2015-16 Utah Jazz - The tanking is over!

[Xiao Yao You]

http://saltcityhoops.com/derrick-favors-superstar-2/


Derrick Favors has been one of the elite players in the NBA.
I just looked at his stats and they are pretty much the same as last year. I think he has started to live up his rep at the defensive end a bit finally but without Rudy not sure how good he'd be there either.[quote]Yet it is his improved shooting that has made him arguably the most important offensive cog in Quin Snyder

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[QUOTE]Chris Reichert: The Utah Jazz have assigned Tibor Pleiss to the Idaho Stampede of the NBA D-League (http://*********.com/social/)

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http://saltcityhoops.com/december-schedule-look-ahead/

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http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865642684/Utah-Jazz-excited-for-a-crack-at-undefeated-Golden-State-Warriors.html

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http://www.sltrib.com/sports/3243013-155/utah-jazz-golden-state-warriors-still

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http://www.slcdunk.com/2015/11/30/9820884/utah-jazz-center-tibor-pleiss-assigned-nba-d-league-affiliate-idaho-stampede


The Utah Jazz (http://www.sbnation.com/nba/teams/utah-jazz) announced today that they have assigned Tibor Pleiss (http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/p/pleisti01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.basketball-reference.com) to their "exclusively owned and operated NBA D-League team (http://www.nba.com/jazz/news/jazz-assign-tibor-pleiss-idaho-stampede)," the Idaho Stampede. It's a good thing at this point in the season for both franchises.


This is the same idiot that just said sending Trey there would be a waste of time. :roll:



The Utah Jazz do not immediately have playing time for him, and he has spent a month with the team learning how the Jazz do things. What he really needs is playing time. The 26 year old NBA rookie has plenty of FIBA experience, but only about 4,000 minutes in EuroLeague play (245 games, 4230.6 minutes, 17.27 mpg on average). At the NBA level he played in six preseason games and 4 regular season games.




For Idaho they need talent at all spots right now. Though, because there seems to have been no oversight on this exclusively owned and operated NBA D-League team, all of the talent seems to be inside -- which is where the Jazz are currently bursting with rotation players. Pleiss will join Jack Cooley (http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/c/cooleja01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.basketball-reference.com), and #1 NBA D-League Draft pick Jeff Ayres (http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/p/pendeje02.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.basketball-reference.com) (formerly Jeff Pendergraph) inside. They still have J.J. O'Brien (http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/o/obriejj01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.basketball-reference.com), Traveon Graham, and E.J. Singler (http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/s/singlej01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.basketball-reference.com) as well. Hopefully Tibor will get to play, and help steer their ship away from the #1 draft pick NEXT season as well. The Stamps are 1-7 right now. Last season they won only 9 games. They are actually doing WORSE than last season's 18.0 winning percentage. That's gotta suck for coach Dean Cooper. Then again, maybe it's the Jazz' plans to just "whatever" Idaho and actually start building something when they eventually move the team to Utah.


I'm going to miss Tibor and his 7'3 frame. We all know that being sent down doesn't mean you actually spend a lot of time there, though. He could be there for two weeks and then called up again. He just needs to be down there long enough to prove that he's above it -- like what Kosta Koufos (http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/k/koufoko01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.basketball-reference.com), Jeremy Evans (http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/e/evansje01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.basketball-reference.com), and Rudy Gobert (http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/g/goberru01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.basketball-reference.com) all proved in recent seasons.


Could be one game. That's the thing. Trey could still practice and be at games with the Jazz and go up there and play big minutes and come right back. Gobert should have stayed there longer. He was good but didn't show he was above it. Not sure about the other two.

[Xiao Yao You]

http://www.sltrib.com/sports/3243013-155/utah-jazz-golden-state-warriors-still

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http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865642705/Haywards-not-afraid-to-call-tonights-Jazz-game-with-Golden-State-different.html

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http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865642686/How-to-watch-Jazz-Warriors-Undefeated-Golden-State-Warriors-come-to-town.html

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http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865642695/Utah-Jazz-send-rookie-center-Tibor-Pleiss-to-D-League.html

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http://www.sltrib.com/blogs/jazznotes/3246738-155/shootaround-notes-jazz-looking-to-end

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http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865642764/Warriors-outlast-Jazz-in-final-minute-Utah-gives-Golden-State-closest-loss-of-the-season.html

[QUOTE]The man who scored only seven points in the first half

[Xiao Yao You]

http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865642767/Jazz-hold-Curry-down-a-bit-but-Warrior-star-comes-through-in-the-clutch.html


Jazz rookie Raul Neto started on Curry and did an adequate job, holding him to just seven points in the first quarter with some help from Burks late in the quarter. In the second quarter Curry went scoreless as Burks was on him for the eight minutes he played.


Rodney Hood got the Curry assignment in the third quarter and kept him under wraps for the most part after he scored five quick points to start the quarter.


no mention of Trey? :roll:


[QUOTE]Curry sat out the first half of the fourth quarter when the Jazz made a rally and took the lead at 90-87. Curry was put back in the game at the 6:36 mark and just 15 seconds later brought the Warriors even with a 3-pointer from the right angle.


Both Burks and Gordon Hayward took turns on Curry down the stretch and his next points came at the 1:45 mark, a long two-pointer over Derrick Favors, who had switched off to him, tying the game at 99. Then came his step-back three in the final minute and he capped off his scoring with a pair of free throws with 2.4 seconds left after Hood

[Xiao Yao You]

http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865642765/Ex-Jazzman-Ian-Clark-has-career-night-in-Warriors-victory.html

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http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865642768/Warriors-do-what-champions-do-as-Jazz-take-notes.html

[QUOTE]The Jazz are working on this model. Not the

[Xiao Yao You]

http://www.sltrib.com/sports/3243446-155/utah-jazz-fall-just-short-of

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http://www.sltrib.com/sports/3247339-155/jazz-test-league-best-warriors-clutch


The Jazz cut Ian Clark last March, putting him on in. Clark may have had the last laugh, hitting four crucial 3-pointers at the end of the first half, each of them bigger than the last.

They can have him. He wasn't as good as Cotton.
[QUOTE]His 12 points were as important as any in the game, especially since Curry struggled to seven points in that first half. His shooting allowed the Warriors to keep Utah at bay with a 53-48 halftime lead. Clark played 6 minutes total, all in the first half. But those minutes were game-changing in a lot of ways.


"Ian was huge for us," Green said. "I don't know if that was smart by them [the Jazz] not wanting him, as we say, but he was huge. Whenever his number is called this year, he's been ready

[Xiao Yao You]

http://www.sltrib.com/sports/3247535-155/kragthorpe-utah-jazz-make-warriors-work

[Xiao Yao You]

http://www.sltrib.com/blogs/jazznotes/3248932-155/jazz-take-positives-from-loss-but


If you trust the eye test, and many of us do, there's little question that the Utah Jazz aren't far away from being a playoff team.


They should be thinking home court in the first round not merely playoffs.



A loss can tell you that, in this case a 106-103 defeat at the hands of the Golden State Warriors. Yes, Golden State won it's 19th consecutive game, which extends an NBA record to start a season, which led to a jubilant Draymond Green in the lockerroom following.



Yes, the Warriors were the team making the shots and the plays down the stretch. Or should we say Stephen Curry, who turned in a spectacular final eight minutes in front of a sellout Monday night crowd at Vivint Smart Home Arena.



But the Jazz showed so much. They almost matched Curry shot for shot. They got defensive stops down the stretch when teams haven't been able to do so against the Warriors. They look like they have true star power in Derrick Favors and Gordon Hayward.


No mention of Rudy or Burks? :facepalm


And after years of Jazz fans wondering if those two would develop into all-star type talents, the eye test says yes. And Golden State won by its closest margin of the season.

Still, losses are losses. And the numbers don't lie, which mean the Jazz still have a mountain of work to do, because 8-8 basketball teams always have a mountain of work to do.



"I think you have to be consistent," Utah coach Quin Snyder said. "When we lose, we talk about getting better. When we win, we talk about getting better. You may feel a little better after a win. You know a month from now, hopefully what we come away from this game is more significant than one win. Whether it means understanding how we have to play, understanding things about our team and knowing how to execute a game plan.


The Jazz on Monday night measured themselves against the best the league has to offer and should be able to take a bunch of positives away from a close defeat. But it means nothing if Utah can't take advantage of this next stretch of home games.



Playing well against Golden State is one thing. And it's quite easy to get up emotionally for the Warriors. But the Jazz are still attempting to find the level of consistency that allows them to win consistently. There are signs that Utah's aware of that level and close to finding it. Indeed, Monday was the third really good game the Jazz have played in three nights. They beat the Los Angeles Clippers on the road, they blew the New Orleans Pelicans out, and they narrowly lost to the Warriors.



Utah players and coaches say there are no moral victories. Still, this team may have just found itself on Monday night, even in defeat.



"It's close," Hayward said. "But close isn't good enough, but this is one we can learn from for sure."


Tony Jones


I expect them to win most of the games coming up at home and making a big move in the standings. Definitely looking good the past 3 games. Rudy is their best player easily though. I doubt they are beating many teams without him.

[Xiao Yao You]

http://saltcityhoops.com/the-rundown-warriors-jazz-113015/


Favors is becoming borderline automatic from midrange in the pick-and-roll,

He was in this one until the last miss but on the year he's been way too inconsistent. Was better last year.

[QUOTE]and Hayward looked like the force offensively we all know. Gobert had a highlight-reel sequence with a one-handed oop dunk followed by a huge block on the other end, and Burks dragged Utah

[Xiao Yao You]

http://weareutahjazz.com/lockedonjazz/2015/11/30/emptying-the-noggin-the-jazz-give-warriors-everything-they-had/

[QUOTE]

[Xiao Yao You]

Gobert is out indefinitely with a sprained MCL in his left knee, the team announced Wednesday afternoon. The 7-foot-1 center, who was hurt during practice earlier in the day, is the Jazz' defensive anchor and is one of the best rim-protecting big men in the NBA.







"It's a big blow to us for sure," Jazz forward Derrick Favors told The Tribune on Wednesday evening. "But we have to step up. We have to find a way to play well without him and hold it down until Rudy returns."


Gobert will not need surgery. The Jazz did not announce a timeline for his return, but the thinking is he will be out of action for at least 6-to-8 weeks.
How do the Jazz replace him? Forward Trevor Booker and backup center Jeff Withey seem likely to get more minutes in Gobert's absence. It should also be a chance for Snyder to get more time to develop rookie Trey Lyles. Rookie 7-footer Tibor Pleiss is with the D-League Idaho Stampede, but with a schedule heavy on games and light on practice over the next few weeks, it's not guaranteed that he'll be recalled immediately.


Without Gobert, more pressure falls on Favors as Utah's lone significant interior presence.


Now him and Maxi G can show that they are the top players on the team like I keep reading. :eek:
[QUOTE]Ironically, Jazz coach Quin Snyder talked after Wednesday's practice about his team's relative good health, noting the Jazz "haven't been hit with injury too much." He added: "The thing we have to make sure of and what our guys are responsible for is to keep themselves ready to play."


With Favors out against the Pelicans last Saturday, Booker had his best game of the season, scoring 13 points and grabbing 15 rebounds. Normally the backup power forward, Booker's minutes figure to increase.


Still, it's tough to overstate how big of an impact Gobert makes defensively. He is the dominant figure in the league's No. 3 defense. He's fourth in the NBA in blocked shots, averaging 2.6 rejections per game. He also averages 11 rebounds

[Xiao Yao You]

http://saltcityhoops.com/early-utah-jazz-impressions-the-starters-2/


Favors should have a very strong case to be named to the All-Star team.

Not sure if Rudy going down helps or hurts him there? They will lose more games but now he can actually have an argument as their best player. I hope Rudy starts to earn some respect after this stretch. Anyone that thinks he's not their best player hasn't been paying attention.
[QUOTE]Rudy Gobert (9.2 PPG, 56.0 FG%, 61.4 FT%, 10.9 RPG, 1.6 APG, 2.6 BPG, 0.9 SPG in 34.2 MPG)

Gobert picked up where he left off from his flourishing finish last season. In actuality, his numbers are slightly down. Teams are preparing more for him, especially after he caught some opponents off guard in February, March and April. Even so, he is making his presence known and has clearly established himself as one of the NBA

[Xiao Yao You]

http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865642899/Jazz-center-Rudy-Gobert-out-indefinitely-with-knee-sprain.html


The Jazz now only have four healthy bigs on the roster with Favors, Lyles, backup power foward Trevor Booker and seldom-used reserve center Jeff Withey.


Can play smaller.



[QUOTE]German rookie Tibor Pleiss, a 7-foot-3 center, remains on a D-League assignment with the Idaho Stampede. It might make more sense for the Jazz to keep Pleiss with Idaho where he can continue getting playing time and experience instead of bringing him back to Utah as an emergency backup because of the team's upcoming busy schedule with limited practice time.


Don't expect the Jazz to feel pressured into making a trade to bring in another serviceable big man, either.


Gobert received a lot of sympathy and support from upset Jazz fans. Lyles also sent him a message on Twitter, writing, "Praying for a speedy recovery brotha! @rudygobert27 (https://twitter.com/rudygobert27)"


The Jazz center got an unexpected long-distance shout-out from a former teammate, current Oklahoma City center Enes Kanter.


Kanter, who became villain No. 1 in Utah after demanding a trade and then popping off about Utah last spring, sent a classy message to Gobert: "Sending my best wishes to @rudygobert27 (https://twitter.com/rudygobert27) and praying for his speedy recovery."


JAZZ NOTES: The Magic enter this game on a four-game winning streak, including a 96-93 win at Minnesota on Tuesday.

[Xiao Yao You]

http://www.sltrib.com/sports/3257621-155/utah-jazz-jazz-to-face-an

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http://www.sltrib.com/blogs/jazznotes/3248932-155/jazz-take-positives-from-loss-but

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http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865642782/Video-analysis-Why-the-Jazz-nearly-ended-the-Warriors-undefeated-reign.html

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http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865642825/Jazz-have-plenty-of-positives-to-take-away-from-loss-to-Warriors.html

[Xiao Yao You]

http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865642919/The-Utah-Jazz-look-to-get-revenge-on-the-Orlando-Magic.html

[Xiao Yao You]

http://rockmonster.blogs.deseretnews.com/2015/12/02/why-jazz-fans-should-miss-kobe/

[QUOTE]How many NBA players admit they stink and call themselves

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http://www.sltrib.com/sports/3250894-155/monson-utah-jazz-must-master-one


A week or so ago, I asked Snyder that exact question: What he would do, which player he would call on, were the Jazz down one point with 15 seconds left in a game. His answer essentially was: It depends, depends on matchups and, as he said it, "who we feel like is in a good place."
Burks, Hayward and Favors were those guys in that one not Hood.


[QUOTE]The coach also underscored the star formula: "The challenge for us is

[Xiao Yao You]

http://www.sltrib.com/sports/3250634-155/scott-d-pierce-jazz-on-national

Probably one of the best games of the NBA season. Everyone's loss that it wasn't on national tv.

[Xiao Yao You]

http://www.sltrib.com/sports/3251228-155/utah-jazz-notes-in-muddled-west


Aside from Golden State's 19-0 start, the rest of the West remains a jumbled mess.

Spurs are off to a great start. Jazz need to hang around for the next two months while Rudy is out. The front office would probably love a complete collapse though.


[QUOTE]"You watch right now in the West: It looks like everyone's having a little bit of [trouble]

[Xiao Yao You]

http://www.sltrib.com/sports/3257328-155/utah-jazz-center-rudy-gobert-out


Booker's minutes figure to increase.

or not
[QUOTE]Still, it's tough to overstate how big of an impact Gobert makes defensively. He is the dominant figure in the league's No. 3 defense. He's fourth in the NBA in blocked shots, averaging 2.6 rejections per game. He also averages 11 rebounds

[Xiao Yao You]

http://www.sltrib.com/blogs/jazznotes/3264079-155/trevor-booker-hopes-experience-with-wizards

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http://www.sltrib.com/sports/3262510-155/utah-jazz-teams-second-half-struggles-prove


And Utah surrendered 44 points in the paint, a glaring sign that playing without Rudy Gobert is going to take some getting used to.

But I thought Favors was an elite rim protector? :confusedshrug:

"It was frustrating," Jazz power forward Derrick Favors said. "We could've played better tonight on both ends of the floor. We have to be better at taking care of the ball and we have to be better defensively."


Favors shot the ball seven times in his first game this season at the center position, scoring 12 points and grabbing 10 rebounds, but not having his usual impact as the Jazz struggled to get the ball inside to him.


Utah was also hurt by Rodney Hood, who went 1 for 8 from the field for three points in 24 minutes.


"I thought it was the second half in general," Jazz forward Gordon Hayward said. "Too many turnovers, especially there in the third. They knocked down some big shots, some threes. It unraveled quickly for us. I think it was just one of those games."


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

They were also hurt by Trey Burke starting to think he's a lot better than he is again.

[Xiao Yao You]

http://www.sltrib.com/sports/3262457-155/utah-jazz-jazz-endure-sloppy-second

[QUOTE] "He's a big presence for us, especially defensively. But a lot of the stuff they got was from the perimeter, some 3s from their big men

[Xiao Yao You]

http://www.sltrib.com/blogs/jazznotes/3261795-155/shootaround-can-the-jazz-stay-afloat[QUOTE] Defensively is where it

[Xiao Yao You]

http://www.sltrib.com/sports/3261043-155/monson-rudy-gobert-joins-the-club

[Xiao Yao You]

http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865643013/Jazzs-new-starting-lineup-starts-with-a-thud-and-a-loss.html

[QUOTE]Hayward had used words like

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http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865642955/Utah-Jazz-set-to-rally-after-devastating-loss-of-injured-Rudy-Gobert.html

[Xiao Yao You]

http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865643005/Jazz-take-three-point-lead-at-halftime-against-Magic.html

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http://weareutahjazz.com/lockedonjazz/2015/12/03/emptying-the-noggin-magic-put-a-spell-on-the-jazz/


Scott Skiles is arguably the best defensive coach in the NBA and the Magic are showing signs of being a Skiles team.

I thought it was Snyder? Doesn't he get all the credit for Rudy's dominance? :confusedshrug:
[QUOTE]

[Xiao Yao You]

http://saltcityhoops.com/the-rundown-magic-jazz-12315/


they could have a few teams between them and the playoff spot they so desire.

Don't think the front office or coaching staff really desire it. The players sure.

[QUOTE] That word is key, though; nights like these where the force1 (http://saltcityhoops.com/the-rundown-magic-jazz-12315/#note-1) is absent from their game have only become tougher to play through minus a key contributor.

[Xiao Yao You]

http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865643093/Utah-Jazz-Despite-devastating-loss-of-Gobert-Jazz-determined-to-move-forward-and-get-stronger.html

[QUOTE]You could certainly forgive the Utah Jazz for feeling a little bit snakebitten these days.

After all, before the 2015-16 season started, they lost their starting point guard, Dante' Exum, with a torn anterior cruciate ligament he suffered while playing for the Australian National Team this past summer.


Then just 16 games into the regular season, starting center Rudy Gobert went down with a sprained medial collateral ligament in his knee, a freak injury he sustained in practice that will keep him sidelined indefinitely.


Just like that, two-fifths of what would've been Utah's preferred starting lineup this season

[Xiao Yao You]

http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865643095/Utah-Jazz-notebook-Lack-of-communication-led-to-turnover-filled-Jazz-loss.html

[Xiao Yao You]

http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865643005/Jazz-take-three-point-lead-at-halftime-against-Magic.html


"Gave them some extra opportunities by turning the ball over," Burke said. "It is unlikely of us.


It is? :wtf:




We gave them some life and they stayed in it and had a chance to win it and won. I think we just need to learn from our mistakes on turning the ball over.


"I think it was getting a little loose out there. I think we got loose on the offensive end at times. They took advantage of it and got some easy baskets in transition and got some confidence. We can't allow that to happen going forward.


"They knocked some big shots down in critical moments, gained confidence from it," he added. "It was a tough one for us. We have to learn from it. ... We will get better."


For Orlando (11-8), six players scored in double figures in a balanced attack led by Tobias Harris' 17 points and seven rebounds. Big man Nikola Vucevic, taking full advantage of Gobert's absence in the middle, had 16 points and eight boards, while Fournier added 14 points and six rebounds and Elfrid Payton contributed 14 more points and seven assists.


Nicholson and Victor Oladipo also scored 14 points apiece, and Oladipo dished out seven assists in the Magic's fifth straight win.


"I didn't feel like we were as engaged defensively as we needed to be from the get-go," Snyder said. "Offensively, certain groups, we had very poor spacing, we were driving into each other, and we made ourselves look bad at times during stretches.


"We're trying to make plays and the lane's clogged. We couldn't get in there, and we've got to take better care of the ball.


"We shot 33 3s," he noted, making 14 of them. "It's a different game when we're small. ... For awhile there, we were making a lot of them. And that's what the game dictated based on what we had."


Harris scored seven quick points to help Orlando move out to an early 10-point lead at 22-12, but Hayward's 16 first-quarter points allowed the Jazz to pull within 29-25 at the first break.


Joe Ingles ignited Utah's offense in the second quarter, driving for a layup, feeding Favors for a two-handed slam and then hitting back-to-back 3s as the Jazz moved out in front by five, 49-44.


The Magic wouldn't go away, though, as Vucevic's steady inside scoring lifted Orlando back into a 54-all tie before Burks hit a corner 3 just before halftime to put Utah back on top 57-54 at intermission. Burks scored 10 points in the second period and Ingles had eight.


In the second half, the Jazz led much of the way and stayed in contention until the final 7 1/2 minutes, when turnovers, missed shots and the Magic's strong play on both ends of the floor made Utah do a disappearing act down the stretch.


The Jazz remain home to host Indiana on Saturday.


EMAIL: rhollis@desnews.com

[Xiao Yao You]

http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865642955/Utah-Jazz-set-to-rally-after-devastating-loss-of-injured-Rudy-Gobert.html

[Xiao Yao You]

http://www.sltrib.com/sports/3266766-155/utah-jazz-notes-pacers-jazz-in

[Xiao Yao You]

http://www.sltrib.com/sports/3266168-155/utah-jazz-back-from-devastating-injury

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http://www.sltrib.com/sports/3263031-155/utah-jazz-trevor-booker-fights-off

[Xiao Yao You]

http://www.sltrib.com/sports/3263030-155/utah-jazz-notes-team-badly-misses

[Xiao Yao You]

http://www.sltrib.com/sports/3262934-155/utah-jazz-beat-indiana-pacers-122-119


"We had a couple of home games and we dropped two, and we just needed this one, especially with Rudy Gobert being out," Favors said. "The coach trusts me to make decisions and my teammates trust me as well. I've been working on my game a lot the last five seasons, and I'm glad everything is panning out for me."

at least the past year plus.

It was a huge win for Utah because at many points during the fourth quarter, it looked as if the Jazz were on the verge of another disappointing loss. When Pacers guard Rodney Stuckey drove the lane for a lay-up with 3:38 remaining, Indiana had a 102-96 advantage, its largest lead of the game.


The Jazz spent most of the first three quarters ahead, and led by as many as 17 points midway through that third period. But the Pacers are no longer a plodding and methodical bunch offensively. Now, they are explosive, and can make it rain from 3-point land.


Against Utah, that's exactly what they did, shooting their way back into the game. But down six with three minutes left, the Jazz didn't panic. Down 108-105, Trevor Booker secured an offensive rebound, and hit two free throws. George went to the other end and made it 110-107 at the foul line with 15.8 seconds remaining in regulation. But Jazz shooting guard Alec Burks drove the lane, found Favors for the score and the foul, and Favors converted to send the game into overtime.


"This one really hurts," George said. "We played well enough to win tonight. We were up and winning and we didn't take care of business to close."
Although George was unstoppable for much of the evening, Hayward did a tremendous job on him defensively in overtime, denying him the ball, getting into his space when he did make a catch and not allowing him any clean looks at the rim.


As a result, George scored just three points in the extra five minutes. That forced the other Indiana players to make plays at important times, and they weren't able to do it. Hayward scored 22 points, grabbed five rebounds and handed out five assists, but his biggest contribution on this night came when he didn't have the ball in his hands.


"Gordon's begun to take challenges on the defensive end," Snyder said. "I thought Derrick and Gordon were both terrific. We needed them to step up and I asked them for that yesterday. With Gordon wanting to guard Paul George down the stretch, I thought what Gordon and Derrick did tonight was equally impressive."



tjones@sltrib.com

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

[Xiao Yao You]

http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865643170/Utah-Jazz-relished-outcome-playoff-atmosphere-of-overtime-win-over-Pacers.html

[QUOTE]

[Xiao Yao You]

http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865643153/Video-Career-high-for-Favors-leads-Jazz-to-win-over-Pacers.html

[Xiao Yao You]

http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865643131/Utah-Jazz-Favors-career-night-sparks-Jazz-to-overtime-victory.html

[Xiao Yao You]

http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865643142/Paul-George-goes-off-for-career-high-48-but-Jazz-hold-him-off-in-overtime-period.html

[Xiao Yao You]

http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865643108/Trevor-Booker-might-miss-tonights-Jazz-Pacers-game.html

[Xiao Yao You]

http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865643028/Video-analysis-How-does-Jazzs-defense-look-without-injured-Gobert.html

[QUOTE]Jazz coach Quin Snyder went with the starting lineup of Raul Neto, Rodney Hood, Gordon Hayward, Trevor Booker and Derrick Favors. That five didn

[Xiao Yao You]

http://saltcityhoops.com/a-utah-jazz-fans-wish-list/


By all statistical measures, Derrick Favors should be an All-Star.

Being the 2nd best big on a .500 team says otherwise.

[QUOTE] If he were in a bigger market and appeared in more nationally televised games, it wouldn

[Xiao Yao You]

http://saltcityhoops.com/the-rundown-pacers-jazz-12515/

[QUOTE]Good lord, Derrick Favors: Yeah, no puns or wit1 (http://saltcityhoops.com/the-rundown-pacers-jazz-12515/#note-1). Simply astonishment. Favors continues to be Utah

[Xiao Yao You]

http://weareutahjazz.com/lockedonjazz/2015/12/06/special-emptying-the-noggin-the-final-10-minutes/

[QUOTE]

[Xiao Yao You]

http://weareutahjazz.com/lockedonjazz/2015/12/06/emptying-the-noggin-so-much-to-say-about-jazz-win-over-pacers/
[QUOTE]

[Xiao Yao You]

https://jazzfanatical.wordpress.com/2015/12/07/and-heres-your-weekly-utah-jazz-wrapup-7/


Mark Eaton on the Japan trip: I remember always having about 15 little Japanese girls following me around everywhere I went up and down the street, and you’d turn around and look at them, and they would just stop and giggle and run away. I, yeah, I was definitely an anomaly in Japan.

I got some of that in China so I can only imagine.



Four. Jerry Sloan’s top career achievement, apparently:


Five. Bryan Miller, asked if LHM had any regrets at the end: You know, one of my greatest blessings is watching Larry die peacefully…Seeing Larry in the hospital after his surgery when his legs were amputated, and he was on a gurney in the hospital gown.



He’d lost a lot of weight. His hair was disheveled. He looked tired. He looked scared. And that was such a contrast to the man I always knew that to be so powerful and so in control. You know, so driven, as we know.



And I thought, is that the price of success? You know, is this what — was everything he did worth it? … His work sacrified [his health and family] for decades, and if you look at it, he died at 64 years old, which really isn’t that old. So, but having said that, I don’t think Larry would have done anything differently. And if he had, he wouldn’t have been Larry.*


* Yes, Bryan Miller refers to LHM as “Larry” and also his mom as “Gail.”

Six. Bryan Miller on the time LHM wanted to fire Frank Layden: I think it was in ’86 or ’87, so it was one of the first years when Larry was involved [with the Jazz]. And the Jazz had been on the road and they’d been struggling.



It was the, I think it was the, kind of the December road trip back east, and we lost a game to the Nets that we’d been up by 11 going into the fourth, and ended up losing, I think, by two. And that was after, I think, a couple close losses that were just heartbreakers, and then one that looked like we had it, and it just slipped away.



And so, the team was coming home after that game, and Larry called Dave [Checketts], an–who was the general manager and the president at the time, and Larry said, “Dave, I want you to go out onto the tarmac. When the plane lands, and as Frank [Layden]” — who was the coach at the time — “as Frank gets off the plane, I want you to fire him.”



And [Checketts] said, “What?” And he said, “Larry, who’s gonna coach the team?”



And Larry said, “I will.”



And [Checketts] was like, no way. So he, you know, he kinda stalled [Miller], gave him some time to cool of, and fortunately, you know, Larry did and he changed his mind.
Too bad. Frank sucked. Wouldn't have had that '88 playoff run though. No way Sloan would have played mostly just 5 guys regardless.

Miller on Karl Malone: Karl was somebody I knew, but I didn’t have a relationship with Karl like Larry did. But when I had the chance to interview Karl and we sat down at his dealership here in Sandy, and you know, it took about an hour for me to ask him all the questions I had.



And at the end of that time, we were both in tears. And you know, before we said goodbye, we hugged, and that was not what I expected.



Seven. How has Trey Lyles’ bench celebration game evolved over the past 12 days?

Eight. Snyder, asked how Rudy Gobert got injured: He was under the basket, you know, and just had a, one of those freak things where a guy drove into the basket, and another guy, kind of like a domino, and the last domino he fell back on [was Rudy].


Nine. Derrick Favors after the Pacers game on his comfort level with the team: You know, the coach trusts me now. You know, my teammates trust me. I’ve been putting in a lot of work over the last five years, just patiently waiting for my time. And you know, I’m happy everything panning out for me right now.



Gordon Hayward after the Pacers game on playing against and comparisons with Paul George: I mean, he’s a good player…That’s always something I think that you guys make up more than it is between me and Paul. So, you know. It’s how it is.


Ten. Unintentional Dirty Quote Machines of the Week

** Trevor Booker on pacing himself: You know, it’s pretty hard for me to try to slow down, because I know one speed only, and that’s to just go hard.


** Quin Snyder on unfamiliar matchups due to injury: There’s gotta be more urgency, and you know, maybe from that, you know, it stretches you a little bit, and you find out you got some stuff in you that you didn’t think you had.


** Joe Ingles on whether he ever brings tough losses home with him, UDQMHOF: Yeah, she was asleep a long, a lot earlier than what I did. So I stayed up for a little bit longer, and, to take the frustration out on myself.


** Dennis Lindsey on Trey Lyles: We love his body.


** Lindsey on Jeff Withey: We’re learning more about his body and how to maximize things.


** Lindsey on Derrick Favors: Derrick, he’s so heavy and thick. He can take that position, and it’s hard to move him.


** Lindsey on Rudy Gobert: Even Rudy at times can get shoved from behind, underneath.

[Xiao Yao You]

Chris Reichert: The Idaho Stampede have re-acquired Phil Pressey after he was waived by the Philadelphia 76ers (http://*********.com/social/) #NBADL

[Xiao Yao You]

http://saltcityhoops.com/superlatives-at-the-quarter-pole/[quote]Most Valuable Player: Derrick Favors

There

[Xiao Yao You]

http://saltcityhoops.com/on-dennis-lindseys-summer-bet/



If the Jazz limp to the finish line with a sub-.500 record or finish in another disappointing fashion, who is to blame?


Blame for securing another lottery pick? Probably give him an extension! :rant


[QUOTE]Surely it can

[Xiao Yao You]

http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865643242/Jazz-need-strong-defense-more-than-ever-with-Gobert-out-of-the-lineup.html


The Jazz proved they can win without center Rudy Gobert, who may be out for at least six weeks, but they needed great games from both Derrick Favors and Trevor Booker to pull out the 122-119 victory. Favors scored a career-high 35 points and pulled down 13 rebounds, while Booker grabbed 14 rebounds and scored 10 points.

Haven't proved they can defend.


[QUOTE]The Jazz have evened their record at 9-9 and are in the top eight in the Western Conference, but to continue to qualify for a playoff spot, coach Quin Snyder is still emphasizing defense as he has since the day he became coach last year. The Jazz gave up their highest point total, albeit in overtime, and without Gobert protecting the basket, the Jazz must work even harder defensively.

[Xiao Yao You]

http://www.sltrib.com/sports/3278446-155/utah-jazz-notes-holding-leads-troublesome


The Jazz have had problems holding on to leads of late, and Gordon Hayward isn't happy about it.


A little over a week ago, the Jazz were up 20 points on the New Orleans Pelicans, and yet Anthony Davis and crew were able to get the game within two possessions late in the fourth quarter. The Jazz won, but they had to sweat it out.

That was mostly because they sat Rudy in the first with 2 fouls.


[QUOTE]Last Saturday against the Indiana Pacers, Utah went ahead by 17 in the third quarter. Not only did Indiana fight its way back, the Pacers led 102-96 with three minutes remaining. Those were the two examples where the Jazz actually won. This past week, they held second-half leads over the Golden State Warriors

[Xiao Yao You]

http://www.sltrib.com/sports/3275478-155/utah-jazz-rodney-hood-looking-to

[QUOTE]It's the perceived easy part of the game that's giving Hood the most trouble: Shooting 3-pointers

[Xiao Yao You]

http://www.slcdunk.com/nba-trades-and-deadline/2015/12/8/9874032/nba-trade-rumor-phoenix-suns-markieff-morris-new-orleans-pelicans-utah-jazz-ryan-anderson


Can they weasel their way into a trade with another team?
It's not can it's do they want to.


Lyles, on a Rookie Contract, may one day end up being really good. However, right now it's fair to say that both players on the trading block are better right now.
So its Withey but that hasn't stopped them from playing Lyles.


Player G Min MPG
PPG
M/G A/G FG%
M/G A/G 3PT%
M/G A/G FT% 1 R.Anderson 439 11264 25.66
12.74
4.43 10.44 42.39%
2.03 5.38 37.84%
1.85 2.16 85.76% 2 M.Morris 326 8250 25.31
11.40
4.44 9.98 44.50%
0.59 1.80 32.48%
1.93 2.53 76.24% 3 T.Booker 331 6678 20.18
6.50
2.74 5.36 51.16%
0.09 0.31 30.10%
0.93 1.52 61.23% 4 T.Lyles 16 142 8.88
2.13
0.94 2.63 35.71%
0.06 0.38 16.67%
0.19 0.44 42.86%



















Player G Min MPG
RPG
APG SPG BPG
PER ORTG DRTG
WS Box +/- PRASB 1 R.Anderson 439 11264 25.66
5.56
0.89 0.56 0.38
17.9 115 108
34.3 1.4 20.12 2 M.Morris 326 8250 25.31
5.40
1.65 0.92 0.63
14.9 102 105
13.9 -0.4 19.99 3 T.Booker 331 6678 20.18
5.11
0.83 0.63 0.60
14.8 110 104
16.1 0.0 13.69 4 T.Lyles 16 142 8.88
2.25
0.25 0.06 0.13
5.7 83 106
0.0 -7.3 4.81



I understand that everyone wants Anderson. He's the gem here; however, Morris could add the versatility the team needs by being a 4/3, and the fire that they could be looking with Booker. Everyone is probably trying to find a way to get Anderson, so I asked our expert, Peter J. Novak, to cook up some trades that work for the team, work under the cap, and could possibly be done.

Morris might make more sense if he can play the 3 and 4. He was positive about his move to the bench too which is where he'd play in Utah. His criminal problems probably keep him off the Jazz radar though.


.
Trade 1: Morris for Booker and Lyles (http://espn.go.com/nba/tradeMachine?tradeId=odb6ekd) https://cdn0.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/NdVlQ2KG1iow46d8lBmZHrzGQcg=/800x0/filters:no_upscale%28%29/cdn0.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/4337045/2015_2016_December_-_Morris_Anderson_Booker_Lyles_-_Trade_1.0.PNG (http://espn.go.com/nba/tradeMachine?tradeId=odb6ekd) Morris has a potential mark on him for good because of his off-court crimes (so it's very unlikely that he's going to be a guy the Jazz ever target), but he's better than the two guys the Jazz would send over to the Suns. He's not as young as Lyles, and may not have as much possible potential, but he's two years younger than Booker and under contract for four years. The $8 million, if nothing else, is a solid building block for future trades if things don't work out. But we're all rightfully wary of a guy like that. Peter brings the heat with the next one though.
. The 4 years probably would have him off the Jazz list as well. Doubt they'd give up Lyles very easily. They obviously like him a lot.


Trade 2: Jennings and Ilyasova for Booker, Lyles, Morris, Pleiss, and Hood (http://espn.go.com/nba/tradeMachine?tradeId=zvmv2tw)

https://cdn0.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/ITO7ISEGSV4hZmv3O_5LX8MNu4Y=/800x0/filters:no_upscale%28%29/cdn0.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/4337059/2015_2016_December_-_Morris_Anderson_Booker_Lyles_-_Trade_2.0.PNG (http://espn.go.com/nba/tradeMachine?tradeId=zvmv2tw) If you want my opinion, Ersan Ilyasova (http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/i/ilyaser01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.basketball-reference.com) is better than both Markieff Morris and Ryan Anderson. But I am biased for people with crazy names. Here the Jazz are parting with Rodney Hood (http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/h/hoodro01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.basketball-reference.com), a starter, in addition to Booker, Lyles, and rookie Tibor Pleiss. This way Morris is reunited with the Detroit Pistons, the Suns continue to get cap relief, and the Jazz make out like bandits. Brandon Jennings (http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/j/jennibr01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.basketball-reference.com) is a legit NBA starter, but this moves the Jazz into a "win now" category, and I'm less crazy about this because it creates uncertainty for Dante Exum's return next season.
Already plenty of uncertainty with Exum. Doubt they give up Hood and Lyles either. Jennings isn't a good fit either and has to prove he can still play too.
.

Trade 3: Anderson for Booker, Lyles, and Morris (http://espn.go.com/nba/tradeMachine?tradeId=gsk4ts8) https://cdn2.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/Ho30kBQgClT_aMjiUiosEAKjHEA=/800x0/filters:no_upscale%28%29/cdn0.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/4337061/2015_2016_December_-_Morris_Anderson_Booker_Lyles_-_Trade_3.0.PNG (http://espn.go.com/nba/tradeMachine?tradeId=gsk4ts8) If we are trying to sneak a three-way deal from a two team set-up this is a nice way for it to happen. It incorporates the actual rumors while butting the Jazz in nicely. Morris goes to New Orleans to pair up with Anthony Davis. That makes Anderson available to some other team. The Phoenix Suns would do well with him, as he fits that gap they have after the departure of Channing Frye (http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/f/fryech01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.basketball-reference.com) . . . but this after all a Jazz blog. So let's butt in here, and steal the best player for a song. Peter informs me that in this case the Suns also get a 1st rounder back for this heist. I'm fine with that. They're in a way getting two, with lotto pick Trey Lyles going to them as well.
Anderson will be a free agent and getting a big pay day. Doubt they want him that bad.
.

So, what do you think? Should the Jazz try to butt into this possible trade? Should they be active in any trades during this season at all? Or will Trey Lyles one day be better than all four, and it's important to be patient? How do these guys compare to Steve Novak (http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/n/novakst01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.basketball-reference.com)? Lots of questions. Few answers. It's going to be a fun next 73 days waiting for the deadline.

Doubt they do anything. I'd look to unload Pleiss somehow at least. Might be able to get a buyout with him. He's putting up double doubles in the D-league. Not convinced he's an NBAer though.

[Xiao Yao You]

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

puts the Suns under the cap. Throw in whatever other assets you need to make it happen.

http://espn.go.com/nba/tradeMachine?tradeId=jrdx66u

Works here too. Says Anderson has two years on his deal. Player option? I can see the Jazz doing something like this if they aren't giving up their future.

[Xiao Yao You]

http://www.sltrib.com/blogs/jazznotes/3283266-155/jazz-shootaround-neto-more-worried-about

[Xiao Yao You]

http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865643264/How-to-watch-Jazz-vs-Kings-Tonight-will-be-a-battle-of-the-bigs.html
[QUOTE]The Utah Jazz travel to Sacramento, California, to face Demarcus Cousins and the Sacramento Kings. The Kings come into this game after losing five of their last six. The Jazz, on the other hand, are coming off an overtime victory against the Indiana Pacers where Derrick Favors stepped up big with 35 points.
The Kings are trending down, while the Jazz have hovered around .500 all year long. With a record of 7-15, the Kings are hoping their skid can halt with the Jazz. Rajon Rondo has been outplaying his expectant role this season, but he and Cousins have seemed to not be able to wrap their heads around coach George Karl

[dilley]

you ok buddy?

[WayOfWade]

Wow I just found this place, Nice work Xiao

[FKAri]

Are you really in China? How's that red alert going?

[Cocaine80s]

http://i.imgur.com/p1rlnKq.png

[bobopenguin]

damn this guy really loves jazz.

[Xiao Yao You]

Not in China now. Had to leave. Pollution made me sick.

Not sure I really love the Jazz. Love Gobert. The rest of the organization is hard to love.

[Xiao Yao You]

Aaron Falk: [URL="http://*********.com/social/"]Rudy Gobert says he

[WayOfWade]

[QUOTE=Xiao Yao You]Aaron Falk: [URL="http://*********.com/social/"]Rudy Gobert says he

[TheImmortal]

we da bess :rockon:

[Xiao Yao You]

How long do you think until Gobert is back? I heard like 4-6 weeks but I've never really seen players recover from MCL sprains that much before. And what do you think the odds are that the Jazz are at least.500 by the time he returns?
Assuming he returns at the beginning of January, the Jazz will have 12 more games until then...
vs. Knicks
vs. Thunder
@ Thunder
@Spurs
vs. Pelicans
vs. Nuggets
vs. Suns
@ Warriors
vs. Clippers
vs. 76ers
@ Wolves
vs. Blazers
Being optimistic, I think the Jazz can win half of these games (vs. Knicks, vs. Pelicans, vs. Nuggets, vs Suns, vs. 76ers, and vs. Blazers), leaving them at 15-16 once Gobert gets back. That'll be good enough for the team to improve again and finally make the playoffs.
And what don't you like about the Jazz? The only thing I really don't like that much is Ron Boone, I could commentate better than that chum

Could be up to 8 weeks. Hopefully they will still be close when he comes back. The schedule is favorable. I expected them to make a run for home court in the first round before he went down. But their defense sucks without him and even with him it was inconsistent.

The Jazz are cheap. Always have been. They haven't done whatever it takes to win. They blew a great opportunity with Stockton and Malone. Have a great opportunity again now. Some things have changed recently but not really. :banghead:

Thanks. Kabong will be glad to see some folks besides me here for a change. :cheers:

[Xiao Yao You]

[QUOTE][URL="http://www.nba.com/jazz/features/raul-neto-improving-every-day"]

[Xiao Yao You]

http://www.nba.com/jazz/features/raul-neto-improving-every-day

[QUOTE]Three months ago, Raul Neto hadn

[Xiao Yao You]

http://saltcityhoops.com/the-rundown-jazz-kings-12815/

[QUOTE]The Jazz miss Rudy Gobert, and badly.


If any one thing has become clear in the last few games, it

[WayOfWade]

Could be up to 8 weeks. Hopefully they will still be close when he comes back. The schedule is favorable. I expected them to make a run for home court in the first round before he went down. But their defense sucks without him and even with him it was inconsistent.

The Jazz are cheap. Always have been. They haven't done whatever it takes to win. They blew a great opportunity with Stockton and Malone. Have a great opportunity again now. Some things have changed recently but not really. :banghead:

Thanks. Kabong will be glad to see some folks besides me here for a change. :cheers:
Now that I think about it, the Jazz are pretty cheap. In the 7+ years I've been watching and going to games, they've never really ever done any big spending (outside of AK-47), and the Hot dogs at the arena stink as well. And wow 8 weeks seems like such a long time, time to (as Bolerjack says) "Buckle Down." It'll be exciting to see how Favors responds in the long run though.
And I'll be passing by here a lot, I had no clue no one even posted here, but now I do :cheers:

[Giaodollo]

Jazz forum, we made it baby!

[Xiao Yao You]

http://weareutahjazz.com/lockedonjazz/2015/12/08/emptying-the-noggin-kings-in-control-the-whole-way/


The Jazz are missing Favors at the 4 a good deal in the defense because Lyles and Ingles are not great defensively and Booker lacks size.

But the rest of the league is playing small so is really too small?:confusedshrug:

[QUOTE]

[Xiao Yao You]

Now that I think about it, the Jazz are pretty cheap. In the 7+ years I've been watching and going to games, they've never really ever done any big spending (outside of AK-47), and the Hot dogs at the arena stink as well. And wow 8 weeks seems like such a long time, time to (as Bolerjack says) "Buckle Down." It'll be exciting to see how Favors responds in the long run though.
And I'll be passing by here a lot, I had no clue no one even posted here, but now I do :cheers:

Cool! Well they did pay luxury tax for two years a few years ago but they didn't spend the money wisely and it sounds like they'll never do it again. Money will be tight again after next season with Gobert and possibly Hayward up for new deals.

[Xiao Yao You]

http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865643332/Utah-Jazz-Injured-Rudy-Gobert-is-getting-better-every-day.html

Get well soon!

[Xiao Yao You]

http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865643336/Jazz-struggle-on-defense-fall-to-Kings-114-106-on-the-road.html

[Xiao Yao You]

http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865643337/Rookie-sensation-Kristaps-Porzingis-to-make-his-Salt-Lake-debut.html
[QUOTE]Fans shouldn

[Xiao Yao You]

http://www.sltrib.com/sports/3278142-155/utah-jazz-slow-start-dooms-jazz

[WayOfWade]

^
Gotta say this game was pretty disappointing, I really thought the Jazz we're going to pull this one out, that is before tipoff. Gobert would never allow 58 points in the paint. I really have no clue how the Jazz are going to solve the 4 problem though, I don't trust Pleiss or Withey, and while I like Book, he just isn't as good defensively. Lyles is a rookie so I don't need to say anything there.

*this is in reference to the Kings game

[WayOfWade]

Hayward is starting off hot tonight! While that's great, the same thing happened against the Magic and we all know how that went

[Xiao Yao You]

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

[WayOfWade]

Before the game. I wonder if Hayward heard this before hand? :confusedshrug:
Sure seems like it, he went after Anthony like a man possessed. Didn't even have to play in the 4th quarter to show him up

[Xiao Yao You]

Sorry I'm lagging. Didn't get to finish watching the game until last night. They sure looked good or the Knicks were just really bad.

[Xiao Yao You]

http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865643406/Jazzs-quick-start-Knicks-poor-beginning-adds-up-to-blowout-win-for-Utah.html

[Xiao Yao You]

http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865643405/Knicks-7-3-rookie-Porzingis-wanted-to-play-against-Gobert.html

[quote]
Actually, we were talking about Porzingas against Rudy Gobert, who at 7-foot-1 isn

[Xiao Yao You]

http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865643409/Jazz-give-fans-a-big-win-over-the-Knicks-chicken-sandwiches.html

[QUOTE]Hood was ejected

[Xiao Yao You]

http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865643490/10-10-Jazz-might-have-a-hard-time-getting-above-500-in-near-future.html

[QUOTE]As usual, Snyder is more interested in how the Jazz are playing than how they are faring in the standings. That

[Xiao Yao You]

http://www.sltrib.com/sports/3287317-155/transcript-of-utah-jazz-live-chat


<li id="LiveBlog_Post211981176" class=" PostType_1 " data-postid="211981176" data-date="1449769251000" data-show-edit-by="true">This question comes from Tommy Likey. He wants to know: Why ain't the Jazz tanking? I mean, couldn't they tank now and get a great pick next year like the Spurs did when David got hurt and they got Duncan? I mean, why not?
by Kevin Morriss 10:40 AM yesterday (http://www.insidehoops.com/forum/)

<li id="LiveBlog_Post211981333" class=" PostType_1 Odd" data-postid="211981333" data-date="1449769301000" data-show-edit-by="true">http://avatars.scribblelive.com/2015/12/3/a93f0e0e-a7ae-45d3-a326-f721d4e814d1.jpg
Thanks for the question, Tommy...

<li id="LiveBlog_Post211981333" class=" PostType_1 Odd" data-postid="211981333" data-date="1449769301000" data-show-edit-by="true">by Tony Jones 10:41 AM yesterday (http://www.insidehoops.com/forum/)

<li id="LiveBlog_Post211981760" class=" PostType_1 " data-postid="211981760" data-date="1449769450000" data-show-edit-by="true">http://avatars.scribblelive.com/2015/12/3/a93f0e0e-a7ae-45d3-a326-f721d4e814d1.jpgThe Jazz are 1) too talented a team to tank. 2) They have to win games at some point, because Gordon Hayward is someone who can opt out of his contract after next season, and it will be very hard to retain a top-5 small forward as an unrestricted free agent to a team that's consistently losing. Also, you want to foster a winning attitude around the young players on this team. Or you become the Sacramento Kings, in the lotto year after year. Tanking is a word that shouldn't be uttered around the Jazz organization, frankly


Playing Lyles over better players is tanking. How many close games has he cost them? If it wasn't for Rudy they would be one of the worst teams again and might yet be before he gets back.

[Xiao Yao You]

http://www.sltrib.com/sports/3278197-155/utah-jazz-hayward-favors-help-jazz

[Xiao Yao You]

http://www.sltrib.com/sports/3289190-155/utah-jazz-for-trey-burke-the

[Xiao Yao You]

http://www.sltrib.com/sports/3292244-155/utah-jazz-need-defensive-makeover-without

[QUOTE]Upset at the lack of effort, more than anything, Snyder made changes in advance of Wednesday's conquest of the Knicks. He promoted guard Elijah Millsap

[Xiao Yao You]

http://weareutahjazz.com/lockedonjazz/2015/12/09/emptying-the-noggin-gordon-and-derrick-lead-the-jazz-to-the-win/


Jazz are the 6th best team in the NBA at shooting the three and it showed tonight. Hayward lead the way 4-4 and Burke was 3 for 6.

I'm not convinced they are that good though. Burks needs to take more.

[Xiao Yao You]

http://saltcityhoops.com/a-closer-look-at-alec-burks/

I think they need to see what he can do with the starters. I thought he earned it in pre-season as their best player. He deserves more minutes. Hood is struggling and after his hip check and with Rudy out tonight would be the perfect night to change it up.

[Xiao Yao You]

http://saltcityhoops.com/the-rundown-knicks-jazz-12915/

[QUOTE]Whatever the hurdles earlier in the year, this latest stretch of games has been a reminder for Jazz fans and prognosticators everywhere: This team still goes as Gordon Hayward goes. Even with Favors raising his level to match Gordon

[Xiao Yao You]

http://saltcityhoops.com/sc7121015/

[QUOTE] Utah doesn

[Xiao Yao You]

http://basketball.realgm.com/analysis/240096/The-Maximum-Available-2016-Cap-Space-For-All-30-NBA-Teams

Be interesting to see what the Jazz do with all that money. I'd guess Pleiss will be bought out, traded or cut at some point. Going to need the roster spot for a first round pick. The sooner the better. Rather have the spot to look at a D-leaguer now. He is skilled but looks to big and mechanical to me for the NBA.

They could look to overpay guys next year on one year contracts or front loaded deals so they'll have them cheap after next year when they will have to start paying their core like the Thunder did with Collison. Booker would be a nice guy to have on the cheap after next year as the 5th or 6th big. Or maybe trade for someone on the last year of their deal that will be looking at a decreased role and lower salary in his next deal.

[Xiao Yao You]

http://www.sltrib.com/sports/3283887-155/jazz-notes-rudy-gobert-making-strides

[WayOfWade]

http://saltcityhoops.com/a-closer-look-at-alec-burks/

I think they need to see what he can do with the starters. I thought he earned it in pre-season as their best player. He deserves more minutes. Hood is struggling and after his hip check and with Rudy out tonight would be the perfect night to change it up.
Yeah, I've been talking with friends and roommates over who is better between Hood and Burks, and I've had a lot of mixed responses. But generally the more educated Jazz fans want Burks to have more minutes and consider him to be better than Hood at the moment. I would really like to see Burks start, I mean it's not like it'll hurt the team, especially with Hood struggling as of late like you said. And in general when I watch Jazz games, I always just feel comfortable whenever Burks has the ball, especially in crunch time, the dude's got so many weapons offensively. We'll see what Snyder does though

[Xiao Yao You]

I felt comfortable with Hood until recently which seems to coincide with his back and rib problems. I thought Burks earned the starting spot in the pre-season though and Hood looked good off the bench and with his injury and foul problems it seems to make sense.

[WayOfWade]

Yeah, but I think Snyder is just trying to go for a stronger offensive punch off the bench, hence the benching of Burks and Burke in favor of Nato and Hood. I think now though Hood should definitely come off the bench at the moment until he shows us otherwise, no shame in that though

[Xiao Yao You]

http://www.sltrib.com/blogs/jazznotes/3296644-155/jazz-shootaround-no-suspension-fine-for

[WayOfWade]

http://www.sltrib.com/sports/3283887-155/jazz-notes-rudy-gobert-making-strides
Good signs for Gobert, it's great that he won't come back until he's completely healthy, not worth the risk at all. With his injury though, I hope that other players on the Jazz can step up and develop more. I'd like to see Favors do a bit of what Griffin did back when Chris Paul was injured a few seasons ago and just impose his will on other teams. Still though, we're not going anywhere without Gobert

[Xiao Yao You]

Yeah, but I think Snyder is just trying to go for a stronger offensive punch off the bench, hence the benching of Burks and Burke in favor of Nato and Hood. I think now though Hood should definitely come off the bench at the moment until he shows us otherwise, no shame in that though

Trey is made for the bench role if he's hitting shots. No reason for him to even play otherwise. Neto is a lot better defender and passer for the starters.

[Xiao Yao You]

http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865643502/How-to-watch-Jazz-vs-Thunder-Kevin-Durant-makes-his-way-to-Salt-Lake-City.html

Hopefully they play a lot better than last time OKC was in town.

[Xiao Yao You]

http://saltcityhoops.com/what-makes-an-exceptional-or-exceptionally-bad-quarter/


Who Knew Playing with the Pass Actually Works

This was supposed to be moving the ball up court with passing instead of dribbling which you hardly ever see from them. Been a bit more lately.

[WayOfWade]

http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865643502/How-to-watch-Jazz-vs-Thunder-Kevin-Durant-makes-his-way-to-Salt-Lake-City.html

Hopefully they play a lot better than last time OKC was in town.
Please don't remind me of that, too painful a memory. But yeah, let's hope they play better

[WayOfWade]

Oh wow, it's stunning how much better the Jazz are doing this time around, let's hope they pull this off!

[Xiao Yao You]

good game. put themselves in too big of a hole early again.

[Xiao Yao You]

[QUOTE]Jody Genessy: Interesting news tidbit: [URL="http://*********.com/social/"]The Utah Jazz are considering re-signing point guard Toure

[Xiao Yao You]

http://saltcityhoops.com/the-rundown-thunder-jazz-121115/

[Xiao Yao You]

http://dleague.nba.com/player/toure-murry/

Putting up some good numbers. Would be one of their older players.

[Xiao Yao You]

http://weareutahjazz.com/lockedonjazz/2015/12/11/emptying-the-noggin-relentless-jazz-fall-short-to-thunder/

[Xiao Yao You]

http://www.sltrib.com/sports/3297567-155/utah-jazz-notes-derrick-favors-hoping


There's no denying the Jazz's defense has suffered since center Rudy Gobert went down with a sprained MCL. But Snyder did heap a little extra praise Friday on Favors' efforts there.


When someone mentioned to Favors that Snyder had said he was the team's best defender at the moment, Favors smiled and paused a beat before delivering his response.


"He just figured that out?" Favors cracked.

I hope he's joking.

[Xiao Yao You]

http://www.sltrib.com/sports/3297827-155/utah-jazz-durant-shines-in-the

[Xiao Yao You]

http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865643574/Utah-Jazz-rally-falls-short-in-94-90-loss-to-Oklahoma-City.html

[Xiao Yao You]

http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865643560/Utah-Jazz-notebook-Snyder-in-top-form-sizing-up-his-coaching-efficiency-rivalry-game.html

[QUOTE]DEFENSIVE CRITIQUE: Coach Snyder said he actually wasn't that pleased with the way his team has played defense thus far.


"I don't think any of our guys are clicking, frankly, defensively," he said. "I don't think our wings have been great. To me, the guy that's played the best defense, hands down, is Fav (Favors). Raul (Neto) has been very solid on the ball. But we can play better individual defense, I mean, that's how I feel. I'm not being critical of our players, and I think we can play better team defense, too.


"

[Xiao Yao You]

http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865643582/Utah-Jazz-Durant-puts-superstardom-on-display-with-late-4th-quarter-scoring-spree.html

[WayOfWade]

http://saltcityhoops.com/the-rundown-thunder-jazz-121115/
Yeah, the game was really lost in the first few minutes. I wasn't able to watch until the fourth quarter, but when I saw that the Jazz had fallen into a 13 point deficit early on, I knew there was going to be trouble. TBH I didn't expect them to get back into it, so kudos to them for doing so; but still, a problem with this teams remains closing out games. That's what makes the Thunder contenders, they can win the close games more often than not whereas the Jazz are still working on it.


http://www.sltrib.com/sports/3297567...-favors-hoping
If I remember correctly, wasn't Favors ticked last year when he didn't make the team? I wasn't here during that time (was on the usual 2-year foreign excursion), but I remember he got robbed by Nowitzki pretty much. Hope he gets recognized this year, but sadly I think Gobert out will actually hurt his chances, seeing as the Jazz' record will drop thus leading to less exposure and people not really taking Favors seriously. Who do you think will be the first Jazz man of Hayward, Favors, and Gobert to become an All-star?


Favors has been the best since Rudy went down or before? They haven't been consistent on D. Might be why Millsap is playing now.
That's a tough question, on one hand he has been doing a better job offensively but the defense has been incredibly inconsistent. How do you beat a team like the Pacers and then drop games to the Magic and Kings? Head scratching stuff.


http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865643582/Utah-Jazz-Durant-puts-superstardom-on-display-with-late-4th-quarter-scoring-spree.html
Had Gobert been here for the game, I doubt Durant gets those shots he got later in the game. Good job by the Jazz though performing better this time around, but the lack of defense - especially at the end of the game - really cost them this game

[Xiao Yao You]

Yeah they keep talking all-star but the best teams usually get the all-stars. GS, SA and OKC will deserve most of them. Gobert should be their first all-star but if someone makes it this year it won't be him with the time he's missing. Would have to look at the competition to see if Hayward or Favors make it but I'd guess Hayward would make it first.

[Xiao Yao You]

David

[WayOfWade]

I don't really follow international play, is he any good?

[Xiao Yao You]

one of the top guys I think

[Xiao Yao You]

http://www.nbadraft.net/2016mock_draft

8th pick here

[Xiao Yao You]

blew it tonite

[Xiao Yao You]

https://jazzfanatical.wordpress.com/2015/12/13/and-heres-your-weekly-utah-jazz-wrapup-9/

[Xiao Yao You]

http://www.sltrib.com/sports/3297499-155/utah-jazz-notes-rodney-hoods-shooting

He looked a lot better tonite. He needs to take it to the hole and not settle for the 3

[Xiao Yao You]

http://www.sltrib.com/sports/3297461-155/utah-jazz-rookie-trey-lyles-responding

Think he needs to go to Idaho. Withey should play.

[Xiao Yao You]

http://www.sltrib.com/sports/3297484-155/kragthorpe-jazz-center-tibor-pleiss-maximizes


Tibor Pleiss is not another Rudy Gobert, either. He's not even Jeff Withey. Yet after watching Pleiss play 32 minutes in Friday's 103-92 loss to Bakersfield, I'm convinced the 7-foot-3, 256-pound German center eventually can help the Jazz. Pleiss' 15-point, 11-rebound effort was his best statistical performance with the Stampede, although he didn't take a shot in 15 minutes of second-half action as Idaho's offense became outside-oriented.


I'm not convinced. He's skilled. He's just too big and mechanical for today's game. Might have made it in the 80's.






Had his worst game last night. Gets a lot of fouls and turnovers. Has hit a couple 3's which is the reason the Jazz were all excited about him.

[Xiao Yao You]

http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865643615/Favors-Burke-Snyder-proving-instrumental-in-Jazz-success.html


Yes, it's hard to imagine a guy who's 6-foot-10 and 265 pounds as being "undersized," but in this day and age of bigger and stronger athletes, Favors' size is better suited for the power forward spot in today's NBA.


It is? We keep hearing that everyone but the Jazz are playing small ball. :confusedshrug:




Backup point guard Trey Burke is steadily becoming the player the Jazz hoped he'd be when they drafted the consensus College Player of the Year out of the University of Michigan in 2013.


He was a top 10 pick. I think they expected a starter not a 6th man.



Sure, the Jazz are still looking for their first-ever NBA championship. But as long as guys like Favors, Hayward, Burke, Snyder and Lindsey are around, at least the Jazz won't ever be headed for absolute basketball oblivion like the 76ers are.


Wasn't much difference between the two teams a year ago before Rudy changed things.

[Xiao Yao You]

http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865643617/Utah-Jazz-get-quick-rematch-with-Oklahoma-City-Thunder.html

[Xiao Yao You]

http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865643540/Guest-commentary-Talented-Utah-Jazz-guard-Rodney-Hood-needs-keep-the-ball-moving.html


This style of play is the way that some of the greatest players have played. Carmelo Anthony and Bryant have been the most recent players to truly excel in this style of play.


Carmelo isn't one of the greats.

[Xiao Yao You]

http://www.sltrib.com/sports/3301041-155/jazz-notes-hayward-bulks-up-for


Jazz coach Quin Snyder elevated Alec Burks to the starting lineup on Sunday night against the Thunder, in place of usual starting point guard Raul Neto. It's the first time this season Snyder has used his three-wing alignment of Burks, Hayward and Rodney Hood at the beginning of a game, and only the second start of the season for Burks, who is usually Utah's sixth man. The switch in the lineup is in reaction to a disturbing trend of the Jazz starting slow in recent games.


Not much left on the bench, He's going to have to look at playing Neto and Burke together at times. Also needs to get Burke out of there if he isn't hitting shots.

[Xiao Yao You]

http://www.sltrib.com/sports/3299760-155/utah-jazz-lead-slips-and-jazz

[Xiao Yao You]

http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865643656/Despite-13-point-halftime-lead-Jazz-fall-to-Oklahoma-City-104-98-in-overtime.html

[Xiao Yao You]

http://weareutahjazz.com/lockedonjazz/2015/12/13/emptying-the-noggin-jazz-push-the-thunder-to-the-limit-again/
[QUOTE]

[Xiao Yao You]

http://saltcityhoops.com/two-takeaways-utah-unravels-in-overtime/

[Xiao Yao You]

http://www.sltrib.com/blogs/jazznotes/3304839-155/jazz-hoping-hoods-breakout-will-last

[Xiao Yao You]

http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865643656/Despite-13-point-halftime-lead-Jazz-fall-to-Oklahoma-City-104-98-in-overtime.html

[Xiao Yao You]

[QUOTE]Jody Genessy: From what I

[Xiao Yao You]

http://saltcityhoops.com/a-utah-jazz-players-wish-list/


This season, when being defended by Burks, opposing players have their shooting percentages jump seven points compared to their average. Anything defense-related should be at the top of Alec Burks’ holiday wish list.
I guess that's why he doesn't play more?
Chris Johnson

Chris Johnson is currently averaging 4.8 minutes per game, so all his other stats can be thrown out the window because the obvious stat Johnson wants to improve his the number of minutes he gets on the floor.
got a good argument for it
Derrick Favors

With how well Favors has played, suggesting he needs to improve could be perceived as blasphemy. But of course Favors is not perfect and therefore can and should want to improve. Favors is only averaging 4.7 defensive rebounds and 7.7 rebounds total in road games. If the Jazz are going to win away from Vivint Smart Home Arena, Favors will need to be more active on the boards to secure victory. Definitely a little nit-picky, but that just means Favors game is so good that you’ve got to go deeper to find the holes in his game.
not very good. I hope it's higher without Rudy.
Elijah Millsap

For a while, Millsap seemed to be all but eliminated from the rotation. But with Gobert’s injury, Snyder has begun to give Millsap some more playing time in hopes his defense on the perimeter can make up for some of the defense missing on the interior. Besides wanting more minutes, Millsap would be glad to improve any part of his offense. Elijah has only attempted six shots from beyond the arc and connected on one of those attempts. Both the Jazz and Millsap would love for him to turn into a 3 & D guy off the bench.
Wishful thinking I'm afraid. Johnson looks like that guy maybe.


Jeff Withey

Withey has been a pleasant surprise in the little action he’s seen. He’s been able to provide some rim protection and even the occasional dunk. Withey’s forced opposing players to shoot nine percent worse than their regular shooting percentage. He’s only take six three throw attempts and is shooting 33.3 percent from the line. Small sample size aside, Withey would want to shoot a lot better at the line.
68% on 129 in his career. I'd worry about others there.

Raul Neto

Raul Neto has been better than I expected, despite some obvious flaws in his game. Neto will have spurts of scoring, but is not a consistent threat to light up the scoreboard. His defense is scrappy, but struggles against bigger guards. So what’s the stat Neto would like to improve? His assists. He clearly has good enough court vision and creativity to make his teammates better and his assist numbers should be better. Raul is averaging 2.3 assists per game, but he’s got the ability to be around five.
On the bench now. This has more to do with the opportunity. When they put the ball in his hands and run the pick and roll good things happen.
Rodney Hood

Oh, Rodney. It’s pretty clear what Hood is wishing, nay begging for this time of year. Hood is shooting a lowly 30.1 percent from three and the slump appears to be creeping into his mind as he’s passed up some shots he normally wouldn’t. But it hasn’t been all bad for Hood, who continues to excel as the ball handler in pick and roll situations. Rodney Hood, and Jazz fans everywhere, are hoping this slump ends sooner rather than later1 (http://saltcityhoops.com/a-utah-jazz-players-wish-list/#note-1).
Rudy Gobert

As of right now, the only stat that Gobert should be concerning himself with is the number 14 — the number of games he’s played thus far. Gobert’s main goal should be getting 100 percent healthy so that number can begin to increase so the Jazz can have a real shot at making the playoffs.
Trevor Booker

Since Gobert went down, Trevor Booker has played very well, especially compared to how he began the season. Booker is finishing more consistently at the rim and rebounding at a higher rate. But gone from is game are both the three point shooting volume and percentage of last season. Booker is terrified to shoot from deep and his percentage is taking a hit, down from 34.5 percent a season ago to 10 percent this year. Booker needs to keep defenders honest by taking at least one or two attempts from three per game.
a lot to ask. He's still struggling at the rim though a bit better.

[Xiao Yao You]

http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865643661/Jazz-notes-Alec-Burks-replaces-Raul-Neto-in-starting-lineup.html

[WayOfWade]

I'll get to those articles in a little bit, but today is a very painful day to be a Jazz fan

[Xiao Yao You]

[QUOTE]Tony Jones: Quin Snyder said Rudy Gobert is making progress rehabbing his injured knee (http://*********.com/social/)

[Xiao Yao You]

[QUOTE]As for Chicago, the Bulls are loaded with expendable frontcourt talent. [URL="http://www.sheridanhoops.com/2015/12/15/scotto-celtics-heat-and-bulls-lining-up-for-demarcus-cousins/"]Joakim Noah

[Xiao Yao You]

http://weareutahjazz.com/lockedonjazz/2015/12/14/emptying-the-noggin-spurs-torch-the-jazz/

[Xiao Yao You]

Pleiss is back

[Xiao Yao You]

David

[Xiao Yao You]

http://www.sltrib.com/sports/3311800-155/utah-jazz-will-team-return-to


Conventional wisdom dictates playing without a point guard for 30 minutes per game isn't the smartest thing to do.

In today's game it's putting your best players out there and their pg's aren't their best players.

[Xiao Yao You]

http://saltcityhoops.com/river-city-rout-jazz-fail-to-measure-up-to-spurs/

[LIST]
[QUOTE]Trey Lyles shouldn

[Xiao Yao You]

http://saltcityhoops.com/right-at-home-trey-burke-on-comfort-role-and-personal-improvement/

[Xiao Yao You]

http://www.sltrib.com/sports/3308040-155/jazz-notes-utah-trying-to-find

[Xiao Yao You]

http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865643726/Jazz-notes-Raul-Neto-returns-to-the-starting-lineup.html

[Xiao Yao You]

http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865643779/Remembering-Utah-Jazz-owner-Larry-Miller--from-99-different-perspectives.html

[Xiao Yao You]

http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865643798/Why-Jazz-fans-shouldnt-panic-about-teams-worst-loss-in-years.html

[Xiao Yao You]

http://www.sltrib.com/sports/3308164-155/utah-jazz-spurs-blow-out-jazz

[Xiao Yao You]

http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865643723/Spurs-clobber-Jazz-118-81-on-56-shooting.html

[Xiao Yao You]

http://weareutahjazz.com/lockedonjazz/2015/12/16/emptying-the-noggin-jazz-collapse-in-4th-v-pelicans/

[QUOTE]

[Xiao Yao You]

http://saltcityhoops.com/the-rundown-pelicans-jazz-121615/

[QUOTE]No small? Questioning Quin Snyder

[Xiao Yao You]

http://www.slcdunk.com/2015/12/16/10312510/utah-jazz-gilbert-arenas-rajon-rondo-al-jefferson-markieff-morris-jahlil-okafor-karl-malone

[Xiao Yao You]

http://www.slcdunk.com/2015/12/16/10304972/idaho-stampede-utah-jazz-minnesota-timberwolves-tyus-jones-tibor-pleiss-jeff-ayres

[Xiao Yao You]

http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865643887/Utah-Jazz-Slow-fourth-quarter-leads-to-104-94-loss-to-New-Orleans.html

[Xiao Yao You]

http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865643893/After-big-quarter-Favors-hardly-sees-the-ball-in-4th-quarter-of-Jazz-loss.html

[Xiao Yao You]

http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865643890/To-view-or-not-to-view-The-Force-is-only-with-some-Utah-Jazz-players.html

[Xiao Yao You]

http://www.sltrib.com/sports/3321976-155/utah-jazz-notes-netos-role-fluctuating

[Xiao Yao You]

http://www.sltrib.com/sports/3321923-155/utah-jazz-jeff-withey-providing-insurance

[Xiao Yao You]

http://www.sltrib.com/blogs/jazznotes/3320662-155/at-center-of-trade-rumors-pelicans

[Xiao Yao You]

http://www.sltrib.com/sports/3317316-155/utah-jazz-favors-takes-one-shot

[Xiao Yao You]

http://www.sltrib.com/sports/3317334-155/utah-jazz-let-a-fourth-quarter-lead

[Xiao Yao You]

http://saltcityhoops.com/salt-city-seven-on-losses-lineups-and-trade-likelihood/


Rudy Gobert’s absence is highlighting a depth issue that tells us that, even in view of said long game, Utah’s stars could use some help. Didn't need Rudy to go down to know this. I certainly don't think the front office is going to suddenly change course.


Not Going Anywhere: Gordon Hayward, Derrick Favors, Rudy Gobert, Dante Exum

Very few players are 100% untouchable, but the Jazz really like their current three-man core as the basis for both the short and long term, and they’re still believers in what Exum could become.
To me Rudy is the one guy that likely isn't going anywhere. He's the centerpiece you build around. Need to put guys around him that fit.

Hayward can opt out after next year so depending on how much they think he is worth and what they think he will command on the market he could go.

Favors could eventually go too if they decide they will be better playing smaller which is a real argument based on how they've looked when Booker starts with Gobert.

If they don't think Exum will recover from his injury 100 % he might go too.




You just don’t trade mid-tier rotational players and get stars in return. And once you take your three best players plus a tantalizing young prospect off the table, that’s about what you have. Not every GM abides by the tier rule, but it’s a good way of thinking about it: for the most part, stars get traded for stars,starters get traded for starters, role players get traded for role players and spare parts get traded for spare parts.

Except when you have cap room and roster flexibility that most teams don't. Lots of picks too which are a lot more valuable now.



In other words, if you’re hoping for Danilo Gallinari or Mike Conley, you might just want to take a long winter’s nap and we’ll wake you on February 19.

Snyder loves Conley. Memphis is old and sucks. He will be a free agent. He seems like someone they could target.




Pleiss makes this section for a totally different reason: right now, he’s just not as good as his contract. Teams can acquire a player contributing what he contributes far more cheaply than for the $6.4 million guaranteed that Pleiss is owed. He has some tools and will probably get better as the game slows down and his feet speed up, but right now he’s upside-down in the value-to-salary ratio.

He's the guy that needs to go and like the Taj Gibson trade I posted it could still save a team money to take on Pleiss through next season. I'd certainly be looking to dump him in any trade. A buyout seems more likely though just for the roster space to pick up Tou're Murray or another D-leaguer.




Min-Level Crew: Raul Neto, Elijah Millsap, Chris Johnson, Jeff Withey

Minimum-salary, replacement-level players are always less likely to move than some of their counterparts, for the simply reason that usually the only way they are dealt is when attached to one of those bigger transactions. The latter three are particularly useful for salary matching because of their non-guaranteed status that can help even out sides of a deal but without requiring an actual financial commitment.
The last 3 are valuable because of their contracts. They could actually help someone too.



Modest Value Chips: Trevor Booker, Joe Ingles, Trey Lyles

“Modest” here means that, on their own, these guys aren’t getting you much. Booker and Ingles are basically playing at replacement level so far, but both have had stretches that might lead a GM to believe they could be helpful, and both have favorable contracts3 (http://saltcityhoops.com/salt-city-seven-on-losses-lineups-and-trade-likelihood/#note-3).
Booker is expiring and could be a nice piece for someone.



Lyles hasn’t blown anybody away with his first quarter season, but he’s just six months removed from being a lottery selection. He was considered as high as the mid-lottery, which means there are teams out there that believe in his skill set. At the front end of a rookie contract, he could be intriguing in a low-risk sort of way to some of the teams who liked him a lot in June.

Doubt he's going anywhere. They love him. He could eventually replace Favors I think.




The Pieces: Trey Burke, Alec Burks

Even though it’s not the intention, it feels like an annual tradition to conceptually shop the Burk(e/s) Bros. The reality is that you don’t get good players without giving up good players, and this is the best of what Utah has to offer without disturbing their core of four borderline untouchables.
If you listen to SCH radio, you’ve heard that the market for Burke wasn’t exactly popping this past summer. But Trey may have played his value back to “interesting.” He’s suddenly a 39% three-point shooter, where he takes two of every five attempts, and he has an improving floor game. He also has one year left on a rookie contract, after which the team that holds his rights will have leverage if they want to keep him. That could be appealing to teams in a certain situation, particularly those looking to get young as they get further removed from the 2016 playoff race.
Trey actually looks like a good 6th man type now but I'm still not a big fan of his game and he seems like the next guy to go from their young core eventually especially with Exum back next year.


Burks is the Jazz’s best shot to bring back a quality rotation player — because he is one. And precisely because of that, I have no idea if the Jazz are interested in dealing him. Here’s what I do know: Burks has been a slow adopter of certain things the coaching staff has implored him to pick up on, particularly in terms of decision-making, shot selection, letting loose from three and defense. So there’s a chance they’d look at his value as one of the league’s best sixth men this season and decide to sell high. If they don’t, then any changes they make will likely be around the periphery and won’t yield huge difference-makers.

Still a big fan of him but yes he might not be the best fit in the long term and has to certainly have value around the league.



As we continue looking at Utah’s trade asset arsenal, that’s the minimum number of picks Utah has in the next five drafts.
Their own 5 firsts and 5 seconds.
Protected 1st from OKC in 2018-20 (could become two seconds)
Unprotected 1st from GSW in 2017
Six extra seconds in the next three draftsFans are pretty quick to add “+OKC” or “+GSW” to any trade proposal, meaning tack on picks the way TV infomercials throw in an extra set of laser ear hair trimmers if you “act now.”


I’d be a little more judicious than that. Those picks could come into play at an important time for the Jazz’s fiscal planning. Hayward and Gobert will negotiate their new deals during a one-year cap jump. Then the cap falls back down in 2018-19, so if you pencil in even conservative estimates for those two, Favors and Exum on top of committed salary, the Jazz are already butting close to a $121 million tax threshold.
Exum isn't worth much at the moment. He's got a ton to prove. He was basically Eli Millsap before he got hurt without the energy.


Having the opportunity to add talent on the cheap at that point could be important.

That said, there’s no way Utah is drafting 18 players over that span of time, so expect them to use these assets to grease the wheels if necessary. They also hold rights to drafted players, most notably Olivier Hanlan and Ante Tomic.
They could use the picks to stash more guys. That's a big part of what SA does. They always have guys in that pipeline. Hanlan could be a cheap end of the bench guys in a couple years.

[Xiao Yao You]

Does it suck as a fan right now to watch our team starting to go down the path of playing themselves out of the inside track for a playoff spot? Yes.

But the front office is really caught in an unenviable position of not achieving the success that was expected in this young season while not having any obvious move to save them without major gamble.
Losing is success to them. They want the lottery more than they want the playoffs. They had no way to guarantee that without benching Rudy though. How do you sell that? :confusedshrug:


The Jazz have a special group of players. Our current 7 quality players are Dante Exum, Trey Burke, Alec Burks, Rodney Hood (http://www.sbnation.com/nba/players/246135/rodney-hood), Gordon Hayward (http://www.sbnation.com/nba/players/111897/gordon-hayward), Derrick Favors, and Rudy Gobert.

Neto and Lyles should be in there. Neto is arguably better than Exum and Burke. Lyles is 19 and highly skilled and a seemingly good fit eventually. I could see him replacing Favors eventually


Are any of them stars? Before you answer, let me rephrase that. Are any of them a current top 10 player? My list currently reads in no specific order: LeBron, Durant, Davis, Curry, Westbrook, Paul, Leonard as the top 7 and 3 of Harden, M. Gasol, Griffin, Wall, Bosh, George to round out the top 10. So at this point, the Jazz do not have a star, or at least a player good enough to lead a team to the top third of the league.

Rudy has made them look like that rather his stats cry out to you or not.


The Jazz this summer failed to either (a) realize the lack of depth this team has or (b) round out this roster properly with players who are not a liability

I think they realized who they had. This is the path they've chosen.


I remember hearing multiple times this summer that this Jazz team had depth. I was not fully convinced when I saw how lowly perceived our 2nd unit was nationally (NBA Rank link of team-by-team (http://espn.go.com/nba/story/_/id/13723434/team-team)).

Who said that other than the local media and fancs who lap up whatever the franchise throws at them? They had 7 proven guys to me based on the end of last year and Hood, Ingles and Booker haven't been as good as they were then. Burke has stepped up. Withey can play but doesn't. Lyles isn't ready for prime time and either is Hood apparently. Other than Pleiss I actually like the other guys they have but with the cap space and roster flexibility they have they could certainly have a better roster.


I'm afraid to say that the Jazz front office missed the mark if they were trying to give this team a roster that would be able to handle 2 injuries. Which leads me to my next point...

What gives you the idea that the front office was trying to do anything but develop the guys they have? :confusedshrug: They have cap space, roster flexibility and many assets. They could have a much different roster if they chose to.


The Jazz's defense really, really needs Rudy Gobert to function effectively

and maybe Dante and Millsap because they were inconsistent even with Rudy. Millsap was rated 2nd behind Tony Allen. He could be their Exum once Rudy gets back but can the offense take him on the court much? He and Exum suck on offense. Hopefully Exum will still be able to defend and develop as an offensive player.


The Jazz's record, defensive rating, intimidation factor, and overall watchability have taken quite the tumble since Gobert has been out.

Definitely a lot more fun to watch with Rudy in there win or lose.


It doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure out that this team is not as good without Rudy bolstering the frontcourt next to our other beloved big Favors. Is this to say that Gobert is more than important than Favors or Hayward? It doesn't matter, maybe he is, maybe he isn't.

Is there any doubt? It's amazing to me that despite all the advance stats people throw out there they still go back to points to talk about who's all-stars and who's not. The Jazz are Rudy and everyone else. He's proven it for the last year no matter how much everyone wants to tell us it's Favors and/or Hayward. I don't understand how anyone could see it any other way if they've been paying any attention at all.


But what is evident is that without Gobert, this team does not have anyone to fill in the shoes of my personal vote for Defensive Player of the Year.

But I thought Favors was an elite rim protector himself? :confusedshrug:


Will one of Gobert, Favors, Hayward rise up and become the team's carrier to success?

One already has but apparently not the one everyone wants.


Gobert may be the real deal, if this injury happens to be a fluke and he's able to bounce-back and frankly, put this team back on track as a top defensive team and get us a playoff win THIS year, then I think Gobert may just become the unforeseen star that rises from this Jazz squad.

:facepalm


Honestly, those picks may have changed our franchise around, but I do not see those players becoming the ones they are today while playing the first few years of their career under our former coach.

When all else fails let's blame Ty! :rolleyes:


Thankfully, the Jazz are moving in the right direction now with a coach and GM we can at least put some trust into, how far they will get in this iteration of the Jazz is yet to be seen.

Why is it we can trust them? Because they went the now popular route of tanking? Both have a lot to prove still in my mind. They got lucky with Rudy. Otherwise there is not that much to get excited about in Utah and the NBA might have pushed for a Jerry Colangelo here too.


The Jazz didn't tank bad enough to luck us into a #1 pick, and that's okay. We didn't mortgage this team's future in ways that the 76ers (http://www.sbnation.com/nba/teams/philadelphia-76ers), Nets (http://www.sbnation.com/nba/teams/brooklyn-nets), and Lakers have done, and haven't been a terrible team in a way that the Kings (http://www.sbnation.com/nba/teams/sacramento-kings) and Timberwolves (http://www.sbnation.com/nba/teams/minnesota-timberwolves) have been for more than a decade.

Rudy. One name answers it all. Rudy. Jazz were as bad as the Sixers a year ago and are basically still tanking other than the fact that Rudy keeps them in every ball game.


We've been through our worst years and now we are going to see how good we can play our cards now.

Assuming Rudy stays healthy.


Thanks for going through this journey with me and I look forward to the journey ahead of us as the Jazz go through own personal redemption story of being able to find success for the first time since the greatest coach in our franchise history retired.

Their greatest coach might be coaching the team now but I'm still not happy with everything he does.

I can only hope one day that Rudy gets the appreciation he deserves. I think everyone around the league knows. The opposing coaches always mention him. If they vote for an all-star I'd guess it would be him or no one no matter how much the media want to push the other big 2! :no:

[Xiao Yao You]

http://www.slcdunk.com/2015/12/17/10411908/jazz-plan-not-working-utah-jazz-rudy-gobert-derrick-favors-gordon-hayward-playoffs


Then the core broke up, we lost key pieces in money-chasing Boozer, sharp-shooting and under-utilized-here Korver, and diamond-in-the-rough Matthews.

Korver was over used with the Jazz because Sloan loved him. He has done better with Atlanta because he gets to shoot 3's which Jerry never embraced.


We tried to replace them with Al Jefferson (http://www.sbnation.com/nba/players/4369/al-jefferson) and Raja Bell (http://www.sbnation.com/nba/players/21915/raja-bell). It surprisingly went really well for half a season.

But it sure sucked to watch Al ball. What a terrible trade that was. Koufos, cap space and 2 firsts! :wtf:


Today, I don't think you would find a single GM who cared about his job who would trade Favors for Williams straight up, so kudos to the Jazz front office for pulling the trigger on this trade.

Sure but you still have to wonder what kind of haul they could have gotten if they didn't take the 2nd offer from the only team they talked too. :confusedshrug:


The Corbin-led Jazz even in their best years suffered from many variables, not limited to a big-man log-jam, the Al-fense, a near league-worst backcourt (Devin Harris, Raja Bell, Josh Howard (http://www.sbnation.com/nba/players/21724/josh-howard), Mo Williams (http://www.sbnation.com/nba/players/21676/mo-williams), Randy Foye (http://www.sbnation.com/nba/players/4364/randy-foye) just to name a few starting guards during this stretch), and that's not even including the evidence that maybe Ty Corbin wasn't the proper choice to lead the Jazz during this era.

Al's offense was the biggest problem. One guy pump faking while his teammates watched. :sleeping

Ty never had a chance. Replaced the legend. Stuck with Al. Still got them to the playoffs. Stuck with tanking. He gets a bad rap.


while a possible scenario for next season is that Exum will return as starter while the more complementary of the two of Burke/Neto will be the backup guard next season and the other one will ride the bench hard or gets traded.

Exum will first have to show he can still defend coming off surgery. Then he will have to show he has improved at the other end where he and Trey were historically awful. I'd look for Dante to take the minutes of Ingles, Millsap and Johnson first before I expect the world from him. I think coming off the bench with Burke at the 2 could make sense to start. Neto starts. He could also start with Neto or with Burks or Hood. Many options. He has to show he can play first in my mind but like we've seen the best players aren't necessarily going to play. Winning isn't the top priority yet. Hopefully one day it will be.


We actually started off strong this season with a 4-2 record. Then we started playing tougher teams and began to look like a team in the 40-48 win range.

Looked like they were ready to make a run for the 4th spot in the standings...


Then Gobert went down


We are now down 2 of the 5 players that led to our magical run in the 2nd half of last season.

Not to mention Booker, Ingles, Hood, and Millsap all played much bigger roles.


It's clear that Burks, even if he is a solid offensive player as a slashing wing, is not quite a replacement for the role that Exum filled as a 3-and-D guard.

The 3 and D without the 3! :lol

Millsap is the closest thing to Exum. Burks makes them a better offensive team.


The Jazz triple-wing lineup has looked highly promising and combined with Favors and Withey may be our best 5 men lineup right now. So why haven't the Jazz incorporated that yet?

Because winning isn't their first priority obviously. Lyles wouldn't be playing otherwise. Gobert is the only thing that has kept them from being one of the worst teams in the league which they were a year ago before Rudy put a wrench in things.


Based on the rotations being played and the moves that Quin have been making as of late, I would not be one bit surprised if the moment Gobert went down, Dennis Lindsey walked up to Quin Snyder and whispered in his ear something along the lines of:

"Win or lose, what is most important to this franchise in the long term is for us to stay focused on the central tenets of this team's philosophy until we're contenders. Say it with me now....

Defense

Development

Discipline"

That's right, I am hypothesizing that the front office is not quite in the same win-now mentality that the majority of the fanbase has been clamoring for what feels like forever.
Nothing changed! Lyles was playing ahead of Withey before Rudy went down. What has changed is that without Rudy they suck which we should have already known except for the fact that we keep hearing about their best players being all-stars and they aren't talking about Rudy. :facepalm

The fan base has seemed to be all for the tanking. Let Millsap and Demarre go! Let young guys who aren't ready play! Let's lose! :eek:


Would making the playoffs this year and getting some wins there this year be awesome and a step in the right direction? Absolutely, but not at the expense of compromising or limiting the window of this team's core (Favors, Gobert, and whoever is still with the Jazz in 2 years of Hayward, Exum, Hood, Burks, and future core players).

As we've seen with this injury you go for it when you have the chance. They already made the mistake of waiting during the John/Karl years and it got them nothing.

[Xiao Yao You]

http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865643977/Jazz-feel-lucky-to-have-center-Jeff-Withey-during-recent-stretch-of-misfortune.html

[QUOTE]Gobert

[Xiao Yao You]

http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865643987/Jazz-hope-to-end-losing-streak-against-Nuggets.html

[QUOTE]The Nuggets are coming in as the winners of three straight games and five out of their last six. They have been without their prized rookie Emmanuel Mudiay, who injured his ankle in a game against the Minnesota Timberwolves. In the two and half games he has missed, the Nuggets have actually looked good, averaging 112 points a game, a slight increase from the 99.2 they were averaging. This caused Jazz radio play-by-play voice David Locke to tweet,

[Xiao Yao You]

http://www.sltrib.com/blogs/jazznotes/3325845-155/injury-updates-hood-good-ingles-questionable

[WayOfWade]

Let's hope Hood can suit it up, the Jazz are going to need him. I can tell because I was at the Jazz-Pelicans game, and my goodness it was a sad sight to watch, we completely melted down in the 4th quarter. This is the Nuggets though, we should definetely pick up a W here.
And I agree with you about those fans who say "Let's Tank!" That blows
And as for the Withey/Lyles situation, I really could care less, they're getting more playing time and the Jazz are losing, Gobert is the real deal, he's what drives this team as we saw last year. Too bad we're still like 6 weeks away

[Xiao Yao You]

Denver had been playing well. Good win. Need another against the Suns.

Gobert says he feels like he could start running but they are holding him back. Hopefully sooner than later.

[WayOfWade]

Denver had been playing well. Good win. Need another against the Suns.

Gobert says he feels like he could start running but they are holding him back. Hopefully sooner than later.
Definitely; fortunately (in spite of the fact that the Jazz are 11-14) they still are the 8 seed out West, with the other contending teams for that spot (PHX, NO, MIN, SAC etc...) not looking like they're going to get better at any time this season whereas the Jazz will get Gobert back and only be better.
The Suns will be tougher though, out of all the teams in the west who are not within the top 8, Phoenix is easily the best and will present a tough challenge; they've been vying for a playoff spot for years now, no pushover.

[Xiao Yao You]

Definitely; fortunately (in spite of the fact that the Jazz are 11-14) they still are the 8 seed out West, with the other contending teams for that spot (PHX, NO, MIN, SAC etc...) not looking like they're going to get better at any time this season whereas the Jazz will get Gobert back and only be better.

Hard to say what other teams will do. Rosters could still change. Coaches could change. Young guys improve, etc.


The Suns will be tougher though, out of all the teams in the west who are not within the top 8, Phoenix is easily the best and will present a tough challenge; they've been vying for a playoff spot for years now, no pushover.

Suns would appear to be better and maybe a tougher match-up for the Jazz more importantly. Good guards have given them trouble.

[Xiao Yao You]

Marc Stein: Not surprising but the numbers still speak loudly when you see

[Xiao Yao You]

http://saltcityhoops.com/utah-jazz-trade-ideas/

Trade #1: Jazz land a stretch big.

This might make some sense especially if they think they'll be able to re-sign Andersen in the off season to a front loaded deal. Might not have enough to pay Tyreke or someone else after next year. Tyreke might fit better than Burks and certainly better than Trey. Booker's energy would be missed. I'd prefer someone else in the deal besides him.




Trade #2: Utah adds more shooting


can't see them doing this one either


Trade #3: The reunion tour.


Millsap making max off the bench? Not sure Deron is better than Trey at this stage.

[Xiao Yao You]

http://saltcityhoops.com/the-rundown-nuggets-jazz-121815/

[QUOTE]Ingles provides excellent spacing whenever on the floor, but whether he can play solid enough defense to remain on the floor is always the question. He was up to the task Friday, collecting three steals in his 17 minutes and doing enough with his length to neutralize any mismatch the Nuggets could have thought to create. Meanwhile, with the Nuggets forced to play Nelson on someone down the stretch and no Jazz point guard on the floor to stick him on, Hayward got his looks and the Jazz won the game.

Long term, one hopes this re-ignites Ingles

[Xiao Yao You]

http://www.slcdunk.com/research-statistics-analytics/2015/12/21/10638580/utah-jazz-alec-burks-assassin




Enes Kanter was traded for some stale airline peanuts and Kendrick Perkins (http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/p/perkike01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.basketball-reference.com)' expiring contract.


still don't know what we will get as far as picks



Trey Burke hasn't been a headline maker save for a few game winners and some NBA All-Star Saturday night hardware.


looking like a nice 6th man now



Dante Exum did not impress as a rookie, and is missing his entire second season right now.


One day he impresses with his D the other he doesn't :confusedshrug:



And Trey Lyles is, well, he's going to be a rotation player in two to three seasons from now.


He's a rotation player now though it's premature he is improving. In 2 or 3 years he may make Favors expendable.




Rodney Hood is a starter, along with Dante when he's healthy.


Neither can be penciled in there next year yet.

[Xiao Yao You]

http://www.slcdunk.com/research-statistics-analytics/2015/12/21/10637550/utah-jazz-shooter-rodney-hood-may-not-be-reliable-but-he-is-relentless


A shooter's gotta keep shooting.


He's a scorer not a shooter at this stage. He needs to try to get inside the arc more instead of settling for 3's. He's tough in the mid range.



That's not great for a starting shooting guard.


which is why I would have started him off on the bench

[Xiao Yao You]

http://www.slcdunk.com/research-statistics-analytics/2015/12/21/10636848/utah-jazz-point-guard-trey-burke-is-one-of-the-most-analytically


But what has gone up is his overall play and specifically his efficiency. This is reflected in his advanced stats this year -- he's never been as effective as he is today.

More consistent


So maybe this is the better Trey than the one who used to dime 6 times a game with a 3 : 1 assist to turn over ratio?

you think? :rolleyes:


I'm really a traditional stats guy, and advanced stats sometimes are beyond me. But in this case I guess the eyeball test is wrong. He's a big part of what the Jazz are doing.

Have never gotten the impression you even watch games. Seems to be all about stats for you.

Trey has stepped up so far. I still think he could be the next guy of their core to go.

[Xiao Yao You]

http://weareutahjazz.com/lockedonjazz/2015/12/18/emptying-the-noggin-hayward-leads-jazz-past-nuggets/

[QUOTE]

[Xiao Yao You]

https://jazzfanatical.wordpress.com/2015/12/21/and-heres-your-weekly-utah-jazz-wrapup-10/

[QUOTE]You know, offensively, none of those guys are point guards. You know, and as a result, you know, there

[Xiao Yao You]

http://www.sltrib.com/blogs/jazznotes/3335929-155/shootaround-notes-jazz-vs-suns

[QUOTE]
But the Jazz do know they need to make the most of this run of home games.


"We have to take advantage of our home games," Burke said. "Obviously in this league it

[Xiao Yao You]

http://www.sltrib.com/sports/3332458-155/utah-jazz-notes-jazz-think-long-term

[Xiao Yao You]

http://www.sltrib.com/sports/3332605-155/nba-results-in-phoenix-mixed-for


That means the Jazz will be able to concentrate defensively on Bledsoe and Knight. And while those two are quite explosive, and it can be argued Bledsoe is playing at an All-Star level this season, the Jazz are good defensively when they know the scoring choice for their opponent is limited.


Hopefully they can slow at least one of them down. They've beat teams with one guy having a big night.

[Xiao Yao You]

http://www.sltrib.com/sports/3327400-155/haywards-fourth-fuels-jazz

[Xiao Yao You]

http://www.sltrib.com/sports/3326975-155/jazz-notes-players-make-holiday-visithttp://www.sltrib.com/sports/3326975-155/jazz-notes-players-make-holiday-visit

[Xiao Yao You]

http://www.sltrib.com/sports/3326777-155/utah-jazz-victory-over-nuggets-ends

[Xiao Yao You]

http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865644138/After-30-years-on-the-road-Jazz-are-finally-at-home-for-Dec-21-game.html

[QUOTE]

[Xiao Yao You]

http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865644087/Utah-Jazz-notebook-Quin-Snyder-determined-not-to-dwell-on-negatives-of-losing-streak.html

[Xiao Yao You]

http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865644070/Utah-Jazz-Jazz-stage-strong-fourth-quarter-finish-try-to-snap-four-game-losing-streak.html


"He is a good player," he said. "You take off their best player and obviously they're going to struggle. When he is on the court, they are a better team.


yep. Hurry back Rudy!

[Xiao Yao You]

http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865644150/How-to-watch-Jazz-Suns-No-14-returns-to-Salt-Lake-with-his-Suns.html

[Xiao Yao You]

http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865644148/Jazz-enjoy-day-off-watching-college-basketball-and-some-football.html

[QUOTE]Snyder has been pleased with his team

[Xiao Yao You]

http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865644055/Utah-Jazz-notebook-Jazz-contingent-brings-plenty-of-joy-to-kids-at-two-local-hospitals.html

[Xiao Yao You]

Jody Genessy: Per Jazz PR, Alec Burks, Derrick Favors, Joe Ingles and Gordon Hayward have bought 60 tickets per game to donate to youth and charities (http://*********.com/social/).

[WayOfWade]

http://www.slcdunk.com/research-stat...t-analytically
He has been playing a lot better this year, he's cooled off a bit but has been playing a little better than last season.


http://weareutahjazz.com/lockedonjazz/2015/12/18/emptying-the-noggin-hayward-leads-jazz-past-nuggets/
I absolutely love Trevor; he just seems like one of those guys that really cares about the game of basketball and goes all out while he's on the court. His dunks are nice too, and that 3...


Need to start beating people at home. They are better on the road.
That's why this Gobert injury almost couldn't have come at a worse time, he just happens to go out at probably the most home-heavy part of the schedule, thus making it harder to win these games here where it's easier. Still though, better now than at the end of the season, but these guys can't drop games like the Pelicans one, we just can't, especially when I attend them (I was at the NO game :facepalm )


Maybe he'll be back? Even if it's just to the D-league to prepare for next year.
I think he's just going to take the Derrick Rose route and sit the whole seasons out; the Jazz will test him out in the Summer League to see if he needs some D-League time or not

[QUOTE]

[WayOfWade]

http://www.cbssports.com/nba/gametracker/recap/NBA_20151221_PHO@UTA


Hayward has scored 20-plus points in nine of the last 13 games.
Hayward has really been picking it up lately, not getting as many assists as other seasons but doing a good job regardless


Suns starting point guard Eric Bledsoe was held to eight points in just 26 minutes. He entered the game averaging 21.8 points per game with a season-low six points.
Jazz got lucky tonight, I think the "Brandon Knight off the bench" plan backfired on the Suns a little bit, perhaps Knight takes some pressure off Bledsoe and that helps them both to do good. Great win though, against a team that usually nets 105 ppg, limited them to just 89, great game overall. Now we travel to Golden State...

[Xiao Yao You]

He has been playing a lot better this year, he's cooled off a bit but has been playing a little better than last season.

I absolutely love Trevor; he just seems like one of those guys that really cares about the game of basketball and goes all out while he's on the court. His dunks are nice too, and that 3...

And he's starting to hit shots the past couple games too.!


That's why this Gobert injury almost couldn't have come at a worse time, he just happens to go out at probably the most home-heavy part of the schedule, thus making it harder to win these games here where it's easier. Still though, better now than at the end of the season, but these guys can't drop games like the Pelicans one, we just can't, especially when I attend them (I was at the NO game :facepalm )

I thought they were in position to make a run for 4th in the conference during this stretch and now they're hoping to stay in the playoff race but if it came during at a tougher time they might not have won any. He was on the court moving before the game.


I think he's just going to take the Derrick Rose route and sit the whole seasons out; the Jazz will test him out in the Summer League to see if he needs some D-League time or not

Probably but if the doctors say he can play even if it's with a big knee brace on he needs the reps. Who knows he might even be able to help them down the stretch not that winning is their goal right now.


While that's nice for the players, the fact that you aren't playing on Christmas to me is a sign that you haven't really made it yet. The big teams and the big names play on that date, so being selected to that Christmas slate to me is a pretty good stepping stone. That's just me though

Hayward and I agree.


Mid-January?! That sounds too good to be true

Awwwwwww

http://www.foxsports.com/nba/story/suns-jazz-preview-122015

Crap, they've got their eyes set on us. Bledsoe and Knight are incredible players, I've actually been watching them a bit more this year. I hope the Jazz can respond, because the Suns obviously see this as a very important game

[Xiao Yao You]

http://weareutahjazz.com/lockedonjazz/2015/12/21/emptying-the-noggin-jazz-blow-out-the-suns/

[Xiao Yao You]

http://saltcityhoops.com/the-rundown-suns-jazz-122115/They played lazy

[Xiao Yao You]

http://www.slcdunk.com/research-statistics-analytics/2015/12/22/10656110/nba-history-utah-jazz-gordon-hayward-karl-malone-adrian-dantley-pistol-pete-maravich-first-option

I think ideally someone else would be the first option and Maxi G would just stuff the stat sheet.

[Xiao Yao You]

http://www.slcdunk.com/research-statistics-analytics/2015/12/22/10655930/nba-history-utah-jazz-darrell-griffith-jeff-hornacek-jeff-malone-deron-williams-second-option

[Xiao Yao You]

http://www.slcdunk.com/2015/12/22/10654922/utah-jazz-have-brought-the-fans-back-with-exciting-players-and-hope

[Xiao Yao You]

http://www.slcdunk.com/research-statistics-analytics/2015/12/22/10653812/nba-los-angeles-lakers-golden-state-warriors-new-york-knicks-san-antonio-spurs-atlanta-hawks

[Xiao Yao You]

http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865644213/Utah-Jazz-use-hot-start-to-burn-Suns.html

[Xiao Yao You]

http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865644215/Trey-Lyles-outplays-former-Kentucky-teammate-Devin-Booker-in-battle-of-rookies.html

[Xiao Yao You]

http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865644214/Jazz-notes-Playing-against-familiar-faces-not-fun-for-Favors.html

[Xiao Yao You]

http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865644258/Jazz-get-another-shot-at-breaking-a-Golden-State-streak-Wednesday-night-in-Oakland.html

this will be ugly

[Xiao Yao You]

http://www.sltrib.com/sports/3340192-155/utah-jazz-gordon-hayward-working-on

I hope Exum doesn't start to try and play like Kobe.

[Xiao Yao You]

http://www.sltrib.com/sports/3338426-155/utah-jazz-alec-burks-ignites-celebration

[Xiao Yao You]

http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865644218/Utah-Jazz-analysis-How-the-focused-Jazz-crushed-tired-Suns.html

[Xiao Yao You]

http://www.sltrib.com/sports/3337505-155/utah-jazz-rookie-raul-neto-neutralizes

[Xiao Yao You]

http://saltcityhoops.com/raul-neto-is-proving-to-be-more-than-an-afterthought/


The Jazz toyed with the idea of bringing him over, with Neto showing some pure point guard skills in the summer league. Utah opted to delay that a year, as it desired to stagger its youthful point guards.

and tank
[QUOTE] Neto spent extensive time in Salt Lake City the next summer, but once again, his NBA debut was put off. At the time, Dante Exum had fallen into Utah

[Xiao Yao You]

http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865644279/How-to-watch-Jazz-Warriors-Is-Klay-Thompson-better-than-Gordon-Hayward.html


[QUOTE]Klay Thompson and Utah

[Xiao Yao You]

In a related move, the Sixers waived guard Tony Wroten (http://www.nba.com/sixers/news/sixers-acquire-ish-smith).
– via NBA.com (http://www.nba.com/sixers/news/sixers-acquire-ish-smith)

Bobby Marks: Wroten is eligible to be claimed from the following teams; BKN, POR, MIN, MIL, UTH, WAS, MIA, OKC, CLE, GSW (http://*********.com/social/).
– via Twitter BobbyMarks42 (http://twitter.com/BobbyMarks42)

Jake Fischer: Even at 22, Tony Wroten’s window of sticking in the NBA might be closed. Have to imagine New Orleans was offered Wroten and declined (http://*********.com/social/).
– via Twitter JakeLFischer (http://twitter.com/JakeLFischer)

His window is closed? He's put up numbers in the league so unless he isn't going to be the same because of injuries I can't understand that. A combo guard with length that can score and pass. Seems like he might be a fit for the Jazz. Might be time to eat Pleiss' contract?

[WayOfWade]

His window is closed? He's put up numbers in the league so unless he isn't going to be the same because of injuries I can't understand that. A combo guard with length that can score and pass. Seems like he might be a fit for the Jazz. Might be time to eat Pleiss' Contract?

Maybe, if we can get him for a cheap one year deal, I don't see the harm in it. And why would his window be closed? He's young, athletic, has averaged 11 PPG in his career, what gives?

[Xiao Yao You]

He's in the 4th year so I imagine if they claimed him off waivers he would be a restricted free agent in the summer. Only making 2 million. Why they cut him is the question. I'd think at worst he could compete with Ingles, Millsap and Johnson for minutes. Maybe becomes part of their core past this year.

[Xiao Yao You]

http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865644378/After-loss-to-Warriors-Jazz-take-break-for-Christmas-get-ready-for-Clippers.html

[QUOTE]Snyder says he

[Xiao Yao You]

http://www.sltrib.com/sports/3344901-155/utah-jazz-a-defensive-deterrent-millsap


He's a physical defender, capable of wearing down opposing scorers. He's physically strong, he moves his feet well, and has the mentality of a bulldog.

and plays with a lot of energy like Booker


Millsap knows defending is what's gotten him into the NBA. So he's not going to stop anytime soon.


He had big numbers in the D-league so I'm not sure about that. It's what has him in the league now for sure though.


"I think the shot will come around in time," Millsap said. "The coaches and my teammates have been very supportive, and I'm working hard at it, so I'm not too worried about it. It's about working hard at it, and getting more repetition in game situations. So I think it will come around in time."


considering his age I wouldn't count on it.

[Xiao Yao You]

http://www.sltrib.com/sports/3347505-155/utah-jazz-a-mixed-bag-heading



Hayward and Derrick Favors have led this team, as advertised, with each of them playing near an All-Star level. That, and the continued improvement of Rodney Hood, the leap in Trey Burke's play, and the health of Alec Burks are no doubt positives at this point in the season.
Not sure Hood is improving.



The next month will likely provide an answer. The Jazz schedule gets easier in competition in January. There's a game at the San Antonio Spurs, but other than that, there aren't any matchups against teams at the top of the Western Conference. It's a prime opportunity for Utah to make its move in the standings.


now was a prime time but without Rudy it hasn't happened.

[Xiao Yao You]

http://saltcityhoops.com/salt-city-seven-still-on-track/

[QUOTE]The real cost of Rudy

[Xiao Yao You]

http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865644371/Jazz-cant-handle-deep-Warrior-runs-in-103-85-road-loss.html

[Xiao Yao You]

http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865644370/Jazz-players-take-different-routes-to-do-their-Christmas-shopping.html

[Xiao Yao You]

http://www.sltrib.com/sports/3340510-155/utah-jazz-offense-fails-in-103-85

[Xiao Yao You]

http://www.slcdunk.com/research-statistics-analytics/2015/12/23/10661520/utah-jazz-rudy-gobert-derrick-favors-owning-glass-karl-malone-mark-eaton-al-jefferson


Two historical points: Karl was a beast for such a long time, and Big Al was quite weak sauce -- yet more effective overall than 7'4 Eaton. Crazy.


Crazy that Eaton sucked? :confusedshrug:

[Xiao Yao You]

http://weareutahjazz.com/lockedonjazz/2015/12/24/emptying-the-noggin-the-warriors-add-another-to-the-list/


Starting two rookies v the World Champs is probably not yielding great outcomes very often.


if tanking is your goal it does.

[Xiao Yao You]

http://saltcityhoops.com/game-recap-jazz-warriors-122315/


Hood is often criticized for missing open shots, but too rarely is he praised for taking the shots.



I think he has to quit settling for 3 even if they are open. He's too good inside the arc.

[Xiao Yao You]

http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865644409/Jazz-home-to-face-Clippers-after-getting-time-off-for-Christmas.html

[Xiao Yao You]

http://www.sltrib.com/sports/3348355-155/utah-jazz-relying-on-3-ball-more