Bring on the Favorites! Round 2...

[Xiao Yao You]

I think they might give them a series

[Xiao Yao You]

http://www.ksl.com/?nid=304&sid=44072921&title=led-by-hayward-utah-jazz-moving-on-to-new-playoff-turf


Shaun Livingston is questionable with a sprained finger on his right hand.

That's a big loss if he's not playing


The Warriors haven't said whether coach Steve Kerr will be back. He missed the last two games of the first round because of complications from two back surgeries. Assistant Mike Brown took over in his absence.

That could be big too after Snyder schooled Rivers

[Xiao Yao You]

http://www.slcdunk.com/2017/4/30/15457882/2017-nba-playoffs-golden-state-warriors-utah-jazz-los-angeles-clippers-lose-2nd-round


Utah Jazz 74 at Golden State Warriors 104 - December 20, 2016

In this game the Utah Jazz, Gordon Hayward had just returned from injury and was obviously a little rusty.

Hayward didn't even show. Don't make excuses


Finally, Joe Johnson has looked like the Joe Johnson of 2007 rather than 2017.

He hasn't been a wing since before the all-star break. Don't want him there either

[Xiao Yao You]

http://www.cbssports.com/nba/news/nba-playoffs-warriors-jazz-is-david-vs-goliath-yes-but-david-is-a-lot-bigger/


If the Warriors are swarming like they're capable of, that's going to give Utah's offense nightmares, and it can just outright shut down for long stretches without a true go-to player.

Hayward finally looked like a go to guy in the first round. Can he keep it up?


Gobert can't contain and recover on the lob: This is a problem. Here's Gobert stepping up to contest Green as he drives off the pick and roll. Green lobs to JaVale McGee. Slam.

Clippers killed them without Gobert on the lob and they are better at it. No one defends the lob better than Rudy. He won't stop them all but more than you'd like him to!


The Jazz are dependent on Johnson. The Warriors have the wings to handle him, though. Durant is bigger, Iguodala can match his savvy. If they take away "Joe Jesus," the Warriors will be in a good spot.

Not sure they are dependent on him. Durant is longer not bigger.


if Quin Snyder breaks and takes Gobert off the floor to try and match up, they're doomed.

Probably but after the way they played without him the past couple weeks it should be interesting to say the least!

[Xiao Yao You]

http://www.mercurynews.com/2017/04/30/in-utah-the-warriors-get-a-playoff-crash-course/

[QUOTE]The Warriors

[Xiao Yao You]

http://www.foxsports.com/nba/gallery/3-reasons-the-jazz-can-beat-the-warriors-this-postseason-041417


Bolomboy, at 6-foot-9, is poised to break out this postseason as a center.

Hopefully he's dressed

[Xiao Yao You]

http://www.mercurynews.com/2017/05/01/kawakami-my-2nd-round-series-prediction-warriors-in-5-over-utah/

[QUOTE]the Jazz only have one day off after that long seven-game series vs. the Clippers and that

[Xiao Yao You]

http://www.sltrib.com/sports/5240677-155/utah-jazz-notes-warriors-enter-series


Jazz power forward Derrick Favors didn't practice Monday afternoon due to lower back soreness. Favors is listed as questionable for Tuesday night's Game 1.

Jazz coach Quin Snyder said the goal is to have Favors ready for the Warriors. If Favors can't play or is hobbled, the Jazz lose a bit of the advantage they have inside with him and Rudy Gobert at the center spot.

"We want to get him healthy," Snyder said.

Might be better off with Bolomboy in their against them anyway

[Xiao Yao You]

http://www.sltrib.com/sports/5237068-155/kragthorpe-jazzs-series-vs-warriors-is


Hayward asserted himself in the second half of Game 7 after a poor shooting start that partly resulted from his teammates giving him the ball late in the shot clock.

why the excuses? He played the best ball of his career. His teammates and coach deserve some of the credit for that though


By winning a playoff series for the first time in seven years, the Jazz have done everything that's logically necessary to make Hayward believe that staying in Utah is worthwhile.

Hayward needs to continue to play well for the Jazz to want to pay him 30% of the cap though


what if the Warriors win another four games in a row by an average of 18 points? That would illustrate the gap between the teams and might make Hayward wonder if it could be closed significantly in the coming years.

And then what if Boston reaches the NBA Finals and competes more favorably against Golden State? The Celtics could become more attractive to him.

than you say goodbye and save 30 million a year for someone else


One victory in this series would represent another breakthrough and should be sufficient to make Hayward stay.

should it? Again the Celts are better equipped for the futrue than the Jazz. I can see him leaving

[Xiao Yao You]

http://www.sltrib.com/sports/5228343-155/utah-jazz-vs-golden-state-warriors


The Jazz bench features Joe Johnson, Derrick Favors and Rodney Hood. All three are good enough to be full-time NBA starters

actually they aren't. There's reasons for them being on the bench


The Jazz will be competitive, but being competitive and actually winning games are mutually exclusive. The Jazz are a very good team. The Warriors are historically great and start four potential hall of famers. That's a ridiculous hill for Utah to climb.

pretty much

[Xiao Yao You]

http://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/19287923/golden-state-warriors-preferred-play-los-angeles-clippers-next-part-enjoy-la-nightlife


It's safe to say that the Golden State Warriors were pulling for the LA Clippers to advance past the Utah Jazz in the first round of the Western Conference playoffs.

Their rooting interest, however, had nothing to do with matchups on the basketball court. Rather, it had everything to do with where they will spend their leisure hours when the second-round series shifts to Games 3 and 4.

Yeah right! They know the Jazz won't be fun to play and that they own the Clipps

[Xiao Yao You]

http://purpleandblues.com/2017/05/01/utah-jazz-backcourt-face-similar-challenge-warriors/

[QUOTE]Thompson may not have the MVP status that his fellow splash brother can flaunt, but he has a better all around game. He doesn

[Xiao Yao You]

http://purpleandblues.com/2017/05/01/utah-jazz-golden-state-warriors-schedule-set/

not as much rest between games. could hurt Hill, Hood and Favors

[Xiao Yao You]

David Locke: Quin Snyder

[Xiao Yao You]

Golden State Warriors coach Steve Kerr will continue to have medical tests and procedures this week at Stanford. He remains out indefinitely. Kerr has been sidelined by symptoms including migraines and nausea related to complications from back surgery he had almost two years ago.

[Xiao Yao You]

Connor Letourneau: Stephen Curry said the Warriors will play the rest of the playoffs for Brody, the Indiana boy and diehard Curry fan who passed away recently

[Xiao Yao You]

Connor Letourneau: Brown said Barnes (ankle) is

[Xiao Yao You]

Anthony Slater: No firm Steve Kerr update, but this much is clear: Mike Brown will coach Game 1 vs Jazz and likely beyond.

[Xiao Yao You]

http://www.ksl.com/?sid=44086882&nid=304&title=ben-anderson-jazz-have-turned-in-superb-season-regardless-of-warriors-series


the Jazz proved to Hayward that the roster he leads is capable of winning when the games matter most

have they? a lot to prove yet for everyone


Hayward has been the key to the Jazz rebuild since moving on from point guard Deron Williams, and despite one short-lived playoff series to the Spurs in 2012, the rebuild has been shrouded in losses.

It's called tanking and Gobert put an end to it rather they liked it or not.

[QUOTE]By beating the Clippers in a Game 7 on the road, the Jazz showed Hayward that the grass isn

[Xiao Yao You]

http://www.ksl.com/?nid=304&sid=44080556&title=celtics-look-like-top-seed-warriors-rested-for-surging-jazz


even when Thompson did play, there were times when he was limited with Joe Ingles guarding him. Take the Jazz's shorthanded (they played without Gordon Hayward, George Hill, Rodney Hood, and Derrick Favors) seven-point loss to the Warriors at home in December: Thompson scored just 10 points on 5-of-13 shooting, missing all four of his threes and adding three turnovers. That's a great outcome for the Jazz.

And Ingles put up 20 something and almost led them to victory if not for the huge hole they put themselves in early


Switching Hill on Thompson will be less of a viable option. And honestly, he's just more able to be a play starter on offense by handling the ball himself in pick and roll.

But an effective defensive game plan for the Jazz starts by limiting one of the Warriors' big four, and Thompson might be the most likely candidate.

Ingles on Curry or Durant might even be better? I imagine we could see him guarding all their guys at different times much like against the Clippers

[Xiao Yao You]

http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865679034/Jazz-notes-Joe-Ingles-has-suggestions-for-nightlife-seeking-Warriors.html

[QUOTE]He

[Xiao Yao You]

http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865679042/Morning-Links-Utes-in-post-spring-power-rankings-Jazzs-courting-of-Hayward.html

[QUOTE] With Golden State on the horizon, playoff excitement and offseason nerves are in abundance in Salt Lake, and it

[Xiao Yao You]

http://www.deseretnews.com/article/8...ng-layoff.html

[QUOTE]Ian Clark, who began his NBA career with Utah during the 2013-2014 season as a seldom-used reserve but has turned into a key contributor for Golden State over the last two seasons.

In the Warriors

[Xiao Yao You]

http://www.deseretnews.com/article/8...-Warriors.html



Gordon Chiesa has said the highest level of NBA play occurs when teams meet after two days rest. Three days and their timing suffers.

That's why they need to steal the game tonight



What the layoff had to do with anything other than Michael Jordan is debatable.

Might want to ask Karl. He was the one missing lay ups

[Xiao Yao You]

http://www.sltrib.com/blogs/jazznotes/5244330-155/utah-jazz-shootaround-jazz-want-to


Power forward Derrick Favors remains on the Jazz's injury report as he deals with lower back soreness. He was a partial participant in shootaround and is listed as questionable to play in tonight's game.

"Hard to say. We didn't do much," Jazz coach Quin Snyder said when asked how much progress Favors had made from Monday. "But we've been dealing with this. It's nothing new for us to see if a guy can play at game time."

Might not need him so much against these guys anyway

[Xiao Yao You]

http://saltcityhoops.com/staff-scrimmage-the-sch-team-on-round-1-and-whats-to-come-vs-gsw/

[QUOTE]Probably the Jazz

[Xiao Yao You]

http://www.slcdunk.com/the-downbeat/2017/5/2/15516130/nba-playoffs-2017-golden-state-warriors-los-angeles-clippers-utah-jazz-gordon-hayward-rudy-gobert


I think Rudy needs to develop into someone who is a league-wide intimidator. Right now he is because of the scouting reports and film sessions. But I want to see him continue to grow into someone who is outright feared.

the fear of Rudy is his biggest strength. no one dares get near him :bowdown:

[Xiao Yao You]

http://www.slcdunk.com/2017/5/1/15511454/2017-nba-playoffs-golden-state-warriors-utah-jazz-steph-curry-kevin-durant-draymond-green-gobert

[QUOTE] Dante Exum and his defensive prowess (just look at the lineup combinations and you

[Xiao Yao You]

http://purpleandblues.com/2017/05/02/utah-jazz-keys-to-a-series-victory-over-the-golden-state-warriors/5/


With an important offseason coming up for the Jazz and with hopes that a couple more key players may be interested in joining their ranks as free agents

and how will they pay them?

[Xiao Yao You]

Marc J. Spears: Warriors guard Stephen Curry says his left ankle is just fine and joked that he will not try to dunk anymore.

[Xiao Yao You]

http://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/19299365/salt-lake-city-officials-fun-do-complaint-golden-state-warriors

[Xiao Yao You]

http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865679174/Brad-Rock-Neto-on-his-NBA-playoff-experience-Its-a-world-of-noise.html


This year he switched several times from the Jazz to the D-League Salt Lake Stars.

seriously? :facepalm

[Xiao Yao You]

https://www.si.com/nba/2017/05/02/nba-playoffs-second-round-xfactors-javale-mcgee-jr-smith

[QUOTE]While Ingles may have shined for Utah in the first round, he may become unplayable against Golden State. The Warriors

[Xiao Yao You]

http://www.slcdunk.com/the-downbeat/2017/5/3/15538514/nba-playoffs-2017-utah-jazz-los-angeles-lakers-golden-state-warriors-dante-exum-boris-diaw-downbeat

[QUOTE]Guys who could have been seasoned enough to help right now are seeing their first minutes in the post season in the second round. It time to give them some burn, some needed experience that will help them be useful in future important games.

In a way, this is like a very intense training camp. The team is finally healthy. Quin Snyder can finally try out any number of line-ups. Some guys may work better together, but we didn

[Xiao Yao You]

https://sports.yahoo.com/news/front-office-insider-ranking-top-free-agent-small-forwards-185653712.html


Ingles could become expendable.


:facepalm

[Xiao Yao You]

http://purpleandblues.com/2017/05/02/utah-jazz-forgotten-man-derrick-favors/

[QUOTE] It reveals that Favors has always been somewhat of a reluctant basketball player. His AAU coach remembers having to drag Favors to practice.

[Xiao Yao You]

http://www.deseretnews.com/article/8...ond-Green.html


Neither Lyles nor Bolomboy got off the bench in the first round.

Its' a joke that Lyles is dressing over Wirhey

[Xiao Yao You]

http://saltcityhoops.com/game-1-notes-jazz-can-compete-by-cutting-errors/

[QUOTE]After a 1-for-4 first half, Hood apparently figured out that long-range missiles weren

[Xiao Yao You]

http://www.slcdunk.com/2017/5/4/15540776/nba-playoffs-2017-golden-state-warriors-utah-jazz-stephen-curry-draymond-green-rudy-gobert


While I do like to make fun of people and point to problems, the data makes it an easy job to look at Shelvin Mack.

1st Stint (Q1 3:00 to 0:00) -3 in plus/minus
2nd Stint (Q2 12:00 to 9:22) -8 in plus/minus
3rd Stint (Q2 6:04 to 3:00) +2 in plus/minus

Need to get off his jock! Rudy was their best at -3. Neto should be the back-up though which you will not like either because it's not Exum

[QUOTE]Rudy Gobert shouldn

[WayOfWad3]

Finally got off my ban. What's with all the Ingles hate in these articles? The Dude has straight up shown us that you don't need supreme athleticism to compete and play great. And it'd be nice if Hayward showed up against the Warriors at some point, but I just don't think it's going to happen. He surprised me with his play against the Clippers, but he's no match for GS. Rudy will show up, but against this team Gordon needs to show up for the team to have a chance

[Xiao Yao You]

Rudy's not 100% unfortunately. Hayward started out slow against the Clippers too so maybe they'll be able to get him going but yeah I' wouldn't count on it. Ingles hate is fine if he stays a Jazzman!

[Xiao Yao You]

[QUOTE]Chris Haynes: Utah Jazz announce George Hill is out for Game 2 against Golden State Warriors with left toe soreness.

[Xiao Yao You]

http://www.ksl.com/?sid=44115679&nid=304&title=jazz-shootaround-george-hill-out-for-game-2-with-injured-toe


Hill's toe has been bothering him all season, since he first had the injury at the end of November, over five months ago now. That was called a sprained toe, though I've also heard word that the injury was worse than the team publicly revealed.

broken? :confusedshrug:


Neto played himself off the floor with some bad airballs and weirdly forced missed shots in Game 7 against the Clippers.

I thought he played well the little they've played him. He'll defend and hit open shots


And Exum, the fan favorite,

Not this fan! I think he's played well in his limited wing minutes in the playoffs. Leave him there!


That's why he's been playing more at shooting guard, because the coaching staff generally hasn't trusted the decisions Exum has made with the ball in his hands.

good! Leave him on the wing


Curry is much quicker than Paul, though, so it might not go all that well for the Jazz.

is he?

[Xiao Yao You]

http://www.sltrib.com/sports/5254195-155/kragthorpe-george-hills-health-issues-raise


He was vital against Clippers, especially in Game 7. That series victory more than justified the low cost (a first-round draft pick) of acquiring Hill from Indiana,

debatable. It was a lottery pick. Obviously they thought it was worth the risk of one season of him

[Xiao Yao You]

http://www.sltrib.com/sports/5250868-155/utah-jazz-george-hill-sidelined-for


But making it a more competitive outing against Golden State than Tuesday night seems like a must. If not, the series will seem to be over, even if all the Warriors did was hold serve on their home floor.

not over until the home team loses. They won without Rudy and Hayward. Obviously these guys are a lot better but let's see what they can do first!

[Xiao Yao You]

http://*********.com/2017/05/03/upcoming-free-agents-who-are-helping-their-stock-during-playoffs/


Perhaps most important is that Ingles has been great defensively, which is backed up by advanced analytics. This postseason, he has the sixth-best Defensive Box Plus/Minus (4.1) and the sixth-best steal percentage (2.9 percent).

:bowdown:

[QUOTE]Every team could use a player like Ingles in their supporting cast. Ironically, every team could

[Xiao Yao You]

http://fansided.com/2017/05/02/nba-free-agency-2017-player-option-decisions-griffin-durant-paul-millsap-lowry/7/


Hayward has become a star swingman for the Jazz. He is beloved in Salt Lake City and could go down as the third most popular Jazz player of all-time.

Not sure he's in the top 3 on the active roster!


Since Hayward is now an All-Star and a near All-NBA level small forward, he would stand to make at least $20 million annually should he hit the open market this summer.

More like 30 I believe. The salaries have went up recently if you hadn't heard! :facepalm


They can tread water for a year should Hayward leave Salt Lake City for good.

Why would they?

[Xiao Yao You]

[QUOTE]Andy Larsen ✔ @andyblarsen
So I looked it up! This season in 6 national TV games, Hayward has scored 3.5 fewer PPG, but picked up more assists, rebs, steals, & blocks. https://twitter.com/Kalloused/status/848713992289665024

[Xiao Yao You]

https://www.si.com/nba/2017/05/04/joe-johnson-evolution-iso-joe-utah-jazz-nba-playoffs

great article on his evolution!

[Xiao Yao You]

http://www.slcdunk.com/utah-jazz-game-coverage/2017/5/4/15541934/nba-playoffs-2017-golden-state-warriors-utah-jazz-preview-rudy-gobert-gordon-hayward-draaymond-green


-Criticizing Scott Layden for saying that Tyrone Corbin should be the COY. Hahahahaha ahaha ha ha.

Considering he took a team built around Big Al and had Harris starting at the 1 maybe he should have been?


When Good Rodney makes an appearance, the offense is nearly unstoppable.

like Tuesday? :coleman:

[Xiao Yao You]

http://purpleandblues.com/2017/05/04/utah-jazz-struggling-mightily-shooting-guard-position/

[QUOTE] Joe Ingles is a phenomenal role player and has exceeded expectations for the Jazz this season, but he

[Xiao Yao You]

Tim Kawakami: Ate dinner a table away from Gordon Hayward and his family last night. Very, very, very, VERY unassuming NBA star.

[Xiao Yao You]

http://www.ksl.com/?sid=44123158&nid=304&title=the-triple-team-3-thoughts-on-jazz-vs-warriors


Shelvin Mack started at point guard for the Jazz with George Hill out due to his sprained big toe that's bothered him all season. Mack gets a ton of criticism, and I think rightfully so sometimes. But tonight, he was the Jazz's third leading scorer with 14 points, and was even 3-of-5 from downtown. He also added four assists, though, because he's Mack, he did have three turnovers. He made up for it somewhat by forcing two steals.

Dante Exum came in and did some really nice things (aggressively drove baseline twice in the second quarter, infusing some energy), and some bad things (forced some isolations against Steph Curry, turned the ball over). He ended up with seven points on 2-of-6 shooting with two assists and two turnovers.

Raul Neto was fine, playing nine minutes, making a three and getting to the line, and generally not making too many mistakes. He finished with five points and two assists.

Based on that which one would you play? :banghead:


Snyder might have to bench Hayward very sparingly for the rest of this series, especially in the second half.

as well as Gobert

[Xiao Yao You]

http://www.sltrib.com/sports/5250750-155/kragthorpe-gordon-hayward-gives-jazz-some

[QUOTE]Exum played fearlessly and aggressively, traits his teammates lacked

[Xiao Yao You]

http://www.sltrib.com/sports/5250745-155/jazz-notes-mack-gets-start-at


Jazz forward Joe Johnson sprained his left pinky finger in the first half, but came back to play in the second half. ...


:cry:

[WayOfWad3]

http://www.sltrib.com/sports/5250745-155/jazz-notes-mack-gets-start-at




:cry:
Not like that changed his play between games one and two

[Xiao Yao You]

Not like that changed his play between games one and two

no it's his left hand. just yet another injury!

[Xiao Yao You]

Spencer Checketts: Dennis Lindsey says he and Quin Snyder showed Hayward tape of Steve Nash and used him as an example of how to improve in your mid/late-20

[Xiao Yao You]

Connor Letourneau: Klay Thompson on SLC’s nightlife: “Only boring people get bored, so I’ll find something to do.” – via Twitter Con_Chron

Rosalyn Gold-Onwude: Mike Brown says “in my mind he’s playing” about Draymond Green status for Game 3. – via Twitter ROSGO21

Marc J. Spears: Jazz say guard George Hill (left big toe sprain/soreness) is questionable for Game 3 versus Warriors. – via Twitter MarcJSpearsESPN

guessing they'll both play. Pretty much do or die for the Jazz now

[Xiao Yao You]

http://weareutahjazz.com/lockedonjazz/2017/05/05/emptying-the-noggin-draymond-makes-the-jazz-pay/

[QUOTE]The Jazz picked their poison and the poison got them beat. The Warriors take a 2-0 series lead with a 115-104 victory over Utah Thursday night.

Every time Draymond Green uses a possession to take a shot, it is better than if Klay, Steph or Durant take it. Green was a 30% 3-point shooter this season. The Jazz dropped off Green to try to cut of the Warriors

[Xiao Yao You]

http://purpleandblues.com/2017/05/05/utah-jazz-five-adjustments-games-3-4/4/

[QUOTE]On several occasions, it has appeared as if the Jazz are overlooking their formidable Frenchman as he hasn

[Xiao Yao You]

http://purpleandblues.com/2017/05/05/utah-jazz-regardless-result-special-season/


The slow and steady, the player development as first priority, the willingness to lose games along the way, all of that went out the window this year in favor of winning.

It didn't really though. Lyles and Exum were still given minutes that weren't based on merit. They didn't use their cap space to put the best team out there

[QUOTE]Say what you will about what

[Xiao Yao You]

http://purpleandblues.com/2017/05/05/utah-jazz-gordon-hayward-silences-ridiculous-podcast-criticism-game-2-performance/


Hayward was one of the healthiest players on a team decimated by injuries throughout the season. He carried this team on his back


:facepalm

[QUOTE]The fact of the matter is that Gordon Hayward is going to be a max player next year and he

[WayOfWad3]

http://weareutahjazz.com/lockedonjazz/2017/05/05/emptying-the-noggin-draymond-makes-the-jazz-pay/



Not sure I agree when he's been hitting them in the playoffs



2nd time I've read how good Dante was with no mention of how bad he was as well! :wtf:
Most Jazz fans are just enamored with him some reason even though he's done more bad than good this season. He definitely has potential, but he just doesn't cut it right now.
And as for Green, sadly it's as simple as we'd rather have him shoot the 3 as opposed to anyone else, but he's hitting it too which just sucks

[WayOfWad3]

http://purpleandblues.com/2017/05/05/utah-jazz-gordon-hayward-silences-ridiculous-podcast-criticism-game-2-performance/




:facepalm



He hasn't actually. If he sucks the rest of the series do you pay him?
I wouldn't say he carried the team on his back, but he certainly did a fantastic job.
And yeah you pay him if you're the Jazz. It's either that, or you start the whole rebuilding phase ove, practically from scratch. So far he's shown us that he can indeed perform in the playoffs, and a lot of that has to do with his game to game prep which is second to none amongst NBA players.
Is it Ideal? No; but it's the best/only option the Jazz have if they want to stay where they are/get better

[Xiao Yao You]

Most Jazz fans are just enamored with him some reason even though he's done more bad than good this season. He definitely has potential, but he just doesn't cut it right now.
And as for Green, sadly it's as simple as we'd rather have him shoot the 3 as opposed to anyone else, but he's hitting it too which just sucks

I think they want Dante to be good because they drafted him so high and they have this belief that you have to play young guys for them to improve. As far as I'm concerned once Gobert made them good that should have ended. The D-league is there for a reason. Sad part is the guy that could have maybe helped them the most they left in the D-league all year despite the fact that he proved himself there unlike their two former lottery picks.

Dante shows flashes and he might be good eventually but he's running out of time to prove it. Eligible for an extension this summer and a free agent next summer. It's time to show you can hit an open shot consistently, finish at the rim consistently and defend without fouling. Huge off-season for him coming up!

They were guarding Iggy too much at the line. He's yet to hit one. You have to guard Green when he's hitting them.

[Xiao Yao You]

I wouldn't say he carried the team on his back, but he certainly did a fantastic job.
And yeah you pay him if you're the Jazz. It's either that, or you start the whole rebuilding phase ove, practically from scratch. So far he's shown us that he can indeed perform in the playoffs, and a lot of that has to do with his game to game prep which is second to none amongst NBA players.
Is it Ideal? No; but it's the best/only option the Jazz have if they want to stay where they are/get better

We'll see what he does the rest of the series. He's had one big game against the best team. If he sucks in the next two you have to think about it still. He had some bad games against the Clippers too. You hope he will take less than the full max. He says he wants to win more than get paid. Gobert took less for that reason.

I don't agree that they are starting over if he leaves though. They sucked before Rudy emerged. You can build around him. Obviously Hayward would be tough to replace but they can be good still. They've tried to keep tanking with Rudy and it hasn't worked. He makes them competitive all by himself.

[Xiao Yao You]

http://www.ksl.com/?sid=44127092&nid=304&title=outmatched-jazz-working-to-turn-small-victories-to-bigger-ones


Even if the Jazz played their very best ball, there's a talent gap that might mean the Warriors would win anyway.

The toughest part is even when they go to their bench theire are at least two of their 4 stars in the game at all times!


And if things go well for the Jazz this offseason, and their players keep working, maybe they turn a small victory of making inroads in this series into making it actually competitive, or better, next year.

Not sure how that happens once Hayward is paid and Rudy's contract kicks in. This may have been their best chance and they left over 13 million and an exception unspent! We've seen this series they just aren't that good outside Gobert and Hayward. It's too bad Burks, Favors, Hood and Hill aren't healthy so we could see what they really have but Ingles has not looked good which is very disappointing after the year he's had. Maybe getting healthy and some major growth from their young guys and things will be different but it's hard to envision now. Can't blame Hayward for leaving.


It's that kind of mindset that pushed the Jazz from wins in the 20s, to 30s, to 40s, to 50s in consecutive years.

Rudy emerged. They would be Orlando right now if he hadn't. Should have won 50 a year ago. Than maybe they would have been more prepared for this year.

[Xiao Yao You]

http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865679297/Utah7s-6point-guard-by-committee7-doesn7t-hurt-Jazz-in-115-104-loss.html

[QUOTE] it likely wouldn

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David J. Smith @davidjsmith1232
I have no doubts that Gordon Hayward, if needed to next year, could be a 24-26 PPG guy for the Jazz.

And, yes. For the Jazz.

I have doubts. Not sure that's what you want from him. We saw a healthy Rudy scoring a lot more as the season went on. Healthy Hill, Hood, Burks and Favors can score more.

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David J. Smith @davidjsmith1232
I wonder how the Playoffs have affected Joe Ingles' $$ value. When he's been good, he's been stellar. But the shooting has been absent.

Someone will pay him after his great first round but unless it's very team friendly or Hayward insists on it I'd say good bye to Ingles based on his play in this series

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David J. Smith @davidjsmith1232
Indeed. Exum would do well to follow the Gordon Hayward regiment this summer. Ditto for Rodney Hood, Trey Lyles.

Lyles is supposed to be the hardest worker. You got to wonder what he's working on though. He needs a trainer to get him in better shape first off. The rest is up to him. Does he want to defend? Rebound? Pass?

Hood is fragile. Can't really expect him to bulk up too much with his frame though. Like Lyles he needs to work on other parts of his game than just shooting every time he touches it.

Exum needs to work on his shot and finish!

[Xiao Yao You]

David J. Smith @davidjsmith1232
He contributes on the boards and is a good teammate. Potential is high. Could be a major factor for UTA's next step.
23h

David J. Smith @davidjsmith1232
Needs to gain confidence in his handle. Sometimes his ball handling is erratic. That can be developed.
23h

David J. Smith @davidjsmith1232
His best position could be, as some have said, as a shooting guard with good vision and the knack of drive and dishing.
23h

David J. Smith @davidjsmith1232
I think if he puts in the work, he can make progress as a defensive stopper. Has shown that ability already.

Believe this is about Exum. He rebounds? The problem is they want him as a point guard. His length isn't as special at the wing position. He needs to learn not foul!

[Xiao Yao You]

David J. Smith @davidjsmith1232
He has the knack for getting the ball to the basket quite easily, thanks to his speed. Needs to work on the finishing part.

No team should be guarding him at all and allowing him to get to the rim until he proves he can hit open shots.


David J. Smith @davidjsmith1232
Needs to spend hours on his shot. He has made some big 3s this year, but must be more consistent.
23h

David J. Smith @davidjsmith1232
If Dante Exum puts in the work this summer, I can easily see him taking a nice jump. Perhaps a better than nice one.

Could be out of the league if he doesn't. Not a rotation player if he can't shoot, finish or defend without fouling

[Xiao Yao You]

David J. Smith @davidjsmith1232
"Anthony still seems the natural offseason difference-making upgrade."

Really? I'd rather have Redick & Rivers...

Melo? :roll:

I'd take Rivers and or Redick as bench guys not starters

[Xiao Yao You]

David J. Smith @davidjsmith1232
Exum's play in the postseason has been encouraging. Not afraid of the stage and has done good things vs. LAC, GSW.

He looked good until the last game

[Xiao Yao You]

http://www.sltrib.com/sports/5257907-155/utah-jazz-notes-slow-starts-still


"It's definitely draining," Jazz forward Gordon Hayward said. "I think it all stems from the way we came out of the gates. You're digging a big hole for yourself. We played well after that, but it's hard. It's hard to battle all the way back and then continue."

On Thursday, the Jazz pulled as close as six points to the Warriors and had a potential 3-pointer in the air that would have cut the deficit to three points. But the Jazz ran out of gas down the stretch, and a lot of that is because they had to expend so much energy just to get back into the game.

Won't it be just as draining if you play with more energy to start the game? You have to do it all night against these guys

[Xiao Yao You]

http://www.sltrib.com/sports/5257791-155/utah-jazz-angry-rudy-gobert-vows


Only Gordon Hayward has truly broken through, scoring 33 points in Game 2.

:facepalm

[Xiao Yao You]

http://www.slcdunk.com/2017/5/5/15565346/nba-playoffs-2017-golden-state-warriors-utah-jazz-los-angeles-lakers-gordon-hayward-rudy-gobert

[QUOTE]Hood (89-113) -24, doesn

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[QUOTE]Jody Genessy: NBA commissioner Adam Silver is here in Utah for Game 3.

BYU

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David Locke @Lockedonsports
Huge change for Jazz offense in Game 1 v. Game 2 was Rudy Gobert screening.
Game 1: Rudy 3 screen assists
Game 2: Rudy 10 screen assists

[Xiao Yao You]

David Locke @Lockedonsports
First two games Jazz have taken 88 uncontested shots. Warriors have 78. Jazz are 41 of 88 on uncontested looks

no excuses. Those have to fall at home

[Xiao Yao You]

The Jazz led 75-74 early in the fourth quarter, but the Warriors went on a 10-4 run and never trailed again. Curry and Durant hit back to back 3s to give Golden State a 92-84 lead with 3:04 left.

[Xiao Yao You]

But back to this Warriors game

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[QUOTE]It occurred just after a reporter asked a question about the back-and-forth shoving between Kevin Durant and Rudy Gobert while using the word kerfuffle. Usually you hear words like scuffle and skirmish and things like that when describing what happened between Durant and Gobert, but this reporter used kerfuffle. Steph Curry and Kevin Durant were amazed

[Xiao Yao You]

http://weareutahjazz.com/lockedonjazz/2017/05/06/emptying-the-noggin-the-warriors-mvps-win-the-game/


Now, the front office has to build a team around them and add the pieces that fit. The third piece who compliments what they do is vital.

On the cheap. That's the tough part. I still think Hill could be that guy. Maybe pay him big next year with a team option for a 2nd? If he's good you keep him if not you have money for Hood, Exum etc.


Joe Johnson went 3 for 12. The speed of the Warriors and the length of Durant, Iguodala and Green make it hard to manufacture his usual looks.

As good as he was in the last series I'd say you got to look to trade him.


Boris Diaw continues to be an amazing +/- player for the Jazz in playoffs. He was +3 again today for the Jazz.\

Makes to much next year. Decline his option and sign him to a cheaper deal for an end of the bench spot

[Xiao Yao You]

http://www.ksl.com/?sid=44152525&nid=304&title=the-triple-team-3-thoughts-on-jazz-vs-warriors


having George Hill, the Jazz's second-leading scorer this season, would answer a few of these questions. And maybe that comes from development from Rodney Hood, or a good draft pick this season. But it'd be nice to have more consistency from scoring.

maybe it comes from Hill himself?

[Xiao Yao You]

Adam Lauridsen: Durant on Gobert:

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Andy Larsen ✔ @andyblarsen
Gordon Hayward never missed two free throws in a row this season... that's pretty incredible.

:bowdown:

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Ryan McDonald: George Hill currently listed as questionable for Game 4 tomorrow

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http://www.sltrib.com/sports/5262660-155/kragthorpe-jazz-can-give-home-fans

[QUOTE]The question

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http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865679432/Playing-the-Warriors-When-moral-victories-count.html

[QUOTE]Dante Exum has been playing like a rookie, even though he isn

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Chris Herring ✔ @Herring_NBA
Never dawned on me how much more Utah seems to value player tenure than other clubs. Fact that Hayward & Favors are on front of building...

Yeah considering Rudy has been the man for over two years it's a bit of a joke. Not surprising from this franchise though. Probably be the last time you see Favors face plastered anywhere though!

[Xiao Yao You]

http://www.slcdunk.com/utah-jazz-articles/2017/5/8/15577196/nba-playoffs-2017-golden-state-warriors-utah-jazz-downbeat-gordon-hayward-rudy-gobert-kevin-durant


We have to build around a Hayward/Gobert foundation. These are two All Stars for years to come. Everyone else is replaceable.
Secondary foundation would be Ingles/Exum/Hood. That would be our rotation players in a perfect world. Not starters at this point.

So if we can get a legit PF to play with Gobert(could be Lyles or Bolomboy). A legit PG that can distribute the ball and play good defense(could be Exum). And a good scoring 2 guard(could be Hood). We will be looking great for a long time.

Ingles didn't look good at GS. He's 30. Not sure you keep him at this point unless it's a very team friendly deal. I'd look to unload Joe Johnson. Done nothing this series. Don't pick up Diaw's deal but sign him cheaply for an end of the bench role.

I'd try to pay Hill big next year with a team option for a 2nd. He was so good before he hurt the toe. That will be hard to replicate with anyone else I'm afraid. If it doesn't work out they'll have money to pay others.

Exum and Hood get to prove their worth one more year. Then they could be gone if they don't pick it up. Burks still has two years. They'll look to have him and Favors show they can still play early next year then unload them after December especially Favors since he's in the last year of his deal.

I think Neto could be a solid back-up it just won't be in Utah where he isn't appreciated. Lyles is their youngest guy so their is still hope but because of Bolomboy he may have become expendable.

Mack and Withey are gone though if Hill leaves and they can't find anyone else I'd keep Mack. Got to have a vet pg.

[Xiao Yao You]

http://purpleandblues.com/2017/05/07/dont-count-out-the-utah-jazz-just-yet/


It was estimated that the Utah Jazz lost a league-leading nine games to injury this past regular season, and if you add nine wins to their 51 win season, it would have been a 60 win season, which screams contender in my mind.

This series shows they are a long ways from a contender. Maybe if Hill, Favors and Hood were healthy or they'd spent their cap space and exception but that's not the case and it won't be the case next year either because they won't have that money anymore.

[Xiao Yao You]

http://purpleandblues.com/2017/05/07/utah-jazz-need-to-make-a-hard-push-for-jimmy-butler-this-offseason/

[QUOTE] how nice would it have been to be able to have an elite defender like Jimmy Butler in the mix to also throw at Durant and force him to adjust? With defense as Utah

[Xiao Yao You]

http://hoopshabit.com/2017/05/05/utah-jazz-team-playing-gordon-haywards-future/


Hayward is the key to the future for the Jazz.

:rolleyes:

[QUOTE]It

[Xiao Yao You]

http://purpleandblues.com/2017/05/08/utah-jazz-george-hills-status-continues-air/


With Gordon Hayward holding the top spot on the priority list and poised to ink a deal (with Utah or elsewhere) richer than any in Jazz history, a near-max contract for Hill could be hard to swing, especially if they want to retain key support players like Joe Ingles and Rodney Hood in the long term.

Ingles didn't look like someone I'd be paying a lot for in Oakland and Hood has another year. If they think a healthy Hill can play anywhere near the way he did in November and they feel he can remain relatively healthy he should be the #2 priority. I'd think if anything his injuries will bring his price down. I'd look to sign him to a big sum for next year with a team option. They can afford it next year and if it doesn't work out they have the money for Hood, Exum etc. if needed.

[QUOTE]For example, Hill has long been a favorite of San Antonio Spurs coach Gregg Popovich, who once said trading the point guard (for Kawhi Leonard) was the most difficult thing he

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[QUOTE]Josh Lewenberg: As far as I

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[QUOTE]The Jazz fans want him back, and so they whooped and hollered Hayward

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[QUOTE]Rudy Gobert: So proud of what we have accomplished through adversity this year. Excited for the future and for our fans! We

[Xiao Yao You]

[QUOTE]Tony Jones: Rodney Hood will receive an MRI

[Xiao Yao You]

https://sports.yahoo.com/news/jazz-fans-chant-gordan-haywards-name-exits-arena-hopeful-isnt-last-time-041034481.html


They are still a few pieces away from being able to compete with Golden State and the other teams in the West’s top tier.

What other teams? Maybe the Spurs. Rockets don't scare me. I think they may have had a great series with the Spurs though. George Hill from November and GS may have gotten a scare too. Rather they are going to be able to afford to put a team around the big two now is the question.

I'm thinking pay Hill big next year with maybe a partial guarantee/team option for the 2nd year. Might make sense for him too with all his injuries. Have a chance to prove his worth again. Jazz will have flexibility to keep him or move on with Exum, Hood etc. Ingles may have to go. Not sure there is a better fit out there at the 1 than Hill.

[Xiao Yao You]

http://www.ksl.com/?sid=44178434&nid=304&title=the-triple-team-3-thoughts-on-jazz-121-95-loss-to-warriors-to-complete-sweep


I'll also say that his defense was largely very good, too. He stayed out of foul trouble, and used his length in ways that the other Jazz point guards aren't capable of. He's still a little bit slow around screens, which necessitates switches, but he did a nice job.

Other pg's not named Hill you mean. Let's not forget they have a guy in the D-league who is only a year older with similar length and a better handle who will be ready to take his job for less pay if he doesn't get better this summer.

[Xiao Yao You]

http://www.ksl.com/?sid=44177703&nid=304&title=currys-30-lead-warriors-to-sweep-after-121-95-win-over-jazz


George Hill missed his third consecutive game with a left big toe sprain after being a game-time decision. Mack started in his place. The injury has lingered throughout the season and kept the ninth-year veteran from 16 regular-season games. The Jazz were 18-15 during the regular season when Hill missed games.

Maybe he should have been held out until he was 100%? Same with Favors and Hood?

[Xiao Yao You]

http://www.sltrib.com/sports/5262094-155/kragthorpe-warriors-sweep-makes-jazzs-gordon


Snyder's best personnel move of the series will subject him to some second-guessing, as to why he didn't use Dante Exum more with point guard George Hill remaining injured and Shelvin Mack and Raul Neto struggling.

The 2nd half answers that. I don't think Neto has struggled. He doesn't get to play more than a couple minutes no matter what the does. He should've been playing all year long. He competes. He defends. He hits shots. Needs to work on finishing among the trees. A floater like Mack would help. He should be the back-up going into next year. Dante is more of a wing right now


They lost Carlos Boozer, Kyle Korver and Wesley Matthews in free agency that summer

Should have kept Wes

[Xiao Yao You]

http://www.sltrib.com/sports/5260689-155/jazz-notes-after-big-series-vs


"People saw what Joe did against the Clippers and prepared for it," Jazz coach Quin Snyder said. "They prepare differently."

Need to trade him. For 11 million a year you got to get more. If he was young like Hood it would be one thing but he's not

Knowing the Jazz history they will keep him though. He had a good series in round 1. That will be enough for them

[Xiao Yao You]

http://www.sltrib.com/sports/5260685-155/warriors-notes-mike-brown-impressed-by


("Quin puts them in the right position to make plays").

Does Hayward want to take his chances and leave that?

[Xiao Yao You]

http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865679535/How-a-26-point-loss-still-leaves-the-Jazz-with-some-pride.html

[QUOTE]So now it

[Xiao Yao You]

http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865679524/Warriors-eliminate-Jazz-with-121-95-Game-4-win.html


In another fun moment, Gobert responded to a fan yelling his name by giving him one of his trademark salutes from the bench.

I missed that! Who's got the GIF?

[Xiao Yao You]

http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865679532/Dante-Exum-Shelvin-Mack-step-up-for-Jazz-in-Game-4-loss-to-Warriors.html


IRON INGLES: Thanks to all the injuries the Jazz sustained throughout the season, just one player ended up appearing in every single contest for Utah.

Swingman Joe Ingles was the Jazz's ironman and finished the campaign averaging 7.1 points, 3.2 rebounds, 2.7 assists and 1.2 steals in 24 minutes per game.

Through three seasons with the Jazz, the Australian has missed just four games.

were any of them due to injury? He wasn't supposed to be in the rotation this year either!

[Xiao Yao You]

Andy Bailey @AndrewDBailey
In terms of on-court fit, I can't imagine how Gordon Hayward would rather play with Isaiah Thomas than Rudy Gobert.
10:08 AM - 8 May 2017

Not tough to imagine really. It's not just two guys. Boston is more likely to spend whatever it takes to win it all.