2016 stretch run- Playoffs or bust!

[Xiao Yao You]

Go Jazz!

[Xiao Yao You]

http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865647827/Kincade-Upstill-Jazz-need-to-bring-Hornacek-home.html?pg=2

[QUOTE]Hornacek could come back in any role he wants: a part-time special assistant or a full-time

[Xiao Yao You]

http://saltcityhoops.com/sc7-basketballs-back-deadline-and-why-exums-still-central/

[QUOTE]His defense alone has set a baseline where, at the very least, he

[Xiao Yao You]

http://www.slcdunk.com/nba-trades-and-deadline/2016/2/18/11054088/nba-trade-deadline-2016-utah-jazz-shelvin-mack-trey-burke-roster-capspace


The Bigman rotation is strong, but falls off very quickly. I think an upgrade is there, perhaps even if you just wait and young guys get older.
Hopefully they can get rid of Pleiss in the off-season. I'd guess they'll go big with their first rounder. That's the place where they can give someone rotation minutes and they don't like the D-league.


The Wing rotation is good when healthy, but there is a distinct lack of specialists. The only one who is is Burks, as a slasher. Hayward and Hood and Ingles are Alll-Arounders.
Burks is a specialist? He's more of an all-arounder than Ingles in my mind. Johnson is a specialist.


As for the point guards, well, we are now at a robust 4 guys. Dante is hurt and will not play.
No one from the Jazz has said that.


There are 48 minutes to go to these three remaining guys, and I get the feeling the Mack will be Quin Snyder's next "Booker", in terms of irrationally loved guys.
This guy doesn't like Booker but I get the impression he's all about the analytics and has never watched a game. Don't know how you could watch the Jazz and not love Booker. He's been the difference in at least several games this year with his incredible energy.

[Xiao Yao You]

the break didn't do them any favors

[WayOfWade]

the break didn't do them any favors
Evidently not. The Jazz will have a semi-tough schedule coming up, with about half of their games being home and half of them being against +.500 teams. The biggest game coming up will be against Portland which I believe is next week, because each team has split the season series so far, so that game could determine who goes to the playoffs considering they both have the same record at the end of the year.
Personally, I think he Rockets will make it, too much talent not too (although they just got their butts whooped by Portland 2x) and it'll come down to the Blazers and Jazz, I like our chances though.

[Xiao Yao You]

They should make it. I'm thinking 5th seed still. Memphis could be in trouble. Not sure Lance Stephenson is the answer.

[Xiao Yao You]

http://www.slcdunk.com/nba-trades-and-deadline/2016/2/19/11060952/nba-trade-deadline-2016-utah-jazz-chicago-bulls-atlanta-hawks-shelvin-mack-kirk-hinrich-grade


Is Shelvin Mack really an upgrade over either Trey Burke or Raul Neto (http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/n/netora01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.basketball-reference.com)?

Is he an upgrade over Erick Green?


I want more of Trey Lyles (http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/l/lylestr01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.basketball-reference.com) on the court, because he's going to be a better player than Trevor Booker. I felt like Book's $4.7 million expiring contract would be easy to move -- especially since some teams were interested in him. If Booker is a long term fixture for this team, it better be as the 4th big, and not the 3rd. I went over this over here (http://www.slcdunk.com/nba-trades-and-deadline/2016/2/15/11003064/nba-trade-deadline-2016-utah-jazz-trevor-booker-trey-burke-alec-burks-joe-ingles). So I would have tried to move Booker.

He's not better than Booker or Withey now so he should be getting his minutes in the D-league and the Jazz should be trying to win games. Ideally Booker is your 5th or 6th big. I'd love for him to sign a multi year front loaded deal in the summer to be in that role.

[Xiao Yao You]

Great win! Maybe they can get on national tv more next year? :confusedshrug:

[WayOfWade]

Great win! Maybe they can get on national tv more next year? :confusedshrug:
I bet they will, not much more but at least have a few more solid appearances. The key to that though is making the playoffs, if they can do that then they will get more attention. If I'm not mistaken our game against the Cavs and the final one against the Lakers will be on ESPN, so that's good.
As for the game, it was super good, and I was fascinated by the fact he ESPN announcers said that the Jazz are 2nd to last in the league in APG, yet are in the top 10 in passes per possession. The Jazz are a very interesting team. Also, teams like the Celtics who just try to run every possession just tick me off, no clue why

[Xiao Yao You]

People expected them to be in the position they are in now. Do people really want to watch the Lakers get blown out on national tv more than a team that usually competes?

The thing I got from watching it is Alec might not be back for another month which is 2 to 4 weeks longer than they said originally surgery or not.

[Xiao Yao You]

http://www.sltrib.com/sports/3557717-155/utah-jazz-notes-coach-quin-snyder

The NBA has announced the Jazz's home game March 14 against LeBron James and the Cavaliers has been changed. Utah and Cleveland will tip off at 8:30 p.m. The game will be televised on ESPN.

[Xiao Yao You]

http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865648159/Utah-Jazz-roll-to-111-93-win-over-the-Boston-Celtics.html

[QUOTE]On staying big when Boston went small: "We didn

[Xiao Yao You]

Another big one. Been one of their toughest match-ups this year. Go Jazz!

[Xiao Yao You]

Mack!!! :cheers:

[Xiao Yao You]

Tough loss. Might have to think of starting Mack. He ran the pick and roll better than anyone has for them maybe since Deron. Not sure why he is playing over younger guys and Withey isn't though? :confusedshrug:

[Xiao Yao You]

https://jazzfanatical.wordpress.com/2016/02/21/and-heres-your-weekly-utah-jazz-wrapup-17/

[QUOTE]So, you see a guy like Trey Lyles, has literally gotten in every game with a very significant front line in front of him. And so, you know, I

[Xiao Yao You]

[QUOTE][URL="http://twitter.com/rudygobert27/statuses/701643861022494721"]Rudy Gobert: One day i

[Xiao Yao You]

http://saltcityhoops.com/portlands-shooting-and-rebounding-overshadows-shelvin-macks-utah-debut/

[QUOTE]On Sunday, there were times when Mack was the Jazz

[Xiao Yao You]

http://basketball.realgm.com/analysis/240936/How-Rodney-Hood-Could-Go-From-Utilitarian-Cog-To-Budding-All-Star


Is Rodney Hood the next James Harden?

Is he the next Hayward? Might not be able to keep them both. He'll be cheaper.

[Xiao Yao You]

Calvin Watkins: [URL="http://*********.com/social/"]It hasn

[WayOfWade]

Might not be able to keep them both. He'll be cheaper.
You're in the right mindset

[QUOTE]On Sunday, there were times when Mack was the Jazz

[Xiao Yao You]

His D looked good. He had a great feel for the game at both ends. The way he ran the pick and roll with guys he'd never played with before was especially impressive.

[Xiao Yao You]

http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865648376/Point-guard-rotation-up-in-air-after-Shelvin-Macks-arrival-and-dazzling-debut.html

[QUOTE]In a very small sample size, Mack looked like he

[Xiao Yao You]

Brian Mahoney: Grizzlies make it official that Marc Gasol is out for the season (http://*********.com/social/) after surgery on his broken right foot Saturday.

[Xiao Yao You]

need to take care of the home court

[Xiao Yao You]

Mack is starting? Why is Lyles playing over Withey than? I'd think Neto is part of their core. :confusedshrug:

[Xiao Yao You]

I guess they might be thinking Neto will come off the bench behind Exum eventually. :confusedshrug:

Hard to figure out what they are doing. It's been all about development and now they finally play a vet but Withey isn't playing?

[Xiao Yao You]

I'm guessing Burke will be benched once Alec is back

[Xiao Yao You]

Aaron Burke: Jazz TV

[WayOfWade]

Grizzlies make it official that Marc Gasol is out for the season
You never really want to see anyone go down with an injury like that, but you can't help but think that this is huge for not just the Jazz, but Mavs, Blazers, and Rockets as well.


Mack is starting? Why is Lyles playing over Withey than? I'd think Neto is part of their core.
He's starting because he did such a great job in Portland; yeah it's a small sample size but he did great yesterday as well. Obviously he can do better (7 turnovers vs. the Rockets), but that's what's so great, he's done good but can easily do better. While Neto is the better 3-point shooter, Mack is the better overall scorer. I didn't pay enough attention to Mack's D however to really make a fair judgement on it.


I'm guessing Burke will be benched once Alec is back
Not for a little bit, I think Coach is going to ease Alec into the rotation once again, thus providing Burke with one last chance at actual playing time. Right now either him, Mack, or Neto is due for a major drop in minutes once Alec gets back, I think it just depends on who is playing best while he's working his way back.

[Xiao Yao You]

You never really want to see anyone go down with an injury like that, but you can't help but think that this is huge for not just the Jazz, but Mavs, Blazers, and Rockets as well.

Yeah and I like Gasol.


He's starting because he did such a great job in Portland

But than why isn't Withey playing? He was putting up a double double and a couple blocks. Just don't get it. They kind of act like they are trying to win but not really. :confusedshrug:


yeah it's a small sample size but he did great yesterday as well.

I wasn't as impressed last night. He played about a perfect game in the first one. Surprised he's starting already.


While Neto is the better 3-point shooter, Mack is the better overall scorer.

Debatable. Burke is the better scorer of the 3. Mack is starting for other reasons. They want guys that can hit 3's. I guess now that Hood is hitting them they think they have enough spacing in the starting unit?


Right now either him, Mack, or Neto is due for a major drop in minutes once Alec gets back, I think it just depends on who is playing best while he's working his way back.

I would think Burke. He's a scorer and not a much else. They won't need him as much once Alec is giving them 15 a game off the bench again.

[WayOfWade]

But than why isn't Withey playing? He was putting up a double double and a couple blocks. Just don't get it. They kind of act like they are trying to win but not really. :confusedshrug:
It's because Gobert is his competition whereas Mack has to compete with Burke and Neto :facepalm:


I wasn't as impressed last night. He played about a perfect game in the first one. Surprised he's starting already.

Snyder just likes to switch things up I guess, maybe Hayward has something to do with it, advertently or inadvertently


Debatable. Burke is the better scorer of the 3. Mack is starting for other reasons. They want guys that can hit 3's. I guess now that Hood is hitting them they think they have enough spacing in the starting unit?

I was talking strictly between Neto and Mack, seeing as coach specifically wants Burke coming off the bench. But I do feel they're content with Hood and Hayward, even though Hayward either goes 1/6 or 3/4 from 3 it seems like. If Exum can come back and get his defense back as well as have a good 3-point shot, he'll get the nod over everyone.


I would think Burke. He's a scorer and not a much else. They won't need him as much once Alec is giving them 15 a game off the bench again.
I agree, for this season at least

[Xiao Yao You]

It's because Gobert is his competition whereas Mack has to compete with Burke and Neto :facepalm:

I see Lyles and Booker as his competition. Lyles shouldn't be playing ahead of him if winning is the objective. I thought it was just because they didn't care about winning and were developing Lyles. But now Mack is playing and Neto is not. Have never had the impression they like Withey for some reason. They only played him when desperate. Even when Rudy went down he wasn't playing. Favors had to go down too for him to show his stuff.


If Exum can come back and get his defense back as well as have a good 3-point shot, he'll get the nod over everyone.

He probably will regardless. That's kind of why I thought maybe they benched Neto. They see him there once Exum is back.

[Xiao Yao You]

The Utah Jazz announced today that the team has assigned center Tibor Pleiss to the Idaho Stampede, (http://www.nba.com/jazz/news/jazz-assign-tibor-pleiss-idaho-stampede-3) the Jazz

[Xiao Yao You]

http://saltcityhoops.com/the-jazzs-forgotten-man-jeff-withey/


Withey has not played much recently. And yes, it is a bit sad. At the same time, it is understandable.
Not quite as bad as Sloan playing Fessenko over Koufos but it's not easy to understand.


Well, in training camp and the pre-season, Withey not only solidified his roster spot, but passed up Pleiss in the center pecking order.
Actually despite looking like the better player Pleiss and Lyles were ahead of him when the season started. Withey wasn't even dressing!


Outside of Gordon Hayward, it could be argued that no one was more consistent or important to the Jazz than Withey. He brought 9.1 PPG, 7.3 RPG and 2.33 BPG to the table — very respectable numbers. Withey was a viable difference maker on both ends of the court. He was surprisingly good offensively, showing a great ability to finish when his teammates set him up. He also cleaned the glass and managed to get some points off offensive rebounds. During those nine games, Withey managed double-figure scoring five times, while adding a pair of double-doubles.

Defensively, while not having the full effect Gobert would have, Withey was imposing and impactful. He also recorded a blocked shot in every single game and had seven performances of two or more (and two games with four swats).

For the season, Withey has been an advanced statistics darling. His 18.0 PER is fourth on the squad and his .163 win shares/48 minutes is third. He boasts a total rebound percentage of 15.54 (http://saltcityhoops.com/the-jazzs-forgotten-man-jeff-withey/#note-4) If he qualified, Withey’s 7.3 block percentage would be the second best in the NBA behind Hassan Whiteside — and ahead of Gobert’s 6.4. You cannot ask much more from your back-up center. For a veteran’s minimum, Withey was a downright heist (http://saltcityhoops.com/18313-2/). Having a team option for him next season only enhances that.

I'd think he'd be traded. Don't get the impression despite the previous numbers that they think much of him for some reason. :confusedshrug:


There were also a number of times where match-ups have helped dictate rotations. When facing teams that employ small ball, Trevor Booker and Trey Lyles have gotten the nod.
Those two have played no matter what the match-ups were. The last game and the Dallas game I thought Lyles created some match-up problems. Otherwise he should be in the D-league proving himself.


He may be needed more next year, as it remains to be seen if Booker will return in free agency.
You would think they'd let Booker go and Withey would step in but I'd guess they'll draft another big and like Lyles he will play even if he shouldn't.


Jeff Withey has been a great find for Utah and if he stays patient, he will be needed sometime during this stretch run.

He's been needed all year. They are probably in 5th place at least if he'd been playing all year. Lyles minutes have cost them games. Think about all the close games and how many Withey would have made the difference in with even a few minutes that were going to Lyles and in some cases Booker. Reading the comments it's hard to believe Booker isn't appreciated more either.

[Xiao Yao You]

http://www.slcdunk.com/research-statistics-analytics/2016/2/25/11111966/utah-jazz-general-manager-dennis-lindsey-gordon-hayward-derrick-favors-rudy-gobert-dante-exum


I made the assertion that Utah didn't really strike the metal when it was hot after drafting John and Karl (http://www.slcdunk.com/research-statistics-analytics/2016/2/24/11111900/nba-playoff-history-utah-jazz-john-stockton-karl-malone-unsettling-theory). Frankly, they did end up surrounding them with contender-level talent, but the first decade of their careers were spent listing in the doldrums. In effect, the front office enjoyed their good fortune and didn't work as hard as GMs for other teams did for ten straight years, and tried to see how far two guys could get you.


Bold words. I know. And I don't mind people telling my I'm crazy.

I agree with you for a change. They always acted like there would be another year but eventually another year didn't come. Had more to do with them being cheap than how hard the GM's worked though.


I don't think that Shelvin Mack (http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/m/macksh01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.basketball-reference.com) or Trey Burke (http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/b/burketr01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.basketball-reference.com) (in their 5th and 3rd years respectively) were better than John in his 2nd year. You could argue about that.


There's no argument for it. John should have been starting from day 1 despite Green being one of the best in the league. Doubt any Jazz pg's will ever be as good as John was at the beginning or end of his career.


Dante Exum (http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/e/exumda01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.basketball-reference.com) being one of our "Top Four Guys"

:facepalm


you could argue that Rodney Hood (http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/h/hoodro01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.basketball-reference.com) is better than Dante Exum.

Hood isn't very good defensively and Dante sucked on offense. I really don't think we should compare Dante with anyone until he shows he can play again. Who knows if he'll be able to defend like he did after an ACL.


Kelly Tripucka (http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/t/tripuke01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.basketball-reference.com) wasn't that effective in a Jazz jersey, and I think Rodney Hood eats him up.

I didn't like Tripucka when they got him and it was a horrible trade but he was actually a good player when they played him.


No one on this '87 team can stop Alec Burks.

Eaton? Scurry actually might have slowed him down. He was their Johnson/Booker.


But ultimately this Jazz team didn't have the talent to keep up with the better team.

They did. They had them beat. Layden and Ivaroni gave it away.


I don't know if the '88 Jazz have the talent to keep up with the '16 Jazz group after the Top Four players.

Thurl was great, again, but his is Rickey Green before his career is over, and everyone else is really below replacement level. Many Jazz players this year aren't implicitly great either. But in a direct comparison I think we think our current #5, #6, #7, #8, #9, and #10 guys take the day.

But the reason they almost beat the Lakers is because they played mostly 5 guys huge minutes.


I really did think that Jay Humphries (http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/h/humphja01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.basketball-reference.com) and Larry Krystkowiak (http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/k/krystla01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.basketball-reference.com) were going to be difference makers. I was wrong.

Larry was good I thought. Jay had been before he came to the Jazz.


The Jazz got a lot better with Jeff Hornacek (http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/h/hornaje01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.basketball-reference.com) on the team. They also added Tom Chambers (http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/c/chambto01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.basketball-reference.com), and the Jazz front office finally started to act like one that was actively trying to build around two HOFers.

Outside Horny it was more of the same.


Going from Fred Roberts (http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/r/roberfr01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.basketball-reference.com) to Marc Iavaroni (http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/i/iavarma01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.basketball-reference.com) to Mike Brown (http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/b/brownmi01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.basketball-reference.com) to Larry Krystkowiak to Tom Chambers is progress though.

Not really. First off Roberts was their 3rd string 3 not a 5 despite his height. He was good too. Ivaroni sucked. I liked Brown Bear and Krystko( before he stopped the rivalry anyway.) Was never a Chambers fan but he was alright in this role.


useless draft picks (Quincy Lewis (http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/l/lewisqu01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.basketball-reference.com), Scott Padgett (http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/p/padgesc01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.basketball-reference.com))

I liked Padgett. Too bad for him he played in the wrong era for the wrong coach. He'd be making a lot of money now as a stretch 4. He rebounded too. Could have been Ryan Anderson possibly.


Dare I say it, a deeper, more talented roster than one build around Hall of Famers. The only thing we're missing now are stars. And that's really up to Gordon Hayward (http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/h/haywago01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.basketball-reference.com), Derrick Favors (http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/f/favorde01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.basketball-reference.com), Rudy Gobert (http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/g/goberru01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.basketball-reference.com), and Dante Exum to figure out.

So were Corbin/O'Conner's teams. Lindsey still has a lot to prove. Can he keep Hayward/Favors/Gobert/Hood together and still put some talent around them?

[Xiao Yao You]

http://www.slcdunk.com/research-statistics-analytics/2016/2/25/11112048/nba-playoffs-2016-utah-jazz-reserves-next-six-alec-burks-rodney-hood-trey-burke-trevor-booker


I'm being bold with saying my Jazz Top Four players are Gordon Hayward (http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/h/haywago01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.basketball-reference.com), Derrick Favors (http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/f/favorde01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.basketball-reference.com), Rudy Gobert (http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/g/goberru01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.basketball-reference.com), and Dante Exum (http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/e/exumda01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.basketball-reference.com) (who is missing this entire season IRL).

Why don't guys have to prove it on the court anymore? Exum(assuming he can still defend when he returns) is a younger Chris Johnson until he proves otherwise.


This means my "Next Six" is (position order): Shelvin Mack (http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/m/macksh01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.basketball-reference.com), Trey Burke (http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/b/burketr01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.basketball-reference.com), Rodney Hood (http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/h/hoodro01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.basketball-reference.com), Alec Burks (http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/b/burksal01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.basketball-reference.com), Trevor Booker (http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/b/booketr01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.basketball-reference.com), and Jeff Withey (http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/w/witheje01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.basketball-reference.com). Yes, no Raul Neto (http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/n/netora01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.basketball-reference.com), Joe Ingles (http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/i/inglejo01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.basketball-reference.com), Chris Johnson (http://www.basketball-reference.com/player_search.cgi?search=Chris+Johnson&utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.basketball-reference.com), or Trey Lyles (http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/l/lylestr01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.basketball-reference.com). But I don't think those guys are in the "Next Six" just yet.

Can't put Burke ahead of Neto. He's one dimensional. We'll see with Mack. Chris Johnson might compare with Booker with what he brings to the floor as well.


where do you think Shelvin and Trey rank individually? They both have to be fighting for that #5 spot right?

I only like 4 guys on that list so Mack and Neto would be in my top 6 out of that. Certainly different than your list.


Howard Eisley (http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/e/eisleho01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.basketball-reference.com) did everything he was asked, from hitting game winners off the bench, to coming back at the end of his career to help a team stay afloat.

Never liked his game.


Shelvin Mack is Mr. Small Sample Size, but he seems to be playing very well right now -- just as long as you don't ask him to hit open threes.

But that is the team's philosophy.


But if you play Rodney Hood there he's clearly better than Tyrone Corbin (http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/c/corbity01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.basketball-reference.com), Blue Edwards (http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/e/edwarbl01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.basketball-reference.com), David Benoit (http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/b/benoida01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.basketball-reference.com), and everyone else including a "Next Six" level Bryon Russell (http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/r/russebr01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.basketball-reference.com). That's not the same thing as a NBA Finals (http://www.sbnation.com/nba-finals) era / starting level Russell. (Keep that in mind.) So if we move Rodney to SF, we have the best SF here. As it stands, we have the best SG here because I think he's superior to all of these players, including a "Next Six" level Darrell Griffith (http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/g/griffda01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.basketball-reference.com) (not the same thing as the ROY level, or starting with Adrian Dantley (http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/d/dantlad01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.basketball-reference.com) level Griffith).

For someone that loves advanced stats as much as you, you are discounting defense where Hood is weak. If Hood can't do what he's been doing the past couple months consistently he is a bench player. Those other guys played D or in Griffiths case put up big stats over whole years not just a couple of months.


Alec Burks? He's probably also a better SF than a lot of the guys on that list, and surely better than a lot of the SGs. Again we see this year's "Next Six" to be filled with two of the best ever (from the data set and time frame) at the same position. I think Burks right now is playing better than everyone not named Bob Hansen (http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/h/hansebo01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.basketball-reference.com) or Shandon Anderson (http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/a/andersh01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.basketball-reference.com). (Only because they both were better defenders.) And I think Hood is better than Burks right now.

Alec plays a lot like a sf but I don't think they use him there much. I'd take him over Hansen any day. Shandon was a scorer for them like Alec.


Trevor Booker isn't better than Thurl Bailey (http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/b/baileth01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.basketball-reference.com), Danny Manning (http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/m/mannida01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.basketball-reference.com), Tom Chambers (http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/c/chambto01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.basketball-reference.com), or possibly even Antoine Carr (http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/c/carran01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.basketball-reference.com) at their peak levels. But only Bailey was at his peak with the Jazz, and he's the only guy who was at his peak while being in that "Next Six" roster role with the Jazz. I think Booker is better than Mike Brown (http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/b/brownmi01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.basketball-reference.com), and the rest of that PF lot.

Thurl played sf at 6'11". He really hates Booker!


He doesn't have the face up game of Armen Gilliam (http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/g/gilliar01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.basketball-reference.com), or the unlimited yet unearned playing time of Jarron Collins (http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/c/collija03.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.basketball-reference.com). But I think he's at least better than some of the guys at the bottom of the list.

His face up game is pretty good. I'd probably take him over anyone on that list personally. He's good.

[Xiao Yao You]

http://www.slcdunk.com/research-statistics-analytics/2016/2/24/11111900/nba-playoff-history-utah-jazz-john-stockton-karl-malone-unsettling-theory


Even Karl Malone was very public with pointing out that talk was, indeed, cheap because while his front office just made excuses, other teams were leapfrogging the Jazz. And I can understand his frustration -- you're a young guy. You're and All-Star. You want to win as much as possible, because in that era the players wanted to win. It wasn't about playing in a big market, or playing with your best friends, or making a lot of money. Back in the 80s when the salary cap was so small the "thing" about the NBA was about winning.

And if Karl Malone loudly suggests that the Jazz weren't always about winning then it's something to investigate.

Karl was about money more than anything. He signed many contracts and soon after was crying about being underpaid. He got paid and they saved money on everyone else including Stockton who was all about winning.


Scott Layden (http://www.sbnation.com/nba/players/98728/scott-layden) was an amazing evaluator of talent and got John at #16 in 1984, and then Karl at #13 in 1985. Very rarely do you find two Hall of Famers in the middle of the 1st round, in back-to-back drafts for your dad, the GM of the team and head coach, Frank Layden. It's not just pure luck, but it's something that changed the Jazz franchise forever.
They lucked out to get them. If they knew how good they were they would have traded up to get them.


And Utah did stagnate. John and Karl had four first round exits in their first five seasons in the league. And they advanced only six individual rounds in a decade. That's really not good enough if you were gifted two HOFers in the middle of the draft. Or, more practically, that's as good as just two HOFers can take you if you aren't serious about getting good guys to balance the roster.

Or making a coaching change when you go from 1st to 3rd.


He was already a one way player

He was always a one way player. He sucked!


And I don't think that you're trying to surround your budding All-Stars and future HOFers with the best talent possible when guys like Carey Scurry (http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/s/scurrca01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.basketball-reference.com) and Bart Kofoed (http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/k/kofoeba01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.basketball-reference.com) are coming off the bench to play big playoff minutes.

Loved Scurry! Energy guy. Blocked shots and crashed the offensive glass. He was a bit of a headcase I guess though?

[Xiao Yao You]

http://www.sltrib.com/sports/3573304-155/utah-jazz-shelvin-mack-quickly-making?page=2


"I thought he had a number of really good passes early in the game that we didn't handle that would have been buckets.

He made several passed that were too low for the bigs.

Why 830 tonite if it's on ROOT?

[Xiao Yao You]

http://www.deseretnews.com/article/765684591/Jazz-need-to-clean-up-their-act-with-Spurs-in-town.html


Utah won both games against the Spurs at Vivint Arena last season. The Jazz also have a seven-game winning streak at home. For another, the Jazz will have the services of center Rudy Gobert against Tim Duncan & Co. this time. The Stifle Tower was out with a knee injury in the two games at San Antonio this season. You can bet Gobert is eager to bounce back from one of his worst NBA games ever after totaling only two points, three rebounds and zero blocks in the Houston win.

The Jazz also have the benefit of being off at home while the Spurs played a late game at Sacramento on Wednesday night.


I'm thinking it will at least be competitive because of this.


This game was originally scheduled as the late TNT-televised contest, but it was replaced by the Rockets-Blazers duel. The NBA did not change the tipoff time, though, so the game will still be a late 8:40 p.m. start.

[Xiao Yao You]

http://saltcityhoops.com/sc7-threes-a-crowd/

[QUOTE]The starting lineup with Neto has been one of Utah

[Xiao Yao You]

http://basketball.realgm.com/wiretap/240994/Ty-Lawson-Rockets-Negotiating-Buyout

[Xiao Yao You]

On Thursday at Vivint Arena, he began with the softer side of Pop. [URL="http://rockmonster.blogs.deseretnews.com/2016/02/26/the-new-mellower-coach-pop-or-not/"]Asked about Quin Snyder

[Xiao Yao You]

http://www.sltrib.com/sports/3587010-155/utah-jazz-chris-johnson-carves-out

With Alec Burks still a few weeks away from returning


Even though he's guaranteed for the remainder of this season, he still doesn't have a contract for next year.

I believe he does. Non guaranteed.


When Burks returns in a few weeks, there's a possibility that Johnson falls out of the rotation.

I imagine he will. When healthy they were playing him, Ingles or Millsap. Now they have the 3 pg's which could play into that as well.

[Xiao Yao You]

http://www.sltrib.com/sports/3586912-155/utah-jazz-notes-rudy-gobert-looking


Snyder called upon rookie Raul Neto as his first point guard off the bench and Neto responded with some solid defensive plays on the ball. In the third quarter, Snyder looked to Burke to provide some scoring.

I thought he should have went back to Neto after the way he played in the first.

[Xiao Yao You]

http://www.sltrib.com/sports/3583078-155/utah-jazz-playing-time-no-longer


For the first time in his career, the shine of his lottery pick status has worn off.

I'd say that happened last year.

[Xiao Yao You]

Quite fittingly, the Utah Jazz received an award for their coverage of one good deed while the organization engaged in another gesture of goodwill (http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865648833/Jazz-notes-Utah-Jazz-honored-for-their-charity-work.html?pg=all). Earlier this week, the Jazz marketing department and digital team were recognized at the National Sports Forum with a

[Xiao Yao You]

Bad loss. They don't deserve to make the playoffs if they can't take care of business before a tough road trip.

[WayOfWade]

Bad loss. They don't deserve to make the playoffs if they can't take care of business before a tough road trip.
Definitely, I was at both the Spurs and the Nets games and Jazz simply let teams make little runs to the point where they almost can't catch up. Looking ahead they so have a manageable schedule, but 2 things need to happen. 1. They cannot drop BS games like last night against inferior opponents. 2. Some other Western team is going to have to collapse down the stretch. The Jazz are now the odd an out, and so are at the mercy of whether or not the other teams do good.
I did sit 7th row though, so that was nice

[Xiao Yao You]

Not sure they are the odd one out. Portland is going on the road for a long stretch. Sounds like Alec could be back shortly.

[WayOfWade]

Not sure they are the odd one out. Portland is going on the road for a long stretch. Sounds like Alec could be back shortly.
While that's true, the Blazers are 4 games above .500, so they have a bit of a buffer whereas the Jazz are 2 games below .500. Either way, it's going to be an exciting finish to the season

[Xiao Yao You]

http://www.sltrib.com/sports/3591855-155/utah-jazz-point-guard-play-lacking-in

Neto was doing fine. Should have stuck with him and not went with Mack based on one game.

[Xiao Yao You]

http://www.slcdunk.com/utah-jazz-game-coverage/2016/2/29/11136146/utah-jazz-boston-celtics-trevor-booker-to-miss-game-against-boston-celtics

Withey! :applause:

[Xiao Yao You]

[QUOTE]Jody Genessy: [URL="http://*********.com/social/"]Rudy Gobert on Amir Johnson

[Xiao Yao You]

http://basketball.realgm.com/wiretap/241033/GMs-Scouts-Believe-Ben-Simmons-Remains-Consensus-No-1-Pick

I see the Jazz going big. Best chance for rotation minutes and they don't like the D-league. Booker is a free agent. Withey is non guaranteed and not a favorite of the coach and Pleiss with one more guaranteed year.

[Xiao Yao You]

http://weareutahjazz.com/lockedonjazz/2016/02/29/emptying-the-noggin-big-picture-then-a-deep-dive/


This team was built with the primary goal of development over all other issues.

Hard to understand after the way they finished last year.


Lyles was drafted and that eliminated adding a veteran stretch 4 to the roster.

And Booker was supposed to be that guy before his shot became bad.

[QUOTE]Then Exum gets hurt and the Jazz are suddenly crazy thin at point guard and there aren

[Xiao Yao You]

http://www.sltrib.com/sports/3600647-155/utah-jazz-trey-burke-benched-versus


The decision ultimately comes down to this: Are the Jazz better off with the offensive-minded Burke or the defensive-minded rookie Raul Neto as their primary backup behind Mack?
I'd say it comes down to Mack and Neto being the better all around players. Trey is mostly just a streaky scorer and with Burks coming back they won't miss his points as much. I'd argue Neto is a better offense player than Trey anyway with his passing and 3 point shooting.

[Xiao Yao You]

http://www.sltrib.com/sports/3602913-155/jazz-notes-shelvin-mack-and-co

[QUOTE]According to the NBA's officiating review of the game's final two minutes, Johnson did grab Gobert

[Xiao Yao You]

http://saltcityhoops.com/mack-attack-shelvins-new-opportunity-in-utah/

[QUOTE]Mack has gone from Atlanta

[Xiao Yao You]

[QUOTE]Raul Barrigon: Former @Utah Jazz guard Raul Lopez will retire at the end of the season. (http://*********.com/social/) #jazz youtube.com/watch?v=qTwLoA

[Xiao Yao You]

[QUOTE]Aaron Falk: [URL="http://*********.com/social/"]Rodney Hood is out for the rest of the game. The Jazz are calling it a

[Xiao Yao You]

http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865649162/Jazz-notes-Bookers-rough-travel-day-Burks-gets-closer-to-returning.html

Couldn't have sent their chartered plane to Detroit to get him?

[WayOfWade]

http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865649162/Jazz-notes-Bookers-rough-travel-day-Burks-gets-closer-to-returning.html

Couldn't have sent their chartered plane to Detroit to get him?
Guess not, at least it's good to read that Burks will be back soon. We need him, this slide could not come at a worse time. Seriously, the Jazz were just over .500 and now find themselves 4 games under, gotta pick it up

[Xiao Yao You]

He was really missed once Hood went down. They may have won that with Alec stepping in.

[Xiao Yao You]

http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865649274/Jazz-get-Rodney-Hood-back-for-Memphis.html

going to need him

[Xiao Yao You]

http://saltcityhoops.com/salt-city-seven-road-reliance-depth-options-and-more/

[QUOTE]But if they want to bolster their chances, they

[Xiao Yao You]

http://www.sltrib.com/sports/3613074-155/utah-jazz-alec-burks-getting-closer


Burks fractured his leg on a hard foul during a game on Dec. 26 and soon after opted for a surgery to hopefully expedite his return. He was expected to be out 8-10 weeks.

Somewhere in between that but wasn't that the prognosis without surgery?

[WayOfWade]

What makes you think that anyone but the players care if they make the playoffs? Front office will be ecstatic if they are in the lottery again. I can't see them making any other moves. They like the guys they have other than Withey. Could make sense to cut him since they don't seem to care for him but I gotta think he has some value and could have traded him or can in the off-season.

This seems about right. I'm really puzzled as to why they don't like Withey, dude played his heart out (and played admirably) with Gobert out. He definitely deserves at least 10 minutes but Snyder just buries him on the bench.
Honestly if the Jazz don't make the playoffs this year, that will be really deflating for me as a fan. I know we're better than the Blazers, but they've got a chip on their shoulder that the Jazz currently don't have.
As for the rest of the post, the Front Office has no reason to really pursue anybody, the only some-what reasonable name I saw was Dorell Wright, but only for his 3-point shooting which I'm not even that sure is that good.

[Xiao Yao You]

I think they should gave been fighting for 4th place despite injuries.

[Xiao Yao You]

http://www.slcdunk.com/2016/3/4/11162516/nba-injuries-the-utah-jazz-have-had-a-remarkable-season-so-far


Playoffs were one of our goals, even if the front office didn't state it openly


Wasn't their goal obviously. They aren't under the cap because the playoffs were a goal.




The only other really notable thing is what's been up with Jeff Withey (http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/w/witheje01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.basketball-reference.com) and Tibor Pleiss (http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/p/pleisti01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.basketball-reference.com). Both have racked up a bunch of DNP-CDs, which is odd when you factor in that Favors and Gobert have missed 1/3rd of the season each. Or, perhaps, they just would have gotten MORE DNP-CDs if everyone was healthy?


Don't think there's much doubt. Only time Withey really played was when Rudy and Favors were out at the same time and they had little choice




I think it's been a disappointing season injuries or not

[Xiao Yao You]

http://weareutahjazz.com/lockedonjazz/2016/03/04/emptying-the-noggin-makes-sense-just-not-easy-to-handle/


When the Jazz have their 4 man guys on the floor they are terrific. They were +11 with Hayward, Hood, Favors and Gobert on the floor. Then when they have just 3 of them on the floor they were -4 and when they only have 2 of them on the floor they are -13. This is the exact same as the Boston game.

Alec would certainly make a difference but so would Neto. He was part of their best line-ups before Snyder fell in love with Mack.

[QUOTE]

[Xiao Yao You]

http://www.deseretnews.com/article/765684762/Favors-scored-28-paces-Jazz-past-Pelicans-106-94.html

love how all the credit goes to Favors and Hayward. Rudy has been a monster the past two games. Locke gave them the credit too. :facepalm

[Xiao Yao You]

http://www.sltrib.com/sports/3627497-155/kragthorpe-innocent-climb-is-over-jazz


That description applied to the Jazz in Snyder's first year, when they produced a 19-10 finish as Rudy Gobert became a force and an overall defensive effort carried the team. The record was deceiving, for multiple reasons, yet it created an expectation that the Jazz could do something similar this season. It hasn't happened, partly because the Jazz know everybody is keeping score now.

It hasn't happened because winning isn't their number one goal. If it was Withey would have been playing and the Jazz would have won more.

[Xiao Yao You]

http://saltcityhoops.com/utah-needs-a-hero/

[QUOTE]And the man who puts the 3 in the Jazz

[Xiao Yao You]

http://www.slcdunk.com/2016/3/8/11178300/nba-injury-update-utah-jazz-alec-burks-still-weeks-away


Alec is under-dipped. After one season he had about 50% of the minutes he should have gotten. After his third season he had worked his way up to 72% of where he should be, but was still behind. Right now, thanks to two straight injured abbreviated seasons, he is back down to 59% of where I idealize young players of his potential should be.

This idea that guys should be given something and not have to earn it especially when the team is trying to win is whacked. As a rookie Alec put his head down ala Devin Harris and went to rim 1 on 5. He had no concept of team. I wasn't sure he ever would. There are many ways to develop and playing minutes when you don't deserve them isn't necessarily the best route.

[Xiao Yao You]

Jorge Castillo: The Wizards remain hopeful that Bradley Beal can join the team later on this trip and play against the Jazz and/or Nuggets (http://*********.com/social/).

[Xiao Yao You]

http://saltcityhoops.com/grading-quin-snyder-part-2/

[QUOTE]I can

[Xiao Yao You]

http://saltcityhoops.com/hawks-defense-stifles-jazz-in-slc/


When asked about whether or not he thought about inserting Trey into the game for scoring, Quin had some interesting things to say.


“This is kind of a tough situation when it’s hard to play three-point guards,” he said. “I made a decision tonight, you know, obviously, that Shelvin is our starter. Shelvin didn’t play well tonight. Raul has been coming off the bench because he’s, you know, a good defender.”


When neither Shelvin or Raul were cutting it, Coach Q went without a traditional point guard down the stretch, using Point-Jingles in place of his starter/backup/3rd string PG.


On Mack’s struggles, Snyder said that what he saw was “a different type of struggling,” namely that he was getting looks that he’s “watched him make for years.”


“He didn’t … shoot well,” Quin said. “But he was getting great looks, and at some point, you have to show confidence in a player.”
I thought maybe he should have went to Trey when no one could score. Mack wasn't hitting the floater like he has been but he did some other things as good players should with 7 boards and 4 assists. That's the problem with Trey. He's one dimensional. If he's not hitting shots he's not good for much else.

[Xiao Yao You]

http://www.sltrib.com/sports/3636879-155/utah-jazz-shelvin-mack-struggles-in


At Vivint Arena, however, Teague clearly won their latest battle. The former all-star point guard mixed speed and touch, racing to the bucket for lay-ins and stepping back beyond the arc for a trio of 3-pointers, en route to a game-high 24 points. The Jazz tried to slow Teague with Mack, backup Raul Neto and a lineup without a true point guard, hoping bigger wing players might get the job done.


"We were having a hard time on him," Jazz coach Quin Snyder conceded.


I thought he should have went to Johnson earlier. He did score on Johnson but he at least didn't blow by him like he had everyone else.

[Xiao Yao You]

http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865649655/Morning-links-BYU-in-NIT-bracketology-picture-Zach-Lowe-has-mixed-thoughts-on-the-Utah-Jazz.html


Hayward has seized the mantle of Most Underappreciated NBA Player," Lowe wrote.

In Utah it has to be Gobert. Almost everything written he is just an afterthought. :rolleyes:

Later in the same piece, in a list of "10 things I like and don't like," Lowe praised Jazz forward Derrick Favors' speed and balance.


"There aren't many behemoths who can shut down a drive on the pick-and-roll, recover out to a popping big man in time to snuff an open jumper, change directions on a dime and track that big man's foray to the basket," Lowe observed.


Gobert is one of them.

[Xiao Yao You]

http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865649648/Jazz-notebook-Favors-feels-like-he-has-something-to-prove-on-court-every-night.html?pg=2


Snyder likened the situation to what rookie forward Trey Lyles has had to deal with, as he saw plenty of playing time in Favors' injury absence but has played far less since Favors returned to the lineup after overcoming bad-back issues.

Except Lyles should have never been playing when they were healthy.

[Xiao Yao You]

[QUOTE]Scott Agness: [URL="http://*********.com/social/"]Several teams had interest in Ty Lawson, including Milwaukee and Utah.

[Xiao Yao You]

http://weareutahjazz.com/lockedonjazz/2016/03/09/emptying-the-noggin-brilliance-of-the-warriors/


Trey Burke played the back up shooting guard and hit some shots. This might be what his role in this league is going to be a off the bench scorer who is not in charge iof creating for his teammates.

That has been his role but he'll have a hard time staying in the league if he can't hit the 3. Scoring isn't enough. Teams want 3's and lay-ups not mid range jumpers.

[Xiao Yao You]

[URL="http://www.csnmidatlantic.com/basketball-washington-wizards/talk/guess-whos-back-bradley-beal-beal-will-rejoin-wizards-back-back"]Bradley Beal, who wasn

[WayOfWade]

The Jazz absolutely need this game now, with Beal probably out and being in Salt Lake, there is no reason the Jazz should lose this one.
Overall all those articles are pretty cool, although I agree with your assessment about Gobert being more under appreciated than Hayward. Hayward is VERY under appreciated, but Gobert is more. I just think that the media in Utah likes Hayward more because he scores more points, he's been on the team longer, he's white (can't lie), and because he's the face of the team, regardless of whether he's the best or not.

[Xiao Yao You]

That article I posted said Beal is playing.

Yeah I think it's mostly about scoring. They certainly need Hayward, Favors and Hood but it all starts with Rudy. He's been playing maybe his best ball the past half dozen or so games since he had the off games

[Xiao Yao You]

http://basketball.realgm.com/analysis/241166/The-Maximum-Available-2016-Cap-Space-For-All-30-NBA-Teams-Version-20

Jazz 3rd in starting cap space. In the middle for max. I'm guessing they don't spend it anyway unless it's front loaded contracts. That would seem the way to go with Hayward and Gobert free agents next summer.

[Xiao Yao You]

http://www.sltrib.com/blogs/jazznotes/3648927-155/utah-jazz-vice-sports-compares-trey

I'd say more like Detlef than anyone else mentioned He has a chance to be special with his skill set. Sounds like he puts in the work too.

[Xiao Yao You]

http://www.slcdunk.com/2016/3/11/11178210/utah-jazz-trey-lyles-rookie-week-derrick-favors-trevor-booker-carlos-boozer-donyell-marshall


how else do you explain drafting a power forward when you already had (at the time) Derrick Favors, Trevor Booker, 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 Grant Jerrett (http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/j/jerregr01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.basketball-reference.com) on the team already?

seriously? :coleman:

My guess is they'll take another big with their top pick next year.


getting DNP-CDs (because Trevor Booker is somehow as valuable to the team right now or more than the rookie is)

Not much doubt Booker and Withey are more valuable. It's cost them many games this year playing Lyles.

[Xiao Yao You]

http://weareutahjazz.com/lockedonjazz/2016/03/11/emptying-the-noggin-shelvin-returns-the-favors/


The Jazz line-ups with the starters and Lyles at the 4 with Gobert or Favors have both been very successful

Lyles and Booker hasn't been good though. Withey is good with any of them.

[Xiao Yao You]

http://saltcityhoops.com/magic-macks-27-gives-jazz-w-in-must-win-game-vs-wizards/

[QUOTE]Tonight, Mack nabbed a career-high 27 points 4 (http://saltcityhoops.com/magic-macks-27-gives-jazz-w-in-must-win-game-vs-wizards/#note-4) and seemed to be making the shots he

[Xiao Yao You]

http://www.sltrib.com/sports/3650074-155/utah-jazz-beat-washington-wizards-114-93


And on this night, Mack ran the Utah Jazz offense with aplomb, avoiding needless turnovers, scoring at will and shocking most of the sellout crowd at Vivint Smart Home Arena with the best game a Jazz point guard has had since seemingly the peak Deron Williams days.

Debatable. Pretty sure Mo, Devin Harris and even Trey had some pretty good games not to mention Exum shutting guys down when they played their best ball since Deron.

[Xiao Yao You]

http://www.sltrib.com/sports/3651045-155/utah-jazz-notes-team-feels-urgency


And every player has seen the plight of the New Orleans Pelicans, a young team led by superstar forward Anthony Davis that made the playoffs last season. Thought to be a franchise that could be a postseason fixture, the Pelicans have been hit by more crucial injuries this season than anyone this side of the Jazz.

We saw it with the Suns too. You strike when the iron is hot. This idea that you can wait is stupid. They probably wont be able to keep these guys together. Just because they're young doesn't necessarily meant the team will keep getting better as we've seen this year. Eventually everyone needs to get paid. Injuries happen. Egos get too big. Whatever. You'd think they would have learned this after they let the John and Karl years go to waste while waiting for the next year that never came.


"It's very important for us," Jazz shooting guard Rodney Hood said. "We know we have a small window and we have to put some wins together. We just need a win, for team morale more than anything. We haven't been playing horrible. But we need to win, and maybe we can get this thing rolling. We understand the opportunity that's in front of us."


You have been playing horrible Rodney.

[Xiao Yao You]

http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865649925/Holy-Mackerel-Shelvin-Mack-goes-off-for-career-night-in-Jazz-win.html

[QUOTE]Snyder pointed out that some might

[Xiao Yao You]

http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865649901/Utah-Jazz-notebook-Making-the-playoffs-still-a-big-deal-to-the-Jazz.html


"I mean, part of development is competing, and that's something we're aware of.


You're so aware of it that players are given playing time they haven't earned and the front office and coach still act like winning games isn't part of the equation.



But at the same time, is the year gonna be a failure if we don't make the playoffs? Of course not. I mean, don't tell me when we played the Clippers on the 26th of December without Rudy (Gobert), (Derrick Favors) and Alec (Burks) got hurt and we don't have Dante' Exum. You're gonna have a hard time seeing a team without four of its top six players at a certain point succeed on a high level.


Not when you don't spend money on depth and you call Dante one of your top 6 guys despite having one of the worst offensive seasons ever. Injuries are an excuse. They finished last year as the 6th best team in the league. This year has been very disappointing injuries or not. I like the roster for the most part but Withey not playing is hard for me to get past. They are easily a playoff team with him playing instead of Lyles.




"In that sense, I feel like the season has been a great success as far as what we've been able to accomplish as a group and in terms of growth and guys maturing as players," he said. "And through that, we find ourselves in a position where we're in a playoff race, although we're not currently there, we're a few games back. And what the heck, let's play the way we played last year and just compete with something else at stake."


You haven't played like last year and I think putting all that on injuries and Exum is a cop out. We've seen some growth but arguably even more regression. Favors has improved in areas but his mid range shot has gotten worse while we thought he might extend his range. Same with Booker. Rudy as well I thought would expand on what we seen from him offensively at the end of the year and he has regressed in areas. Ingles hasn't been the same player. Defensively they have regressed. Is that all Exum? Burke got better but his days on the team appear to be about over.




I think we've got to just go out and play, play like we know how to play, like we're capable of playing. And I think that starts with not turning the ball over."

We haven't seen you play without turning the ball over so how would we know you can play like that? :rolleyes:

[Xiao Yao You]

[QUOTE]Peter Edmiston: [URL="http://*********.com/social/"]Mike Conley out for at least 3-4 weeks with Achilles tendinitis in that left foot. Will be reevaluated then but no guarantee he

[WayOfWade]

Yeah, Snyder is very interesting with his rotation decisions, Withey is a good player and deserves minutes but just doesn't get them for who knows why. And I would really love to know what Snyder's actual plan with Mack was/is; I've said before that while he's maybe better offensively than Neto or Burke, his arrival also messed with the chemistry. These losses weren't really his fault as much as they were Snyder giving him too many early minutes and making it harder for other players to adjust.
Bottom line, this team is good enough to make the playoffs, Mack seems to be integrated really fine at this point, they just can't drop games like they did against the Hawks

[Xiao Yao You]

https://jazzfanatical.wordpress.com/2016/03/13/and-heres-your-weekly-utah-jazz-wrapup-20/

[QUOTE][B]Quin Snyder, asked whether he