginning to do everything well.

Anyone else see him after the all-star break? :confusedshrug:

In Utah's Summer League at EnergySolutions Arena, the Jazz second-year shooting guard has shown a myriad of skills that made him a big reason General Manager Dennis Lindsey decided to not chase a wing in free agency.

"I've been working on a lot of stuff this offseason," Hood said. "One of my coaches has been joking with me to use my right hand. I want to work on a lot of stuff this summer league, obviously I want to win. But this has been a good transition for me and [Dante] Exum."

Two games into summer league, Hood looks a bit out of place — in a good way. While many players among the four teams have struggled to make shots through two nights, Hood has had no such issues. While many have yet to figure out a way to get to the rim, Hood is getting there with ease.
Second-year players typically are expected to dominate, and Hood has done that.
Especially when they already have shown they are a legitimate NBA rotation player.

In the opening win over the Boston Celtics on Monday night, Hood scored 23 points, a team-high, grabbed 10 rebounds and handed out four assists to go with two steals.

His ability to take over the game has been most impressive feature. Hood scored 15 of those 23 points against Boston in the fourth quarter, and he did it in a number of ways. He scored from the 3-point line. He got into the lane and hit floaters, and finished close to the basket. Not only that, Jazz coach Alex Jensen and his staff used Hood everywhere from point guard to power forward.

"Rodney for me, I think he's mature beyond his years," Jensen said. "He's patient playing off the ball screen. We were just talking about that, how we can show him playing off the ball screen, how he's patient and lets it happen, how the other guys on the team can watch it. He's mature beyond his years and he just gets more confident."
He is older than most 2nd year players these days.

Hood's offseason thus far has been busy. Two weeks after the regular season ended, Hood went down to IMG in Florida for workouts and extra coaching. After that, he took a few weeks off before coming back to Salt Lake. Since returning, Hood has been in the gym relentlessly.

"He's worked so hard, that we've actually had to tell him to go home and take a few days off," Lindsey said recently.

Through two games, Hood has proved to be Utah's leading scorer and best all-around summer league player. He's played well enough that it's fair to question how much the coaching staff and the front office would like to see for the remainder of the summer league. He's looked like the best player in the tournament thus far.
I don't think he's really played that well considering how good he was at the end of the year. He needs to be challenged. Kyle Anderson may be as good as it gets as far as that goes last night. Might have to come in the fall.

In Tuesday's 72-70 win over the San Antonio Spurs, Hood again took over down the stretch, imposing his will offensively in the fourth quarter. He finished with a team-high 18 points, and added five rebounds to that total.
"I've wanted to work on everything," Hood said. "Finishing at the rim, shot consistency, everything. Just my all-around game, I'll continue to work on."

Xiao Yao You

07-08-2015, 10:30 AM

http://www.sltrib.com/sports/2704299-155/monson-ideology-of-a-franchise-

The normally open-minded Dennis Lindsey is convinced the quickest, steadiest route to consistent winning and eventual contention, as he said it again Monday night, after watching Dante Exum score 20 points and Rodney Hood 23 in the team's first summer league game at EnergySolutions Arena, is "to grow our guys."

You can grow your guys and compete at the same time. Why even have a D-league team if you're not going to use it? Look at the Spurs. Kyle Anderson spent most of the year in the D-league. He looks ready to contribute to a depleted SA rotation now.

[QUOTE]He has no precise idea where that growth will take him or them

Xiao Yao You

07-08-2015, 11:04 AM

http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865632089/Morning-links-Most-excitement-for-Jazz-since-going-to-Finals-Big-12-columnists-on-BYU-Utah-is-a.html

[QUOTE]

Xiao Yao You

07-08-2015, 11:24 AM

http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865632168/Jazz-notes-Jack-Cooleys-eager-for-Philly-T-Wolves-Alec-Burks-takes-over-Jazz-Twitter.html

CakeorDeath

07-08-2015, 10:40 PM

Xiao Yao You

07-09-2015, 05:23 AM

Word around the water cooler is that the holdup on signing Lyles was because the Jazz were trying to use their cap space to acquire David Lee. Though he's coming off a bad year on a team that doesn't suit his playing style, I think he would have been a great fit.

As soon as he went to Boston, the Jazz got ink on paper with Lyles

So they would have got rid of Booker or he would have played center? I imagine his side pushed for Boston where he can be the man and possibly be with them moving forward. Warriors were trying to get him somewhere he wanted to go. Offensively he would have worked at center. Defensively it could have been ugly though! Rather have Booker than a one year rental of him. Maybe they should have waited on Lyles with extra 3 million on the cap just announced though!

Xiao Yao You

07-09-2015, 09:04 AM

http://saltcityhoops.com/chris-johnson-is-making-a-case/

[QUOTE]Despite putting in a good effort, Johnson has remained an afterthought for some of the armchair GMs pondering the end-of-the-roster make-up for the 2015-2016 Jazz squad. Bryce Cotton

Xiao Yao You

07-09-2015, 09:39 AM

http://www.slcdunk.com/nba-free-agency/2015/7/8/8917481/nba-free-agency-2015-utah-jazz-cap-space-trey-lyles-joe-ingles-raul-neto-tibor-pleiss
https://cdn3.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/4NEaXy2gondr2d1Lkceirx4i77I=/800x0/filters:no_upscale%28%29/cdn0.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/3856906/Utah_Jazz_Free_Agency_2015_7_8_2015.0.png (https://cdn0.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/3856906/Utah_Jazz_Free_Agency_2015_7_8_2015.0.png)
As you can see the Jazz, if they renounce all of their non-guaranteed contracts and don't sign 2nd round pick Olivier Hanlan (http://www.sbnation.com/college-basketball/players/179809/olivier-hanlan) only have $46.695 million on the books, which is much lower than $70.000 million. In fact, in this case the Jazz would be $23.305 million under the cap, and need to spend that money on three more players to meet the minimum roster size. Of course, they'd need to spend only $16.305 million to reach the minimum salary size of $63.000 million dollars. (For those doing the math at home, that would be three players at the going rate of $5.435 million each.)
They could get Joe Johnson now! :cheers:

There would be enough space to actually pay people, but that would mean Dennis Lindsey would first have to get rid of all the guys with a red square next to their contract value. I know that Lindsey uses these guys to make trades to get salary dumps and future picks (see what he did with John Lucas (http://www.basketball-reference.com/player_search.cgi?search=John+Lucas&utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.basketball-reference.com) III, Diante Garrett (http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/g/garredi02.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.basketball-reference.com), Malcolm Thomas (http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/t/thomama01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.basketball-reference.com), and so forth, over the last few seasons). I don't think Lindsey just jettisons these low level assets for nothing.

They'll be in camp probably if they aren't traded. Non guaranteed and roster spots could make for a competitive camp and a lot of top fringe guys wanting to come here. If they aren't going to spend the money go get the best guys on partial guarantees you can. Make people earn their way.

Purple Team 2015-2016: This is everyone from the gold team plus all the players that have a contract that is governed by a team option. For 2015-2016 that's no one. These do come into play for guys on their original rookie deals, so players like Dante Exum, Rodney Hood, and Trey Lyles this matters down the line. The cap space for the Jazz doesn't change for this season if we go for Gold and Purple -- still at least $16.305 left to spend.

Blue Team 2015-2016:This is the original gold team, plus all of the options -- team and player's options. This doesn't affect the outcome at all either as the only player with a player's option is Gordon Hayward, and that is in 2017-2018 (aka right before the next Lockout). So we'll continue worrying about that at a later date.

Red Team 2015-2016:This is everyone on the list from player number #1 to #15, so everyone except Olivier Hanlan (http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/h/hanlaol01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.basketball-reference.com).

If Hanlan doesn't show more than he has in the first 2 games I imagine he'll be encouraged to go abroad or to the D-league rather than fall camp so they can keep his rights.

If the Jazz do keep everyone they'll be at a 15 man roster, a max roster, and paying only $59.375. That number, ladies and gentlemen is a) under the $70.000 million dollar salary cap, and b) also under the $63.000 million 90% minimum salary for the roster. It's not the end of the world, that means everyone's contracts either get prorated upwards, or the team will have to drop someone and sign someone else for the difference. (This is why the Jazz were likely to be in a mode to collect salary from another team, despite what some local writers thought. I guess they were wrong! Heavens no!)

I'm sure plenty of teams are talking to them as everyone else runs out of cap space and roster spots.

So.......This Red Team is just as unlikely as just a Gold Team. The Jazz will probably NOT hold onto every non-guaranteed contract. Especially not if they have the opportunity to sign either Raul Neto (http://www.sbnation.com/nba/players/198045/raul-neto) or Ante Tomic (http://www.sbnation.com/nba/players/24650/ante-tomic), er, I mean Tibor Pleiss (http://www.sbnation.com/nba/players/111514/tibor-pleiss). In fact, it's probably better for them to sign one of those foreign players and pay him a little bit more and say goodbye to one of the Red Team members.

There aren't a lot of good free agents remaining; however, if you wanted to do something silly like purely just speculate, then you could have a team like this:
Point Guard: Dante Exum, Trey Burke, Raul Neto (http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/n/netora01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.basketball-reference.com)
Shooting Guard: Alec Burks, Elijah Millsap (http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/m/millsel01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.basketball-reference.com)
Small Forward: Gordon Hayward, Rodney Hood, Joe Ingles
Power Forward: Derrick Favors, Trevor Booker, Grant Jerrett
Center: Rudy Gobert, Trey Lyles, Tibor Pleiss (http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/p/pleisti01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.basketball-reference.com)
Burke has to go and I'd think Jerrett too with Lyles aboard.
This gives you one free roster spot (a Jazz doctrine)

The one free spot won't be that important if you have non guaranteed guys like Millsap and Cotton on the team. Still have flexibility until January.

, while having to pay out $56.840 million for everyone but Neto and Pleiss. That means in order to reach the remaining minimum value the team will have to spread out $6.160 million between the Brazilian and the German.

I think Neto will have to be on a rookie deal still. Pleiss I imagine they can pay whatever they want.

It's something they could be able to do, or they could go slightly higher and still remain under the cap (specifically they could go anywhere from $1 dollar to approaching $7 million more). You do have to say goodbye to Cotton, Johnson, and Cooley though.

Cotton is better than Burke. He looks likely to make the team but I'd like to see someone really good in fall camp to challenge him at least and make him earn it.

Of course, you can switch out almost any of these guys, you could eat Jerrett's contract and sign another guy instead (Cooley? Cotton?). You could even see something out of Hanlan and sign him and keep him in Idaho all season long.

The extra $3 million in capspace helps give the Jazz flexibility. And the $7 margin between the minimum salary and the salary cap gives the team a lot more flexibility. Having so many non-guaranteed contracts essentially gives the Jazz $23 million in capspace to work with if they want. So while most of free agency appears settled (or has it, DeAndre Jordan (http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/j/jordade01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.basketball-reference.com)?), our team still has a lot of moves yet to be made.

They should have some moves still but who knows what they are doing.

Xiao Yao You

07-09-2015, 10:32 AM

http://www.slcdunk.com/2015/7/8/8912469/utah-summer-league-2015-rodney-hood-dante-exum-jack-cooley-chris-johnson

Leave Hood home!

Xiao Yao You

07-09-2015, 11:19 AM

http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865632165/Guest-commentary-Have-the-Jazz-done-enough-this-offseason.html

need help still

Xiao Yao You

07-09-2015, 11:29 AM

Tibor Pleiss terminated his contract with Spanish team FC Barcelona and will sign with the Utah Jazz (http://www.mundodeportivo.com/baloncesto/nba/20150709/20775826172/tibor-pleiss-rompe-su-contrato-con-el-barca-para-firmar-por-los-utah-jazz.html).

[/URL]

The German center has been practicing in Salt Lake City and the Jazz made the decision. [URL="http://www.mundodeportivo.com/baloncesto/nba/20150709/20775826172/tibor-pleiss-rompe-su-contrato-con-el-barca-para-firmar-por-los-utah-jazz.html"]The NBA team will pay $625,000 to buy out his contract (http://*********.com/rumor/tibor-pleiss-to-sign-with-the-jazz/).

See him tonight?

Xiao Yao You

07-09-2015, 06:17 PM

[QUOTE]Jody Genessy: German center Tibor Pleiss has left Utah, per #airportsources. No Jazz deal has been signed yet (http://twitter.com/DJJazzyJody).

Xiao Yao You

07-09-2015, 06:20 PM

[QUOTE]Zach Lowe: OKC is just about $2.5M under the tax, so a max deal for Kanter would cost them nearly $40M. (http://twitter.com/ZachLowe_NBA) OKC will likely match, + then look to deal Novak/Augustin/PJII for $0. But POR is forcing their hand. Lots of teams were rooting for this.

Xiao Yao You

07-09-2015, 06:53 PM

Tony Jones: Should clarify, [URL="http://twitter.com/Tjonessltrib"]the Jazz guaranteed Booker

Xiao Yao You

07-09-2015, 07:18 PM

Lyles playing tonight!

Xiao Yao You

07-09-2015, 07:38 PM

http://www.slcdunk.com/nba-free-agency/2015/7/9/8921525/nba-free-agency-2015-tibor-pleiss-utah-jazz-rumor-report-signing

the German power forward
Not sure if this is just the translation but power forward? As skinny as he is I'm wondering if he can bang down low but at well over 7' can he guard the perimeter? Should be able to play him with Rudy if he can defend the rim.

But Tibor could be one of the best Jazz back-up centers in history.
Could be another Euro stiff.

In a free agency class that has come and gone in a blur, Tibor is likely to be the best available bigman left.

He's better than Jordan Hill and Bargnani?

And for the Jazz, this would be the right move as it fills the greatest need for the team right now -- a bench center.

The greatest need is certainly pg. Need quality not quantity. Can get away with a few minutes a game for the 4th big. Hopefully he's good enough so they don't have to stagger Favors and Gobert's minutes to keep one of them on the floor. Still like to see a proven vet that could play if this guy isn't ready.

CakeorDeath

07-09-2015, 10:17 PM

Lyles looks like he can play. Jumper mechanics look good and he's got good size and length. Any dreams of him playing the 3 in the NBA should be poured, though. He doesn't have the quickness to guard NBA SFs. I think a reasonable expectation for him would be Channing Frye. Good mid-range shooter, plays within himself, average rebounder and defender.

Can't see Hanlan making this team. Maybe they give him a year in the D League but that's about it. Hasn't shown a thing in summer league.

Neto signed today and it seems like Pleiss may be a done deal too.

Will be interesting to see what the Jazz do to get to the salary minimum. Biggest needs are backup PG and backup C. Can't see them signing a PG since we already have 5, unless a trade goes down (I would think involving Burke). Backup C seems the most likely move, probably via trade with a team in need of a salary dump

Xiao Yao You

07-09-2015, 11:49 PM

Lyles was impressive. He could help them this year especially if he can play some 5. Booker and even Favors might be challenged in the future. He could play some 3 with bigger line-ups especially with some of the elite defenders they have to make up for other guys mistakes. I think the Odom comparison is better than Frye. He can make plays. Needs to extend his range.

Unless Hanlan does something in Vegas I imagine they'll encourage him to go to the D-league or abroad and keep his rights.

I think Burke is gone. I would think Jerrett too. They could carry more than 3 pgs. Exum fits more in the mold of their wings with his size and skill set. Cotton is more of an undersized shooting guard. Neto is a pg. Burks should get a good look there. Keep the best players on the floor. Like to see a vet still.

Sounds like they think Pleiss is their back-up. I can't see bringing him over otherwise at 25. He sounds too thin to me for the NBA. Jenson will get a good look at him in Germany anyway. Would like to see a vet in case he's not ready though.

Salary dump seems likely but I'd guess they're looking for someone that can help them not just anyone.

Xiao Yao You

07-10-2015, 12:00 AM

[QUOTE]Adrian Wojnarowski: Brazilian point guard guard Raul Neto signed a three-year, $2.8M deal with the Utah Jazz, (http://twitter.com/WojYahooNBA) league sources told Yahoo Sports.

Xiao Yao You

07-10-2015, 12:11 AM

[QUOTE]Jody Genessy: Newly signed Raul Neto will travel with the Jazz to Las Vegas, but he will not play in the summer league. He will work out with veterans (http://twitter.com/DJJazzyJody).

Xiao Yao You

07-10-2015, 04:39 AM

Former All-Star point guard Deron Williams is in talks with the Brooklyn Nets about securing his potential release this offseason to clear the way for Williams to sign with his hometown Dallas Mavericks, (http://espn.go.com/nba/story/_/id/13231321/deron-williams-brooklyn-nets-talks-secure-williams-release) according to league sources.
– via ESPN.com (http://espn.go.com/nba/story/_/id/13231321/deron-williams-brooklyn-nets-talks-secure-williams-release)

Although there have been steady rumblings in league circles in recent weeks that a return to the Utah Jazz is also a possibility for Williams, sources say Dallas has emerged as his preferred destination, in part because he could reunite with new Mavs guard Wesley Matthews, his former Jazz teammate. “It’s 60 to 70 percent that [Williams] winds up in Dallas,” one source told ESPN.com (http://espn.go.com/nba/story/_/id/13231321/deron-williams-brooklyn-nets-talks-secure-williams-release).
– via ESPN.com (http://espn.go.com/nba/story/_/id/13231321/deron-williams-brooklyn-nets-talks-secure-williams-release)

Sources told ESPN.com that the Nets, whose well-chronicled hope is moving out both Williams and fellow former cornerstone Joe Johnson before the start of next season, have opened buyout talks with Williams on the remaining two years and $43.3 million of his contract. (http://espn.go.com/nba/story/_/id/13231321/deron-williams-brooklyn-nets-talks-secure-williams-release) ‎
– via ESPN.com (http://espn.go.com/nba/story/_/id/13231321/deron-williams-brooklyn-nets-talks-secure-williams-release)

A buyout, if Williams’ representatives and the Nets can come to terms, would be Brooklyn’s preference compared to outright waiving the 31-year-old. (http://espn.go.com/nba/story/_/id/13231321/deron-williams-brooklyn-nets-talks-secure-williams-release) The Nets have been adamant since the end of the season that they do not want to simply release Williams via the stretch provision, even though it would allow them to pay out his remaining salary over the next five seasons and also reduce their luxury-tax bill, as long as such a measure is executed before an Aug. 31 deadline. – via ESPN.com (http://espn.go.com/nba/story/_/id/13231321/deron-williams-brooklyn-nets-talks-secure-williams-release)
Coming back to Utah makes some sense. I figured after his current contract it might be a possibility. I guess if they aren't going to spend the money they can afford him for the next couple years. But a big part of the reason they haven't signed anyone is because of their young guys and their chemistry. He could change all that. Jerry, Phil, O'Conner, the Miller's, and others are are still here. If it's true they even have interest it should at least get his number in the rafters where it belongs someday. I'd rather have Joe Johnson and he only has one year left.

Giaodollo

07-10-2015, 06:00 AM

rudy gobertVerified account
‏@rudygobert27
Paul Pierce just tweeted with his Game Boy color lol

:roll: :roll: :roll:

Shutdown:oldlol: :oldlol:

So excited to see what the Jazz has in store this season, I can't believe they finally going in to a season as playoff contenders.

Still hoping for a PG and the trade of Burke.

Xiao Yao You

07-10-2015, 07:08 AM

So excited to see what the Jazz has in store this season, I can't believe they finally going in to a season as playoff contenders.

Still hoping for a PG and the trade of Burke.

" "

Xiao Yao You

07-10-2015, 11:51 AM

http://www.slcdunk.com/nba-free-agency/2015/7/10/8927365/nba-free-agency-2015-utah-jazz-updated-salary-cap-information-raul-neto-trevor-booker

[QUOTE]
So the updated information here is mainly about Raul Neto (http://www.sbnation.com/nba/players/198045/raul-neto), duh. Yahoo! Sport's Adrian Wojnarowski dropped the estimated value of his contract and its' length. (https://twitter.com/WojYahooNBA/status/619321413078376448) After being interviewed after tonight's game Raul indicated that he believes his first two years are guaranteed. I'm guessing that the third year is non-guaranteed like a lot of second round contracts -- peep Grant Jerrett (http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/j/jerregr01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.basketball-reference.com)'s. Of course, the last year could be a team option, or even the first two years about be something else. I don't know how confident Neto was in this answer; nor do I know how much he is allowed to talk about his contract. I am estimating that it'll be a similar weight to Bryce Cotton (http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/c/cottobr01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.basketball-reference.com)'s contract which appears to be -15%, +0%, +15% over the last few seasons. And that's why I have indicated there is a skew. All of that is conjecture. I freely admit that.

Trey Lyles (http://www.sbnation.com/college-basketball/players/252703/trey-lyles)' contract is simply 120% of his Cap Hold, which I got from Basketball Insiders. They did not include the progression over the next few seasons, but I extrapolated that from the normative average growth season-by-season for #12 picks from the last few seasons. A good template for this was Steven Adams (http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/a/adamsst01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.basketball-reference.com).

Lastly, the data for the Salary Cap, Cap Minimum, and Luxury Tax for the 2018-2019 season is not from any site. It's an estimation of the Cap growth. Of course, before we go from 2017-2018 to 2018-2019 we're going to hit another Lockout. So the values for 2018-2019 are effectively a) completely made up, and b) going to be invalid going forward. I just needed to represent the expected cap space for the Jazz, as they only really have Alec Burks (http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/b/burksal01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.basketball-reference.com) under contract that far down the road.

{Peter Falk voice} One more thing . . . we're led to believe that Tibor Pleiss (http://www.sbnation.com/nba/players/111514/tibor-pleiss) is going to sign with the Jazz. He's been working out with them quite consistently over the last week+, and the Jazz have reportedly paid the transfer fee to FC Barca Basket. You don't pay that fee and get all of that paperwork done until you're ready to sign that guy. So all of this info is going to change once again, probably within the next 36 hours. Hooray! As it currently stands the Jazz are $13.212 million under the Salary Cap. They do not need to reach the cap, and as astutely pointed out in a previous comments section, they do not even NEED to reach the 90% minimum salary value either. They can just pro-rate the existing contracts up to whatever they need to, in order to reach 90%. If that is the case the Jazz, after signing Tibor, will have 13 contracts on the books. You need to meet both the financial minimum (of which the Jazz currently do not), and the roster size minimum. That minimum is 13 players, and would be satisfied if the Jazz get Tibor.

There are four non-guaranteed contracts (Bryce Cotton, Elijah Millsap (http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/m/millsel01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.basketball-reference.com), Chris Johnson (http://www.basketball-reference.com/player_search.cgi?search=Chris+Johnson&utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.basketball-reference.com), and Jack Cooley (http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/c/cooleja01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.basketball-reference.com)) that the Jazz still have to deal with. If the team is going to the maximum roster size, 15 players, then only two of them can join the team. They all have identical contracts, so that doesn't change anything. Furthermore, there's second round draft pick Olivier Hanlan (http://www.sbnation.com/college-basketball/players/179809/olivier-hanlan) to contest with. Though, not many 2nd round draft picks routinely make the Jazz of late. (One could ask Goran Suton (http://www.sbnation.com/nba/players/71879/goran-suton) all about that.) We'll see what happens.

At the moment the Jazz roster looks like this:
[LIST=1]
Point Guard: Dante Exum (http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/e/exumda01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.basketball-reference.com), Trey Burke (http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/b/burketr01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.basketball-reference.com), Raul Neto (http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/n/netora01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.basketball-reference.com)
Shooting Guard: Alec Burks, Joe Ingles (http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/i/inglejo01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.basketball-reference.com)
Small Forward: Gordon Hayward (http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/h/haywago01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.basketball-reference.com), Rodney Hood (http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/h/hoodro01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.basketball-reference.com)
Power Forward: Derrick Favors (http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/f/favorde01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.basketball-reference.com), Trevor Booker (http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/b/booketr01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.basketball-reference.com), Trey Lyles (http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/l/lylestr01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.basketball-reference.com), Grant Jerrett
Center: Rudy Gobert (http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/g/goberru01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.basketball-reference.com), (Tibor Plei

Xiao Yao You

07-10-2015, 12:18 PM

Rodney Hood and Dante Exum both missed Thursday's game with injury.

Is this the same shoulder? Did it get worse or they just giving him the night off because he's too good for this competition?

Xiao Yao You

07-10-2015, 12:57 PM

http://www.sltrib.com/sports/2715402-155/utah-jazz-sign-point-guard-raul

Neto, who also spent time last summer in Salt Lake City, said talks between his agent and the team really picked up one week ago, while he was playing with the Brazilian team in the Pan American Games.

Spent some time in SLC or spent the summer? Must've did well in the games. I'd guess they were convinced he was ready after the world's last year.

Xiao Yao You

07-10-2015, 01:15 PM

http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865632298/Utah-Jazz-sign-Raul-Neto-to-multi-year-contract.html

Jazz management has been high on Neto for years. Coach Quin Snyder is also a fan of the play of Neto, whose expertise is running an offense.

He's certainly a better fit than Burke. He might be the best pg on the roster now sadly.

[QUOTE]Neto said he hasn't talked to his new coach yet, but he knows his outside shot will still need some work to get up to NBA standards.

"I just want to learn every day. I just want to improve," Neto said. "I think it

Xiao Yao You

07-10-2015, 01:53 PM

[QUOTE]David

Xiao Yao You

07-10-2015, 01:59 PM

[QUOTE]David Locke: Raul Neto told Jazz Radio last night that he will bypass his Brazilian National Team obligations to work with Jazz staff this off-season (http://twitter.com/Lockedonsports)

Xiao Yao You

07-10-2015, 05:23 PM

[QUOTE]David Aldridge: The Nets and Deron Williams have reached a buyout agreement, (http://twitter.com/daldridgetnt) per source.

Xiao Yao You

07-11-2015, 08:51 AM

http://saltcityhoops.com/utah-jazz-free-agency-why-standing-still-is-now-the-right-move/

Point Guard (48 minutes): Exum (27), Burke (20), Cotton/Free Agent (1)

Scary! Exum has shown he's a defensive specialist not a rotation player. Cotton looked like an NBAer for 4 games. Burke has looked like a wannabe AI and not in a good way. Too me it should be Alec and whatever vet they want to bring in until someone else proves they are an NBAer.

Wings (96): Hayward (34), Hood (24), Burks (22), Exum/Millsap/Free Agent Wing (16)

Based on Hayward being spent at the end of a non playoff season and their depth here I'm guessing his minutes will be down. Maybe 32? Millsap should be an end of the bench defensive specialist too unless he can start hitting the 3. Burks is getting paid big money for 22 minutes a game? Barely more than Trey? Less than Exum? Hood less than Exum and 4 minutes more than Trey? WTF? Written before Ingles signed? He actually looked like a rotation player at the end of the year unlike most of these guys. Why Burks should be their pg until proven otherwise.

Power Forward (48): Favors (30), Booker/Lyles (16), Hayward/Hood (2) Center (48): Gobert (34), Free Agent (10), Favors (4)
To me Lyles minutes will be at the 5 right now. Maybe Pleiss when they want to go big and Lyles in a smaller line-up with Booker or one of the wings. I could see Gobert playing some 4 if Pleiss can protect the rim too.

Your chart probably looks different, but I think we can agree on a few principles:
— Gordon Hayward is going to play about 35 minutes per game, primarily at the two wing spots.
— Derrick Favors and Rudy Gobert will do the same at power forward and center
— Dante Exum will get more minutes than Trey Burke at the point, but both combined will play 90 percent of the point guard minutes barring a trade
After that, I’m not sure there are many givens on the Jazz roster. So let’s use that as a starting point.
I don't see Burke on the team so I don't think we agree. Did you see Cotton and Burke last year?
Assessing the Jazz Needs

From our working list, there is really only one area that has to be addressed from a minutes and workload perspective, and that is the need for a free agent big man to play about 10 minutes a night at center.
From your list they obviously need a pg if not 2!

Technically, the Jazz could play Gobert 38 minutes per game, Favors 10 minutes at center, 28 at power forward and Trevor Booker and Trey Lyles could take the leftovers. But that leaves the Jazz with very little depth and too big of a workload on Favors and Gobert. Other than that, however, the Jazz really have enough players to fill all 240 minutes a night as of today.
So do the Sixers. Does that mean you don't look to put the best team together you can?
Where Does the Talent Lack?

Free agency for the Jazz this offseason has always been about a talent upgrade, not empty roster slots. That happens when you have starters at every position and 11 guys with guaranteed salaries on the roster.
There's starters and there's guys that started. Big difference. None of their pgs has proven they belong on the floor. Neither has Lyles. They've shown they'll cut guaranteed guys so no excuse for Burke being on the team.

So when the Jazz consider free agents, they have to ask themselves a) is this player a talent upgrade over what we have and b) is that talent upgrade worth the long term ramifications?

Point Guards

The largest need for an upgrade is certainly at the point guard spot. But in terms of free agency, this offseason was really bad timing for the Jazz, as there were not many great point guard targets. Goran Dragic, Brandon Knight and Reggie Jackson are probably the only starting caliber point men on the list, and none of them were realistic options. It’s completely reasonable, considering his age and his play in one summer league, to give Dante Exum another season to prove he can be a good starter.
Did you see the Jazz at the end of the year? One of the best teams in the whole league. They need to be trying to win as much as possible. If Exum can earn his way into the rotation fine. Nothing should be given anymore. There's a D-league if he needs minutes.

I was a fan of signing a guy like Patrick Beverley or Corey Joseph as a primary backup, but Beverly wasn’t really available, and Joseph was far too expensive at 4 years, $30 million.

The Jazz already have players that could fill the necessary point guard roles, with improvement, and the Jazz can cross this road next offseason if nobody gets much better. There just wasn’t anyone that fit this offseason.
Bullshit! Alec is the only guy proven to be an NBA rotation player and he was a bit disappointing last year and ideally is a wing. There's guys right now that could help. A veteran mentor makes sense. Burke might be a lot furthur along if he'd had one instead of regressing last year. I watched the Jazz talk about next year as Stockton and Malone's careers ran their course and the Jazz didn't do all they could to put a team around them. Next year won't come eventually. Ya strike when they iron is hot.

On top of that, backup point guard is a fairly easy thing to find to round out your team
Yet they have no one!

, if and when the Jazz become contenders. Consider the fact that 3 contenders this next year will have Austin Rivers, Cam Payne and Jason Terry as their primary backup point guards.
2 of those guys are proven NBAers. Some teams have to go with a cheap young guy like Payne because of the luxury tax. Jazz aren't even at the minimum cap.

In short, be relieved that the Jazz didn’t have to pay Reggie Jackson $80 million.

There was lots of 3 and 4 year contracts. Makes sense that the Jazz didn't go for those guys with the max deals they'll have coming up. They could have certainly spent money up to 2 years maybe 3.

Shooting Guards (and Small Forwards)

Using the same logic as before, there were only two or three free agent shooting guards that were definite starters on this current Jazz team, and Wesley Matthews is recovering from a major injury. Danny Green would have been a slick fit and he’s good enough that questions about minutes for Rodney Hood and Alec Burks would have been secondary. Green is an upgrade over both in terms of defense, experience, and shooting. This hypothetical discussion is irrelevant, however, since Green was never really on the open market.

Hood and Burks both need a chance to play this season, so the wing market really came down to whether or not the Jazz wanted upgrades on Joe Ingles or Elijah Millsap. Looking at how the wing market played out, Marco Belinelli, Lou Williams, or Al-Farouq Aminu are guys you could make a case for the Jazz signing, but there were a lot of overpays for marginal talent. The Jazz chose continuity and chemistry this offseason and will certainly be judged on that moving forward.
The problem is Burks should be the pg and the other 3 should be playing some 4. Room for someone else. As far as overpays it's just for this year. Next year and beyond those will be great contracts.

Big Men

The Jazz need a backup center and could consider a “stretch” big who can play with Gobert and Favors. Tibor Pleiss appears to be the backup center the Jazz will sign to play 10 minutes a night. Unfortunately, stretch bigs that were an obvious upgrade over Trevor Booker have not been available. And as Booker’s salary has been fully guaranteed for 2015-16, remember that after the Enes Kanter trade, Booker had a positive figure of 5.0 points per 48 minutes according to NBA Stats. The combination of Booker and Derrick Favors was especially devastating after the All-Star break:
http://saltcityhoops.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/bandicam-2015-07-10-12-05-35-594.jpg (http://saltcityhoops.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/bandicam-2015-07-10-12-05-35-594.jpg)Favors and Booker’s impact in their last 24 games of the season. (Via nba.com/stats)

And Booker’s comments about Enes Kanter following the Jazz victory over the Thunder (http://www.cbssports.com/nba/eye-on-basketball/25127642/trevor-booker-on-enes-kanter-he-got-his-stats-and-he-got-the-l-as-always) were worth $5 million alone.
Seems like Gobert/Booker was even better. Arguably better than Gobert/Favors!
Watching the Season Play Out

It’s been interesting to see the difference in reactions to this offseason. Some fans can’t understand why the Jazz did so little. Other fans seem to think the roster is sufficient moving forward.
Some fans eat up anything the organization does. I've seen this crap for most of my life now. I thought it might change with a new GM and owner and coach but it hasn't!

If the Jazz improve or even make the playoffs this season, everybody will probably feel good about where the team is heading. If not, the Jazz will have almost $33 million next offseason that they can offer to guys like Brandon Jennings or Eric Gordon.
If? It should be playoffs or bust. Another season in the lottery isn't acceptable now. I understood the tanking though I didn't like it but there's no excuse for this.

Xiao Yao You

07-11-2015, 09:07 AM

http://www.sltrib.com/sports/2719176-155/jazz-make-changes-to-summer-league

Would love to know the thinking behind Neto not playing. Burke should be playing too but I'm guessing he's gone so it doesn't matter other than maybe they could have showcased him. Didn't do much last summer so I guess that might not work out either.

Xiao Yao You

07-11-2015, 09:13 AM

http://www.sltrib.com/sports/2717354-155/utah-jazz-still-have-questions-heading

[QUOTE]Exum's availability will depend on how his sprained ankle is feeling. But if he's deemed well enough to play, he just might. There are plenty who want to see whether the second-year guard has turned the corner, or whether his great game on Monday against the Celtics was an outlier.

Because Exum played so well against Marcus Smart

Xiao Yao You

07-11-2015, 09:25 AM

http://www.sltrib.com/sports/2716977-155/kragthorpe-raul-neto-adds-element-of

Logically, the Jazz will go into the 2015-16 season with Exum, Burke and Neto on the roster. Any other combination with less NBA experience is difficult to imagine.

Unless you actually watch the team. Burke regressed. He's not a good fit for the new staff. Guaranteed contract is the only logical reason to think he'll be around and with the money they have to spend cutting him has to happen if a trade doesn't.

Disregarding Hanlan, even with the small sample size of his three games in the Utah Jazz Summer League, the Jazz right now have four very capable backup point guards.

Not one proven NBA pg though. Capable of what?

Exum may develop into a genuinely good starter in the NBA, but he's not there yet.

Than why is he starting?

Burke can succeed off the bench as a scorer, although he shot poorly last season and doesn't push the ball up the court well enough to really match coach Quin Snyder's vision of a point guard.

Do you want him taking the most shots on the team again to be a scorer off the bench?

Cotton does so, as he showed at the end of last season, but he's likely to be squeezed out.

Why? He looks like a better option than Burke. Cheaper too if they can trade Burke.

In any case, Neto becomes the mysterious figure in this picture. Everybody wants to know whom he will resemble in the NBA, past or present. Yes, another Tony Parker would be nice, but that's not a reasonable expectation.

In a news conference after the Jazz's game Thursday at EnergySolutions Arena, Neto labeled himself a "European point guard," making his teammates better. Jazz assistant coach Alex Jensen described him as a "pass-first point guard," acknowledging how that term stirs excitement in this market, but without invoking the name of John Stockton.

Just having Neto turn out better than Raul Lopez, famously drafted ahead of Parker, would be a start.

Lopez was good. Unfortunately he blew out his knees. Neto can play. Pass first doesn't make as much sense on this team but unlike Burke he can play.

[QUOTE]Neto will accompany the Jazz in Las Vegas, where the team launches another summer league schedule Saturday, but he won't play in any games. The team hopes to have Exum available, after he sprained his ankle at the end of an encouraging performance Monday.

Cotton, meanwhile, will keep trying to make a good impression on the Jazz

Xiao Yao You

07-11-2015, 09:37 AM

https://jazzfanatical.wordpress.com/2015/07/11/bits-from-dennis-lindsey-interview-710/

[QUOTE][B][U]On the Jazz

Xiao Yao You

07-11-2015, 09:47 AM

https://jazzfanatical.wordpress.com/2015/07/11/utah-jazz-sign-raul-neto/

Which of your future Jazz teammates have you spent time with?
With Rudy Gobert…We played together in the summer league. I think he has something about, like, European game. I think we can be good together.
Worked out with him in the summer?
The Jazz say you make your teammates better. How do you do that?I think I’m always learn, as a point guard, to do that. I think I, when I start to play basketball, I just wanted to make points. I just want to be the scorer of the team.

And once I go to Spain, they change me there. So, I think that came natural. I think you, if you play in Spain and you, if you are this kind of point guard that just don’t make the team play, you are done. You cannot play there. So, I think I just learn natural.
Interesting. Spain is certainly where most of the old school pgs come from now. Calderon, Lopez, Rodriguez, Rubio

.Which NBA players do you try to emulate?

I like Steve Nash…Tony Parker too. I think they all have, like, European kind of basketball…

[Playing with balance] is one thing that I’ve been practice this week with Igor [Kokoskov], coach Igor. He used to coach Steve Nash, so I was practicing that a lot…I think it’s really make a difference when you take the shot. ‘Cause if you’re not balanced, you probably miss.
Nice. I hope he gets to go up to Spokane with Dante and work with John. Nash was influenced by John's game too.

Do you have national team commitments this summer?
I had it, but I’m not going anymore. I was practice one month with them. They’re, they are going tonight, I think, to Toronto to the Pan-American Games. But I’m not go.
Won't get hurt. Committed!

Will you be bringing anyone over to live with you?
I think I’m gonna do by myself…I’ve been living by myself since I was 18 years old, so…

The hardest thing for me is gonna be the English, I think. I’m, I gotta do better…I don’t feel comfortable speak English. You know, I’ve been in Spain. At the beginning, that was the same. I couldn’t speak any Spanish. But I, it took, like, three months until I understand everything.

** Alex Jensen on Raul Neto: The thing I like about Raul, his dad was a coach. It’s always fun to coach somebody who’s dad was a coach, ’cause he knows the game, and he’s a good kid. And I think everybody’s excited when a poin–a pass, you know, pass-first point guard comes.

Xiao Yao You

07-12-2015, 01:13 PM

Larry Coon: Not that it particularly matters, but [URL="http://twitter.com/LarryCoon/status/620261999142764545"]Gordon Hayward

Xiao Yao You

07-12-2015, 01:26 PM

[/URL]

[URL="http://*********.com/rumor/1002040/"] (http://*********.com/rumor/tibor-pleiss-to-utah/)[QUOTE]
European 7-footer Tibor Pleiss is finalizing a three-year, nearly $10 million agreement with the Utah Jazz, (http://sports.yahoo.com/news/sources--jazz-finalizing-contract-with-german-center-tibor-pleiss-010238401.html) league sources told Yahoo Sports.

Xiao Yao You

07-12-2015, 02:13 PM

http://www.sltrib.com/sports/2718636-155/utah-jazz-team-wants-competition-improvement

General manager Dennis Lindsey said the Jazz could "absolutely" carry four point guards next year

I think they could if they pick a vet up in a salary dump. Hanlan doesn't look ready and the writing is on the wall for Trey. Just a matter of time.

, but team officials hope that sense of urgency Cotton expressed will help foster competition, and ultimately progress, at Utah's weakest position a season ago.

"Pressure builds diamonds," Lindsey said.

But, right now, the Jazz essentially have interesting coal.

Dante Exum, the fifth overall pick a year ago, surprised everyone with his defensive prowess as a rookie, but he was too timid too often with the ball, settling for an inconsistent 3-point shot. A lottery selection in 2013, Trey Burke's defensive shortcomings were exposed early in his sophomore campaign.

His defense was the on area where he made progress. The rest of his game declined though. Better luck elsewhere.

Meanwhile, his field goal percentage dropped more than 10 points from his rookie season. Cotton showed flourishes in limited duty last year. Neto will be a rookie. And second-round pick Olivier Hanlan has yet to really find his footing through a week of summer league games.

Exum was only the 45th most efficient point guard last season, according to ESPN's real plus-minus rating. Burke and Cotton ranked in the mid-50s.
The Jazz will need at least one guard from their full stable to take a step forward next season. Team officials believe that can happen.

I'd say they need two depending on rather Burks plays the one or they get someone else still.

After moving to the bench, Burke's efficiency numbers saw a turnaround last season; Utah was nine points better than its opponents with him on the floor in February and three points better in March.

But he still sucked and isn't a good fit for what they are trying to do now.

Exum, in his only summer league action before going down with a sprained ankle, showed the speed and attacking prowess fans he seemed too scared to show off during his rookie campaign. Exum, who shot just 32 free throws all of last season, attempted 10 free throws in that exhibition game.
Cotton, meanwhile, is making his case for sticking on the full roster with his play, averaging 13 points and 3.3 assists heading into this week's games in Las Vegas.

"He's always trying to earn a spot," Jazz assistant coach Alex Jensen said of Cotton. "It's the summer league and he plays just as hard as he did in the season."

At the moment, Hanlan would seem to be the longest shot to make the roster. The rookie out of Boston College hadn't done much in his first three games of the summer, though Jazz coaches still believe he's making strides.
"Olivier's made some big jumps," Jensen said.

He looked better in the last game. I think he has more of a shot now than Trey.
[QUOTE]Ultimately, Jazz officials believe each player in their stable of point guards offers a different level of skills that should help complement different lineup options going forward. And Lindsey said the team "absolutely" could carry four point guards next season.

"We're not going to rule out anything relative to our roster," he said. "

Xiao Yao You

07-12-2015, 02:19 PM

http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865632438/Utah-Jazz-rookie-Trey-Lyles-off-to-a-rough-start-so-far.html

He's a player. He can get his shot off over the top of people whenever he wants. The shots will fall. Just needs more reps.

Xiao Yao You

07-12-2015, 02:25 PM

http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865632401/Brad-Rock-Excited-Utah-Jazz-fans-enjoying-a-cool-summer.html

[QUOTE]

Xiao Yao You

07-12-2015, 02:31 PM

http://www.sltrib.com/sports/2718635-155/monson-with-move-to-mavericks-deron

He was then what the combo-pack of Favors and Rudy Gobert and Gordon Hayward and Dante Exum are to the Jazz today. He was a pillar holding up the Jazz's new hopeful endeavor after the legends were gone. Alongside Boozer, Williams had those great years in Utah, leading the Jazz to the Western Conference Finals.

No way anyone should be mentioning Exum ahead of Hood and Burks. Funny that the season ticket ad they were using during the Utah Summer League was still the one from last season with Favors, Maxi G and Burke. No way Burke should have been on that ahead of Alec.

Xiao Yao You

07-12-2015, 02:35 PM

http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865632417/Winners-and-losers-from-NBA-free-agency.html?pg=all

Jazz have certainly had one of the worst off-seasons. Neto, Lyles and Pleiss make them better but enough to stay ahead or pass teams that made big moves?

Xiao Yao You

07-12-2015, 02:41 PM

http://www.sltrib.com/sports/2721129-155/report-jazz-finalizing-deal-with-german

Pleiss, a better-than-advertised shooter, will back up Rudy Gobert in Utah.

Shouldn't he have to earn this? Right now I'd probably have Trey as the 4th big. I hope they bring in a proven vet to at least compete with these guys. I assume we won't see Pleiss in the summer league either?

With the signing, the Jazz have about $6.6 million in cap space.
Which still gets you one or two proven players.

Jazz point guard Dante Exum (sprained left ankle) and forward Rodney Hood (sprained left shoulder) did not play in Saturday's exhibition against the Miami Heat.

Jazz assistant coach Alex Jensen has said he'd like to see the two second-year players get a game or two in during the Las Vegas run.
"It's obviously wait-and-see," he said. "It's not something you rush them back from. They get reevaluated every day and you take it from there."

afalk@sltrib.com

Hopefully Exum plays. Need to see more. Cotton might need to sit and let Hanlan run the show.

Xiao Yao You

07-12-2015, 02:59 PM

http://www.slcdunk.com/2015/7/11/8935241/utah-summer-league-2015-utah-jazz-complete-player-stats-and-grades

I guess he's really a less quick Allen Iverson (http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/i/iversal01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.basketball-reference.com)
Not sure he's less quick.

? Cotton was very active in the passing lanes and breaks the threshold of gravity half court basketball with ease. He does appear entirely redundant now if Dante is getting to the FT 10 times a game and dunking it. Cotton showed me that he's not what I call a point guard (even Christapher had as many apg as you did). But he's what an NBA guard is. He's a clear rotation guy on almost any team that didn't already have back up point guards that have either been Olympians or won all of the NCAA Awards and was 3rd in Rookie of the Year voting after being Rookie of the Month three times.
He looks like a potential rotation guy. Need to see a lot more from him still. Could be a nice 3rd change of pace pg anyway.

.Jack Cooley (http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/c/cooleja01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.basketball-reference.com): B

9.7 ppg, 9.7 rpg, 0.7 apg

He averaged 9.7 ppg and 9.7 rpg in 19.1 mpg. That's a double double in very quick fashion. He is a power forward, with now slightly short for the position length, who was playing center against guys much athletic, longer, and quicker than him. But he has NBA level strength, and he knows how to use his body to get what he wants. And he wants rebounds. He's a spray tan and a cayenne pepper lemonade cleanse away from dating a Kardashian. I was very impressed with his defense during crunch time against the previously mentioned Jahlil Okafor (http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/o/okafoja01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.basketball-reference.com) -- starting center of the NCAA Champion Duke Bluedevils. And while sometimes guys got his goat, he didn't get frustrated. And never once did you see him try to do things that aren't things he can do. He has self-awareness and did something few of our Jazz bigmen did in the last 34 months -- he made his free throws. He was nearly 70% from there. Really. Dude. While Tibor Pleiss (http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/p/pleisti01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.basketball-reference.com) has the length, size, and bad hair days you want from a 5th big, I think Cooley has really made a case to remain part of the team. After a while we can't keep him secluded in Idaho. He is turning himself into a guy who not only makes an NBA team, but can crack a rotation.
The rotation of a team without NBA caliber rotation players like the Jazz last year and possibly this year sure.

.Trey Lyles (http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/l/lylestr01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.basketball-reference.com): B

10.0 ppg, 1.0 rpg, 1.0 apg

Lyles, through some manner of everyone but him making decisions, sat out from practice and missed the first two games of the Utah Summer League. He did eventually get everything cleard up, he signed, and he played over 20 minutes (half!) in his one game at the ESA. He scored, passed, got to the line, and I can only imagine what he may actually look like after TWO practices, not just one and a shoot around. Lyles is a lotto pick so your expectations are a little higher than 10 points and not much else. But considering the circumstances I felt like a B was warranted. I didn't think he would play at all till Vegas. And when he did finally play I was converted. I know I liked some other players in the draft better than Lyles, but that is how I felt when we at to settle for Gordon Hayward (http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/h/haywago01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.basketball-reference.com) years ago. Lyles has the tools to be a very good NBA player. I am excited to see what he can do in a Jazz jersey, and can't wait to see what he does in Vegas. Starting TONIGHT!
.
Brock Motum (http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/m/motumbr01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.basketball-reference.com): C

7.3 ppg, 5.0 rpg, 1.7 apg
Murphy Gamma had a great year in Australia after playing for our summer league team. He may have another great one after playing for us this summer. I don't know if he's going to make our team though. He failed to show his stretch-biggie-ness. But he's a smart offensive player, and he did at least hit a three to at least qualify as one. His defense is a mystery, but he's a good guy. I like him. He has some Boris Diaw (http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/d/diawbo01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.basketball-reference.com) to his game. While his shot was off, and it was reported that he had a shooting elbow injury and played through it, he is able to do good things on the floor when he's not scoring. Good things happen when Brock is playing, he finished 5th in +/-, one shy of Cotton, one ahead of Hood.
I like him. I think he has a shot at making the team in the fall as things stand now. Be out of him, Cooley Jerrett and maybe Johnson.
.

J.J. O'Brien: C

4.0 ppg, 2.3 rpg, 0.0 apg

O'Brien plays defense. He has had a nice take, finished a few layups, and looks like a mixed-race Diedrich Bader. I'd be cool with him in Idaho. But if he does elect to enter the NBA D-League draft there's a chance we don't get him.
.
JaJuan Johnson (http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/j/johnsja02.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.basketball-reference.com): C-

7.0 ppg, 3.0 rpg, 0.0 apg

JaJuan had a great first game, but kind of tapered off. Perhaps he's just who he is, a guy who bounces in and out of the NBA despite obvious NBA level abilities? As a primary rim protector he's no Rudy Gobert (http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/g/goberru01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.basketball-reference.com), but he really helped Jack Cooley out a lot when he was in there. He can block shots, and he's fundamentally sound. He's a pro. A real pro. He may not be a Top 5 Draft pick, but he knows how to get position on a guy, catch the ball, and finish a post move. He shot 61.5% from the field, led the team. He also went for 83.3% from the FT line. On a team that has so much youth a guy with that journey man experience and yeoman like work history (work as a pro baller is more than just the games, but it's the practice, it's taking care of your body, it's understanding the game, listening to coaches, and so forth) he's a sight for young eyes. He was very efficient. His 1.3 bpg was tied for best, tied with you guessed it, Chris Johnson. (Aka CJ47). I wasn't crazy about this guy before, and in our crowded frontcourt there's just no space for him. I hope he sticks with some team in the USA. I'd love to see more of him.
A crowded front court with 3 proven players? He looks like a good guy to have in camp to compete with Cooley, Motum and Jerrett for a possible spot.
.

Jared Cunningham (http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/c/cunnija01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.basketball-reference.com) / Olivier Hanlan (http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/h/hanlaol01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.basketball-reference.com): D

Ya don't want to know

These two guys didn't play their best week of basketball last week. The problem with that is that they clearly have NBA level talent, but didn't show it. Or at least, didn't show it in the games. Hanlan was the more outright awful one, but you can see him as a basketball player. This is what he's supposed to do. He just didn't do it that well. Part of that could be playing zero point guard over the three games, but I dunno. Cunningham scored more easily, but despite the opportunities he had, I don't think he made the most of them. Jared finished -19 on the squad in +/-, worst on the team. He played in all three games and got regular minutes. Olivier started two games, played more minutes, and his +/- was a big zero. I think the stat guys jobbed him two assists though, but that's just because I am insane and keep detailed notes on things like this. Both of these guys may not be NBA players. And that is okay. They can still play pro ball, as I think both of them are so obviously put on this planet to do.

Cunningham might be a good guy to have in camp anyway too.

Xiao Yao You

07-12-2015, 03:17 PM

Lyles 4-11 from the line is a bit worrisome. He shot decent in college from there didn't he? Rebounding was a bit better anyway.

Xiao Yao You

07-13-2015, 08:37 AM

Eric Pincus: [URL="http://twitter.com/EricPincus"]Joe Ingles

Xiao Yao You

07-13-2015, 12:35 PM

http://saltcityhoops.com/theres-a-time-and-pleiss-for-everything/
[QUOTE]Luckily, Pleiss won

Xiao Yao You

07-13-2015, 01:10 PM

http://www.slcdunk.com/nba-free-agency/2015/7/12/8942423/nba-free-agency-2015-utah-jazz-salary-cap-update-tibor-pleiss-raul-neto-trey-lyles

they didn't hit a home run out of the draft

They didn't? He looks like a player to me.

, but they also didn't have to worry about any restricted free agents signing with other teams. (Keep trolling Portland Trail Blazers (http://www.sbnation.com/nba/teams/portland-trail-blazers)) The jazz didn't make many headlines this off-season. But they did make a very tidy sequence of strong moves.

debatable

Dennis Lindsey has brought a change of strategy to the Jazz, replacing overt intentions like checkers with the more planning-based game of chess. And while other teams spent this summer going out and trying to capture each other's King, the Jazz brass are on the verge of quite a number of pawn promotions.

What is different about this than what the Jazz have always done? Standing pat while the competition upgrades. Same old shit as far as I can see. Still hoping they do something with what's left of their cap. Could still get a couple decent vets to fill out the roster.

Basically, the team is getting better. And in a season or two, this team will have more talent then Quin Snyder (http://www.sbnation.com/nba/players/111859/quin-snyder) will know what to do with.

They look to be better but is it enough in the west? Remains to be seen if he'll have too much talent. I see them as 7 deep right now with the rest of the roster yet to prove they are NBA rotation players.

[quote]But for the here and now, this is what the Jazz have done since the NBA Draft (http://www.sbnation.com/nba-draft):[LIST]
Confirmed the full, remaining contract of Trevor Booker (http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/b/booketr01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.basketball-reference.com)
Signed lotto pick Trey Lyles (http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/l/lylestr01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.basketball-reference.com)
Signed former draft and stash guy Raulzinho Neto
Signed waiver-wire steal Joe Ingles (http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/i/inglejo01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.basketball-reference.com)
on verge of signing draft and stash guy Tibor Plei

Xiao Yao You

07-13-2015, 01:10 PM

PGs: Dante Exum (http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/e/exumda01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.basketball-reference.com), Trey Burke, Raul Neto (http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/n/netora01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.basketball-reference.com), (Bryce Cotton (http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/c/cottobr01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.basketball-reference.com)), (Olivier Hanlan (http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/h/hanlaol01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.basketball-reference.com))
SGs: Alec Burks, Joe Ingles, (Elijah Millsap (http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/m/millsel01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.basketball-reference.com))
SFs: Gordon Hayward (http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/h/haywago01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.basketball-reference.com), Rodney Hood, (Chris Johnson (http://www.basketball-reference.com/player_search.cgi?search=Chris+Johnson&utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.basketball-reference.com))
PFs: Derrick Favors (http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/f/favorde01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.basketball-reference.com), Trevor Booker, Trey Lyes, Grant Jerrett (http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/j/jerregr01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.basketball-reference.com), (Jack Cooley (http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/c/cooleja01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.basketball-reference.com))
Cs: Rudy Gobert (http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/g/goberru01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.basketball-reference.com), Tibor Pleiss (http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/p/pleisti01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.basketball-reference.com)With only two roster spots left, and the doctrine of trying to keep at least one open for emergencies

I see at least two non guaranteed contracts making the team so they can carry 15 at least until January.

, we find ourselves with five guys going for one job. The solution in my mind is to eat Grant's contract up, and then have it be an issue where five guys are going for two jobs. That's a little more humane.
I see Trey and Jerrett being part of the salary dump they will take into their cap space ideally.

Dennis Lindsey and others in the Jazz brass are on the media campaign to accept the idea that keeping four point guards is a good thing

Neto and Exum are the only 2 that are really pg's and Exum guards 3 positions so they can certainly carry more but I think those 2 and Cotton are the way to go with hopefully a veteran mentor still to come.

, and something the Jazz wouldn't be against. Bryce Cotton has really shown that he's an NBA player over the last two weeks.

It's summer league. He looked like an NBAer to end last season though. But Trey and Exum have had 4 good games in a row too so I wouldn't get ahead or ourselves.

It would be awesome if the Jazz could keep him; however, he may not get the time, exposure, or experience he desires if he has to be part of this point guard foursome.

I do believe that you need some extra help at the wing. In a perfect world Elijah Millsap would have really improved on his shot -- something we wouldn't know, but the team would -- and he makes a clear case for himself as a "Three and D" guy. The other, in a perfect world. would be if 6'4 Hanlan actually played well. He can put up spot minutes at point guard and shooting guard (something none of the guys at non-guaranteed PG and non-guaranteed SG can do). His versatility would have been a feature in his cap. Instead, in the little time we fans have seen him (the brass has actually seen him in drills and practices) he looks like both point guard and shooting guard are his secondary positions. (Effectively this bilingual combo guard has two second languages on the court.) So Hanlan has an uphill climb here.

But no one has it harder than Cooley, who has worked his butt off all summer long; yet is behind Favors, Gobert, Booker, and Lyles, and is fighting off a 7'3 guy with 9 years of pro-ball experience for a shot at making the team. That's brutal.
Looking like to me he will probably make the team. Hopefully I'm wrong and he's back where he belongs which isn't the NBA.

At the end of the day if the Jazz choose to keep any of Cotton, Hanlan, Millsap, Johnson, and Cooley I am fine with it. I'm even okay with keeping Jerrett for another year (or half a year). I trust Dennis Lindsey. I know Quin Synder is an excellent head coach. I think the Jazz are in great hands. And I also know that they are still really under the cap.
it's a good place to be . . . it's like being two forward moves away from being promoted in chess.
Sounds like Millsap has already made the team if not the rotation. They love him. He's a great defensive energy guy to have at the end of the bench anyway. Cotton is better than Trey. He makes the team. They love Cooley I'm afraid. Jerry type of stiff. He might end up as the back-up again! Johnson has a good shot too I'd think. Jerrett is probably gone. Too bad he got hurt but with the Lyles pick he became more expendable.

Hopefully they have some good competition for these guys in fall camp at least. I'd guess Motum who would have a shot at making the team maybe that Christopher Patrick guy and hopefully another pg. They have money to give out partial guarantees and roster spots so it should be a desirable camp for free agents.

Xiao Yao You

07-13-2015, 01:36 PM

http://www.slcdunk.com/nba-free-agency/2015/7/12/8935683/nba-free-agency-2015-utah-jazz-tibor-pleiss

when they drafted tweener forward Trey Lyles (http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/l/lylestr01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.basketball-reference.com) in the lotto it wasn't a best fit need.
Having watched him the past couple games I'm not sure they could have gotten a better fit. No one is talking about him as a 5 but with his length and size I'd say that's where he can help them out the soonest. One of the summer league games I noticed it had the Jazz starting line-up listed as 3 forwards and two guards. No center. Cooley or Jerrett was talking about it earlier too. They've been playing those two, Motom, Johnson, Lyles and Hood up front. Not so much C/ PF/SF/SG/PG. Mobile bigs is what they want. Want to spread the floor and be able to switch defensively. Versatility is the key and Lyles is that.

As the summer has progressed the team signed Raul Neto (http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/n/netora01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.basketball-reference.com) and seem to have found a $20 bill in the pocket of your old jeans in Bryce Cotton (http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/c/cottobr01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.basketball-reference.com). Point guard looks great, especially with Dante's demonstrative takeover of the Utah Summer League.
The one game was exciting but it was one game. PG looks to be a huge question mark until they prove otherwise. Same with the 4th big.
[quote]The last remaining big hole on the roster was for a legit bigman who can help the Jazz maintain their defensive focus while either Favors or Gobert (or both) were on the bench. The reports out yesterday from Yahoo! Sport's Adrian Wojnarowski seem to indicate that hole has been securely patched up. How?

Well, the Utah Jazz traded away Enes Kanter (http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/k/kanteen01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.basketball-reference.com) (who just got paaaaaiiid) for Kendrick Perkins (http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/p/perkike01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.basketball-reference.com), Grant Jerrett (http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/j/jerregr01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.basketball-reference.com), future picks, and the rights to some German dude who was -- because irony is amazing -- Ante Tomic (http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/t/tomican01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.basketball-reference.com)'s back up. Perkins was cut. Jerrett is injured. And those picks look to become two second rounders, and there's nothing too special about that. And that German guy is none other than Tibor Pleiss (http://www.sbnation.com/nba/players/111514/tibor-pleiss) (aka Tibor Plei

Xiao Yao You

07-13-2015, 01:54 PM

https://jazzfanatical.wordpress.com/2015/07/13/summer-league-off-day-odds-and-ends-2/

[QUOTE]Mehmet Okur on his role as Jazz ambassador

I like what I

Xiao Yao You

07-13-2015, 02:20 PM

http://espn700sports.com/tom-kirkland/point-to-consider-jazz-decision-cotton-or-burke/
[QUOTE]
[B][I][B]Lindsey

Xiao Yao You

07-13-2015, 02:34 PM

http://www.sltrib.com/sports/2723929-155/utah-jazz-timing-was-right-to

For Utah Jazz general manager Dennis Lindsey, one of the reasons behind the timing of the move was a desire to stagger the development and contracts of the team's point guards.

"Two years ago, if we would have brought Raul over with Trey [Burke], we'd have two extremely young point guards," Lindsey said. "Now we have four point guards and, while they're young, they have significant pro experience. Then there's always the contractual piece. You have to be mindful of when contracts are coming up so we don't face a situation where we have all free agents in one year."

You had 7 rookies last year. I think part of it was that Neto outplayed the guy they gave up 2 1st rounders for. Would have looked bad. Still looks bad to me.

[QUOTE]After the Jazz acquired him in a draft-night trade in 2013, Neto spent two more seasons in Spain.

"I think the basic core of who he is is the same, but instead of being 21, he's 23," Lindsey said. "He's still fast. He still plays with great creativity and imagination. While he's physically not the biggest guard by NBA standards, he has a very good build and he's athletic and now he's stronger."

At this point, the Jazz believe he'll benefit most by working with the team's player development staff in Utah.

Neto is practicing with the team in Las Vegas, though he won't participate in any of the Jazz's remaining summer league games.

Improving the guard's shooting

Xiao Yao You

07-13-2015, 02:50 PM

http://www.sltrib.com/sports/2723514-155/utah-jazz-rookie-trey-lyles-a

"We have to keep in mind he's 19," general manager Dennis Lindsey said. "I would imagine at 21, he's going to look and feel a lot different regarding his game. We're just going to be patient and not skip steps and coach him hard and give him support."

Not skipping steps by putting him in the rotation with the other guys that haven't proven they are NBA players yet?

[QUOTE]When the Jazz selected the 6-foot-10 Lyles with the 12th pick in last month's draft, they knew they were getting a versatile, play-making power forward. They also knew they were getting a teenage prospect who would need time to develop his game.

Those who know Lyles think he'll find his footing quickly.

He always has before.

Lyles was born in Saskatchewan. His first position was goalie. But after a move to Indianapolis at the age of 7, he soon found his niche on the hardwood. Under the guidance of his father, a former professional basketball player in Canada, Lyles' game grew. And by his freshman year of high school, he had committed to play at Indiana.

From an early age, Lyles' basketball smarts and work ethic set him apart.
"What stuck out to me was what a professional he was back then at 15 years old," said Jason Delaney, Lyles' coach at Arsenal Tech High School in Indianapolis. "He watched so much film

Xiao Yao You

07-13-2015, 02:58 PM

http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865632458/Bryce-Cotton-a-summer-standout-for-Utah-Jazz.html
[QUOTE]
JAZZ NOTES: Utah continues its NBA Summer League schedule Monday (8:30 p.m., NBA-TV) against the Minnesota Timberwolves.

Xiao Yao You

07-13-2015, 06:07 PM

[QUOTE]John Schuhmann: [URL="http://twitter.com/johnschuhmann"]Sixers are only team that hasn

Xiao Yao You

07-13-2015, 09:10 PM

[QUOTE]Andy Larsen: [URL="http://twitter.com/andyblarsen"]One thing I

Xiao Yao You

07-14-2015, 11:27 AM

http://www.sltrib.com/sports/2727374-155/utah-jazz-jack-cooley-trying-to

Jack Cooley circled two dates on his schedule.

The first was last Thursday's game against the Philadelphia 76ers. The other was Monday night's contest with the Minnesota Timberwolves. Those games would give him a chance to prove himself versus the biggest and best centers taken in last month's draft, Karl-Anthony Towns and Jahlil Okafor.

He gave both of them problems. Got under Okafor's skin.

"He's our physical presence," Jazz assistant coach Alex Jensen said of the 6-foot-9 Cooley.

But to become a fixture in the NBA, Cooley will need to work on his softer side, too.

"He plays extremely hard," Jensen said. "Now you try to slow him down, get him patient, make reads, make reads away from the ball. He has the effort and energy, now he's got to be smart."

So Cooley's summer has featured trips to the P3 sports science facility in California, where trainers focused on improving his hips to help him move more nimbly on the court. He's also worked significantly with the Utah coaching staff on expanding his shooting range and his touch around the basket.

"I was really happy my first shot of the summer league was a floater because I've been working on that so much," he said last week.

But don't think Cooley's going soft. The second-year player out of Notre Dame still loves to scrap and mix it up in the paint.

"When you give me the guidelines that I get 10 fouls in a game," Cooley said of the looser summer league rules, "my eyes get pretty big."

Cooley has had to fight to get to the NBA. After getting cut in the fall, his 2014-15 season featured the highs and lows of multiple call-ups to the NBA and multiple trips back to D-League Boise. Finally, late last season, Cooley signed a multiyear contract with the Jazz. But with his deal not guaranteed and a crowded frontcourt in Utah, Cooley's fight to stick around will continue.

So far this summer, Cooley is reaffirming what he's best at. He averaged 9.7 rebounds in three games in Salt Lake City and grabbed eight more boards during his first contest in Las Vegas. The Jazz don't have a 7-footer on the summer roster. Instead, general manager Dennis Lindsey was content to let the 6-foot-9 Cooley do the dirty work and control the paint.
"I try to get my rebounding to fuel the rest of my game and feed off that," said Cooley, who set a D-League record last year by hauling in 29 rebounds in one game.

The starting line-up last night was listed as 4 forwards and Cotton as a guard. Positions are becoming a thing of the past. Gives me hope Alec may get some time at the one!

So while he works to add more finesse to his game, Cooley isn't about to forget to be physical.

"We're a pretty physical team during the regular season," Cooley said. "We have Rudy [Gobert]. We have Derrick [Favors]. I want to keep that description up of our team during this. We have to play the way we play during the regular season during this. I have to go out there and play my game and make sure people don't try to punk us."

afalk@sltrib.com

(afalk@sltrib.com)
Twitter: @tribjazz (http://twitter.com/tribjazz)

Xiao Yao You

07-14-2015, 12:15 PM

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=laduYcjw-T0&app=desktop

Pleiss highlites from a couple years ago. Skilled with both hands. Ran pick and roll. Put ball on the floor. Offensive put backs. Hook shots. Baseline jumpers. Didn't get to see the passing or D. Got to wonder how that frame will translate though. Rudy looks like Shaq in comparison and he got pushed around. Against smaller bench players maybe he'll be alright? Until they take him out to the 3 point line on D!

Xiao Yao You

07-14-2015, 10:06 PM

Jody Genessy: The Jazz have officially signed German center Tibor Pleiss (http://twitter.com/DJJazzyJody).

Xiao Yao You

07-14-2015, 10:09 PM

[QUOTE]In casting a wide net for candidates for its 2016 Olympic team, USA Basketball has handed out a slew of invites to new players for an upcoming minicamp in Las Vegas, according to league sources. Sources told ESPN.com that [URL="http://espn.go.com/nba/story/_/id/13258034/usa-basketball-invites-new-players-interested-playing-2016-olympic-team-august-minicamp"]USAB has extended invitations to Chicago

Xiao Yao You

07-15-2015, 10:28 AM

[URL="http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865632633/Alex-Jensen-headed-to-Germany-to-help-coach-national-team.html?pg=all"]Alex Jensen

Xiao Yao You

07-15-2015, 11:10 AM

http://saltcityhoops.com/5-on-5-jazz-roster-ujsl-thoughts/

[QUOTE][B]1. In light of Raul Neto

Xiao Yao You

07-15-2015, 12:01 PM

http://www.sltrib.com/sports/2731426-155/utah-jazz-german-center-tibor-pleiss

"He's big," Jazz general manager Dennis Lindsey said. "He can shoot the ball. He's an excellent finisher around the rim. Really, our system, with how [coach Quin Snyder] has adopted some Spur principles, some European principles," Pleiss should be a good fit in Utah.

Pleiss will split time at center with Rudy Gobert and Derrick Favors. And early on, offense is expected to be his calling card.

"Coaches have allowed him to shoot in previous programs. Here, we'll encourage him to shoot from distance," said Lindsey, who said the center made 66 of 90 3-point attempts during one shooting drill while in Salt Lake earlier this summer.

The Jazz also believe his pick-and-roll game should translate from Spain, where he averaged 5.3 points and 3.8 rebounds a game last year, to the NBA.
"We were able to draft Tiago Splitter a few years ago in San Antonio. Tiago is very dynamic moving into screens, running into screens, changing the angle, flipping the screen. Tibor has some of the same characteristics. And, like Rudy, he can catch and quickly get the ball to the rim."
Defensively, however, Pleiss has a lot of room to grow.
"Tibor is going to be a presence," Lindsey said. "Will he ever be a shot-blocker like Rudy and Derrick? That's of argument. But there's no reason he can't be a presence and a deterrent."

So even if he can hit the 3 is he going to be able to do anything else with that frame? Do they think they can make him stronger?

With the signing of Pleiss and the addition last week of point guard Raul Neto, the Jazz roster is close to being a finished product.

"We're getting to the point where it's more concrete," Lindsey said, adding that the team could still look to use its $6.5 million in cap space to make a move either for assets or a player to help push the team closer to the playoffs. "If there's a way to augment our team in a push, we would like to do that. But if someone wants to throw a bunch of first-rind picks to us, we'll definitely pick up the phone and listen."

afalk@sltrib.com

(afalk@sltrib.com)
Twitter: @tribjazz (http://twitter.com/tribjazz)

There's the 6.5 number not the 9 plus SLCdunk said. Doubt they're getting a bunch of 1st rounders for that much cap space. I'd guess the Jazz will want to unload Team USA stud and Jerrett on someone in any deal though.

Xiao Yao You

07-15-2015, 12:25 PM

http://www.deseretnews.com/article/765677433/Utah-Jazz-officially-sign-German-center-Tibor-Pleiss-to-deal.html?pg=all

“We think his best basketball is ahead of him. … The dimensions are there, the movement’s there, the mindset’s there. We’re going to have to help him with strength and power, but there’s no reason why we can’t move that forward.”

Dennis Lindsey
Is there a reason it hasn't already moved forward? Tomic had a similar build in 2006 but has certainly looked big enough since 2010 at least.

LAS VEGAS — The Utah Jazz already knew newly signed big man Tibor Pleiss could shoot from outside before the German center made a recent visit to the Beehive State.

While in Utah, however, the 7-foot-3 Pleiss managed to get Jazz management even more excited about having him play for them.

During an extensive shooting drill, Pleiss hit 66 of 90 3-pointers on his first day in Utah despite not feeling 100 percent health-wise.

Hours after the signing became official on Tuesday, Jazz general manager Dennis Lindsey admitted that type of perimeter potency is “unique” for a guy who’s even taller than starting center Rudy Gobert. Though he didn’t take many 3-point shots, Pleiss shot 87 percent from the free-throw line in Europe last season for FC Barcelona.

“We’ll see if we’re able to discharge some of his touch in an NBA game,” Lindsey said. “That would be the biggest question.”
Strength has to be the biggest question.

That big mystery is worth taking a gamble on for the Jazz, whose deal with the 25-year-old European player is worth a reported $10 million over three years. Utah acquired Pleiss, the 31st pick of the 2010 draft, in February from Oklahoma City as part of the Enes Kanter trade.

“We’re excited for Jazz fans to see him. They’ll relate to him very well,” Lindsey said moments before the Jazz’s 91-82 loss to Phoenix on Tuesday in NBA Summer League play. “Like Rudy (Gobert), his care factor is really high. He plays naturally hard. He runs the court really well. He’s really fluid.”
Did we mention that Pleiss can do that while standing 7-foot-3 and having wingspan (7-9) and standing reach (9-7) measurements in the range of Gobert?
If he plays hard he has a chance. Even when Hibbert was pushing Rudy around he still went at him hard.

“He’s big. He’s big,” said Lindsey, repeating himself for emphasis. “And he can shoot the ball.”

The Jazz are excited about his potential as Gobert’s backup, seeing how he gives them a huge presence on the court who can stretch opponents’ defenses with that outside accuracy.

Utah also likes how Pleiss finishes hard at the rim.

“Like Rudy, he can catch and quickly get the ball to the rim so we think his finishing will apply to the NBA,” Lindsey said. “We’re very excited about just being able to fit and create space for our primary players. There’s a lot of different ways we can play him, a lot of combinations.”

Lindsey said Pleiss isn’t just effective as an outside shooter, either.
The Jazz GM compared his new, biggest player’s pick-and-roll game to that of another international center he helped bring to the NBA while with San Antonio: Tiago Splitter.

“Tiago was very dynamic moving into screens, running into screens, changing the angle, flipping the screen, and Tibor has similar characteristics,” Lindsey said.

Lindsey even called the pick-and-roll part of Pleiss’s game “his strength.”
The Jazz, Lindsey added, were “pleasantly surprised” with the physical build of Pleiss, whose weight is listed at 262 pounds.

“He was a little thicker than we had anticipated,” Lindsey said, adding that he’s confident Jazz staff can help him develop his body even more. “We think his best basketball is ahead of him. …
The weight isn't bad. Not sure where he's putting it though.

“The dimensions are there, the movement’s there, the mindset’s there. We’re going to have to help him with strength and power, but there’s no reason why we can’t move that forward.”

Although Pleiss has a slowly developing jump shot, the Jazz aren’t worried about his release time.

“I’ll let you try to contest it, so you can see,” Lindsey sarcastically joked with a reporter. “The shot quickness of the release is relevant to the height.”

Lindsey pointed out that the most important part of the shooting form for big guys like Pleiss is body positioning.

“The big guys, it’s really more of a function of their feet. Can they get their feet down and find balance?” Lindsey said. “A lot of our individual improvement is centered around what guys are doing with their feet and their balance and how they’re moving in their shots.”
Lindsey is confident that Jazz coach Quin Snyder can help Pleiss fine-tune his technique and foot placement if needed.
“He was always a good finisher at every level,” said Lindsey of Pleiss, who’s played professionally in Germany and Spain. “He’s always been an excellent free-throw shooter. We’ll see what that means for the Jazz.”
Yeah we'll see. If he's not all you're hoping for Cooley and Lyle is the plan?

The signing of Pleiss gives the Jazz 13 players with guaranteed contracts for their 2015-16 roster. Utah also has four players with nonguaranteed deals in Elijah Millsap, Jack Cooley, Bryce Cotton and Chris Johnson. And it sounds like they will be keeping at least 3 of those guys if not all of them.

Currently, Gobert is the only true center on the team. Favors is also adept at playing the position, and Cooley has been playing well this summer, but Pleiss has a good opportunity to move in as the primary center backup depending on how he does with the Jazz this fall.
Favors was considered a center before Rudy. Lyles?

First, Pleiss will continue training with his German national team for an upcoming European tournament. Coincidentally, Jazz assistant Alex Jensen is now headed to Germany to help coach that team.

One big question for the offensive-talented Pleiss, when he gets his NBA chance, is whether or not he’ll be able to defend at a high level. Defense and blocking shots may not be his fortes.

“Tibor’s going to be a presence,” Lindsey said. “Will he ever be a shot blocker like Rudy or Derrick? That’s of argument, but there’s no reason why he can’t be a great presence and a deterrent.”

EMAIL: jody@desnews.com

(jody@desnews.com)
TWITTER: DJJazzyJody

strength is the big question at both ends.

Xiao Yao You

07-16-2015, 11:02 AM

[QUOTE]While his listed 6

Xiao Yao You

07-16-2015, 11:06 AM

http://www.slcdunk.com/nba-free-agency/2015/7/15/8970661/nba-free-agency-2015-utah-jazz-j-j-obrien-san-diego-state

Another camp body. Doubt he makes the team over Chris Johnson though. Could be in Idaho anyway.

Xiao Yao You

07-16-2015, 11:27 AM

http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865632698/Utah-Jazz-players-2-rookies-and-veterans-alike-2-continue-to-work-on-chemistry-in-the-offseason.html

Xiao Yao You

07-17-2015, 11:28 AM

[QUOTE]Despite a second DUI arrest in the last six months, embattled Denver Nuggets guard Ty Lawson is generating interest on the trade market, NBA sources told SI.com. Houston, Detroit and the L.A. Lakers are among the teams that have expressed interest in Lawson recently, (http://www.si.com/nba/2015/07/17/ty-lawson-dui-arrest-trade-rumors-nuggets-kings-lakers-rockets-pistons) and there remains a strong possibility the Nuggets could unload Lawson before training camp.

Xiao Yao You

07-17-2015, 11:34 AM

[QUOTE]Eric Pincus: Tibor Pleiss will earn $2.9 mil as a rookie w/Utah Jazz, (http://twitter.com/EricPincus) $3 mil 2nd yr (both guaranteed), then $3.1 mil guarantee TBD 3rd yr @BBallInsiders

Xiao Yao You

07-17-2015, 11:44 AM

[QUOTE]Tom Halzack: [URL="http://twitter.com/TomHalzack"]Evan Turner on last season:

Xiao Yao You

07-17-2015, 01:03 PM

http://saltcityhoops.com/jazz-roster-math-a-d-league-rule-you-should-know/

[COLOR=#333333][FONT='Georgia','serif'][quote]Despite not signing a single player they didn

Xiao Yao You

07-17-2015, 01:03 PM

[quote]Another consideration is that the Jazz may want to keep a roster spot open as a means of cycling through players. After all, that

Xiao Yao You

07-17-2015, 02:18 PM

http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865632783/Utah-Jazz-point-guard-Bryce-Cotton-continues-to-impress.html

2) Second-year point guard Bryce Cotton has opened eyes with his quickness, pesky defense and playmaking ability.

After his play in the D-league and the end of last year I'd have liked to seen more actually. He had the one big game.

[QUOTE]Though first-round pick Trey Lyles, swingman Chris Johnson, forward/center Jack Cooley, power forward Brock Motum and forward J.J. O

Xiao Yao You

07-18-2015, 11:09 AM

Jody Genessy: [URL="http://twitter.com/DJJazzyJody"]Dante Exum said his ankle is better but not 100 percent. He

Xiao Yao You

07-18-2015, 12:55 PM

http://www.sltrib.com/sports/2742122-155/utah-jazz-chris-johnson-fine-tuning

Johnson shot 32 percent from 3-point territory over three seasons and 77 games in the NBA. This summer, after watching him in practices and exhibition games, Jazz officials are intrigued by Johnson's progress. Despite being slowed somewhat by an injury late in the week, Johnson has knocked down 39 percent of his triples in summer-league play.

If he can shoot like that in the regular season and defend he'll be around for a long time.

"We started doing one-handers, focusing on keeping it up, then just extending my range," Johnson said of his shooting routine this summer. "It's just a mind thing now. I'm just more comfortable with it now. I don't really think about it; it's just like second nature."

With the signings this week of point guard Raul Neto and center Tibor Pleiss, the Utah Jazz now have 17 players under contract. One problem (actually, make that two): 15 players are allowed on an NBA roster. So you can understand that the games over the past two weeks have been so important to Johnson, center Jack Cooley and point guard Bryce Cotton, all of whom have nonguaranteed contracts with the Jazz for next season.
But while Cotton's scoring and Cooley's toughness and rebounding have dominated the storylines so far, it may in fact be Johnson who has most improved his situation so far this summer.

Maybe. Cotton earned his spot at the end of last year I thought. Cooley and Johnson have helped themselves I imagine.

Johnson has averaged 8.2 points, 3.2 rebounds and better than an assist and a steal per game for the Jazz.

"He's just tightening up his game," Cooley said. "He's been in the NBA. He's been around. It's good to have a guy like that out here, a leader like that to help us and give us pointers."

Johnson has the physical tools of an NBA wing, measuring 6-foot-6 with a 6-11 wingspan, to go along with a bulldog mentality. But he hasn't stuck with a team in the three years since he went undrafted in 2012. He's played 77 NBA games, bouncing around with stops in Memphis, Milwaukee, Philadelphia and Boston. Last year, Johnson earned a pair of 10-day contracts with the Jazz before signing a nonguaranteed three-year deal.
This summer will serve as a good jumping-off point for Johnson, who heads into the fall training camp expecting a tough battle for one of the team's final roster spots. So far, he believes he's shown his work is paying off.

afalk@sltrib.com

Another long defender

(afalk@sltrib.com)
Twitter: @tribjazz (http://twitter.com/tribjazz)

Xiao Yao You

07-18-2015, 01:03 PM

http://basketball.realgm.com/analysis/238792/The-Case-For-Dante-Exum-Tools-Over-Stats

[QUOTE]Going into next season, Exum should be one of the biggest beneficiaries of Burks return to health after the SG missed most of the last season with a shoulder injury. Playing on a starting unit with Favors, Gobert and Joe Ingles, there wasn

Xiao Yao You

07-18-2015, 01:10 PM

http://www.slcdunk.com/2015/7/18/8997263/dennis-lindsey-probably-do-you-see-what-i-see-the-downbeat-1682

Yeah it looks like Trey's job to lose right now. I could see them using Booker, Lyles, Pleiss and Cooley depending on match-ups. Hopefully they aren't done yet. Need a couple players still.

https://cdn3.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/1BChBRRGfTHi3BvSdGd1Sw3-F1M=/800x0/filters:no_upscale%28%29/cdn0.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/3887054/Screen_Shot_2015-07-17_at_9.01.47_PM.0.png .v

Xiao Yao You

07-18-2015, 01:23 PM

http://www.sltrib.com/sports/2743749-155/utah-jazz-bucking-nbas-small-ball-trend

"We need to be able to react to the league," the Utah Jazz general manager said, "but it's also nice to be contrarian as well and be as big as possible. The players that we have added are big and long for their positions."

Need to show they can go small too. Hopefully the summer league line-ups are an indication of not thinking of positions so much anymore. Need more Hood, Maxi G, Ingles at the 4. Lyles at the 5. Burks at 1. Rudy at the 4 with Pleiss. Booker at the 3. Cotton at the 2...

The Jazz closed out last season by regularly starting one of the league's tallest lineups, a five-man unit that, between its 6-6 point guard and 7-2 shot-blocking behemoth, measured in at combined 406 inches. The result?

Over the last 29 games of the year, the Jazz were the NBA's best defense, allowing just 94.8 points per 100 possession. The Memphis Grizzlies, the next best defense in that stretch, allowed 99.4.

Huge gap. Can give some of that back if they improve the offense in the process.

[QUOTE]"With our size and length, we were able to

Xiao Yao You

07-18-2015, 01:29 PM

http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865632860/Jazz-rookie-Lyles-finishes-summer-league-on-a-strong-note-in-win-over-Lakers.html

If he can defend decent and hit the 3 consistently they'll have a hard time keeping him off the floor. Nice that he went out hitting 3's finally. Pleiss might have to go to the D-league to see the floor. Booker might become trade bait. Favors might even become expendable before his max deal in 3 years.

Xiao Yao You

07-18-2015, 01:31 PM

http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865632861/Olivier-Hanlan-unsure-about-future-with-Utah-Jazz.html

He got better as it went along. If he stays in Utah and they think he's improved a lot you could bring him to camp. Going abroad and keeping his rights would be best for the Jazz I think.

Xiao Yao You

07-19-2015, 01:20 PM

[QUOTE]Angus Crawford: Source: Utah has extended an offer of a partially guaranteed contract to versatile forward Brock Motum. (http://twitter.com/arkcrawford/status/622572711781371905) Jazz officials liked his SL showing.

Xiao Yao You

07-19-2015, 01:42 PM

[QUOTE]Corey Christiansen: [URL="http://twitter.com/Tjonessltrib"]Do you think the Jazz are shopping Trey Burke? He seems to be the odd man out. / Tony Jones: I

Xiao Yao You

07-19-2015, 02:27 PM

http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865632870/Jazz-must-decide-what-to-do-with-logjam-of-young-point-guards.html

The Jazz have decided on Dante Exum, the 6-6 kid from Australia who just turned 20 years old less than a week ago, as their starting point guard. He played in every game last season as a rookie and, in a decision seemingly based more on potential than performance, took over the starting job from Trey Burke midway through the season.

Made them a better team. Both of them should have been in the D-league though.

[QUOTE]Exum's height and length give him a decided advantage over the other three point guards on the roster when it comes to the defensive end of the court. But after averaging just 4.8 points per game last season, he's a reluctant shooter who still has to show he can produce on the offensive end of the floor in the big boys' league.

Sure, Exum had an impressive 20-point game in the Utah Summer League opener a couple of weeks ago. But the key words in that last sentence are "summer league"

Xiao Yao You

07-19-2015, 02:58 PM

http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865632883/Same-young-Jazz-New-exciting-results.html

But it was a safe move for a team looking to save money and allow its investments to continue growing.

Season tickets are hot. You owe it to those people to put the best product on the court you can. They haven't done that.

[quote]Before the 2014-15 season began, the Jazz had already locked up key cornerstones Gordon Hayward and Derrick Favors

Xiao Yao You

07-19-2015, 02:59 PM

[quote]Simply put, Utah went the "Sometimes the best transaction is no transaction" approach to free agency.

The Jazz have been lauded by NBA executives for their resolve to stand pat.

ESPN

Xiao Yao You

07-19-2015, 02:59 PM

The Jazz are high on Exum as a starting point guard, and believe the tall and speedy 20-year-old will be more aggressive and effective offensively while continuing to be a defensive force.

“I think we started to figure things out toward the end of last season. It only helps us continue to take that step forward,” said Exum, when asked about the Jazz roster continuity. “I’m comfortable with the guys, and I’m pretty sure the guys are comfortable with me. We just got to build on those relationships, and hopefully we can stay together for a while.”

With Hayward starting at small forward, Favors at power forward and Gobert at center, the Jazz are excited to have what they believe are three young players who are among the best at their positions in the NBA.

Hayward, rebounding from a subpar shooting year in 2013-14, showed last season that he’s as versatile of a swingman as there is.

Favors, using his unique size and athleticism, proved to be a defensive anchor as well as an improving offensive power.

And Gobert, whose confidence level skyrocketed from his rookie campaign, transformed into a shot-swatting monster who terrorized opponents with his comic-book-like length and natural instincts.

The shooting guard position will present the only real battle for a starter’s job this fall, although the athletic and fearless Burks had that first-five spot ahead of the sharpshooting Hood before a shoulder injury ended his season in late December.

“I don’t really look at it as a battle,” Hood said this past weekend. “Me and him (Burks) both got one goal in mind — just make the Utah Jazz the best team we can possibly be. He was a great mentor in my time that I was out and when I was playing when he was out. … We’re just out there trying to play.”
Yep. Plenty of minutes to go around and only 7 proven players.

Bench rotations and combinations are the big mysteries for now.

Can Lyles replace Booker as Favors’ main backup?
I think he could replace Booker as the 3rd big at some point but maybe playing at the five as well as the 4.

Will Pleiss, known for his terrific perimeter shooting, be able to use his sweet shot while also using 7-foot-3 frame to provide adequate interior defense when Gobert needs a break?
Will he be able to take the pounding of the NBA? To me He's 5th big until he shows otherwise.

Can Burke rebound from a so-so sophomore season and provide quality backup minutes to Exum, a playmaker who also needs to transform his game to get the Jazz to the next level?

And if Burke struggles, will Neto or Cotton be the guy waiting in the wings, assuming the Jazz keep four point guards?

How will Snyder divvy up reserve wing minutes amongst Hood, Ingles, Millsap and Johnson, if he survives?
Ingles job to lose. Millsap is an end of the bench defensive energy specialist. Johnson could challenge at some point.

Perhaps most important, will Lyles look as good wearing a pink backup (Gobert’s already purchased one, by the way) as Ingles, Exum and Hood did last year?

Financially, the Jazz are in an excellent position heading into the new season. Utah only has about $58 million in guaranteed contracts for 13 players. Even the addition of two of the nonguaranteed guys — Millsap, Cotton, Cooley and/or Johnson — would only bring them up to approximately $60 million.

That is $10 million under the $70 million salary cap and $3 million below the salary floor. (Teams have to spend at least 90 percent of the annual salary cap. The difference, if any, is divided up evenly amongst the players.)
Lindsey continues to mull over his options with that salary cap space. The Jazz could still sign a free agent or take on a salary dump from another team in a trade, like they did two years ago when they received multiple picks and cash for absorbing $20 million worth of contracts of Richard Jefferson, Andris Biedrins and Brandon Rush from the Warriors.
Lindsey brought up another scenario that might factor in if the Jazz are in the playoff hunt leading up to next February’s trade deadline.

“We’ll see if we want to go in asset accumulation mode and pick up something for our flexibility,” Lindsey said. “We could always wait until the trade deadline and see, based upon performance and injury, how the team’s trending. … If there’s a way to augment our team in a (playoff) push, we’d like to do that.”
Could give them an advantage down the road assuming the current bunch can keep you in contention until then.

Or, Lindsey added, smiling, “But if someone wants to throw a bunch of first-round picks to us as well, we’ll definitely pick up the phone and listen.”
One promising aspect in terms of Utah’s mostly intact crew is that the Jazz have assembled a team that can play big, small or somewhere in between. They can adapt to teams that throw unusual lineups on the court — or be the team that adds that wrinkle to a game plan. Lindsey has pointed out that the Spurs did that in their 2014 title run, and the Warriors emulated the small-ball style again en route to their 2015 championship.

Looking at the bigger picture, it's now incumbent on the Jazz to maintain their top-level defense while getting their offense to run like Snyder would like — open, free-flowing, fast and efficient. If the Jazz can improve on last season’s point guard and shooting struggles, the West will likely have a new playoff contender.
They should be thinking playoffs and as high of a seed as possible after the way they ended last season. That's why I don't understand this off-season. They could get a bit worse on D if they can improve the offense.

Xiao Yao You

07-20-2015, 11:11 AM

[QUOTE]Mark Porcaro: Listed at 7′ 03″, Walter Tavares (Hawks), Kristaps Porzingis (Knicks) & Boban Marjanovic (Spurs) all become tallest NBA players this year (http://twitter.com/MarkPorcaro)

Xiao Yao You

07-20-2015, 11:22 AM

[QUOTE]The free agent class of 2016 may end up being known as the summer of inflation. [URL="http://*********.com/2015/07/19/the-great-big-myth-of-free-agency-2016/"]What no one is really talking about yet but should be is the class of the summer of 2017. That

Xiao Yao You

07-20-2015, 11:48 AM

https://jazzfanatical.wordpress.com/2015/07/20/off-season-odds-and-ends-10/

[QUOTE]One. [B]Dennis Lindsey on Tibor Pleiss

Xiao Yao You

07-20-2015, 11:51 AM

http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865632920/Morning-Links-CBS-calls-BYU-one-of-the-most-disrespected-teams-Trey-Lyles-called-a-steal-Utes.html

[QUOTE]Trey Lyles called a "steal" for the Jazz

Trey Lyles wasn't some Jazz fans' most popular pick of this year's NBA Draft, but Mike Gallagher of Rotoworld went so far as to call him a "steal" in his breakdown of the Northwest Division's summer league play (http://www.rotoworld.com/articles/nba/55269/47/summer-league-northwest).

"The Jazz were able to steal Lyles with the 12th pick in the draft. He

Xiao Yao You

07-21-2015, 11:10 AM

http://www.slcdunk.com/research-statistics-analytics/2015/7/20/9004151/utah-jazz-trey-burke-dante-exum-deron-williams-mo-williams-bryce-cotton

Mark Jackson (http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/j/jacksma01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.basketball-reference.com) doesn't really count because he is an awful human being, and yes, some of those guys were combo guards.
He was only here a year but he was better than most still at the end of his career.

But while the strong ball handling has remained a hallmark of Jazz basketball over the last four decades the NBA game has changed. Today coaches try to run their sets from the wing, putting the ball in the hands of a dynamic triple threat shooting guard or small forward, while the point guard is either a designated shooter on the court, or a one-man-show. Stephen Curry (http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/c/curryst01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.basketball-reference.com) and Russell Westbrook (http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/w/westbru01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.basketball-reference.com) types seem to run this league, while many teams bereft of their all-world talent still start an offensive minded point -- though one who plays without the ball in his hands all of the time. Which brings us to the issue of Trey Burke (http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/b/burketr01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.basketball-reference.com). Trey Burke was a big name college player who won all the awards, and still seems to be living off of those glory days (http://www.slcdunk.com/nba-news/2015/7/15/8969909/usa-basketball-2015-las-vegas-utah-jazz-trey-burke-invite). Perhaps he was picked a little too high in a weak draft, or maybe there's another reason out there, but he hasn't really made the transition from college star to NBA player quite yet. He lost his starting spot to a rookie teenager straight out of high school midway through the season . . . and it seems like a stardom filled NBA career may never happen. I'm a big Trey Burke fan. I'm not crazy about everything he does out there on the court, nor am I blind to his flaws. But I'm not going to give up on a 22 year old kid who a) played his rookie year for a coach who was fired after 28 games in his most recent coaching stint,

So it's Ty's fault that Burke digressed last year? :rolleyes:

and b) in his sophomore season has the unenviable task of trying to go from being the guy with the ball in his hands all the time to playing in an offense system where the point guard just doesn't do that.
Than he needs to go if he can't fit in to that role.

It's too soon to proclaim his death. But after two seasons we do have some data on his NBA performance. To keep things very simple I'm just using box score results for games, minutes, field goals, assists, and turn overs. With these numbers you can create some ratios for total value, and also fixed minute values. And if you look at the last six Utah Jazz seasons (2009-2010, 2010-2011, 2011-2012, 2012-2013, 2013-2014, and last season's 2014-2015) you have fourteen different point guards to judge him against.
If you add it all up, regular season and playoffs combined, you see a clear breakdown of 1st stringers, 2nd stringers, and 3rd stringers.

Field Goals Att

Assists

Player Seas
G Min MPG
/G /20 min
/G /20 min A:TO
AST/FGA 1 Deron Williams 2009 - 2011
139 5,209 37.47
14.45 7.71
10.17 5.43 3.01
0.70 2 Trey Burke 2013 - 2015
146 4,550 31.16
13.03 8.36
4.96 3.18 2.84
0.38 3 Mo Williams 2012 - 2013
46 1,418 30.83
11.59 7.52
6.20 4.02 2.28
0.53 4 Devin Harris (http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/h/harride01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.basketball-reference.com) 2010 - 2012
84 2,391 28.46
8.01 5.63
5.04 3.54 2.45
0.63 5 Dante Exum (http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/e/exumda01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.basketball-reference.com) 2014 - 2015
82 1,817 22.16
5.07 4.58
2.41 2.18 1.68
0.48

6 Earl Watson (http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/w/watsoea01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.basketball-reference.com) 2010 - 2013
178 3,429 19.26
3.30 3.42
3.85 4.00 2.54
1.17 7 Jamaal Tinsley (http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/t/tinslja01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.basketball-reference.com) 2011 - 2014
115 1,903 16.55
3.61 4.36
3.90 4.71 2.59
1.08 8 Diante Garrett (http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/g/garredi02.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.basketball-reference.com) 2013 - 2014
71 1,048 14.76
3.73 5.06
1.69 2.29 1.60
0.45 9 John Lucas (http://www.basketball-reference.com/player_search.cgi?search=John+Lucas&utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.basketball-reference.com) III 2013 - 2014
42 591 14.07
4.52 6.43
1.00 1.42 1.91
0.22 10 Eric Maynor (http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/m/maynoer01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.basketball-reference.com) 2009 - 2010
26 363 13.96
5.12 7.33
3.12 4.46 2.89
0.61

11 Ronnie Price (http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/p/pricero01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.basketball-reference.com) 2009 - 2011
129 1,613 12.50
3.69 5.90
1.50 2.39 1.71
0.41 12 Bryce Cotton (http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/c/cottobr01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.basketball-reference.com) 2014 - 2015
15 159 10.60
4.60 8.68
1.00 1.89 1.25
0.22 13 Sundiata Gaines (http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/g/gainesu01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.basketball-reference.com) 2009 - 2010
37 224 6.05
2.38 7.86
1.05 3.48 2.79
0.44 14 Blake Ahearn (http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/a/ahearbl01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.basketball-reference.com) 2011 - 2012
7 38 5.43
2.43 8.95
0.43 1.58 0.60
0.18

Trey does really shoot a lot, his raw FGA and 20 min FGA were among the tops of this group. He's not the worst offender, but with his high minute count he's just on the court more and more than other guys, so you see him shooting more and more.

While his Assist to Turn over ratio is also Top 3 out of all these point guards, his APG is almost worst out of that first Tier of point guards. His assists per 20 mins is one of the worst, lower than most 2nd string guys. Now, more useful would be comparing FGA against ASTA, a mythical Assists Attempted stat. Having watched Jazz basketball pretty closely there's no Kyle Korver (http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/k/korveky01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.basketball-reference.com) or Carlos Boozer (http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/b/boozeca01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.basketball-reference.com) on this team. There are a bunch of guys who miss layups and open jumpers (Trey included). Lower time with the ball in his hands, lower primacy as a facilitator, and worse finishers . . . these are excuses for Trey that I am making. However, at least two of those are somewhat valid. Fundamentally his AST:TO ratio elevates his poor performances in assisting, but it's a tie breaker and not a saving grace.
I guess the functional ratio here is AST/FGA. Again, it should be ASTA/FGA, but I don't have that data. So this is skewed. The first tier point guards, or top five in MPG, or "starters" have a combined 3044 assists to 5532 field goals attempted. That ends up being an AST/FGA ratio of 0.55. Deron is better, so he's up there. Trey is below average for this group. For the record, so is Dante, but we already knew his on court production from last season wasn't so hot. We're not even debating that.
Will Exum improve is the question? The fact that Trey got worse last year is the worrisome part.

Xiao Yao You

07-21-2015, 11:11 AM

Making things WORSE for Trey is that, traditionally, the second string guy was a pass first facilitator. Or, mildly, a very gun-shy point guard. That group from Earl to Eric had 1376 assists to 1590 field goals attempted, a ratio of 0.87. And that's with JELLO SHOT's ridiculous 0.22 AST/FGA ratio boosting that up. Of course, Quin Snyder (http://www.sbnation.com/nba/players/111859/quin-snyder) may not need a facilitator to be his back-up point guard. Especially not if Dante Exum continues to take a back seat to Gordon Hayward and one of Rodney Hood (http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/h/hoodro01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.basketball-reference.com) or Alec Burks (http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/b/burksal01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.basketball-reference.com) as a starter.

And I guess, this is where things are harder to even figure out. The third string guy, either because of desperation or relative floor talent, has been a guy who shoots way more than they dish. Garbage time results in very few assists because some of these guys are only playing in garbage time because they can't finish. This is where assists attempted really is missed the most. But as it stands, the third string point guard is a guy who is getting that AST/FGA ratio that's a lot closer to what Trey Burke is getting. And by a lot closer I mean it's identical: 0.38 to 0.38. (Unpopular opinion -- was starting a whole year for Ty essentially just playing a whole season of garbage time?)
It was tanking time. Neither Burke or Exum have proven they are an NBA rotational player. Exum has proven he's at least a defensive specialist. Burke has shown he is a 3rd pg or D-leaguer(a joke he's never had to prove himself there!).

So is Trey Burke a third string point guard?

Absolutely not.
Does he shoot very frequently?

Yes.
Is the point guard position changing in the NBA, and does that make evaluating it against previous eras (not to mention much more functional offensive teams under a Hall of Fame coach) further complicate this experiment?

Also, yes.
Is this a "nice thought, but bad experimental design" analysis, because you don't have assists attempted data?

Yes, this is the main critical error here.
But Trey Burke still does shoot a whole lot, even if the functional ratio doesn't point him out to be the worst offender, right?

Very yes.
Trey is on the precipice of being either a bad starting point guard, or a very good bench point guard. His performance hasn't fully put him in one but not the other category just yet. He could me more suited for volume shooting position on the right team, or his perception could be somewhat rehabilitated if he was on the floor with a bunch of shot makers, thus giving him somewhat inflated assists numbers to go along with his almost ideal assist to turn over ratio.
If he could hit shots he might fit that role but he doesn't. He's the 4th pg right now on a team with no one proven as an NBA player.

Sadly, I think that Trey is closer to the current NBA model for a point guard than the old version I still cling too -- the one who would be a pass first guy, almost to a fault. And really, the good news is that Trey COULD still be exactly who he was traded for on draft night to be. He gets killed in the box score for his FG%, but many of his shots are the correct shot to take in that situation -- shots he has made before at a somewhat consistent rate about 30 months ago. He's also passing the ball to open guys who miss. This seems to be a problem the ENTIRE team is having a problem with, but we seem to single out Trey's missing more than the rest of the roster.

Maybe because the rest of the roster is unselfish and don't go 2-18 on a regular basis.

The big question is if he has discovered that confidence that made him so deadly in college. I believe in his self-concept. I believe in Quin Snyder, a former championship level point guard at the NCAA Division I echelon. I also believe in Dennis Lindsey and his scouting department. It's in the best interest of all three parties to make this work over the next few months -- even if it will be only for the next few months.

A healthier team will mean higher quality players on the floor all of the time. That will mean, hopefully, that there are better help defenders out there and better finishers out there. Combined with a focus on fixing offensive problems (the Jazz were defense heavy last season in practice), there could be an altogether better looking team out there next season. A better team will be a product of better play from the players, and in result, will make the players look better themselves.

I don't think Trey Burke is going to re-take the 1st string spot with the Jazz. But with Raul Neto (http://www.sbnation.com/nba/players/198045/raul-neto) and Bryce Cotton right behind him, I think Trey can't assume he's the 2nd string for life either. After all, 12 months ago he may have thought he was the 1st string for life point guard. Things change. And while things change, sometimes things change for the better. And at the end of the day, I believe that Trey Burke has the capacity to change for the better as well.
Me too. Needs to be somewhere else though.

More confidence, hitting that shot he was made to take, and thus drawing in defensive pressure . . . it leads to more open team mates, guys he is willing to throw the ball to. And guys who'll make that shot.
The team will be better next year. And third year point guard Trey Burke could be a big reason why. Even if he becomes the first second string Utah Jazz guard to take a whole bunch of shots. Maybe that will be his new role in the evolving Jazz offense? Maybe all of this discussion will look silly in a few years after he figures it out . . . dude is still only 22.

Yeah Trey continuing to lead the team in FGA is just what they need. :wtf:

Funny that the comments almost all agree for a change that Trey sucks.

Xiao Yao You

07-22-2015, 11:52 AM

http://saltcityhoops.com/five-jazz-duos-to-watch-this-season/

[quote]Few basketball fans know the potency of a great dynamic duo better than Utahns. The Jazz franchise is built upon a frame laid by John Stockton

Xiao Yao You

07-22-2015, 12:19 PM

http://www.slcdunk.com/the-downbeat/2015/7/20/9005835/fiba-tournaments-2015-utah-jazz-players-to-watch-raul-neto

But personally I'm most excited for FIBA Americas. It's going to be an opportunity to see Canadian basketball take flight. I'm almost certain that Trey Lyles (http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/l/lylestr01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.basketball-reference.com) isn't going to be playing, but Olivier Hanlan (http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/h/hanlaol01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.basketball-reference.com) may be. And he's a guy our team needs more data on. Oh, also this Raul Neto (http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/n/netora01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.basketball-reference.com) guy with Brazil.

Pleiss is who I want to see. Just saw Hanlan and Lyles. Neto isn't playing and saw him last year.

Xiao Yao You

07-22-2015, 12:28 PM

http://www.slcdunk.com/the-downbeat/2015/7/20/9006403/nba-free-agency-2015-utah-jazz-grant-jerrett-andrei-kirilenko

He spent some time in the NBA DL, but that is almost completely meaningless.Disagree. Guys that have put up big numbers down there are generally at least fringe NBAers like Cotton, Millsap. Johnson and Cooley. Could Exum or Burke put up big numbers down there?

Cooley is a natural power forward -- just not a stretch big. He's an undersized center.

So what do you do? Do you keep Grant on the team, taking up a roster spot? Do you try to trade his very small salary? Or do you just eat it, and move forward? (It's less than a million, and the team is way under the cap.)
I guess I'm the bad guy here and I move forward, saying goodbye to Grant. The team has done that with injured players before (Patrick Christopher (http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/c/chrispa01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.basketball-reference.com)). I wouldn't be surprised if they do it again here. It just sucks. He's a young kid who has had some crappy luck. Maybe that, indeed, makes him a Jazzman after all?
He'll be gone I'd think. Christopher was on a 10 day

Xiao Yao You

07-22-2015, 12:59 PM

http://www.slcdunk.com/2015/7/21/9007533/downbeat-1684

the 2015-2016 roster is now mostly set.
We'll see. Cap space and roster space and at least two guys that appear like they need to go.

Barring and unlikely trade before training camp and during the preseason, the following 11 players are locks to be on the roster this season:
Why unlikely? Seems likely to me.

PG - Dante Exum, Trey Burke

Wings - Gordon Hayward, Alec Burks, Rodney Hood, Joe Ingles

Bigs - Derrick Favors, Rudy Gobert, Trevor Booker, Trey Lyles, Tibor Pleiss
That leaves 2 to 4 roster spots remaining for the regular season roster.

The players in serious competition for those spots are as follows (including their contract situations courtesy of Basketball Insiders (http://www.basketballinsiders.com/utah-jazz-team-salary/)):

Wing Christapher Johnson $981,348 $1,050,961
Big Grant Jerrett $947,276 - - PG Raul Neto $900,000 $937,800 $1,014,746 Big Jack Cooley $845,059 $980,431
PG Bryce Cotton $845,059 $980,431
Wing Elijah Millsap $845,059 $980,431
(unguaranteed in italics)

Historically, the Jazz would almost always choose the guaranteed salaried players over a seemingly equivalent or slightly better unguaranteed player. However, a combination of increasing revenues/salary cap rooms has made it so Lindsey does not really need to consider that.
All comes down to the owners changing their tune. The fact that they are below the minimum cap I see no reason not to cut Burke and Jerrett if you can't trade them.

So while in the past it'd be easy to pencil in Jerrett and Neto that may not be the case this year, though it would be a bit of a surprise if the Jazz waived Neto after bringing him over from Europe.

So how do you guys think it will all shake out?

Personally, I see the Jazz keeping Neto, Millsap and Johnson and retaining their 15th roster spot for D-league and injury call ups.
Don't see that they need to keep any spots open until January at least. The non guaranteed guys could be cut at any time if they want to make a move.

The big caveat there of course will be training camp injuries. If we lose a big man in camp, then Cooley could stick around for a while. Alternatively, if a PG goes down then it would be Cotton who benefits. Looks like they'll both make the team to me right now.

Keep in mind that the Jazz would not have to fully guarantee any of the unguaranteed guys until January, so it could be the case that we see a few of these guys sticking around for the first few months until the team brings players in under 10 day contracts for the second half of the season. .

http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/155483/2.png Salary Cap Situation. Again, courtesy of Basketball Insiders, the Jazz's salary cap situation will look like this (or close to it depending which low salaried players are cut):
Player Position 2015-16 Gordon Hayward wing $15,409,570 Derrick Favors big $12,000,000 Alec Burks wing $9,463,484 Trevor Booker big $4,775,000 Dante Exum pg $3,777,720 Tibor Pleiss big $2,900,000 Trey Burke pg $2,658,240 Trey Lyles big $2,239,800 Joe Ingles wing $2,150,000 Rodney Hood wing $1,348,440 Rudy Gobert big $1,175,880 Christapher Johnson wing $981,348 Grant Jerrett big $947,276 Raul Neto pg $900,000 Elijah Millsap wing $845,059 Total Salaries $61,571,817 Salary Cap Room $8,428,183 Room Under Salary Floor $1,428,183
At this time the Jazz are sitting comfortably under the league's $70MM salary cap for 2015-16. According to leaguewide numbers they have roughly the 3rd most Salary Cap room available.

And who has as many roster spaces? Throw Burke and Jerrett into a deal and they can do even more.

While the Jazz have foregone signing meaningful free agents there is still room for them to make a meaningful salary dump trade in order to pick up some more assets.

For example, Cleveland is still looking to unload Brendan Haywood's $10.5MM unguaranteed contract. The ideal scenario for the Cavs would be to send him to a team in a way that will create a Traded Player Exception ("TPE") which they would be able to utilize around the trade deadline or next summer in order to acquire another player in that salary range. Since TPEs last for a calendar year, the Cavs may want to wait as long as possible before making such a trade in order to give them the most available time to utilize the TPE in the future.

The Jazz could ship off Jerrett and some unguaranteed players and accomplish the trade, but what would the Jazz want in return? The soonest first round pick the Cavs could pay is 2018 and even then that would be contingent on an earlier trade to Phoenix. Or perhaps a 2nd round pick and some cash would be enough?
Haywood might be enough. He could be the back-up not just a salary dump.

Xiao Yao You

07-22-2015, 01:00 PM

http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/554201/3.png Salary Floor. Every year I see a lot of consternation and confusion over the NBA's "Salary Floor." Prior to the 2011 Collective Bargaining Agreement ("CBA"), the minimum salaries each team had to reach each year was 75% of the Salary Cap. That amount has risen each year under the 2011 to the current level, which is 90% of the Salary ($63MM) (See CBA Article VII, Section 2(b)(1)).

At this point in time, depending on the Jazz's final roster composition, the team would appear to be on schedule to end up between $500k-$1.5MM below the minimum salary requirements.

So what is the penalty if the Jazz fail to meet those payment obligations? CBA Article VII, Section 2(b)(2) explains it as follows:
(2) In the event that a Team's Team Salary for a Salary Cap Year as of the start of the Team's Last Regular Season game of that Salary Cap Year is less than the applicable Minimum Team Salary for that Salary Cap Year, the NBA shall cause such Team to make payments equal to the shortfall (to be disbursed to the players on such Team pro rata or in accordance with such other formula as may be reasonably determined by the Players Association. The Players Association shall provide the NBA with its proposed distribution of any such shortfall within thirty (30) days after the completion of the Audit Report for such Salary Cap Year.
A few important take aways from that legal jargon:

1. The calculation of total team salaries paid happens at the end of the season. Thus, all payments to players are used to determine what salaries were in fact paid. Accordingly, the Jazz do not have to reach the floor until April, meaning that any additional players added (i.e. trades, D-league call ups etc.) during the season will count toward the minimum salaries.
2. The penalty for failing to reach the floor equals the amount the team was under the floor. Accordingly, the Jazz are only in line for a financial penalty of between $500k-$1.5MM as of today.

3. The financial penalty paid by the Jazz is distributed in whatever way the Players Association decides.

I've seen it presumed that the shortfall would be pro rated according to salaries by the Players Association, but it is possible that certain players could benefit more than others in this scenario. For example, perhaps the Players Association determines that any player making greater than $2MM per year is reasonably compensated and the remainder gets divided only to the lower salaried players. Or perhaps the Players Association creates a formula based on years of service in the NBA.

The point is it is not necessarily pro rata to each of the players in accordance with their contract size, which is widely presumed. Instead, there is a possibility that underpaid players such as Rudy Gobert could reap a larger benefit from these payments, though the Jazz themselves do not get to decide that, the Players Association does. .

http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/155491/4.png Salary Floor Going Forward. While the effect of the minimum salary requirement is going to minimal to non-existent for the Jazz this season, the same cannot be said moving forward. Let's take another look at salary obligations, this time adding future seasons:

Player Position 2015-16 2016-17 2017-18 Gordon Hayward wing $15,409,570 $16,073,140 $16,736,710 Derrick Favors big $12,000,000 $11,050,000 $12,000,000 Alec Burks wing $9,463,484 $10,154,495 $10,845,506 Trevor Booker big $4,775,000 - - Dante Exum pg $3,777,720 $3,940,320 $4,992,385 Tibor Pleiss big $2,900,000 $3,000,000 $3,100,000 Trey Burke pg $2,658,240 $3,386,598 $4,588,840 Trey Lyles big $2,239,800 $2,340,600 $2,441,400 Joe Ingles wing $2,150,000 $2,150,000 $2,687,500 Rodney Hood wing $1,348,440 $1,406,520 $2,386,864 Rudy Gobert big $1,175,880 $2,121,287 $3,145,869 Christapher Johnson wing $981,348 $1,050,961
Grant Jerrett big $947,276 - - Raul Neto pg $900,000 $937,800 - Elijah Millsap wing $845,059 $980,431 - Total Salaries $61,571,817 $58,592,152 $62,925,074 Salary Cap Room $8,428,183 $30,407,848 $45,074,926 Room Under Salary Floor $1,428,183 $21,507,848 $34,274,926
Based on current salary projections, and with 11 players signed to guaranteed contracts in 2016-2017, the Jazz are scheduled to have almost $30MM in Salary Cap Room next offseason. With no rookies to extend this offseason (the Jazz's 2012 first round pick wound up in Houston), the Jazz are not scheduled to add any significant salary next offseason. While the team will likely ink its first round pick that salary will be a minimal $1-3MM addition. Resigning Trevor Booker could use some Salary Cap Room, but that would make the Lyles selection more questionable.
Why? Lyles is 19. This idea that guys should play as soon as they are drafted is ridiculous. The D-league is there for a reason. The good teams don't expect picks to contribute immediately. Booker could be in for a huge payday next year. If Lyles/Booker end the year as their 3 and 4 bigs I'd imagine the Jazz could pay him. Give him one year and a team option for another again. Not going to want to sign guys for more than a year or two at most I'd think.

Xiao Yao You

07-22-2015, 01:22 PM

[QUOTE]The NBA has increased the number of players that teams can cut from their training camp rosters and still hold onto their D-League rights, a league spokesman told SI.com. (http://www.si.com/nba/2015/07/22/nba-training-camp-d-league-cuts-roster-rights) The change was initially installed prior to the 2014-15 season. NBA teams can now waive four training camp invitees (up from three) and make those individuals

Xiao Yao You

07-23-2015, 12:21 PM

Andy Larsen: Source: Utah Jazz to make logo changes this offseason or next. Likely looking to make the Jazz note logo primary, introducing new secondary (http://twitter.com/andyblarsen).

Xiao Yao You

07-23-2015, 09:21 PM

[QUOTE]The Portland Trail Blazers and Philadelphia 76ers are the only teams with enough cap space to absorb Haywood and create a trade exception for Cleveland. (http://espn.go.com/nba/story/_/id/13309223/cleveland-cavaliers-trade-second-round-pick-rakeem-christmas-indiana-pacers-set-larger-deal) The Utah Jazz are also close but would have to trade or cut several players with non-guaranteed contracts to do so.

Xiao Yao You

07-24-2015, 11:25 AM

http://www.sltrib.com/sports/2762387-155/utah-jazz-trey-burke-to-play

Love to see him play an African team. See how he measures up. He's certainly not shown he's a rotation player in the NBA yet but is still penciled in as one. :confusedshrug:

Xiao Yao You

07-24-2015, 11:53 AM

http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865633206/Dante-Exum-Rodney-Hood-wont-let-summer-injuries-halt-their-progress.html

[QUOTE]Hood, who averaged 8.7 points, 2.3 rebounds and 1.7 assists as a rookie, said he

Xiao Yao You

07-24-2015, 01:16 PM

[QUOTE]But even in an era in which quarter-century old arenas are routinely shuttered and demolished in favor of newer, fancier digs, Jazz officials say their preference as they weigh their options is to stay put at EnergySolutions Arena (http://www.sltrib.com/home/2762293-155/utah-jazz-lhm-officials-looking-to).

Xiao Yao You

07-25-2015, 10:23 AM

http://saltcityhoops.com/the-why-behind-the-jazz-signing-j-j-obrien/

[QUOTE]Utah doled out some partially guaranteed deals to a trio of players in former Jazzman Kevin Murphy, point guard Dee Bost and the bruising Cooley. In a sense, it brought the threesome into the Jazz fold. The first two did not last long in training camp, but Cooley was one of the final cuts1 (http://saltcityhoops.com/the-why-behind-the-jazz-signing-j-j-obrien/#note-1). All three then spent the season with the Idaho Stampede, Utah

Xiao Yao You

07-26-2015, 11:47 AM

http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865633178/Kincade-Poor-shooting-signings-have-put-pressure-on-Jazzs-Trey-Burke-to-preform-next-season.html

So far in his career with the Utah Jazz, Trey Burke has struggled to shoot the ball well. Will this be the year he pulls it all together? If not, the Jazz have players willing to step in and take his job.

Think Cotton and Neto already have taken his job. What makes anyone think after digressing last year that he's going to get better?

[quote]In 2013, the Utah Jazz drafted the college player of the year, Trey Burke. He was coming off a great run in the NCAA Tournament that vaulted him up as high as No. 2 on some teams

El Kabong

07-26-2015, 12:55 PM

Never know what to think with sending high draft picks to the D-League. Playing any ball is probably an improvement on sitting on the bench all day, but I get the feeling a lot of young players would take offence to being sent down there. They really do need to start using the D-League better though, not just the Jazz, I think most teams really don't take advantage of it as much as they should.

Xiao Yao You

07-26-2015, 01:49 PM

In other sports guys are expected to play at a lower level first. Needs to change. I'd guess the main reason the Jazz haven't used it is because they want them working out with their coaches. But if you get the right people in Idaho I don't see the problem especially when they only need to go up there for a couple days a week to play and could be back with the Jazz most of the time.

Xiao Yao You

07-26-2015, 01:49 PM

Marc Stein: [URL="http://twitter.com/ESPNSteinLine"]Other names I

Xiao Yao You

07-27-2015, 10:54 AM

[QUOTE]Marc Stein: Grizz have 15 guaranteed contracts. Mavs headed for more than 15. And word is Thunder are saving final open roster spot for Josh Huestis (http://twitter.com/ESPNSteinLine)

Xiao Yao You

07-27-2015, 11:55 AM

[QUOTE]Barry Jackson: Efforts to trade Chalmers remain unsuccessful; he remains available if team bites on $4.3M salary. (http://twitter.com/flasportsbuzz) Zoran/Napier moves clear way for Richardson

Xiao Yao You

07-28-2015, 11:53 AM

[QUOTE]Michael Scotto: New York Knicks, Los Angeles Lakers and Washington Wizards continue to show interest in Kevin Seraphin, (http://twitter.com/MikeAScotto) league sources tell Sheridan Hoops.

El Kabong

07-29-2015, 01:05 AM

He's worth that if you think he can hit the 3 again.

Probably can't be any worse than Burke at times.

Xiao Yao You

07-29-2015, 02:54 AM

There's no doubt he's better than Burke. He's started for 2 championship teams.

Xiao Yao You

07-31-2015, 01:43 AM

http://www.sltrib.com/blogs/jazznotes/2782780-155/jazzs-dante-exum-plays-first-international

And when he did play, he was relegated to shooting guard, only running the offense for a few possessions and not getting many chances to get into a rhythm.

On some levels, this was understandable. Exum is still just 20 years old, still a baby in international competition and still the least experienced player on his team. At the same time, Exum looks to be much improved from the end of last season, and it was clear just by watching that he was capable of doing more than he was allowed. If the Utah Jazz let him play through his mistakes last year, what happened to Exum on Wednesday was the polar opposite. Simply put, Exum was held on the shortest of leashes.

As he should be this year. Jazz should be trying to win. If that means Exum is on the bench or in Idaho than so be it.

Still, it's too early to overreact. It was just the first friendly for the Boomers and everyone played roughly the same amount of minutes. Still, if you are a Utah Jazz fan, it's not out of bounds to worry about Exum's role, especially because every Jazz fan wants to see Exum improve as a point guard and floor leader.

Tony Jones

Xiao Yao You

07-31-2015, 01:46 AM

http://www.sltrib.com/blogs/jazznotes/2785193-155/millsap-brothers-team-up-in-atlanta

[QUOTE]Utah Jazz wingman Elijah Millsap teamed up with his three brothers

Xiao Yao You

07-31-2015, 12:55 PM

http://www.deseretnews.com/article/765678511/Utah-Jazzs-Trey-Burke-to-play-in-first-ever-NBA-game-in-Africa.html

Trey is easily the worst player on the World side probably both. When are his college accolades going to stop putting him at a higher level than he's shown in the league?

Xiao Yao You

07-31-2015, 01:05 PM

http://www.sltrib.com/sports/2786233-155/utah-jazz-roster-moves-motivation-for

"It's all motivation," he said Thursday during a conference call from South Africa, where he is participating in a week of NBA events leading up to the league's first ever exhibition on the continent. "Right now, I'm as hungry as I've ever been, to be honest with you."

Shouldn't you be hungry and motivated just because you've sucked the past two years and got worse last year? Neto, Cotto, Exum and Hanlan are around because you haven't gotten the job done.

After grabbing Burke, the lottery-pick point guard out of Michigan in 2013, the Jazz have gone on to add point guards Dante Exum, Bryce Cotton, Raul Neto and Olivier Hanlan to their ranks.

"At the point I'm at right now, I'm not worried about certain signings," Burke said. "I'm always a team guy. I've never been not a team player. I've never questioned anything on the team or anything like that, and I've always felt like I've worked for what I've gotten. I don't think nothing's been handed to me. I just look at it as another test. A stepping stone. You can use it as motivation going into training camp. Right now, I'm really dedicating myself and, come training camp, I know I'll be prepared, and that's all that matters."

Do team guys keep shooting when they can't shoot?

[QUOTE]So far this summer, Burke's preparation has taken him to an NBA event in the Philippines and, now, on an excursion to South Africa. In Johannesburg, Burke has participated in a number of community events and, along with other NBA players and coaches, has hosted basketball clinics.

"They're kind of picking up on things each and every day and running with it," Burke said of the young players he's mentoring there. "The progress day one to day two in how they're playing, they're really picking up on things quick. It kind of sounds weird, but they're not only learning from me, I'm learning from them, seeing how focused and coachable they are."

NBA Commissioner Adam Silver has said the league would consider playing preseason or even regular season games on the continent in the future, an idea Burke said he would support.

"The fans here have enough passion for the game," Burke said. "I definitely feel like the NBA is more than capable of

Xiao Yao You

07-31-2015, 01:07 PM

http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865633369/Utah-Jazz-release-preseason-schedule-begin-in-Hawaii.html

Just a couple more months!

Xiao Yao You

07-31-2015, 01:14 PM

http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865633567/Utah-Jazz-Hungry-Trey-Burke-keeping-busy-this-summer.html

[QUOTE]

Xiao Yao You

08-01-2015, 11:36 AM

http://www.sltrib.com/blogs/jazznotes/2793005-155/trey-burke-stopped-by-hakeem-olajuwon

Old man Hakeem blocking Trey! Go team USA. LOL!

Xiao Yao You

08-01-2015, 04:32 PM

Adam Johnson: Pacers like the Utah Jazz last season are looking to test out the affiliation with Fort Wayne before purchasing the team outright per source

Xiao Yao You

08-01-2015, 05:09 PM

http://basketball.realgm.com/analysis/238927/Utahs-Internal-Improvement

the team that improved the most summer may have been the team that spent the least.

I think they improved but with huge questions remaining at pg and back-up center this is ridicilous :facepalm

[QUOTE]The Utah Jazz stayed out of free agency, shelling out a little over $4 million, in large part because they didn

Xiao Yao You

08-01-2015, 05:12 PM

http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865633598/JJ-OBriens-basketball-career-comes-full-circle-2-from-Utes-to-Jazz.html

[QUOTE]In O'Brien's favor, Utah coaches like the versatility and basketball acumen he brings to both forward positions.

Jazz assistant Alex Jensen spoke highly of O

Xiao Yao You

08-04-2015, 05:27 PM

[QUOTE] Jorge Sierra: Dante Exum gets hurt in FIBA play. vine.co/v/eHUJpdMhWFg

Xiao Yao You

08-04-2015, 07:19 PM

Jody Genessy: Initial concern is that Dante Exum might have suffered a torn ACL in his left knee, per a source. Jazz will know more when he

El Kabong

08-04-2015, 09:25 PM

Would hope it's not a torn ACL. You only need to see how much it slowed Derrick Rose down and how long it toon Shaun Livingston to look decent again to see what it can do.

Xiao Yao You

08-04-2015, 11:28 PM

Sounds like it probably is. Your damn national team man!

Xiao Yao You

08-05-2015, 08:38 AM

http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865633825/Dante-Exum-injuries-left-knee-in-international-exhibition.html

Barring a trade or a late free-agency signing, third-year playmaker Trey Burke would fill in as the Jazz's starter if Exum has to miss time.

Why assume this? I get that they think Exum is the future and they think he needs to start and play but I don't think Burke is part of the future so that spot should be wide open.

Utah also has two other young point guards under contract in Brazil's Raul Neto and summer league standout Bryce Cotton.

Utah drafted Boston College point guard Olivier Hanlan, but it's uncertain if he's going to sign with the team or perhaps play elsewhere as a stash player.

Shooting guard Alec Burks and small forward Gordon Hayward are also adept at running the Jazz offense.

Hood? Ingles? As the roster now stands I'd go with Alec, Ingles, Maxi G, Favors abd Rudy starting. Hood, Cotton, Neto, Booker and Lyles off the bench. Johnson, Millsap and Pleiss could be in the mix too.

Exum's injury has already stirred up an interesting conversation among basketball fans and media about whether players should be allowed to play for their national teams in the offseason when their NBA squads invest so much in them.

A counterpoint could be made that players will play basketball all summer regardless of whether they're in Europe with their national team or simply playing shirts-and-skins at the local gym.

In Gobert's case, he used a strong 2014 summer league showing and an even stronger performance for France in last year's European championships to catapult him into training camp with solid experiences and extra confidence.

The 20-year-old Exum has been hampered by injuries this offseason. He played well in his only summer league game with the Jazz, scoring 20 points with five assists and five rebounds, but was sidelined for the final seven contests after spraining his ankle.

Before that ankle injury happened, Exum, the No. 5 overall pick of the 2014 draft, and the Jazz were pleased with the progress he'd made since a rocky rookie season. Though he was oft-lauded for better than expected defense, the 6-foot-6 guard averaged only 4.8 points (on 34.9 percent shooting) with 2.4 assists and 1.6 rebounds.

“It was just about building that (confidence),” Exum said in Las Vegas last month. “I had that two months working with Jazz guys to do that.”

Exum returned to the Australian bench in street clothes with his left knee wrapped after suffering his injury Tuesday.

Gobert reached out to Exum on Twitter, writing, "Be strong, bro, see you soon."

EMAIL: jody@desnews.com

TWITTER: DJJazzyJody

Xiao Yao You

08-05-2015, 09:02 AM

http://hoopshabit.com/2015/08/02/utah-jazz-wouldnt-start-trey-burke/

This season for Trey Burke is a make-or-break year, but should it really be?

Training camp should be.

[QUOTE]Burke is entering the last guaranteed year on his contract playing for the Utah Jazz, but hasn

Xiao Yao You

08-05-2015, 09:08 AM

http://hoopshabit.com/2015/07/16/utah-jazz-biggest-takeaways-summer-league/4/

[QUOTE]There hasn

Xiao Yao You

08-05-2015, 09:13 AM

[QUOTE]Entering into his second season in the league, Hood

Xiao Yao You

08-05-2015, 09:23 AM

http://hoopshabit.com/2015/07/11/utah-jazz-chris-johnson-jack-cooley/?utm_source=FanSided&utm_medium=Network&utm_campaign=NextPost

With that being said, two of the undrafted players that deserve to a real opportunity to get minutes next season are none other than Jack Cooley and Chris Johnson. The only problem is, there might not be a roster spot available for both.

Looks like both will make the team especially with Exum going down. That could be an extra roster spot.

On an NBA roster a you are only allowed to have 13 players dressed for the game that can sit on the bench. In addition, there are also two other players under contract that sit in suits behind the bench. By the end of the Las Vegas Summer League, the Jazz could have as many as 17 players under contract, which means something’s got to change.

Let’s say that you had the opportunity to pick between giving Chris Johnson or Jack Cooley consistent minutes, which person do you think would help Utah win more games?

I could see Cooley, Lyles and Pleiss all splittling time at the 5 depending on match-ups. Johnson could play if he can hit open 3's consistently like many guys on the team. If Burks plays the one especially.

Last season Chris Johnson was one of the players who ended up making his arrival in Salt Lake City fairly late. His first game came March 27 against the Denver Nuggets and he scored six points in 17 minutes.

By the end of the season though Johnson finished the season strong, scoring in double figures in his last three games. Johnson scored 11 points against the Portland Trail Blazers, and 13 points twice against the Dallas Mavericks and Houston Rockets. By the end of the season a lot of fans were impressed with the instantaneous offense that Johnson brought off the bench.

They were? He has potential. A lot to prove still. Certainly not blown away by the guy.

Fast forward to the Utah Summer League….

Johnson played well in the 25.3 minutes per game. He averaged 9.3 points, 4.7 rebounds, 3.3 assists, 2 steals and 1.3 blocks per game. He also helped lead Utah to an undefeated record.

More importantly he impressed defensively which leaves a lot of room for optimism that Johnson could become the backup shooting guard or small forward depending on which lineup is thrown on the court.

For Jack Cooley, it’s going to take a lot for him to get minutes in the regular season. Thankfully Cooley’s given the Jazz management and coaching staff a reason to keep him around. During the Utah Summer League, Cooley was one of the most impressive players in the entire league.

Cooley’s effort and motor are two huge factors as to why he’s getting ready to earn a roster spot in the NBA.

Cooley averaged 19.7 minutes and averaged 9.7 points, 9.7 rebounds and 1.3 steals per game. Cooley’s 9.7 rebounds were the second highest total in the entire league.

However, because Utah drafted Trey Lyles and finally signed Tibor Pleiss

Finally? Just got him for Kanter. :confusedshrug:

to play backup roles to Derrick Favors and Rudy Gobert, it’ll be difficult to see how Cooley will get his minutes. Pleiss is a 7’1″ German center that’s been playing professional basketball in Spain with FC Barcelona. He’s extremely polished offensively and will play an excellent backup center to Gobert.

Remains to be seen. He's the biggest question mark for me now. Want to see him play this summer.

Lyles was the No. 12 pick in 2015 and he’s oozing with way too much potential to earn bench splinters.

Potential shouldn't have anyone on the court. There's the D-league for that. But unless Pleiss can play he looks like he'll be tough to keep off the floor.

Even though both Johnson and Cooley will have to scrap and fight for all of the minutes that they will earn, it’s not an impossible task for them to get on the court.

Johnson and Cooley each brings a unique skill set to Utah that will help win games. Johnson’s a developing defender and already a decent offensive weapon. Cooley, on the other hand, is someone who’s going to crash the boards, he’s going to attempt to draw charges and he’s going to play tough defense on whoever the matchup is.

In all actuality the truth is that each of them should be getting an opportunity to play. Personally if I had to choose to between one of the two, Johnson would get the nod because Utah’s missing perimeter depth on their roster. What will be interesting to see is if Utah can make a trade and get value for Cooley.

It's where they are deepest. He's behind Millsap for a roster spot.

If Cooley wants to become a rotation player in the league (which he’s more than capable of becoming) he’s going to need a new start.

I do agree he might be able to help someone. Utah isn't the ideal spot for him right now.

Utah would be a perfect place but with the abundance of big men on the roster it’ll be hard for him to earn minutes.

On teams like the Los Angeles Lakers, Washington Wizards, San Antonio Spurs, Toronto Raptors and the New York Knicks, you could see Cooley earning a lot of clock.

Either way it feels good knowing that players who are perceived as the 14th and 15th men on the roster have the ability to come in and change the game for Utah.

A chain is only as strong as the weakest link.

Xiao Yao You

08-05-2015, 09:28 AM

Neto can play. He defends. Only question is his shot like most of the team.

Xiao Yao You

08-05-2015, 09:36 AM

http://hoopshabit.com/2015/07/15/utah-jazz-best-bryce-cotton/

[QUOTE]Would it be better for Bryce Cotton if the Utah Jazz didn

Xiao Yao You

08-05-2015, 09:43 AM

http://hoopshabit.com/2015/07/07/utah-jazz-believe-rodney-hood-hype/?utm_source=FanSided&utm_medium=Network&utm_campaign=NextPost

[QUOTE]When general managers do their due diligence and take the extra step when it comes to assembling their roster it really shows. Utah

Xiao Yao You

08-05-2015, 09:49 AM

http://hoopshabit.com/2015/05/13/utah-jazz-expect-dante-exum-next-season/?utm_source=FanSided&utm_medium=Network&utm_campaign=NextPost

The Utah Jazz selected Dante Exum with the No. 5 pick in the 2015 NBA Draft before Marcus Smart and Elfrid Payton because they saw something in him that no other team saw.

They took him because he fell to them unexpectedly. I'd guess if they'd had a chance to work him out they may not have taken him. Same with Burke.

[QUOTE]During his rookie season it was hard to see what the management thought about Exum but soon enough it became more clear as you got to see him play. With the point guards in the NBA growing to become more freakishly athletic by the year it made sense to draft a young 6

Xiao Yao You

08-05-2015, 09:57 AM

http://hoopshabit.com/2015/05/09/utah-jazz-jazz-change-style-offense/?utm_source=FanSided&utm_medium=Network&utm_campaign=NextPost

An offense that not only was fun to watch but featured many different players that could lead the team in scoring on any given night.

Think they have that. Maxi G, Favors, Hood and Burks.

[QUOTE](On another note: I can

Xiao Yao You

08-05-2015, 10:02 AM

http://hoopshabit.com/2015/02/18/player-going-step-off-bench-utah-jazz/?utm_source=FanSided&utm_medium=Network&utm_campaign=NextPost

[QUOTE]This may come as a surprise, but the Utah Jazz have one of the best teams in the NBA when it comes to playing defense. The Jazz are No. 10 in the league in points allowed, as Jazz opponents average 98.2 points per game.

For as good as the Jazz are on the defensive side of the basketball, the area that the team needs a lot more help in is on the offensive side of the basketball. Even though the Jazz play a smothering defense, they only average 95.7 points per game which is good enough for No. 24 in the league.

Because of the offense of the Jazz struggling, they need to find more options off of the bench. The starters are doing their role of scoring within the offense and making the job of the bench easier. There are four active players on the roster of the Jazz that average double figure points.

However with less than 30 games remaining in the regular season the Jazz still haven

Xiao Yao You

08-05-2015, 10:10 AM

http://www.cbssports.com/nba/eye-on-basketball/25257268/exploring-utah-jazzs-decision-not-to-retain-enes-kanter

The Enes Kanter era in Utah ended poorly. Kanter was drafted third by the Jazz in 2011, and Utah envisioned him as a key part of their future. Instead, his progression stagnated repeatedly; it was always a one-step-forward, two-steps-back situation. Talks with Kanter on an extension broke off last fall and the situation deteriorated from there, with Kanter effectively demanding a trade.

He continued to improve. A couple of injuries hurt his progress.

After the trade to Oklahoma City, Kanter said he just didn't see himself as a fit in Utah. Most of that, however, was the emergence of Rudy Gobert. Kanter lost significant minutes along to Gobert. Instead of embracing that challenge, Kanter pouted, and the week of the trade he admitted that he didn't always play hard there -- a pretty damning admission. He also trashed his former team's organization in a big way.

The mounting frustration weighed him down. On Saturday, he admitted, "I didn't bring it every night.

"I think the difference is probably I like playing basketball there," Kanter said. "That's the most important thing. Never liked playing basketball before in my NBA career. That's my first time I start like playing basketball there, for my team, for the fans, for my teammates, for coaches, everybody. That's the first time."

Kanter said upon arriving in Oklahoma City that he experienced a higher level of professionalism, though he declined to discuss specifics about his issues with the Jazz.

"I don't want to make no comments on them," he said. "But right after I went to OKC, I was like, 'Oh man, this is how an NBA team is.' "

Openly flame-broiling your former team doesn't look good, no matter what the situation was. (For what it's worth, other Jazz players took a lot of exception to his comments.)

Here's what's interesting, though. Kanter received a max extension from the Oklahoma City Thunder this summer. The prevailing logic around that move was that with OKC cap-strapped, and if they wanted to keep Kanter, they had to pay him big money (matching the Blazers' max offer for him). Regardless of his overall value, Kanter was worth that money to them. Here's a different perspective on it, however.

The Jazz are still rebuilding. They made strides last year, and some believe they can challenge for a playoff spot this summer. But they have oodles of cap space with such a young roster and every reason to stockpile young talent, especially talent they've spent a top-three pick on. Kanter was making the situation uncomfortable, but they still could have retained him and forced the situation. To do so, the Jazz would've had to spend big money on him -- money they had to spend -- and they were in just such a position to spend it on Kanter. After all, they need "elite offensive talent" as Kanter is so often described.

Jonathan Tjarks over RealGM made a good point that's worth considering:

The only things (the Jazz) need on the market are finding veterans who can fit into small roles and complement what they already have. Soon enough, they are going to have to pay all of these guys and that's what you really want to spend your money on. They knew Kanter was probably not going to be worth the contract his statistics warranted because they had seen him up close and personal over the last three years. That's what's so often forgotten in free agency - a lot of times you end up paying for guys other teams don't really want, which is why they were on the market in the first place.

Exactly. Now where's my vets?

To reinforce Tjarks' point, Kanter sat on the restricted free-agent market for most of the heavy free agency period without receiving an offer sheet, before the Blazers -- desperate and cap-free after four of their starters departed in free agency -- tossed a max at him. Teams expected the Thunder to match. But consider that Gordon Hayward got an early max offer from Charlotte a year ago, which Utah quickly matched. Instead, Kanter kind of sat there, because teams weren't chomping at the bit to challenge OKC's resolve in keeping him.

Utah had motive and opportunity to keep Kanter long-term. This becomes even more stark when you look at OKC's decision to make him one of its highest-paid players. The team that drafted him and with less offensive talent had every reason to retain him, but was fine with dealing him. Most of that is the emergence of Rudy Gobert, a far superior player, but it also speaks to Kanter's value.

Here's kind of how the logic and arguments break down about the Kanter situation. No one disagrees that Utah should have traded him, or that Rudy Gobert is a better player. (The defensive metrics for the Jazz after trading Kanter and committing full-time to Gobert were insane.) So it breaks down:

Utah was right not to pay Enes Kanter big money, despite having the money and reasons to do so.

Utah was right to trade Enes Kanter, and getting back essentially only a protected first-round 2017 pick.

If Pleiss is as good as they are saying he's already a better fit for them. The 1st will likely turn into a 2nd. They got another 2nd too right?

Here's where the logic gets interesting, because Kanter's decision was pretty controversial (hence this post).

The Thunder, with way more offensive talent, way less cap space and as a more attractive free agency destination, needed to give Kanter a max contract.

That seems interesting, right?

The reason this isn't an open-and-shut failure by Oklahoma City is that it's entirely contextual, as we talked about before. For OKC, maxing Kanter makes sense. For Utah, it made no sense. But read back the end of what Tjarks wrote.

"A lot of times you end up paying for guys other teams don't really want, which is why they were on the market in the first place."
Kanter was only available because the Jazz didn't want him. This wasn't a James Harden situation (not to invoke that hornets nest of a discussion) where Utah wanted to keep him, but couldn't afford it. It wasn't a Chris Paul situation where a top-end All-Star was coming to the end of his contract and wanted a bigger market. Kanter was expendable in Utah, and had to be retained at any price in Oklahoma City.

The point is to illustrate something about the NBA and player value that goes beyond Kanter specifically. How you evaluate a move like this largely comes down to whether you believe in subjective value, or objective value. In economic terms, that's investor value vs. market value. Kanter, objectively, was not worth a max contract based on his disastrous play on the defensive end, his attitude problems and what he brings to a team. He was subjectively worth that contract for the Thunder based on:

A. What they felt were their key needs (a post-scoring presence)

B. Based on their limited options this summer because of their cap situation (OKC would've had to let Kanter just walk and not be able to obtain a replacement)

C. Based on his long-term upside at age 23 vs. the expanding cap that will make his deal less restrictive in the future

If you buy into the idea that a guy is "worth what he's worth," then the Kanter contract was a disaster, and if you think it's entirely contextual to the team, you think it's a steal. There are shades of this (I personally think it's fine to overpay for key roleplayers if they fit an essential need and fit the culture of the team), but with a few weeks of perspective from the Kanter deal, that's what this comes down to. Objective value vs. subjective value.

That's the more interesting argument, rather than battling over whether the Kanter move was good or bad, because there's no real way to predict its future estimation at this point. There are compelling reasons to think Kanter's attitude and defensive limitations (I really can't stress how bad he was on that end) will make this a disaster. There are compelling reasons to think Kanter could be the player that pulls OKC over the hump, earning them its first franchise championship and helping the team retain Kevin Durant next summer. In that event, Kanter's value would be indescribable. There are also reasons to think Kanter wasn't worth the extension now, but could eventually develop into a franchise cornerstone.

The argument over subjective value vs. objective free agency value, however, is a fascinating one that says more about the person debating than it does about the source of the debate.

Xiao Yao You

08-05-2015, 10:15 AM

http://hoopshabit.com/2015/02/11/can-consider-gordon-hayward-elite-small-forward/?utm_source=FanSided&utm_medium=Network&utm_campaign=NextPost

[QUOTE]At the age of 24 he

Xiao Yao You

08-06-2015, 01:02 PM

http://www.sltrib.com/sports/2805874-155/kragthorpe-dante-exums-injury-may-require

Improving the roster via a preseason trade will be very difficult, but Lindsey has to try. My solution would be to use Burke in a trade package that upgrades the position. In a weird way, Exum's injury creates an opportunity, maybe even the necessity, for the Jazz to move on from Burke. A one-season sample suggested to me that he's not a good fit in Snyder's system.

Finally someone with the balls to say what appears to be obvious.

Cotton, in contrast, may work out nicely. He showed good signs in April and played brilliantly in summer leagues at EnergySolutions Arena and in Las Vegas. Sure, I have Jerry Sloan's voice in my head now, repeating the phrase "summer league" with disdain. Yet Cotton's athletic ability and eagerness to push the ball downcourt make him intriguing.

He's everything Burke thinks he is at a lot cheaper price.

Cotton lacks NBA experience, and so does Neto, a 2013 draft pick who has arrived from Spain. Bringing in Neto may prove to be a prescient move, but he's a mystery at the moment.

Not to anyone paying attention. He looks to be the likely starter right now. He plays D and can run the offense. Like most of the team needs to be able to knock down an open jumper.

That's why Lindsey needs to activate some of his long-held assets and find a veteran who will blend in well. The Jazz have generated too much momentum to stall now, just waiting for Exum's return. Lindsey owes it to Gordon Hayward, Rudy Gobert and the rest to field the best possible team in 2015-16.

Yep. This off-season has been a joke.

[QUOTE]Regardless, if Exum's diagnosis brings discouraging news, the Jazz's rebuilding project will take a hit. This team's immediate prospects have some limits, due to two big factors

Xiao Yao You

08-06-2015, 01:29 PM

http://hoopshabit.com/2015/08/06/utah-jazz-grading-offseason/
[QUOTE]I

Xiao Yao You

08-06-2015, 01:34 PM

http://purpleandblues.com/2015/08/05/utah-jazz-brock-motum-signs-with-lithuanian-club/?utm_source=FanSided&utm_medium=Network&utm_campaign=RelatedTag

So that leaves 2 roster spots for camp(3 if they get another one for Exum). I'd say a big to at least fight Cooley and Jerrett(he healthy?)for the spot and another pg to make Cotton earn it and possibly be a 3rd pg if Burke is gone like we hope.

Xiao Yao You

08-06-2015, 04:42 PM

[QUOTE] Jody Genessy: [URL="http://twitter.com/DJJazzyJody"]I

Xiao Yao You

08-06-2015, 06:18 PM

[QUOTE] Jody Genessy: [URL="http://twitter.com/DJJazzyJody"]I

Xiao Yao You

08-06-2015, 07:13 PM

[QUOTE]Jazz coach Quin Snyder is pushing for the deal, (http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865634016/Source-Jazz-interested-in-trading-for-Wizards-guard-Garrett-Temple.html) according to the source, because the 6-foot-6 Temple would give the team a big defensive presence in Exum

Xiao Yao You

08-06-2015, 07:16 PM

Snyder and Temple established a good relationship when the guard was with the San Antonio Spurs at the end of the 2009-10 season. (http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865634016/Source-Jazz-interested-in-trading-for-Wizards-guard-Garrett-Temple.html) Snyder was the coach of the Spurs

Xiao Yao You

08-06-2015, 09:19 PM

[QUOTE] Jody Genessy: [URL="http://twitter.com/DJJazzyJody"]Dennis Lindsey said he hasn

Xiao Yao You

08-07-2015, 10:46 AM

http://saltcityhoops.com/one-perspective-on-the-dante-exum-injury-ramifications-and-options/

[quote] it cannot be ignored that the Jazz

Xiao Yao You

08-07-2015, 11:29 AM

https://jazzfanatical.wordpress.com/2015/08/07/bits-from-dennis-lindsey-interview-86-dante-exum-injury/

[QUOTE]there

Xiao Yao You

08-07-2015, 11:38 AM

https://jazzfanatical.wordpress.com/2015/08/06/bits-from-randy-rigby-interviews-85-dante-exum-injury/

it was also clear to team officials that Exum was a major contributor to Utah's success in the second half of last season and that, with his mix of size and speed, Exum had a chance to take a major step forward next season.

not sure I'd call him a major part. He played his role.

Without him, where will the Jazz turn?

This late in the summer, the NBA's free agent cupboard is bare

It's not and they have open roster space and cap space so there are no excuses.

, so expect the Jazz to instead survey the trade market in search of a stopgap to provide the experience Cotton and Neto lack. But if the Jazz do make a trade, the splash likely won't be that big. Utah's decision-makers have made it clear that they do not want to unnecessarily disrupt their young team's chemistry and development.

Did Booker, Ingles and Millsap disrupt that? Vets are good to have around young guys. The D-league is good for guys that aren't ready for the NBA. If guys don't work out you get rid of them.

So, for now at least, Burke remains Utah's most likely starter, a role he held for his first year and a half in the NBA. The former college player of the year struggled to make shots last season, but the Jazz and head coach Quin Snyder have not given up on his development.

Burke made strides on defense last year and especially benefited from playing more minutes with shot-blocking center Rudy Gobert behind him after Utah dealt Enes Kanter at the trade deadline.

afalk@sltrib.com

(afalk@sltrib.com)
Twitter: @tribjazz (http://twitter.com/tribjazz)

Hard to imagine them making much noise if Burke is in the mix still

Xiao Yao You

08-07-2015, 11:46 AM

http://www.sltrib.com/sports/2811080-155/monson-dante-exums-long-road-back?fullpage=1

With the modern surgical techniques now in place, physicians can do remarkable work with blown joints and damaged ligaments. It is much advanced from what could be done just 30 years ago. Depending on the grade of damage to Exum's knee, he could be out a couple of months or up to a year.

a couple months? I've heard 3 minimum and probably at least 6 which could have him back by the end of the year but it sounds like they are going to sit him the whole year regardless.

[QUOTE]One prominent surgeon, not privy to Exum's particular case, said ligament tears on the more significant side can result in damage that cannot be fully repaired, causing joint soundness that cannot be completely restored. That's not to say, given that scenario, Exum could not return to form overall. It's just that the ligament function itself could be off a notch. He also said a damaged ligament sometimes is more susceptible to reinjury.
On the positive side, Exum's youth runs in his favor. In a general sense, the surgeon said, younger athletes heal better. Exum just turned 20.
Conversely, you have to wonder how youth will factor into the human part of Exum's injury, the mental part. Like Curtis said with his young athletes, how will the point guard react to the realization that he is not indestructible?

Only Dante can know that. And, at present, that might still be up in the air.
The tricky aspect to that whole deal is the way Exum suffered the injury

Xiao Yao You

08-07-2015, 11:52 AM

http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865634051/Utah-Jazz-forward-Gordon-Hayward-earns-USA-Basketball-invite.html

Jazz power forward Derrick Favors was one of the most notable omissions from the 34-player group. He tweaked his back at the 2013 U.S. minicamp.

Yeah he seems like he belongs there after the year he had.

Former Weber State star Damian Lillard is another American standout who won't participate.

Utah was seemingly going to have another participant in next week's mini-camp in point guard Trey Burke, but USA Basketball changed its mind and instead invited Bucks guard Michael Carter-Williams, according to a source.

They looked pretty bad with Trey invited. He's 3rd or 4th on the Jazz at his position.

ESPN writer Marc Stein described USAB's decision as an "audible." Burke's camp told the Deseret News that the third-year point guard was never formally invited.

The U.S. national team will practice next Tuesday and Wednesday before wrapping up this summer's session with an exhibition game Thursday night at the Thomas & Mack Center.

Here is the list of NBA players who will participate in the U.S. minicamp: LaMarcus Aldridge (Spurs), Carmelo Anthony (Knicks), Bradley Beal (Wizards), DeMarcus Cousins (Kings), Stephen Curry (Warriors), Anthony Davis (Pelicans), DeMar DeRozan (Raptors), Andre Drummond (Pistons), Kevin Durant (Thunder), Kenneth Faried (Nuggets), Rudy Gay (Kings), Paul George (Pacers), Blake Griffin (Clippers), James Harden (Rockets), Gordon Hayward (Jazz), Dwight Howard (Rockets), Kyrie Irving (Cavaliers), LeBron James (Cavaliers), Kawhi Leonard (Spurs), Kevin Love (Cavaliers), Chandler Parsons (Mavericks), Chris Paul (Clippers), Mason Plumlee (Trail Blazers), Klay Thompson (Warriors), John Wall (Wizards) and Russell Westbrook (Thunder).

EMAIL: jody@desnews.com

(jody@desnews.com)
TWITTER: DJJazzyJody

Xiao Yao You

08-07-2015, 11:56 AM

http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865634058/Morning-links-Oklahoma-columnist-says-Big-12-should-add-BYU-Boise-State-Grantland-says-Jazz-still.html

[QUOTE]National writer thinks Jazz should still make the playoffs
Zach Lowe of Grantland said Dante Exum's ACL tear put a crimp in the Jazz's plans, but they should still be in the playoffs this season.
"The news is sending Jazz Nation into a panic and apparently jeopardizing Utah

Xiao Yao You

08-07-2015, 12:19 PM

http://grantland.com/the-triangle/exum-strategy-how-one-injury-put-a-crimp-in-utahs-plans-and-raised-more-questions-about-offseason-games/

Reinserting Burke would seem to upset the fragile alchemy Utah stumbled upon by surrounding Gordon Hayward and Derrick Favors with defense-first, low-usage players.
Can't see Burke in the picture at all.

[quote]Exum had one of the lowest

Xiao Yao You

08-07-2015, 01:42 PM

[QUOTE] Jeff Zillgitt: As @Jody Genessy tweeted, Jazz have interest in Wizards G Garrett Temple and Wizards not opposed to making a deal, (http://twitter.com/JeffZillgitt) I

Xiao Yao You

08-07-2015, 03:13 PM

[QUOTE]Rudy Gobert: Did @dfavors14 retire? (http://twitter.com/rudygobert27) RT: NBA: Just Announced: @USABasketball Announces 34 Player Roster For 2015 #USABMNT Minicamp in Las Vegas! pic.twitter.com/GBzNjrTwGt

Xiao Yao You

08-08-2015, 11:39 AM

[QUOTE] Zalgiris Kaunas announced the signing of Utah Jazz draftee Olivier Hanlan (http://www.sportando.com/en/europe/lithuania/172066/zalgiris-kaunas-signs-jazz-draftee-olivier-hanlan-to-a-11-contract.html) to a 1+1 contract.

Xiao Yao You

08-08-2015, 03:09 PM

[QUOTE] Andy Larsen: On Olivier Hanlan: Jazz would have loved to have kept him in Idaho, but tiny D-League salaries make that difficult (http://twitter.com/andyblarsen).

Xiao Yao You

08-09-2015, 12:52 PM

http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865634145/Dante-Exum-injury-not-end-of-the-world-for-Jazz.html

[QUOTE]I

Xiao Yao You

08-10-2015, 04:06 PM

Andy Larsen: [URL="http://twitter.com/andyblarsen"]Favors on not making USA

Xiao Yao You

08-10-2015, 06:56 PM

J. Michael: [URL="http://twitter.com/JMichaelCSN"]Based on what Im being told, I speculated this Fri, Wiz REALLY like Temple. They

Xiao Yao You

08-10-2015, 08:27 PM

Josh Lewenberg: No Thompson (contract), Ennis (injury) or Lyles (rookie) on FIBA roster, (http://twitter.com/JLew1050) as expected. Surprised not to see Joel Anthony/Cadougan/Mullings

Xiao Yao You

08-13-2015, 11:49 AM

http://saltcityhoops.com/who-is-raul-neto-and-how-he-fits-in-with-the-jazz/

Utah signed point guard Raul Neto to a 3 year/$2.8 million dollar contract. At the time of the deal, it appeared that Neto would spend at least the initial season in the D-League, as the main roster seemed to be set with the trio of Dante Exum, Trey Burke and Bryce Cotton.

It's never appeared that way to me. Other than Burks I'd say he's the best pg on the roster including Exum. I'd expect him to start unless they go with Burks which I have yet to hear anyone say is a possibility.
[QUOTE]Although that point guard competition will still be intriguing to watch, one major participant has withdrawn. While playing for the Australian National Team in exhibition game against Slovenia, Exum tore his ACL while cutting his way towards the rim.

In Exum

Xiao Yao You

08-13-2015, 01:13 PM

http://saltcityhoops.com/trey-burkes-last-big-chance/

His time with the Jazz was far from over, but entering the year as the clear-cut backup
I think he's done. Don't see how he's clear cut anything.

, potentially forced to compete with one or two other guys even for that role, is a far cry from his circumstance now. Barring unexpected woes from Exum, it was becoming tough to ever imagine Burke in more than a secondary role with this team.
Yeah cuz Exum has been so great himself.
[quote]Maybe that hasn

Xiao Yao You

08-13-2015, 01:27 PM

http://saltcityhoops.com/whos-the-starting-pg-for-the-2015-16-jazz/

[quote]Let

Xiao Yao You

08-13-2015, 01:32 PM

http://www.sltrib.com/sports/2830995-155/utah-jazz-haywards-olympic-hopes-will

Hayward said he feels comfortable sliding to the four-spot in a small-ball lineup, giving him extra versatility.

Cool need to see more of that this year.

"I think he recognizes that there's a real value in being a part of this family and he's hopeful, like he should be, that sometime in the future he's going to have an opportunity to put on that uniform," USA Basketball director Jerry Colangelo said of Hayward. "I respect the heck out of him in terms of his willingness to pay the price, pay his dues. You never know what the future holds. He's the kind of a player who can contribute in so many different ways. He has the character. He's got the talent. It's just having the opportunity."

The odds may be long for the 25-year-old Hayward. But with contract negotiations, injuries and personal matters liable to pop up unexpectedly, Krzyzewski knows that best made plans can suddenly change.
"Instead of saying someone's on the fringe," Krzyzewski said, "someone might fit exactly right when it comes time."
afalk@sltrib.com
Twitter: @tribjazz (http://twitter.com/tribjazz)

Xiao Yao You

08-13-2015, 01:41 PM

http://www.sltrib.com/sports/2832087-155/utah-jazz-get-thrown-a-change-up

Gordon Hayward and company open the upcoming season on Oct. 28 in Detroit, part of a three-game road trip, and one of 10 road games the Jazz will play in their first 14 contests of the season. The team's home opener will be Nov. 4, when Damian Lillard and the Portland Trail Blazers visit EnergySolutions Arena.

For a young squad looking to fight its way into the playoff picture, it appears to be a difficult opening act. But perhaps the Jazz can take heart in the fact that eight of their first 14 opponents are Eastern Conference foes and, overall, seven of the 14 were not playoff teams a season ago.

They should do well. They can play with anyone.

Cute jaguar cubs born at Mexican reserve

(http://launch.newsinc.com/?type=VideoPlayer/16x9&videoId=29506798&trackingGroup=90262&widgetId=27728&playlistId=18158&siteSection=sltrib2300_spt_non_sec&embedOriginUrl=http%253A%252F%252Fwww.sltrib.com%2 52Fsports%252F2832087-155%252Futah-jazz-get-thrown-a-change-up)

[QUOTE]The new season's schedule, released Wednesday, provides a few other items of interest and dates of intrigue.

Xiao Yao You

08-13-2015, 01:46 PM

http://www.sltrib.com/sports/2830937-155/utah-jazz-before-rio-gordon-hayward

Hayward said he's spent part of his summer focusing on getting stronger and working on his post-up moves in hopes of better exploiting the mismatches he might see next season.

And, if all goes well, Hayward might be able to use one or two in the playoffs next year.

"We're definitely headed toward that direction," he said.

afalk@sltrib.com

(afalk@sltrib.com)
Twitter: @tribjazz (http://twitter.com/tribjazz)

Need to work on out quicking bigger guys from the 4

Xiao Yao You

08-13-2015, 01:50 PM

http://www.sltrib.com/blogs/jazznotes/2828317-155/gordon-hayward-thinks-dant%C3%A9-exum-will

[QUOTE]He

Xiao Yao You

08-17-2015, 06:28 PM

[QUOTE]The Utah Jazz announced today that the team has signed free agent guard/forward Treveon Graham (http://www.nba.com/jazz/news/jazz-sign-free-agent-treveon-graham) (TRAY-vee-on). Per team policy, terms of the deals were not released.

Xiao Yao You

08-17-2015, 08:26 PM

http://weareutahjazz.com/lockedonjazz/2015/08/17/insider-jazz-sign-treveon-graham/

3 and D? I'd imagine Johnson and Millsap have spots to lose right now. This guy and O'Brien will be in Idaho if they choose unless they just outplay others.

Xiao Yao You

08-17-2015, 08:52 PM

[QUOTE]Eric Pincus: Treveon Graham has $75k guaranteed of a three-year, minimum contract with the Utah Jazz (http://twitter.com/EricPincus) @BBallInsiders cut-down dates each January

Xiao Yao You

08-18-2015, 09:06 AM

http://www.slcdunk.com/2015/8/17/9164643/downbeat-1706-mario-chalmers-to--utah-jazz-probable

the Heat (http://www.sbnation.com/nba/teams/miami-heat?_ga=1.244309061.1190989082.1439902666) have been shopping Mario Chalmers (http://www.sbnation.com/nba/players/35083/mario-chalmers) due to them being happy with Goran Dragic (http://www.sbnation.com/nba/players/50285/goran-dragic) as the main point guard and fine with Tyler Johnson (http://www.sbnation.com/nba/players/247256/tyler-johnson) along with Josh Richardson being capable backups.

They're shoppin him because it will save them a lot of money.

The Sports World Report article then breaks down several potential destinations for Chalmers with Utah getting mentioned as a possibility now that Exum is out for the year.

The Movie News Guide proceeds to make the quantum leaps to saying that the Jazz are the most likely destination, which is a fair statement (not one I'd agree with, but fair), which leads us to the headline you see above.
That's right folks, this is how the media works, we went from the Jazz not even being on the PG market radar to having a >50% chance of swinging for a ground rule double in Mario Chalmers. Amazing!

He makes perfect sense if they think his 3 point shooting last year will go back up.

http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/155483/2.png Moving on to more reputable sports news sources we go to Kelly Dwyer of Yahoo Sports, who presents his all-time starting 5 of the Utah Jazz. (http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/nba-ball-dont-lie/the-nba-s-all-time-starting-five--utah-jazz-190023355.html)

(http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/nba-ball-dont-lie/the-nba-s-all-time-starting-five--utah-jazz-190023355.html)
If clicking on that link is way too much work for you, I understand. For those who lust for the absence of hassle such as myself, here are his picks.
PG- John Stockton
SG- Pete Maravich
SF- Andrei Kirilenko
PF- Karl Malone
C- Mark Eaton

Agree with his picks? Let us know who you'd swap out!

Seeing this list got me to thinking, do we have anyone on our squad with a glimmer of a fighter's chance of making it as one of the Jazz all-time best? Can Hayward surpass Kirilenko? Could Gobert overshadow Eaton? Those seem like the 2 most likely candidates to me, but do either of them become better players than those Jazz all-time greats? Only time will tell.

I'd put Rudy ahead of Eaton now.AD has to be there not AK.

Xiao Yao You

08-19-2015, 01:54 PM

http://saltcityhoops.com/is-utahs-late-season-defense-sustainable/

[QUOTE]Dante Exum

Xiao Yao You

08-20-2015, 07:25 PM

[QUOTE] Andy Larsen: [URL="http://*********.com/social/"]I

Xiao Yao You

08-20-2015, 07:30 PM

[QUOTE] David Locke: Both Raul Neto and Trey Burke are in town. Jazz players continue to spend lots of time in Salt Lake City in the off-season (http://*********.com/social/).

Xiao Yao You

08-20-2015, 07:42 PM

http://saltcityhoops.com/gleaning-clues-from-august-jazz-gossip/

RealGM tells us that Utah had “serious dialogue” with veteran free agent Jason Terry (http://t.co/kymFnDWjZR) before he returned to Houston on a one-year minimum deal.
They signed Terry to an offer sheet when he was young.

Add it all up, and there’s a consistent undertone to the summer buzz: the Jazz aren’t done shaping this roster. Quietly, GM Dennis Lindsey and his crew are out there looking for upgrades.

We already took a wide angle view at some possible point guard options (http://saltcityhoops.com/whos-the-starting-pg-for-the-2015-16-jazz/) in the wake of Dante Exum’s injury. But given the recurring sense that Utah’s roster isn’t set, let’s analyze what that could mean in terms of possible transactions as well as to the end of the roster.
August Acquisitions?

In particular, the Terry rumor is interesting because it forces us to rethink the profile the Jazz are chasing in response to the sudden changes in their point guard depth. In last week’s column regarding point guard options, I dismissed Terry out of hand based on the logic that he’ll be 38 before the season starts. If that doesn’t bother the Jazz as much as we might have guessed, then perhaps there are others we shouldn’t wave off.
The free agent crop doesn’t have a lot of names that make sense in that regard. Luke Ridnour is the only other long-time veteran still on the FA market, and he’s reportedly leaning toward retirement1 (http://saltcityhoops.com/gleaning-clues-from-august-jazz-gossip/#note-1). Former Jazz cast-off John Lucas III and the fringey Will Bynum2 (http://saltcityhoops.com/gleaning-clues-from-august-jazz-gossip/#note-2) each have several years of experience, but are unlikely fits. Most of the remaining free agent crop, headlined by Norris Cole3 (http://saltcityhoops.com/gleaning-clues-from-august-jazz-gossip/#note-3), Kendall Marshall and Lester Hudson, all have five years or fewer under their belts.
But maybe we should reexamine some trade possibilities with this new information in mind. Two others that I quickly discarded last week almost entirely because of age were 32-year-old Devin Harris and 34-year-old4 (http://saltcityhoops.com/gleaning-clues-from-august-jazz-gossip/#note-4) Jose Calderon.
Harris is one of literally five Mavs who play at least some point guard5 (http://saltcityhoops.com/gleaning-clues-from-august-jazz-gossip/#note-5), so one could imagine why Dallas might be OK freeing up $4 million when they have other options. Utah might actually have to sacrifice an asset in this deal since Dallas isn’t a team in need of a bona fide salary dump6 (http://saltcityhoops.com/gleaning-clues-from-august-jazz-gossip/#note-6), but it’s not hard to imagine a scenario that works.
Harris is perhaps less exciting than Terry, but performed at a similar level in 2014-15 and still knocked down 36 percent of his threes7 (http://saltcityhoops.com/gleaning-clues-from-august-jazz-gossip/#note-7). On the downside, he is owed another $4.2M in ’16-17, as well as a partially guaranteed ’17-18.

No thanks!!!!!!!!!!

Calderon actually came up this week on Jazz Twitter, and I imagined ways Utah might get involved in New York’s pursuit of Jamal Crawford. The Knicks would basically have to include Calderon in any Crawford deal, because virtually all others who match salary-wise are recent signees with trade restrictions8 (http://saltcityhoops.com/gleaning-clues-from-august-jazz-gossip/#note-8). The problem is that Los Angeles wouldn’t want Calderon, and in fact, a straight Crawford-Calderon swap doesn’t work since LAC is operating under trade rules for luxury tax payers.
If the Knicks want Crawford, they basically need a third team to take Calderon, and only three teams can do so outright: Utah, Philadelphia and Portland. So why would the Clippers do it? Who knows if they would, but keep in mind that their salary-plus-tax bill drops from $113M to $97M if they trade Crawford into space, and they’d still have JJ Redick, Paul Pierce, Lance Stephenson, Wesley Johnson and CJ Wilcox on their wings.
If you think that Crawford is the difference between having the depth to compete for a title and not, then you don’t worry about the $16M you could save. Otherwise, a deal that is built around Crawford to New York and Calderon to Utah could help everybody involved. Utah would likely get assets since they’d be assuming a 2-year, $15M commitment to the Spaniard, but the asset arsenals of New York and Los Angeles are not stellar.
As far as Calderon goes, he makes basketball sense for the Jazz. In fact, he’s not unlike Terry. Neither are great defenders, but both can really shoot the ball. Jose’s a career 41% shooter from deep, and one of the league’s consummate good guys. The extra year of salary isn’t ideal, but he could help steady the PG spot this year and then start to move out of the way as Exum comes back.
Or, look, there could be absolutely nothing to the idea of the Jazz getting involved in a New York deal by taking the veteran sharpshooter. But we shouldn’t be quick to assume that Utah would be uninterested in Calderon, Harris or others just because of age.
Of course, there are still other trade targets who aren’t in their 30s, like Temple and the other guys mentioned in last week’s column. In fact, there are options from that list that I personally prefer. But if the Terry rumor tells us anything, it’s that the Jazz aren’t immediately dismissing guys just because of their birth year.
Impacts to the Back of the Roster

The rumors surrounding Utah’s potential interest in guys like Terry and Temple should also make it clear that the Jazz are still hunting for help. That could be bad news for a handful of Jazz roster hopefuls.
Immediate reaction to the Exum news was that it bolstered Bryce Cotton’s chances of making the team. I disagreed then, and I disagree even more strongly now that it’s obvious that the Jazz are looking for outside help at the point. Trey Burke and Raul Neto are guaranteed guys who the Jazz have invested in. They are going to be in Utah unless one of the trade scenarios requires them to be included, and Exum continues to eat a roster spot while he rehabs. If the Jazz add a steadier point guard to that group, they’re dedicating four of 15 roster spots to one position. They’re not going to keep a fifth, so if any of these rumors come to fruition, it probably complicates Cotton’s roster bid.

I think despite his guaranteed contract Burke is likely to go if anyone.

There are also downstream impacts beyond the PG spot. While the Jazz indicated all along that they were open to keeping four PGs on the roster, the Exum injury makes it almost certain that they will.

Unless Burks plays the pg like he should. They should get an extra roster spot to replace Exum eventually too.

Consequently, they can’t keep six bigs and six wings, so anybody who’s penciled in pretty deep on the depth chart should be nervous. And we likely already know who the front five are in the wing & big rotations.

http://saltcityhoops.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/Screen-Shot-2015-08-19-at-9.46.43-PM.png (http://saltcityhoops.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/Screen-Shot-2015-08-19-at-9.46.43-PM.png)The way things are shaping up right now, the Jazz really have one roster spot up for grabs.

All of that leaves essentially one spot up for grabs, so if you’re currently sitting 6th in the rotation at either of those spots, the road just got tougher. That’s the case for guys like Chris Johnson and Jack Cooley. It’s even true for Grant Jerrett, whose modest salary is guaranteed, but who also has five bigs clearly ahead of him. Obviously the same goes for JJ O’Brien and Treveon Graham, who are both likely D-League bound anyway.
At most, the Jazz can keep one of those bubble wings or one of those bubble bigs, but not both. Of course, that’s assuming that Utah keeps four points9 (http://saltcityhoops.com/gleaning-clues-from-august-jazz-gossip/#note-9), and that we’re right about who’s in the front five in the wing and big rotations, but both feel like safe bets.
Burke and Jerrett will go. Johnson, Millsap, Cotton and Cooley make the team unless someone earns a spot in camp.

Technically, trades could shake up the roster composition and free some spots for those fringe guys. But I still hold that the Jazz won’t react to a short-term need with a panic trade that doesn’t match their overall plan, meaning it’s unlikely that they surrender rotation players unless a deal yields other pieces they really like over the long haul.
So more likely than not, the Exum news and the rumor that Lindsey is still searching for reinforcements probably mean that there’s a crowded field jostling for exactly one open roster spot.
—
It may feel like a typically quiet August, but don’t ignore these seemingly small rumors that contain big clues about the Jazz’s mindset and what it means to their regular season roster. They’re looking, and the bits of summer chatter even provide clues as to what criteria matters (and doesn’t) in that search.
Bottom line: if the rumors are even partially accurate, this roster is still a work in progress.

Xiao Yao You

08-20-2015, 08:52 PM

http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865634949/Upstill-Should-the-Jazz-trade-for-Mario-Chalmers.html

[QUOTE]The Utah Jazz

Xiao Yao You

08-20-2015, 09:27 PM

[URL="http://basketball.realgm.com/wiretap/239058/Canada-Announces-Roster-For-Tuto-Marchand-Continental-Cup"]The Canadian Men

Xiao Yao You

08-23-2015, 07:30 AM

[QUOTE] He knows he has been far from perfect since he led the Wolverines to the NCAA Tournament championship game, won college basketball

Xiao Yao You

08-23-2015, 08:03 AM

Burke attempted more shots than anyone except Gordon Hayard on the Jazz's roster last year, but he hit on just 36.8 percent of them. He was worse from 3-point range, knocking down 31.8 percent.

ridiculous!

[QUOTE]So when Burke sat down with general manager Dennis Lindsey and head coach Quin Snyder for his exit interview at the end of last season, shooting

Xiao Yao You

08-24-2015, 07:35 PM

[QUOTE][URL="http://twitter.com/JeffWithey/status/635918535928250368"]Jeff Withey: Can

Xiao Yao You

08-24-2015, 09:24 PM

http://saltcityhoops.com/why-jeff-withey/

[QUOTE]and most likely fills out next month

Xiao Yao You

08-24-2015, 09:29 PM

Under the NBA hardship rule, you have to have four sick or injured players on your team before you can petition the NBA to add a 16th player to the roster.

"A hardship can be deemed to exist when a team has four players who are sick or injured and have missed at least three games, and will continue to be unable to play. If a hardship is granted, the hardship ends when one of the sick or injured players is physically able to resume playing. The team must then release player(s) to get back to the roster limit, although teams have the option to retain the hardship player and release a different player to get back to the limit."

- from NBA Salary Cap FAQ

guess not

Xiao Yao You

08-24-2015, 09:38 PM

https://jazzfanatical.wordpress.com/2015/08/24/bits-from-dennis-lindsey-interview-821/

[QUOTE]we anticipate that all three of our guys will use these next two months to get better. We

Xiao Yao You

08-24-2015, 10:09 PM

http://www.sltrib.com/sports/2872143-155/utah-jazz-keep-getting-bigger-sign

The deal brings Utah's training camp roster to 19 players, with summer league standout J.J. O'Brien expected to be the 20th player in the mix this fall.

thought O'Brien was signed? Hardly call him a standout though.

The 25-year-old Withey played in 95 games with New Orleans during his first two years in the NBA and found himself buried deep on the Pelicans' depth chart last season behind Anthony Davis, Omer Asik and Alexis Ajinca. Nevertheless, the 7-footer has a chance to make the roster in Utah as a sixth big man and shot-blocking specialist and could be a pleasantly surprising late-summer pickup for the Jazz.

I'd say he's got a shot at 4th big. He's done more in the league than the others.

Best buds: Pet parrot and bull terrier become unlikely friends

(http://launch.newsinc.com/?type=VideoPlayer/16x9&videoId=29536838&trackingGroup=90262&widgetId=27728&playlistId=18158&siteSection=sltrib2300_spt_non_sec&embedOriginUrl=http%253A%252F%252Fwww.sltrib.com%2 52Fsports%252F2872143-155%252Futah-jazz-keep-getting-bigger-sign)

Withey will first have to fight for his roster spot in Utah. His deal, first reported by Yahoo! Sports, includes a team option for the second season. And the Jazz have 13 players with guaranteed deals already on the roster.

fully guaranteed. At least 3 now with partials.

Withey isn't a great offensive weapon, but he can be a defensive specialist. He has a 7-foot-3 wingspan and blocks 2.6 shots per 40 minutes. His senior year at Kansas he averaged nearly 5 blocks per game.

Utah's frontcourt is basically set, with Derrick Favors, Rudy Gobert, Trevor Booker, Tibor Pleiss and Trey Lyles likely to receive a majority of the minutes at power forward and center

Lyles can go to Idaho, Pleiss hasn't proven anything either. This move might be because of what Jenson has been seeing in Germany?

. So whether Withey sticks with the Jazz will likely come down to competition during training camp with forwards Jack Cooley and Grant Jerrett. Cooley's contract is not guaranteed. Jerrett, who separated his shoulder during summer league play, has a guaranteed contract but the Jazz have shown a willingness in each of the past two seasons to waive players with smaller guaranteed deals (specifically guards Carrick Felix and Ian Clark).

That was last year. Two years ago they wouldn't cut Raja.

If the Jazz opt to keep six big men on the final roster, Withey will have a chance to win a spot.

Seems likely they will have 6 though with Ingles, Maxi G and Hood available at the 4 they don't necessarily need 6.

Xiao Yao You

08-27-2015, 01:49 PM

https://jazzfanatical.wordpress.com/2015/08/27/bits-from-randy-rigby-interview-826/

[QUOTE]What can you tell us about Jeff Withey?
[U]
Well, I

Xiao Yao You

08-27-2015, 02:05 PM

http://saltcityhoops.com/of-pleiss-and-men-projecting-the-big-mans-future-in-utah/

[QUOTE]And aside from that wart, much of the rest of his game defensively appears as though it

Xiao Yao You

08-28-2015, 06:34 PM

[QUOTE] The Utah [URL="http://www.nba.com/jazz/news/jazz-sign-free-agent-j.j.-obrien"]Jazz announced today that the team has signed free agent forward J.J. O

Xiao Yao You

08-28-2015, 09:12 PM

http://www.slcdunk.com/2015/8/27/9217543/espn-nba-all-star-2016-utah-jazz-gordon-hayward-derrick-favors-rudy-gobert

Hayward has been usurped on the wing by Leonard, and Favors and Gobert are behind Jordan in the post pecking order.

Leonard's numbers could be down. No reason to think Rudy can't surpass Jordan. Comes down to the other players on the Jazz. If they play well enough the Jazz will be winning and they'll have a hard time keeping guys off.

- Kevin Pelton, ESPN Insider, 2015 (http://insider.espn.go.com/nba/insider/story/_/id/13520079/nba-spurs-kawhi-leonard-clippers-deandre-jordan-lead-list-likely-first-all-stars)
For the record the other honorable mention players were Giannis Antetokounmpo (http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/a/antetgi01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.basketball-reference.com) (Bucks), Goran Dragic (http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/d/dragigo01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.basketball-reference.com) (Heat), Draymond Green (http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/g/greendr01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.basketball-reference.com) (Warriors (http://www.sbnation.com/nba/teams/golden-state-warriors)), and Andrew Wiggins (http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/w/wiggian01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.basketball-reference.com) (Timberwolves (http://www.sbnation.com/nba/teams/minnesota-timberwolves)). Fun stuff, huh? I hope Rudy hears about this, he seems to get better and better each time someone doubts him.

Wiggins is on a crappy team and right now behind Maxi G. Not sure Green is automatic over the Jazz bigs wother when their backcourt will make it as well.

Xiao Yao You

08-28-2015, 09:15 PM

http://www.sltrib.com/sports/2887945-155/utah-jazz-team-adds-free-agent

Xiao Yao You

08-28-2015, 09:34 PM

http://saltcityhoops.com/5-on-5-offseason-in-the-rear-view-mirror/

[quote]One thing I always have to remind myself when analyzing NBA transactions (or lack thereof) is that it takes two to tango. For all we know, the Jazz pursued an upgrade at backup point guard but other parties (free agents, agents, and teams) didn

Xiao Yao You

08-29-2015, 01:52 PM

Doug Smith: Little surprise as Canada releases Olivier Hanlan; (http://*********.com/social/) heads to FIBA Americas with 12-man roster of Joseph, Stauskas, Wiggins, Olynyk, Bennett, Scrubb, Heslip, Ejim, Powell, Doornekamp, Nicholson, Sacre. First game in Mexico vs. Argentina Tuesday

Xiao Yao You

08-30-2015, 12:31 PM

[QUOTE]And then Jeff is, we just felt like it was a unique opportunity, especially at this point in the summer, to add someone with his type of size, length, shot-blocking ability. I think over the last two years, he

Xiao Yao You

08-31-2015, 07:44 PM

[QUOTE]David Pick: Source: Utah Jazz looking for point-guard. Could be Marcelinho Huertas (http://*********.com/social/).

Xiao Yao You

08-31-2015, 08:21 PM

What's so important about Jeff Withey?

Let's talk about Jeff Withey, shall we? Jeff Withey coming out of college was considered a late lottery prospect.

Why did he fall to the 2nd round?

Let's not forget he's only 2 years removed from being drafted.

But 25 not 20

He has good size at 7 feet tall and an average wingspan of 7 feet 1.5 inches.

Must jump well to get as many blocks as he gets.

His potential was a long term backup center. He was 23 when he was drafted and most thought he took advantage of his age and maturity at the college level, hence his good numbers. So what's so important about Jeff Withey.

Jeff Withey is now another big man the Jazz have brought on during the offseason. After Withey's signing that brought the number of big man on the Jazz's roster to 8. If the Jazz kept all 8 big men that would be half of the roster devoted to just the Power Forward and Center positions. There's a pattern. Right now six of those big men are guaranteed to make money from their contract. One of which, Grant Jarrett, is not even projected to make the opening season roster. So what is going here?

Colley and Jerrett are probably gone.
http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/554201/3_medium.png What can't be replicated?

Right now there is only two players on the Jazz roster that cannot be duplicated on the court and only one of those two players is rare in the NBA. That player is Rudy Gobert. National writers are becoming more aware of Rudy Gobert's (http://www.sbnation.com/nba/players/198023/rudy-gobert) gifts and talents. Not only that they are seeing that Rudy Gobert is unique and one of a kind. Rudy's ascension into the starting lineup coincided with Utah's ascension into above .500 basketball and a top 5 defense. Rudy is the key to the Jazz's success long term.

finally someone that seems to get it

So it makes sense to protect that investment. So how do you protect that investment? Reduce the wear and tear on that player.

But to reduce the wear and tear on Rudy Gobert the Utah Jazz need to have players that can match his skill set in limited minutes. But as we have talked about Rudy is one of a kind. Rare. So what makes him rare? Let's list them.

Height
Length
Shot blocking awareness
Athleticism
Mobility
Age
Passing Ability
Defensive Awareness
Defensive Anchor So to find individuals that can spell relief for Rudy Gobert the Jazz have to find players who fit most of those categories.

Disagree. I think ideally you have guys that do other things well so you can match up.

Think of Moneyball when Billy Bean goes into the scouting room and tells his scouts that they're just trying to collectively recreate the players they lost through committee. They aren't trying to find another player of that same caliber (though it wouldn't hurt) because it's too expensive and they're not in the position to recruit or pay for one. They just need to fill as many of those categories as possible. That's where Tibor Pleiss (http://www.sbnation.com/nba/players/111514/tibor-pleiss), Jeff Withey, and Jack Cooley (http://www.sbnation.com/nba/players/250364/jack-cooley) come into play. Now how do they fit in those same strengths?
Age (All are young)
Height (Pleiss and Withey are both above 7'0)
Length (Pleiss has good length)
Passing Ability (Pleiss)
Shot blocking (Withey set a tournament record for shot-blocking in college)
Defensive presence (Pleiss and Withey both have height advantages and can fill the lane. Cooley is a mountain of a man.)
Mobility (All 3 are limited)
Defensive Awareness (Withey and Cooley both have above average)
Defensive anchor (None possess this.) Now the Jazz are not going to be able to build another Rudy Gobert from committee. He can't be replicated. But they can create a Frankenbert. That can become close.

Dream on!!! :roll:

http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/155491/4_medium.png But there can only be 15 players on roster.

Wrong. The Jazz can have sixteen because of the Disabled Player Exception.

This exception allows a team to replace a player who has been injured and will be out the rest of the season or for the entire next season (if the injury occurs during the off-season).
via
SportingCharts.com (http://www.sportingcharts.com/dictionary/nba/disabled-player-exception.aspx)

That's what I thought! Can they add another to fall camp?

And guess what, they're not going to spend it on a point guard because the point guard position is not a position of strength and does not need to be reinforced. The season does not depend on the point guard position, but it will rest on the growing shoulders of Rudy Gobert.

But the pg is the biggest question mark and should be addressed until it's not.

So the Jazz could quite possibly keep both Tibor Pleiss and Jeff Withey for the season. In fact there's a better chance of Withey making the final opening day roster than Bryce Cotton (http://www.sbnation.com/nba/players/246401/bryce-cotton) because without Dante Exum (http://www.sbnation.com/nba/players/246134/dante-exum) for the season the Jazz will need Rudy Gobert more than ever.

Cotton and Withey probably both make it. Sorry Cooley.

http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/155495/5_medium.png 30.4

That's the amount of minutes per game the Jazz would like to see Gobert play. It's also the same amount of minutes Derrick Favors (http://www.sbnation.com/nba/players/111982/derrick-favors) played last year. There will be nights where the Jazz will need and require Rudy to go the distance but the Jazz would prefer those nights to be few and far between. If the Jazz can have their front court players average these amounts then they will reinforce their strategic advantage and have done their part to ensure their players health and stamina.

Derrick Favors - 31 mpg
Rudy Gobert - 30 mpg
Trevor Booker (http://www.sbnation.com/nba/players/112570/trevor-booker) - 18 mpg
Tibor Pleiss - 15 mpg
Trey Lyles - 7 mpg
Jeff Withey - 6 mpg

Ideally they play their best players big minutes against the best teams and rest them against the rest of the league.

Xiao Yao You

09-01-2015, 08:49 AM

http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865635788/Jazz-name-Vernal-native-Jordan-Brady-as-an-assistant-Stampede-coach.html

Xiao Yao You

09-02-2015, 08:49 AM

http://saltcityhoops.com/organic-cotton-how-bryce-might-be-utahs-best-fit-at-pg/

[QUOTE]It seems strange to label any point guard on Utah

Xiao Yao You

09-02-2015, 08:59 AM

http://www.slcdunk.com/2015/9/1/9237083/rethinking-doing-nothing-the-downbeat-1717

During the bulk of this summer's NBA free-agency period, the Jazz were criticized a bit for seemingly not doing much to improve the team. The reasoning made sense: Utah can afford to take its time and improve from within (as opposed to Arsenal, who need to keep pace with their spendy fellows near the top of the English Premier League).

But the Jazz's strategy backfired a little when Dante Exum tore his ACL. Of course, there's no way they could have seen that coming.

It's a joke regardless. The fact that Exum was considered a starter without proving himself is ridiculous. His back-up has proven even less.

But it did leave the Jazz suddenly light at the point-guard position. They've been able to mitigate that with the internal-ish addition of Raul Neto and the possible retention of Bryce Cotton. But I still can't help but think: should they have done more?

The fact that there are only 3 pg's in camp and Burks is hard to understand unless there is still a move coming.

Maybe traded Trey Burke and made room for a veteran?

duh!

I don't know, and I'm not recommending anything. Pickings were slim this summer at point guard anyway.

There's guys still available that have proven more in the league.

I was just thinking about the similarities as I sit here agonizing over Arsenal's inaction and the staggering lack of Jazz news this week, new free-agent centers not-withey-standing.

(I'm sorry. I'm a monster.)

Xiao Yao You

09-02-2015, 09:03 AM

http://nyloncalculus.com/2015/09/01/rudy-gobert-is-rather-unlikely-to-fail/

Hard to imagine him not getting better this year.

Xiao Yao You

09-02-2015, 09:13 AM

http://www.si.com/nba/top-100-nba-players-2016?page=3&devicetype=default

No one in the NBA has yet figured out what to do with the 23-year-old eraser, who in two brief seasons has risen from prospect of intrigue to undeniable stalwart.

Hibbert gave him problems. Looking forward to that match-up.
[QUOTE]READ MORE

Gobert is choosy enough to understand when to stay down and bold enough to challenge a power dunker (http://www.si.com/nba/2015/03/30/andrew-wiggins-poster-dunk-rudy-gobert-timberwolves-jazz) as they pull back the hammer. Length allows him to split the difference. There are many possessions where Gobert, who has a 9

Xiao Yao You

09-02-2015, 09:27 AM

http://www.si.com/nba/2015/07/06/utah-jazz-idaho-stampede-gordon-hayward-rudy-gobert-nba-free-agency

Patience has been a virtue for the franchise of late.

Remains to be seen.

[QUOTE]Utah

Xiao Yao You

09-02-2015, 09:39 AM

http://www.deseretnews.com/top/3382/2/24-Alec-Burks-24-Utah-Jazz-The-top-25-NBA-players-under-25-Where-do-Gobert-and-Favors-rank.html

Not sure I'd put Drummond or Wiggins over Rudy right now.

Xiao Yao You

09-03-2015, 07:37 PM

Aaron Falk: [URL="http://*********.com/social/"]Dante Exum had surgery today to repair his torn ACL, Jazz officials say. Procedure was done in L.A. and he

Xiao Yao You

09-03-2015, 07:52 PM

[QUOTE]If this writer was to make a list of players who could be integral to Utah

Xiao Yao You

09-03-2015, 08:08 PM

http://www.slcdunk.com/2015/9/3/9254951/utah-jazz-forward-rodney-hood-mr-overlooked-is-going-to-break-out

they just didn't have impact wing players.

Centers is what they haven't had. Love you Rudy!

He may not have had a chance to fully reach the potential he had, and mostly due to injury.

Mostly die to not being ready for prime time.

Rodney does have a sweet stroke, but he's not relying on spot up shooting to get the majority of his points.

His shooting hasn't been that great yet.

and heck, possibly even Chris Johnson (http://www.basketball-reference.com/player_search.cgi?search=Chris+Johnson&utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.basketball-reference.com) (don't leave him open on the baseline).

Johnson might not make the team. I'm thinking the young wing they signed might beat him out.

one of them was Jeff Malone!)

He's already better than Jeff!

A huge part of that will be the breakout season for Rodney Hood.

He already broke out after the break last season.

Xiao Yao You

09-03-2015, 08:50 PM

[QUOTE] Ric Bucher: I

Xiao Yao You

09-05-2015, 11:14 AM

http://grantland.com/features/these-are-the-things-that-change-boys-to-men/

[QUOTE]Lyles ended summer league by nailing four of seven 3-pointers against the Lakers.

Xiao Yao You

09-05-2015, 11:47 AM

Looks like Pleiss he rebounded and scored alright against Iceland. Foul trouble and turnovers though. Fall camp will be tougher than Iceland I'm afraid though.

Xiao Yao You

09-05-2015, 05:42 PM

Looks like Rudy did alright

Xiao Yao You

09-06-2015, 12:14 PM

Looks like Pleiss was maybe their best player today against a better team.

Xiao Yao You

09-06-2015, 01:22 PM

http://saltcityhoops.com/future-finance-watch-part-i/

Their salary situation for the next three seasons affords them about a gajillion different roads to generating talent or parlaying assets for future use.
This year and next year anyway. Could be adding two max deals after that.

They’re set up smartly, poised with the tools to respond to a plethora of if-then scenarios with their very fluid cap contingencies. In this two-part look at the Jazz’s books and options, we’ll delve into the many different ways they could respond to market situations and growth on their own roster, as well as some medium-term curveballs.
2015-16

http://saltcityhoops.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/Screen-Shot-2015-09-05-at-12.16.10-AM.png (http://saltcityhoops.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/Screen-Shot-2015-09-05-at-12.16.10-AM.png)Utah’s current cap sheet for 2015-16, with at leave five waivers coming. (Source: Basketball Insiders)

The Jazz could actually still get to $9.9M in cap space if they waived everybody without a full guarantee. While that’s extremely unlikely, since they like some of those non-guaranteed guys, they will certainly go into the season with some room to absorb players or make timely acquisitions.
Based on their team salary today, they have under $5M in room. But remember: they still have to cut at least five guys, and most of them are likely to be partially or fully non-guaranteed. If they do what I think they’ll do1 (http://saltcityhoops.com/future-finance-watch-part-i/#note-1), they’ll go into the season with nearly $7.5M in cap room, and the ability to create more through waivers or even trades.

Do they want to do anything with their flexibility is the question. 2 roster spaces a well that aren't fully guaranteed.

For the same reasons, it’s not a guarantee that Utah will even hit this year’s salary floor. Based on everything counting as team salary right now, they’re over the team minimum — defined as 90% of the cap or $63M — by about $2.2M. But once they start waiving players in October, they’ll probably drop down to somewhere between $500K and $1.5M2 (http://saltcityhoops.com/future-finance-watch-part-i/#note-2) below the minimum, which could end up as a bonus to their players next summer.
It will probably end up being moot. There are easy ways to spend a half million bucks, and chances are fairly good that they’ll use this year’s cap room to start flipping assets and addressing a boatload of unspent money on next year’s exploding cap. But the fact that we’re talking about Utah projecting under the salary minimum underscores the point: there’s money to spend.

So what could they do with it?

Most likely they’ll sit back for now and watch for opportunities to materialize. The free agent market is beyond picked over, and most of the players they could purportedly acquire via trade come with injuries or question marks. But I expect them to be watching the way certain potential targets come out of the gate.

Importantly, it’s also about watching their own roster to see where the real needs are.

Probably the same as it is. Pg, big man and wing in that order.

It would be inaccurate to say they have rotation-quality depth at every position because we just don’t know that at this point. But they legitimately have 2-3 interesting guys at each position, so before they settle for an available name that may be an upgrade, I think they’ll see what they have. For example, a guy like Mario Chalmers does little to excite me if I’m imagining best-case improvements from Trey Burke and Bryce Cotton and a stellar rookie season from Raul Neto. But if two of those three really struggle early, suddenly a name like that is more tempting.
What makes anyone think Trey is suddenly going to become a different player?

Same is true of guys who might not be on Utah’s radar today based on injuries, but might be if they look healthy as the season gets underway. Fans keep tossing around names like Jrue Holiday and Jose Calderon3 (http://saltcityhoops.com/future-finance-watch-part-i/#note-3), but the reality is that the Jazz aren’t going to make sacrifices to get a guy who’s coming off major health issues. What they could do is keep an eye on League Pass to see how certain guys fare early in the season and then make a decision4 (http://saltcityhoops.com/future-finance-watch-part-i/#note-4).

Point is, they’re in a position to react to possibilities that may open up, and only two other teams can say the same thing[/ref]Portland and Philly also have cap space left.[/ref]. They also hold all their own future picks as well as two extra first round picks5 (http://saltcityhoops.com/future-finance-watch-part-i/#note-5) and six extra second rounders in the next three drafts.
2016-17

http://saltcityhoops.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/Screen-Shot-2015-09-05-at-12.27.27-AM.png (http://saltcityhoops.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/Screen-Shot-2015-09-05-at-12.27.27-AM.png)An early look at 2016-17 salary, with another h/t to BI.

For reasons Andy Larsen has covered both on SCH Radio (http://saltcityhoops.com/jeff-withey-no-pg-lineups-and-all-star-candidates-salt-city-hoops-show/) and on his new KSL Court Report podcast6 (http://saltcityhoops.com/future-finance-watch-part-i/#note-6), next year is interesting. Utah will have a lot of money to spend, a dearth of FA targets and a pretty full roster.
Seven guaranteed contracts and four likely rookie team options add up to $56.6M, or less than two thirds of the projected salary cap.

I certainly don't see it likely that they pick up Trey's option for next year as things stand now. Still can't see him being on the opening day roster.

If Elijah Millsap continues to defend anywhere near his current level, he’s likely a lock at his minimum salary.
Why wouldn't he at his age other than injury?

Even Jeff Withey, on a non-guaranteed minimum deal, is a good bet unless Tibor Pleiss absolutely renders him superfluous; even if he’s a third center, $1M is not a bad price for insurance and shot-blocking depth at that position.
But with Lyles Withey could first to go depending on what happens with Booker who could be very expensive next year. Can't see them giving Booker a big deal past next year.

So that’s 13 guys, and the Jazz still have $31.3M to spend on just two roster spots — and are required to spend an extra $22.3M one way or another. No players have extensions kicking in, and Trevor Booker is the only rotation player entering free agency.
Could see him getting half that with the cap going up.

What do they do with $22 to 31 million? There are only a handful of true max-level free agents, and most of them are probably outside of Utah’s reach, especially since 27 teams will also be in a position to chase them. And with so many teams enjoying financial freedom, there won’t be a huge market for cap dumps unless somebody with one max slot wants to do some further maneuvering to line things up for a superteam7 (http://saltcityhoops.com/future-finance-watch-part-i/#note-7).

Which is likely.

The moral of the story here is that there aren’t going to be a lot of ways to spend $30 million next summer, which may increase the chances that the Jazz try to spend that money sometime between now and February by acquiring somebody who fits the roster and is attached to a longer salary commitment.

(Just for fun, if they instead decided to simply roll with the 13 guys we named and then spend, say, $5M on the last two spots, there would be huge bonuses to go around thanks to the team minimum shortfall. Hayward would grab an extra $4.4M, Derrick Favors and Alec Burks both right around $3M, and so forth. Basically a 25% kicker for everybody, assuming the pro rata distribution of the salary floor shortage. It’s probably not likely given what an inefficient use of the money that would be, but you have to think the players have considered that possibility of pocketing some extra bread.)
2017-18

If the number of variables at play above makes your head spin, wait until we talk about 2017-18. A crazy amount of ambiguity clouds the vision of what Utah’s cap sheet will look like just two summers into the future. That’s what we’ll cover in part two of this series8 (http://saltcityhoops.com/future-finance-watch-part-i/#note-8).
—
Have questions about the cap or what the Jazz can and can’t do? Feel free to fire them at Dan in the comment field below, and he’ll check back and offer answers.

Maxi can opt out and Rudy will be getting the 5 year max. Hood and Favors could be looking at max deals the next year and possibly Exum could be looking at a big payday if he develops as well. So I can't see them doing anything big past next season unless something comes along they can't pass up. Lyles and Hood could become cheaper options than Maxi and Favors. Than Alec the year after that. They'll definitely have some big decisions coming up with all their young talent.

Xiao Yao You

09-06-2015, 01:59 PM

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2551443-the-stifle-tower-rudy-goberts-ascension-unlike-any-weve-seen-before

fell into a starting job as a sophomore
He earned it. Should have been starting from mid December on and they probably make the playoffs. Not good for tanking efforts though.

How did the Jazz ever justify playing Kanter ahead of this guy?

How did they justify playing Favors over him? Wasn't til mid December when he started beasting.

How did Alex Len, Gorgui Dieng and Kelly Olynyk all come off the 2013 draft board before him?

How did anyone?

Protecting the rim and ending defensive possessions by cleaning the glass are basically the two biggest keys to sound interior D. He's a great perimeter defender too! The 3 quarter dominance over Aldridge was his best performance. Mostly on the perimeter.

The Denver Nuggets (http://bleacherreport.com/denver-nuggets) selected Gobert with the 27th pick in the 2013 draft, then traded him to the Jazz for Erick Green and cash (oops!).
They were selling the pick before the draft. They drafted Rudy for the Jazz as in most of those draft day deals. Gets old hearing that one team drafted a guy when it was really for another team. Jazz drafted him really.

DGobert was Utah's very best player last year, amassing a team-high 9.3 win shares (http://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/UTA/2015.html).
Someone finally calling him their best player! Should have been obvious to anyone watching but people like scorers.

Gobert was the reason his team got good overnight. There's no point in continuing to look. Gobert has no historical precedent.

Again someone giving him the credit and not Exum, Millsap Favors, etc.

If the Jazz find enough shooters to create spacing, and if Gobert improves as a defense-drawing diver down the middle, there's no telling how good this Utah team could become.

Stats courtesy of Basketball-Reference.com and NBA.com unless otherwise indicated.
Follow Grant Hughes on Twitter @gt_hughes (https://twitter.com/gt_hughes).

He needs a backup and they need a couple pg's to match up and hit some shots.

Xiao Yao You

09-07-2015, 04:11 AM

Just saw some highlights. Pleiss gave up the winner. The new guy from the Wolves blew around him. He's going to have a hard time defending the pick and roll. Still looks way to thin to me too. Got to be Lyles or Withey I'd think.

Xiao Yao You

09-08-2015, 09:19 AM

Rudy had a pretty good game it looks like.

Xiao Yao You

09-08-2015, 09:28 AM

http://saltcityhoops.com/examining-tibor-pleisss-eurobasket-performance-against-serbia/

Those hopes were initially delayed as Pleiss struggled during his Eurobasket debut against Iceland. Hampered by foul trouble throughout the game, Pleiss put up 4 points and 5 rebounds in only 14 minutes.
Which are pretty good numbers, He had a bunch of To's though. He won't need to play much as the 4th big for the Jazz so I wouldn't be too worried about the fouls.

[QUOTE]In the team

Xiao Yao You

09-08-2015, 09:59 AM

http://saltcityhoops.com/future-finance-watch-part-ii-2017-18/

the cap will spike to a projected $108 million before potentially dropping back down a bit the following summer.
Why would it drop? That's never happened has it?

http://saltcityhoops.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/Screen-Shot-2015-09-05-at-12.49.59-AM.png (http://saltcityhoops.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/Screen-Shot-2015-09-05-at-12.49.59-AM.png)

The truth: nobody has any idea what the summer of 2017 holds. (Source: BI)

So Pleiss has 2 years basically to show he's got something. Thought the Jazz could eat his contract earlier if he sucks. Wouldn't Ingles be unrestricted? He was restricted this year. Burke, Cooley and Jerrett will be gone before this season starts if I had to bet.

[quote]Gobert

Xiao Yao You

09-08-2015, 01:45 PM

Foul trouble again for Pleiss. Numbers look pretty good.

Xiao Yao You

09-09-2015, 04:21 PM

[URL="http://www.sportingnews.com/nba/story/2015-09-08/derrick-favors-jazz-utah-atlanta-native-improvement-dennis-lindsey-quin-snyder-gordon-hayward"]

Xiao Yao You

09-09-2015, 04:25 PM

[QUOTE] Known for his glower, Snyder once last season called a timeout during the middle of an opponent

Xiao Yao You

09-09-2015, 08:10 PM

http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865636282/Morning-links-Jazzs-Gobert-dominates-in-Europe-Taysom-Hills-injury-a-punch-in-the-gut-Wilson.html

not sure he is dominating. His rebounds are down for whatever reason.

Xiao Yao You

09-09-2015, 08:18 PM

http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865636282/Morning-links-Jazzs-Gobert-dominates-in-Europe-Taysom-Hills-injury-a-punch-in-the-gut-Wilson.html

Xiao Yao You

09-09-2015, 09:04 PM

http://saltcityhoops.com/interviewing-dr-lyle-mason-part-i-jazz-beginnings-stockton-the-shot/

What do you remember about Stockton and when he was drafted?

The only other team that was really interested in him was the Trailblazers.

I've never heard that and I doubt it. He was in the final 32 for the olympic team. He wasn't a complete nobody. I know the Blazers wanted him though. Always wondered what the Blazers would have looked like with him instead of Porter. They had a ton of talent.

[QUOTE]And they had a pick after us6 (http://saltcityhoops.com/interviewing-dr-lyle-mason-part-i-jazz-beginnings-stockton-the-shot/#note-6). When we picked John, they were on the phone and wanted to trade for him, trade their pick, plus another pick, and fortunately7 (http://saltcityhoops.com/interviewing-dr-lyle-mason-part-i-jazz-beginnings-stockton-the-shot/#note-7), we didn

Xiao Yao You

09-09-2015, 09:17 PM

http://saltcityhoops.com/why-trevor-booker-could-be-utahs-small-ball-alternative/

This is the entire reason a guy like Draymond is considered a stretch big while Booker wasn’t last year
He wasn't? I'd consider him that. He played that role.

— their actual percentages were close together, but Green attempting over three times the number of long balls gives him the perception of a guy who needs to be guarded out there.

There’s absolutely no guarantee Booker’s solid numbers on open 3s would continue if he doubled or tripled his volume.
I'm guessing he's been shooting a ton of 3's this off-season and will be shooting a lot more of them this year.

Thing is, though, his accuracy could take a significant dip while his perception as a shooter improves if he simply makes opponents think about him out there more often. Floor spacing is important because of where it forces defenders to stand and what that opens up elsewhere on the court, and even a foot or two in Booker’s direction from his average defender means all that much more room for the rest of the offense to operate.

As Grantland’s Zach Lowe recently noted (http://grantland.com/the-triangle/we-interrupt-this-eulogy-for-the-nba-post-up-game-to-bring-you-its-rebirth/), though, versatile bigs reach that status through more than just their shooting. The term “playmaking 4” has quickly become part of the NBA vernacular;
It has? I've only heard it from the Jazz coaches since they drafted Lyles.

Draymond’s ability to make things happen with the ball and capitalize on odd-man opportunities when defenses blitz Steph or Klay is a huge part of his offensive value.

Booker has a case from this perspective as well. He has a solid handle and great lateral mobility, often showcasing an ability to punish guys for closing out to his jumper too quickly or underestimating his foot speed.

I think they could play him at the 3 some. Probably better suited for it than P. Millsap was.

He isn’t quite in Draymond’s league as a passer5 (http://saltcityhoops.com/why-trevor-booker-could-be-utahs-small-ball-alternative/#note-5), but Booker feels a bit underrated here from a Jazz perspective. It’s more common to see gushing about the passing ability of Favors and Gobert, and not without good reason, but Booker may actually be the most incisive playmaker the Jazz have among their bigs. Consider the following table showing per-36-minute assist chances for Jazz bigs last season, alongside points created via assist per-36:

http://saltcityhoops.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/bandicam-2015-09-08-22-20-32-090.jpg (http://saltcityhoops.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/bandicam-2015-09-08-22-20-32-090.jpg)

Jazz Bigs Asssist Chances and Points Created Via Assist 14-15

It’s not a huge gap, but Booker was certainly the best of Utah’s bigs last season at setting up teammates for potential buckets6 (http://saltcityhoops.com/why-trevor-booker-could-be-utahs-small-ball-alternative/#note-6). A continued emphasis on this, along with more of an effort to establish himself as someone defenses feel they have to guard on the perimeter, could do wonders for Jazz spacing while Booker plays.
He's not as good of a passer as Rudy.

If this theme becomes reality, the Jazz are in a great place, and one I’ve discussed conceptually with Lyles as well: The ability to play “small” without actually putting small guys on the floor.

Booker is undersized for a 4 in height alone, but he rebounds almost as effectively as Favors and, due to excellent strength and center of gravity, really isn’t at risk of being frequently abused by the few post threats he’ll see against mostly bench units. His on/off court splits from last season, particularly post-All-Star break, indicate the Jazz aren’t sacrificing much of anything defensively while he plays, whether with or without Rudy Gobert. Meanwhile, he’s quick enough to check nearly any stretch 4 he’ll come up against on the perimeter, and can bully many of these same guys down low on the offensive end.
He and Gobert were impressive together when Favors was out. Not sure they aren't better with him.

If he emphasizes those offensive tweaks with success, he could very well be Utah’s in-house answer to the small-ball conundrum. He’d give the Jazz the flexibility to play four-out when needed, could defend opposing floor-stretchers effectively, and still has the strength and definitely the fire to do the grimy work down low.

It’ll be intriguing to see how much Snyder chooses to prioritize these themes. Versatility is the name of the game, and the Jazz may have more of a utility man in their bag than most had previously realized.
Ben Dowsett

I'm expecting Favors to be shoting 3's this year as well as Lyles if he's in the rotation. Sounds like that's what they want from Pleiss too. Rudy hits them in practice. Maxi said he can play the 4 this year as well. Hopefully Hood and Ingles as well. They should be a lot more dynamic this year.

Xiao Yao You

09-09-2015, 09:25 PM

http://saltcityhoops.com/jazz-break-into-big-three-territory/

[QUOTE]This upcoming season SI expects only six teams to boast three top-40 NBA players1 (http://saltcityhoops.com/jazz-break-into-big-three-territory/#note-1). They are the five top contenders for the title

Xiao Yao You

09-09-2015, 09:29 PM

http://saltcityhoops.com/end-of-summer-odds-update-for-the-2015-16-nba-season/

Meanwhile, the Utah Jazz slipped under the radar but actually had a very solid offseason considering.

It's been a horrible off-season. I think they have gotten better but there are still huge question marks after their first 7 guys. Same questions that were there when the off-season started. They act like they are still tanking. They hoping Rudy gets hurt so they can tank again? Even than with Hood and Burks it might be tough to tank.

Xiao Yao You

09-09-2015, 09:40 PM

http://saltcityhoops.com/derrick-favors-is-really-really-good/

Not having Favors in that group seemed like a head-scratching decision, especially as one studies the list of those invited. While making the final USA lineup would be a tall order, he is certainly one of the best 34 American basketball players. Of course, USA Basketball predicates some of these invites based on fit. Even so, Favors seems like a player who could offer a lot to USA Basketball.

He'd have to be a rim protecting center and he hasn't shown he is. If he starts hitting the 3 this year they might want him.

[QUOTE]Likewise, as the NBA world gears up for the upcoming season, there will be many lists and player rankings that ensue the next two months. Some have already come out. While such lists should be taken with a grain of salt, chances are, some will rate Favors modestly.

So how good is Derrick Favors and why might he be considered on the NBA

Xiao Yao You

09-09-2015, 09:58 PM

http://www.slcdunk.com/2015/9/9/9291491/derrick-favors-is-the-most-underrated-player-in-the-nba-downbeat-1724-utah-jazz

we have the honor of having him on our team for at least 3 more seasons
Assuming Lyles doesn't take his job.

, he is more than worth the Deron Williams trade alone, he has become a part of the community in Utah, AND Derrick Favors is currently the most underrated player in the league!

One of them anyway.
[QUOTE]Now that we have that reminder out of the way, a very well done article on Favors by Adi Joseph was done yesterday, take a gander:
Here's my favorite portion from that article:

"Those (Jazz) fans have watched this team closely. They are the ones who supported betting on Favors and Hayward, the talented small forward who took over the lead offensive role in 2013 as Favors handled the interior. They are the ones who greeted the Kanter trade and Tyrone Corbin ouster as new opportunities for growth.
[COLOR=#535353][FONT='Titillium Web', sans-serif]They are the ones with expectations

Xiao Yao You

09-09-2015, 10:06 PM

http://www.slcdunk.com/2015/9/8/9276857/utah-jazz-rudy-gobert-france-eurobasket-poland-the-downbeat-1723

Jack might be on the outs (and by "the outs" I mean "Idaho"). Of course, Cooley's got plenty of fans, too.

It's looking like he's out. I think another team could pick him up though or his non guaranteed deal will be dealt. Wouldn't count on him being back in Idaho.

The question is if that level is sustainable for a whole season.

If Rudy is healthy anything is possible.

I went through a bunch of stats for the last 5 seasons to see how the Jazz measure up. pacoelcid gets dramatic in his support (http://www.slcdunk.com/2015/9/1/9061213/why-i-will-be-burned-at-the-stake-prior-to-my-41st-birthday) for Bryce Cotton:

I'm going to put this out there Cotton > Burke.
Sure, Burke's got the pedigree - he went to a big name school, got to the NCAA championship game, was drafted in the lottery, etc, etc. But there's not much difference in physical tools between Burke and Cotton.

Big difference. Cotton is an elite athlete and Burke isn't athletic. I think Cotton has a lot to prove as does Burke but he's definitely in Burke's league, cheaper and a beter fit. Trey has to go.

And in case that wasn't enough, pacoelcid also lists what he knows about Bryce (http://www.slcdunk.com/2015/9/3/9254039/do-you-know-bryce):

If you've been keeping track at home, then you know that I am on the Bryce Cotton band wagon. The more I find out about him, the more I like the guy.

Here are some of the things I found out:

-Bryce averaged 39 minutes and 56 seconds a game his senior year-

For those who don't know, there are 40 minutes in a college basketball game. He also played all 35 games that year for Providence. When asked about his playing time, Bryce is quoted as saying, "I have learned over the years that you can trick your body to withstand more pain. I never tell myself I need a breather."

Nice. He won't have to play that much for the Jazz.