2015 training camp! [Archive] - Message Board Basketball Forum

Xiao Yao You

09-29-2015, 07:54 PM

http://www.sltrib.com/sports/3006355-155/utah-jazz-notes-injury-makes-grant

Now Jerrett will miss crucial training camp time, when competition for Utah's final three roster spots is expected to be fierce, especially for a job in the team's crowded frontcourt.

3 spots? Counting his guarantted contract I guess? Burke's spot should be up for grabs too.

Jerrett's $1.6-million contract this season is guaranteed, but there's no guarantee of a roster spot and the Jazz front office has shown in each of the last two seasons (with guards Carrick Felix and Ian Clark, respectively) a willingness to waive players with small guaranteed deals.

Those were both last year weren't they? Trey's deals not that big either.

Meanwhile, Jerrett's timetable to return remains unclear even to him.

Asked if he might be cleared in time to participate in training camp, Jerrett said, "I have no clue. It feels fine, but that's not really my call right now."

Off and running

They may have been the top defense in the NBA last year after the All-Star break, but Jazz coach Quin Snyder wondered how rusty his players might be as the returned to the court this week.

The coach noted his team's hard play, but even the players had to admit it wasn't always pretty.

"I think going through the drills we were really on point," forward Gordon Hayward said. "We were really talking and focused. When you start to throw in scrimmaging and going live, that's when guys go back to their old instincts and old habits. That's where it will take a little bit of time to get people to trust everybody and get back to our principles on defense. First scrimmage today was pretty sloppy and that's going to happen."
One area that apparently didn't need extra drilling was the team's transition defense.

Last year, Snyder spent the entire first hour of the first training camp practice on the subject, mixing in sprints as punishments for mistakes.
Lesson learned.

"We've been through this once already, so I think Quin has a little bit more trust in us this time around," Hayward said. "In scrimmage, if we don't get back [on defense], we'll get right back to those lines."
One-upping the Haywards

New dads Hayward and Derrick Favors spent part of Monday's media day extolling the joys and follies of fatherhood.

"It's pretty fun," said Hayward, whose wife Robyn gave birth to a girl, Bernadette, in June. "There are times when it's not so fun with her, when she's crying in the middle of the night. But she's been awesome for me. It changed my outlook on life."

"Same thing, but I think Gordon had it easy. He had one. I got two," added Favors, who became the father of twin girls in late August.
Against the odds

The line makers at the Westgate Las Vegas SuperBook on Tuesday released their win totals and championship odds for the upcoming season. The Jazz's win total was set at 40.5, with 100-to-1 odds on winning the NBA title in June.

afalk@sltrib.com

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

Xiao Yao You

09-29-2015, 08:11 PM

http://www.sltrib.com/sports/3003193-155/utah-jazz-alec-burks-or-rodney

Burks said point-blank that he wants to be the starter, he wants to play a lot. Professional basketball is high-level competition, and any player worth his salt wants to be on the floor.

He'll be playing plenty.

So he gave his honest assessment, even if the two have forged a close relationship off the court.

"At the end of the day, we all want to be the

starter," Burks said. "But it's coach Q's (Quin Snyder) decision. We're going to compete and push with each other on the floor. But we all have each other's backs."

That competition between Burks and Hood will be intriguing to watch through training camp, if for no other reason than the two both have the talent to start in the NBA. Burks proved as much at the beginning of last season, as he was Utah's second-best perimeter player behind Gordon Hayward, before a torn labrum ended his year.

Hood came on at the end of his rookie campaign, shooting and slashing his way into the hearts of many fans. By all accounts, he may be the most improved player on the roster, having appeared that way in Summer League in July.

Hayward's spot in the lineup is secure. He's one of the top small forwards in the league, trending towards possible All-Star status, a playmaker and all-around force on both ends. That means one of Burks and Hood will start. The other will come off the bench.

Have the coaches said this? I think Ingles or Millsap could start. I think Alec could start at the one. Other than the frontcourt it's wide open and if Booker is hitting enough 3's Favors spot might be in not be secure either.
[QUOTE]On paper

Xiao Yao You

09-29-2015, 08:47 PM

http://www.sltrib.com/sports/3002457-155/utah-jazzs-rising-stars-eye-postseason?fullpage=1

Those three are clearly now its faces.

as clearly as Trey being he 3rd face a year ago? I think he has been since they took new pictures yesterday. During summer league they were still trying to sell tix with Trey's face. :roll:

"I don't know if we necessarily have a 'Big

Three,'" Hayward said after the phrase had been thrown out by a reporter, "but we're definitely three keys for us."

"A lot of teams are going to be keying in on us three," Favors acknowledged before adding, "We're not like the Big Three (of LeBron James, Chris Bosh and Dwyane Wade) that was in Miami."

No, expectations aren't that high for this Jazz team and a franchise that hasn't won a playoff game since April 2010. But the Jazz have worked themselves back into the public consciousness on a level they haven't occupied since Jerry Sloan traded the locker room for the farm and Deron Williams simply got himself traded. Following a tear-down of its last playoff team, it has been a slow creep back toward respectability, mapped out by General Manager Dennis Lindsey, shaped by second-year coach Quin Snyder, and realized on the floor thanks in large part to steady maturation of Hayward and Favors and the revelatory talent of Gobert.

mostly Rudy though
[QUOTE]The Jazz flirted with a .500 record last year with a late-season surge that saw them transform into the league's top defense after the All-Star break. They closed out the year winning 19 of their final 29 games and, over the course of the offseason, they've gone from a sleeper pick to make the playoffs to a trendy one.

"We understand the hype that everybody got on us," Favors said.
Jazz officials on Monday tried to temper expectations. The NBA reality that exists outside the pomp and circumstance of media day, when every coach is optimistic, every player is in the best shape of his life and every team is absolutely, positively, 100-percent committed to defense, is harsh

Xiao Yao You

09-29-2015, 08:59 PM

http://www.sltrib.com/sports/3005481-155/monson-for-trey-burke-play-time

"I'm approaching this much more serious now," he says. "I'm starting to feel more like a professional.

wow thanks for the commitment man. Can't believe he's even on the team and they're writing articles about him?

When I came in, I felt like I could just play basketball, always play basketball. But now, I've learned the ins and outs, eating right, sleeping. It's funny because I'm getting to bed around 11, 11:30. I've never ever done that. I feel so much better in the morning. Like right now, I have so much energy. It's incredible. So I think those little things go a long way, especially in an 82-game season. They play a big part in how you play and how your body holds up."

Yes, yes. Go on.

"It was me, the things that I was doing off the court holding me back.

Had nothing to do with the way you approached the game on the court? Really? :wtf:

[QUOTE]I just had to sit back and realize, sit back and make decisions on what type of player I wanted to be, and ask myself what sacrifices I wanted to make. A lot of those things had to be like food and had to be certain activities, certain

Xiao Yao You

09-29-2015, 09:06 PM

http://www.sltrib.com/blogs/jazznotes/3002459-155/hayward-seeks-to-be-a-closer

At the high end, he could even be at number five, depending on how you feel about Carmelo Anthony and Paul George.

Would anyone seriously take Carmelo over Maxi G?

Indeed, last year was a career one for Utah's 6-foot-8 leader. Not many guys in the league are good for 20 points, five rebounds and five assists a night. And yet Hayward was awfully close, at 19-4-4.

So this season for Hayward individually is all about taking that breakout year and expanding upon it. How does he do that? By becoming a better closer at the end of games.

s (http://jobs.sltrib.com/topjobs/)

The elite teams are able to do that. It's

common knowledge in the NBA that general offense only takes you so far. The teams that win titles - or at least compete for them - are the ones who have guys who can go and get buckets down the stretch. Golden State has Steph Curry. Obviously, Cleveland has LeBron. Even San Antonio - probably the best ball-movement oriented team in the league - has Tim Duncan, Tony Parker and Manu Ginobli.

Aldridge?

It's a skill that not many have, and one that can launch Hayward even further up the ladder if he can acquire it.

"Learning how to close is huge in the NBA," Hayward said. "As Favs (Derrick Favors) and I get more experience, it will become easier and easier. Last year it was good to gain those experiences. So this is another good test for us this year to learn how to do that."

As a group, the Jazz probably have more potential "closers" than one would think. Obviously, Hayward is the big potential answer. Favors is the one guy who can draw a double-team in the post with his back to the basket.

You'd be crazy to double him in the post!

But Alec Burks and Rodney Hood are probably two guys who could one day get to that level. Why? Well, Burks is one of the better players in the NBA at getting to the free-throw line. Hood's all-around offensive package is immense. He can score from 3-point range, from mid-range and at the basket. He just has to stay healthy.

But most of this responsibility undeniably lies with Hayward. If he can take his game to one more level, he will certainly be worthy of all-star consideration. And in a league full of wing talent, Hayward is close to being elite. And at 25, he's still got a ceiling for improvement.

Tony Jones

Better improve because he's got some young talent coming behind him.

Xiao Yao You

09-29-2015, 09:14 PM

http://www.sltrib.com/sports/3002361-155/utah-jazz-joe-ingles-once-again

He's a valued member of Quin Snyder's rotation

He was. We'll see.
[QUOTE], a newly crowned husband and, with Dante Exum's injury absence, now the only active Australian on the team.

Ingles vowed to represent his country in Exum's stead on media day. And then

Xiao Yao You

09-29-2015, 09:24 PM

http://www.sltrib.com/sports/3002312-155/kragthorpe-jazzs-quin-snyder-sticking-to

[QUOTE]Basically ignoring his team's record proved to be sound strategy in Jazz coach Quin Snyder's first season, especially when he absorbed a nine-game losing streak early in the year.

The approach worked, beyond serving as the coach's defense mechanism. The Jazz kept improving, producing a 21-11 finish that gave them a 38-44 record

Xiao Yao You

09-29-2015, 09:29 PM

http://www.deseretnews.com/article/765680528/Deseret-News-Sports-podcast-Jazz-bring-unity-hope-family-and-humor-into-new-season.html

Bryce Cotton had a strong Summer League

nothing special other than one game

, Raul Neto signed his deal after playing overseas, and then theres Trey Burke, who very well could return to form after a stressful sophomore slump.

Form? That was it! :facepalm

[QUOTE]Utah also brought in German center Tibor Pleiss over the offseason, and retained a pair of veteran leaders in Trevor Booker and Joe Ingles.

How did Utah succeed at the end of last year? Through defense and theres optimism that wont change. Theres plenty of hope with a clean slate across the league.

In this week's episode, hear what Utah Jazz front office members, coaches and players have to say about the new season, the return of a healthy Alec Burks and more, including the state of chemistry on the team.

"I think our team is really special. Its a great group of guys to be around and one of the only teams Ive been around that everyone is so close, everyone gets along really well and happy to hang out with each other even though we spend so much time together. Even going out to catch up to eat in Salt Lake and the time we dont have to be around, we still spend a lot of time together. Its a really exciting environment to be in," Ingles says.

Jazz forward Gordon Hayward and center Derrick Favors also talk about becoming parents.

"Having a baby girl changes your perspective on life," Hayward says. "(Its) definitely a game-changer. (Its) pretty fun, there are times where its not so fun

Xiao Yao You

09-29-2015, 09:58 PM

http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865637827/Utah-Jazz-full-of-optimism-heading-into-training-camp.html

a noticeable upper-body gain by center Rudy Gobert.

great!
[QUOTE] (Gordon Hayward even complimented the Stifle Tower for putting on the most good weight, jokingly adding,

Xiao Yao You

09-29-2015, 10:05 PM

http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865637824/Jazz-stars-Gordon-Hayward-and-Derrick-Favors-both-became-fathers-during-offseason.html

[QUOTE]Lindsey didn

Xiao Yao You

09-29-2015, 10:12 PM

http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865637817/Brad-Rock-Its-now-or-never-for-Trey-Burke-as-starting-Jazz-guard.html

[QUOTE]SALT LAKE CITY

Xiao Yao You

09-29-2015, 11:06 PM

http://www.slcdunk.com/2015/9/29/9414267/jumus-jazzmen-previews-6-trey-burke

does he deserve it?
deserves more. He sucks!

I had high expectations despite all the reports stating how raw he was.

reports were right

That's okay though, he was a raw teenage rookie straight out of high school.
not alright should have been in Idaho

I would have projected Exum to be about our 5th or 6th best player this season.

not in the top 8. after that debatable

he'd be the worst shooting point guard in the league.
in a word he is

He came into the league as a bright spot on our team as a rookie much greater than any other point guard on our roster (John Lucas III (http://www.sbnation.com/nba/players/21788/john-lucas-iii), Diante Garrett (http://www.sbnation.com/nba/players/172513/diante-garrett)).

Lucas is a 3rd pg/fringe player. Burke hasn't even proven that. Garrett is certainly a better fit for the team. He had length, could shoot and play D.

He then bounced back for the rest of his rookie year, to have a very passable good season for a rookie point guard.
on a tanking team in a weak rookie class maybe

by some metrics he even played worse as a sophomore than as a rookie.

most metrics

jungle ball in the 2013-14 season. Burke was able to get pretty good stats for a rookie even though our team was not essentially getting any wins.

He was the main reason they weren't winning.
All signs point to Trey overthinking things a bit too much last season and his performance suffered a bit because of it.
He sure shoots a lot for a guy with no confidence
I have some reasons to be cautiously optimistic about Burke's play this season.
Can it get worse?

the stars have been aligned for Burke to thrive in a role much more similar to what he had his rookie season compared to last year.
better not! He can bring the ball up court spot up and try to play D. That's it!

4. We are going to be winning more games this year, there are few things that bring more confidence for players than winning
might not win if he's playing

Some may see this as a gross overrating of Burke as our 6th best player next season.

It's a joke. I'd have him 20th

Not more than a player or 2 off the bench will be averaging more points than Burke.
Almost everyone should

It's unlikely that anyone but Hayward gets more assists than him. many guys should. he shouldn't have the ball

Burke's shooting will not get worse if he continues his role of starting floor general with us.
there's a prediction. He won't get worse than 37%!

If I am wrong, you can be reassured that Burke will lose his role. But Burke is completely capable of being in our starting unit on our long-awaited return to the playoffs.
:roll:

And furthermore, that Burke will be able to rise up a few notches in the very strong starting point guard pecking order in the NBA.

He needs to be trying to impress someone just to be a 3rd pg.

it would make most sense for the Jazz to look into alternative options for starting point guards to better align our roster for when our team peaks and is ready to make some deep playoff runs.
It made most sense last year. What are thy thinking?
Since Kevin O'Connor, Corbin, and Kanter have been jettisoned from their former positions with the Jazz,
O'Conner stepped down.

Burke is a Jazzman through and through

No he's not. He's selfish

Chances of him being with the team in the 2016-2017 season:
70%

Not much chance. We'll have a better idea in the next month

Xiao Yao You

09-30-2015, 07:21 AM

http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865637906/Playing-defense-is-like-riding-a-bike-for-the-Utah-Jazz.html

[QUOTE]While it

Xiao Yao You

09-30-2015, 08:37 AM

http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865637905/Utah-Jazz-Hayward-hoping-familiarity-with-staff-system-and-teammates-leads-to-a-stronger-start.html

[QUOTE]SALT LAKE CITY

Xiao Yao You

09-30-2015, 09:19 AM

http://www.sltrib.com/blogs/jazznotes/3007229-155/utah-jazz-team-looking-to-increase

Playing with pace. And part of that is coach Quin Snyder and his love with the phrase.

and it got old long ago

But it's true. The best offensive teams in this league are the ones who figure out how to get easy shots early in the shot clock.
This is one of the places where the Jazz largely failed last season. Consistently, they were a team that faced late clock scenarios. They were a team that consistently saw people like Gordon Hayward and Trey Burke and Derrick Favors forcing looks against set defenses with their possessions at stake.

Tuesday's training camp practice focused on

that issue to a degree. The players know it's a problem and so does the coaching staff.

"It's tough to play against set defenses all the time," Hayward said.
So how can the Jazz combat that this year?

1. Health - It seems simple, but this may be the most important thing. Alec Burks loves to get to the rim and quickly. So having him back is big. And having health means having depth. And having depth means having fresh bodies. And having fresh bodies means having fresh legs at the end of games. All of that equates to pace of play.

2. Pushing the ball - The point guards need to push the ball off makes and misses. Getting the ball up the floor means having more time to run offense.

and anyone but Trey will help there

3. Hayward/Favors/Burks/Hood - Those four are the best playmakers for the Utah Jazz, the guys who should decide the bulk of the possessions this year. Getting them the ball early and often and letting them do their thing is a big key for the Jazz in 2015. They can all break down defenses and all can do so in their own unique way. They should rightfully be the decision makers this season.

The Jazz were one of the slowest teams in the league when it came to pace last season. That's not how Snyder wants to play, ideally. So the Jazz would love to speed themselves up offensively, while playing the same great defense that they exhibited in the second half of last year.

Tony Jones

How does Trey fit in to that? :confusedshrug:

Xiao Yao You

09-30-2015, 02:50 PM

https://jazzfanatical.wordpress.com/2015/09/30/utah-jazz-media-day-2015-dennis-lindsey/

[QUOTE]He

Xiao Yao You

09-30-2015, 02:57 PM

https://jazzfanatical.wordpress.com/2015/09/30/utah-jazz-media-day-2015-quin-snyder/
[QUOTE]On his snazzy suit

A little Euro look.

What one aspect of the game did you think the most about this off-season?

Switching defenses. It

Xiao Yao You

09-30-2015, 03:08 PM

http://www.sltrib.com/sports/3008408-155/kragthorpe-utah-jazz-guard-bryce-cotton

That explains how Cotton went from being unlikely to make the Jazz's roster to practically being guaranteed a spot

With a non guaranteed deal I don't think he is guaranteed but I think he would he made it regardelss of the injury. Trey is the one who's job might have been saved.

[QUOTE], all because of Exum's injury in August. No matter how it turns out, Cotton's 2015-16 season will come with a disclaimer: Somebody got hurt in the making of this story.

Cotton could not have sounded any more sincere this week in wishing the circumstances were different and that his big break to stick in the NBA somewhat permanently would not have required a teammate's hardship. Yet after playing for the Austin Spurs of the NBA Development League as an undrafted player from Providence College, he knows how this stuff works.

"I always believed somehow, some way, I
would get to this level," Cotton said. "I couldn't tell you necessarily how I was going to do it, but I always believed."
His initial call came after the Jazz traded Enes Kanter and Steve Novak to Oklahoma City in February, creating roster vacancies that the team used to audition players via 10-day contracts. Cotton eventually signed with the Jazz for the rest of the season

Xiao Yao You

09-30-2015, 03:17 PM

[QUOTE] Jody Genessy: [URL="http://*********.com/social/"]Tibor Pleiss worked with Jazz coach Alex Jensen this summer in Germany.

El Kabong

10-01-2015, 09:26 AM

Interesting switch. Hugh Greenwood, who played college ball at New Mexico and had a try out with the Jazz earlier in the year has quit basketball to play Aussie Rules Football and signed with Adelaide (where Joe Ingles and I are from).

http://afl.com.au/news/2015-09-04/from-the-nbl-to-afl-crows-sign-hugh-greenwood

Xiao Yao You

10-01-2015, 11:09 AM

Yeah I saw that. He's played the sport before though. Guys I knew from Aussie has a team in Bei Jing.

Xiao Yao You

10-01-2015, 12:36 PM

http://weareutahjazz.com/lockedonjazz/2015/09/30/emptying-the-noggin-training-camp-day-2/

[QUOTE]The Jazz defense looks strong

Xiao Yao You

10-01-2015, 12:45 PM

http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865637945/Burks-back-from-shoulder-surgery-ready-for-upcoming-Jazz-season.html

As far as Jazz management is concerned they have added a player who averaged 14.0 points, 3.3 rebounds and 2.7 assists in his last full NBA season.

But unless he plays the one which sounds like a possibiity than they didn't full the spots they needed to.

[QUOTE]His name?

Alec Burks.

"Our best free agent is Alec Burks," general manager Dennis Lindsey said during the summer. "It's like he's a new addition . . . it's almost like he needs to be reintroduced to Quin (Snyder) and the coaches' system."
Burks, of course, has been with the team for four years after coming out of the University of Colorado after his sophomore season in 2011.

But last year, Burks played in just 27 games, a third of the team

Xiao Yao You

10-01-2015, 12:54 PM

http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865637981/Jazz-coach-Quin-Snyder-more-relaxed-in-second-season.html

[QUOTE]Favors added that he didn

Xiao Yao You

10-01-2015, 01:00 PM

http://www.sltrib.com/sports/3009943-155/utah-jazz-big-camp-goal-for

Jazz point guard Trey Burke said if there's anything he wishes to improve on from last season, it's shooting the ball with more consistency. He also wants to be more efficient, and take better shots. Doing so, he believes, will make him a better player, as he heads into his third season.

taking better shots, playing D and not being selfish. You got to go because I don't think it's in your mentality.

"Just consistency more than anything," Burke said. "I felt like there were games when I had efficient numbers. I feel like the more consistent I have those type of games, the better I'll be."

New nickname

In addressing the media, Hayward said the team has taken to calling rookie point guard Raul Neto "Wolf". It's a play on the pronunciation of Neto's first name (HOW-ell). Through the first part of camp, Neto's drawn good reviews for his ability to pass.

I'm sure he has. No doubt he is better than Trey.

Scrimmage time remains up in air

The Jazz are still trying to pinpoint a date for their annual preseason scrimmage, which is free for fans. They usually hold it within the first week of the start of camp, but this time they will be in Hawaii facing the Los Angeles Lakers starting on Sunday.

tjones@sltrib.com

Xiao Yao You

10-01-2015, 01:10 PM

http://www.sltrib.com/sports/3010135-155/utah-jazz-center-tibor-pleiss-settling
[QUOTE]Pleiss will be a rookie this season, subject to the all the hazing and some of the struggles that come with that. But the 25-year-old already has a solid foundation of professional experience upon which to build. He started playing in Germany at age 17, before moving to Spain's top league. In 2010, he was second round pick (31st overall), but remained in Europe to further develop his game.

After the Jazz acquired his rights from Oklahoma City as part of the Enes Kanter trade, Pleiss decided now was the time to make the next step in his career, signing a three-year deal to come to Utah.

"It was always my dream to come to the United States and play in the NBA," he said. "That's one dream that came true."

Pleiss has a chance to stake his spot as the Jazz's backup center, providing a more offensive-minded big man off the bench to spell the defensive dynamo Rudy Gobert. He filled a similar reserve role last season with Barcelona, where he averaged 5.3 points and 3.8 rebounds a game in while backing up one-time Jazz draft pick Ante Tomic.

Pleiss has good size, though he must add strength to battle the centers of the NBA both offensively in the post and for rebounds, areas of his game that must improve. These are among the challenges he said he plans to embrace.

"That's why I'm here," Pleiss said. "I want to improve. I want to play with the best players and against the best players."

Pleiss' adjustment to the NBA should be made easier thanks to his relationship with Jazz assistant coach Alex Jensen, who helped coach the German national team this summer. Along the way, Jensen stopped to give Pleiss pointers about how to best tailor his game to the NBA and installed some plays that the Jazz run.

The new Jazzman reciprocated by teaching Jensen some German.
"I teached him some bad words," Pleiss

Xiao Yao You

10-01-2015, 01:20 PM

https://jazzfanatical.wordpress.com/2015/10/01/bits-from-randy-rigby-interview-930/

[QUOTE]Both Quin Snyder and Dennis Lindsey have compared the Jazz to a running team in football, with a defensive front line that makes it somewhat of an anomaly in the NBA. Would you agree with that assessment?

Yeah, I would. I, you know, I really feel that the team is, and, what I

Xiao Yao You

10-02-2015, 12:15 PM

http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865638058/Utah-Jazz-Burke-determined-to-display-consistency-confidence-in-return-to-starting-lineup.html

Burke was suddenly thrust back into the projected Jazz starting lineup for the upcoming season.

projected by those not paying attention. Hard for me to see him in the rotation.

While Exum's devastating injury certainly presents Burke with a second chance to prove himself as a starter, Burke wasn't exactly doing cartwheels when he learned of his teammate's terrible misfortune.

Instead, his feelings were just the opposite.

"I was disappointed, obviously," Burke said as the Jazz began practice this week for the 2015-16 NBA campaign. "As an athlete, you never want to hear about anybody getting hurt. I mean, this is what we do for a living.
"It was obviously disappointing to all of us, seeing one of our teammates go down like that. We're with each other each and every day for about five months, so it's always bad to hear something like that."

Still, as agonizing as it seems, Exum's torn ACL and subsequent surgery ends his 2015-16 season before it's started.

And Burke fully realizes he must step his game up and try to provide vital leadership for a young but improving Utah team that appears on the precipice of making major strides forward in the months ahead.

"With Dante being out, I'm obviously going to have to play more minutes,"

He won't be playing if Snyder is as smart as he's supposed to be

[QUOTE]he said of his evolving point guard role, in which he'll now be sharing playing time with second-year guard Bryce Cotton and rookie Raul Neto

Xiao Yao You

10-02-2015, 12:25 PM

http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865638071/Jazz-notes-Quin-Snyder-refutes-Elijah-Millsap-report-Hayward-defends-gamers.html
[QUOTE]That said, Snyder vehemently denied an ESPN report that claimed the coaching staff has lost trust in Millsap and that the second-year NBA player is now considered a longshot to make the Jazz

Xiao Yao You

10-02-2015, 12:28 PM

http://www.deseretnews.com/top/3417/0/Ranking-the-best-NBA-players-heading-into-the-2015-16-season-How-many-Jazz-players-make-the-list.html

To anyone watching Maxi G can't be ahead of Rudy.

Xiao Yao You

10-02-2015, 12:35 PM

http://www.sltrib.com/sports/3015470-155/utah-jazz-quin-snyder-trying-to

In a way, this is why veteran teams thrive in the NBA, while younger teams struggle.

One part of it. Having guys that don't belong on the floor like Exum and Burke is a huge part of it though.

[QUOTE]It's a huge advantage to have a team familiar with the system and ready to hit training camp running. Last year, Snyder had to implement a new concept to one of the youngest teams in the league, and the Jazz started 6-19.

But as Snyder's team began to get used to the new offense and defense and everything between, Utah finished by winning 19 of its final 29.
Even with most of its core group returning, Utah's coaching staff has to introduce several new guys

Xiao Yao You

10-02-2015, 12:50 PM

http://www.sltrib.com/sports/3015880-155/utah-jazz-all-grown-up-gordon

Utah's best player has looked like exactly that.

The national writers are one thing but the beat writers rally think he is their best player? They sucked before Rudy made them someone.
[QUOTE]"Gordon's been playing really well," Snyder said when asked to single out his top performer. "He's just been assertive. They may laugh at this, but I look at guys standing out in drills and he's just been focused."

Since he was drafted in the first round out of Butler in 2010, the Jazz have watched him grow from a scrawny rookie coming off the bench, to starter, to borderline All-Star.

Last season, he wrote on his website that he was better than LeBron James

Xiao Yao You

10-02-2015, 01:21 PM

http://basketball.realgm.com/analysis/239387/NBA-Season-Preview-Utah-Jazz

the Jazz could be ready to battle it for a postseason spot in the uber-competitive Western Conference.

should be talking about one of the best teams in the league not battling for a spot. Thanks front office! :confusedshrug:

[quote]With numbers like that, it

Xiao Yao You

10-02-2015, 01:39 PM

http://weareutahjazz.com/lockedonjazz/2015/10/01/emptying-the-noggin-day-3-of-training-camp/

[QUOTE]This was the 5th practice of camp and the first without a two a day. At some point in every camp there has to be a lull but from the mood of Quin Snyder when he met with the media he showed no signs that this was the case today/

Xiao Yao You

10-02-2015, 02:02 PM

http://www.slcdunk.com/2015/10/1/9426871/jumus-jazzmen-previews-5-rodney-hood

The team's best shooter and possible steal of last year's draft clocks in at #5 today. Will he be able to make a sophomore year jump this season?

He probably should be their best shooter. Hardly had been thus far. Made his jump after the break last year.

We covered Burke extensively in the last installment as well as the comments. Feel free to click his post last year to see what type of mindset we had about how the best rookie of the West was going to perform his 2nd season and you'll quickly see why many felt underwhelmed by his performance.

best rookie in the west? Really? :facepalm He was underwhelming as a rookie too as were most rookies and the Jazz especially.

Here's to hoping that he bounces back and gets a jump in performance and confidence this season and that he can play like the player the Jazz (http://www.sbnation.com/nba/teams/utah-jazz) expected when they traded up to draft him.

Now, on to this year's hopeful sophomore:
#5. Rodney Hood (http://www.sbnation.com/nba/players/246135/rodney-hood), 2nd year, 23 years old, 6'8", 215 pounds, SG/SF (Last year's rank: 8)

Source: USA Today
Backstory:

Last season I had positive yet modest expectations for Hood. For the most part, he performed close to what I projected:

G MP PTS AST TRB FG% 3P% FT% PER WS/48 Hood Projected 77 22.0 9.7 1.8 2.7 0.450 0.390 0.800 17.2 0.134 Hood Actual 50 21.3 8.7 1.7 2.3 0.414 0.365 0.763 12.3 0.098
Yet, even those his stats last season may not have been overly staggering, the eyeball test with the composure and maturity Hood displayed on and off the court have instilled a certain level of confidence into many Jazz fans of his skills going forward.

I mean just look at his leadership skills on full display here:

But seriously, Hood stepped us his game in a big way for a rookie last season. I think I would have projected Hood over Exum for this season after looking at their stats again.

Hood's rookie year really was a tale of 2 seasons. Take a look at his pre- and post-All Star Break numbers:

G MP PTS AST TRB FG% 3P% FT% Ortg DRtg Hood Pre-ASB 24 18.2 5.3 1.2 2.500 0.317 0.286 0.703 91 112 Hood Post-ASB 26 24.1 11.8 2.1 2.200 0.464 0.420 0.814 113 102

Pre-All Star Break Rodney Hood played terrible, I'm not going to sugarcoat it. We were better off playing D-League players over him at that point.

He should have been in the D-league. Could see he was a player in Summer League but he wasn't ready.

But then, Hood improved no less than our whole team seemed to improve after the All Star Break last season.

For whatever reason, whether it be improved team chemistry, Hood finally getting over those pesky injuries or just Hood finding confidence in his game on the NBA-level Hood stepped up. If Hood played like that all season, Hood would have been in the running for All-Rookie first team.
Even with his lackluster first half of the season, Hood still averaged the 6th most points out of rookies and was one of the best 3 point shooters from his draft (Joe Harris (http://www.sbnation.com/nba/players/246300/joe-harris) and Shabazz Napier (http://www.sbnation.com/nba/players/246152/shabazz-napier) were really the only other rooks on his level from long distance last year).

Now this may be small sample size theatre, but Hood played at least 30 minutes in 7 games last season (Memphis, 2 vs. Sacramento, Houston, Detroit, Golden State, and Portland). His stats in those 7 games: 33.3 MPG, 19.3 PPG, 3.4 RPG, 2.7 APG! Holy smokes! We have 2 stellar options for shooting guards this year in Hood and Burks, this is going to be fun, so long they stay healthy.
Be even more exciting if they're at the 1 instead of Trey!

One last interesting graphic I need to show you:

http://i977.photobucket.com/albums/ae253/jumu1/Hood%20Scoring_zpsbovl8yc3.png

This graph is not just offset by out-liars of games either. If anything, the small sample size months were in his worst months and injury-impacted months. Games by month: 2 in October, 5 in November, 15 in December, 2 in January, 5 in February, 14 in March, and 7 in April.

Whether Burks or Hood starts, both are going to have a huge role this year!
What if they both start or both come off the bench which I think are possibilities.
What to Expect This Season:

With our point guard position being our weakness this year
Remains to be seen. If Hood and Burks are the pg's than it could be a strength.

, we're going to need both of our shooting guards to carry the backcourt to a level that will allow us to march right into the playoffs.

Our shooting guards were plagued with injuries last season, it may still be a factor this season but hopefully that hex is behind us now.

Expect more of the magic that Hood sprinkled our team with post All Star Break. If he manages to keep up those averages he's already going to be getting notice as a sharp sophomore on the rise. It is too early to tell whether Hood or Burks will be starting, or if Quin will choose the route that have been many-a-Jazz-fan's wet dream and start both of them (don't bet on it).

Regardless of who starts, expect Hood to be posting stats at around this level:

G MP FGA FG% 3P% FT% TRB AST PTS PER WS VORP 72 26.0 9.5 0.450 0.390 0.790 3.0 2.0 12.0 16.0 4.5 0.8

Rodney will likely either be playing our sixth man role or be our fourth best starter. I fantasize about a Hood buzzer-beater in a playoff victory someday, please come true soon!

Hood was featured as a shooter in the draft, and he is a solid one at that, but he is also good at penetration and making plays for himself. He also played within the system very well for a rookie last season and has good size for either wing spot.
1-4 ideally

He often got outsmarted on the defensive end and would get baited into the cheap ticky-tack fouls, but you could tell that Hood was putting in the effort and his defense was not nearly the liability that his scouting reports were saying about his college career.
sounded like he was going to be there all along to me. Has the length and smarts and desire needed

Looking forward to seeing how many times Hood tops this performance this year:

Not bad for a 23rd pick, thanks for the pick Golden State! Did the Jazz get the biggest steal in the draft in consecutive years? The only other steals last year were Jordan Clarkson (http://www.sbnation.com/nba/players/246165/jordan-clarkson) at 46 and McDaniels at 32, I take Hood over them every time. The only other steals in the draft of Gobert were....I don't know, Greek Freak at 15, I guess.

In Lindsay we trust.
Maybe if he actually gets to see his guy before the draft. Burke and Exum don't look like good picks.

Conclusion:

Hood may be a dark horse most improved player candidate this season if he's firing on all pistons like he finished last season!

A more modest expectation is that he gets us a double-digit scoring average this season as well as remain the best shooter on this team. Hood is the player that we were hoping CJ Miles would be one day.
CJ was a 2nd round pick and is a soild NBAer. People expect to much.

A caveat to this hype: do not be completely surprised if Hood has another injury this year. The biggest risk factor for Hood this year will be his feet's injury history (http://www.slcdunk.com/2015/1/19/7853547/utah-jazz-rodney-hood-injury-foot-plantar-fasciitis). Hopefully most of those past injuries were flukes rather than a worrying trend for our Prince of Threes.

only question right now

Xiao Yao You

10-02-2015, 02:17 PM

http://saltcityhoops.com/playing-with-the-pass-a-key-for-the-utah-jazz/

[QUOTE]When Utah Jazz head coach Quin Snyder was hired in the summer of 2014, one of the points of emphasis that was consistently mentioned was his desire to see his team

Xiao Yao You

10-02-2015, 05:17 PM

[QUOTE]Sources around the league say Channing Frye is available now for very little, though Magic officials deny it. (http://grantland.com/the-triangle/tristan-thompson-continues-his-poker-game-with-cleveland/) Other names will hit the market, but while the salary of someone like Kenneth Faried doesn

Xiao Yao You

10-03-2015, 09:44 AM

http://www.sltrib.com/sports/3017057-155/utah-jazz-raul-neto-thrust-into

Outside of a spot on the roster, nothing was promised to Raul Neto on the day he officially signed with the Utah Jazz. Not playing time, not a designation on the depth chart. There was even a scenario where Neto could've ended up in the D-League, as small a possibility as that was.
None of that mattered to Utah's Brazilian point guard. This is a guy who wanted to play in the NBA, who wanted to be in in the best basketball league in the world from childhood. So when the Jazz approached him over the summer about coming over from UCAM Murcia of the Spanish league, there was nothing to think about.

Neto jumped at the opportunity. Forget any
language barrier. No worries about living in a strange place. Neto just wanted the chance.

He wanted to come 2 years ago. Jazz kept him away because he was better than Trey. Neto knew and anyone that saw the summer league knew it. I doubt he's been very worried about Trey and the D-league.
[QUOTE]"The adjustment to the Jazz and to a new country as been good," Neto said. "The Jazz have been helping with everything, the house and the car and the family needs. I've been living alone in Spain for four years, so I'm used to living alone. So the adjustment has been good."

This is where the story takes a twist. Neto is no longer competing for spare minutes. He's no longer a question mark when it comes to even getting onto the court. Dante Exum is hurt, the victim of a torn ACL. All of that means

Xiao Yao You

10-03-2015, 09:50 AM

http://www.sltrib.com/sports/3016263-155/utah-jazz-notes-no-faith-in

[QUOTE]Quin Snyder was quick to shoot down an ESPN report this week that forward Elijah Millsap had "lost the trust" of the Utah Jazz coaching staff and was a "long shot" to make the team's roster.

"That's totally false," the head coach said when asked Thursday. "Elijah's played really well. I talked to Elijah like once a week all summer. [Assistant coach] Brad Jones flew out to see him.

Xiao Yao You

10-03-2015, 09:54 AM

http://www.sltrib.com/blogs/jazznotes/3018397-155/utah-jazz-named-least-hated-nba

Calling the Jazzmen, "patently inoffensive," SI writer Ian Levy wrote: "While plenty of people hate jazz, no one hates The Jazz. They look like a legitimately promising young team this season, with no rough edges to irritate, no dominant style about which to turn up your nose, no offensive personalities at whom to seethe."

Trey? I think guys like Rudy and Millsap could be guys that end up villians because they make people look bad.

[QUOTE]On the other side of the spectrum, the Los

Angeles teams rank at No. 2 and No. 1, with the 21-61 Lakers reigning supreme on the hate index.

Read the full list here (http://www.si.com/cauldron/2015/09/30/lakers-clippers-knicks-nba-love-hate-teams).

Xiao Yao You

10-03-2015, 10:31 AM

http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865638155/Utah-Jazz-rookie-Trey-Lyles-taking-his-first-season-in-stride.html

[QUOTE]So far in training camp, the 6-foot-10 big man from Kentucky is holding his own in practice. That

nuraman00

10-03-2015, 01:22 PM

http://i977.photobucket.com/albums/ae253/jumu1/Hood%20Scoring_zpsbovl8yc3.png
Nice scoring time lapse chart for Hood that you posted.

Xiao Yao You

10-03-2015, 07:20 PM

Yes he should have a big year if he can stay healthy. That's the big question now.

Xiao Yao You

10-04-2015, 04:38 PM

Game day!

Looking forward to seeing what the pg situation looks like. The battle between pleiss and withey since lyles isnt in that mix. And ingles and millsap. Id guess they could both be in the rotation if hood/burks play the one. Ingles job to lose and it sounds like millsap has improved offensively.

With johnson probably out might see the young guys going for his spot

Xiao Yao You

10-04-2015, 10:15 PM

Alec looked good passing. Neto is better than trey still. Pleiss looked bigger. He banged.

Xiao Yao You

10-04-2015, 11:58 PM

Neto might have had a bigger impact on d than exum ever did and hes certainly got more going on offensively. Need to figure out who gets the rest of the pg minutes. Trey looked the same. Alec ran the team well.

Withey looked good at the end. Favors showing the new floater. Post game still sucked. Maxi g showed his new post game. Rudy took over in the 3 rd. Same ol jazz!

Xiao Yao You

10-05-2015, 12:33 AM

[QUOTE]Michael Scotto: NBA executives & scouts from Orlando, Phoenix, Utah, Denver, NY & Philadelphia on hand here at MSG to see projected top 5 pick Dragan Bender (http://*********.com/social/)

Xiao Yao You

10-05-2015, 12:35 AM

[QUOTE]Jody Genessy: [URL="http://*********.com/social/"]Jazz forward Chris Johnson has not passed the NBA

Xiao Yao You

10-05-2015, 01:03 AM

http://www.slcdunk.com/2015/10/4/9451395/utah-jazz-2015-2016-training-camp-roster-and-team-skills-inventory

Dennis Lindsey has all the cap space in the world, so the final roster makeup will have nothing to do with who is and isn't available by price. He has some space and flexibilty. After tonight I'd be happy going into the year with Neto and Burks at the one, either Pleiss or Withey at the 5 and Trey at the end of the bench or better out of town.

A Chris Johnson + Elijah Millsap player would be great. Instead we have two deep bench players instead of one rotation player. Of course, both are going up against one another with non-guaranteed contracts.
More like a Millsap/Ingles mix. Johnson hasn't proven he's a great 3 point threat either. They definitely need to hit open shots at a much higher rate this year and with Burks, Hood and Ingles they should.

Point Guard: none -- Dante Exum is injured, and the team doctrine is to keep three point guards.
It was with Sloan but Snyder has already mentioned Hood and Alec being able to play the one so I could see them going with just Neto possibly though I think Cotton makes the team. Trey needs to go. The fact that they don't have another pg in camp tells me they think some other guys besides the 3 listed as pg's can play there.

This means a free pass for Bryce Cotton (unless someone better gets waived before the regular season tips off), who will battle with Trey Burke and Raul Neto for playing time.
Cotton should be battling Trey now. Hardly a free pass though. There will be others available if they don't like what they have. I sure don't like it.

Wing: Chris Johnson vs. Elijah Millsap; Treveon Graham and J.J. O'Brien vs. the world -- Johnson vs. Millsap will become a thing, as the two fight it out to see who is the 5th wing on this team.

Millsap is on the team. He's fighting for a rotation spot. Johnson is fighting the other two and I think he may be in trouble because they are younger. I think Graham makes the team.

If the team elects to go with six wings (and I don't) then I would be happy to see both Chris and Eli back. I don't know if Treveon or J.J. have the juice to beat them out.

But if Alec and Hood are playing the one and Hayward, Ingles and Hood play the 4 they need more wings. I think Millsap, Ingles and Cotton should fill out the rotation

Jerrett, but he's the only big with three point range. (Unless we see lots of improvement from deep from Trey Lyles and Trevor Booker).

Booker doesn't have 3 point range? He proved it last year. Jerrett has proven it in the D-league. Trey will hit it eventually. Pleiss is supposed to be able to.

This training camp roster isn't perfect. But ultimately what happens in practice and what happens during the preseason will help Quin and Dennis figure out who to keep.

It's pretty sad actually but if Trey doesn't play and they stay healthy it might be looking pretty good.

Xiao Yao You

10-05-2015, 01:17 AM

http://saltcityhoops.com/5-on-5-pre-preseason-propaganda/

1. What was your biggest takeaway from Jazz media day?

Aaron Hefner: To me, the biggest takeaway was that while the front office is optimistic about the point guard situation, they are being pragmatic about the possibility of needing to address it mid-season. Fortunately the Jazz have put themselves in a situation where they have the assets to do so, if need be.

But why wait? They should be one of the best teams in the whole league not battling for an 8th slot.
[QUOTE]Clint Johnson: Cohesion. It may have been the defining characteristic of the franchise at the end of last season, and it

Xiao Yao You

10-05-2015, 01:23 AM

http://weareutahjazz.com/lockedonjazz/2015/10/04/emptying-the-noggin-jazz-solid-in-pre-season-night-1/

One of the main things we saw tonight was the Jazz focus on increasing early opportunities for the offense. With a multitude of players who can handle the ball the Jazz are no longer looking for the point guard to bring the ball up. Instead whoever rebounds can bring it up. Unless it is a big and then find whomever you can rather than having the point guard run back for the ball. This showed numerous times tonight for the Jazz with quick early baskets.

Yeah and more reason to get rid of Trey. He's not comfortable pushing the ball. They're young and have the horses. Run!

[QUOTE]

Xiao Yao You

10-05-2015, 01:25 AM

http://basketball.realgm.com/wiretap/239406/Stanley-Johnson-Practicing-At-Point-Guard-Due-To-Pistons-Injuries

Trey Burke?

Xiao Yao You

10-05-2015, 01:32 AM

http://espn.go.com/nba/tradeMachine?tradeId=ptc58dd

Xiao Yao You

10-05-2015, 01:42 AM

http://www.sltrib.com/blogs/jazznotes/3026266-155/analyzing-utahs-preseason-win-over-the

The Jazz allowed 33 points in the second half.

they didn't do a whole lot better in the first.

The Lakers shot 28 percent from the field and missed 23 of their 29 3-point attempts. And the defense came from everywhere. Gobert and Favors shut down the interior. Rookie point guard Raul Neto made life miserable for Los Angeles guards on the perimeter. Utah won the rebounding battle, 60-48 and the Jazz allowed two double-figure scorers, Lou Williams with 14 points and Nick Young with 10.

What went wrong: In a word, offense. Specifically, second quarter offense. The Jazz with the ball were rough the entire game. But they were hard to look at in the second quarter. Coach Quin Snyder experimented with different lineups throughout, so an argument can be made that continuity wasn't there. Still, spacing was an issue and shooting throughout was a big issue. The Jazz went 2-15 from 3-point range and missed 14 free-throws. Foul shooting was a big problem last season, and tonight's performance did nothing to ease previous fears.

Same thing. Why didn't they upgrade? :confusedshrug:

The bright side in all this? The Jazz saw Alec Burks go scoreless, Rodney Hood shoot 1-9 from the field, Gordon Hayward shoot 4-10 and still won the game by almost 20 points. That's nothing short of a positive sign.

The Mamba: Kobe Bryant made his anticipated return on Sunday night. It wasn't much of a return, as Bryant scored five points on 1-5 shooting and didn't play beyond the first quarter. His one make was a corner three that was well contested by Hayward. He didn't attempt to do much off the dribble and in general looked about as rusty for the Lakers after a season-ending injury as Burks looked for the Jazz after his own season-ending injury.

Wolfie: By that, we mean Neto, who in many ways was the star in this one. The rookie making his preseason debut scored two points. He had six assists, four steals and turned the game around with his defense and passing. Neto has an innate ability to pass the ball. He runs the pick and roll well, and he made things happen on both ends. He needs to shoot the ball better, but overall, Sunday was a rousing first game for the native of Brazil.

Like the rest of the team. He doesn't take bad shots though. That's the difference. Start him next game!

The bigs: Favors and Gobert were dominant on both ends. The offensive end turned into a dunk drill for both and the Lakers couldn't get clean looks with those two lurking. The Jazz really have something here.

What's next: The Jazz and the Lakers go at it again on Tuesday night. Tip time is 10 p.m. MDT, and the game will be shown on ROOT SPORTS.

Tony Jones

Xiao Yao You

10-05-2015, 01:51 AM

http://www.sltrib.com/blogs/jazznotes/3026248-155/raul-netos-defense-steals-the-show

[QUOTE]Raul Neto

Xiao Yao You

10-05-2015, 02:01 AM

http://www.sltrib.com/sports/3026212-155/utah-jazz-alec-burks-makes-his

Burks was a little rusty, a little unlucky and completely pleased with his performance in the Jazz's 90-71 preseason win over the Los Angeles Lakers in front of a sellout crowd of 10,000-plus on the University of Hawaii campus.

"I ain't worried about offense. I can score on

accident," he said. "I feel like I played great defense. I got my teammates involved, had some great rebounds. I felt like I had good game."

He is certainly a better option at the one than Trey.
[QUOTE]Cleared to return to full-contact practices just last month, Burks was champing at the bit to get back on the court, likening the feeling to the one he had when he was first drafted by the Jazz in 2011.

Did he have any nerves?

"I ain't been nervous since the fifth grade," Burks had said, thinking back to the first basketball game he ever played.

But there may have been some rust after a nine-month absence.

"He was probably the worst player out there," forward Trevor Booker teased with Burks in earshot before relenting. "Nah. He looked pretty good for his first game back in a while. He just needs to keep building on it and he'll be fine."

Jazz coach Quin Snyder was also pleased with Burks' performance, praising the speed and force with which he played his game. Burks should also help the Jazz, who ranked 16th in the NBA with 12.2 fast-break points per game last season, find more buckets in transition.

In the first quarter, Burks helped lead the break, dishing a no-look pass to Derrick Favors for a dunk and two of his game-high 16 points.

"A.B.'s a magician," said Gordon Hayward, who had 11 points, nine rebounds and four assists in the victory. "He makes some wild lay ups and some wild passes.

Xiao Yao You

10-05-2015, 02:16 AM

http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865638310/Jazz-notes-Bad-singing-dancing-by-rookies-at-luau.html

[QUOTE]That

Xiao Yao You

10-05-2015, 06:58 PM

Aaron Falk: [URL="http://*********.com/social/"]Chris Johnson was able to participate in non-contact drills today. Still in the NBA concussion protocol system & officially listed as

Xiao Yao You

10-05-2015, 09:11 PM

http://saltcityhoops.com/playoffs-pessimism-and-the-plexiglass-principle/

[quote]Given that the Jazz

Xiao Yao You

10-05-2015, 09:23 PM

http://saltcityhoops.com/the-wild-wild-west/
[QUOTE] Losing Kevin Durant last year was an enormous blow, but in equal fashion his return sets the Thunder up for tremendous success if he is able to stay healthy. While this OKC team is extremely talented, many questions still arise. Will Kanter

Xiao Yao You

10-05-2015, 09:35 PM

http://www.sltrib.com/sports/3029291-155/utah-jazz-notes-jazz-looking-to

the Jazz looked "a little bit chaotic" as they shot 30 percent from the floor and coughed up 10 turnovers in the first half against the Los Angeles Lakers.

chaotic? Looks like the same team from last year that can't shoot or take care of the ball.
[QUOTE]"I thought it was a pretty typical first game for us as a team," forward Gordon Hayward said. "We played solid defensively, which I expected us to do going in. And offensively, we were a little sloppy, not as crisp.

Xiao Yao You

10-05-2015, 09:48 PM

http://www.sltrib.com/sports/3028540-155/utah-jazz-nice-guy-raul-neto

"We're just going to have to have other guys pick it up for him," forward Gordon Hayward had said last week. "You can't really pick up [Exum's] length or some of his speed on the defensive end, but the system will stay the same. The principles will stay the same."

and offensively they will be better.

Head coach Quin Snyder had added, "All of us, we have to do that with anticipation and intelligence because we're not as long at that position now."

Neto, a second-round draft pick in 2013, and starting point guard Trey Burke are both listed at 6-foot-1. But after one preseason game with Neto and Burke handling the point guard duties, Snyder was pleased with what he saw developing.

"He's taken pride in it," Snyder said of Neto's defense. "It's something that clearly is a point of emphasis. I thought Trey gave us that early in the game as well. Those two guys, if they can come in like that, kind of tag team and just compete on a defense, make you feel them, that helps."

On the other end of the court, Neto looked hesitant to pull the trigger on his own shots and he finished 0-for-3 from the floor. That's something the 23-year-old rookie, who signed with the Jazz this summer after playing the past four seasons in Spain's top league, must work on still.

Nevertheless, Neto, the player the Jazz call "Wolfie" because of the pronunciation of his name ("Hah-ool"), still managed to control the game in other ways: the Jazz were 20 points better than the Lakers over Neto's 20 minutes on the floor.

so that means with Burks on the court they suck. big surprise.

Neto got his teammates involved, dishing out six assists. He stole the ball and ran a three-on-one fast break to perfection, looking off the lone Laker defender before dropping a look-away pass to forward Trevor Booker for a lay in.

instead of another missed lay up by Trey

Another time, trapped by two defenders and almost falling to a knee, Neto managed to get off a laser pass from beyond the three-point line that only 7-foot-3 Tibor Pleiss could snag under the basket.

"He's a guy who can make the team play the right way," Huertas said. "He's improved so much on how to control a game and being able to guide his team."

Neto said he felt nervous early in his first NBA action, facing off against the Lakers, a team he watched as a child growing up in Brazil. But after a few minutes on the court, those nerves subsided and Neto said he felt comfortable with the speed and spacing of the NBA game.

It was just one exhibition game, but the rookie certainly looked at ease in his debut.

Even if the nicest guy on the team wasn't nice enough to make his opponents feel the same way.

afalk@sltrib.com

Xiao Yao You

10-05-2015, 09:54 PM

http://www.sltrib.com/sports/3025864-155/utah-jazz-notes-trey-burke-and?fullpage=1

The coach said he wanted the point guard Burke to focus more than anything else on his defense, picking up players early and being a disruptive force. For his part, Burke has said he hasn't taken the chance to start for granted.

"I'm not going to go into it thinking I'm the starting point guard," Burke said. "I know it's a battle, a competition."

So if defense is they key than there is no reason Burke should be starting right? Neto, Burks or Hood all would be better.

As for Burks and Hood, Snyder has said he anticipates times the two shooting guards will be on the floor together.

"I think they have trust in me that we're going to use them appropriately," Snyder said. It probably won't be a thing where one of them quote-unquote beats out the other one. It may be a question of lineups and match ups. The good thing about those guys is they're both going to work hard and give you everything they have whether they're coming off the bench or they're starting."

I sure hope they aren't both playing 24 minutes a game. :confusedshrug:

[QUOTE]Island haze

It was hazing Hawaiian style for the Jazz's rookies on Saturday night.
At a team luau, sixth-year forward Gordon Hayward made rookies Trey Lyles, Tibor Pleiss, Raul Neto J.J. O'Brien and Treveon Graham sing happy birthday to forward Joe Ingles and assistant general manager Justin Zanik.

The new guys also did their best hula dancing at the party.

The reviews from Hayward? Not good.

Still, Snyder said he believed the event-and this entire trip to Hawaii-would help his team in the long run.

It was pretty causal, a good way to kind of feel like you've been in Hawaii.

Xiao Yao You

10-06-2015, 08:30 AM

http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865638385/Hayward-looking-like-Captain-America-early-in-Jazzs-preseason.html

Gordon Hayward won the first week of camp.

On multiple levels even.
Rudy again won the game though.

[quote]Last Monday, Hayward

Xiao Yao You

10-06-2015, 08:35 AM

http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865638381/Jazz-notes-Joe-Ingles-passes-a-test-against-Kobe.html

Small forward Chris Johnson continues to progress through the NBA

Xiao Yao You

10-06-2015, 04:11 PM

http://saltcityhoops.com/on-alec-burks-injury-recovery-and-return-to-the-utah-jazz/

[QUOTE] even routine layups seemed to become a dicey proposition last year without his full range of physical motion. Burks barely cracked 50 percent within three feet of the hoop last year, per basketball-reference.com, after a career average in the mid-60s in his first three seasons.

He shot the lowest percentage from the field of his career2 (http://saltcityhoops.com/on-alec-burks-injury-recovery-and-return-to-the-utah-jazz/#note-2), this while attempting his fewest per-minute shots. Contact was clearly on his mind

Xiao Yao You

10-06-2015, 05:17 PM

[QUOTE]Jody Genessy: Derrick Favors (sore right groin) will not play tonight for the Jazz vs. the Lakers (http://*********.com/social/).

Xiao Yao You

10-06-2015, 09:47 PM

http://www.sltrib.com/sports/3034844-155/utah-jazz-rookie-trey-lyles-learning

Lyles looked comfortable enough doing a little bit of everything in his first NBA preseason game this week, finishing with four points, a rebound, an assist, a steal and a blocked shot in 13 minutes of action against the Los Angeles Lakers on Sunday. He showed off some of his best offensive weapons, when he created space for himself with one dribble and pulled up for a jump shot and then, later, put the ball on the floor and drove from the wing to the hoop for an attempt at a dunk that got contested, but still managed to drop through the net.

I didn't think he looked very good but there's no hurry if he's playing the 4. Send him to Idaho and maybe he can help later in the year like Hood last year.

In Tuesday's rematch with L.A., Lyles figured to have a bigger role as starting power forward Derrick Favors sat out with a groin injury. Lyles' minutes could be limited this season in a crowded rotation of Jazz big men, so these exhibition contests will be important for development.
And Lyles knows he has work to do.

"I'm not perfect in any area, so that just shows I can improve in every aspect of my game," he said this week.

The Jazz like Lyles' shooting stroke and believe he'll eventually be able to be a reasonable 3-point threat, though he's not there yet. Meanwhile, the teenager still has to add strength as he transitions from college to the NBA where "now you're playing against 32-year-old grown men."

This week in Hawaii, Lyles was able to catch up with Lakers legend Kobe Bryant, whom had met at a basketball camp. Bryant gave him some words of encouragement and a standing invitation to seek him out for advice. For Lyles, it was a moment that put his new reality in perspective.

"I grew up watching these guys play when I was younger and now I'm out there with them," he said. "At times, I'm still a fan. Then again, I'm trying to be in the same position, so I can't really idolize them like I used to."

Lyles may be young, but he wants to show early he belongs here.

"For me, it's just going out there and competing and show the guys I'm capable of playing at the same level they are," he said.

He'll get some help in that regard along the way. In practice, he's been locked in tough, physical battles with Favors and forward Trevor Booker, and the veterans have used those matchups more than once as teaching moments.

"We compete," Lyles said, "then when they know I can do something better, they show me a couple tricks on the side."

Lyles is smart enough, too, to know there will be the growing pains every rookie must face. For a Jazz rookie, for instance, that means the embarrassment that comes with the team's hazing tradition of making the new guys carry around a pink bag for their first season in the NBA.

Jazz center Rudy Gobert sent Lyles a picture of a pink backpack as soon as the Jazz drafted him with the 12th pick last June. So this week, Lyles played off his fate with the coolness of a seasoned veteran.

"It's all right," he said at the team's media day last. "I don't have a backpack with me right now, so I could use it."

The vets responded with unexpected counter.

"I got a [pink] purse," Lyles said this week. "Mine had a [plush] dog in it."
So, yeah, the rookie still has some things to learn.

afalk@sltrib.com

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

Xiao Yao You

10-06-2015, 09:53 PM

http://www.sltrib.com/sports/3034889-155/snyder-trying-to-avoid-fatigue

[QUOTE]The two coaches have had somewhat contrasting theories on how to handle preseason in paradise.

Lakers coach Byron Scott's approach in Hawaii has been heavy on two-a-day practices and running, hoping to push his team into peak physical shape.

"I don't necessarily care about tired legs in preseason," he told reporters this week. "I think everything we've done thus far will be pay off at the end of the day. You have some guys who might have tired legs and are a little worn out, but all the running, as far as getting in that physical condition we need to get into, I think in December and January it will pay off."

A year ago, Jazz coach Quin Snyder embraced longer, more grueling practices for his young team, too, before easing up around the All-Star break.

"Our game days were close to practices," he said. "That's a hard thing for a team to embrace. Our guys did, and it's incumbent upon me to recognize when that's happening, the progress that's being made, and adjusting to it."

This time around, Snyder and the Jazz are taking a somewhat different approach to the preseason. They're still running and practices aren't cakewalks. But a combination of circumstances, including some extensive national team play for some players and an early return to Salt Lake City for others, have helped make things easier.

"We've had guys that had long summers and we had a good group come back to Utah early," Snyder said. "I think our guys were in pretty good shape when the [preseason] started.

Xiao Yao You

10-07-2015, 03:38 AM

The pg position will be their downfall for the 3rd straight year. All I can hope is they're showcasing Burke to trade him but the fact that Cotton hasn't played that doesn't look likely. Hard for to get behind the Lindsey and Snyder hype as long as they continue down this path. How can they not see what I see when it comes to Burke?

The front court and wing is deep. Withey might be ahead at center now but the others look good. Lyles played the 5 briefly too! He looked good as did Pleiss before getting benched for showing some attitude. Might want to rotate them depending on match-ups. Play Booker at the 3 some? They played a wing and pg line-up briefly too! Booker will get suspended to start the year I imagine.

Burks looks like he's ready to breakout! Got to play him at the one. Hood played a lot better too. They were handling the ball. Why even have Trey out there? He's not a great shooter or defender. Trey had a good quarter and than sucked. Same old Trey. Not sure Neto is a starter now but he can play.

El Kabong

10-07-2015, 05:42 AM

Nice Lyles highlight.

https://streamable.com/k8mw

insidehoops

10-07-2015, 06:33 AM

Trevor Booker ejected from preseason game for fight with Roy Hibbert

The Jazz forward was ejected from Tuesday night's preseason game against Los Angeles for taking a swipe at Lakers center Roy Hibbert and, depending on how the league office rules, could be facing fines or even a suspension.

-- Salt Lake Tribune Blog

Xiao Yao You

10-07-2015, 11:03 AM

Lyles is good. He doesn't want to take the 3 though and the Lakers were giving it to him by the end knowing that.

Xiao Yao You

10-07-2015, 03:46 PM

http://saltcityhoops.com/aloha-hawaii-utah-jazz-preseason-observations/

[QUOTE]Backup centers can play: The reality: this is Rudy Gobert

Xiao Yao You

10-07-2015, 04:06 PM

http://www.slcdunk.com/2015/10/7/9464433/jumus-jazzmen-previews-4-alec-burks

Favors and Gobert already made it clear by all-star break last year that they were the best 2 bigs on this team.

Looked better with Booker yet again last night though. :wtf:

[QUOTE]We thank you, Kanter, for netting us a few solid assets in Tibor Plei

Xiao Yao You

10-07-2015, 07:02 PM

http://weareutahjazz.com/lockedonjazz/2015/10/07/emptying-the-noggin-fiesty-overtime-night-in-hawaii/

The play of the night was Elijah Millsap bounce pass to Jeff Withey for the game-tying basket.

hardly

[QUOTE] Millsap

Xiao Yao You

10-07-2015, 07:24 PM

http://www.sltrib.com/sports/3040162-155/utah-jazz-center-jeff-withey-making

Now, the 25-year-old 7-footer is making a solid case for a spot on the Jazz's 15-man roster.

Hard to imagine he's getting cut.

"Yeah it was really frustrating. You can't really control what's going on, but it was a little confusing early on with New Orleans making the offer and then taking it back," Withey said. "Then there were talks with a bunch of different teams. It was a long process and that can be frustrating, but at the end of the day, I'm really happy where I ended up. "Through two preseason games with Utah,

Jazz coach Quin Snyder has been happy

about it, too. Withey played just five minutes in Sunday's opener, but managed to grab three rebounds and go 7-for-8 from the free throw line in that time. Tuesday night, Withey grabbed five rebounds and blocked four shots. He also scored 11 points, including finishing a dunk late in the fourth quarter to force overtime.

Snyder praised the center's poise and attributed some of his early success to his willingness to come to Salt Lake about three weeks before the official start of training camp to work out with his new teammates.

"Being a new guy on the team, learning the language, learning the plays, getting to know everybody, that makes a huge difference," Withey said.
With a contract that is only partially guaranteed, Withey is still facing a battle just to make the Jazz's regular season roster.

as long as he keeps doing what he's doing and doesn't get hurt he's made it. Should be the back-up at the moment.

[QUOTE]There are 12 Jazzmen safe to call untouchable, barring some sort of trade or something unforeseen, leaving three spots up for grabs. Given Dant

Xiao Yao You

10-08-2015, 01:11 AM

http://www.sltrib.com/sports/3039944-155/utah-jazz-notes-trevor-booker-keeps?fullpage=1

could be facing fines or even a suspension.

he hit him. That's at least a game no? :confusedshrug:
[QUOTE]The fracas broke out in the third quarter of Utah's 117-114 overtime win over L.A., after Booker and Lakers forward Julius Randle got tangled up on the court. Booker picked up a technical foul and Hibbert raced over to defend his teammate, bouncing Booker with his chest in the process. Booker swung at Hibbert's head. The feud between Booker and Hibbert

seemed to start earlier in the week, with the two exchanging words in Sunday's preseason opener. After that game, Booker declined to elaborate on the issue by saying, "I don't even want to talk about him. No words for him."

After Tuesday's game, Booker had even less to say. The veteran forward declined to speak with reporters at all.

Hibbert didn't have much to add, either.

"We play together. I'm not going to speak too much about that play," Hibbert told reporters in the locker room after the game. "Like I said, [Randle is] the face of this team for the future and, one through 15, I'd step up for anybody, anybody in the starting five to the guys at the end of the bench. We play as a team and I have everybody's back."

Immediately after the game, Jazz coach Quin Snyder said he had yet to talk with his forward about the scuffle.

"We'll look at the tape and everything," Snyder said. "Obviously, we want him in the game and we've got to try to control our emotions, and Trevor's an emotional guy."

Loud and proud

Most of the 10,300 fans who filled the Stan Sheriff Center on the University of Hawaii campus for Utah's first two preseason games were there to cheer on Kobe Bryant and the Los Angeles Lakers.

Not that the Jazz minded at all.

"It was unbelievable," Snyder said. "It was great. It was a road game, it felt like, for us. It wasn't a typical preseason game, that's for sure. I think both teams got a lot out of it."

New Jazz center Tibor Pleiss had been told to expect a more subdued start to his NBA career. Instead, he got just the opposite.

"Everybody's saying the preseason is not so much defense," he said. "But it was so intense. Everybody was hustling. Everybody was hacking each other. People were fighting. It was unbelievable."

Feeling fresh

Snyder wanted to get shooting guard Alec Burks a few extra minutes on the floor Tuesday as he continues to work himself back from last season's shoulder surgery, and an overtime game certainly helped the coach in that cause.

Burks played a game-high 38 minutes and scored a game-high 27 points (on 9-of-14 shooting).

"At the end of the game, he looked fresh," Snyder said after the Jazz's 117-114 win over the Lakers. "I think he was excited to be out there. He's got another gear. It's just good to see him playing with such

Xiao Yao You

10-08-2015, 01:37 AM

http://www.sltrib.com/blogs/jazznotes/3039607-155/are-burkshood-closers-analysis-of-win

There was Trey Burke with a 12 point first quarter.

and his usual crap the other 3

There was Kobe Bryant looking like Kobe Bryant for the first time. If you stayed up late to watch the finale from Hawaii, you were treated to fun, entertaining basketball, even if this was a preseason affair, even if the Jazz went without Derrick Favors on Tuesday night and played Gordon Hayward and Rudy Gobert 12 minutes each.

What went right: Burks went 0-5 in the preseason opener. Hood wasn't much better, shooting 1-9 from the field. Each experienced a turnaround in a major way. Burks was dominant, finishing with 27 points, six assists and four rebounds. Hood scored 17 of his 21 points after halftime. In a game without Hayward, they proved for one night that they have the ability to close a basketball game. And they did it in different ways. Burks was fantastic in almost every facet. He was able to get to the rim with ease. He splashed midrange jumpers and he made threes. Hood showed off his cerebral ability to run the pick and roll. He got going from the perimeter and also scored in the paint. Quin Snyder went without a point guard down the stretch and it's easy to see why he wants to experiment with such a lineup. Hood, Burks and Hayward could be almost overbearing for opponents to deal with during the regular season. It's all about getting your five best players on the floor.

Than why does trey start?

What went wrong: For a second straight night, the Jazz turned the ball over at a high rate, something that's going to have to get better as time rolls on. Burke was very good last night scoring the ball with 15 points. But he struggled in other aspects, with five turnovers to go with five assists. A good night for a point guard is a 2-1 assist to turnover ratio, so Burke has work to do there.

same old Trey

The Jazz also struggled in stretches rebounding the ball and protecting the rim. But a lot of that can be attributed to Favors not playing and Gobert's spare minutes.

mostly Gobert. The wings and guards have been hitting the boards

Fight, fight: You can argue back and forth all day on whether Trevor Booker was in the right for taking a swing at Hibbert. Here's what we do know. The two got into it on Sunday night, and Hibbert approached Tibor Pleiss in the first half of Tuesday's game. So, there was precedence of Hibbert being an irritant. At the same time, Booker's now on the hook for a suspension and a fine, which hurts his pockets. 20 years ago, this would be a non-issue.

Now, the NBA simply doesn't tolerate physical altercations. So expect Booker to get at least a game, and if that happens, he will miss the regular season opener.

A child shall lead: Trey Lyles played a wonderful game, scoring 13 points and grabbing eight rebounds. He's impressive for a rookie in that he doesn't force action and plays within himself. And his game is advanced for such a young player. He can truly play inside and out, and his ability to handle the ball and pass the ball for a 6-foot-10 power forward isn't something you see every day. With Booker's status in the air for the regular season opener, there's a chance Lyles sees important minutes off the bat.

Maybe could play Hayward, Hood and Ingles there too. Withey/Gobert might be nice or Pleiss/Gobert.

The back-up center: You have to love what Jeff Withey provided last night, protecting the rim, finishing at the hoop and providing a rebounding presence. He had 11 points, five rebounds and four blocked shots and played better than Pleiss, who didn't play all that badly himself. Withey's turned heads with his play thus far.

He played more the Pleiss. I liked Pleiss' game too.

Standout stat: The Jazz played their starters for 88 total minutes last night. The Lakers played their starters for 111. The Jazz still winning makes a statement concerning the quality of their depth.

please! they're are certainly big questions considering their depth. pretty good up front but the wings and pg situation are a big concern still/

What's next: Utah takes Wednesday off, travels to Phoenix on Thursday and will face the Suns on Friday night.

Tony Jones

Xiao Yao You

10-08-2015, 02:47 PM

Marc J. Spears: Pelicans say center Omer Asik is expected to miss the next 3 weeks with a right calf strain. Center Alexis Ajinca (hamstring) is also out (http://*********.com/social/).
– via Twitter SpearsNBAYahoo (http://twitter.com/SpearsNBAYahoo)

Cooley could make sense for them.

Xiao Yao You

10-08-2015, 04:19 PM

http://www.sltrib.com/sports/3043491-155/utah-jazz-point-guards-provide-flashes

It will be a point of interest all season, but can it also be a point of pride?

Neto, Burks, Hood maybe Cotton. Burke now way! :no:

[QUOTE]Heading into this season, no position elicited more question marks for the Utah Jazz than the point guard - and that was before starter Dant

Xiao Yao You

10-08-2015, 04:25 PM

http://www.sltrib.com/sports/3043488-155/utah-jazz-notes-gordon-hayward-always

When the Utah Jazz take on the Phoenix Suns on Friday night, there will be a familiar face on the opposing bench.

He'll be the guy sitting next to longtime Jazzman Jeff Hornacek.

Earl Watson, who spent three of his 13 NBA seasons in Utah, is back in the league as one of the Suns' new assistant coaches. It's a job those who know Watson always expected he would get.

"There was no doubt in my mind he was going to become a coach," Jazz forward Gordon Hayward said. "He was coaching us when he was on the team." Watson's first season in Utah was also

Hayward's rookie year, and the veteran helped shape the Jazz's future.

"He taught me about being a professional and going to work every day," Hayward said.

On the court, Watson was always quick to provide tips, too.

"Playing your own pace, controlling the tempo. He really taught me that when you have the ball in your hands, you go however fast you want," said Hayward, who has turned into one the league's best playmaking forwards.
Jazz point guard Bryce Cotton, who spent his first three months as a pro learning under Watson in the D-League, expects big things for his former coach.

"Just being in the league for so long and knowing he had an underdog mentality, it gives him the ability to relate to any type of player," Cotton said. "I still talk to him from time to time, if I need advice or I need suggestions on whatever it is I'm going through. He's always there. He's going to be a tremendous coach."

How does Cotton know him? D-league?
[QUOTE]Watson's playing career was guided by some of the game's most legendary coaches: John Wooden, Hubie Brown and Jerry Sloan. And Cotton, who saw Watson land his first coaching job last year with the Austin Spurs, saw those things come out.

"He loves talking about his past experiences," Cotton said. "He was due for at least one five-minute motivational conversation every day in practice. At least."

Aloha means goodbye

The Jazz skipped practice Wednesday in Honolulu, opting instead to close out their preseason trip to Hawaii with a tour of the Pearl Harbor memorial. Players and coaches came away extremely pleased with the trip to the Pacific, which saw them play two games in front of passionate, sellout crowds of 10,000-plus each.

But would they do it again?

"It's a good trip," coach Quin Snyder said. "

Xiao Yao You

10-08-2015, 09:43 PM

[QUOTE]Utah Jazz forward Trevor Booker has been suspended one game for taking a swing at Los Angeles Lakers center Roy Hibbert in a preseason game, (http://sports.yahoo.com/news/sources--jazz-forward-trevor-booker-184443286.html?soc_src=mail&soc_trk=ma) league sources told Yahoo Sports.

Xiao Yao You

10-08-2015, 10:21 PM

http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865638630/Hawaii-trip-had-benefits-for-Utah-Jazz-aside-from-the-tropical-location.html

[QUOTE]Snyder certainly believes his team is in a better spot now than before the Jazz said their first

Xiao Yao You

10-09-2015, 01:43 PM

[QUOTE]Jody Genessy: The Jazz will host their NBA-mandated open practice on Friday, Oct. 16, at 6:30 p.m. The free event will be at the arena (http://*********.com/social/).

Xiao Yao You

10-09-2015, 06:27 PM

http://saltcityhoops.com/positional-power-rankings-after-two-preseason-games/

[quote]For starters, it

Xiao Yao You

10-09-2015, 06:34 PM

http://www.sltrib.com/blogs/jazznotes/3047792-155/utah-jazz-neto-to-make-first

Now, we get to see what Raul Neto can do with some extended minutes.
When the Utah Jazz take on the Phoenix Suns tonight, the rookie point guard from Brazil will be in the starting lineup for the first time.

Not sure he'll play any more. Get to see him with the first unit and against the Suns first unit.

The move, Jazz coach Quin Snyder said, was made strictly to get a longer look at some guys. So Trey Burke and Joe Ingles will be held out of tonight's game. And with Neto in the lineup, that means Bryce Cotton will make his preseason debut, as the second year point guard out of Providence was a DNP in the first two games against the Los Angeles Lakers.

So what do the Jazz want to see out of
Neto? He's proven he can make an impact in short spurts, like he did against the Lakers. But it's harder to be effective with more minutes. And also, Neto won't be playing against Jabari Brown or Lou Williams - aka bench guys. He'll be playing against Brandon Knight and Eric Bledsoe - aka top end starting guards in the NBA. So the Jazz are interested to see what kind of adjustment Neto can make against a jump in competition.

Also, Neto will be playing with starters tonight, which is also an adjustment. Either way, Neto was impressive in spurts against the Lakers. He'll have a much bigger role and more scrutiny tonight.

Needs to show he can knock down open jumpers because they're going to double down on Favors, Hayward and Burks until he does.

Can he take advantage?

The bigger question is Cotton going to get a chance? Hard to believe Trey is head and shoulders above him. :confusedshrug:

[QUOTE]

Xiao Yao You

10-09-2015, 08:47 PM

[QUOTE]Jody Genessy: Trevor [URL="http://*********.com/social/"]Booker on slapping Roy Hibbert:

Xiao Yao You

10-09-2015, 08:49 PM

[URL="http://www.oregonlive.com/blazers/index.ssf/2015/10/trail_blazers_moe_harkless_remains_sidelined_as_he .html"]Stotts said Harkless would

Xiao Yao You

10-10-2015, 12:24 AM

http://www.sltrib.com/sports/3048219-155/jazz-nba-suspends-trevor-booker-for

Snyder continues to tinker with his rotation as the preseason progresses. He gave point guard Raul Neto his first start on Friday night against the Phoenix Suns, and he gave Bryce Cotton his first preseason minutes as well. Snyder said he wants to see how things work and how different players mesh with each other.

looks like he went with a lot of different combinations. None of them worked too well in the 3rd. Cotton did some things and Trey didn't play so there's still hope there. Hope they go head to head next Friday.

[QUOTE]"For us, that big lineup is one that

Xiao Yao You

10-10-2015, 10:21 AM

[QUOTE]The New Orleans Pelicans were set to sign power forward Greg Smith, but sources said Friday night that he failed his physical examination and will not be joining the team (http://www.nola.com/pelicans/index.ssf/2015/10/forward_greg_smith_fails_physi.html).

Xiao Yao You

10-10-2015, 10:29 AM

[QUOTE]Jody Genessy: [URL="http://*********.com/social/"]Kobe to Hood:

Xiao Yao You

10-10-2015, 11:15 AM

http://weareutahjazz.com/lockedonjazz/2015/10/10/emptying-the-noggin-jazz-fall-in-turnover-laden-performance-in-phoenix/

It caused a 10 turnover third quarter and the Jazz never recovered.
same ol Jazz

• The Jazz opened the night terrifically. They hit 9 straight shots at one point. Scored on 14 of their first 18 possessions and were rolling. The execution was great. We saw numerous things that they have worked on in practice come to fruition.

• However, the Jazz lost their offensive flow and never re-gained it.

• Neto got the start and played well in the first quarter and defended Brandon Knight really well throughout the night. Too bad he didn’t get to match up on the physical presence of Eric Bledsoe, who didn’t play tonight for the Suns.

• Bryce Cotton got his first action of the year and it was not a great night for Bryce. Tough circumstance, back home, trying to make an impression. He didn’t shoot it great and he didn’t make plays with passing. He can score and he can shoot. That will happen the more he plays.
So maybe he just played because he was home? His stat line looked pretty good until the garbage time at the end. I don't think they necessarily need him to make plays for others. If he can hit open shots he could be fit.

• Trey Burke and Joe Ingles got the night off.

:banana:

• Chris Johnson got his first action of the year and hit a nice corner 3.

• Jazz understandably were fatigued. 4 am wake up in Hawaii on Thursday and then got to Phoenix around 9 last night. A little funky trying to get sleep with a 3 hour time change. It showed as the game wore on.
That's where their severe lack of depth will kill them. What is the front office thinking again?

• Rudy Gobert has not been impactful yet in the pre-season. He had an exhausting off-season with Eurobasket. He just needs to be ready in late October.

He won the first game for them. I'm not worried about their big 3, Alec, Hood and Booker. the rest of the team worries me very much.

• Jazz played Derrick at the 5 when Rudy was off the floor. This lineup is going to be a significant part of the Jazz this season. It is going to be vital for the Jazz to be able to defend when the Favors/Booker or Favors/Lyles line-up is on the floor. This gets a little tricky. If Gobert plays 34 minutes a night then how do you cover the other 14. If Favors plays those 14 then he only has another 18 on the floor to be with Rudy and the Jazz have 12 of Rudy’s minutes without Favors. The Jazz are going to have to steal some minutes from Withey or Pleiss at the center and Booker or Lyles at the 4 in order to maximize the minutes of Rudy and Derrick together

Looks like their deepest area and a huge upgrade on last year post Enes. Also can go small at the 4.

• Jazz continue to try small line-ups. Tonight Hayward played some 4. The Jazz have yet to have any success with the small line-up

They will. Rudy and anyone can succeed.

• The Triple Wing of Hayward, Burks, Hood with Favors and Gobert closed the first half on a 11-4 run.

• Three sections of the game had the Jazz normal line-ups. The start of the 1st and 3rd quarters and the close to the first half. The Jazz played well in 2 of the 3.

• Jazz point guards played 40 minutes and had 2 assists and were 6 of 18 shooting.
Way to go front office! :wtf:

• Jazz played the triple wing for 8 minutes tonight. Wonder how many minutes that becomes? Could it be as many as 12 minutes a night. Then the Jazz are only playing 36 minutes a night of true point guard play. Should be a lot. Those are your best players. they need to be on the floor. PG is your weakest position.

• Tibor Pleiss struggled with Alex Len, who might be very good and is the former 5th pick of the draft. Phoenix may have made a mistake blocking Len’s development with Chandler. Len was really really good tonight.

They should be able to play together.

• Favors was +10 tonight and Jazz were also positive with Gobert and Burks on the floor.

• Markieff Morris was a beast tonight as a 4 who was hitting threes and driving to the basket and Alex Len looked great. If Morris plays this well with Bledsoe and Knight the Suns could have a good year.
Suns having a good year could be bad for the Jazz

Xiao Yao You

10-10-2015, 11:24 AM

http://www.sltrib.com/blogs/jazznotes/3048924-155/jazz-analysis-of-utahs-loss-to

Well needed: The Jazz plan on taking Saturday off. It's much needed, because for the first time this season, this is a tired team.
They just took a day off in Hawaii. Sounds like they need to get into shape to me.

"We still have to come in and lift a little bit and get our bodies right," Hayward said. "That's what I've learned in this league, you still have to keep your body right."

His first start: Neto was in the lineup for the first time. He played exceptionally well in the first quarter. Then he struggled against Price. It was a learning experience for the rookie from Brazil. Still he had some highlights, mainly a behind-the-back pass to Derrick Favors on the break for a dunk.

What's next: The Jazz face the Portland Trailblazers on Monday night at EnergySolutions Arena

Tony Jones

Get to beat up on another crappy team. Lilliard against the Jazz pgs could get ugly though.

Xiao Yao You

10-10-2015, 11:35 AM

http://www.sltrib.com/sports/3048792-155/utah-jazz-rodney-hoods-adjustment-to

Rodney Hood finished last season as arguably one of the best three scorers on the Utah Jazz.

There's no argument on this one. Trey? :facepalm

Most within the organization agree he's improved his game significantly over the offseason, and he certainly proved that with a dominant performance in summer league.

He was actually disappointing after what he did last year but than Cotton and Johnson were great in Summer League too. :wtf:

Yet, Hood's adjustment to the NBA continues.

On many levels, this is completely understandable. The 6-foot-8 shooting guard is still only 23 years old. He's only entering his second year. And as a recent verbal jostling from none other than Kobe Bryant proves, he's still gaining experience nightly.

Through three preseason games, Hood's been solid for the most part. He's missed shots, but has still shown explosive scoring ability. He's been a floating piece in Quin Snyder's rotation, playing differing positions. In Utah's 101-85 loss to the Phoenix Suns on Friday night, Hood scored eight points and grabbed four rebounds in 24 minutes. For Hood, as well as his teammates, the new season is still an adjustment.

"I know with the second unit, I have to be aggressive," Hood said. "I have to get used to that."

And there lies the key to Rodney Hood's season: Expectations. The former Duke University star was a pleasant surprise at the end of last year.

Not sure how much of a surprise it was. Could see he could play in Summer League. Was just a matter of time. If he'd been down in the D-league it might have happened sooner.

[QUOTE] He was a regular double-digit scorer, once he found his health. He was consistent with his shooting, and he took pressure off Gordon Hayward down the stretch.

But now, he's going to be counted on to do this every night. He knows it, his teammates know it, his coaches know it.

And his opponents know it as well.

"I think he's thrived in any situation over the course of the last six months," Snyder said. "I didn't think he played badly in the first game, he just missed some shots. He and Alec (Burks) are going to handle the ball a lot. I think we're still getting to know each other on the wings."

Snyder's made a concerted effort to put Hood in different situations over the last week. He's been the leader of the second unit. He's played all three perimeter positions on both ends.

Hood

Xiao Yao You

10-10-2015, 11:48 AM

http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865638753/Weary-Utah-Jazz-fall-to-the-Suns-101-85.html

[QUOTE]On the other hand, it might be easy for some to bite off their fingernails worrying about a performance like Friday

Xiao Yao You

10-11-2015, 11:07 AM

https://jazzfanatical.wordpress.com/2015/10/11/bits-from-dennis-lindsey-interview-109/

[QUOTE]And I do think being away from the game [when he was injured], being with the coaches, sitting with the coaches during practice, behind the bench, it allows you to have a perspective that you wouldn

Xiao Yao You

10-11-2015, 11:12 AM

http://www.sltrib.com/sports/3048207-155/utah-jazz-favors-gobert-looking-to

"If there were one of them on the floor and we were playing with four smalls, the precision is less impactful.

Something we need to see

So timing, spacing, passing, in addition to shooting, those are the things that will impact their effectiveness as much as anything. And it's subtle."

"The biggest thing," he added, "is the two of them are embracing it."
Favors started last year paired with forward Enes Kanter, whose mid-range game left the paint relatively open for Favors to roam. Kanter's trade ushered in a new defensive era under Gobert, but also new problems in the post: those same big bodies that are so good at clogging up the paint on defense can do the same thing on offense.

So Favors has spent the past two seasons working on adding to his offensive arsenal.

"I'm just trying to expand my game," Favors said. "I know Rudy's going to be down low a lot. The way the NBA's going, everybody wants that stretch-four type of guy."

Whether Favors develops a consistent 3-point shot or not may not matter much to Snyder.

Favors shot 35 percent from beyond 8 feet last season. So far this preseason, Favors has taken half of his attempts from inside of 8 feet, going 8 for 16 in the process. He's a respectable 5 of 11 (45 percent) from beyond that.

"I like the idea of him being able to be a better playmaking-four, where his ball skills are better, his passing, his handling," the coach said. "That means he's going to be more aggressive out there on the floor."

Snyder pointed to forwards David West and LaMarcus Aldridge, both free agent signings by the San Antonio Spurs over the summer, as examples of forwards who don't need to hit the long ball to create space.

always comes back to the Spurs
[QUOTE]"I'm not concerned about Fav being a three-point guy, a stretch-four," he said. "I want him to be consistent and aggressive when he's in his range."
That should help open up room for Gobert inside. The French 7-footer wowed as a defender last season, but still left something to be desired as a legitimate post presence.

Gobert had planned to spend part of the summer working in Germany with Dirk Nowitzki's shooting coach, until scheduling conflicts got in the way. Nevertheless, Gobert said he feels confident in the progress he's made and how that can translate to a better pairing with Favors going forward.

"I'm improving my jump shot, working on a go-to move," he said. "

Xiao Yao You

10-12-2015, 09:43 AM

Tony Jones: Also, saw Dante Exum at practice. No brace, no crtuches, and can walk slowly without a limp. Took a few playful shots as well (http://*********.com/social/)

Xiao Yao You

10-12-2015, 10:06 AM

http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865638778/Kobe-Bryant-let-Jazz-guard-Rodney-Hood-know-about-his-impressive-resume-during-preseason-game.html

[QUOTE]While not at that level, Hood looked impressive against Bryant in Tuesday

Xiao Yao You

10-12-2015, 10:13 AM

http://www.sltrib.com/sports/3052461-155/utah-jazz-notes-jazz-look-to?fullpage=1

Despite the NBA's attempts to limit back-to-back games for its teams, everyone is going to face fatigue at multiple points during the season.
That's just a fact. There are 82 games. There will still be games on consecutive nights and the tail ends of long road trips are bound to yield tired legs.

Especially when you are as thin as the Jazz are. Front office? :confusedshrug:

[QUOTE]The Utah Jazz received their first taste of this in Friday night's 101-85 preseason loss to the Phoenix Suns. They looked great in the first quarter, bouncing around, getting out in transition and scoring 30 points in the period. But then they collapsed in the final three periods, struggling to score, struggling to defend or generally do much positive on either end of the floor.

"We were stuck in mud," small forward Gordon Hayward said.

So this is what the Jazz are faced with: How to play through the fatigue and still play winning basketball. The tired legs weren't alarming on Friday night. Indeed, it was bound to happen with the Jazz being away from home for a week by that point.

But the lack of good basketball had to be a little concerning. The Jazz didn't make good decisions offensively. They didn't play well defensively. The Suns beat them to loose balls, and outhustled the Jazz on both ends.
That's why coach Quin Snyder acknowledged that his team was tired

Xiao Yao You

10-12-2015, 10:52 AM

https://jazzfanatical.wordpress.com/2015/10/12/and-heres-your-weekly-utah-jazz-wrapup/

[QUOTE][COLOR=#000099]Five. Trey Burke on his defensive effort in the first game: I could

Xiao Yao You

10-12-2015, 04:31 PM

[QUOTE]Gery Woelfel: You knew this was inevitable: A source tells me a Western Conference team has had internal talks about possibly signing Larry Sanders (http://*********.com/social/).

Xiao Yao You

10-12-2015, 06:56 PM

http://www.sltrib.com/blogs/jazznotes/3054907-155/jazzs-burke-ingles-bring-return-to

And it should be a return to a bit of normalcy for the Jazz as well.

Trey Burke and Joe Ingles - who sat out of Friday's loss to the Phoenix Suns - will be available tonight. That means Burke will in all likelihood rejoin the starting lineup, and Ingles will be thrust back into the second unit.

Lame! :rant

For head coach Quin Snyder - and the Jazz - that's a welcome thing. This is still a young team, still a team that needs to gel together, still a starting five that needs to forge chemistry as the preseason wears on.

"We're a young team, so we need to play," Snyder said.

Snyder said he will continue to tinker with lineups and continue to experiment with his rotation. But his main core being sharp by the regular season is a must, which means the four remaining preseason games, plus a full week of practice upcoming for the Jazz is important to take advantage of.

The Jazz went through shootaround on Monday morning, and like their three and a half hour marathon practice on Sunday, Monday's session also went a little long. Snyder wants to see more energy tonight than he saw on Friday in Phoenix. He wants to see his team take better care of the basketball, and he wants to see a little more execution on both ends.

Burke's been a mixed bag of sorts so far. He's scored well in the preseason - very well at times. Still, his decision making hasn't always been the best, and that's something he needs to clean up for the Jazz as a team to reach their full ceiling. If he does that, Utah becomes much more dangerous.

Tony Jones

What makes anyone think he will? He's had one good quarter and even in that quarter he showed signs of the player he is. Inconsistent, non-athletic, inefficient. How does he fit again? :confusedshrug:

Xiao Yao You

10-12-2015, 06:58 PM

http://basketball.realgm.com/wiretap/239479/Stan-Van-Gundy-Balancing-Length-Quickness-On-Defense-With-Shooting-Is-Difficult

[QUOTE]"To get that combination of length and quickness defensively and keep enough shooting on the floor

Xiao Yao You

10-12-2015, 07:17 PM

http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865638687/Analysis-Who-will-make-the-Utah-Jazzs-final-three-roster-spots.html

the Jazz look poised to be one of the up-and-coming teams. Huge question marks still. Neto and the bigs look worthy but the end of the bench and another pg and depth behind them doesn't look great right now.

The roster is mostly set with 12 guaranteed contracts on the books. That leaves only three spots left for the eight training camp invitees who have only partially guaranteed contracts.
We'll see. They have lots of flexibility still. Got to hope they're going to make some moves still.

These players mostly will not see a lot of action but add depth to the team in case of injury.
These guys could be in the rotation or even starting.

There is debate among fans and the front office as to who will make the final three roster spots. Will the Jazz carry four point guards with Bryce Cotton making the team after the loss of Dante Exum?

I still can't believe they'd cut Cotton but the fact that Burke is starting is scary! I'm hoping they're showcasing him for a trade.

Or will they elect to play some time without a true point guard and add an extra wing and big man? Here is a breakdown of who’s hoping for a chances to be a member of the Jazz.

Looks like they'll certainly be playing without a true pg at times. How much remains to be seen. Neto is the only guy that has looked like he belongs out there. I think Cotton maybe but we just haven't seen enough of him.

Elijah Millsap is first on the list and the most likely to make the team. He was in last season’s rotation due to players’ injuries. Millsap was the only one not asked to play in summer league and was able to spend his time working on his game as opposed to previous seasons, where he was just trying to make a team. Millsap is the only one of the non-guaranteed players who has an elite skill: his defense. He was ranked as the second best defender at his position by ESPN’s DRPM (http://espn.go.com/nba/statistics/rpm/_/sort/DRPM/position/2), only trailing Tony Allen. If Millsap can become more efficient on offense, he will be a lock to make the team.
2nd in the league! Got to think of starting him. He could guard at least 3 positions. Haven't seen him shoot much is the big question with him still but Allen doesn't shoot either and Memphis has been pretty good.

The next most likely player is center Jeff Withey, a third-year player who has spent the last two seasons with the New Orleans Pelicans. Withey played college ball at Kansas and is the all-time leader at Kansas and the Big 12 in blocked shots. He also was the 2013 NABC co-defensive player of the year. He brings defense to an already solid defensive team. With the Pelicans, Withey didn’t get a lot of playing time mainly because of the depth the Pelicans had at center position. Much like the Pelicans, the Jazz have a similar problem at center with Rudy Gobert, Tibor Pleiss and Derrick Favors able to play the position.
And Lyles. They even have had Booker in there.

But with Pleiss coming over from Europe and having to adjust to the NBA game, Withey would be insurance if Pleiss struggles.
He appears to be ahead of Pleiss. If they think he's a better fit Pleiss can be traded now I think. Withey will have trade value in December anyway if they end up going with Pleiss.

Bryce Cotton was almost at the bottom of this list with the addition of Raul Neto. But with the injury to Exum, the Jazz may want more depth at the point guard position. Trey Burke struggled in his first two seasons, and Neto has yet to play an NBA game, so keeping Cotton makes sense. Cotton closed out last season playing well for the Jazz and was one of their best players during summer league.
As he should have been as on of their guys under contract.

The main worry about Cotton is his lack of height and wing span.
But Trey is starting? :rolleyes:

But what he lacks in height he makes up for with his speed and athleticism. At P3, a sports science facility the Jazz sends their players to, Cotton recorded a 45-inch vertical, tying a record for P3.
Pretty sure he didn't tie Trey.

Chris Johnson is up next. While he’s a player who is good at a lot of things, he’s not great at any one thing, the opposite of Millsap. Johnson was arguably the Jazz’s best player during summer league

He was solid. No way he was their best!

and showed that he is an NBA player.

Must be the same guy who wrote the other article! He's a fringe NBAer at best right now. He's got a lot to prove.

But with the depth on the roster, he faces an uphill battle. He either needs to beat out Millsap for the fifth wing or hope the Jazz only carry three point guards and play more without a traditional lineup.

Grant Jerrett worked hard during the offseason but in the first game of summer league injured his shoulder and hasn’t been able to play hoops since, bad timing for a player who needed an offseason to improve and show that he can contribute to an NBA team. The one thing Jerrett has going for him is he has the most guaranteed money coming to him whether he makes the team or not. If no one else sticks out, the Jazz could give Jerrett a chance.
It's too bad he got hurt but I think regardless they have to let him go based on what I've seen from their other bigs. He's behind Cooley I'd think too right now though he is younger than any of them other than Lyles and can shoot.

Jack Cooley faces a tough challenge in making the Jazz. Having an already loaded frontcourt and not having great height or length puts him at a disadvantage. Cooley plays hard and gives every possession his all. While playing in the D-League, Cooley was a beast, averaging 12.4 rebounds and 16.8 points per game. While playing for the Idaho Stampede, Cooley set a D-League record for rebounds in one game with 29.
Withey will have to get hurt or Pleiss traded for him to make it I'd think. He might be able to play for the right team.

The last two players, J.J. O’Brien (pictured) out of San Diego State and Treveon Graham from VCU, will be given a chance to make the team but are considered long shots. Both will probably play for the Jazz D-League team, the Stampede. Each season NBA teams can send five “affiliate players” to their D-League associate. Dennis Lindsey and his staff saw something they liked in both of these players to want to keep them close to home.
Trimming down a roster might be the hardest thing for a coach and general manager to do. Watching someone work so hard to make the team and then have to cut him seems cruel. No matter who makes the team, watching the players progress will make for an interesting season.
Kincade Upstill
I could see them making it over Johnson or possibly Cotton especially Graham. Looking at other teams it looks like almost everyone has roster and rotation battles that could help the Jazz roster like Ingles did last year. Here's hoping! :cheers:

Xiao Yao You

10-12-2015, 10:32 PM

Bench looked better. Ingles and millsap.was blazers though

Xiao Yao You

10-12-2015, 11:56 PM

I'd play Ingles, Millsap and Neto right now. Bench Burke. Not sure about center. None of them looked very good tonight.

Xiao Yao You

10-13-2015, 09:31 AM

http://saltcityhoops.com/news-and-notes-for-blazers-jazz-101215/

The Jazz had more turnovers (14) than assists (13) on the night, shot an ugly 31.2 percent from the floor (including 22.7 percent from deep) and generally felt out of sync offensively for the second consecutive game.

Same old Jazz. Not unexpected with their choice not to address their weaknesses in the off-season.

[quote] teams like the Jazz (and really everyone, to some degree) are going to have nights where their shots just aren

Xiao Yao You

10-13-2015, 09:48 AM

http://www.sltrib.com/sports/3056106-155/utah-jazz-plagued-by-poor-shooting

There is little question that the Utah Jazz were bad in Monday night's 88-81 preseason loss to the Portland Trail Blazers.

In losing to a Portland team that didn't have Damian Lillard, the Jazz shot 31 percent from the field, went 5 for 22 from 3-point range and missed 13 free throws. It's tough to win NBA games that way.

They won games like that last year but why would you want to continue to try and do that? :confusedshrug:

Still, there were bright spots. Well, there was a bright spot. Alec Burks continues to play well in the preseason. Before 15,171 at EnergySolutions Arena, the shooting guard scored a team-high 19 points and grabbed eight rebounds. He played 34 minutes and shot 6 of 13 from the field.

That last statistic is noteworthy because Burks was the only Jazz starter with more than 10 field-goal attempts to even approach 50 percent shooting. If this preseason is a test of his surgically repaired shoulder, Burks is passing easily. He's arguably been Utah's best player in the preseason.

Not much argument is there?

"I feel like I'm getting back into a good rhythm," Burks said. "The shoulder feels good, and I feel like I'm playing well. I feel like I can get to the basket with the best of them, so I just need to make sure my jumper is falling."
Against the Blazers, Burks was the one Jazz starter who could get to the basket consistently and create from the perimeter. He got into a good flow and stayed that way throughout the game. Burks, his teammates and his coaches have been encouraged by his play. Coming into the preseason, he hadn't played in a game since last December after suffering a torn labrum. Nobody knew how he would react to the contact of an NBA game. But he's answering those questions emphatically while displaying an improved skill-set. Burks scored 27 points against the Los Angeles Lakers; he's been difficult to stop off the dribble; and he's played all three perimeter positions. His passing has also improved.

"Alec is a guy who can create shots for himself and for his teammates," Utah coach Quin Snyder said. "There's a good balance to his game right now."

What the Jazz need right now is for others to play at Burks' level.

They have 4 players who are even close to his level. I'm not worried about them. It's the role players that are the concern.

For a second consecutive game, Utah was flat on both ends. Portland raced to a 29-16 first-quarter lead. The Blazers consistently frustrated the Jazz on both ends, and that early advantage proved to be enough cushion, although Utah would find a way to rally and take a lead in the fourth quarter.

Still, nobody is panicking.

raising hand!

Snyder pointed out that Monday marked just the fourth preseason game. There's plenty of time to improve, he said.

tjones@sltrib.com

(tjones@sltrib.com)
twitter: @tjonessltrib (http://twitter.com/tjonessltrib)

There is but what makes you think guys that can't play will suddenly be able to play? :confusedshrug:

Xiao Yao You

10-13-2015, 10:01 AM

http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865638904/Jazz-cant-find-the-basket-in-88-81-loss-to-Portland.html

[QUOTE]When the ball doesn

Xiao Yao You

10-13-2015, 10:13 AM

http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865638901/Jazz-rookie-Neto-feeling-more-comfortable-both-on-and-off-the-court.html

[QUOTE] In Monday night

Xiao Yao You

10-13-2015, 10:30 AM

http://www.sltrib.com/sports/3056117-155/kurt-kragthorpe-jazz-searching-for-point-guard

this is not is the offense of the Stockton years or even the Deron Williams phase of Jazz history.

In theory it's not much different.
[QUOTE] In various ways, Jazz coach Quin Snyder is creatively working around the absence of Dante Exum, sidelined for the season following knee surgery. His approach is intriguing, so I'll stop short of saying that this already has the feel of a wasted year in some respects. Even if the Jazz improve incrementally after last year's big jump, though, they'll be doing it without any advancement of Exum's game. The point guard staffing was among many offensive issues in Monday's fourth of seven preseason games, which Snyder viewed afterward as "a true look at where we are."

And then he said, with some anticipation, "Now, we get a chance to practice."

Not much of redeeming value surfaced in this game, but whatever goodness did occur usually stemmed from lineups that included Gordon Hayward and three other wing players on the court together, plus a center. For example, the Jazz played without a standard-issue point guard for the last 5:22 of the first half. They scored 12 points in that stretch, which qualified as an outburst

Xiao Yao You

10-13-2015, 11:13 AM

http://www.sltrib.com/sports/3056124-155/utah-jazz-derrick-favors-looks-to

Someone like Markieff Morris from the Phoenix Suns may be able to score baskets against Favors on one end. But he'll be parked on the block against Favors on the other end in the low post.

Too bad his post game sucks!

And while teams are generally hesitant to venture into the paint against Favors and Rudy Gobert, their ability to keep a stretch power forward on the floor against that duo may hinge on their ability to play defense.

Favors, for his part, wants to be hard to deal with in that scenario.

"I spent a lot of the summer working on my game offensively," Favors said.
One reason the Jazz committed to Favors and Gobert, however, is because Favors is the rare big with the mobility to guard inside the paint and away from the hoop. So his defense against pick and rolls, and his defense against smaller players will loom large this season.

If he was better in the paint they could put Rudy on the perimeter.

Last Friday night, Morris played well against Favors, hitting threes even with Favors contesting his shot. But one thing Favors is this season is outwardly confident. He's confident that he can make life difficult for most offensively. And he's confident that he can guard his position, even as it morphs away from the hoop.

Exum update

Less than two months removed from ACL surgery, Jazz point guard Dante Exum has been seen doing rehab and walking around Utah's practice facility without crutches or a brace. Exum did some light shooting following practice on Sunday. He was working out on an elliptical on Monday morning during shootaround. Exum still has months to go in his recovery, but he appears ahead of schedule.

"Dante is someone who loves to play," Jazz coach Quin Snyder said. "He can't play, but he is working out. That shows his commitment."

Lillard out

Star Portland guard Damian Lillard missed Monday's game with an injured left ankle. The injury, however, doesn't appear to be too serious. Lillard went through his pregame shooting routine at full speed.

tjones@sltrib.com

good hope he puts in the work

Xiao Yao You

10-13-2015, 02:51 PM

[QUOTE]Jody Genessy: [URL="http://*********.com/social/"]Jazz have waived J.J. O

Xiao Yao You

10-13-2015, 02:57 PM

[QUOTE]Having already acknowledged he has a good feel for the combinations that he likes to see on the floor, it appears Boston

Xiao Yao You

10-13-2015, 04:51 PM

[QUOTE]Andy Larsen: [URL="http://*********.com/social/"]Quin Snyder on what Thibodeau is bringing:

Xiao Yao You

10-13-2015, 06:49 PM

[QUOTE]Thus far rookie Marcelo Huertas, an international veteran from Brazil, has been sidelined with a minor hamstring strain. [URL="http://www.latimes.com/sports/lakers/lakersnow/la-sp-ln-lakers-still-need-cut-4-players-20151013-story.html"]Despite his absence, the Lakers may choose to keep him as a needed true, backup point guard

Xiao Yao You

10-14-2015, 11:19 AM

http://weareutahjazz.com/lockedonjazz/2015/10/13/emptying-the-noggin-offense-doesnt-flow-v-blazers/

You would think an undermanned Portland team without Damian Lillard would be a team the Jazz can beat even in the preseason.

You'd think but the Blazers probably have more depth.
[QUOTE]

Xiao Yao You

10-14-2015, 03:32 PM

http://www.slcdunk.com/2015/10/13/9483099/jumus-jazzmen-previews-3-derrick-favors

Today we break into our team's big 3 with the humble and perpetually overlooked hustler of this team.

He's been hyped forever and finally did something last year though he's hyped D still leaves a lot to be desired. Never thought of him as a hustler either.

And I just want to get something straight, the Jazz have a big 3 now, the gap between our big 3 and the rest of the team was immense last year.

Wasn't that immense after Rodney came on. Burks might be making some noise as far as the big 3 it looks like too. He's been their best player for at least 2 games this pre-season.

Believe it or not even with our lack of household names (if you're not a Jazz fan), the Jazz have their big 3 now. You'll find the number of teams with a better 3rd best player than ours dwindling as our core continues to develop and get us some playoff action extremely soon.

The top 5, 6 compare well with other teams. After that is the problem.

I think whoever I put at #3 this year could be considered underrated as really all of our top 3 players are crucial and could be considered our best, but Favors drew the short stick this season by a hair.
He's not close based on last year.

I cannot gush enough about how far Favors' offensive game has come over the last few years. Just like former Jazz great Millsap, he was seen as a limited offensive player early in his career but later on fully blossomed on both ends.

Still haven't been that impressed with his supposedly top tier D that sent Millsap out the door.

Favors also averaged a career high 52.5 field goal percentage this year. He's somehow shooting further away more often AND at a higher percentage. That is outstanding and goes to show the leaps that Favors' offensive game has made over his young career.

I think they used him a lot better too. He's good diving to the hole. Posting up he sucks.

Expect Favors to continue to get more looks on the offensive end since his frontcourt partner Gobert is still very raw offensively apart from dunks.
Trading away Kanter did hurt Favors' offensive rating a bit last season due to him becoming the primary scoring big man. However, with a healthy Burks and Hayward helping keep the defenses honest and another year under Favors belt, expect that to continue to steadily improve.

Don't forget Hood!

He will own the other team most nights on both sides of the floor and can be counted on as one of our most consistent players.

Not sure about that. There's plenty of other good bigs in the league. There's a reason he wasn't invited to USA camp.

Derrick Favors: Most underrated player in the league

He's been overrated in Utah his whole career. They let their best player go because of what a great defender he was supposed to be.

Chances of him being with the team in the 2016-2017 season:
99.9%

Depends on Lyles development. They 've looked good with Booker in the line-up with Rudy and they are going to be playing smaller there it appears. Rudy isn't going anywhere so I could certainly see Favors being dealt at some point down the road.

Xiao Yao You

10-14-2015, 03:54 PM

http://www.slcdunk.com/the-downbeat/2015/10/13/9521139/utah-jazz-portland-trail-blazers-panic-downbeat-1746

we're going to be the second best team in the division, and we're talking about preseason?
Should be but it might be the worst division and basketball and one of those teams just beat them without their all star.

Preseason?

Preseason record doesn't have any bearing on regular season or playoff success. I know. I've tried to find a link. Some years the Jazz rolled through preseason on their way to the NBA Finals (http://www.sbnation.com/nba-finals). Other times the team rolled through preseason on their way to a sub-50 win year. While the record isn't the indicator of success we are programmed to think it is, it's true that our team hasn't looked themselves over the last two games.

I'm not going to make an excuse for this team being tired. They played two games in paradise and came home to their own beds after a chartered flight. They didn't sit in coach like most of us schlubs when we go to and from Hawaii. And I'm not going to use 'young legs' or any other excuse. This isn't a 5th game in 7 nights thing. They don't need an excuse. They're just out of rhythm.

Be nice to think that but to anyone that has paid attention the things they didn't address in off-season are still the same issues now. Pre-season or not it's not surprising.

That is something to recognize, but also not worry about. The team starts the season on an East coast trip all in the same time zone, and they will get back into their rhythm soon enough. Wake up, have breakfast, get on the bus to shoot-around (Shums hyphen in action), return to the hotel, take a nap, eat lunch, pack bags, check out of hotel, get on the bus, go through walk through, go through a development session, get dressed for the game at the arena, play the game, get on bus to airport, fly to the next city. Repeat.

You forgot miss open shots, miss free throws, miss 3's, turnover the ball, not have an NBA pg or back-up big, give Trey and other non NBAers minutes...

So the rhythm has thrown the team off, but rhythm is not impossible to get back into with a return to routine.

Of course, that's not all that's ailing the Jazz . . . some guys are not playing up to expectation,

Those aren't the guys I'm worried about the one I'm worried about are the same ones that shouldn't be in the rotation.

some guys are not finishing the sets, and some guys are just not ready for the NBA right now.

Bingo! Some may never be ready but they play anyway. :confusedshrug:

But again, it's preseason. Younger teams that start on the road are usually second half teams. Ours will be precisely that in 2015-16.
But why? They finished strong last year. They should have been looking to beast all year not hope they can come on late and sneak into a playoff spot. It's a joke!
.
[QUOTE].
http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/155483/2.png Kirk Goldsberry is awesome, well he is for me -- I am a visual-spatial person. So his graphjams are amazing to me. Today he talks about assists -- something us Utah Jazz fans have seen a lot of.

First of all, when you click on that link there is a video of some bald shoe salesman pushing off and taking an iso midrange jumper over the Jazz. So be aware. Second, the data confirms what we already knew -- assisted shots go in more. From the article:
[INDENT] "The best kinds of shots result from teamwork, and the worst kinds are a result of selfishness. Last season, NBA players attempted just over 200,000 shots. Fifty-three percent of these shots qualify as assisted, while 47 percent qualify as unassisted.1 Overall, the league's shooters converted 45 percent of their shots

Xiao Yao You

10-14-2015, 05:01 PM

http://saltcityhoops.com/utah-jazz-best-case-worst-case-scenarios-2015-16-edition/

I managed to wildly miss the mark in a couple areas, most notably Utah’s eventual defensive dominance. A few others were spot on, to my credit, but the entire exercise highlights just how much can change over the course of a long and busy NBA season.
I'm sure no one expected Rudy to change the fortunes of the team around. They'd be tanking this year without him. Front office acts like the are still. :facepalm

this time around, it’s whether Trey Burke, Raul Neto and Bryce Cotton can do enough in Dante’s stead to keep the position afloat.
Or if they're going to make a move or how much the wings will cover for them? It's not like Dante was a great offensive player either. Neto is better and plays D as well.

Burke has slimmed down and seems more comfortable as a distributor within the offense, but still has a long way to go with his shot selection and accuracy.

Looks the same to me. He looks uncomfortable if anything not shooting every time he gets the ball.

Neto’s 26.3 percent shooting from the field comes on a small sample, but is still a legitimate concern despite some exciting moments defensively.
Especially since he's the best they've got! :no:

Cotton appears firmly last in line at this point and may know it, pressing on several occasions in his single appearance.

Him not playing is the biggest surprise to me. Maybe this week in practice he'll be able to make some noise?

Worst of all, coach Quin Snyder seems to be growing more and more comfortable with eschewing a traditional point guard for wing-and-big-only units, which have been noticeably more successful in four preseason games than those featuring one of the points.

Why is that worst of all? I like the fact that he's looking to put the best players on the court(other than the Trey thing of course). The problem is no matter what they just don't appear to have enough talent to put on the court.

Joe Ingles and Elijah Millsap could play 25 minutes a night for several teams in this league. For any good teams though? They looked good last game but it still appears Joe is too hesitant to shoot and Millsap still can't do much besides defend. You mentioned no one else and with the wing line-ups you may need more wings that can play.

I'd say Rudy. I can easily see Hood and Burks stepping up in place of Hayward. Favors at center isn't that good as we've seen. Their D would go with Rudy.

[quote]Best Case: One of Burke or Neto makes a big leap — Burke overall, Looks like the same player to me. All I can think or hope anyway is they are showcasing him to trade him. Can't believe Cotton isn't in the mix at all.

Neto mainly on the offensive end — and is capable of giving the Jazz 25 to 30 positive minutes a night at the point without severely limiting the team in one area or another.

Neto is a good offensive player. How honest he can keep the D is certainly a question to be answered still.

Cotton remains on the roster as a change of pace capable of stepping up for larger minutes when one of the other two slumps or is banged up.

Or Trey is benched or traded.

Hayward is the franchise’s first All-Star since their rebuild

Or at least 2nd after Rudy.

, and Burks and Hood both continue their upward trajectories enough that Quin Snyder can leave at least one of the three on the floor at all times and feel confident about perimeter playmaking.

I'd think ideally you'd want 2 of 3 out there always and all 3 as much as possible.

Worst Case: Burke is unable to make any tangible improvements on last season,
Which appears to be the case already.

Neto is such a liability as a scorer that the offense collapses when he plays, More so than when Millsap, Burke, Gobert, etc. play? Don't get why is singled out after what we saw from this team last year.

and Cotton isn’t an NBA player in virtually any respect.
Already is at least athletically. Burke can't say the same that's for sure.

The team is scouring the trade market for a stopgap at the point by mid-December.
They should be now. Hard to believe they aren't looking hard for answers at the moment.

Millsap is such a disaster shooting that he’s limited to spot minutes, and Ingles reverts back to his early 2014 ways as a hesitant offensive player.
As it appears now all these guys are going to be playing regardless if they actually develop NBA caliber games or not. Hard to believe but that's life as a Jazz fan for 35 years. :rant
Meanwhile, the Jazz shed their only lingering problem child
other than Trey who can't be far behind can he? :confusedshrug:

Trey Lyles has a sizable ceiling, even if it’s likely he doesn’t realize most of it for a few years.

They'll likely be looking for him to play by next season at most by his 3rd year.

Tibor Pleiss clearly has a long way to go with NBA-level strength and tactics, but just a few makes from deep could turn him into an intriguing spacing piece in a hurry.

He's looked better than I figured he would.

early indications are that Jeff Withey will be a comfortable option for 10 to 15 minutes a night.

Looked good in the one game. Right now it looks like it could be all of them depending on match-ups.

The more pertinent questions might honestly be with the bigger names, and whether they have a whole lot of realistic room for improvement left — especially as teams are much more cognizant of their presence and work to make their lives difficult.

To me the biggest question are with the fringe players.

Favors goes from good last year to great this year as a midrange shooter,
He was money open out there. His range is the thing that could improve and his post game which still has looked horrible.

Booker more than doubles his 3-point attempts and gains recognition as a legitimate stretch big,
Haven't seen it yet. If he becomes a big enough threat out there Favors might become trade bait.

the Jazz have the most complete top-to-bottom frontcourt in the NBA.
Looked that way after the Lakers. Not so much in the last two.

Lyles is two years away from being two years away at NBA speed

Don't see that.

Booker bolts in free agency and the Jazz are suddenly stuck with an identity crisis in the frontcourt just months removed from one of the brightest situations in the league3 (http://saltcityhoops.com/utah-jazz-best-case-worst-case-scenarios-2015-16-edition/#note-3).

Booker likely bolts any way you look at it. Hopefully one more year if the others aren't ready.

at least one of Cotton or Burke progresses enough to keep things afloat.
Which would be Cotton if either.

The Jazz have enough versatility to combat any look teams throw at them and are the league’s best defense by a sizable margin.
That's asking a lot from their very thin roster.

Utah’s defensive identity crumbles and they regress back to around league average.

hard to imagine unless Rudy gets hurt

Utah is averaging 92.4 points per-100-possession in their four games, a mark even the 76ers topped for the full season last year.
That would be enough if they play D like they did. They appear like they'll score more this year just by pushing it more.

apart from Alec and Hayward, the Jazz have demonstrated basically no ability to create separation and get defenses moving.

Hood

The Jazz are a borderline top-10 offense and maybe even crack single digits.
Expecting a lot without even mentioning the role players who are the key to what the Jazz do.

but even wing-heavy units don’t get the job done.

Which unless they get some help is what is going to happen. Pg's or not they just don't seem to have enough quality players.

Xiao Yao You

10-14-2015, 07:09 PM

http://www.sltrib.com/sports/3056624-155/utah-jazz-still-a-work-in

Pushing the ball in transition. Playing with pace. Shooting a lot of 3-pointers, yet scoring in the paint. And above all: Spacing, spacing, spacing.

These are the catch-phrases and characteristics of what Utah Jazz coach Quin Snyder wants his offense to look like this coming season.

and last. Doesn't look like it will work out much better either.

Monday night's 88-81 loss to the Portland Trail Blazers provided evidence that the product isn't nearly finished. Last week's trip to Hawaii

Xiao Yao You

10-14-2015, 07:34 PM

www.sltrib.com/sports/3058874-155/utah-jazz-arent-panicking-after-consecutive

We aren't panicking.

speak for yourself. You should be if your not. The fact that it seems like a bunch of idiots are running the franchise again sucks!

[QUOTE]This is the current mantra of the Utah Jazz. After two consecutive preseason losses

Xiao Yao You

10-14-2015, 07:53 PM

http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865638910/Video-analysis-What-are-the-Jazz-getting-in-Brazilian-point-guard-Raul-Neto.html?pg=all

[quote]However, a noncontact ACL injury during a game over the summer for the Australian National Team has placed Exum on the bench while he recovers. Suddenly, Neto

Xiao Yao You

10-14-2015, 08:01 PM

Marc J. Spears: The Warriors have waived guard Ben Gordon. (http://*********.com/social/) Free agent guard Ben Gordon appeared in two preseason games with the Warriors. He averaged 1.0 points and 1 assists in 8.3 minutes per game.

Any reason not to take a look at him? Hard to imagine him not making the team better. He's similar to Trey except he can actually shoot.

Xiao Yao You

10-14-2015, 08:03 PM

[QUOTE]Brett Dawson: [URL="http://*********.com/social/"]Davis on if he

Xiao Yao You

10-14-2015, 08:10 PM

http://*********.com/2015/10/06/preview-utah-jazz/

[QUOTE]STRENGTHS: Really strong frontcourt with fine young players who are getting better every year

Xiao Yao You

10-14-2015, 08:36 PM

http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865638937/Utah-Jazz-Lack-of-practice-time-turns-Jazz-into-The-Gang-That-Couldnt-Shoot-Straight.html?pg=all

If ever there was "The Gang That Couldn't Shoot Straight," Monday night's shaky shooting performance by the Utah Jazz would definitely qualify as Exhibit A.

Last season be a better example.
[QUOTE]After all, Utah shot just over 31 percent from the field, including 22.7 percent from 3-point range, and couldn't even connect consistently from the foul line

Xiao Yao You

10-14-2015, 08:47 PM

http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865638915/Utah-Jazz-waive-Jack-Cooley-and-JJ-OBrien.html

[QUOTE]When Tom Thibodeau was spotted sitting next to Jerry Sloan at Monday

Xiao Yao You

10-15-2015, 08:53 AM

https://jazzfanatical.wordpress.com/2015/10/15/bits-from-randy-rigby-interview-1014/

[QUOTE]I think they

Xiao Yao You

10-15-2015, 09:02 AM

http://www.sltrib.com/sports/3062315-155/utah-jazz-a-different-feeling-surrounds

By December, it became clear that he was a better fit for the Jazz at center than Enes Kanter.
And Favors. First time I've seen anyone else mention December though. It's all been about the trade not that Rudy started dominating by mid December.

Kanter was traded to Oklahoma City, and Utah took off in March and April with Gobert in the starting lineup.

Gobert has played fewer minutes during this preseason than any other Jazz starter, after playing for the French national team in Eurobasket, a high-profile tournament that ended before the start of training camp.

The Jazz front office and coaching staff have been careful to straddle the line of allowing Gobert rest, but keeping him sharp. When he's been off the floor in the preseason, the defensive dropoff has been noticeable.

"Rudy's played a lot of basketball, so we don't want him to wear him down," Jazz coach Quin Snyder said. "His situation is very different. He's had a lot of growth over the course of last year and the summer. One of the good things about Rudy is that he likes to play basketball."

Gobert, in other words, is a known commodity. At his best, the 7-foot-1 big man is one of the elite paint protectors in basketball. But he's more than that. Over the course of last year, Gobert proved to be a great rebounder, athletic when running the floor, a supreme finisher at the rim, a better passer than given credit for and a capable free-throw shooter.

He is still the Jazz's security blanket. Utah's perimeter defenders played aggressively last season, knowing Gobert was around to erase mistakes, a big part of them closing last year in a strong manner.

But has Gobert added to his game? There are rumors of a consistent 10-12 foot jumper being developed over the summer, but it hasn't yet debuted in a game.

Yeah I expected improvement. Haven't seen it yet but I expect we will once the season starts and he has his game face on again.

Gobert clearly hit the weight room in the offseason. He looks bigger, more muscular around the shoulders.

One thing Gobert has to adjust to is teams adjusting to him. Once the NBA starts to prepare for you, your greatness relies on that ability to counter. Already, you see players pulling up for floaters, instead of going all the way to the basket. And you can bet teams will go small in an attempt to pull Gobert from the basket.
The thing is he's a great perimeter defender too. If someone else can protect the rim they counter that.

Still, the Jazz can rely on Gobert to be what he has been, which is one of the best defenders in the league. And that can possibly take Utah a long way.

"It's great knowing you have him behind you defensively," Utah guard Rodney Hood said. "You just do your job and try to keep it out of the middle of the floor and if you get beat, he blocks or alters the shots or gets the rebound. It's great having him back there."

tjones@sltrib.com

(tjones@sltrib.com)
twitter: @tjonessltrib (http://twitter.com/tjonessltrib)

Xiao Yao You

10-15-2015, 09:08 AM

http://www.sltrib.com/sports/3063053-155/utah-jazz-notes-jazz-welcome-thibodeau

Snyder also has known Thibodeau for an extended time, calling him the "Dean" of defense.

Imagine what he'd do with Rudy! :eek:

Thibodeau was the defensive mastermind behind the Celtics' title team of 2008, and moved on to the Bulls, where he led that franchise to the Eastern Conference Finals. He was fired this past summer as a long feud with the Bulls front office boiled over. Still, he's considered one of the top coaches in the NBA.

"I got a chance to work with him a little bit through Team USA," Jazz point guard Trey Burke said. "So it's great to be able to see him here. I got a chance to say hello to him, but it's always been great to see coach."

Practice, practice

The Jazz used Tuesday as a recovery day and Wednesday as a hard practice day, as they have until Sunday to prepare for another shot at the Blazers.

Friday will be Utah's open practice at EnergySolutions Arena, and the team is expected to scrimmage as well.

Withey rising

Utah cutting center Jack Cooley greatly increases the chance of Jeff Withey making the opening night roster. Withey has been a pleasant surprise in the preseason, with his ability to block shots and be a defensive presence under the basket. The Jazz have been playing him and Tibor Pleiss in a backup role to Rudy Gobert.

tjones@sltrib.com

(tjones@sltrib.com)
twitter: @tjonessltrib (http://twitter.com/tjonessltrib)

I imagine he'll make the team and be around until at least December. He looked great in the one game. Didn't see much otherwise though.

Xiao Yao You

10-15-2015, 02:56 PM

http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865639064/Coaching-course-paid-off-for-Jazz-guard-Alec-Burks.html?pg=2

[QUOTE] Burks hasn

Xiao Yao You

10-15-2015, 03:12 PM

http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865639026/Jazz-concerned-about-turnovers-but-dont-want-to-dwell-on-miscues.html

[QUOTE]One of the few good things to come out of Utah

Xiao Yao You

10-15-2015, 03:37 PM

http://saltcityhoops.com/predictions-for-the-2015-16-utah-jazz/

[QUOTE]Quin Snyder will be a Coach of the Year candidate: As a rookie skipper, Quin Snyder turned a lot of heads. Not only did he propel the team to a 13-game increase in the win column, he was the driver behind many of his players

Xiao Yao You

10-15-2015, 03:55 PM

[QUOTE]Marc J. Spears: In waiving C Grant Jerrett today, Jazz dropped a guaranteed contract paying $947,726. (http://*********.com/social/) Jazz down to 17 players with Millsap

Xiao Yao You

10-15-2015, 03:58 PM

[QUOTE]The Jazz entered training camp with 13 players

Xiao Yao You

10-15-2015, 05:05 PM

http://www.sltrib.com/sports/3066850-155/utah-jazz-bench-play-could-be

[QUOTE]Walk up to a Utah Jazz fan and ask about the most important factors to team success this season. The answers will probably vary.

No doubt, the play of Rudy Gobert, Gordon Hayward and Derrick Favors would top the list. Plenty would speak to the reinstitution of Alec Burks, or the success of Trey Burke, or even the offense or defense as a unit.

Bench scoring, however

Xiao Yao You

10-15-2015, 05:13 PM

http://www.deseretnews.com/article/765680987/Jerrett-wavied-from-the-Utah-Jazz-roster.html
[QUOTE]

The 18-player Utah Jazz roster dropped to 17 players earlier today as the Jazz announced the decision to waive Grant Jerrett.

The 6-foot-10 forward at 233 pounds played in three games for the Jazz last season, averaging just 3.0 points, 1.7 rebounds and 8.7 minutes of action per game.

Jerrett did not see any playing time in this year

Xiao Yao You

10-16-2015, 11:34 AM

http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865639154/Well-rested-Jazz-guard-Joe-Ingles-body-2-and-sense-of-humor-2-are-doing-well.html

[QUOTE]I think, is pretty unselfish. From top to bottom, I think everyone here can pass and is willing to pass, which is great.

Xiao Yao You

10-16-2015, 11:40 AM

http://www.sltrib.com/sports/3067625-155/utah-jazz-say-passing-is-there?page=2

There's plenty of time for improvement.

Like the off-season when you're putting a roster together.

"It's just about learning the offense," Jazz point guard Trey Burke said. "The more guys get familiar with the offense, the more we get guys in position, the higher our assist numbers will go up. We have an unselfish team and the ball has been moving."

Players say coach Quin Snyder has been introducing new sets and wrinkles that need time for adjustments, which is why the lack of assists isn't as alarming as it would seem on paper.

Also, the Jazz have had a number of guys playing primary roles handling the ball within the offense. Already, you've seen Burke, Raul Neto, Bryce Cotton, Alec Burks, Rodney Hood and Gordon Hayward taking turns being front-line playmakers. That number is bound to decrease once the regular season begins, but it's still taken some getting used to.

You forgot Ingles.

Preview

Snyder said most of Friday's open practice will be dedicated to scrimmaging. He did say he will go through some normal practice scenarios, but the players are excited to get up and down the floor after a long week.

The other end

As well as Burks played on Monday, Snyder said he wasn't happy with his defense against the Blazers. The two looked at some film of the mishaps, and talked about what Burks needs to do in order to improve.

"We looked at some things," Burks said. "Most of my mistakes were off the ball. I've been away from the game and haven't had much live action, so it's something I have to work at and get better at."

Staying hungry

Snyder said he's been working a bunch on offense, and offensive sets this week. That's the product of having four games and three practices in the first 11 days. Now, that the Jazz are able to work on some things, the hope for the coaching staff is that Utah looks better on offense against the Blazers on Sunday.

Roster move

The Jazz waived forward Grant Jerrett on Thursday. Jerrett, a 6-foot-10 shooting power forward out of Arizona, was acquired from Oklahoma City in the deal that sent Enes Kanter to the Thunder. He played sparingly for the Jazz through the rest of the regular season and dislocated his shoulder in the first summer league game against the Boston Celtics.

tjones@sltrib.com

(tjones@sltrib.com)
Twitter: @tonyjonessltrib (http://twitter.com/tonyjonessltrib)

Xiao Yao You

10-16-2015, 06:22 PM

http://www.slcdunk.com/utah-jazz-news-2/2015/10/16/9553599/nba-season-preview-2016-utah-jazz-gordon-hayward-rudy-gobert-derrick-favors-dante-exum

Even without Dante Exum (http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/e/exumda01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.basketball-reference.com) this season they are going to be an up and coming team that may be a lot closer to beating the best teams than most pundits expect.

Maybe because of. The kid gets way too much hype for someone that was horrible at the offensive end.

Non-Guaranteed Contracts To Be Decided Still: Bryce Cotton (http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/c/cottobr01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.basketball-reference.com) (PG); Elijah Millsap (http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/m/millsel01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.basketball-reference.com) (SG/SF), 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) (SG/SF), Treveon Graham (SG/SF); Jeff Withey (http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/w/witheje01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.basketball-reference.com) (C)Millsap was decided last year.

Lyles does not look like he will challenge for a starting spot on a playoff team.
Not yet anyway.

Down the line Lyles will find his niche, but this season his role will be minor.
Could play a big role by the end of the year.

[quote]Utah didn

Xiao Yao You

10-16-2015, 06:53 PM

http://saltcityhoops.com/will-utahs-starting-lineup-work/

[QUOTE] But there are some realities that need to be solved for if Gordon Hayward, Derrick Favors, Rudy Gobert, Alec Burks and Trey Burke are going to be Utah

Xiao Yao You

10-16-2015, 06:54 PM

Off for practice. Hopefully get to see Cotton vs Burke at the very least!

Xiao Yao You

10-16-2015, 06:59 PM

[QUOTE]The New Orleans Pelicans announced today that the team has waived center Jerome Jordan, (http://www.nba.com/pelicans/news/pelicans-waive-jerome-jordan) who was originally signed by the team on Oct. 11. Jordan, 7-0, 253, appeared in 44 games for the Brooklyn Nets during the 2014-15 season, averaging 3.1 points and 2.4 rebounds in 8.7 minutes per game. New Orleans

Xiao Yao You

10-16-2015, 11:11 PM

Graham looked good. Hit a fall away at the buzzer and a couple 3's. Might have to keep him. Might be the best shooter on the team. Has an NBA body. Can see how he was able to rebound in college. Don't see a big difference bet Burke and Cotton. Not sure why Cotton hasn't been in the mix. Burks continues to look great. Ingles looked good. Hayward sat. Favors did drills but sat out the scrimmage.

Xiao Yao You

10-16-2015, 11:13 PM

[QUOTE]Jody Genessy: The Jazz are saying Gordon Hayward (low back contusion) is day-to-day. (http://*********.com/social/) Weird that this injury wasn

Xiao Yao You

10-17-2015, 09:05 AM

http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865639246/Gordon-Hayward-doesnt-practice-but-Jazz-coach-likes-what-he-sees.html?pg=all

[QUOTE]They

Xiao Yao You

10-17-2015, 09:15 AM

http://www.sltrib.com/sports/3068445-155/utah-jazz-dante-exum-on-a?fullpage=1

Exum's size, speed and defensive contributions helped him win the starting job by season's end. Had more to do with the guy that was starting and is apparently starting again than it did Dante. :banghead:

By July, Exum looked like a more complete and confident player. He scored 20 points, and had five assists and five rebounds in the first game of summer league before rolling his ankle near the end of the contest. He didn't play again in summer league, but that flash helped build buzz about what Exum might be able to do in the coming season.

It sucks we only had that one glimpse. Was he ready to dominate all summer or was that just one big game like Cotton had?

[quote]It took one play in August to crush those hopes.

"It was tough," center Rudy Gobert said. "He worked hard this offseason and he was ready for a big year."

Instead he faces a year of watching from the sideline as he tries to work himself back from injury.

"It's tough," Exum said. "But I keep trying to remind myself and think of it as a positive and trying to learn. The one thing everyone keeps saying is you're still young and all that. That's what I kind of try to come back to and look at it as a way to learn from a coach's perspective."

His teammates, like fellow Aussie Joe Ingles, have helped ease the pain.
"He's the Dant

Xiao Yao You

10-17-2015, 01:39 PM

[QUOTE]Sam Amico: Cavs have signed F Jack Cooley, per GM David Griffin. (http://*********.com/social/) Cooley appeared in 16 games for Jazz last season. Jazz released him this week.

Xiao Yao You

10-17-2015, 01:46 PM

[QUOTE]Shams Charania: The Cleveland Cavaliers have reached agreement on a deal with Utah free agent center Jack Cooley, (http://*********.com/social/) league source tells Yahoo.

Xiao Yao You

10-17-2015, 04:08 PM

Someone on the main page said Hawes will be 3rd string on the Hornets. Got to think the Jazz would love him. He hits 3's, can pass, blocks shots, a young vet. The 3rd year of his contract is the only thing I can see not liking about it. Works without Roberts but he's a vet at least.

http://espn.go.com/nba/tradeMachine?tradeId=pjkh8pn

Xiao Yao You

10-17-2015, 05:10 PM

[QUOTE]Jody Genessy: The Jazz have exercised their third-year team options on Dante Exum and Rodney Hood (http://*********.com/social/).

Xiao Yao You

10-17-2015, 05:26 PM

http://www.sltrib.com/sports/3068378-155/utah-jazz-notes-gordon-haywards-back

Gordon Hayward is going to have to put the Utah Jazz on his back often this season.

He'll be riding Rudy's coattails as they all did last year. I'd like to think with Alec back and looking better than ever and the late season play of Hood and Ingles that even without Rudy they will be able to compete at a high level but until we see it I don't believe it.

[QUOTE]So when it felt a little sore Friday, head coach Quin Snyder made the decision to keep his leading scorer on the sideline for the team's open practice at EnergySolutions Arena.

"If it were the regular season, of course guys have a different measure, and I do too," Snyder said adding that Hayward is "fine." "But right now it's the preseason and

Xiao Yao You

10-18-2015, 02:39 PM

http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865639287/Utah-Jazz-notes-Player-extensions-more-tidbits-from-Fridays-practice.html

The Utah Jazz took care of some expected business Saturday, exercising team options on four of their key young players.

The Jazz announced that they will take the team option for a fourth season for third-year players Rudy Gobert and Trey Burke and for a third season for second-year players Rodney Hood and Dante Exum.

That means all four players are under contract with the Jazz through the end of the 2016-17 season.

This was not surprising news, seeing how Gobert transformed into a defensive force in his second season, how Hood is expected to provide an outside shooting spark for the Jazz and that the team has high hopes for point guards Burke and Exum.

The Jazz had to exercise the options on these four players or they would become free agents next offseason. First-round picks are guaranteed two years of full salary, but teams have options on their third and fourth years.
Next offseason, Utah will be able to engage in contract extension negotiations with Gobert and Burke ahead of their fourth seasons.

I'm hoping that they at least think picking up his option makes him more tradeable. With Exum coming back and Neto I'd hate to be stuck with Trey for another year. They might end up drafting another pg. :confusedshrug:

GAME DAY: The Jazz (2-2) hit the road Sunday night for their fifth preseason game and a rematch with Portland, which easily won in Utah 97-81 on Monday night. Small forward Gordon Hayward is listed as day to day with a low back contusion suffered in Monday's game while hit from behind by C.J. McCollum, so his availability is uncertain. Blazers star Damian Lillard, the former Weber State standout, is expected to play for Portland after not playing Monday.

Hopefully they look better after a few practices. Would like to see Graham and Cotton.

[QUOTE]WORKING LATE: The Jazz went through a variety of end-of-game situations to simulate those scenarios with a crowd during Friday's open practice at EnergySolutions Arena.

Jazz coach Quin Snyder admitted it would

Xiao Yao You

10-18-2015, 02:50 PM

https://jazzfanatical.wordpress.com/2015/10/18/and-heres-your-weekly-utah-jazz-wrapup-2/

[QUOTE]One. Raul Neto on getting acclimated to Salt Lake City: It

Xiao Yao You

10-18-2015, 04:12 PM

[QUOTE]Tony Jones: [URL="http://*********.com/social/"]Gordon Hayward, Rudy Gobert and Derrick Favors all out for tonight

Xiao Yao You

10-19-2015, 10:45 AM

The team looked a lot better last nite, even Trey. The 3rd string gave the game away. Johnson will make the team. He can help them now. He's a solid vet not spectacular. Withey looks like Rudy's back-up again until someone else steps up. He does a lot of good things out there. Neto could start if he can play like last night. Looked confident and good shooting the ball including a 3 and taking a guy of the dribble for a pull up. Trey would be a great 6th man if he could ever do it consistently like last nite but I don't think it will ever happen. Burks is making it look easy. Ingles and Hood looked great. Booker didn't shoot well but played a nice game anyway. A big reason Snyder never went back to some of these guys is because they all looked so good when they were in there. The practice time did them good. See how they do against a top team on Tuesday. The crowd will be glad to see Enes again I'm sure!

Xiao Yao You

10-20-2015, 03:26 PM

Cotton and Graham gone. Be surprised if the Jazz made any other moves for a while. I like the roster 7 deep. Lots of question marks after that especially with Trey apparently in the rotation. Trey needs to go but they seem to think otherwise. Eventually have to pick between Withey and Pleiss. Withey looks better now. Pleiss still adjusting to the rule differences.

See how they look tonight against a top team.

Xiao Yao You

10-20-2015, 07:16 PM

Kanter is resting tonite. How convenient!:roll:

Xiao Yao You

10-21-2015, 12:49 AM

crappy start tonite. Lindsey said probably no moves in the short term as expected. :banghead:

Xiao Yao You

10-21-2015, 02:31 PM

[QUOTE]The Spurs are waiving former lottery pick Jimmer Fredette, along with former Ohio State star Deshaun Thomas and Youssou Ndoye, per Yahoo Sports. The Hawks, Jazz, Suns and Knicks are said to have an interest in Fredette. (http://amicohoops.net/2015/10/hoopsnews-calipari-kerr-boatright-nets/) Thomas has spent the past two seasons playing in Europe and has several offers waiting for him there, per Amico Hoops.

Xiao Yao You

10-21-2015, 03:13 PM

http://*********.com/2015/10/19/this-is-why-people-should-be-jumping-on-the-jazz-bandwagon/

the Utah Jazz are now in as good a position as anybody going forward.

Not sure. It will get interesting in a couple years to see if they can pay everyone.
[QUOTE]
Though they don

Xiao Yao You

10-21-2015, 03:22 PM

http://www.slcdunk.com/2015/10/20/9539613/jumus-jazzmen-previews-2

Hayward is the only Jazzman who came in at the same spot in this year's and last year's rankings.

Who would have been ahead of him?

Gordon carried our offensive load night in and night out this season and due to a combination of his and our team's continued improvement achieved career highs in PER, Usage%, Win Shares, Win Shares per 48 minutes, Box Plus MInus (with his 1st positive defensive box plus minus ever), and Value over replacement player!

For those who are not into all the outside of the box score stats, that's basically all a bunch of analytic mumbo jumbo that Hayward took another leap this season. He is right on the cusp of that NBA All Star range. Depending on who you ask, Hayward is starting to make people's list of top 25 NBA players right now.

Anyways, let's get on with his formal introduction:
#2. Gordon Hayward, 6th year, 25 years old, 6'8", 207 pounds, (Last year's rank: 2)

Backstory:

Time flies, Gordon Hayward is the veteran of this team. Let's look back at a moment from his rookie year

The more I look back at this moment, the more I can appreciate the symbolism of this clip.

This was the season where the passing of the baton took place in the great historical Utah Jazz franchise relay-- It was not a clean handoff by any means.

Jerry Sloan's (http://www.sbnation.com/nba/players/98725/jerry-sloan) system had brought us great success over the decades, but it had become apparent for at least a couple years, if not more, that it had long since become antiquated and no longer a formula for a contender.

In this clip, are the last fractured remnants of the final iteration of Jerry Sloan coached basketball. Deron Williams (http://www.sbnation.com/nba/players/21655/deron-williams), appears dismayed as his once-effective partner-in-crime Carlos Boozer (http://www.sbnation.com/nba/players/21653/carlos-boozer) recently left for greener/redder pastures to play with a new up-and-coming point guard in Derrick Rose (http://www.sbnation.com/nba/players/50189/derrick-rose) (or maybe just to get as big of a paycheck as he could).
Deron vents his anger as his team, down by double-digits, is playing this pasty new hot-shot who is still learning the intricacies of Sloan's flex system as this was the 2nd game of his NBA career.

Now watch that video again. Observe the frustration Deron displays early on, he was making mountains out of molehills. He knew his team's peak was behind him. His team's success that season was only going to go as far as he could carry them. He realized this and would lead us to many wins (we were 27-13 halfway through this season!) but eventually he lost steam clashed heads with too many people and the Jazz had to cut their losses and welcome in a new era.

Most of you are aware this is the year Sloan retired. Watch the 27 second mark as the lone player-connection to the Jazz's (http://www.sbnation.com/nba/teams/utah-jazz) past of Stockton-and-Malone in Kirilenko exits stage left. See Hayward showing his own frustration but an even more intense expression of how much he was willing to learn from his mistakes and improve. View the immediately frames following at the 31 second mark as Big Al, Raja Bell (http://www.sbnation.com/nba/players/21915/raja-bell), and Corbin console him as those 3 would realize Gordon was going to play an integral role in making all of them look better than they would have in absence of him.

Then, in the final shot, a Kirilenko patting Hayward's shorts.

The figureheads of the players of Jazz basketball of the last 30 years:
Stockton/Malone->Kirilenko->DWill/Boozer->Hayward/Favors
Gordon Hayward is only player left on this team from when we had Deron Williams

He is the one player keeping us from 100% roster turnover since then...it has not even been 5 years since that clip...

The Jazz culture sure has changed since the decades of dominance that spanned from the mid-80s to early-00s.
Now, a new era.

One who's longest current incumbent is Gordon Hayward. He is joined by his teammates this year as they all try to win playoff games for the first time with this team!
What to Expect This Season

Take a look at how Hayward performed compared to my projections for him last year, I eerily close on some while Hayward exceeded my expectations by a bit in the other ones:

Player G MP PTS AST REB FG% 3P% FT% PER WS/48 Hayward Projected 76 34.0 17.4 4.1 3.5 0.440 0.370 0.820 18.0 0.121 Hayward Actual 76 34.4 19.3 4.1 4.9 0.445 0.364 0.812 20.2 0.159

Hayward already is living up to his new contract that many saw as a gross overpay a short year ago.

So why is Gordon only ranked #2? He appears to have exceeded my expectations for the most part. And indeed, he leapfrogged last year's #1 in Derrick Favors in this year's Jazzmen Previews. But there is one I see even more crucial to the Jazz's success, one whose specialized talents will be THE reason many attribute to our team either making or missing the playoffs this year. He will be covered in the final entry (and the vast majority of you already know who it is).

I expect Hayward to either level off this season in production or take a minor step (hopefully in the positive direction) for the most part as Burks' return and Hood's likely improvement help to alleviate some of Hayward's heavy offensive load from the wing this season.

This is what I would project him to produce this season:

G MP FGA FG% 3P% TRB AST STL PTS PER WS VORP 80 34.0 15 0.450 0.380 5.0 6.0 1.5 20.8 20.0 9.0 4.0

Chances of him being with the team in the 2016-2017 season:

90%
Conclusion:

Hayward is the longest standing Jazz player of the Core 4 Fab 5 Sensual 6 Quin Snyder (http://www.sbnation.com/nba/players/111859/quin-snyder) era of Jazz basketball.

He is the captain and one of the leaders of the charge that the Jazz are poised to make this season.

His name (or remnants of it rather, as a vocal minority still mistakenly call him Haywood) is the one that people know from our team for now.

The cogs of our offensive system simply are not greased without him.

Here's to Gordon and the Jazz finding some success this year and next, as Hayward will likely hit the market less than 20ish months from now. Let's hope Quin gets Hayward and the rest of our squad to buy in the special story our team is going to be making for years to come!

Let's get back to winning some playoff games!

Xiao Yao You

10-21-2015, 04:10 PM

http://saltcityhoops.com/10-utah-jazz-season-predictions-2015-16/

[quote]he

Xiao Yao You

10-21-2015, 04:18 PM

http://www.slcdunk.com/2015/10/20/9571889/what-will-the-utah-jazzs-best-lineup-be-the-downbeat-1752

The Jazz's starting five might not be their best starting five.

Not any line-up with Burke.

Also, beefmeters, Jingles, and nerdy stuff. It's your Tuesday Downbeat.

(https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?text=What%20Will%20The%20Utah%20Jazz%27s%20B est%20Lineup%20Be%3F%20The%20Downbeat%20%231752&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.slcdunk.com%2F2015%2F10%2F20% 2F9571889%2Fwhat-will-the-utah-jazzs-best-lineup-be-the-downbeat-1752&via=slcdunk)

[/URL][URL="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?description=The+Jazz%27s+starting+five+might+not+ be+their+best+starting+five.+Also%2C+beefmeters%2C +Jingles%2C+and+nerdy+stuff.+It%27s+your+Tuesday+D ownbeat.&media=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn0.vox-cdn.com%2Fthumbor%2FZw5RBgeW620mwJ4x75hhsV8FIls%3D %2F0x110%3A2448x1487%2F1050x591%2Fcdn0.vox-cdn.com%2Fuploads%2Fchorus_image%2Fimage%2F4747027 6%2Fusa-today-8378921.0.jpg&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.slcdunk.com%2F2015%2F10%2F20% 2F9571889%2Fwhat-will-the-utah-jazzs-best-lineup-be-the-downbeat-1752"] (https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?text=What%20Will%20The%20Utah%20Jazz%27s%20B est%20Lineup%20Be%3F%20The%20Downbeat%20%231752&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.slcdunk.com%2F2015%2F10%2F20% 2F9571889%2Fwhat-will-the-utah-jazzs-best-lineup-be-the-downbeat-1752&via=slcdunk)
http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/155479/1_medium.png As the regular season nears and the Jazz winnow down their roster, we'll be learning more about the roles each player will fill. Starters are a part of that, but a team's best five players statistically are not always the starting five.

Take last year, for example. As CBS Eye On Basketball reports (http://www.cbssports.com/nba/eye-on-basketball/25341621/-16-nba-season-preview-western-conference-best-lineups), last year's best Jazz lineup in terms of plus/minus consisted of Trey Burke, Gordon Hayward, Joe Ingles, Derrick Favors, and Rudy Gobert. Zach Harper writes:

This was the fourth highest-used lineup (128 minutes) by the Jazz and it put up a plus-14.9 net rating. Defensively -- as was the case for the entire second half of the season -- the Jazz demolished opponents. This lineup allowed just 89.8 points per 100. This lineup was very sloppy with the ball (21 percent turnover rate) and yet they still dominated. The amazing thing about this lineup is the difference between Gobert and Kanter. When you swapped those two big men, the Jazz were a minus-17 per 100. That's a difference of 31.9 points per 100! The Jazz could've traded Kanter for a broken down tractor and it would've been a good deal.
It's almost a guarantee that any "best" Jazz lineup will feature Hayward, Favors and Gobert. It's like picking character classes for the original Final Fantasy on NES -- if you've got a Fighter, a White Mage and a Black Mage, it doesn't really matter who else is in the party. (And now I definitely need to write a post assigning a Final Fantasy "Job" class to each Jazz player.)
Anyway, Harper takes a guess at the best Jazz lineup for this upcoming season, and unsurprisingly, it features those three:

I don't know they looked good with Booker and Rudy with the wings I could see being pretty good too.

This Season: Raul Neto, Alec Burks, Gordon Hayward, Derrick Favors, Rudy Gobert
If you were hoping Dante Exum was going to be involved in their best lineup, he tore his ACL this summer. Burke was a part of their most effective lineup last season, but newcomer Raul Neto is the type of playmaker who could make a big difference. You're also adding a healthy Alec Burks to the mix, and he can also do a lot of playmaking from the wings. This lineup still maintains its defensive intensity and effectiveness under Quin Snyder, but you get better offense and more control of the ball. This could be the lineup that gets the Jazz back to the playoffs.
Again, Harper isn't necessarily presuming Raul Neto will be the starter -- just that he'll be part of the Jazz's most effective lineup in terms of plus/minus. I'm inclined to agree, since Neto's offensive deficiencies can be hidden in that lineup more easily than Trey Burke's defensive flaws.
But like I said, it doesn't really matter. Any lineup featuring our Fighter, White Mage and Black Mage will excel.

I think Ingles instead of Neto would be better right now. That would be my starting line-up.

http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/155483/2_medium.png Speaking of the Jazz's Big Three, they've finally all been revealed in ESPN's #NBArank. Gordon Hayward topped the Jazz at #32 overall. (http://espn.go.com/nba/story/_/id/13895955/nbarank-31-35) (An auspicious number for Jazz fans.) But as JuMu points out, that leaves a bunch of players above him:

(Disregard Greg Monroe's and Al Jefferson's names in those tweets; JuMu was going off erroneous ESPN info and later corrected himself.)

Most of those seem pretty fair to me, although a few are definitely arguable. (By Real Plus/Minus and WAR (http://espn.go.com/nba/statistics/rpm/_/sort/RPM), Hayward is at least above Butler, Irving, and several others.) As I mentioned a week or two ago, though, about a third of the teams in the league have three top-50 players, and the Jazz are one of them. If these rankings are good for anything -- and I'm not entirely convinced they are -- it might be to show the kind of company the Jazz stand in.
http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/554201/3_medium.png So last week I attended a concert at Abravanel Hall featuring symphonic arrangements of music from The Legend of Zelda series. (It should surprise approximately no one that I choose to spend my free time listening to live performances of video game music.) The FanPost by hansenjames (http://www.slcdunk.com/2015/10/15/9548741/gordon-hayward-and-the-joystick-of-time) I'm featuring this week, then, is apropos:

In the land of Hyrule, sometimes known as Utah, a young Gordon woke to a very obnoxious fairy.
"I choose you," said the fairy, "You will prove to be great in time."
"Wut?" said Gordon waking from the slumber of the offseason.
"No comment!" said the fairy with an annoying smirk and flitted around the room. She thought that remark was so funny.
Also, this FanPost involves intentionally bad Photoshop jobs. I'm not gonna spoil it by posting them here. Click through (http://www.slcdunk.com/2015/10/15/9548741/gordon-hayward-and-the-joystick-of-time). And thanks, James.
http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/155491/4_medium.png Here's a good recap of Joe Ingles' recent preseason performance from Aussie hoops blog The Pick and Roll (http://pickandroll.com.au/aussies-nba-joe-ingles-heats-downtown/):

Joe Ingles will be entering the 2015/16 NBA season in fine form. Backing up from his encouraging game against the Trailblazers a few days ago, Ingles had himself a game against Portland again today.
Although the Jazz eventually went down in overtime 111-116, Ingles provided plenty of highlights. In 20 minutes of game time, Ingles took 7 shots, all of which came from beyond the arc, and drained 5 of them. He finished with 16 points, 2 assists, 1 rebound and a steal.
In the third quarter Ingles scored 9 straight points in a span of just 1 minute and 22 seconds. It was triple after triple for Ingles, and it was beautiful to watch.
I admit, I often fail to take Ingles into account when I think about the depth of the Jazz roster. He's an easy player to shortchange, and I'm as guilty of that as his opponents. Games like Sunday's remind me of his potential as a shooter, but his best asset is that he makes other players better and doesn't get in their way. He's a Bard (http://finalfantasy.wikia.com/wiki/Bard_%28Final_Fantasy_V%29), basically -- sort of useless on his own, but his presence is invaluable. (I won't vouch for his singing ability, though.)
http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/155495/5_medium.png Trevor Booker's Beefmeter status, according to Grantland's Jason Concepcion: Double Cheeseburger (http://grantland.com/the-triangle/2015-16-nba-beefmeter-appraising-notable-feuds-heading-into-the-season/). Love ya, Book.

I think his shooting might be the best thing. He's looked like their best shooter since the end of last year not saying much though.

Xiao Yao You

10-21-2015, 04:25 PM

http://saltcityhoops.com/playoffs-pessimism-part-ii-are-stretch-runs-sticky/

the fact that they didn't answer their roster needs is what worries me not history.

Xiao Yao You

10-21-2015, 07:41 PM

http://www.sltrib.com/sports/3082767-155/utah-jazz-waive-bryce-cotton-and

The franchise that brought you John Stockton is ready to play without a point guard at times this year.

Don't have much choice thanks to their off-season :wtf:

Utah Jazz coach Quin Sndyer has tinkered throughout the preseason with lineups made up of three wing players, two big men and no traditional point guard. And the Jazz's most recent roster moves seem to be a sign that Snyder has liked what he's seen from that lineup. Utah on Tuesday waived swingman Treveon Graham and point guard Bryce Cotton, leaving the Jazz with just two healthy point guards on the roster heading into the regular season.

Snyder called the cuts "really difficult" and said he hoped making a move several days before the deadline to trim the roster down to 15 players would give Graham and Cotton a better chance to land with another team before the start of the regular season.

Doubt Graham is getting picked up an NBA team. Cotton will be one the first pg's picked up I imagine.

[QUOTE]But the coach also praised the progress of point guards Trey Burke and Raul Neto, both of whom will be asked this season to help fill the void left by injured point guard Dant

Xiao Yao You

10-21-2015, 07:45 PM

http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865639415/Jazz-notebook-Hood-hopes-to-avoid-injuries-this-year-with-preventative-work.html

Hope it helps!

Xiao Yao You

10-21-2015, 07:47 PM

http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865639374/Rock-On-Utah-Jazz-having-an-identity-crisis.html

Xiao Yao You

10-21-2015, 07:52 PM

http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865639374/Rock-On-Utah-Jazz-having-an-identity-crisis.html

Gobert has worked hard this offseason to improve his offensive capabilities, including on mid-range shots and a short floater.

He banked in a floater last night. Wasn't pretty! :lol

Xiao Yao You

10-21-2015, 07:53 PM

http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865639345/Morning-links-National-writer-praises-Utes-disses-BYU-fan-Can-Jazzs-defense-be-elite.html

Xiao Yao You

10-21-2015, 08:00 PM

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2578752-everything-you-need-to-know-about-the-utah-jazzs-2015-16-nba-season

Lyles isn't yet ready for prime time and certainly shouldn't be expected to take minutes away from the Jazz's established frontcourt forces.

Just a matter of time. i would think Withey is first in line though.

Xiao Yao You

10-21-2015, 08:04 PM

https://jazzfanatical.wordpress.com/2015/10/21/quin-snyders-state-of-the-utah-jazz-address/

[QUOTE]I mean, we got the same team we had last year. You know, if we didn

Xiao Yao You

10-21-2015, 08:08 PM

http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865639527/OKC-teammate-calls-Enes-Kanters-spat-with-Utah-silly.html

Xiao Yao You

10-21-2015, 08:11 PM

http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865639446/Utah-Jazz-waive-Cotton-and-Graham-roster-narrowed-to-15.html

"Difficult on Dennis (Lindsey) and myself. More difficult on the players, obviously."

I'd say it's toughest on Dennis considering how little he likes to make moves.

Xiao Yao You

10-21-2015, 08:17 PM

http://www.sltrib.com/sports/3083509-155/utah-jazz-notes-has-withey-earned

Part of the reason is that Tibor Pleiss is proving he needs some time to acclimate himself to the NBA. And a significant factor is that Withey has been playing good basketball in the preseason, maybe even the best of his professional career.

Most of it is being on a team that doesn't think you need to spend money on NBA players.

Xiao Yao You

10-21-2015, 08:25 PM

http://www.sltrib.com/blogs/jazznotes/3084060-155/ex-jazzman-jack-cooley-grabs-15-rebounds

[QUOTE]Dennis Lindsey and company still had a few more days before the deadline to trim the roster down to 15 players. But rather than keeping Jack Cooley, Bryce Cotton and other players around until the end, the Utah Jazz front office prefers to make decisions earlier.

"One of the thing about the timing is

Xiao Yao You

10-21-2015, 08:39 PM

http://saltcityhoops.com/quin-snyders-mic-drop-plus-notes-for-thunder-jazz-102015/

[QUOTE]

Xiao Yao You

10-21-2015, 08:45 PM

http://www.sltrib.com/sports/3083641-155/utah-jazz-quin-snyder-offers-candid

Xiao Yao You

10-21-2015, 08:49 PM

http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865639533/Utah-Jazz-Struggles-on-both-ends-of-court-doom-Jazz-to-preseason-defeat-vs-Thunder.html?pg=all

Xiao Yao You

10-21-2015, 09:07 PM

http://www.sltrib.com/sports/3079791-155/utah-jazz-notes-hayward-calls-flagrant?fullpage=1

Xiao Yao You

10-21-2015, 09:13 PM

http://weareutahjazz.com/lockedonjazz/2015/10/20/emptying-the-noggin-jazz-fall-to-the-thunder/

[QUOTE]

Xiao Yao You

10-21-2015, 09:20 PM

http://saltcityhoops.com/free-throw-shooting-a-key-to-the-utah-jazz-season/

talent will remain a bigger issue

Xiao Yao You

10-21-2015, 09:25 PM

http://basketball.realgm.com/wiretap/239594/Jazz-Sign-EJ-Singler

Maybe to stash him in Idaho? Not sure who they would cut if they kept him. I'd look to move Pleiss and Burke but I'd guess Johnson would go and he can help them. Guessing this guy can probably shoot though? His brother can.

Xiao Yao You

10-21-2015, 09:30 PM

http://www.sltrib.com/sports/3086763-155/utah-jazz-after-two-slow-starts

Xiao Yao You

10-21-2015, 09:34 PM

http://www.sltrib.com/sports/3086454-155/utah-jazz-okc-coach-billy-donovan

Our rotation could be something that we see evolve like it did last year."

Still, Snyder rolled out some of his tightest rotations of the exhibition season against the Thunder.

Elijah Millsap and Chris Johnson each logged a minute of game time. Rookies Tibor Pleiss and Trey Lyles never got into the game. Is that a sign of things to come and how tight minutes will be for guys at the end of the Utah bench? We'll see.

afalk@sltrib.com

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

I'd play the top 7 guys as much as you need to and mix and match after that. Hopefully Trey will be gone at some point.

Xiao Yao You

10-21-2015, 09:39 PM

http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865639609/Jazz-hoping-to-bounce-back-in-final-preseason-game-Thursday-night.html

Xiao Yao You

10-21-2015, 09:41 PM

http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865639569/Utah-Jazz-sign-former-Oregon-sharpshooter-EJ-Singler.html

Sounds like a d-league move.

Xiao Yao You

10-21-2015, 09:44 PM

http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865639539/Morning-links-Utes-earning-recognition-in-midseason-reviews-Utah-Jazz-ranked-examined.html

Many are expecting good things from the Utah Jazz this season. Just don't expect Quin Snyder's club to be all that exciting.

Rudy was certainly exciting! :bowdown:

Such is the opinion of Grantland NBA writer Zach Lowe, who released Tuesday his annual "League Pass rankings," where he examines each team's relevance in the league's conversation, individual player appeal, how watchable teams are from an entertainment standpoint and the "unintentional comedy" they provide.

Lowe ranks the Jazz 22nd of the league's 30 teams, in a tie with the Orlando Magic.

"Trevor Booker plays every minute on the edge, flying to the offensive glass and talking trash. Alec Burks is back, Rodney Hood is interesting, Joe Ingles is funny, Snyder makes serial-killer faces and that musical note logo at center court is perfect," Lowe writes. "Just avoid the temptation to drink every time Matt Harpring yelps 'Jazz Nation!'"

On a more serious note, NBA.com released Tuesday its annual GM survey, compiled by John Schuhmann, which asks the league's 30 general managers various questions about individual players and teams.

Whether it comes as a surprise or not is up for debate, but the Jazz aren't exactly high on the radar around the league.

The Utah-related highlights are limited, but Rudy Gobert was named the fourth-best interior defender and received votes as a potential breakout and top defensive player overall. The squad got votes as a potentially improved team and is seen as having the third-best home-court advantage in the league.

Xiao Yao You

10-22-2015, 03:32 PM

https://jazzfanatical.wordpress.com/2015/10/22/bits-from-randy-rigby-interview-1021/

[QUOTE]And I really feel that our players have it in it, have it in them, to do better, to work together, and that

Xiao Yao You

10-23-2015, 08:37 AM

The Utah Jazz announced today that the team has waived forward E.J. Singler. (http://www.nba.com/jazz/news/jazz-waive-forward-e.j.-singler) Following the moves, Utah’s roster now stands at 15 players.
– via NBA.com (http://www.nba.com/jazz/news/jazz-waive-forward-e.j.-singler)

Ryan McDonald: As expected, the Jazz have waived E.J. Singler. We should see him on the Idaho Stampede roster this season (http://*********.com/social/)
– via Twitter ryanwmcdonald (http://twitter.com/ryanwmcdonald)

So I guess he got a practice and game in anyway?

Looks like they played good and Gobert and Neto seem ready to go anyway. Maybe Neto will start?

Xiao Yao You

10-23-2015, 02:03 PM

http://weareutahjazz.com/lockedonjazz/2015/10/22/emptying-the-noggin-jazz-close-pre-season-on-a-winning-note/

[QUOTE]Big story of the night was the Jazz starting Raul Neto and Rodney Hood. The Nuggets didn

Xiao Yao You

10-23-2015, 02:13 PM

http://saltcityhoops.com/solid-ground-analysis-and-notes-from-a-strong-jazz-preseason-finale/
[QUOTE]
I was going to have to change certain habits that I had in the past and I had to change.

Xiao Yao You

10-23-2015, 02:54 PM

http://saltcityhoops.com/most-likely-to-success-2015-16-and-beyond/

Honorable Mentions: Derrick Favors and Rudy Gobert also have a shot at being the next Jazz All-Stars.
It's ridiculous if anyone other than Rudy makes it first.
[quote]Most likely to make All-Defensive teams or compete for DPOY at some point: Rudy Gobert

This one seems like such a foregone conclusion now. It wasn

Xiao Yao You

10-23-2015, 03:00 PM

http://www.sltrib.com/sports/3092309-155/jazz-gobert-leads-rout-of-denver

Quin Snyder saw it as early as Thursday morning.

There was an extra hop to Rudy Gobert's step. He was more focused during shootaround. His work pregame was more pronounced, more purposeful.

And when Thursday night rolled around, Gobert was ready for the Denver Nuggets.

In one final preseason tune-up, Gobert was Rudy Gobert again in front of 17,083 at EnergySolutions Arena. As the Utah Jazz defeated the Nuggets 98-78, Gobert put up 14 points, 11 rebounds, three assists and two blocked shots in just under 30 minutes of action.

It was by far his best performance of the preseason.

"I just wanted to show my teammates that I was ready for the regular season," Gobert said. "I was excited to play tonight, and I wanted to come out and play well. I tried to set the tone defensively right from the beginning and make sure I helped my teammates and make sure we played physical."

He played well statistically, and his impact stretched beyond the box score. For the first time in the preseason, Gobert left an indelible stamp on a game, shutting down the lane defensively, and scoring off activity on the offensive end.

With Gobert in the paint, the Nuggets struggled to find good shots. Time and again, he either erased or altered forays into the lane, which led to offense on the other end for the Jazz.

This was a welcome sight for Snyder, who has been fielding what's-wrong-with-Rudy-Gobert questions for the better part of two weeks. Gobert's been dealing with fatigue since playing internationally all summer with his native country France.

He's been rested in some games. In other's he's looked disinterested and disengaged. This all came to a head in Tuesday night's loss to Oklahoma City, when the Jazz were beaten and Gobert was outplayed by Steven Adams on both ends.

So for Utah's franchise center to turn it around two nights later has to be looked upon as a good thing.

"I think we talked about Rudy trying to get his energy and his focus back after a long summer," Snyder said. "It's a credit to him, you could tell in the locker room before the game. The way he was looking at me when we were giving the pre-game discussion and the film. He invested in a way today, from the moment he woke up, to the game. When you invest like that, the odds are you are going to play well."

Too bad they need him so badly with the roster they've put together.

As a unit, the Jazz bounced back nicely from a poor showing against the Thunder. Point guard Trey Burke continued his good play in the preseason, leading the way with 17 points. Gordon Hayward had 11 points, while Derrick Favors and Raul Neto scored 10 points each.

Thursday's game was significant because of changes in the starting lineup. Burke and Alec Burks came off the bench. Neto started, along with Rodney Hood.

The Jazz — plagued by bad first quarter starts all season — scored the first 11 points of the night. They never trailed, and generally had few issues with the Nuggets, who were led by Danilo Gallinari's game-high 19 points.

tjones@sltrib.com

(tjones@sltrib.com)
on twitter: @tjonessltrib (http://twitter.com/tjonessltrib)

Xiao Yao You

10-23-2015, 03:06 PM

http://www.sltrib.com/sports/3092592-155/jazz-notes-snyder-tweaks-starting-backcourt?fullpage=1

Quin Snyder wanted to take his team's final preseason tuneup seriously.
"We're going to treat this, as much as we can, like our first regular season game," the Utah Jazz coach said at his team's shootaround Thursday morning.

So an eyebrow or two might have been raised later that night when rookie point guard Raul Neto and second-year shooting guard Rodney Hood were announced as Utah's starting backcourt against the Denver Nuggets, with the more veteran guards Trey Burke and Alec Burks left to come off the bench.

Snyder has said since the beginning of training camp that he might tweak with his team's starting five. And this latest tweak may not be permanent either.

Why would an eyebrow raise? :rolleyes:

"We're still trying to figure out how to best utilize our guys," Snyder said after shootaround. "That's been a process."

If Burke and Burks do end up primarily coming off the bench during the regular season, the decision won't have been a demotion based on their preseason play. Burks has averaged 12.7 points and 5.3 rebounds per game. Burke, meanwhile, has led the Jazz in scoring while shooting 48.2 percent from the field.

"I just think Trey's playing good," Snyder said. "He's been one of our better players throughout the preseason. He's been focused, he's defended."

The Jazz have one of the NBA's youngest rosters and Snyder has said he might look to hide some of that youth in the starting lineup, where more veteran players might help cover up some mistakes.
The move also inserts Hood, who Snyder said "may be playing as well as anybody on our team," into the starting lineup, where his outside shooting could help provide more space for Derrick Favors and Rudy Gobert inside.

Burks has played too good to bench. Hood deserves it too but I'm not sure the bench can do much without him leading it.

Coach on a couch

Mike Malone had a little extra free time last spring.

"At that time I had a lot of time to watch games because I was fired," said the new Denver Nuggets coach, who was bounced from Sacramento last season. And Malone found himself enjoying watching the Utah Jazz.

"I thought they played harder than a lot of people," he said. "People talk about passing and ball handling. Playing hard is a skill. I think this team has taken on Quin's personality of hard work, demanding toughness. I wasn't really surprised, and it was great to see."

One Singler day

E.J. Singler, we never knew ye. A day after the Jazz signed the the 6-foot-6 Oregon product, the Jazz waived him. Singler's deal was procedural to give the Jazz his D-League rights. Singler, the younger brother of Oklahoma City Thunder forward Kyle Singler, spent last season playing in Estonia, where he averaged 6.9 points and 3.9 rebounds per game.

afalk@sltrib.com

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

Xiao Yao You

10-23-2015, 03:12 PM

http://www.sltrib.com/sports/3090657-155/monson-snyder-has-it-right-jazz?fullpage=1

[QUOTE]He's going to slap them hard with the message and they're going to buy in

Xiao Yao You

10-23-2015, 03:22 PM

http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865639673/Utah-Jazz-Snyder-Favors-and-the-fellas-ready-to-get-regular-season-rolling.html

[QUOTE]The start of the NBA's 2015-16 regular season is less than a week away. And following training camp and seven preseason games, nobody's more eager or anxious to get things going

Xiao Yao You

10-23-2015, 03:33 PM

http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865639709/Utah-Jazz-easily-defeat-Denver-Nuggets-in-preseason-finale.html

If the regular season plays out like this one did, Jazz fans should be excited for the next six-plus months.

Excited that they beat up on one of the worst teams in the league? :facepalm

[QUOTE]After scoring the first 14 points, the Jazz finished the exhibition season with a lopsided 98-78 victory over an undermanned Denver Nuggets team at EnergySolutions Arena.

Xiao Yao You

10-23-2015, 03:44 PM

If it was up to me Burks and Ingles start. I'd look to pull Ingles or Favors early and go with Hood. Their top 5 guys need to play together as much as possible. Ideally they'll start together eventually but I'm not sure the bench could stay in games without him right now.

Booker would be next off the bench. After that I'd probably look to go back to Ingles or Favors. Their 7 semi-proven guys need to play as much as possible.

Withey is the next big off the bench. Might be able to get away with not playing him every game especially when you pull Favors early. Pleiss or Lyles could get the call for certain match-ups.

Neto probably should be in the mix as long as he keeps hitting shots. Might be a good starter eventually. I wouldn't put too much on him yet. Johnson is probably my next guy. He's solid.

Millsap when you need a stopper or energy.

Burke if no one else is hitting anything.

I'd feel ok about that. Trey starting or in the rotation pisses me off though! :confusedshrug:

Xiao Yao You

10-23-2015, 06:11 PM

http://www.sltrib.com/sports/3095143-155/utah-jazz-as-regular-season-nears

That means the Jazz are sneaking up on absolutely nobody, something that's been apparent during the preseason.

Don't think the pre-season has shown much other than it's not the regular season and the Jazz have a lot to prove still.

As the opener approaches on Wednesday night in Detroit, the Jazz know they have to deal with this. Teams are coming into games more prepared. They are scouting the Jazz better and they are adjusting to what Utah normally likes to do on both ends.

The scouting report is out. Guard the few guys that can hurt you and let the others shoot all night long.

Because of this, the onus is on the Jazz to play well consistently to start the season. Wins in November won't be as forthcoming as they were in March and April.

"We've learned that stuff isn't going to come easy for us this year," Jazz power forward Derrick Favors said. "Last year we were able to creep up on people and surprise come people. Now, I think people are going to be ready for us and they are going to know what to expect. So we have to be prepared for that, and we have to be focused at every step."

So how did the preseason go for Utah?

Up and down is probably the most accurate description. At their best , the Jazz have been impressive on both ends of the floor. Against the Portland Trail Blazers last Sunday, they showed hints of how explosive the offense can be with spacing and ball movement.

Defensively, the Jazz haven't yet sustained the pace they exhibited late last season, but a significant portion of that can be attributed to coach Quin Snyder experimenting with different lineups. Still, there have been spurts where the defense has created issues for the opposition, forced turnovers and converted those turnovers into easy buckets on the other end.

The Jazz know they have to be precise in order to reach their ultimate goal of making the postseason. They know that the Western Conference is quite unforgiving, which means they don't have the luxury of taking a night off.
"Obviously, we want to get into the playoffs," point guard Trey Burke said. "But we know that takes sacrifice, a lot of work and concentration. We know that we can't do some of the things that we did last year, like go on a nine game losing streak. A lot of that began with how we started games and we can't let that happen this year."

Most of it was because of you. :banghead:

Slow starts are still a concern for the Jazz. Offensive spacing, too. Take Tuesday night's loss to to Oklahoma City, for example. Utah came out slow on both ends, failed to adequately defend Russell Westbrook and Kevin Durant and soon the Jazz were looking at the business end of a 20 point deficit. Utah came back and made a game of it in the fourth quarter, but by that time it was too late. The hill to climb was too steep.

This happened too often last seaspm, especially in November and December.

Different team than what they have now though.
[QUOTE] And it can't happen, if the Jazz want to make the postseason. Preseason concerns also include struggles from Derrick Favors and Rudy Gobert, as well as times where the offense grinds to a halt.

But a solid win over the Denver Nuggets in Thursday's preseason finale should east some of that angst. Gobert

Xiao Yao You

10-23-2015, 06:18 PM

http://www.sltrib.com/sports/3094616-155/utah-jazz-notes-new-starting-five?fullpage=1

I think it could go either way and we'll be pretty good."

Pretty good shouldn't be enough after last season's finish.
[QUOTE]Point Gobert

Gobert added to his highlight reel on Thursday by finishing a couple of alley-oops. But the 7-footer's best moment of the night might have come when he stole the ball at mid court and drove to the basket, finishing off the play with a Eurostep and layup.

"That was impressive," Neto said. "A guy with his size just doing that, that play

Xiao Yao You

10-23-2015, 06:23 PM

http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865639723/Morning-links-Utes-to-be-upset-Cougars-playing-a-cupcake-FiveThirtyEight-examines-Jazz.html

Xiao Yao You

10-23-2015, 06:47 PM

http://www.slcdunk.com/research-statistics-analytics/2015/10/23/9604034/utah-jazz-trey-burke-alec-burks-rodney-hood-trevor-booker-jeff-withey-bench-mob

We're going to assume that Dante Exum, Gordon Hayward, Derrick Favors, and Rudy Gobert would be four of the five starters. The other one would end up being one of: Trey Burke (moving Dante to 2 guard), Trey would be the 2.

Dante would have averaged AT LEAST 26 MPG this year. (He averaged 22.2 mpg last season in 82 games of action.)
Neto may have changed things. Like Dante he defends. Unlike Dante he has an offensive game too.

So Raul and Trey will eat up at least 45 minutes at point guard each game
Let's hope not. They haven't in the pre-season.

(Smarter people have convinced me that Hood's shooting ability and passivity is better served as a 3rd / 4th / 5th option with the starting unit.)
Burks should start. Hood off the bench.

Fewer if Gordon or Joe steal some "running four" minutes when teams go small.

It certainly looks as if they will go small. Only a few minutes a night for Withey.

Booker is in a contract year and for his career has always hovered around 20 mpg. That means there's 16 left for Lyles, Withey, Pleiss (and Hayward / Ingles).

It doesn't appear like there is just enough mob time, even if our roster looks like they have the talent to support one.

Spurs-ian influence:

Of course, there will be if the starters have their minutes reduced. That, coupled with the Spurs penchant for staggering the play of their best players for minimum overlap, could make a mob happen. Previous eras of Jazz basketball were cursed with a huge talent disparity from the starters to the bench. When the starters were in they were unstoppable, when the bench was in you were constantly worried.
Sounds like this year! After the first 7 I'm worried! :cry:

Of course, everything was upside down in the Tyrone Corbin era where the team was usually behind after one quarter because the starters were outclassed by the opponent, only for the C4 bench guys to claw the team back into the game.
They had depth. Something they are lacking now.

If Snyder wants to limit strain on his guys, and throw away the player's individual aspirations for big minutes and big numbers, then he'll manage the minutes wisely. After all, last season 13 different players averaged at least 10.0 mpg, and 9 played at least 20 mpg (Booker was at 19.8 mpg, and Millsap at 19.7 mpg). It would be silly to expect Snyder to somehow become miserly with the minutes when his offense relies on using the talented players GM Dennis Lindsey has given him to use.

Still, it's impossible to go 14 deep (max active is 13). And I think Snyder is going to recognize his best players need to play more than Gregg Popovich does. I don't think you will see six wing players play in the same game on the regular.
Probably not but you could if the pg play sucks.

Nor will you see all the bigmen get a chance every night. If a mob is going to happen it will have to be an effective group in a short stint.
Is last year an indication?

Going back to the data from Seth's original post, the Jazz played at least three starters about 65% of the time last season. That means that the bench-as-a-majority units were only on the floor 35% of the time. Over a game that's still 16.92 mpg. And over a season that's 1,387 minutes. I don't think that the Jazz will have so many trial-and-error players this year, if everyone remains largely healthy. But I do think we'll see some fluidity to the starting lineup as the PG and SG spots are far from set in stone.

I do not put a lot of stock into who played last year, as an indication of who will play this year -- save for Hayward, Favors, and Gobert.
But with this increased fluidity you will get a better chance to mix and match units that work. Eventually you will find something that DOES work when the unit construction is "player+player+player+starter+starter". But is that a mob?

S.W.A.R.M.

Back in the day of hockey subs we had S.W.A.R.M. And S.W.A.R.M. was awesome. The S.W.A.R.M. units were a collection of misfits like Earl Watson (http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/w/watsoea01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.basketball-reference.com) and Ronnie Price (http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/p/pricero01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.basketball-reference.com) at the same time, while backing them up with very fundamentally simple bigmen. The one we all seemed to gravitate to was the #15 most used unit from the 2010-2011 Jazz season (http://www.82games.com/1011/1011UTA2.HTM). That bench mob was Earl, Ronnie, along with C.J. Miles (http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/m/milescj01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.basketball-reference.com), Francisco Elson (http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/e/elsonfr01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.basketball-reference.com), and Kyrylo Fesenko (http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/f/fesenky01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.basketball-reference.com). And that unit was an overall +20 in +/- over the season, and absolutely did it with defense.
Looks like shit on paper! :roll:

The thing about S.W.A.R.M. besides being a unit of no starters was that they had an identity. They also had a unified purpose. They came in for short stints, they played very hard, and they really disrupted the other team. And by doing what they did, they also captured our hearts.
National observers didn't give a damn because that team wasn't flashy and was pitiful on offense. Bench mobs, as we know them, comprise a bunch of guys who can come off the bench, hustle a little bit, but also score. In that regard a bench mob of Burke, Burks, Ingles, Booker, and Withey may actually be what most people consider a bench mob. But I do not know if they will have the unity of purpose, or cohesion, of the S.W.A.R.M.
N.B. The S.W.A.R.M. bench units were not that singular one listed, but sometimes included Andrei Kirilenko (http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/k/kirilan01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.basketball-reference.com) off the bench, and that's kind of unfair as he is one of the five most talented all-around players in franchise history.

So... bench mob?

I think the Jazz have the quality of players who can be effective at digging a team out of a jam. Elijah could be a bench mob HOFer with his defensive grit, ability to drive and get to the line, and occasional three point ability. Joe is a classic bench mob guy, like a likable Jon Barry (http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/b/barryjo01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.basketball-reference.com) who plays defense. Alec has spent his entire career getting Corb'd for both minutes and role with the team, I'm not keen on him coming off the bench. But if Manu Ginobili (http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/g/ginobma01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.basketball-reference.com) can do it for most of his career, and this is a Spurs-like system, then it is easier to swallow. Those three guys in some wing rotation are a strong foundation.
Millsap sucks at one end. Ideally he's on the bench unless you really need him.

Booker, Withey, Lyles, and Pleiss are goofy enough to carry the Francisco/Fesenko torch. Also, they appear to be able to also play basketball. So that's a plus.

But the most visible engine for any bench mob is their point guard. If it's going to be Trey Burke trying to earn the right to start, it'll be tough. If it's Trey Burke being the best back-up point guard in the league, it'll work out.
Which do you think you'll see? :rolleyes:

If it's Raul Neto doing his thing, setting guys up, making other players better, that's also awesome. I'm not biased about this. Both guys could be great or awful off the bench. We've seen them both succeed and fail this preseason.
Can't see Neto being awful. He can play. Trey can take shots. Big difference.

But for all the chemistry issues, and court production, the bottom line is that a mob has to have an attitude. I don't know if our team as a whole has one. But the bench guys should, at the very least. They could just be a handful of disjointed almost-starters, or they can work together to become something the other team has to worry about.

In that egalitarian Spurs system we've seen egos take a back seat to butt kicking. A huge part of that has been their trust and use of their bench players. This is a new Jazz era with an evolving system and the potential to have a strong bench.
It's looked pretty bad. If they do things like I envision they might be able to get by with it. Strong I just don't see right now.

While the trend is to move away from full-on bench units, you know it will be fun in game threads to "Release the B.L.I.M.P.!" (Burks / Lyles / Ingles / Millsap / Pleiss)

Okay, we can work on the name of the potential mob as the season progresses. But man, this is just going to be another fun thing to watch for over the next 82 games.

Burke isn't fun! :no:

Xiao Yao You

10-24-2015, 08:48 AM

http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865639807/Rudy-Gobert-the-Stifle-Tower-rises-to-the-occasion-in-preseason-finale.html

Xiao Yao You

10-25-2015, 05:53 PM

[QUOTE]Shams Charania: The Utah Jazz have claimed Portland free agent guard Phil Pressey off waivers, (http://*********.com/social/) league source tells Yahoo Sports.

Xiao Yao You

10-25-2015, 06:16 PM

https://jazzfanatical.wordpress.com/2015/10/25/bits-from-dennis-lindsey-interviews-1019-and-1023/

[QUOTE]Tom Thibodeau had a great quote for all of our coaches and players last week when he was in:

Xiao Yao You

10-25-2015, 06:36 PM

http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865639830/Well-traveled-mighty-Quin-Snyder-forming-bond-of-trust-with-Utah-Jazz-player.html

[QUOTE] Utah went from the worst defensive team in the league to the best in a Snyder-led transformation that pushed the franchise

Xiao Yao You

10-25-2015, 06:45 PM

http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865639827/Rudy-Gobert-guard-tandems-and-role-players-could-hold-key-to-success.html

Gordon Hayward and Derrick Favors are the undisputed leaders of this Utah Jazz team.

Sure looked like Rudy to me.
[QUOTE]Both entering their sixth NBA seasons, the 6-foot-8 Hayward is generally regarded as Utah's best all-around player with his ability to fill up the stat sheet with points, rebounds and assists, while the 6-10 Favors is arguably Utah's most consistent performer with his steady scoring, rebounding and defensive prowess. Both of these guys definitely know how to play, and play well, on both ends of the court.

And yet, while some folks figure that the Jazz will only go as far as Hayward and Favors carry them, it's their supporting cast that may very well determine just how successful this youthful franchise will be in the 2015-16 season and future seasons to come.

That cast includes 7-1 center Rudy Gobert, 6-1 point guards Trey Burke and Raul Neto, shooting guards Alec Burks and Rodney Hood, swingman Elijah Millsap, and role players like forwards Trevor Booker, Joe Ingles and Trey Lyles, and backup centers Jeff Withey and Tibor Pleiss.

Those are the guys who, when they're on the court, must each raise the level of their game if the Jazz hope to gain ground on the rest of the teams in the deep Western Conference and emerge as a playoff contender.
Gobert, a dominating defensive specialist, has looked somewhat sluggish during the preseason, adversely affected by his time spent with the French National Team. But in Thursday night's preseason finale, a 20-point victory over the Denver Nuggets, the big fella finally busted out with a 14-point, 10-rebound performance that bodes well for the Jazz moving forward.

"I tried to set the tone defensively right from the beginning and make sure I help my teammates and make sure we play physical," Gobert said. "... No matter who plays, we have to have the same intensity and communication, and we had it tonight. Now we have to have it for the next 82 games.

Xiao Yao You

10-25-2015, 06:52 PM

http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865639829/Gordon-Hayward-Derrick-Favors-are-now-the-veterans-ready-to-lead-young-Jazz-team.html

[QUOTE]They still seem like youngsters and they are both still fairly young by NBA standards. Gordon Hayward is 25 years old and Derrick Favors is 24 in a league where the average age has fluctuated between 26.1 and 27.5 since the start of the league in 1946.

However, though it

Xiao Yao You

10-25-2015, 06:59 PM

http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865639828/Quin-Snyder-was-right-to-call-it-like-it-is.html

Dante Exum is years away.

He could already defend. We really have no idea how far away he is. The fact that he was supposed to start would make me think he's already arrived. :confusedshrug:
[QUOTE]But as of last Tuesday, I

Xiao Yao You

10-25-2015, 07:04 PM

http://www.sltrib.com/sports/3089163-155/utah-jazz-jazz-looking-for-health

His foot issues seem to be in the past.

It's early! :rolleyes:

His offensive game has been on display for most of the preseason. And his value to the Utah Jazz is apparent.

Last year at this time, Rodney Hood was more known as the Jazz's second first-round pick in the draft, or as Jabari Parker's sidekick at Duke.

Now, people wonder how he lasted until the No. 23 selection and speculate on how high his ceiling is as a player. Hood's ability to score will be welcome in this Jazz offense, especially since scoring looks like it could be a challenge. And his ability to handle the ball will be essential because the Jazz intend to use the three-wing offense of Hood, Gordon Hayward and Alec Burks for significant stretches.

But can Hood stay healthy? That's the question attached to his name. He missed much of his rookie season with foot issues, coming back for the last two months. And with his elevation to a key role this year, the Jazz can't afford to have him out for long periods.

"I feel good, and I hope the injuries are in the past," Hood said. "I had a little knee tendonitis earlier in training camp, but that's about it. Other than that, I feel great and I'm ready to get started."

Hood, a 6-foot-8 shooting guard, will begin the season as the sixth man. But that he's coming off the bench is window dressing. Expect Hood to play starter minutes and to be on the floor at the end of games. Along with Hayward, Burks and Derrick Favors, expect Hood to take some of the most important shots that will determine the outcome of Utah's season.
Offensively, Hood may actually be the most complete player on the Jazz. He doesn't have Hayward's raw strength or all-around ability. He doesn't have Burks' athleticism. But he is proficient from 3-point range, he can score from 15 feet and he can finish around the rim.

Those attributes make him important to this team. He'll be counted on to space the floor, handle the ball and even manage the offense. For a second-year player, that's a lot of responsibility.

Oh. And the Jazz need him healthy, too.

"He's played well so far," Favors said. "He's shot the ball well, and he's aggressive going to the basket. We're going to need that."

tjones@sltrib.com

(tjones@sltrib.com)
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