Draft day, free agency, training camp, pre season...

[Xiao Yao You]

Figured it's all coming on soon!

[Xiao Yao You]

The New York Knicks are moving up in Wednesday’s NBA draft, acquiring the Utah Jazz’s pick at No. 23 in exchange for the No. 27 and No. 38 selections, (https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/30341609/sources-new-york-knicks-trade-get-no-23-pick-draft-utah-jazz) sources told ESPN. The Knicks will now hold the No. 8 and No. 23 picks in Wednesday’s draft, the first for the team under new president of basketball operations Leon Rose.
– via Adrian Wojnarowski @ ESPN (https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/30341609/sources-new-york-knicks-trade-get-no-23-pick-draft-utah-jazz)





I like it! Hasn't really sounded like there is a center at that spot. Now they can get a center and pg hopefully

[Xiao Yao You]

ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski first reported (https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/30341609/sources-new-york-knicks-trade-get-no-23-pick-draft-utah-jazz), and multiple outlets quickly did, too, that the Jazz will trade the 23rd pick in the draft to the New York Knicks for the 27th and 38th selections, as well as the draft rights to 2008 second-round pick Ante Tomic.




And Ante! Was nice almost knowing you. Sigh...

[Xiao Yao You]

Also, with the Jazz (https://www.sbnation.com/nba/teams/utah-jazz) at a full roster of 15 players (and 2 two-way contracts), and as much as we all love the players as people, this will mean some serious competition for roster spots, and/or saying goodbye to some of the players. Frankly, the Jazz (https://www.sbnation.com/nba/teams/utah-jazz) may look to cut Ed Davis (https://www.sbnation.com/nba/players/296641/ed-davis), Nigel Williams-Goss (https://www.sbnation.com/nba/players/285729/nigel-williams-goss), Juwan Morgan (https://www.sbnation.com/nba/players/336713/juwan-morgan), or Rayjon Tucker (https://www.sbnation.com/nba/players/337308/rayjon-tucker). Or, perhaps the Jazz use one of the picks on a draft-and-stash prospect. The possibilities are wide open.




Doubt the eat Davis' deal. Should be competition with the non guaranteed and partial deals. Tucker and Morgan should be around and it sounds likely they will. Goss is probably gone thus the need at the 1


In Lindsey and Zanik we trust!



speak for yourself!


With top-heavy salaries, the Jazz need to fill out the roster with cheap talent. Lot of draft picks means maybe a few of them turn into viable rotation players for little cost.

Posted by Kira Argonova (https://www.sbnation.com/users/Kira%20Argonova) on Nov 18, 2020 | 8:56 AM (https://www.slcdunk.com/nba-draft/2020/11/18/21573160/the-utah-jazz-pull-off-a-draft-day-trade-with-the-new-york-knicks-in-the-2020-nba-draft#533625650)


and yet all we here are they are signing Clarkson, eating Davis' contract, cutting Tucker and Morgan, signing Favors... :roll:


Hopefully we get a rotation player with one of these picks. We really need it.

Posted by hamfist (https://www.sbnation.com/users/hamfist) on Nov 18, 2020 | 9:09 AM (https://www.slcdunk.com/nba-draft/2020/11/18/21573160/the-utah-jazz-pull-off-a-draft-day-trade-with-the-new-york-knicks-in-the-2020-nba-draft#533626194)


good chance just don't expect it this year

[Xiao Yao You]

With the 27th pick, look for the Jazz to target some of the players we’ve covered here at SLCDunk, such as Malachi Flynn (https://www.slcdunk.com/nba-draft/2020/11/8/21554486/2020-nba-draft-coverage-malachi-flynn-san-diego-state), Desmond Bane (https://www.slcdunk.com/2020/10/26/21533990/2020-nba-draft-coverage-desmond-bane-tcu-utah-jazz-prospect), Jaden McDaniels (https://www.slcdunk.com/nba-draft/2020/10/14/21512038/2020-nba-draft-coverage-jaden-mcdaniels-from-washington), and Leandro Bolmaro (https://www.slcdunk.com/2020/11/6/21526965/2020-nba-draft-coverage-leandro-bolmaro-fc-barcelona-basquet). If a prospect like Josh Green (https://www.slcdunk.com/nba-draft/2020/10/12/21512132/2020-nba-draft-profile-josh-green-from-arizona), Tyrell Terry or Aleksej Pokusevski (https://www.slcdunk.com/nba-draft/2020/10/15/21514636/2020-nba-draft-profile-aleksej-pokusevski) slides, the Jazz can potentially snatch them up at 27 and still have another pick on the board. The 38th pick could definitely be prime targets for the sleepers (https://www.slcdunk.com/nba-draft/2020/11/10/21557084/2020-nba-draft-coverage-three-sleepers-to-keep-an-eye-on-utah-jazz-draft-targets-second-round-pick) we’ve covered as well, such as Paul Reed (https://www.slcdunk.com/nba-draft/2020/10/18/21520580/2020-nba-draft-coverage-paul-reed-depaul), Immanuel Quickley (https://www.slcdunk.com/nba-draft/2020/11/9/21554297/2020-nba-draft-coverage-immanuel-quickley-kentucky), Xavier Tillman, Ty-Shon Alexander, or Killian Tillie. Or maybe the Jazz go off the book (at least, compared to the players we’ve covered) and pick someone like Robert Woodard, Tyler Bey, Daniel Oturu, or Isaiah Joe who could all immediately contribute in a specific shooting and/or defense-focused role off the bench.




Oturu sounds like the guy being the only center amongst those listed. Not the great length the Jazz love but maybe acceptable? Says he can shoot and protect the rim. Just need a pg with length now though you don't list many of those either!


John Hollinger



@johnhollinger


(https://twitter.com/johnhollinger?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweet embed%7Ctwterm%5E1329070051027283968%7Ctwgr%5E&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.slcdunk.com%2Fnba-draft%2F2020%2F11%2F18%2F21573160%2Fthe-utah-jazz-pull-off-a-draft-day-trade-with-the-new-york-knicks-in-the-2020-nba-draft)

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38th pick lets Jazz fill a roster spot at the bare minimum of $898,310, which should help them navigate luxury tax while still using full MLE and possibly BAE too.

7:32 AM · Nov 18, 2020 (https://twitter.com/johnhollinger/status/1329070051027283968?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5 Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1329070051027283968%7Ctwgr% 5E&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.slcdunk.com%2Fnba-draft%2F2020%2F11%2F18%2F21573160%2Fthe-utah-jazz-pull-off-a-draft-day-trade-with-the-new-york-knicks-in-the-2020-nba-draft)




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Probably less. Two way. THeir 2nd rouner and Forman Wright? Might be too late to hope to stash anyone. Teams are already playing around the globe

[Xiao Yao You]

https://www.slcdunk.com/nba-draft/2020/11/18/21573160/the-utah-jazz-pull-off-a-draft-day-trade-with-the-new-york-knicks-in-the-2020-nba-draft


I really like this move for the Jazz. There’s not too much of a difference between the 27th and 23rd pick (higher-upside prospects like Tyrese Maxey (https://www.slcdunk.com/nba-draft/2020/11/10/21554773/2020-nba-draft-coverage-tyrese-maxey-kentucky-utah-jazz-draft-prostpect-evaluation), Jalen Smith (https://www.slcdunk.com/nba-draft/2020/10/13/21513069/2020-nba-draft-player-profile-jalen-smith-utah-jazz-nba-draft), and Precious Achiuwa (https://www.slcdunk.com/nba-draft/2020/11/7/21524593/2020-nba-draft-coverage-precious-achiuwa-memphis) were likely going to be off the board by then anyway), and there’s plenty of depth around the 38th pick. In a draft filled with a relatively lacking top end but tons of depth in the middle of the draft (especially with wings and forwards), the Jazz (https://www.sbnation.com/nba/teams/utah-jazz) are doing the sensible thing to build up the bench with solid talent. I probably don’t need to remind you that the Jazz had the worst bench in the entire NBA until the late December trade for Jordan Clarkson. Doing this allows the Jazz another shot at finding a potentially excellent role player.




wings and forwards are the last thing they need! :facepalm

[Xiao Yao You]

Andy Larsen: Here are the names that are consistently connected to the Jazz on draft day: Josh Green, Jaden McDaniels, Desmond Bane, Robert Woodard, Tyler Bey, Sam Merrill, Zeke Nnaji, Udoka Azubuike (https://*********.com/social/). There’s obviously potential for surprise, but I’d bet two of those are Jazzmen by night’s end.
– via Twitter andyblarsen (https://twitter.com/andyblarsen)




They are drafting the positions they need least and without length which they are obsessed about?

[Xiao Yao You]

https://www.peachtreehoops.com/2020/10/9/21506909/udoka-azubuike-2020-nba-draft-scouting-report-atlanta-hawks-kansas-center-defense-offense

Supposedly they are going for this guy. Great length. How is it that I'm the only one with a clue? Where's the 2, 3 or 4 we so desperately need? :lol

[Xiao Yao You]

Bradley traded. This guy is the same age. Hopefully they plan on signing a vet until he's ready though

[Xiao Yao You]

https://www.deseret.com/2020/11/18/21574397/utah-jazz-select-kansas-center-udoka-azubuike-with-27th-pick

younger and longer than Bradley. Rim protector. Says he moves pretty well which Tony didn't initially. Only 21 after 4 years of college. Favors or who?

[Xiao Yao You]

Andy Larsen



@andyblarsen


(https://twitter.com/andyblarsen?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetem bed%7Ctwterm%5E1329270261330264064%7Ctwgr%5E&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.slcdunk.com%2Fnba-draft%2F2020%2F11%2F18%2F21574304%2F2020-nba-draft-thread-utah-jazz)

(https://twitter.com/andyblarsen/status/1329270261330264064?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5 Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1329270261330264064%7Ctwgr% 5E&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.slcdunk.com%2Fnba-draft%2F2020%2F11%2F18%2F21574304%2F2020-nba-draft-thread-utah-jazz)
Udoka could salvage this. But it's not a good draft night for Utah right now.1. Knicks trade exactly the same selection for 25/33, not 27/382. Pick a guy who was not projected to go in the first round3. Salary dump trade your FRP 3 years ago, losing the No. 384. Get cash???

8:48 PM · Nov 18, 2020 (https://twitter.com/andyblarsen/status/1329270261330264064?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5 Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1329270261330264064%7Ctwgr% 5E&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.slcdunk.com%2Fnba-draft%2F2020%2F11%2F18%2F21574304%2F2020-nba-draft-thread-utah-jazz)




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Not sure it's just a salary dump. They must be getting a vet. No reason to send Bradley back to the bench. Got the center they needed more than anything with length that is younger than Bradley. Hopefully buy a 2nd rounder for the pg now

[Xiao Yao You]

Cash for Bradley. Maybe to buy a pick?

[Xiao Yao You]

If they did this to sign Clarkson than **** them

[Xiao Yao You]

Another wing that didn't shoot that well and doesn't have the great length of Oni or Brantley. Need a 1 more

[Xiao Yao You]

Eric Walden: Azubuike: I’m so excited to play alongside Rudy, a defensive specialist — that’s mostly what I did at Kansas. I had a similar role, to affect the game defensively. (https://*********.com/social/) So I’m excited to learn from him.
– via Twitter tribjazz (https://twitter.com/tribjazz)

[Xiao Yao You]

So Hughes and Forman Wright as the two ways? Need a vet center to back up Rudy maybe one that can start at the 4 not named Favors spotting up in the corner

[Xiao Yao You]

https://www.slcdunk.com/nba-draft/2020/11/18/21574676/utah-jazz-draft-elijah-hughes-at-pick-39-202-nba-draft


It appears that Utah (https://www.sbnation.com/nba/teams/utah-jazz) is sending a future pick for Hughes (https://www.sbnation.com/college-basketball/players/325884/elijah-hughes). We’ll see what those picks end up being but for now it appears the Jazz have improved their scoring ability.




I think you mean the Stars


he can come in and contribute right away if needed.
He is automatically better than several of our GLeague bench guys.

Posted by Matt_Grbac (https://www.sbnation.com/users/Matt_Grbac) on Nov 18, 2020 | 10:19 PM (https://www.slcdunk.com/nba-draft/2020/11/18/21574676/utah-jazz-draft-elijah-hughes-at-pick-39-202-nba-draft#533669178)

and better than Niang

Posted by statpower (https://www.sbnation.com/users/statpower) on Nov 18, 2020 | 10:23 PM (https://www.slcdunk.com/nba-draft/2020/11/18/21574676/utah-jazz-draft-elijah-hughes-at-pick-39-202-nba-draft#533669307)



I doubt a 34 % 3 shooter with average length will make an impact right away or be better than the gleague guys who have great length

Niang is one of the best shooters in the league. Great offensive player :facepalm

[Xiao Yao You]

https://www.slcdunk.com/nba-draft/2020/11/18/21574493/utah-jazz-select-udoka-azubuike-with-the-27th-pick-in-the-2020-nba-draft


This pick also tells you a lot about how the Jazz view next season. They’re looking to pick players that help now and by moving Bradley and replacing him with Azubuike, the Jazz likely feel that their team make up is solid and they’re going to make another run next season with this same core.




not sure they think he will help them now. I'm sure they will have mostly the same team. It's the Jazz. Why make changes just because you need to?


There are also a lot of great undrafted players so I expect and hope we see Rayjon Tucker or Juwan Morgan like players come to us from out of nowhere

Posted by JJDrizzle (https://www.sbnation.com/users/JJDrizzle) on Nov 18, 2020 | 10:32 PM (https://www.slcdunk.com/nba-draft/2020/11/18/21574493/utah-jazz-select-udoka-azubuike-with-the-27th-pick-in-the-2020-nba-draft#533669579)


how many more of those players do they need though? They need a starting pf and and a backup center now

[Xiao Yao You]

https://www.slcdunk.com/nba-draft/2020/11/18/21574621/utah-jazz-trade-tony-bradley-to-the-detroit-pistons


Azubuike looks like an immediate upgrade over Bradley and should fill a big hole for Utah (https://www.sbnation.com/nba/teams/utah-jazz) with an immediate defensive upgrade at backup center.




He does? Potentially maybe. Bradley has played in the system for 3 years. Great in pick and roll, best offensive rebounder in league. Stretch ability. Getting better


Here’s the thing, I don’t even know what future considerations are but this definitely feels like a roster move to get some cash and move Tony Bradley (https://www.sbnation.com/nba/players/285728/tony-bradley) to keep the roster to re-sign Jordan Clarkson (https://www.sbnation.com/nba/players/246165/jordan-clarkson).




which if true sucks big time


The Jazz (https://www.sbnation.com/nba/teams/utah-jazz) have honestly put a lot of trust in Azubuike to be an immediate impact player. If he’s not, they will have passed on some good players in the draft and will have seen a three-year project go out the door for not much. But Utah has done well with their scouting before so this all may work out very well.




why do you think they expect him to make an immediate impact?


Bradley was nothing and didn’t have a ton of room left to grow. Also cost $3.5M. We got rid of his entire salary – that’s a win. Azubuike? Could be a huge bust, but definitely has both more long term potential and better helps the Jazz address their needs this current year. That exchange at face value is a win

Posted by J-Note (https://www.sbnation.com/users/J-Note) on Nov 18, 2020 | 10:18 PM (https://www.slcdunk.com/nba-draft/2020/11/18/21574621/utah-jazz-trade-tony-bradley-to-the-detroit-pistons#533669129)


He is 22 and had little room to grow? They hadn't even let him loose on the perimeter yet


I think Azubuike will be the 3rd string center at a rookie salary of $1,977,000.
Hopefully, the Jazz will be able to off load Ed Davis and his $5 mil. salary. If not, I imagine the Jazz will most likely waive him on the stretch provision.

Posted by Fesenko for President (https://www.sbnation.com/users/Fesenko%20for%20President) on Nov 18, 2020 | 10:35 PM (https://www.slcdunk.com/nba-draft/2020/11/18/21574621/utah-jazz-trade-tony-bradley-to-the-detroit-pistons#533669656)


4th string. He needs to be with the Stars if there is a Stars. Doubt they waive Davis until after trade deadline


If Gobert goes down for any time and it’s Azubuike or Ed Davis? Or… Morgan? that could be a problem.

Posted by ThatFilthyApe (https://www.sbnation.com/users/ThatFilthyApe) on Nov 18, 2020 | 10:39 PM (https://www.slcdunk.com/nba-draft/2020/11/18/21574621/utah-jazz-trade-tony-bradley-to-the-detroit-pistons#533669762)


or Brantley. I imagine they will go after a vet as has been said for months now. Just hope it's not Favors from the corner again

[Xiao Yao You]

https://www.deseret.com/sports/2020/11/18/21573466/utah-jazz-reportedly-acquire-syracuses-elijah-hughes-from-new-orleans-pelicans

future pick

[Xiao Yao You]

https://www.deseret.com/2020/11/18/21574397/utah-jazz-select-kansas-center-udoka-azubuike-with-27th-pick-2020-nba-draft


Baynes could have been an answer for the Jazz at the backup center position, but with him seemingly on his way to the Pelicans the Jazz might have felt the need to get someone who could play now and reliably defend the rim when Rudy Gobert is resting, which is exactly the case with Azubuike.




need a vet 5 and a starting 4. Clarkson needs to go. Sign Brantley and maybe Mudiay and Wright Forman

[Xiao Yao You]

https://www.deseret.com/sports/2020/11/18/21573348/utah-jazz-nba-draft-udoka-azubuike-elijah-hughes-tony-bradley


Though many, including myself, thought the Jazz would target a guard or forward in the first round on Wednesday, perimeter defense was not the only thing that the Jazz needed to address this offseason. The Jazz’s interior defense was a major problem, especially in the playoffs whenever Rudy Gobert was not on the floor.



Their 3 centers were free agents after the year. It's already been rumored they were after a replacement for Bradley in free agency or trade which meant Bradley was out. Of their 6 rookies none were a center. This was the guy! The other pick I don't get so much with Oni, Tucker and Brantley not to mention Wright Forman and Goss


With Azubuike, the Jazz get a 7-foot player with a 7-foot-7 wingspan who is known for being a bullying post player with an incredible knack for protecting the rim, grabbing rebounds, slapping out offensive boards that he can’t quite get both hands on, and is immensely efficient scoring on the inside.




sounds like Bradley just younger and longer


“He’s the NCAA leader in field goal percentage, all time,” Jazz general manager Justin Zanik said via Zoom on Wednesday night. “He has strength and ability to finish through contact, his lob radius, potential to be a very good roll man, and in our opinion, the most impactful defensive player in the draft.”




most impactful defensive player and the vertical spacing!


It was theorized that the Jazz could target someone in free agency to fit the role of backup center, with Phoenix’s Aron Baynes looking like the most promising option. After Ed Davis didn’t work out for the Jazz as substitute for Gobert and Bradley looked like he was going to take a lot longer to develop, it was clear that the answer was going to have to come from outside the team.




seems more likely now. Need a starting 4 more though


Though Azubuike doesn’t offer a perimeter game, fitting the mold of a more traditional post player, he is probably the most developed center in this year’s draft class after playing four seasons at Kansas, and he looks to be ready to come in be a part of the Jazz’s immediate rotation.




like no Jazz man under Snyder has been ready to do? :facepalm


“The decision-making process is finding something that is enough for what you want to get done, at the time you want to get it done,” Zanik said. “We valued knowing we would have those two picks going into the draft that allows us to accomplish the things, not only that we can comment about tonight, but also the plans that we have as it’s tied to the rest of the draft and free agency.”




hope that doesn't mean Clarkson


As for what the Jazz got in return for Bradley, who Azubuike said was the player on the Jazz that he has the closest relationship with, the Jazz now have a little more flexibility in the cap to work with and try to re-sign Jordan Clarkson and use the exceptions available to them, while possibly staying under the luxury tax threshold.




**** Clarkson!!!

[Xiao Yao You]

https://saltcityhoops.com/active-jazz-select-azubuike-hughes-after-draft-day-deals/


For fans hoping for the return of Derrick Favors, this may put those hopes to rest as this is a much cheaper option for a backup big and provides an opportunity to develop the young rookie into something great.




still need a vet. This guy should start with the Stars


Hughes took a huge leap as he joined the Orange and became a dominant scorer. During his senior year he averaged 19 points per game, 3.4 assists, 4.9 rebounds, shot 34% from three-point range and 42% from the field. His most notable performance was against Georgia Tech where he scored 33 points on 10 of 15 attempts, recorded 4 assists, and hit six threes on the night.




assists look pretty good. Might be a fit if he can improve his shot and defend with his not great length


With the NBA draft behind them, the Jazz’s attention now turns to free agency. Teams can officially begin negotiating with free agents on on Friday, Nov. 20 at 6 p.m. ET, and sign deals the following Sunday. The Jazz currently have some $111 million committed to eight players with guaranteed contracts, giving them roughly $21 million to spend before they trigger the NBA’s luxury tax. Offloading Bradley helps increase the chances that they can re-sign bench scoer Jordan Clarkson and also use free agent exceptions, such as the $9.3 million “mid-level.” They may no longer be needing the services of former Jazz man Favors, but there are plenty of other interesting free agent targets for a team looking to upgrade the back half of its rotation.



21 million. Need to trade Bojan for a starting 4 and forget Clarkson. Use the exceptions on a backup 5 if the starting 4 can't do both. Possibly some other vets for the end of the bench depending on what happens with Davis, Niang and mudiay

[Xiao Yao You]

Analysis: I think we all know Clarkson’s strengths and weaknesses, having seen them up close and personal. He fits the Jazz bench better than you’d think as a possession eater and bucket getter. His defense leaves something to be desired, but doesn’t kill the team as much as other sixth man types. Clarkson is also a great teammate and fun guy to have represent the team. The Jazz want him back, but at some point his asking price becomes prohibitive. I suspect the Jazz will offer a 2-3 year deal in the $12-14 million a year price range, and if Clarkson prefers that over a Mid-Level offer with one of the California teams, he stays in Utah.




California here he comes!!!


11. Alec Burks





see Neto


Analysis: Baynes would provide better than average defense and average shooting at the backup center spot. Much like with Favors, if the Jazz paid $5-7 million to Baynes in Free Agency, they would need to clear some money from either Davis or Bradley or both to justify this move. The Jazz could always use more Australians on their team, though.




like him


Analysis: Markieff is not the player that his brother is, but he is a little bit better at defense and rebounding and passing. Markieff will probably cost a third of what Marcus garners on the open market and would be a decent fit for the Jazz at the Bi-Annual Exception, should they use it. He would increase the size and defense of the Jazz from day 1.




not their type of character


Analysis: Like Wes Matthews, Green is an average catch and shoot 3 point shooter, but he is absolutely willing to let it fly. He’s a surprisingly effective interior defender who provides some rim protection. The only downside is that Green has a player option for $5 million with the Clippers this season so the Jazz would have to match or exceed that value in a contract. The Jazz could certainly offer a bigger role than either of the LA teams and a possible starting job. He would be a nice fit in Utah.




passed on him before


Analysis: Millsap would give a needed boost to the overall defense of the Jazz and while his 3 point percentages are pretty good, his timidity from distance would record scratch the offense on occasion. He’s like the anti-Jae Crowder in this regard. In all likelihood the Jazz just witnessed up close and personal, the end of Paul Millsap as a playoff starter. It’s also unclear how Millsap’s departure from the Jazz would affect his willingness to return. I’d welcome Paul back in Utah with the MLE, but there are probably better fits out there as well.




Jazz have no starting 4. He'd start


Analysis: With his elite spot up and pull up 3 point shooting (41% and 39% respectively), Marcus Morris is a nearly perfect offensive fit with the Jazz. His unwillingness to pass is his major offensive weakness in Jazz terms, although it has worked for Clarkson. Defensively, Morris offers very little, other than having a proper power forward sized body. He is a terrible rebounder and offers little in terms of perimeter or interior defense. Morris will likely garner a full mid level from someone as a low point, unless he wants to play for less for a tax paying championship team. Marcus Morris would allow Bogdanovic to slide to the 3 which would be ideal, but I’m not convinced the Jazz’s defense would improve enough with Morris as it needs to.




Bojan is already the 3. O'Neale needs to be at the 2 and 3 not the 4. They don't want either Morris



Analysis: Plumlee is one of the best backup centers in the league. He brings high energy, high defense and especially high offensive rebounding. He isn’t highly skilled offensively, but rolls hard to the rim and is a decent passer and playmaker. He makes very little sense for the Jazz, since he can’t play even a minute with Rudy in the modern NBA, but I’d expect a team like the Blazers, Hawks, or Hornets to use some or all of their Mid-Level type money on Plumlee. (Plumlee is destined to play in a Jazz uniform, but it will most likely be when he is well passed contributing at an NBA level. But admit it, he belongs in Utah at some point.)




he'd be welcome

[Xiao Yao You]

https://saltcityhoops.com/a-breakdown-of-38-possible-free-agents-for-the-utah-jazz/


Robin Lopez- Would be a great backup for the Jazz, but maybe next summer. He should pick up his $5 million option (Surprise! He did not. He should be on this list somewhere right around 11.)




I'd love him!


Analysis: The mutual interest between Favors and the Jazz is very real and Favors is an ideal fit with the organization and community. However, even though the shooting is much improved throughout the roster since Favors was last on the Jazz, there is little proof that the Jazz would be able to navigate a Favors/Gobert pairing offensively and that may relegate him to 16 backup minutes a night. That’s not an ideal use of free agent capital. Defensively he would boost the Jazz back among the elite teams. If the Jazz have to pay Favors $8-10 million a year, they would need to shed Davis and Bradley’s money to justify the move. If the Jazz can get Favors for $5 or $6 million, he simply becomes one of the best possible offseason signings for the Jazz.




As a backup great but you know he'll end up starting again


Analysis: Harrison brings three things the Jazz need: elite defense, athleticism, and relative affordability. He will no longer be a restrcted free agent, as the Bulls declined to extend him a qualifying offer. Harrison brings most of the defensive chops of his teammate Dunn, while also having more offensive game worth exploring. It’s hard to believe his 38% from 3 point land on only 1 attempt a game last season, but there’s something there. Harrison might just need an opportunity to become a defense-first spot up shooter for a playoff team. Plus he is in the upper upper echelon of athletes in the NBA. Jazz need some guys like that.




looks like a fit but have bigger needs


Analysis: Other than Kris Dunn, Justin Holiday is probably the best defensive fit the Jazz could ask for this offseason. Holiday has a long wingspan which he uses to disrupt passing lanes and defend the rim. Offensively, his elite spot up 3 point shooting fits the Jazz offense as well, although his ability to put the ball on the court and create for himself and others appears to be very low. He is almost like a Royce O’Neale that is better at defending guards. That would be a pretty slick fit with the Jazz. It’s hard to see the Jazz convincing him to sign, however, because there will be multiple teams trying to get Holiday to sign for their Mid-Level Exception. And while $8-10 million/year feels like the right price range for a player of his ability, I do wonder if he would live up to that contract over 3 or 4 years. He could feel like Tony Snell in a season or two. Jazz had Holiday on their summer league team in 2013 and it’s hard to know if that would help or hurt the Jazz’s chances of signing him back this summer.




wasn't he with them in the regular season at one point?


4. Raul Neto





Wasn't appreciated why come back?


Analysis: Temple is a solid veteran who has been linked to the Jazz in offseasons past. What he lacks in spot up and off the dribble 3 point shooting, he makes up with better than average playmaking. And although he’s an average wing defender, his age also means he can’t be relied on to guard the opponents best players. Temple is likely going to the team of his choice at the vet minimum and I wouldn’t be surprised to see him in a Jazz uniform next season. He wouldn’t be the difference between winning a championship, but he would be a good 8th or 9th man.




looks like end of the bench depth


Analysis: Jae Crowder would be welcomed back to Utah with open arms and although he doesn’t make a high percentage of his three pointers, his willingness to shoot creates space for offenses. Even as a slightly overrated defender, he does compete and guards multiple positions effectively. He’d cost the full Mid-Level Exception, but if Miami wants to bring him back for 1 year at $15ish million, his availability is probably zero.




afraid he's start and play big minutes


Analysis: It was probably a bit of an outlier season, but Ibaka shot 40% from 3 point land last year. His perimeter defense isn’t terrific for a big man, but he could play alongside Rudy for some of the game and would make for a defensive nightmare for opponents at the rim both as a 4 and a backup center. He will most likely stay with Toronto for a one year $15-20 million deal, but if he hits the open market, I think he jumps up to one of the most 3 desirable players for the Jazz in the offseason. He’s the type of guy that could change championship outcomes for somebody this offseason.




starting 4 and backup 5!

[Xiao Yao You]

https://www.sltrib.com/sports/jazz/2020/11/18/gordon-monson-holy/


The Jazz had needs to fill heading into the 2020 draft, needs to draw them closer to the best teams in the West now, not later. They had made modest progress over the past couple of seasons, inching closer to their stated goal of real NBA contention, but, heading in, were still far away from making that intention real.





not any closer and they won't be if they don't fix the roster

They need size in the backcourt, particularly since their two main cogs there — Donovan Mitchell and Mike Conley — are diminutive. It was Jerry Sloan who always believed in having a rugged, rebounding 2-guard/wing on the floor, and as much as the game has changed, he was and remains right about that.





more about having versatility. One big and 4 guards and wings with no other options won't cut it.

They need immediate polish, not a project, a body and mind that are ready to go, not players who will require a couple of seasons in the G League to gain their footing, to sharpen their focus, to help a team that is in need now.





you need both. Have to develop guys and have vets. Too many guys developing last year

Hughes can shoot it. He’s somewhat athletic, but how good an NBA defender he is, nobody’s sure.





34% from 3 doesn't scream shooter


They already have a whole slew of young players jumping back and forth from the G League to their own roster who are more advanced than who they just drafted.





someone gets it


If they want to keep Mitchell and Gobert together, and depending on how extreme/expensive Gobert’s demands will be for his next contract, that desire hangs in foggier-than-you-might-expect abeyance, they will have to either re-sign Jordan Clarkson or find someone who can deliver what he delivers off their bench. Or maybe both, adding more perimeter D.





need someone that fits. Clarkson doesn't


They’ll have to get the most out of Conley, more than they got out of him a season ago, and maybe all along they expected a better return on their investment the second time around, or trade away him and his heavy contract for something more helpful.




bring him off the bench


They’ll have to get Bojan Bogdanovic healthy.





better yet trade him for a starting 4!

[Xiao Yao You]

https://www.nba.com/jazz/news/utah-jazz-draft-kansas-center-udoka-azubuike-27th-pick


Jazz officials believe Azubuikie has the physical tools to play in the NBA immediately, but said it will take all rookies time to adjust to the league after nine months without competitive games, and an offseason without a summer league.
“It’s a unique year for these guys,” Zanik said.


That applies any year. Moreso this year. Looks like the Jazz know they need a vet still. Hopefully they know they need a starting 4 as well

[Xiao Yao You]

Rudy/vet/Udoka/Davis
vet/Niang/Morgan/Brantley
Bojan/Ingles/Oni
O'Neale/Tucker/Wright Forman/Hughes
Mitchell/Conley

Not very balanced. Ideally the vet 4 and/or 5 could replace Davis somehow. Need Mudiay or someone to fill out the end of the bench. Hughes and Wright Forman on two ways. Udoka and the odd 2 year man out to the Stars. Still have too many young guys! Not sure how Clarkson fits even if he actually did fit. Goss can be a camp body. Need a couple more. Trevon Bluiett from the Stars appears to be available. He's good. Might even be able to fill the end of the bench vet spot? Willie Reed is signed overseas. Just cycle the different guys through that you want with the Stars on Exhibit 10 contracts I guess with the last spot. Need a pg since they drafted another 2 guard instead of one. We'll know in a week and a half!

[Xiao Yao You]

Shams Charania: Florida State point guard Trent Forrest is signing a two-way contract with the Utah Jazz, (https://*********.com/social/) sources tell @The Athletic @Stadium.
– via Twitter ShamsCharania (https://twitter.com/ShamsCharania)





Here's the pg. Can't shoot. Defends. Decent length. Probably not looking good for Wright Forman? Maybe bring him to camp on non guaranteed deal and let him fight it out? He has 6th potential. Rather have him and Mudiay than Clarkson. The youngest of their 2nd year men

[Xiao Yao You]

Rudy/vet/Udoka/Davis
vet/Niang/Morgan/Brantley
Bojan/Ingles/Oni
O'Neale/Tucker/Hughes
Mitchell/Conley/Forrest

[Xiao Yao You]

https://www.nba.com/jazz/qa-utah-jazz-draft-pick-elijah-hughes-playing-style-draft-night-emotions-and-donovan-mitchell


Q: What is your style of play and what will you bring to the Jazz?
HUGHES: Yeah, so my style of play is just kind of all-around kind of offensive threat, put the ball on the floor, make plays, making the game easy, quick, one-dribble pull-ups, two-dribble pull-ups, knock down open shots.
Just kind of a full offensive threat, a defensive mind who competes and is going to be ready to compete from day one. I want to show people I can defend, and I want to prove that and lead from day one.


sounds like a fit if he can hit open 3's


Q. I wanted to ask you what you think of Donovan Mitchell and what you think of being able to play alongside a guy like that and the leadership he brings to a team.
HUGHES: I think Donovan is one of the best players in the league


one of the best players on the team anyway

[Xiao Yao You]

Logical Jazz target? A rotational guard for four years in Denver, Beasley was shipped to Minny and averaged just over 20 in a partial season with the Wolves. So at this point, they probably have to match reasonable offers.



and has legal troubles so Jazz won't touch him


Logical Jazz target? He’s an athletic and long shot-blocking four, but he has been a replacement-level player for six seasons now, partially because he has a hard time converting, even at the rim.



sounds like Ed without the shot blocking


Logical Jazz target? The Jazz could do much worse for their third guard role than to bring back Neto, who has been hanging out with Gobert this offseason. But they’re also well aware of him limitations.



and hopefully he is aware of theirs. He deserves better


Logical Jazz target? Word is they’re ready to try something new. Mudiay is a non-shooter, so he’s mostly only a threat with the ball in his hands. But he also isn’t a natural distributor, so him having the ball often means Utah’s not really running their stuff.



sounds like Clarkson. Rather have him cheap


Logical Jazz target? Waiters hasn’t been part of L.A.’s playoff rotation, and doesn’t check some of Utah’s boxes.



Jazz wouldn't touch him


Logical Jazz target? Like Crawford, Mbah a Moute finished the year on a bubble replacement contract; unlike Crawford, he’s known for his defense. The question here is does he have anything left in the tank at 34 and after some long-term injuries.



Haven't wanted him in the past. He's got more left than no PF does that's for sure


Logical Jazz target? If all the Jazz need behind Rudy (and while “Dok” grows into the game) is someone to finish pick-and-rolls and block shots for 15 minutes a game, they could see if Biyombo could be had cheaply.



that is what they need. Someone that could start at the 4 too


Logical Jazz target? Chandler actually fits the mold of what Utah tends to look for in a modern PF, and he was good when he last had a regular role. The question is whether he, at 33, can get back to his Denver-era efficiency and defense.



again better than no PF


Logical Jazz target? Carroll had a bad year from three, but was a 36% shooter in the six previous seasons combined. His defensive impact numbers are right at the mean — both this year and on a multi-year basis.



loved him!


Logical Jazz target? Lopez is probably too good to play exclusively as Gobert’s backup, although he did average just 14.5 minutes last season in Milwaukee.



which is why he opted out I imagine. Might not be a bigger role for him though?


Logical Jazz target? Mahinmi is a decent paint protector, but produces very little offense. He finishes about 1.5 P&R plays per game and does do with league-average efficiency, and that’s ALL he does. He could be a decent low-minute backup, but you’d really be praying Gobert never had to miss any time.



Be praying for that anyway. They've sucked when he's missed significant time even when the great Favors was here


Logical Jazz target? Juancho is the more skilled of the Hernangomez hermanos, but he’s not really equipped to play center. Utah could still look to add him (he’s not that far from what Nikola Mirotic is, and the Jazz liked him), but the matching rights could make that harder.



sounds like he could be their guy


Logical Jazz target? The onetime Jazz camper has bounced around despite good shooting numbers and multi-year defensive numbers that are right around average. That said, he’s been a borderline rotation player on lottery teams, which doesn’t inspire a ton of confidence for a playoff team looking for rotation contributors..



a playoff team with serious depth issues


Logical Jazz target? He has size and length and has defended well enough to get a deep bench shot somewhere. His 2018-19 numbers show evidence of a decent shooting stroke (even though he slumped this past season).


and now unrestricted



Logical Jazz target? Despite all the good pub he got for a mini resurgence in Portland, he has still delivered replacement-level value (or worse) for the last three seasons. Hard to imagine him being interested in Utah anyway.



wasn't interested in Portalnd until no one else wanted him! :lol

Thanks the market for a backup 5 looks good which if anything probably makes it harder to dump Davis. Need a starting 4. Still say Bojan for a 4!

[Xiao Yao You]

Logical Jazz target? At this point Henson is teetering on the edge of the rotation — for bad teams. That said, he still has a positive impact on the defense when he plays, and he’s even started to take some 3s… with varying results.



might be a cheap option. Starting 4 needs to be their focus


Logical Jazz target? Maybe. He’s nowhere near as good at protecting the paint as the Favors/Noel/Plumlee class of free agent bigs, but he would give the Jazz a different look with some 5-out lineups: he has shot 43% from deep over the past three seasons. He can finish P&Rs, too.



doesn't sound like they want to play different when Rudy's not out there though I think a different look would be good to have


Logical Jazz target? TT is a pure center at this point, which means that for him to make sense in Utah, he’d have to agree to a reserve role with minutes in the teens — something he’s probably not ready to do after starting in 70% of his career games.



he may have no choice


Logical Jazz target? The journeyman would be a great fit in Mudiay’s role, but he has been playing starter minutes for Orlando, so it’s unlikely he’d take a job as an insurance policy and towel-waver.



Mudiay had been a starter too


Logical Jazz target? Baynes had a career-best year, but wasn’t quite as good after some winter injuries (a 37-and-16 game in March notwithstanding). He can knock down 3-point shots (35% on the year, although again: 30% from December on) and also finish on the roll, and he’s a decent defender even without Gobert’s or Favors’ length.



like him. Looks like they should be able to get a 5. Starting 4 first though!


Logical Jazz target? Props to Trey for resurrecting his career with really nice play in the bubble for the playoff-relevant Mavs. That said, I don’t think the Jazz are going there.



I'm sure his dad would love it! :roll:


Logical Jazz target? Hill is coming off his best outside shooting year (37%), but I’d trust the larger sample here and say he’s not the kind of outside threat who actually bends defenses. He is also far from a stopper, despite good wing size.



Jazz liked him last time he was a free agent


Logical Jazz target? Detroit probably won’t dangle the $4.6M qualifying offer in front of him, which means he’ll likely be unrestricted. But there are reasons he barely played in Detroit this season. Someone might take a shot and give him a developmental deep bench spot.



I like him. Blocks shots and hits 3. Rare


Logical Jazz target? Jones is a decent shot-blocker at his position, but not really a paint protector in absolute terms. As with other replacement-level bigs at the minimum, this is probably only an interesting option if the Jazz moved on from Bradley and needed a third center for insurance purposes.



someone mention Bradley?


Logical Jazz target? McRae had games of 35, 29 (twice) and 21 for Washington — and then he was traded, waived, and claimed off waivers. The combo guard is too small to solve Utah’s wing defense issues, and he’s a minus defender overall. That said, he could be a deep bench guard in Mudiay’s role.



they need end of the bench guys. Have Davis and maybe Niang if Morgan or Brantley play now. Need at least one other ideally. Not sure they have the roster spot though with all their young guys



Logical Jazz target? Sefolosha helped the Jazz in his two seasons, but the 36-year-old’s minutes have been on a steady decline, and he’s missed a quarter or more of each of the past four seasons.



and Quin didn't like him


Logical Jazz target? Dudley is a wing-turned-smallball 4 who makes outside shots and posts decent D-PIPM over time — but he barely played in L.A. this season.



another on the Jazz radar in the past

[Xiao Yao You]

Logical Jazz target? The question now is simple: do the Jazz think their rookie big man is going to be ready right away? Or do they want a more mature backup 5 while Azubuike learns the NBA game? Obviously there is a reason Jazz fans have pined for his return: his paint protection and rim finishing would really help the bench units.



why would anyone think a rookie would be ready when no rookie under Snyder has been?


Logical Jazz target? If he’d come and if the Jazz could afford him, sure. Morris is coming off 12 ppg in the playoffs on 51-48-93 shooting, and he does OK guarding wings and (some) bigs.



not their type of guy


Logical Jazz target? He’s an inconsistent outside shooter, and he’s more “tough guy” than “defensive stopper,” but Crowder was a fan favorite his first time around in Utah.



if Snyder didn't love him so much sure


Logical Jazz target? Ibaka has played almost exclusively at center the past two seasons, but he has also played a lot more minutes than he would get as Gobert’s backup. He’s also 31 and would cost a lot, but he would no doubt be a huge upgrade.



start at the 4, backup Rudy?


Logical Jazz target? He doesn’t have great size for a wing and his outside shooting is just OK, but he’s a good defender and could be a nice depth piece, if he’s cheap enough.



end of bench they need too


Logical Jazz target? Boucher was an advanced stats and plus-minus darling in his first season with a regular (albeit low-minute) role in Toronto. He can play some center, so the Jazz will keep an ear to the ground to see if there’s a point at which Toronto wouldn’t match an offer.



he'd have to play center since he doesn't shoot well enough


Logical Jazz target? A good rolling big man with a decent ability to guard in space. He should definitely be on Utah’s list of options if they want more big man depth while Azubuike adjusts to pro life.



not sure he fits character wise either


Logical Jazz target? The beloved former Jazzman just doesn’t fit this time around. At 36 and with his size and speed, he’s a pure 4 at a time when Utah just doesn’t use them.



they need to use them if they want to match up with other teams or cause mismatches. You have to be versatile. You can't play one way. Denver going big on them was the end of the season for the Jazz. They tanked to match up with Denver so they wouldn't have to face other teams that they couldn't match up with



Logical Jazz target? Dwight played precisely the role in L.A. that Utah needs to fill behind Gobert — a backup center with minutes in the teens — but it doesn’t seem like he’ll be looking to change addresses after a nice resurrection with the champs.



wouldn't want him. Still a head case


Logical Jazz target? Absolutely. Warning; he’s not really 6-foot-7 as his listed height suggests. But at 6-foot-4 with good length, Harrison has established himself as a frisky wing defender who also has some facilitation skills and an improving outside shot.



not their biggest need

[Xiao Yao You]

https://saltcityhoops.com/2020-free-agent-tracker-with-thoughts-on-jazz-fit-for-each/


Logical Jazz target? Whiteside will command more money than the Jazz can offer and a bigger role than they have room to accommodate with Rudy Gobert on their roster.



and they'd want nothing to do with him anyway


Logical Jazz target? The closest thing to a true star in the UFA class, but the Jazz don’t have a way of getting close to his price range. (He’s also a minus defender and the Jazz don’t really use 4s (https://twitter.com/danclayt0n/status/1310040912349728768) anyway.)



He's said he'd play for the exception possibly to win. They need to use 4's or they will have the same problems as last year. Have to be able to play big as well as small


Logical Jazz target? The Jazz don’t really need another point guard, but VanVleet has gotten so good that you can’t ignore him completely. In the unlikely event that they trade Mike Conley for a big body, FVV could come into play. Otherwise, Utah doesn’t have a role big enough to attract him.



got to think Mitchell will be their pg though Toronto starts him with Lowry. Need a bigger backcourt either way



Logical Jazz target? Trez is small center, but he scores a bunch and protects the paint decently. The Sixth Man of the Year will probably have a lot of options after an 18.6-ppg season.



not sure he's the best option to back up Rudy and wouldn't get enough minutes for the price. Don't want him on the floor with Rudy



Logical Jazz target? A stretch 5 who can also finish pick-and-rolls and is a plus defender overall. He probably wants more than an exclusive backup role, though; could the Jazz carve some minutes for him at the 4, like they did for Derrick Favors?



He could start at the 4

Logical Jazz target? You could argue that wing defense became Utah’s top proirity for the MLE after they drafted a big man on Wednesday. If that’s the case, Holiday is among the best 3-and-D guys in that range.



Starting 4 should be their main goal. Backup center after that. End of the bench vet depth after that

Logical Jazz target? Definitely should be on Utah’s radar if they feel like Udoka Azubuike needs some time before he’s the full-time backup. Noel is a springy athlete who blocks shots and is a better pick-and-roll finisher than people realize, but since he doesn’t space the floor, his hypothetical role for the Jazz is capped at low-minute backup (and emergency starter) on a playoff team. (Which was essentially his role in OKC.)



need a vet. Udoka is a Star

Logical Jazz target? His placement on this list is a reminder of how much he helped the Jazz this past season; it’s also a reminder that his price range could quickly escalate beyond what Utah is comfortable paying a fourth guard.



I'm not comfortable at any price


Logical Jazz target? It’s unclear where the line in the sand is that the Spurs would think twice about matching an offer for the former Utah Ute. He has only averaged 17 minutes per game as a Spur, but he’s a solid backup 5 and a bit of a plus-minus superstar.


like him. Looks like many options for backup 5


On the Jazz’s radar: Wait, what?? Bogdanovic is back to being available after his deal to Milwaukee was called off. The Jazz like him, but they don’t have a way to get to his price, or a role to offer him..



they certainly have a role for him but they have bigger needs


Logical Jazz target? Plumlee has already been a backup to an All-NBA center, and he’s dang good in that role. He’s a good athlete, decent defensively, and can finish around the rim.



get it done


Logical Jazz target? It’s unlikely the Jazz revisit this relationship, primarily because he doesn’t match the defensive profile they’re trying to fill.



He'd be better off going to China than the Jazz

[Xiao Yao You]

https://saltcityhoops.com/who-has-money-2020-fa/



Utah $3.5M (Bradley) – 11/18/21



Might be able to get a backup 5 or a deep bench guy for that. The draft is looking better all the time. Still not all in on the number 2 pick

[Xiao Yao You]

Romaro Gill to exhibit 10 contract. A big guy. Guess they are done with Haas?

[Xiao Yao You]

Shams Charania: Milwaukee is waiving forward Ersan Ilyasova, (https://*********.com/social/) sources tell @The Athletic @Stadium.
– via Twitter ShamsCharania (https://twitter.com/ShamsCharania)





another option

[Xiao Yao You]

Chris Haynes: Brooklyn Nets will not pick up the $5 million team option on guard Garrett Temple and he’ll enter free agency, league sources tell Yahoo Sports (https://*********.com/social/).
– via Twitter ChrisBHaynes (https://twitter.com/ChrisBHaynes)





and another that has been linked to Snyder before

[Xiao Yao You]

Training camp shaping up

Rudy/vet/Udoka/Davis/Gill
vet/Niang/Morgan/Brantley
Bojan/Ingles/Oni
O'Neale/Tucker/Hughes
Mitchell/Conley/Forrest/William-Goss

another spot. Maybe Wright Forman on a non guarantee? Need more vets if anything though

[Xiao Yao You]

https://www.deseret.com/sports/2020/11/19/21574179/utah-jazz-nba-draft-udoka-azubuike-elijah-hughes-justin-kansas-jayhawks-syracuse-orange


As player profiles go, Hughes and Azubuike could not be more different. Azubuike is as traditional as centers come and he’s huge. Standing 7 feet tall, he boasts a 7-foot-7 wingspan, is a rebounding juggernaut, and is a lob threat with a knack for soft touch hook shots and putbacks. Hughes is a 6-foot-6 playmaking guard/forward with a silky jump shot and speed to boot.



What they will have in common is the Stars!


Hughes is facing the same thing that almost any player entering the league must do — prove he can play defense on an NBA level. Outside of that it’s more about consistency and refinement, which is all easier said than done, but a challenge Hughes is ready for.




and shoot


Day one is not that far off as players plan to arrive back in their markets during the first week of December and welcome their rookies to the team for a 2020-21 season that will be a learning experience for all involved.




end of November. I imagine sooner for some. Get what work in they can with no summer league

[Xiao Yao You]

Shams Charania: Minnesota is trading James Johnson to Oklahoma City as part of the Ricky Rubio trade, (https://*********.com/social/) sources tell @TheAthleticNBA @Stadium .
– via Twitter ShamsCharania (https://twitter.com/ShamsCharania)




you know he's available. Pretty close to Bojan's contract. Probably have to include picks for the Thunder to take him though

[Xiao Yao You]

Shams Charania: Los Angeles Clippers forward JaMychal Green has declined his $5M player option for the 2020-21 season and will become a free agent, (https://*********.com/social/) sources tell @The Athletic @Stadium.
– via Twitter ShamsCharania (https://twitter.com/ShamsCharania)





another option

[Xiao Yao You]

Adrian Wojnarowski: The Utah Jazz are trading Ed Davis and two 2023 second-round picks to the New York Knicks, (https://*********.com/social/) sources tell @Brian Windhorst and me.
– via Twitter wojespn (https://twitter.com/wojespn)

Trade (https://*********.com/tag/trade/), Ed Davis (https://*********.com/player/ed-davis/), New York Knicks (https://*********.com/team/new-york-knicks/), Utah Jazz (https://*********.com/team/utah-jazz/)




Tony Jones: The Jazz moving Davis to New York is a move designed to free up flexibility for roster building going forward, (https://*********.com/social/) according to league sources
– via Twitter Tjonesonthenba (https://twitter.com/Tjonesonthenba)





at least it wasn't a 1st! :roll:

[Xiao Yao You]

Adrian Wojnarowski: The Detroit Pistons aren’t extending a qualifying offer to Thon Maker (https://*********.com/social/) and he’ll become an unrestricted free agent, source tells ESPN.
– via Twitter wojespn (https://twitter.com/wojespn)





I like him

[Xiao Yao You]

Rudy/vet/Udoka/Gill
vet/Niang/Morgan/Brantley
Bojan/Ingles/Oni
O'Neale/Tucker/Hughes
Mitchell/Conley/Forrest/William-Goss

That helps a lot.

[Xiao Yao You]

Rudy/vet/Udoka/Gill
vet/Niang/Morgan/Brantley
Bojan/Ingles/Oni
O'Neale/Tucker/Hughes
Mitchell/Conley/Forrest/William-Goss

That helps a lot.

Should have over 26 million now to spend with this as well now I assume? Another trade exception too. Bigger than the Bradley one.

[Xiao Yao You]

https://www.ksl.com/article/50052224/why-the-jazz-selected-a-backup-center-with-their-first-round-pick


SALT LAKE CITY — Utah Jazz general manager Justin Zanik had a pretty simple explanation for why the Jazz went with lane-protecting and rim-rolling big man Udoka Azubuike with the No. 27 pick (https://www.ksl.com/article/50051710/utah-jazz-select-udoka-azubuike-with-no-27-pick-trade-for-2nd-rounder-in-busy-nba-draft-day).




He shouldn't have to explain. Seemed like the obvious pick. The 2nd one not so much


The result was Utah having one of the league's top offenses for much of the season. But it came at a cost: After having a top 3 defensive rating from 2016-17 to 2018-19, the Jazz were suddenly a middle of the road defensive club last season. The reason: Rudy Gobert can't play the whole game.




Reason. Most of the team didn't defend besides Rudy. Blame it all on Bradley if you want but he had little help. Neither did Rudy


People are arguing. Wing players like Desmond Bane and Jaden McDaniels were still on the board when the Jazz picked and the prevailing thought is the team would have got, quote-unquote, more value by taking one of them. Wings are more valued in this day and age of the NBA than defensive bigs, that's true. But maybe not in Utah.


but they already have young wings vying for the rotation. Needed a center and a pg. Got the first anyway. Got the 2nd on a 2 way I guess


That Bradley trade opened up a role for Azubuike and it gives the Jazz more flexibility in free agency. It got them off the $3.5 million Bradley was set to make and that should allow them to use the full $9.2 million mid-level exception, as well as resign Jordan Clarkson, as well as fill out the rest of the roster without hitting the luxury tax apron of $138.9 million (and thus triggering the hard cap).




sounds great except for Clarkson


After those trades, Utah has about $106 million in committed salary for seven players. That gives them about $26 million to fill out the rest of their roster. If Utah guarantees the deals of Georges Niang ($1.7 million), Juwan Morgan ($1.5 million), Miye Oni ($1.5 million), Rayjon Tucker ($1.5 million) and Nigel Williams-Goss ($1.5 million), they'll have about $18 million in cap space.




I think only Niang has to be guaranteed. The others get guaranteed if they are on the roster past a certain point. Niang should probably be today?


For fans, the results of the draft may look a little different following the next part. Free agency begins Friday.




Fans and media. Like no one pays attention. Center was the obvious pick to me

[Xiao Yao You]

https://www.ksl.com/article/50051710/utah-jazz-select-udoka-azubuike-with-no-27-pick-trade-for-2nd-rounder-in-busy-nba-draft-day


SALT LAKE CITY — One of the first people Udoka Azubuike heard from after being selected by the Utah Jazz with the 27th pick in the 2020 NBA draft was Tony Bradley.




ouch!


In a corresponding move, the Jazz traded the No. 38 pick along with Bradley, their backup center that proved to be unplayable in the playoff, to the Detroit Pistons for cash and future draft considerations, according to an ESPN report. Azubuike now projects as Rudy Gobert's backup, and he's eager to learn from the two-time Defensive Player of the Year.




He projects as the Stars starting center


The Jazz traded back into the draft for the No. 39 pick for Hughes. The Syracuse product is a 6-foot-6 wing with long arms that has the prototypical size for an NBA wing. He shot 34.2% from three in his final year in college, but he's believed to be a better shooter than those numbers indicate. He was often tasked with creating his own shots which led to some difficult looks.




another Clarkson? 6'7.5 wing span is not long armed

[Xiao Yao You]

https://www.deseret.com/sports/2020/11/19/21578514/utah-jazz-trading-ed-davis-to-new-york-knicks


It is not clear what the Knicks will send Utah in return.




a trade exception. Don't have to send anything. They are now under the cap. The fact that the people covering the Jazz don't know this says a lot


Things did not go as planned however, and Davis fell out of the rotation, with previously seldom-used Tony Bradley taking his place.




and worse was they didn't have a starting 4 and still don't!


Bradley was dealt to the Detroit Pistons in a draft-day deal by the Jazz, leaving Udoka Azubuike, the 27th pick in Wednesday’s draft, as the lone backup center on the Jazz roster.




Morgan


With Bradley and Davis’ contracts off the books heading into the 2020-21 season the Jazz have more salary cap room to work with as they move to re-sign Jordan Clarkson and use the $9.2 million mid-level exception and $3.6 million bi-annual exception to fill out the rest of the roster. Additionally, the Jazz are now in a better position to avoid going into the luxury tax even if they use both exceptions to bring in free agents.




2 trade exceptions now too

[Xiao Yao You]

I wonder when the Jazz announce who the sign and who they waive?



Posted by AdMan59 (https://www.sbnation.com/users/AdMan59) on Nov 19, 2020 | 4:48 PM (https://www.slcdunk.com/latest-utah-jazz-news-recent/2020/11/19/21578558/utah-jazz-trade-ed-davis-knicks-trade-cap-space#533698599)



after Woj announces it in the next week and a half


Still in favor of adding Favors

Posted by SK32 (https://www.sbnation.com/users/SK32) on Nov 19, 2020 | 5:14 PM (https://www.slcdunk.com/latest-utah-jazz-news-recent/2020/11/19/21578558/utah-jazz-trade-ed-davis-knicks-trade-cap-space#533699189)


no because he will end up starting again


Waive EM, NWG

Posted by AdMan59 (https://www.sbnation.com/users/AdMan59) on Nov 19, 2020 | 5:38 PM (https://www.slcdunk.com/latest-utah-jazz-news-recent/2020/11/19/21578558/utah-jazz-trade-ed-davis-knicks-trade-cap-space#533699811)


Mudiay is a free agent


I think this deal means one of three things


-The Jazz are confident in Juwan Morgan
-Dok is capable of playing backup center in year 1
-They have a cheap backup center deal agreed upon
I think getting Dok and moving from the other two centers wouldn’t make sense if we spend our full MLE on Favors sadly ;___;

Posted by TheNextGM (https://www.sbnation.com/users/TheNextGM) on Nov 19, 2020 | 5:56 PM (https://www.slcdunk.com/latest-utah-jazz-news-recent/2020/11/19/21578558/utah-jazz-trade-ed-davis-knicks-trade-cap-space#533700255)



There re many backup centers out there. Starting 4 is the problem


Dok already looks much more useful than Bradley (still can't believe they drafted Bradley, btw)



Posted by Stocktons (https://www.sbnation.com/users/Stocktons) on Nov 19, 2020 | 6:37 PM (https://www.slcdunk.com/latest-utah-jazz-news-recent/2020/11/19/21578558/utah-jazz-trade-ed-davis-knicks-trade-cap-space#533701151)



led the league in offensive rebound %. Great in pick and roll. Can shoot. Long. Young and getting better. Not sure what you expect at the end of the 1st round or for a 22 year old


if Mitchell keeps improving like he is and the Jazz are able to keep Clarkson, find a decent piece on on MLE and stay healthy, they could have a decent shot a deep playoff run.

Posted by ArcticSlicer (https://www.sbnation.com/users/ArcticSlicer) on Nov 19, 2020 | 5:57 PM (https://www.slcdunk.com/latest-utah-jazz-news-recent/2020/11/19/21578558/utah-jazz-trade-ed-davis-knicks-trade-cap-space#533700299)


only chance without getting size is hoping they get the right matchups like when GS upset the number 1 seed and they went to the west finals. Got to be able to play big and small

[Xiao Yao You]

https://www.slcdunk.com/latest-utah-jazz-news-recent/2020/11/19/21578558/utah-jazz-trade-ed-davis-knicks-trade-cap-space


Jazz clearing up cap space for Clarkson, Mitchell, Gobert.




Hopefully for a starting 4 , backup center, Brantley and veteran depth


If those players don’t stink, the team should be able to address most of their needs.
None of UTA’s moves so far are flashy, and DM still needs to make a major leap for the team to really contend, but the start of FA has gone pretty well.

Posted by Palmetto Bug (https://www.sbnation.com/users/Palmetto%20Bug) on Nov 19, 2020 | 4:35 PM (https://www.slcdunk.com/latest-utah-jazz-news-recent/2020/11/19/21578558/utah-jazz-trade-ed-davis-knicks-trade-cap-space#533698251)


Rather they can get a starting 4 for that is a big question. The rest of their needs sure


thought itd be lil harder to move davis
but great move

Posted by letter to the Corinthians (https://www.sbnation.com/users/letter%20to%20the%20Corinthians) on Nov 19, 2020 | 4:43 PM (https://www.slcdunk.com/latest-utah-jazz-news-recent/2020/11/19/21578558/utah-jazz-trade-ed-davis-knicks-trade-cap-space#533698466)


anyone can be moved as we've seen. The cost was the only question and it was steep


The playoffs was a major leap but almost definitely not sustainable during a season (if he did, he’s a strong MVP candidate and UTA a strong finals contender).
A more realistic leap is probably a small jump in efficiency (which adds 2-4 points per game) and small improvements in assists and defense. So maybe a top-line of 27/5/4 on 52-54 eFG.

Posted by Palmetto Bug (https://www.sbnation.com/users/Palmetto%20Bug) on Nov 19, 2020 | 5:03 PM (https://www.slcdunk.com/latest-utah-jazz-news-recent/2020/11/19/21578558/utah-jazz-trade-ed-davis-knicks-trade-cap-space#533698941)


Yeah let's see it for a fulll season. He has yet to put a full season of work in


JaMychal Green Opted out and he would be a perfect fit for the PF position the Jazz need.
Use the MLE and pay about $7M a year. He’s also played with Mike C before.
Can pay Jordan about $10M a year and stay out of the Tax, pay more if the team doesn’t mind going slightly in.
Bring back the Non-Guaranteed guys (please see if they are NBA worthy this year!)
Elijah Hughes takes J.Brantley’s 2-way and sign JB to a contract.
One spot would remain and if the Jazz use the BAE ($3.6M) they Need a PF/Wing guy. 6’8" plus would be great!

Posted by AdMan59 (https://www.sbnation.com/users/AdMan59) on Nov 19, 2020 | 4:40 PM (https://www.slcdunk.com/latest-utah-jazz-news-recent/2020/11/19/21578558/utah-jazz-trade-ed-davis-knicks-trade-cap-space#533698394)


Why would they want size when they can play guards and wings instead? Could have had Green cheaply before and they didn't want him. **** Clarkson! Sounds like most of the non guaranteed guys will be back except for Goss. They need a backup center. End of the bench vets after that

I think it needs to be someone who could play with Rudy AND ALSO backup Rudy. Not play C all the time (that’s why we drafted Dok); but sometimes. Green is obviously mostly a 4. But both BBR and CtG have him playing 4-9% of his time at C the last few years. (And in theory, I could envision some matchups where he could play C.)

Posted by l3uddyh011y (https://www.sbnation.com/users/l3uddyh011y) on Nov 19, 2020 | 5:40 PM (https://www.slcdunk.com/latest-utah-jazz-news-recent/2020/11/19/21578558/utah-jazz-trade-ed-davis-knicks-trade-cap-space#533699856)


not necessarily especially after the Davis trade

[Xiao Yao You]

https://www.slcdunk.com/the-downbeat-latest-jazz-news/2020/11/19/21578338/utah-jazz-nba-draft-2020-reaction-grades


Like we’ve seen in years past, the Utah Jazz (https://www.slcdunk.com/) surprised the crap out of everyone last night. When their time came to be on the clock with the 27th pick, there were several players available that many thought were in the Jazz’s sights, including Desmond Bane (https://www.sbnation.com/nba/players/346798/desmond-bane), Jaden McDaniels (https://www.sbnation.com/nba/players/346789/jaden-mcdaniels) and Robert Woodard most prominently.

people expected them to draft positions that weren't of the greatest need and guys without length. Does anyone actually pay attention?


While Dok may not have been linked to the Jazz, it’s possible he fills our most pressing need: backup C. Assuming Clarkson resigns, at have a solid 7-man rotation. And while there are pieces we could use — another wing defender, a bigger 4, etc — we had run out of options backing up Rudy. Lest we forget, both TB and Davis got DNPs in game 7. Quinn decided he’d rather play ultra small than put either of those guys on the court in a win-or-go-home game. That’s… Not sustainable.
We’ll see if Dok ends up being the answer at backup C or not. (I thought Davis was a great signing last off season, so…) Point being: the FO filled a need before FA while also shedding salary. That’s a win!

Posted by l3uddyh011y (https://www.sbnation.com/users/l3uddyh011y) on Nov 19, 2020 | 3:51 PM (https://www.slcdunk.com/the-downbeat-latest-jazz-news/2020/11/19/21578338/utah-jazz-nba-draft-2020-reaction-grades#533697012)


He filled their most pressing need for a guy to develop. Maybe Quinn needs to go?


Amazing off-season IMO just unloading our two useless bigs

Posted by J-Note (https://www.sbnation.com/users/J-Note) on Nov 19, 2020 | 3:53 PM (https://www.slcdunk.com/the-downbeat-latest-jazz-news/2020/11/19/21578338/utah-jazz-nba-draft-2020-reaction-grades#533697078)


Amazing that anyone could call Bradley useless. He should have a long career ahead of him


The Jazz could have and should have swept Denver, without Bogey, without a good rim protector backing up Rudy. Internal development and health come playoff time, this roster can absolutely compete for a title.

Posted by Alex Dye (https://www.sbnation.com/users/Alex%20Dye) on Nov 19, 2020 | 4:03 PM (https://www.slcdunk.com/the-downbeat-latest-jazz-news/2020/11/19/21578338/utah-jazz-nba-draft-2020-reaction-grades#533697364)


Can't blame it on your backup center sorry


I maybe only Jazz fan who wouldn’t be that excited to see Favors back. Just been there, done that, and sadly my memory of him is too much trying to hit corner 3s. Just not sure he would be effective only as a backup C for 16 minutes a game

Posted by SKMike (https://www.sbnation.com/users/SKMike) on Nov 19, 2020 | 4:13 PM (https://www.slcdunk.com/the-downbeat-latest-jazz-news/2020/11/19/21578338/utah-jazz-nba-draft-2020-reaction-grades#533697656)


I'm with you. Let's not forget they let their best player go and become a star so Favors could be unleashed to begin with! :facepalm


He probably needs at least a year to really get a feel for his role and be serviceable. Though he might be better than Bradley right out of the gate. We will have to see.
I mostly just don’t see spending a 1st on a guy you are only hoping to play 10-15 mins a night. There are only two reasons, I could make sense think to justify this pick:
The Jazz see Udoka as a potential starter and don’t see Gobert in their long-term plans so they draft the guy who they think replicates him the most.
The Jazz are engaging in some market inefficiency type stuff and think a guy like Udoka can be such a strength that it will force teams to adjust to their playstyle because they simply can’t do anything about it.
Either way, I think he would have been available at 39.
Hughes seems nice though. I am skeptical of his ability to defend in the NBA but his scoring ability is solid and I think he can crack the rotation within his first 2 years.

Posted by sgv90 (https://www.sbnation.com/users/sgv90) on Nov 19, 2020 | 4:30 PM (https://www.slcdunk.com/the-downbeat-latest-jazz-news/2020/11/19/21578338/utah-jazz-nba-draft-2020-reaction-grades#533698093)


Give him as much time as he needs. The draft isn't for immediate help! You draft based on need. They had 6 rookies last year. None were a center. All there centers were free agents after this year. Obvious pick. The other guy has to get past many others to be in the rotation. Can he defend or shoot?

[Xiao Yao You]

League sources say Evan Fournier is trying to find his way to a team like the Clippers, Suns or Nuggets. – via Zach Harper @ The Athletic




Rudy's buddy. Too bad he doesn't play the 4 though he might in Utah

[Xiao Yao You]

Also in Windhorst’s latest Hoop Collective podcast, he and colleague Zach Lowe identified the Kings and Magic as two teams that may be looking to get a little younger this offseason rather than being content with competing again for the No. 8 seed. Nemanja Bjelica was identified by Lowe as a possible trade candidate to watch in Sacramento, while Windhorst added that Orlando would likely be open to moving Evan Fournier (https://www.hoopsrumors.com/evan-fournier).
– via Hoops Rumors (https://www.hoopsrumors.com/evan-fournier)





Might be a fit?

[Xiao Yao You]

Tony Jones: League sources tell The Athletic that the Utah Jazz have extended a qualifying offer to Jarrell Brantley, (https://*********.com/social/) making him a restricted free agent. The homie @KeithSmithNBA first
– via Twitter Tjonesonthenba (https://twitter.com/Tjonesonthenba)




I guess Wright Forman s officially gone?

[Xiao Yao You]

Marc Stein: Various teams project these players to land max contracts after free agency begins tonight in 3+ hours: *Pelicans restricted free agent Brandon Ingram *Max extensions for Boston’s Jayson Tatum and Utah’s Donovan Mitchell from the draft class of 2017 *The Lakers’ Anthony Davis (https://*********.com/social/)
– via Twitter TheSteinLine (https://twitter.com/TheSteinLine)

[Xiao Yao You]

https://www.ksl.com/article/50052425/utah-jazz-trade-ed-davis-to-try-to-avoid-luxury-tax

could be as much for the roster spot as anything. It would appear the only way they go into the tax is if they pay Clarkson an insane amount though any amount for him is insane if you ask me. They have a roster crunch though for sure. Going to likely lose some good young talent not that they should have ever had that much good young talent on a team that is supposed to be contending

[Xiao Yao You]

https://insidetheloudhouse.com/2020/11/19/syracuse-basketball-elijah-hughes-fit-with-the-utah-jazz/


The Jazz was led in scoring by fellow wing players Donovan Mitchell and Bojan Bogdanovic. In the bubble during the NBA Playoffs, the Jazz was without Bogdanovic. Without a key cog in their offense, they still took Western Conference finalist the Denver Nuggets to seven games. Bogdanovic’s minutes should not take away too many opportunities from Hughes as he primarily played both forward spots with Hughes expecting to play more in a scoring guard role with occasional chances at small forward.




Hughes will be with the Stars playing big minutes


For this to happen the main key for Hughes like it is with any Syracuse guy, is how they transition to man-to-man defense in the NBA even though zone usage is on the rise. Hughes will not only need to prove he can guard in a one-on-one scenario but that he can become accustomed to team defense principles and be a valuable defender off the ball as well.




Has to show he can hit an open 3 as well. He's behind many guys now. Should be one of the top guys for the Stars though!



When the Jazz selected Hughes it was already apparent the Jazz were selecting for what they considered to be a team need. Utah traded down in the first round to take one of their top targets in center Udoka Azubuike with the 27th pick (https://theathletic.com/2207780/2020/11/19/jazz-get-their-guy-and-an-important-backup-for-rudy-gobert-in-udoka-azubuike/).




I'd say it was more BPA because they already have several young wings that should be pushing for rotation minutes

[Xiao Yao You]

https://hoopshabit.com/2020/11/19/utah-jazz-nba-draft-grade-udoka-azubuike/


However, there was one glaring weakness in Azubuike’s game all through college which he simply did not improve on. He shot the ball at an appalling 41.6 percent from the line. This number will cause Azubuike and the Jazz issues, especially if he is needed in late-game situations.




won't have to worry about late game situations with the Jazz


The problem is that it is often folly to select a center late in the first round. They take time to develop and this means that the Jazz may not have upgraded this position at all. They could have tried to sign a veteran once free agency opened, particularly if they declined Mike Conley’s $34.5 million team option.




perfect pick. A. Don't get the 2nd one. F

[Xiao Yao You]

https://bustingbrackets.com/2020/11/19/nba-draft-2020-grades-reactions-analysis-first-round/


Using a first-rounder, even a late one, on a backup center is always an underwhelming proposition, particularly when there are guards and wings who made more sense at the draft slot.




Already well stocked at those positions. Got their biggest need

[Xiao Yao You]

https://bustingbrackets.com/2020/11/19/nba-draft-2020-10-biggest-overall-takeaways-draft/10/



Udoka Azbuike going at No. 27 is a great story, considering everything the young man has overcome. But similar to the situation he had at Kansas with his backcourt David McCormack, he’ll automatically be the backup at center to Rudy Gobert, since they both can’t play together. I’m not mad that the Jazz selected someone they feel can be a good backup at the end of the first round but the biggest need for them was landing a scoring guard.




No it wasn't. Took care of SG last year and in the 2nd round this year


Despite Donovan Mitchell’s 35+ ppg scoring effort in the playoffs, Utah had little support for him on offense. And wth Jordan Clarkson a pending free agent, the team would’ve done better to pick a guard in the first round. While I do like the Saben Lee selection at No. 36, the Jazz would’ve done better picking either Tyrell Terry or Desmond Bane.




Conley and Gobert? Offense isn't their problem. D is :facepalm

Saben Lee! :lol

[Xiao Yao You]

https://www.slcdunk.com/2020/11/20/21587739/nba-free-agency-open-thread-2020-utah-jazz


Last year’s free agency was a very successful one for Utah. Bojan Bogdanovic was arguably the best or 2nd best free agent signing in franchise history. Media raved about the Ed Davis (https://www.sbnation.com/nba/players/296641/ed-davis) signing, which his fit was unfortunately poor. Jeff Green (https://www.sbnation.com/nba/players/296667/jeff-green) was a great thought as well that just didn’t pan out. And Emmanual Mudiay was honestly a pleasant surprise for most of the season.




Bojan looks like a bad signing to me now. Wasn't just the media. It was the fanbase raving. Green was fine at minimum. The problem was paying Bojan and Davis instead of getting a starting 4

Says Wright Forman is restricted? He's not if they didn't give him a qualifying offer and no word that they have


Who will be targeted this year? The front office has made it very clear that bringing back Jordan Clarkson (https://www.sbnation.com/nba/players/246165/jordan-clarkson) is a top priority. They potentially addressed the backup center spot via the draft, but it’s clear this team needs another rotational big. I would argue this should be a floor-stretching big from a roster construction standpoint. I think another wing defender would be valuable as well. After the salary dumps of Tony Bradley (https://www.sbnation.com/nba/players/285728/tony-bradley) and Davis (https://www.sbnation.com/nba/players/299542/ed-davis), the front office can potentially use the full MLE and the BAE depending on what they do in other moves or decisions with the non-guaranteed contracts on the payroll.




let Clarkson go please!!! They need two rotational bigs. A starting 4 and a backup 5. Need end of the bench depth after that.


This team needs a PF
Royce at that position upsets me at so many levels.
Size, alone is an issue
JaMychal Green would be the perfect fit and he opted out of $5M

Posted by AdMan59 (https://www.sbnation.com/users/AdMan59) on Nov 20, 2020 | 3:38 PM (https://www.slcdunk.com/2020/11/20/21587739/nba-free-agency-open-thread-2020-utah-jazz#533727584)


someone gets it! But let's keep talking about more wings instead!!!

[Xiao Yao You]

NBA Central: Marc Gasol has been a name floating around on the Lakers’ radar, (https://*********.com/social/) per @ramonashelburne (h/t @hoopsview )
– via Twitter TheNBACentral (https://twitter.com/TheNBACentral)




would love him backing up Rudy but I guess he'd start in LA?

[Xiao Yao You]

https://basketball.realgm.com/wiretap/260407/Derrick-Favors-To-Receive-Interest-From-Pelicans-Jazz

I'd think more teams would want him than that. I'd be fine with him as long as he is the backup to Rudy and they get a starting 4. Don't see that happening unless there is a trade of some kind though

[Xiao Yao You]

Tony Jones: The Jazz are making Jordan Clarkson their top priority in free agency, (https://*********.com/social/) according to league sources. They want to re-sign their sixth man
– via Twitter Tjonesonthenba (https://twitter.com/Tjonesonthenba)





they make it hard to get excited about them. New owner same shitshow

[Xiao Yao You]

Tony Jones: Derrick Favors is expected to have contact with the New Orleans Pelicans and the Utah Jazz as free agency opens, (https://*********.com/social/) League Sources tell The Athletic. He also holds interest from other teams
– via Twitter Tjonesonthenba (https://twitter.com/Tjonesonthenba)

[Xiao Yao You]

https://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/1287497283466964992/DldMpNDj_normal.jpgRyan McDonough (https://twitter.com/McDNBA)Ryan McDonough (https://twitter.com/McDNBA) @McDNBA (https://twitter.com/McDNBA)
2 minutes ago (https://twitter.com/McDNBA/status/1329930982187667456)
If you're an NBA executive with a team that has one of the top free agents, you are hoping Atlanta and New York don't come after your player There is a very limited amount of salary cap space overall this year but the Hawks and Knicks can dangle enough money to outbid most clubs


please go after Clarkson!!!

[Xiao Yao You]

https://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/1286477383147692032/CdWDJYyh_normal.jpgBobby Marks (https://twitter.com/BobbyMarks42)
Bobby Marks (https://twitter.com/BobbyMarks42) @BobbyMarks42 (https://twitter.com/BobbyMarks42)
1 minute ago (https://twitter.com/BobbyMarks42/status/1329933828568309764)
San Antonio right at $7.5M below the tax after the Drew Eubanks signing. They have a decision by midnight on guaranteeing the $5.5M contract of Trey Lyles. The forward has $1M guaranteed.


I'm guessing with an older team they might not have 3 hour practices. He was a good fit offensively

[Xiao Yao You]

https://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/1329482009828323330/SsNvnkOs_normal.jpgRob Perez (https://twitter.com/WorldWideWob)Rob Perez (https://twitter.com/WorldWideWob) @WorldWideWob (https://twitter.com/WorldWideWob)
1 minute ago (https://twitter.com/WorldWideWob/status/1329937263137083393)
your team could've just spent all of its cap space on Mason Plumlee. things could always be worse.


Rather have him than Clarkson or Ed Davis! :lol

[Xiao Yao You]

https://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/1273955777586348033/vI8nHOCu_normal.jpgMichael Grange (https://twitter.com/michaelgrange)Michael Grange (https://twitter.com/michaelgrange) @michaelgrange (https://twitter.com/michaelgrange)
4 minutes ago (https://twitter.com/michaelgrange/status/1329942960482430979)
Early word is Serge Ibaka has drawn significant interest from many teams — as many as 10 — including offers above the mid-level.


get it done Lindsey and Zanik!

[Xiao Yao You]

clarkson 4 year $52m with us

Posted by Viktor Vaughn (https://www.sbnation.com/users/Viktor%20Vaughn) on Nov 20, 2020 | 5:26 PM (https://www.slcdunk.com/2020/11/20/21587739/nba-free-agency-open-thread-2020-utah-jazz#533731921)



If true one of the worst moves in the history of the franchise and that is really saying something :(

[Xiao Yao You]

https://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/1282834702928359426/54njLVVi_normal.jpgPaul Garcia (https://twitter.com/PaulGarciaNBA)Paul Garcia (https://twitter.com/PaulGarciaNBA) @PaulGarciaNBA (https://twitter.com/PaulGarciaNBA)
1 minute ago (https://twitter.com/PaulGarciaNBA/status/1329944686753181697)
The Clarkson $52/4 year extension is what ESPN projected a D. White extension to look like. SA has until 12/21 to sign White to an extension


wtf

[Xiao Yao You]

https://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/992277654089826304/1JxJvFlG_normal.jpgAndy Larsen (https://twitter.com/andyblarsen)
Andy Larsen (https://twitter.com/andyblarsen) @andyblarsen (https://twitter.com/andyblarsen)
4 minutes ago (https://twitter.com/andyblarsen/status/1329946746110164992)
So by using the big mid-level exception to resign Derrick Favors, the Jazz will be hardcapped at $138.9M. They have ~10 million left with 9 players guaranteed on the roster.


nice work :cry:

[Xiao Yao You]

https://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/1181800689388752896/wM0xqZbi_normal.jpgChristian Clark (https://twitter.com/cclark3000)
Christian Clark (https://twitter.com/cclark3000) @cclark3000 (https://twitter.com/cclark3000)
4 minutes ago (https://twitter.com/cclark3000/status/1329946639667236864)
Derrick Favors is headed back to Utah. Was told he was cool with a backup role on a competitive team. Pelicans still need to make a move at center.


You know he'll end up starting. Not like they have anyone else :facepalm

[Xiao Yao You]

https://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/1104959254920749056/rYWkM7co_normal.pngDavid Locke (https://twitter.com/Lockedonsports)
David Locke (https://twitter.com/Lockedonsports) @Lockedonsports (https://twitter.com/Lockedonsports)
about 6 minutes ago (https://twitter.com/Lockedonsports/status/1329946254378373121)
The Jazz dealing over the last few days opened up enough room to use the full mid level for Derrick Favors and even after signing Clarkson kept them under the tax. Some real dealing from the Jazz front office


yeah real nice :roll:

[Xiao Yao You]

https://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/1122033235838455808/Ejf0gs45_normal.jpgTony Jones (https://twitter.com/Tjonesonthenba)Tony Jones (https://twitter.com/Tjonesonthenba) @Tjonesonthenba (https://twitter.com/Tjonesonthenba)
about 8 minutes ago (https://twitter.com/Tjonesonthenba/status/1329945922134966272)
Favors and the Jazz have agreed to a three year 27 million dollar deal, league sources tell The Athletic. The third year is a player option

[Xiao Yao You]

https://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/879128835991756801/xOurY3VP_normal.jpgEric Koreen (https://twitter.com/ekoreen)Eric Koreen (https://twitter.com/ekoreen) @ekoreen (https://twitter.com/ekoreen)
about 12 minutes ago (https://twitter.com/ekoreen/status/1329945339575603205)
Before we all make fun of the Jordan Clarkson contract, the Raptors gave DeMarre Carroll more than that five years ago.


rather have Demarre even now

[Xiao Yao You]

3 years $27 million. 3rd year team option
How is Dok going to get any minutes? Unless means we trade Rudy?

Posted by SKMike (https://www.sbnation.com/users/SKMike) on Nov 20, 2020 | 5:36 PM (https://www.slcdunk.com/2020/11/20/21587739/nba-free-agency-open-thread-2020-utah-jazz#533732345)



the Stars

[Xiao Yao You]

I expected them to go into the luxury tax if they wanted to be competitive.

Posted by Fesenko for President (https://www.sbnation.com/users/Fesenko%20for%20President) on Nov 20, 2020 | 5:36 PM (https://www.slcdunk.com/2020/11/20/21587739/nba-free-agency-open-thread-2020-utah-jazz#533732343)


this is exactly why you don't pay tax.

[Xiao Yao You]

Now we need to have the Jazz sign one of those young 3-and-D wing players, such as Iwundu, with the bi-annual exception, and the roster is pretty much set.

Posted by Fesenko for President (https://www.sbnation.com/users/Fesenko%20for%20President) on Nov 20, 2020 | 5:39 PM (https://www.slcdunk.com/2020/11/20/21587739/nba-free-agency-open-thread-2020-utah-jazz#533732426)



they need a starting pf so Favors isn't there

[Xiao Yao You]

Now we can run back our killer starting lineup (Conley, Mitch, Royce, Bojan, Rudy) AND have a solid core trio off the bench of Ingles, Clarkson, and Favors. Fantastic Top-8.
If Dok can play well and Brantley continues to improve we will be in excellent shape. Just need one more good wing to come in or step up.

Posted by Korumbian (https://www.sbnation.com/users/Korumbian) on Nov 20, 2020 | 5:42 PM (https://www.slcdunk.com/2020/11/20/21587739/nba-free-agency-open-thread-2020-utah-jazz#533732557)


the killer stating lineup with no 4 and an undersized backcourt and bad D. Have plenty of wings. Need a 4 not named Favors

[Xiao Yao You]

Is there a decent stretch big out there we can get for the vet minimum?
(Other than Georges Niang, who I consider to be more of a SF.)

Posted by Fesenko for President (https://www.sbnation.com/users/Fesenko%20for%20President) on Nov 20, 2020 | 5:45 PM (https://www.slcdunk.com/2020/11/20/21587739/nba-free-agency-open-thread-2020-utah-jazz#533732682)


a sg that can't guard 3's

[Xiao Yao You]

Ben Anderson
Ben Anderson @BensHoops
2 minutes ago
Maybe the best sign for Jazz fans? The team just spent $80 million in the first hour of free agency. Probably a good sign that new owner Ryan Smith is comfortable spending money to build a winner.


If you remember last time they paid tax spending money isn't necessarily a good thing. It certainly isn't here

[Xiao Yao You]

Now let’s see if the FO brings back Hood to complete the reunion tour.

Posted by Palmetto Bug (https://www.sbnation.com/users/Palmetto%20Bug) on Nov 20, 2020 | 5:50 PM (https://www.slcdunk.com/2020/11/20/21587739/nba-free-agency-open-thread-2020-utah-jazz#533732873)


rather have him than Clarkson

[Xiao Yao You]

Jazz definitely showing loyalty to their players
Clarkson, Favors, O’Neal, Jingles

Posted by SKMike (https://www.sbnation.com/users/SKMike) on Nov 20, 2020 | 5:46 PM (https://www.slcdunk.com/2020/11/20/21587739/nba-free-agency-open-thread-2020-utah-jazz#533732743)


always have. One of their biggest problems

[Xiao Yao You]

https://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/1053527206205501440/_V0EWvyQ_normal.jpgSarah Todd (https://twitter.com/NBASarah)
Sarah Todd (https://twitter.com/NBASarah) @NBASarah (https://twitter.com/NBASarah)
about 12 minutes ago (https://twitter.com/NBASarah/status/1329948195854565377)
Considering that Clarkson was coming off a 4-year, $50 million deal I think that the Jazz did a good job with the 4 year, $52 for Clarkson. and for the length that he signed for, I'm fine with it


considering he sucks they couldn't have done much worse

[Xiao Yao You]

https://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/1122033235838455808/Ejf0gs45_normal.jpgTony Jones (https://twitter.com/Tjonesonthenba)Tony Jones (https://twitter.com/Tjonesonthenba) @Tjonesonthenba (https://twitter.com/Tjonesonthenba)
about 16 minutes ago (https://twitter.com/Tjonesonthenba/status/1329948071145267200)
The Jazz took 90 minutes to check off their free agency to do list. Focus turns on extensions for Donovan Mitchell and Rudy Gobert, according to League Sources


Rudy's probably gone based on this mess

[Xiao Yao You]

https://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/601654375518470144/CM5e69AY_normal.jpgSam Quinn (https://twitter.com/SamQuinnCBS)Sam Quinn (https://twitter.com/SamQuinnCBS) @SamQuinnCBS (https://twitter.com/SamQuinnCBS)
about 17 minutes ago (https://twitter.com/SamQuinnCBS/status/1329947845344993283)
The Jazz were 10 points worse per 100 possessions when Rudy Gobert sat last season. That, in a nutshell, is why the Jazz prioritized Derrick Favors. I think there are scenarios where they can and should play together, but really, he's an overqualified backup center.


they shouldn't play together

[Xiao Yao You]

https://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/798428370962972673/fJ7kvvwB_normal.jpgRyan McDonald (https://twitter.com/ryanwmcdonald)
Ryan McDonald (https://twitter.com/ryanwmcdonald) @ryanwmcdonald (https://twitter.com/ryanwmcdonald)
about 18 minutes ago (https://twitter.com/ryanwmcdonald/status/1329947543451561984)
I don't know why you use a first-round pick on a big man who can't shoot when you have designs on bringing back a big man who can't shoot and already have another big man who can't shoot


and you still have no starting 4! :facepalm

[Xiao Yao You]

https://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/1286477383147692032/CdWDJYyh_normal.jpgBobby Marks (https://twitter.com/BobbyMarks42)
Bobby Marks (https://twitter.com/BobbyMarks42) @BobbyMarks42 (https://twitter.com/BobbyMarks42)
4 minutes ago (https://twitter.com/BobbyMarks42/status/1329951834165956609)
Jazz have dipped their toe in the shallow part of the luxury tax pool with the Favors/Clarkson signing. Projected $3M w/14 players under contract Midlevel exception was used on Favors


A player that won't pass and no starting 4. Stupid!

[Xiao Yao You]

Might be all we do this year.


Posted by TheNextGM (https://www.sbnation.com/users/TheNextGM) on Nov 20, 2020 | 6:07 PM (https://www.slcdunk.com/2020/11/20/21587739/nba-free-agency-open-thread-2020-utah-jazz#533733480)


Oni, Tucker and Brantley. Guess some of them might be gone now to save money

[Xiao Yao You]

https://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/1053527206205501440/_V0EWvyQ_normal.jpgSarah Todd (https://twitter.com/NBASarah)Sarah Todd (https://twitter.com/NBASarah) @NBASarah (https://twitter.com/NBASarah)
3 minutes ago (https://twitter.com/NBASarah/status/1329954593481007106)
Not splashy from the Jazz but it is particularly nice to see a front office have a very deliberate & clear plan, then execute it w/o a hitch in the offseason. Says a lot about the Jazz that 2 of the free agents in small 2020 pool got deals done immediately and long deals at that


It says everything about the Jazz and why they have been mediocre for their entire existence

[Xiao Yao You]

https://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/1313711895874949120/PzmsoWYe_normal.jpgBen Anderson (https://twitter.com/BensHoops)Ben Anderson (https://twitter.com/BensHoops) @BensHoops (https://twitter.com/BensHoops)
1 minute ago (https://twitter.com/BensHoops/status/1329955808533114880)
I'll be curious how often Quin Snyder uses Derrick Favors at the four. You can certainly run some enormous lineups with Bogdanovic, Favors, and Gobert making up the front court. Whether they actually do it remains to be seen.


It will end up being the same as before. Sucks!

[Xiao Yao You]

https://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/1137061692704092166/hoM__EMk_normal.jpgTim Reynolds (https://twitter.com/ByTimReynolds)
Tim Reynolds (https://twitter.com/ByTimReynolds) @ByTimReynolds (https://twitter.com/ByTimReynolds)
1 minute ago (https://twitter.com/ByTimReynolds/status/1329955765717753856)
Dennis Lindsey is having a nice little evening.


ruined mine

[Xiao Yao You]

https://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/1053527206205501440/_V0EWvyQ_normal.jpgSarah Todd (https://twitter.com/NBASarah)Sarah Todd (https://twitter.com/NBASarah) @NBASarah (https://twitter.com/NBASarah)
3 minutes ago (https://twitter.com/NBASarah/status/1329960431385862145)
Allllllllso....Azubuike is still super young and hasn't played basketball in 9 months. Come back too quick you could end your career. So, get a guy who can be the center of the future while you slowly bring him along and let him learn from the best. It's not a horrible plan.


now that's a good plan! Thought they had to have guys that could play right away? :D

[Xiao Yao You]

Please no DF starting at PF. He was wasting his talent stting in the corner hoisting 3's. We never did figure out how to use 2 interior bigs on the offensive end. We wasted 12 minutes a game trying to give DF his allotted 27 minutes.

Posted by SKMike (https://www.sbnation.com/users/SKMike) on Nov 20, 2020 | 6:35 PM (https://www.slcdunk.com/2020/11/20/21587739/nba-free-agency-open-thread-2020-utah-jazz#533734532)



yep but the sad part is he's the only veteran PF on the team

[Xiao Yao You]

https://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/1104959254920749056/rYWkM7co_normal.pngDavid Locke (https://twitter.com/Lockedonsports)David Locke (https://twitter.com/Lockedonsports) @Lockedonsports (https://twitter.com/Lockedonsports)
about 8 minutes ago (https://twitter.com/Lockedonsports/status/1329959253155594241)
Pretty Certain that .... Jazz will have Donovan Mitchell or Mike Conley on the floor for all 48 minutes at the point guard Jazz will have Rudy Gobert or Derrick Favors on the floor for all 48 minutes at the center


Of course. The problem is when they are on the court together. Even bigger problem i when anyone is on the court with Clarkson and they don't get to touch the ball

[Xiao Yao You]

https://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/1053527206205501440/_V0EWvyQ_normal.jpgSarah Todd (https://twitter.com/NBASarah)Sarah Todd (https://twitter.com/NBASarah) @NBASarah (https://twitter.com/NBASarah)
about 18 minutes ago (https://twitter.com/NBASarah/status/1329957909392814080)
I appreciate that some Jazz fans seem to believe that Gobert and Favors are indestructible and will never miss a game. Let's just make the rosters 10 players. That would definitely not backfire.


no one thinks that. We know Favors will be hurt. If Rudy is they will suck

[Xiao Yao You]

https://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/1313711895874949120/PzmsoWYe_normal.jpgBen Anderson (https://twitter.com/BensHoops)Ben Anderson (https://twitter.com/BensHoops) @BensHoops (https://twitter.com/BensHoops)
about 25 minutes ago (https://twitter.com/BensHoops/status/1329957043722088449)
We'll have to see if the Jazz come to an agreement with Rudy Gobert this offseason on a contract extension, or let it play out. But now having Favors and Azubuike, the Jazz have at least given themselves a contingency plan in case of a scenario where Gobert isn't on the roster.


The plan better be to tank because they will suck

[Xiao Yao You]

https://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/1053527206205501440/_V0EWvyQ_normal.jpgSarah Todd (https://twitter.com/NBASarah)Sarah Todd (https://twitter.com/NBASarah) @NBASarah (https://twitter.com/NBASarah)
about 25 minutes ago (https://twitter.com/NBASarah/status/1329956969206091778)
I'll just save us all the time and tell you exactly what Quin Snyder will say about how he's going to use Gobert/Favors: "It'll be mostly based on matchups. Both are very capable and successful defenders who have their own unique abilities on both ends." So, we'll see on Dec. 22.


It will be based on whatever Quin thinks which is another problem

[Xiao Yao You]

I hope having 3 shooters on the floor let’s us still have a good offense with Favors and Rudy together. Because the defense was great from what I remember. I think Favors needs to play more than just backup center to really get value from him. If the team cannot function with Favors and Rudy together, this was either a waste or a Rudy trade will happen.

Posted by oregonjazzfan (https://www.sbnation.com/users/oregonjazzfan) on Nov 20, 2020 | 6:40 PM (https://www.slcdunk.com/2020/11/20/21587739/nba-free-agency-open-thread-2020-utah-jazz#533734835)


Who wants a good offense when you could have a great one as last year? It was a waste. If they get rid of Rudy they need to trade Favors, Conley, Bojan and Ingles and tank

[Xiao Yao You]

https://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/1323677310021632000/pmPjqnXn_normal.jpgJosh Newman (https://twitter.com/Joshua_Newman)Josh Newman (https://twitter.com/Joshua_Newman) @Joshua_Newman (https://twitter.com/Joshua_Newman)
1 minute ago (https://twitter.com/Joshua_Newman/status/1329964579208630272)
The Jazz did a nice job of handling free agent business tonight, and are getting lined up to be really good again next season.


Yeah another good team in Utah! :lol

[Xiao Yao You]

https://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/1053527206205501440/_V0EWvyQ_normal.jpgSarah Todd (https://twitter.com/NBASarah)
Sarah Todd (https://twitter.com/NBASarah) @NBASarah (https://twitter.com/NBASarah)
about 10 minutes ago (https://twitter.com/NBASarah/status/1329962811624067073)
Everyone, including myself, needs to take a step away from draft mania & realize most of these guys aren't playing this year. Then most of the ones that do are probably going to look really bad. So we can stop acting like the 27th pick was a chance for the Jazz to become elite.


pretty much what you and others have been saying. Need someone to contribute immediately!

[Xiao Yao You]

Stupid if he does


RO at PF is a waste of his talent, it really hurts his energy and offense.

Posted by AdMan59 (https://www.sbnation.com/users/AdMan59) on Nov 20, 2020 | 6:47 PM (https://www.slcdunk.com/2020/11/20/21587739/nba-free-agency-open-thread-2020-utah-jazz#533735245)


It's a joke is what it is. Luxury tax and no starting 4!

[Xiao Yao You]

do we have an 8-man rotation now? could it be?
maybe even 9 if Udoka acclimates fast

Posted by Stocktons (https://www.sbnation.com/users/Stocktons) on Nov 20, 2020 | 6:36 PM (https://www.slcdunk.com/2020/11/20/21587739/nba-free-agency-open-thread-2020-utah-jazz#533734620)


Udoka isn't playing. They have plenty with Morgan, Oni, Tucker and Brantley is they sign him. Be nice to have a starting 4 though

[Xiao Yao You]

https://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/798428370962972673/fJ7kvvwB_normal.jpgRyan McDonald (https://twitter.com/ryanwmcdonald)Ryan McDonald (https://twitter.com/ryanwmcdonald) @ryanwmcdonald (https://twitter.com/ryanwmcdonald)
about 36 minutes ago (https://twitter.com/ryanwmcdonald/status/1329972748605554688)
Still feels like the Jazz need one more real rotation player


like a starting 4?

[Xiao Yao You]

https://basketball.realgm.com/wiretap/260443/Robin-Lopez-Agrees-To-One-Year-Deal-With-Wizards

is Favors better than him?

[Xiao Yao You]

Ben Anderson: Breaking: Sources tell @KSLSports that the @UtahJazz will be signing former @BYUbasketball standout Jake Toolson to an Exhibit 10 contract (https://*********.com/social/). #TakeNote
– via Twitter BensHoops (https://twitter.com/BensHoops)





Hopefully I'll be able to go see him play. He's good. Maybe not an NBAer

[Xiao Yao You]

https://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/1053527206205501440/_V0EWvyQ_normal.jpgSarah Todd (https://twitter.com/NBASarah)Sarah Todd (https://twitter.com/NBASarah) @NBASarah (https://twitter.com/NBASarah)
about 18 minutes ago (https://twitter.com/NBASarah/status/1330007188203442177)
Jordan Clarkson's new contract has first year at $11.5 million according to league sources. So even with the likely bonuses on other contracts that still only puts the Jazz ~$2 million over the tax. Pretty good work.


No starting PF, Clarkson and Favors from the corner. Pretty good? :facepalm

[Xiao Yao You]

https://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/1313711895874949120/PzmsoWYe_normal.jpgBen Anderson (https://twitter.com/BensHoops)Ben Anderson (https://twitter.com/BensHoops) @BensHoops (https://twitter.com/BensHoops)
about 21 minutes ago (https://twitter.com/BensHoops/status/1330006611285274624)
Remember Jazz fans the team signed Jeff Green last season to the veteran minimum after their big moves went down. I know he didn’t fit, but he proved to be a good player last year. I wouldn’t rule out a Green-quality veteran wing joining the Jazz this offseason.


sure why not. Need a starting 4 but who cares!

[Xiao Yao You]

https://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/1104959254920749056/rYWkM7co_normal.pngDavid Locke (https://twitter.com/Lockedonsports)David Locke (https://twitter.com/Lockedonsports) @Lockedonsports (https://twitter.com/Lockedonsports)
about 44 minutes ago (https://twitter.com/Lockedonsports/status/1330001425363988480)
Western Conference 1. Lakers then ........ Clips (loss of Harrell is big) Denver (loss of Grant is big) Houston (done) OKC (done) Utah (got better) Portland (got way better) Dallas (got lots better) Phoenix (better when CP3 when healthy) NOP (?) Grizz (still young)


Utah got better but still have no starting 4!

[Xiao Yao You]

https://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/1104959254920749056/rYWkM7co_normal.pngDavid Locke (https://twitter.com/Lockedonsports)David Locke (https://twitter.com/Lockedonsports) @Lockedonsports (https://twitter.com/Lockedonsports)
yesterday (https://twitter.com/Lockedonsports/status/1329996890251816962)
Utah v. Portland now has a back-up center minutes as Derrick Favors v. Enes Kanter. That will be fun. Really fun when @Joe Ingles (https://twitter.com/Joeingles7) is running the pick n roll with Favs


Be even funner if there was a starting 4

[Xiao Yao You]

https://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/1313711895874949120/PzmsoWYe_normal.jpgBen Anderson (https://twitter.com/BensHoops)Ben Anderson (https://twitter.com/BensHoops) @BensHoops (https://twitter.com/BensHoops)
yesterday (https://twitter.com/BensHoops/status/1329982378324869122)
A few notes on Favors, First, he should be a nice compliment to Joe Ingles who was much better when he had a reliable big man to run the pick and roll with. Second, he's a guy who can play in the postseason which is obviously enormously valuable.


Bradley and Gobert ran the pick and roll fine

[Xiao Yao You]

https://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/992277654089826304/1JxJvFlG_normal.jpgAndy Larsen (https://twitter.com/andyblarsen)Andy Larsen (https://twitter.com/andyblarsen) @andyblarsen (https://twitter.com/andyblarsen)
1 hour ago (https://twitter.com/andyblarsen/status/1330057373722025986)
The Nets stopped paying Deron Williams today. The Jazz had Derrick Favors play for them for 8 and a half years, leave the team AND THEN COME BACK in the time the Nets paid Deron his stretch $

[Xiao Yao You]

Was a snarky comment, SORRY (Really)
I’m all for RG If his Head is Right and he’s on a team friendly contract with incentives.
All NBA, DPY, ADT, MFT%. Say 5 years @ $147.5M Plus incentives
yr 1 * $32.5M
yr 2 * $32.5M
yr 3 * $30.0M
yr 4 * $27.5M
yr 5 * $25.0M (Partial Guaranteed, Team Option)
Right now to me this is the number one topic for Jazz – What’s going on with Rudy? and what’s he worth.

Posted by AdMan59 (https://www.sbnation.com/users/AdMan59) on Nov 21, 2020 | 4:10 AM (https://www.slcdunk.com/2020/11/20/21587739/nba-free-agency-open-thread-2020-utah-jazz#533749196)


Rudy needs to make more than Mitchell at the very least. He's the franchise as much as people wish it was otherwise

[Xiao Yao You]

To be truthful, the Utah Jazz missed Favors. They missed his toughness. They missed his rim protection and defense. And they missed his leadership off the floor. “I was there for eight years,” Favors told The Athletic on Friday night in an exclusive interview. “Playing for coach Q, he’s one of the best coaches in the league. (https://theathletic.com/2212085/2020/11/21/im-super-excited-to-be-coming-back-derrick-favors-reunites-with-jazz/) So, when the Jazz called my agent and showed interest, I was naturally going to listen.”
– via Tony Jones @ The Athletic (https://theathletic.com/2212085/2020/11/21/im-super-excited-to-be-coming-back-derrick-favors-reunites-with-jazz/)





What they didn't miss was him spotting up in the corner. There's a reason the offense was great last year

[Xiao Yao You]

Rudy/Favors/Udoka/Gill
O'Neale/Niang/Morgan
Bojan/Ingles/Oni
Mitchell/Clarkson/Tucker/Hughes/Toolson
Conley/Forrest

Brantley, Mudiay, Wright Forman

I'd say ideally they need at least a couple vets for the end of the bench. Mudiay or whoever else. Brantley should be in the rotation mix but I guess they might let him go now to save money?

[Xiao Yao You]

https://www.deseret.com/sports/2020/11/20/21583339/jordan-clarkson-derrick-favors-utah-jazz-nba-free-agency-free-agent-dennis-lindsey-justin-zanik


While many teams will begin training camp looking much different than they did when the previous NBA season ended, the Utah Jazz will look very familiar when December comes.




per usual unfortunately


When the Jazz made the move to bring Clarkson to Utah, they knew they needed a scoring boost on the bench and ended up with even more than they had bargained for with Clarkson sometimes taking over in games when the stars were having an off night.



and always trying to rather they were or not


This does mean that the Jazz will be a luxury tax paying team for the 2020-21 season, the first under new owner Ryan Smith. The Miller family had always given the Jazz front office the green light to go into the tax if they deemed it necessary, and those with knowledge of the situation believe that the Miller’s would have done so in this instance as well.




it's possible they get below it before the end of the season


For Smith, who acquired the team during the most financially difficult time for the league, in the midst of a global pandemic, paying into the tax is an early signal of his commitment to the team and doing whatever it takes to make them better.




yeah how has that worked for Jim Dolan? You have to spend money smartly. No PF so you keep a gunner and bring back a sentimental fave isn't the smart play.


Before Friday’s free agency frenzy, many thought that Clarkson, after having a well-rounded and successful season with the Jazz, could end up signing with another team for significantly more than his previous contract was worth (four years, $50 million), or agreeing to a short deal with the Jazz and look for a increase in pay next season when more teams are expected to have cap room.



was anyone willing to pay hi close to that or were the Jazz bidding against themselves?


The new contract gives the Jazz the choice of staying with Clarkson for the length of the deal but also keeps Clarkson at a team-friendly price that could be moved in the future if necessary.




good luck with that!


The same can be said of Clarkson, who very likely could have found a higher bidder this year or next year but was willing to sign a long-term deal with the Jazz ,giving the team continuity that many other franchises won’t have heading into the compressed 2020-21 season.




likely?


There were many Jazz fans who were left a little confused by the Favors signing, coming just two days after the Jazz had selected center Udoka Azubuike with the 27th pick in the draft. But Jazz general manager Justin Zanik made a point on Wednesday night to note that Azubuike is a rookie who has not played competitively since March and is going to be on a development path with the Jazz.




he shouldn't have to make the point. Should be obvious to anyone paying attention


The Azubuike pick is more of a long-game selection than it ever was expecting him to come in and be Rudy Gobert 2.0 on opening night. Even if the Jazz had taken a guard or wing in the draft, the Jazz wouldn’t have brought him directly into the rotation or expected him to make a defining impact right away.




maybe if he'd went to Duke


To that end, the Favors signing gives the Jazz a reserve center as well as someone who can play a stretch-four and matchup against some of the Western Conference’s more lengthy teams like the reigning champions, the Los Angeles Lakers. And after all, finding ways to compete with the best is what this is all about.




stretch 4? :roll:

[Xiao Yao You]

https://kslsports.com/446632/favors-clarkson-ensure-quality-bench-for-jazz/


However, the team’s talent often cratered when the second unit would step onto the floor. Clarkson helped stabilize the unit after the Jazz acquired him in exchange for former lottery pick Dante Exum, but the team struggled when Gobert was on the bench.




They've always struggled without Rudy though.


Now, with the addition of Favors, the Jazz have a defensive anchor and a reliable pick and roll threat to supplant Gobert on the bench. The move will be a particularly welcome addition for veteran guard Joe Ingles who saw a sharp decline in the second unit without a reliable roll man.




Bradley was great in the pick and roll as was Gobert. Ingles is just getting old. Maybe give him another extension because we love him so much though!

[Xiao Yao You]

https://kslsports.com/446580/what-do-former-play-by-play-voices-say-about-jazz-rookies/


Azubuike ranked among the best leapers at any position in the pre-draft process having recorded an impressive 41-inch vertical leap, the fourth highest of any player measured. His 37 inch standing vertical leap was the second-highest of any player measured.




sounds like he's an athlete. Rudy on his way out? The tank in the near future?


Like most second-round pick rookies, Hughes joins the Jazz without a guaranteed contract. However, he should be a safe bet to make the roster on a low-cost rookie deal.




the other two way I would imagine

[Xiao Yao You]

As a reminder, Conley will make $34.5m this season.
And there is a significant difference between my criticisms of Conley and AdMan’s criticisms of Gobert:
Gobert is worth his contract.

Posted by Kira Argonova (https://www.sbnation.com/users/Kira%20Argonova) on Nov 21, 2020 | 5:08 AM (https://www.slcdunk.com/2020/11/20/21587739/nba-free-agency-open-thread-2020-utah-jazz#533749569)



Let's talk Clarkson's contract why don't we :facepalm

[Xiao Yao You]

https://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/3325325653/5ae81fcc379272612fdf559718f1a8b6_normal.jpegScott Kushner (https://twitter.com/ScottDKushner)
Scott Kushner (https://twitter.com/ScottDKushner) @ScottDKushner (https://twitter.com/ScottDKushner)
about 2 hours ago (https://twitter.com/ScottDKushner/status/1330140099246485506)
Steven Adams is a better version of the locker room fit the Pelicans were hoping to get with Derrick Favors last year. Professional who does the inglorious stuff and was beloved by his longtime organization. But Adams is much more vocal and eager to mix it up w/ opponents.


but can he spot up from the corner?

[Xiao Yao You]

Right when I said that Nuggets got Green. We’ve got more defense now though.

Posted by Bredon31 (https://www.sbnation.com/users/Bredon31) on Nov 21, 2020 | 7:06 AM (https://www.slcdunk.com/2020/11/20/21587739/nba-free-agency-open-thread-2020-utah-jazz#533751095)

JaMychal Green?

Posted by Fesenko for President (https://www.sbnation.com/users/Fesenko%20for%20President) on Nov 21, 2020 | 7:33 AM (https://www.slcdunk.com/2020/11/20/21587739/nba-free-agency-open-thread-2020-utah-jazz#533751688)

2 years $15 mill seems ridiculously cheap

Posted by SKMike (https://www.sbnation.com/users/SKMike) on Nov 21, 2020 | 8:22 AM (https://www.slcdunk.com/2020/11/20/21587739/nba-free-agency-open-thread-2020-utah-jazz#533752924)



Rather have the starting 4. All sorts of guys out there they could have had cheaper that fit better. George Hill you now will be traded again from OKC. Rather have him than Clarkson and you already know his fit. Jazz and their loyalty and sentiment hurts them again. They had a chance to be a special team and instead they probably got a little better. Depends on how much Favors is on the floor with Rudy and how much can get the ball out of Clarkson's hands

[Xiao Yao You]

https://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/1313711895874949120/PzmsoWYe_normal.jpgBen Anderson (https://twitter.com/BensHoops)Ben Anderson (https://twitter.com/BensHoops) @BensHoops (https://twitter.com/BensHoops)
about 1 hour ago (https://twitter.com/BensHoops/status/1330198620428177415)
Seeing the De’Anthony Melton and Kris Dunn deals and you get a sense of why signing Trent Forrest makes sense for the Jazz. Elite defenders with some playmaking chops still have a spot in the NBA. Low cost gamble on a two-way deal.


He makes sense because pg was the number 2 thing they needed in the draft and they didn't get one with the 2nd pick. Sounds like he's Rubio at a cheap price. Maybe he can even finish?

[Xiao Yao You]

Favors said he is fine with whatever role. “Whatever it is, coming off the bench, starting, I’m cool with it,” he said. “I’ve been in this league a long time. I’ve made money, I’ve played on different teams and been in different situations. At this point of my career, I just want to win. I’m super excited to be coming back to Utah. I enjoyed my time in New Orleans. I loved playing on a really good young team. But right now, I just felt like this was the situation that I needed to be in.” – via Tony Jones @ The Athletic




20 milion reasons. I won't be cool with you starting!

[Xiao Yao You]

If the Jazz are just barely under the tax
I don’t think anything else will happen. There is no player that is worth starting the repeat for the luxury tax that is worth the BAE. Next year they are definitely paying the tax so staying under this year is very important.


Posted by oregonjazzfan on Nov 21, 2020 | 12:49 PM


Clarkson and Favors in the corner certainly aren't worth paying tax. I like the young guys from last year. What they are missing is a starting 4


Still think more can be done
Trade Tucker and Niang for a bigger Combo Guard.
Try and send to Atlanta for cap space


Posted by AdMan59 on Nov 21, 2020 | 12:55 PM


No need to. They have 3 exceptions and those guys are partial and non guaranteed though Niang needs to be guaranteed soon I imagine? I like both of them so it needs to be someone worth getting.

[Xiao Yao You]

https://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/1104959254920749056/rYWkM7co_normal.pngDavid Locke (https://twitter.com/Lockedonsports)David Locke (https://twitter.com/Lockedonsports) @Lockedonsports (https://twitter.com/Lockedonsports)
about 54 minutes ago (https://twitter.com/Lockedonsports/status/1330254404755320838)
If the Utah Jazz plan on adding a PG here is what is on the market Jeff Teague Brandon Knight Matthew Dellavedova Elfrid Payton Yogi Ferrell Quinn Cook Shabazz Napier Brad Wanamaker Emmanuel Mudiay Gary Payton II Shaquille Harrison Reggie Jackson Jerian Grant Preference?

[Xiao Yao You]

https://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/1104959254920749056/rYWkM7co_normal.pngDavid Locke (https://twitter.com/Lockedonsports)David Locke (https://twitter.com/Lockedonsports) @Lockedonsports (https://twitter.com/Lockedonsports)
58 minutes ago (https://twitter.com/Lockedonsports/status/1330253634869878790)
WESTERN CONFERENCE DEPTH CHARTS Utah Jazz Depth Chart PG: Mike Conley SG: Donovan Mitchell (Jordan Clarkson, Elijah Hughes) SF: Royce O'Neale (Joe Ingles, Miye Oni) PF: Bojan Bogdanovic (Georges Niang, Jarrell Brantley) C: Rudy Gobert (Derrick Favors, Doka, Morgan)


O'Neale is the 4.How is Hughes over Tucker? Brantley not signed yet. Morgan should be there

[Xiao Yao You]

Ah yes. I would like to see a Jazz versus ex Jazz game
Would be entertaining

Posted by SKMike (https://www.sbnation.com/users/SKMike) on Nov 21, 2020 | 3:12 PM (https://www.slcdunk.com/2020/11/20/21587739/nba-free-agency-open-thread-2020-utah-jazz#533775372)


They might lose

[Xiao Yao You]

Alex Kennedy: Source: Jeremy Lin wants to return to NBA and contenders are showing interest. (https://*********.com/social/) Lin spent last year in China, averaging 22.3 PPG, 5.7 RPG, 5.6 APG. Lin was recently spotted working out with Nets players (KD, Kyrie, LeVert, DJ) and Warriors players (Curry, Looney, Paschall, etc). pic.twitter.com/ZZ8nKIQbqT
– via Twitter AlexKennedyNBA (https://twitter.com/AlexKennedyNBA)


He'd make some sense. Can run pick and roll

[Xiao Yao You]

https://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/601654375518470144/CM5e69AY_normal.jpgSam Quinn (https://twitter.com/SamQuinnCBS)Sam Quinn (https://twitter.com/SamQuinnCBS) @SamQuinnCBS (https://twitter.com/SamQuinnCBS)
3 minutes ago (https://twitter.com/SamQuinnCBS/status/1330279188830560262)
Denver, Dallas, Phoenix, Portland, Utah, Houston, Golden State. If we assume the LA teams are locks, one of these seven HAS to finish out of the top eight (even though that matters less now obviously). Pretend that everyone is healthy. Who's No. 9?


Suns have a lot to prove still

[Xiao Yao You]

https://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/1256599629359206400/RF0HsT43_normal.jpgEmiliano Carchia (https://twitter.com/Sportando)Emiliano Carchia (https://twitter.com/Sportando) @Sportando (https://twitter.com/Sportando)
about 23 minutes ago (https://twitter.com/Sportando/status/1330282519300886531)
Nuggets pull qualifying offer on forward Torrey Craig sportando.basketball/en/nuggets-pul… (https://t.co/ODRuM0ax2A)


Can they get him for an exception?

[Xiao Yao You]

https://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/1053527206205501440/_V0EWvyQ_normal.jpgSarah Todd (https://twitter.com/NBASarah)Sarah Todd (https://twitter.com/NBASarah) @NBASarah (https://twitter.com/NBASarah)
about 1 hour ago (https://twitter.com/NBASarah/status/1330316666455068677)
Utah Jazz mailbag: The team’s most pressing needs and when to expect extensions for Rudy Gobert and Donovan Mitchell deseret.com/sports/2020/11… (https://t.co/DGPv5ihVYO) pic.twitter.com/8IK5aM6lye (https://t.co/8IK5aM6lye)


bit a starting 4 would sure be nice

[Xiao Yao You]

https://hoopshabit.com/2020/11/20/utah-jazz-implications-ed-davis-trade/

cost them picks! :facepalm

[Xiao Yao You]

https://hoopshabit.com/2020/11/20/utah-jazz-buy-sell-free-agents/


Now the Jazz have to make some free-agency decisions as they have three players they have the option of resigning. These players are Juwan Morgan (https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/m/morgaju01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-), Emmanuel Mudiay (https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/m/mudiaem01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-), and Jordan Clarkson (https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/c/clarkjo01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-). Let’s see if the Jazz should buy or sell on each of these players.




as far as I know Morgan has a contract. Brantley and Wright Forman don't


Morgan, a 6’8″, 230-pound power forward never really found himself at home in the NBA. He only played 21 games and averaged 1.7 points and 1.4 rebounds in just 6.4 minutes per game. He didn’t have a great many highlights for the season.




He played good I thought


It is fairly safe to assume that the Jazz are not going to pursue Morgan in free agency as they are looking to move up the standings. Morgan’s impact actually moves the needle backward. He is actually one of ten Jazz players to average less than 6.0 points for the season.




they had 6 rookies who were in the gleague! He should be in the mix for the backup pf spot not that they have a starting PF


The power forward position is one the Jazz need to address in the free agency period. They currently have Royce O’Neale starting and opposition teams tend to attack him rather than Gobert. Morgan, however, is not the answer.




the bigger problem is they don't have the vesatility to play big which I guess now they do but it means Favors spotting up in the corner and them losing the great spacing they had this past season


When Exum was traded, Mudiay took on the role as the only backup point guard and the Jazz improved as a team. Clarkson’s impact was huge but Mudiay simply ran the team better than Exum.




not saying much. Exum sucks. Mudiay is better than Clarkson too as far as I'm concerned

[Xiao Yao You]

So how can the front office approach the needs at wing depth? They can give Miye Oni more opportunities and extend Georges Niang, who continues to improve on defense. That’s what they can do and what I expect them to do.




I'm a big Niang fan but he's probably a guy that needs to be at the end of the bench and Brantley or Morgan need to play. Not sure where Oni or Tucker fit in with Clarkson back though. Gobert/Favors/O'Neale/Bojan/Ingles/Mitchell/Clarkson/Conley. That's 8 guys. Snyder played 9 last year. That leaves Niang, Morgan and Brantley for backup 4 minutes assuming Favors/O'Neale don't take all of them now and if he goes 10 deep. Brantley, Oni and Tucker fighting for what's left. What am I missing besides the starting PF that's apparently not in their playbook anymore?



I know that there’s still hope among Jazz fans that the team will use the bi-annual exception to bring in another player but I don’t think the $3.6 million BAE is going to bring in a high-quality player that would surpass what the Jazz already have, and if that’s the case, then the finances just don’t make sense.




almost anyone would surpass having no starting 4, Clarkson and Favors spotting up in the corner


Adding $3.6 million to the books would put the Jazz, who will be a tax-paying team this season, more than $5 million above the luxury tax threshold. There are levels to the luxury tax and it really starts to add up.




they could get below the tax by the trade deadline. Stupid to pay tax for a team that isn't a contender and this team is probably better than last year but not one of the best teams



The league has amended the luxury tax so that it is reduced by the same percentage as lost revenue this season but even then, it’s a hefty price for a BAE-level player and I don’t see the value in it.




There could certainly be value in it depending on who. Clarkson and Favors spotting up in the corner isn't



I’d be shocked if we heard anything before the players are back in town for training camp. That’s the kind of thing that you want to get done in person. I don’t think that there is legitimate concern that Gobert won’t sign.




Favors and the 1st round pick says otherwise


There’s almost certainly going to be some negotiation on Gobert’s contract and some hope that he’ll agree to something less than the full supermax that he’s eligible for, but the Jazz want Gobert to stay and Gobert wants to stay with the Jazz.




he'd be smart to leave. Had high hopes for the new owner but the same ol shit in Utah


The Jazz are bringing back the same roster that they had in the playoffs, plus Bojan Bogdanovic, who should be ready to go when the season begins, along with Favors who makes the defense better and rounds out the bench nicely.



not sure Bojan makes them better. Defense was their issue and Favors helps but the offense gets worse with him spotting up in the corner

On top of that, I think that Mike Conley had just settled into a nice groove right as the playoffs were starting and that the familiarity will benefit him this season. The Jazz made slight tweaks, but I think they’re better for it.



Conley was better as the 2nd option but Bojan is back. They are probably better but still nothing to get excited about

[Xiao Yao You]

Lucas Morão


@sruruca


(https://twitter.com/sruruca?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed% 7Ctwterm%5E1329993674218999809%7Ctwgr%5E&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.deseret.com%2Fsports%2F2 020%2F11%2F21%2F21588687%2Futah-jazz-mailbag-wing-defense-luxury-tax-extensions-for-rudy-gobert-and-donovan-mitchell)

(https://twitter.com/sruruca/status/1329993674218999809?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5 Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1329993674218999809%7Ctwgr% 5E&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.deseret.com%2Fsports%2F2 020%2F11%2F21%2F21588687%2Futah-jazz-mailbag-wing-defense-luxury-tax-extensions-for-rudy-gobert-and-donovan-mitchell)
Replying to @NBASarah (https://twitter.com/NBASarah/status/1329973431543054336?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5 Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1329993674218999809%7Ctwgr% 5E&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.deseret.com%2Fsports%2F2 020%2F11%2F21%2F21588687%2Futah-jazz-mailbag-wing-defense-luxury-tax-extensions-for-rudy-gobert-and-donovan-mitchell)As for the other needs to be addressed, like wing depth, how can the FO approach this?

8:42 PM · Nov 20, 2020 (https://twitter.com/sruruca/status/1329993674218999809?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5 Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1329993674218999809%7Ctwgr% 5E&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.deseret.com%2Fsports%2F2 020%2F11%2F21%2F21588687%2Futah-jazz-mailbag-wing-defense-luxury-tax-extensions-for-rudy-gobert-and-donovan-mitchell)


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See Lucas Morão’s other Tweets

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How can anyone talk about needs and not see their 6'4" starting PF or Favors spotting up in the corner?


I’ll be the first to admit that I thought the Jazz would address some wing defense through the draft or free agency, but that doesn’t mean I think they went about things in the wrong way.




Why? Brantley, Oni and Tucker play D as well as O'Neale and Ingles. They have other needs and they weren't addressed and apparently won't be


By shoring up the front court, especially defensively, the Jazz now believe that with the tools they have on the wing that they can be better.




Shored up the front court without addressing their biggest need at the 4


First of all, a late 20s draft pick is going to be a bench player this season while they develop and it’s not like the Jazz had money to go out and get a starting caliber defensive wing. But if they brought in a bench wing player, probably needing to use the full MLE to get someone worthwhile, they’d still have issues in the front court when Rudy Gobert is not on the court.




They're still going to have problems of being too small unless Favors is spotting up in the corner and that's a whole other problem!


At least this way the Jazz are guaranteed to have rim protection options available to them when they play some of the lengthier teams.




That wasn't the problem though. The problem is they played two bigs. Rudy and his backup. Everyone else is a guard of wing. It will be the same now except maybe Favors spotting up in the corner. 1980 all over yeah! :facepalm

[Xiao Yao You]

https://www.deseret.com/sports/2020/11/21/21588687/utah-jazz-mailbag-wing-defense-luxury-tax-extensions-for-rudy-gobert-and-donovan-mitchell


Sarah Todd



@NBASarah


(https://twitter.com/NBASarah?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed %7Ctwterm%5E1329974653033607169%7Ctwgr%5E&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.deseret.com%2Fsports%2F2 020%2F11%2F21%2F21588687%2Futah-jazz-mailbag-wing-defense-luxury-tax-extensions-for-rudy-gobert-and-donovan-mitchell)·
Nov 20, 2020 (https://twitter.com/NBASarah/status/1329973431543054336?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5 Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1329974653033607169%7Ctwgr% 5E&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.deseret.com%2Fsports%2F2 020%2F11%2F21%2F21588687%2Futah-jazz-mailbag-wing-defense-luxury-tax-extensions-for-rudy-gobert-and-donovan-mitchell)


(https://twitter.com/NBASarah/status/1329973431543054336?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5 Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1329974653033607169%7Ctwgr% 5E&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.deseret.com%2Fsports%2F2 020%2F11%2F21%2F21588687%2Futah-jazz-mailbag-wing-defense-luxury-tax-extensions-for-rudy-gobert-and-donovan-mitchell)
If I dare....Draft and first day of FA in the books. Send over your Utah Jazz questions. It's mailbag time! #SundayJazzMailbag (https://twitter.com/hashtag/SundayJazzMailbag?src=hashtag_click)





https://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/615241944105533440/rvCVHBYD_normal.jpg



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@Clintonite33


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The Jazz plugged holes and answered questions in free agency. What is the next most pressing need to address?

7:27 PM · Nov 20, 2020 (https://twitter.com/Clintonite33/status/1329974653033607169?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5 Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1329974653033607169%7Ctwgr% 5E&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.deseret.com%2Fsports%2F2 020%2F11%2F21%2F21588687%2Futah-jazz-mailbag-wing-defense-luxury-tax-extensions-for-rudy-gobert-and-donovan-mitchell)




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a starting PF? A new front office? Real hard to have any confidence in thinking the Jazz have fixed their problems from last year by bringing back a gunner and a problem from two years ago


The most pressing need for the Jazz is a matter of opinion and perspective. There are certainly some people that think the Jazz still need to address filling spots on the roster. But, if the Jazz are done dealing on the free-agent market, which I suspect they are, the next step is getting everybody back in Salt Lake City and getting ready for the next season, which is a multi-layered process.



3 roster spots to fill. 3 of their own guys are free agents. Their #2 pg is a Rubio wannabe on a two way and they still have no starting 4


The Jazz are banking on the value of continuity and with Clarkson and Favors coming in, I think it gives them a huge advantage over other teams that are bringing in a ton of new and different players. Part of that continuity is predicated on the belief that the development of some of the low-usage players from last season have improved over the last nine months and can step into larger roles during the regular season.




I believe some of those guys are ready. They were ready in the Denver series but instead that thought continuing to let Clarkson gun away was a better idea.

[Xiao Yao You]

https://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/1264902234703265794/lC3YnIYF_normal.jpgAdrian Wojnarowski (https://twitter.com/wojespn)
Adrian Wojnarowski (https://twitter.com/wojespn) @wojespn (https://twitter.com/wojespn)
1 minute ago (https://twitter.com/wojespn/status/1330559384070578178)
Utah Jazz All-Star guard Donovan Mitchell has agreed to a five-year, $195M designated rookie max extension, his agents Ty Sullivan and Austin Brown of @CAA Sports (https://twitter.com/caa_sports) tell ESPN. Story soon.


they better hope he's ready to carry the team if Favors is going to be his starting center

[Xiao Yao You]

https://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/992277654089826304/1JxJvFlG_normal.jpgAndy Larsen (https://twitter.com/andyblarsen)Andy Larsen (https://twitter.com/andyblarsen) @andyblarsen (https://twitter.com/andyblarsen)
4 minutes ago (https://twitter.com/andyblarsen/status/1330560498811633664)
The thing to watch on Donovan’s extension is whether or not the 5th year is a player option. That had been the only negotiating point recently.

[Xiao Yao You]

https://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/1286477383147692032/CdWDJYyh_normal.jpgBobby Marks (https://twitter.com/BobbyMarks42)Bobby Marks (https://twitter.com/BobbyMarks42) @BobbyMarks42 (https://twitter.com/BobbyMarks42)
1 minute ago (https://twitter.com/BobbyMarks42/status/1330562972662583299)
Donovan Mitchell rookie max extension Contract vs. the max he could earn 20/21 $28.1 $33.7 21/22 $30.4$36.4 22/23 $32.6 $39.1 23/24 $34.8 $41.8 24/25 $37.1 $44.5 Total $163 $195.6

[Xiao Yao You]

https://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/1256599629359206400/RF0HsT43_normal.jpgEmiliano Carchia (https://twitter.com/Sportando)Emiliano Carchia (https://twitter.com/Sportando) @Sportando (https://twitter.com/Sportando)
3 minutes ago (https://twitter.com/Sportando/status/1330562496869134339)
Donovan Mitchell to sign five-year, $163M contract extension (that could increase up to $195M) sportando.basketball/en/donovan-mit… (https://t.co/ljVNnEFfye)

[Xiao Yao You]

https://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/1311996760995303427/y5wzj9C4_normal.jpgSynergy Sports Tech (https://twitter.com/SynergySST)Synergy Sports Tech (https://twitter.com/SynergySST) @SynergySST (https://twitter.com/SynergySST)
1 minute ago (https://twitter.com/SynergySST/status/1330564520696311808)
Donovan Mitchell ranked 4th in the #NBA (https://twitter.com/search?q=%23NBA) in pick and roll scoring last season while shooting an eFG% of 64% in catch and shoot situations during the regular, but his shot-making in Utah's first round series against Denver was one of the bubble's most memorable performances: pic.twitter.com/9mrfxOiwJQ (https://t.co/9mrfxOiwJQ)


as for defense...Let's blame Bradley!

[Xiao Yao You]

https://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/1273079491636551680/Xeaept2X_normal.jpgNate Duncan (https://twitter.com/NateDuncanNBA)Nate Duncan (https://twitter.com/NateDuncanNBA) @NateDuncanNBA (https://twitter.com/NateDuncanNBA)
1 minute ago (https://twitter.com/NateDuncanNBA/status/1330565573109944320)
Can the Hawks add an extra million to their offer sheet to Bogdan Bogdanovic so he can have the same four-year, $73 million contract as Bojan Bogdanovic?


or at least make them close enough so the Jazz can trade for the other!

[Xiao Yao You]

https://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/3683769150/4402f4baa66031982d5b215d6dd1732f_normal.jpegJohn Hollinger (https://twitter.com/johnhollinger)John Hollinger (https://twitter.com/johnhollinger) @johnhollinger (https://twitter.com/johnhollinger)
3 minutes ago (https://twitter.com/johnhollinger/status/1330564929661923336)
The five-year max extension for Mitchell is interesting because it's not totally clear they win on the contract. More on valuations for extension candidates in the class of 2017 here: theathletic.com/2194510/2020/1… (https://t.co/OzpQMdKyJv)

[Xiao Yao You]

https://www.deseret.com/sports/2020/11/22/21583284/donovan-mitchell-reportedly-agrees-to-maximum-contract-extension


ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reported Sunday morning that Mitchell and the Jazz have agreed to a five-year contract extension that guarantees Mitchell will be paid $163 million and could get up to $195 million. That extra money would come if Mitchell earns All-NBA honors in the 2020-2021 season.

32 million for one all NBA? That's a supermax I take it?

Don't see it. If Rudy leaves they suck. If Rudy stays they still don't have a starting 4 or Favors spotting up in the corner and Clarkson gunning away

[Xiao Yao You]

https://www.slcdunk.com/nba-offseason/2020/11/22/21589931/donovan-mitchell-agrees-to-a-five-year-195-million-max-extension-utah-jazz


Donovan Mitchell gets the star contract he deserves

He doesn't deserve it! They have to pay it but he's yet to dominate for a full season


Mitchell (https://www.sbnation.com/nba/players/285727/donovan-mitchell) has been a star from the moment he stepped on the court in summer league years ago when he wowed crowd with his first windmill dunks.

He hasn't though. He's been a high scorer though inefficient


With this extension locked in, Utah (https://www.sbnation.com/nba/teams/utah-jazz) has the chance to build around him for the next five years and do everything they can to take advantage of his transcendent play.




How are they going to build around him with the contracts of Bojan, Favors and Clarkson?


For his career Donovan Mitchell (https://www.sbnation.com/nba/players/285727/donovan-mitchell) has averaged 22.7 points, 4.1 rebounds and 4.0 assists. Last season Mitchell (https://www.sbnation.com/nba/players/285727/donovan-mitchell) had a career year averaging 24 points, 4.4 rebounds and 4.3 assists. In the bubble playoffs Mitchell (https://www.sbnation.com/nba/players/285727/donovan-mitchell) was at an MVP level of play averaging 36 points, 5 rebounds and 4.9 assists while shooting 52% from the field and 51% from three.




MVP level loss!


The sky is the limit from here on out with Mitchell, the only question is how far can he take the Jazz (https://www.sbnation.com/nba/teams/utah-jazz). From day one he’s quieted the doubters and there’s no reason to believe he won’t continue his rise. Jazz (https://www.sbnation.com/nba/teams/utah-jazz) fans are very lucky to be along for the ride.





as far as Rudy being on the team and continuing to carry the team at both ends


How will the Jazz ever afford Jordan Clarkson?

Posted by Karl Stalone 32 (https://www.sbnation.com/users/Karl%20Stalone%2032) on Nov 22, 2020 | 10:32 AM (https://www.slcdunk.com/nba-offseason/2020/11/22/21589931/donovan-mitchell-agrees-to-a-five-year-195-million-max-extension-utah-jazz#533805660)



rich owner. Pay tax. Continue mediocrity into a 5th decade!

to kiras credit

he mentions that the jazz will be forced to let gobert walk to afford all this
and its still a possibility i guess

Posted by letter to the Corinthians (https://www.sbnation.com/users/letter%20to%20the%20Corinthians) on Nov 22, 2020 | 10:47 AM (https://www.slcdunk.com/nba-offseason/2020/11/22/21589931/donovan-mitchell-agrees-to-a-five-year-195-million-max-extension-utah-jazz#533806194)


hello lottery!

[Xiao Yao You]

https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/30365445/donovan-mitchell-agrees-5-year-195m-designated-rookie-max-extension-utah-jazz


Utah expects to have one of the best teams in the Western Conference this season, a roster that'll include the return of forward Derrick Favors (https://www.espn.com/nba/player/_/id/4257/derrick-favors) in free agency and the re-signing of guard Jordan Clarkson (https://www.espn.com/nba/player/_/id/2528426/jordan-clarkson).




I don't

[Xiao Yao You]

https://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/1316820369379127296/ANrCuQgt_normal.jpgKeith Pompey (https://twitter.com/PompeyOnSixers)Keith Pompey (https://twitter.com/PompeyOnSixers) @PompeyOnSixers (https://twitter.com/PompeyOnSixers)
4 minutes ago (https://twitter.com/PompeyOnSixers/status/1330625987944570880)
The league source confirmed the Sixers traded Zhaire Smith to Detroit for Pistons center Tony Bradley.


Not looking like playing time there. Looked like Detroit there was a chance anyway. Too bad

[Xiao Yao You]

https://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/1286477383147692032/CdWDJYyh_normal.jpgBobby Marks (https://twitter.com/BobbyMarks42)Bobby Marks (https://twitter.com/BobbyMarks42) @BobbyMarks42 (https://twitter.com/BobbyMarks42)
1 minute ago (https://twitter.com/BobbyMarks42/status/1330631136863776770)
The Jayson Tatum and Donovan Mitchell contracts ($195M) would be the largest rookie extension in league history if either player earns All-NBA. Ben Simmons $177.2M is currently no. 1

[Xiao Yao You]

https://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/1273079491636551680/Xeaept2X_normal.jpgNate Duncan (https://twitter.com/NateDuncanNBA)Nate Duncan (https://twitter.com/NateDuncanNBA) @NateDuncanNBA (https://twitter.com/NateDuncanNBA)
about 1 hour ago (https://twitter.com/NateDuncanNBA/status/1330638835940659200)
Mitchell and Tatum getting player options is bad news long-term for bad teams seeking to retain drafted players. Trend since AD (e.g. Lillard, Towns, Booker) had been away from those in Designated Rookie Extensions.


Here he comes NY! :(

[Xiao Yao You]

What led to Donovan Mitchell, Utah Jazz agreeing to maximum contract extension for All-Star guard




really? :facepalm


The designated rookie max deal has escalators that could bring Mitchell’s five-year total to $195.6 million. That extra money would come if Mitchell earns All-NBA honors in the 2020-21 season, the last year of his rookie-scale contract, in which he’ll be paid $5.2 million.




that might be a bad thing. He might play more selfishly trying to put up numbers. Can he get the ball from Clarkson though?


When Mitchell burst onto the NBA scene as a rookie in 2017 after being selected 13th overall in that year’s draft, it was clear as day that the Jazz had found the face of the franchise they had been looking for.




:roll:


As Mitchell’s growth on the court continued, he was cemented in the minds of the Jazz brass as the cornerstone of the team moving forward, and it became a foregone conclusion that the young star would end up with a max contract.



You need to leave Rudy, It's ridiculous


Though the Jazz didn’t need any more evidence that they had a superstar in Mitchell, the guard was selected to his first All-Star team in 2020, stepped deeper into his role as the vocal leader of the Jazz and dazzled during the playoffs.




superstar, cornerstone, face of franchise! :lol

[Xiao Yao You]

Knicks assistant coach Johnnie Bryant never became the magnet for Jazz superstar Donovan Mitchell, as the franchise had hoped. The 35-year-old Bryant was known as a solid player-development coach in his six years in Utah. But a chief reason why he was wooed by the Knicks away from Utah to serve on Tom Thibodeau’s staff was to be a lure for Mitchell, (https://nypost.com/2020/11/22/knicks-plan-of-luring-donovan-mitchell-doesnt-work/) sources said.
– via Marc Berman @ New York Post (https://nypost.com/2020/11/22/knicks-plan-of-luring-donovan-mitchell-doesnt-work/)

[Xiao Yao You]

https://hoopshabit.com/2020/11/21/jordan-clarkson-re-signing-utah-jazz/


What the Jordan Clarkson re-signing means to the Utah Jazz


besides the other 4 guys standing around watching Clarkson go 1 on 5?


With the re-signing of Jordan Clarkson, the Utah Jazz have bought back their core from last season, giving them a good shot at a deep playoff run.





Good shot? They still have no PF or Favors spotting up in the corner. Lack versatility, size D...


The only player that Clarkson cost the Jazz was Dante Exum. While Exum was a terrific ball-handler, he was not a good shooter. In fact, he struggled to get any consistent playing time during his time with the franchise.




several picks


Where Clarkson is an upgrade over Exum is that his shooting required a defender to respect him, so that they can’t cheat off his to help on the likes of Donovan Mitchell, Bojan Bogdanovic, Mike Conley, or Joe Ingles. This allows them to provide a more efficient offense for the Jazz.




where is he not an upgrade over Exum? Exum sucked! But so does Clarkson


Clarkson averaged the third-highest points per game on the Jazz squad last season. He was only behind Mitchell and Bogdanovic who both averaged more than 20 points per game. This was a big reason the Jazz needed to re-sign him.




Big reason they shouldn't have. Conley and Gobert need to be scoring more than him. They do it within the framework of the offense


Traditionally the Jazz have always had trouble scoring, preferring to rely on their defense so they can score more than their opposition, With Clarkson on the team, this is changing. They averaged 111.3 points per game which was good enough for 18th in the NBA last season.




Had more to do with Conley, Bojan and spacing around their bigs but hey give the guy playing 25 minutes the credit!


Last season was the most efficient shooting by the Jazz from the floor since the 2008-09 season. It was the best that they had shot from deep ever. This was made possible by the Jazz having four players average 15 points per game or more.




Was made possible by having 4 guys spacing the floor around a rim running threat


With the shortened break between seasons, it is going to be incredibly important for any team hoping to compete in the playoffs that they are able to hit the ground running. Having early chemistry could impact whether you get home court-seeding in the playoffs.




Who cares? The Jazz might tank so they don't have to face certain teams that they can't match up with because they still don't have a starting 4!

[Xiao Yao You]

https://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/1246065175158878211/vSHqy9UJ_normal.jpg
Mike Vorkunov (https://twitter.com/MikeVorkunov)Mike Vorkunov (https://twitter.com/MikeVorkunov) @MikeVorkunov (https://twitter.com/MikeVorkunov)
about 37 minutes ago (https://twitter.com/MikeVorkunov/status/1330905833807503363)
Sometimes free agency can be a MacGuffin. It’s not actually about who a team signs but about how the front office works and acts and the choices it makes. That can be much more telling about the future than just the players they did or did not sign. theathletic.com/2214718/2020/1… (https://t.co/9zuTx5oZOO)


yep. Hard to get too excited about the Jazz future with the long term deals they have :cry:

[Xiao Yao You]

Hayward and BB are similar players, play the same position, and both hit FA entering their age 30 seasons. And while peak Hayward is probably better than peak BB…that peak was 4 years and a surgery ago. They were quite similar players, with BB being slightly better, the 2 years heading into free agency. Yet somehow Hayward gets nearly twice as much much (4yrs $73.1m vs 4yrs $128m). Insane!!!

Posted by l3uddyh011y (https://www.sbnation.com/users/l3uddyh011y) on Nov 23, 2020 | 9:40 AM (https://www.slcdunk.com/2020/11/20/21587739/nba-free-agency-open-thread-2020-utah-jazz#533833172)


I assume BB is Bojan. He's no where near the player Hayward is. Better shooter. Maybe better scorer. Hayward is much better at everything else

[Xiao Yao You]

https://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/1211113570303299584/86i1lS51_normal.jpgChris Haynes (https://twitter.com/ChrisBHaynes)Chris Haynes (https://twitter.com/ChrisBHaynes) @ChrisBHaynes (https://twitter.com/ChrisBHaynes)
about 53 minutes ago (https://twitter.com/ChrisBHaynes/status/1330934642984189953)
Two serviceable point guards who are starting to pick up traction in the free agent market: Emmanuel Mudiay and Yogi Ferrell.

[Xiao Yao You]

https://twitter.com/E_Woodyard/status/1330922256307019781

those are much better than the original ones

[Xiao Yao You]

https://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/1067598861403856897/2rWHBdye_normal.jpgKy Carlin (https://twitter.com/Ky_Carlin)
Ky Carlin (https://twitter.com/Ky_Carlin) @Ky_Carlin (https://twitter.com/Ky_Carlin)
about 8 minutes ago (https://twitter.com/Ky_Carlin/status/1330958946597793799)
The Zhaire Smith-Tony Bradley trade is now official. Bradley will wear number 11 in Philadelphia. #Sixers (https://twitter.com/search?q=%23Sixers)

guess he'll play when Embiid is load managing. Not the best spot for the kid

[Xiao Yao You]

https://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/1313711895874949120/PzmsoWYe_normal.jpgBen Anderson (https://twitter.com/BensHoops)Ben Anderson (https://twitter.com/BensHoops) @BensHoops (https://twitter.com/BensHoops)
1 hour ago (https://twitter.com/BensHoops/status/1330947966836740097)
What was the better Jazz signing? Derrick Favors or Jordan Clarkson?


serious question? Favors spotting up in the corner > Clarkson anywhere

[Xiao Yao You]

https://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/1290556523391758337/YCDej2zf_normal.jpgLogan Murdock (https://twitter.com/loganmmurdock)
Logan Murdock (https://twitter.com/loganmmurdock) @loganmmurdock (https://twitter.com/loganmmurdock)
about 1 hour ago (https://twitter.com/loganmmurdock/status/1330969563819778048)
New ‘Real Ones’ pod on the @ringer (https://twitter.com/ringer) -The best and worst of free agency -Which young player (Tatum, Mitchell, Fox) would you build your team around? -Picking championship contenders -Latest on Warriors and Klay Tap in open.spotify.com/episode/4cdbqB… (https://t.co/x2Y61mIy5a)


Tatum certainly

[Xiao Yao You]

https://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/1176591648761012225/ozwHOBlo_normal.jpgBrandon Rahbar (https://twitter.com/BrandonRahbar)Brandon Rahbar (https://twitter.com/BrandonRahbar) @BrandonRahbar (https://twitter.com/BrandonRahbar)
about 1 hour ago (https://twitter.com/BrandonRahbar/status/1330969417166036994)
George Hill and Trevor Ariza are arguably better than every remaining NBA free agent. If OKC doesn’t flip Hill sometime between now and the start of the season, and Ariza by the trade deadline, both for more picks and young players, I’d be shocked.


Certainly better than Clarkson :cry:

[Xiao Yao You]

Nicolas Batum’s agent: “Six teams have contacted us and showed interest in Nico: Nets, Warriors, Jazz, Clippers, Bucks and Raptors. Nico is in the best shape of his life. He’s been working hard with coaches for two months. He lost ten kilos (roughly 22 pounds).” (https://www.basketsession.com/actu/nicolas-batum-rumeurs-nba-577051)
– via BasketSession.com - Le meilleur de la NBA : news @ BasketSession.com (https://www.basketsession.com/actu/nicolas-batum-rumeurs-nba-577051)





a vet at least. Make Rudy happy?

[Xiao Yao You]

https://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/1313711895874949120/PzmsoWYe_normal.jpgBen Anderson (https://twitter.com/BensHoops)
Ben Anderson (https://twitter.com/BensHoops) @BensHoops (https://twitter.com/BensHoops)
about 33 minutes ago (https://twitter.com/BensHoops/status/1330995162244214784)
What do you think @UtahJazz fans? pic.twitter.com/MnuagSASBR (https://t.co/MnuagSASBR)


Not a fan. Be better with the black in there

[Xiao Yao You]

https://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/1104959254920749056/rYWkM7co_normal.pngDavid Locke (https://twitter.com/Lockedonsports)
David Locke (https://twitter.com/Lockedonsports) @Lockedonsports (https://twitter.com/Lockedonsports)
about 39 minutes ago (https://twitter.com/Lockedonsports/status/1331017545545969665)
According to @ActionNetworkHQ (https://twitter.com/ActionNetworkHQ) the Jazz over under for the season is 42 wins. Before you freak out it is a 72 game season so that is the same as a 49 win over under. Now are you freaking out.


Pay tax for a 49 win team? :facepalm

[Xiao Yao You]

https://www.deseret.com/sports/2020/11/23/21591550/utah-jazz-donovan-mitchell-player-option-rudy-gobert-designated-rookie-extension-nba


On a certain level, I get why fans would be worried that Mitchell could potentially leave. But, Mitchell didn’t have to agree to this extension. If he wanted to leave he could have made that clear this week.



If he doesn't live up to the contract which right now he certainly hasn't earned they might be happy if he leaves


In March there were fans who believed a minor spat between Mitchell and Rudy Gobert was the breaking point (https://www.deseret.com/sports/2020/4/17/21224401/donovan-mitchell-rudy-gobert-rift-relationship-frustrated-coronavirus-covid19-nba) and that Mitchell was all but gone. It wasn’t and he didn’t.
In June, when Mitchell’s Juneteenth Instagram post (https://www.deseret.com/sports/2020/6/19/21296810/donovan-mitchell-juneteenth-instagram-post-jazz-fans-chris-paul) was a breeding ground for racist and hateful comments, there were many who thought that Mitchell would leave Utah. He didn’t.

He can't without risking injury and accepting one more year before becoming unrestricted. Be different next go around. Hayward tried to leave and couldn't until he could


Maybe the Jazz pushed back and maybe they went back and forth on the matter. We don’t know exactly what negotiations looked like on this deal. If they had continued to deliberate the matter maybe they wouldn’t have been able to agree by the Dec. 21 deadline and then would have had to go into negotiations with Gobert without knowing if they were going to be able to build around Mitchell.




it's Rudy's teams still as much as everyone hates it


In the end, the Jazz agreed to keep their franchise player, the cornerstone of their roster, through the 2024-25 season. That’s not bad business or a sign of weakness.




you've become the worst of the local beat writers by far!


What the player option does is literally what its name implies. Mitchell will have the option to evaluate the situation after the 2024-25 season and decide if things are good here in Utah. A hypothetical: What if Gobert breaks his leg and the Jazz aren’t in the playoffs and other players are demanding trades?



what if he just tweeks his knee and misses a month or two like he has? The Jazz were horrible during those 3 separate months over two years. No reason to think it would be and different now with their franchise cornerstone player!


Derrick Favors was gone already and wanted to come back (https://www.deseret.com/sports/2020/11/20/21580221/reports-derrick-favors-will-return-to-utah-jazz). Jordan Clarkson could have left, could have signed a shorter deal, but he wants to be here (https://www.deseret.com/sports/2020/11/23/21589968/utah-jazz-officially-sign-jordan-clarkson). For a small-market team to create an environment where players want to be is no small feat. They are also signing star players to deals that give the players some flexibility and power over their own future. Agents and players pay attention to those sorts of things.




not sure they had much choice. Anyone else offer them close to those amounts? Anyone else going to let Clarkson play like he does?

[Xiao Yao You]

Trevor: The 2019-20 Jazz beat several contenders including the Milwaukee Bucks, the Miami Heat, and the Houston Rockets. The team knows that it can compete with most contenders, but in order to truly contend, the team’s Net Rating needs improvement. Bringing back Favors and retaining Clarkson makes this a true possibility, as the Jazz can now offer 48 minutes of solid play from their big men. The Jazz were embarrassed by the Lakers every time the teams met last year, so I’m not ready to say that they will be able to compete with the Lakers. This Jazz team can compete with any other team, however. Whether the Jazz have a chance against the Lakers depends on their ability to score against the elite length of the Lakers defense. That will be a tough task, but then again it’s never easy to win the NBA championship.



Besides for the Denver series they weren't good against anyone but bad teams. They certainly can't play with the Laker which is why they tanked to play Denver. Favors just causes other issues even if they can play big against them now


David: The Lakers have had a stellar offseason and are clearly head and shoulders above all the other teams in the Western Conference. After that, however, it would not surprise to see the Jazz finish as high as #2 or #3. They have a high quality eight-man rotation complete with two All-Star/All-NBA talents. Mitchell seemed to turn a switch in the Playoffs, something that could carry over into this season. Gobert will be motivated to reclaim his Defensive Player of the Year status. Conley will come into the year comfortable and ready, while Bogdanovic’s return will be a massive positive. Add in the reunion with Favors and perhaps some solid internal improvement in the young players, Utah will be able to compete with most of the West.




the bubble isn't the same as regular NBA play. I'd say they have 3 guys that play both ends of the floor and one is the backup center or starting 4 spotting up in the corner and the other is out of position as their 6'4" PF. Ingles sort of fits into that but his game has dropped off and he needs to play a smaller role which could mean more Clarkson! I think a the young guys could help but again they will be at the end of the rotation at best. Not sure Bojan's return makes them better other than less minutes for Clarkson hopefully.



Steve: The Lakers got better and will return their two All-NBA talents. Across the hall are the Clippers, who are still a really good team. It’s hard to speak on the Rockets and the Warriors at this time, but I am confident that we’ll see the usual Portland-Denver-Utah kind of conversation as Dallas pokes around, too. Ceiling? 3rd seed, but it’s more likely, in my estimation, that the Jazz end up without home court advantage as a 5th or 6th seed next spring.




sounds like a tax well paid!


Jake: As shown in the bubble, Utah has the potential to compete with some of the top competition in the NBA. The Jazz led and at times looked dominant against the Nuggets, in a 3-1 series which inevitably they weren’t able to finish out. That same Nuggets team knocked off the Clippers who many supposed to be a serious title contender. The Jazz have enough talent, but lack star power, a deep bench and key role players. Mitchell and Gobert were absolutely fantastic in the playoffs, but the level to which they were performing wasn’t sustainable. Even last year’s champions, the Los Angeles Lakers, had some of the most effective role players in the game. I would expect the Jazz front-office to make a few more moves in the off-season if they are hoping to bring a title back to Salt Lake City.


not exactly what I saw in the bubble. I saw them tank to play one team who beat them because they went big. Jazz can go big now too with Favors spotting up in the corner! Denver beating the Clipper doesn't mean the Jazz could match up with them. Again they lack versatility and size other than Favors spotting up in the corner. What moves do you expect? Batum? Brantley go a qualifing offer so I imagine he might be back and should be. Who else for that last spot?

[Xiao Yao You]

Gobert isn’t great at creating on the offensive end, and struggles to defend more mobile big men in the league. In my opinion, Gobert’s extension should get done. The Jazz have a serious shot in the next couple of years to make a run at the title and a Western Conference Championship. For a small market team, that is something that happens every couple of years. Rarely are big time free agents interested in signing with places that have a smaller market. What is the formula for success for teams like Utah? Drafting talent and keeping them in the organization. Rudy has his flaws, but elite centers are hard to come by. Rudy Gobert deserves a contract extension from the Utah Jazz.

who exactly does he have a hard time covering? I'd say guys bigger and stronger than him are his toughest matchups. They aren't contending with this roster. Rudy would be smart to leave



One thing the Jazz didn’t do: sign a free agent wing. Tony Jones reports that they’re comfortable giving that last rotation spot to Miye Oni. Is he ready, or is there a remaining free agent you think is worth bumping Oni back to the deep bench?





1 thing they didn't do is sign a starting 4 other than Favor spotting up in the corner. Oni, Brantley, Tucker and Morgan should all be in the mix. Rather have their D than Clarkson's gunning and Bojan's one dimensional play



Kincade: This all depends on how Oni shoots the ball. Having more than one non-shooter on the court can really hurt the offense. Wing depth is something that NBA teams can’t have enough of and the Jazz should look to add one more player, especially if Oni struggles with a bigger role. The picking are pretty slim now, but taking a low risk on Jonah Bolden could pay dividends, especially with the Jazz excellent developmental program. Bolden would add some size and shooting to the power forward spot.




Especially now that Favors will be spotting up in the corner. They probably need to give up some spacing for better D. Need to find the happy medium. The D has to improve without going back to the dark days of Ricky, Crowder and Favors spotting up in the corner


Jake: Oni has a lot of potential and played well in minutes that he received in the bubble. Regardless, if the Jazz are actually looking to be contenders in the race to the NBA Finals, or even to get a shot at the Western Conference finals, Miye Oni isn’t experienced enough to compete against talented veterans coming off the bench for other teams. He needs more time to blossom into that role, rather than being thrown into it with the hopes that it might work out. With only 10 games under his belt and relatively no consequential minutes played, the Jazz should look to the remaining, slim free-agent market to fill that gap. One potential option could be Reggie Jackson. Jackson has sustained multiple injuries in recent years but could help contribute off the bench for the Jazz as an able scorer and defensive potential.




Whoever plays he is the 9th and or 10th man. Not huge minutes regardless. Reggie isn't their guy


Thatcher: I have the Lakers as a clear number one in the West. I think that the Jazz are in the next tier along with the Clippers, Nuggets, Mavericks, and Trail Blazers. Golden State, Houston, and the Suns are not far behind but have more question marks in my mind. Ultimately I think the Lakers are the favorites, but if things break right a team like the Jazz could make a Western Conference run and give the Lakers a challenge. It will be tight 1-9, with 12 teams competing for the playoffs. There will be no margin for error.




Not seeing it. They probably got better depending on how much gunning Clarkson is allowed to do and how much Favors is on the court with Gobert but they still don't have a starting 4 other than Favors. Starting backcourt is still too small. Still only 3 or 4 guys that play both ends of the floor. Snyder still coach and Lindsey still president

[Xiao Yao You]

Jake: Before the pandemic hit and basketball was put on an indefinite moratorium, Clarkson was a human blowtorch. In the month of February 2020, Clarkson averaged around 19.5 points per game while only playing around 25 minutes a night. Although he cooled off during the playoffs, Clarkson showed both his upside and downside in half a season with the Jazz. Simply put, he is a very streaky player that can score extremely efficiently. His contract was huge for future offensive production on a defensively focused team and with a defensively focused coach. Clarkson will be especially important when Donovan Mitchell and Bojan Bogdanovic are off the court, with a scoring ability that hasn’t been in Utah for a long time.




they've had other scorers. Not sure they've ever had anyone that they let do whatever he wants to the detriment of the team


The Jazz also locked up Mitchell with a max extension. Will Gobert’s extension get done?

Thatcher: Yes. Utah seems all in on this team, and with Mitchell’s extension, they have a 4-5 year window to prove they can contend. To me, this means getting to the conference finals or better. Gobert will help this team win in the next several years, and the only question is at what cost? I predict they will come in at a lower amount than the full supermax, but still higher than he could get elsewhere. With older players like Ingles, Bojan, and Conley on the roster, the Jazz are committing to winning now and trying to retool as these players may age out over the next 4-5 years and Mitchell progresses to his prime.


looks like they are preparing to low ball Rudy and go with Favors and their top pick. Good luck with that!


Kincade: The two most important items on Dennis Lindsey’s offseason checklist are keeping Mitchell and Gobert. Part one is done and part two, I would expect will be announced soon. Gobert’s extension is a bit more complicated since he is eligible for a super-max contract (35% percent of the cap). Having a contract of this size on the books makes team build extremely difficult. But there are ways to take care of Gobert by still giving him a super-max contract. The Jazz could offer him like 32% of the cap instead of full 35%.




Hard to team build paying your backup center 30 million, a gunner 52, a fading role player 10 plus, a one dimensional wing 80 and an unproven fringe all star a possible super max. Rudy is the team. Pay him what you have to. Has to be more than Mitchell and what other teams can offer

[Xiao Yao You]

How important was it for the Jazz to lock up Jordan Clarkson on a reported 4-year, $52 million contract?

Thatcher: Clarkson helped turn the Jazz into a top offense in the NBA. While he had a few moments of extreme usage in the playoffs, his offensive contributions were overall a positive for Utah. He seemed to do well in the Utah system, and he gives Utah a much-needed bench scoring punch. There weren’t many viable replacement options for Utah, and he will help Utah keep a top offense and buoy the bench units along with Favors and likely Ingles.


They would have been a top offense without him. The key was having shooters around their bigs. They had shooters besides the gunner. He didn't play in the Jazz system. He played in his system


Trevor: It’s difficult to know what other options were available to the Jazz in free agency, but given that the Jazz had Clarkson’s bird rights and could offer more to him than other teams could, the Jazz retained a player that was likely more valuable than what was available to them on the market. We know that the Jazz boasted the 3rd best offense in the league in the regular season after acquiring Clarkson, and the best offense in the league before it shut down due to COVID-19. Clarkson fit like a glove on this team, since he can score in a variety of ways while playing minutes with a bench previously starved for scoring. Retaining Clarkson alters the ceiling of the Jazz much more than the floor, and he will be key to the roster if the Utah Jazz are a surprise team in 2021.




him being key is exactly why I can't get excited about this team


David: Clarkson injected life into a moribund Jazz bench. His ability to create was exactly what the team needed. He played some of the best basketball of his career after the trade to Utah, showing improved efficiency. Clarkson added another 3-point shooter and occasionally displayed a deft passing ability. His game certainly has flaws, such as inconsistent defense and the tendency to sometimes break away from team execution offensively. All in all, though, his return is important to what Utah is trying to accomplish. Having a guy capable of putting up 20 to 30 points off the pine on any given night is a major luxury, though it does feel like the Jazz overpaid slightly.




Sometimes? More like rarely he played within the system. Slight overpay? Like 52 million too much!


Kincade: It’s a lot money for a long time, but if the Jazz didn’t resign Clarkson, they didn’t have the cap space to bring in an adequate replacement. After the Jazz traded for Clarkson, their offense went to another level and having an offseason and training camp with this coaching staff will be huge for him. By keeping Clarkson and adding Favors, the Jazz’s second team just became very potent.




The replacement is anyone that's not him

[Xiao Yao You]

https://saltcityhoops.com/staff-scrimmage-favors-is-back-clarkson-stays-rudys-raise-more/


How much will having Derrick Favors back (on a 3-year deal starting at the MLE) impact Utah’s rotation?

Thatcher Olson (https://twitter.com/thatcho): It’s huge. Favors will be playing almost exclusively a backup center role. I expect to see him playing 15-25 minutes at most, barring an injury to Gobert. It may be a slight overpay for a backup center, but the Jazz clearly identified a weakness at backup center. They know Favors, like Favors, and Favors likes Utah. This also gives them the option to match up better against big teams like the Lakers and Nuggets.


Believe it when I see it. They have no starting 4. You know he'll end up back there just like he did after they showed what spacing did with Johnson and the corpse of Diaw. Their weakness is no starting 4 and Favors spotting up in the corner doesn't answer that


Trevor Gustaveson (https://twitter.com/drawing_defense): Favors’ return to the Jazz will have a large impact on the rotation depending on how many minutes he will play. It gives them the ability in certain situations to have two bigs on the floor at the same time. They could do this previously with Tony Bradley and Juwan Morgan, but we saw that those situations were either out of necessity or experimental minutes. Now they can feature two big men on the court as a choice, rather than a last resort. It’s easy to imagine they will do this against the Los Angeles Lakers, specifically. While you might see the Jazz with similar rotations to last season, adding Favors only increases their flexibility, and an ability to dictate things defensively.




yeah but Favors spotting up in the corner!


Kincade Upstill (https://twitter.com/Kincade12): This is a pretty cool story to have arguably the most beloved Jazz player since Stockton and Malone choose to return home. Favors is a starting caliber center who will going up against opposing teams’ backup centers. This just won’t be fair. The return of the Favors/Ingles pick-and-roll will only strengthen Jazz’s second unit. The defense suffered last season without Gobert on the court and now Jazz will have a full 48 minutes of high-level center play. The question is, would the Jazz have been better to spend the money on perimeter defense, like on a wing, and go with Bradley or a cheaper backup center option.




most beloved? They needed a starting 4. Bradley was cheap and getting better. They had bigger needs which they didn't answer with anything more than Favors spotting up in the corner and number 1 option Clarkson playing 1 on 5


Steve Godfrey (https://twitter.com/stgodfrey12): Rotation? It’s an upgrade over the backup center minutes from last year; I’m particularly excited to see how he fits with Mike Conley as a pick-and-pop partner. If we are talking about chemistry, morale, locker room and media fit, fanbase spirit, embodiment of culture, the grit and grind, and all those intangibles? This is a Grand Canyon-like chasm of an upgrade. Hyperbolically speaking, I imagine this is exactly how Cleveland felt when LeBron returned; the return of Fav (hopefully in his familiar #15 Jazz jersey) just feels right.




now he's picking and popping not just spotting up in the corner! :lol

[Xiao Yao You]

https://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/1044985229797203968/smJZMMQn_normal.jpgTim MacMahon (https://twitter.com/espn_macmahon)
Tim MacMahon (https://twitter.com/espn_macmahon) @espn_macmahon (https://twitter.com/espn_macmahon)
1 minute ago (https://twitter.com/espn_macmahon/status/1331266368977702921)
Another big man headed to Houston: Former NBA center DeSagana Diop has joined Stephen Silas’ coaching staff. Diop had been a Jazz assistant coach the last four years.


and another one gone. Wouldn't have guessed he'd been around 4 years already though

[Xiao Yao You]

https://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/1286477383147692032/CdWDJYyh_normal.jpgBobby Marks (https://twitter.com/BobbyMarks42)
Bobby Marks (https://twitter.com/BobbyMarks42) @BobbyMarks42 (https://twitter.com/BobbyMarks42)
about 1 hour ago (https://twitter.com/BobbyMarks42/status/1331288753420333056)
Starting to see a trend of Two-Way contracts starting to shift to second-round picks. Out of the 30 players taken in rd. 2, only CJ Elleby (pick 46 to POR) has signed a standard contract (2 years fully guaranteed).


no summer league may play a part

[Xiao Yao You]

https://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/992277654089826304/1JxJvFlG_normal.jpgAndy Larsen (https://twitter.com/andyblarsen)Andy Larsen (https://twitter.com/andyblarsen) @andyblarsen (https://twitter.com/andyblarsen)
now (https://twitter.com/andyblarsen/status/1331313179687755776)
Jazz announce their intentions to have 1,500 fans in the lower bowl only of Jazz games at Vivint Arena this season. “The Jazz believe this is a responsible way to start the season from a public health and safety standpoint," Jazz President Jim Olson said.

[Xiao Yao You]

https://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/1130973925033349120/mBCD8mXS_normal.pngMichael Scotto (https://twitter.com/MikeAScotto)Michael Scotto (https://twitter.com/MikeAScotto) @MikeAScotto (https://twitter.com/MikeAScotto)
about 32 minutes ago (https://twitter.com/MikeAScotto/status/1331346051467522048)
Donovan Mitchell’s five-year max extension with the Utah Jazz includes a 15 percent trade kicker, @Jorge Sierra (https://twitter.com/*********) has learned.

[Xiao Yao You]

https://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/1313711895874949120/PzmsoWYe_normal.jpgB
en Anderson (https://twitter.com/BensHoops)Ben Anderson (https://twitter.com/BensHoops) @BensHoops (https://twitter.com/BensHoops)
about 14 minutes ago (https://twitter.com/BensHoops/status/1331358890881994752)
There's a good argument the Jazz have the third and fourth best players in franchise history on the roster entering their prime today. One of them is locked up for the next 5 years. If I were a fan, I'd be dancing in the street rather than tripping over contract stipulations.


They have one of their top 3 players ever. Mitchell isn't in the conversation yet. Lots to prove

[Xiao Yao You]

https://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/1122033235838455808/Ejf0gs45_normal.jpgTony Jones (https://twitter.com/Tjonesonthenba)
Tony Jones (https://twitter.com/Tjonesonthenba) @Tjonesonthenba (https://twitter.com/Tjonesonthenba)
about 23 minutes ago (https://twitter.com/Tjonesonthenba/status/1331361233769926656)
Jarrell Brantley has signed a two way deal to return to the Utah Jazz, according to sources


Pretty lame! All Gleague first team doesn't get you a promotion? What else does he have to prove down there?

[Xiao Yao You]

Their new 2nd rounder gets a regular contract? Don't get that at all!

[Xiao Yao You]

Rudy/Favors/Udoka/Gill
O'Neale/Niang/Morgan/Brantley
Bojan/Ingles/Oni
Mitchell/Clarkson/Tucker/Hughes/Toolson
Conley/William Goss/Forrest

Mudiay, Wright Forman

Batum

Not sure how you sell Brantley on another 2 way after all gleague. I assume maybe they offered him a non guaranteed deal to fight it out with the others or the two way? He can spend more time with the Jazz because of the Trump virus but he should be in the mix for the rotation not leading the Stars again. I assume Hughes gets a regular contract or non guaranteed or stash? How do they figure.? I'd have to tell them to go **** themselves and head to China! So I assume that officially ends Wright Forman's stint? I assume he could get a camp spot on a non guarantee. He had 6th man potential. Rather have him than Clarkson. Mudiay too. 1 camp spot left. 10 guaranteed 4 non guarantees and one partial should make for a competitive camp anyway

[Xiao Yao You]

https://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/992277654089826304/1JxJvFlG_normal.jpgAndy Larsen (https://twitter.com/andyblarsen)
Andy Larsen (https://twitter.com/andyblarsen) @andyblarsen (https://twitter.com/andyblarsen)
4 minutes ago (https://twitter.com/andyblarsen/status/1331373888706551809)
Elijah Hughes has been signed as a roster player for the Jazz. In other words, he's not on a two-way contract.


That's ****ed up especially if it's guaranteed. Why is he favored over Brantley, Tucker, Oni, Morgan and Niang? Seemed like they had the position covered. He was drafted a bit higher in the 2nd round? Hard to wrap my head around this! :facepalm

[Xiao Yao You]

https://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/1289301442923302912/m-LgJklO_normal.jpgEric Woodyard (https://twitter.com/E_Woodyard)Eric Woodyard (https://twitter.com/E_Woodyard) @E_Woodyard (https://twitter.com/E_Woodyard)
about 19 minutes ago (https://twitter.com/E_Woodyard/status/1331370332427575297)
All-Star Rudy Gobert to ESPN on Utah Jazz allowing limited fans in arena: “I think that if they make it happen they probably have the scientific evidence that it would be safe for us and for the fans in attendance.” Gobert was the 1st NBA player to test positive for COVID-19.

[Xiao Yao You]

The Utah Jazz announced today that the team has signed center Udoka Azubuike and forward Elijah Hughes (https://www.nba.com/jazz/news/jazz-sign-azubuike-and-hughes).
– via NBA.com (https://www.nba.com/jazz/news/jazz-sign-azubuike-and-hughes)

[Xiao Yao You]

https://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/3683769150/4402f4baa66031982d5b215d6dd1732f_normal.jpegJohn Hollinger (https://twitter.com/johnhollinger)
John Hollinger (https://twitter.com/johnhollinger) @johnhollinger (https://twitter.com/johnhollinger)
4 minutes ago (https://twitter.com/johnhollinger/status/1331426348334780418)
This caps great offseason for Hawks, but as I note in here, could there be another move? Sure seems like moving Collins for a pure 3 would help. theathletic.com/2218830/2020/1… (https://t.co/cihHNSRyPT)


Two Bojan's?

[Xiao Yao You]

http://www.espn.com/nba/tradeMachine?tradeId=y3pjdkmz


more tax!

[Xiao Yao You]

https://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/1122033235838455808/Ejf0gs45_normal.jpgTony Jones (https://twitter.com/Tjonesonthenba)Tony Jones (https://twitter.com/Tjonesonthenba) @Tjonesonthenba (https://twitter.com/Tjonesonthenba)
about 2 hours ago (https://twitter.com/Tjonesonthenba/status/1331531327733071873)
Calling my very extremely too early shot for my favorite realistic Utah Jazz 2021 NBA Draft target: Chris Smith from UCLA. Senior, 6-9, long and athletic, can play three positions. Also could last into the 20's because of how deep the draft is. Still improving even as a Sr.


Jaz may be in the lottery if Rudy misses time again or is traded. Way too early

[Xiao Yao You]

Tim Bontemps: What happens with Rudy Gobert in Utah. It has been a good offseason for the Jazz, between reaching a deal with Jordan Clarkson, bringing back old friend Derrick Favors and securing Donovan Mitchell with a max contract extension. But with Gobert one year from unrestricted free agency, the final piece of Utah’s offseason will be trying to get Gobert signed to a contract extension to keep him with the franchise long-term. If they can’t reach an agreement, Gobert will become an intriguing trade target (https://www.espn.com/nba/insider/story/_/id/30363616/nba-free-agency-top-trade-targets-surprising-teams-bold-predictions).
– via NBA Insiders @ ESPN (https://www.espn.com/nba/insider/story/_/id/30363616/nba-free-agency-top-trade-targets-surprising-teams-bold-predictions)


and the Jazz one of the worst teams in the league as they were in December 6 years ago when he first emerged as the man

[Xiao Yao You]

https://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/1119370563334615040/k-gn7hHT_normal.pngNoah Levick (https://twitter.com/NoahLevick)
Noah Levick (https://twitter.com/NoahLevick) @NoahLevick (https://twitter.com/NoahLevick)
about 43 minutes ago (https://twitter.com/NoahLevick/status/1331630389530595329)
New Sixers big man Tony Bradley said he's been working on his jumper and does aspire to be a stretch 5. He also wants to be someone who can grab a rebound and push the ball up the floor.


He can already shoot it. Just needs someone to let him do it

[Xiao Yao You]

https://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/1133948562319036416/fa-Gd3V5_normal.pngOmari Sanfoka II (https://twitter.com/omarisankofa)Omari Sanfoka II (https://twitter.com/omarisankofa) @omarisankofa (https://twitter.com/omarisankofa)
4 minutes ago (https://twitter.com/omarisankofa/status/1331648672178835461)
Asked Troy Weaver what he saw in Stewart, and why the Pistons targeted a big with the 16th pick: "The game starts when the shot goes up. The teams that can rebound the ball are usually the better team. We saw the Lakers win the championship, they had tremendous size."


and the Jazz have no starting 4 except Favors spotting up in the corner

[Xiao Yao You]

https://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/1292180051631288320/7FHdu98S_normal.jpgEric Walden (https://twitter.com/tribjazz)Eric Walden (https://twitter.com/tribjazz) @tribjazz (https://twitter.com/tribjazz)
about 5 minutes ago (https://twitter.com/tribjazz/status/1331648233790078980)
Jazz have officially announced the signing of Derrick Favors: “We jumped at the chance to bring him back. His toughness, physicality and selflessness are key reasons he’s had such success in this league,” said EVP Dennis Lindsey.


the main reason like the rest of the organization is Rudy though

[Xiao Yao You]

https://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/1264355802103590915/ExpOQGL0_normal.jpgSam Amico (https://twitter.com/AmicoHoops)Sam Amico (https://twitter.com/AmicoHoops) @AmicoHoops (https://twitter.com/AmicoHoops)
about 12 minutes ago (https://twitter.com/AmicoHoops/status/1331665246906441728)
NBA postpones All-Star Weekend in Indianapolis to 2024. Cavs still on as host for 2022, Jazz for 2023. outkick.com/nba-postpones-… (https://t.co/pxGE6MZT6N)

[Xiao Yao You]

https://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/1122033235838455808/Ejf0gs45_normal.jpgTony Jones (https://twitter.com/Tjonesonthenba)Tony Jones (https://twitter.com/Tjonesonthenba) @Tjonesonthenba (https://twitter.com/Tjonesonthenba)
about 44 minutes ago (https://twitter.com/Tjonesonthenba/status/1331658300597755906)
The Utah Jazz are essentially finished with their roster. So, how good is this team? Without making predictions, I try to examine, here - theathletic.com/2220926/2020/1… (https://t.co/FYlhVc6Kdw)


still a bit of work to do. Batum could certainly make a difference not that it really matters with Clarkson and no pf other than Favors spotting up in the corner

[Xiao Yao You]

https://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/1313711895874949120/PzmsoWYe_normal.jpgBen Anderson (https://twitter.com/BensHoops)Ben Anderson (https://twitter.com/BensHoops) @BensHoops (https://twitter.com/BensHoops)
about 13 minutes ago (https://twitter.com/BensHoops/status/1331687841642889220)
Derrick Favors on what role he expects to have with the @UtahJazz. "I already knew my role once I signed back. I already knew what it was, I'm probably going to come off the bench. I won't play 30 minutes, probably play maybe 24-25 minutes." @KSLSports


Favors spotting up in the corner

[Xiao Yao You]

https://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/1149371413645709314/MjrcmZxG_normal.jpgJordan Schultz (https://twitter.com/Schultz_Report)Jordan Schultz (https://twitter.com/Schultz_Report) @Schultz_Report (https://twitter.com/Schultz_Report)
about 15 minutes ago (https://twitter.com/Schultz_Report/status/1331687576244195330)
The G League season has been a huge question mark, but some good news here for prospective players and coaches: I’m told the NBA continues to make a strong push for it. A #GLeague (https://twitter.com/search?q=%23GLeague) spokesperson told me they’re “committed to playing a 2020-21 season.”

[Xiao Yao You]

https://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/1292180051631288320/7FHdu98S_normal.jpgEric Walden (https://twitter.com/tribjazz)
Eric Walden (https://twitter.com/tribjazz) @tribjazz (https://twitter.com/tribjazz)
about 30 minutes ago (https://twitter.com/tribjazz/status/1331685832500015104)
Fav said Quin Snyder was one of the biggest reasons he wanted to come back: “I wanted to play for coach Quin. He’s my favorite coach in the world. ... He’s a smart guy, smart coach, he puts everyone in position to succeed.”


Favors spotting up for 3!

[Xiao Yao You]

https://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/1313711895874949120/PzmsoWYe_normal.jpgBen Anderson (https://twitter.com/BensHoops)Ben Anderson (https://twitter.com/BensHoops) @BensHoops (https://twitter.com/BensHoops)
about 43 minutes ago (https://twitter.com/BensHoops/status/1331683239199555584)
Derrick Favors on his contract with the Jazz. "I have a three year deal plan I plan that out and you know we'll see what happens." Maybe Jazz fans don't need to worry about the third year being a player option. @KSLSports


I worry will still have Favors spotting up in the corner

[Xiao Yao You]

Eric Walden: Fav said he’s hoping to wear No. 15 again, but if it’s unavailable he’ll go with 22, because that’s his son’s birthday (https://*********.com/social/).
– via Twitter tribjazz (https://twitter.com/tribjazz)





does this mean Mudiay is still in their plans?

[Xiao Yao You]

https://www.yahoo.com/sports/nba-free-agency-best-and-worst-values-gordon-haywards-scary-120-million-contract-201834283.html


3. Derrick Favors (https://sports.yahoo.com/nba/players/4718/) | Utah Jazz (https://sports.yahoo.com/nba/teams/utah/) | 3 years, $30 million (https://www.yahoo.com/sports/2020-nba-free-agency-live-blog-latest-news-and-analysis-032158298.html)This one may be too heavily influenced by seeing Favors struggle to keep up while playing in the bubble. If he can get back to the solid player he was with the Jazz for many years, this contract is fine. Utah certainly needed a quality big to play with and behind Rudy Gobert and Favors has plenty of experience doing that. The worry is that Favors looked like he was cooked during the restart. If that holds true, the Jazz added some long-term money that they really don’t need to have on the books.


Not everyone is on board with Favors spotting up in the corner which is the real issue here not the bubble

[Xiao Yao You]

https://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/1053527206205501440/_V0EWvyQ_normal.jpg
Sarah Todd (https://twitter.com/NBASarah)Sarah Todd (https://twitter.com/NBASarah) @NBASarah (https://twitter.com/NBASarah)
about 12 minutes ago (https://twitter.com/NBASarah/status/1331717388786491399)
People all up in my email telling me that Mitchell fleeced the Jazz. https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/13.0.0/svg/1f602.svghttps://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/13.0.0/svg/1f602.svghttps://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/13.0.0/svg/1f602.svg. you guys realize that Donovan was not the one negotiating right? I wish so badly that you could get into a room and negotiate an NBA deal. Spoiler alert* you wouldn't get a deal.


We'll see. He's certainly not worth that deal at the moment but he might be one day?

[Xiao Yao You]

https://hoopshabit.com/2020/11/24/utah-jazz-derrick-favors/


After nine seasons where Derrick Favors (https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/f/favorde01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-) played his heart and soul out for the Utah Jazz (https://hoopshabit.com/western-conference/utah-jazz/), they traded him for two second-round picks. The world did not seem to be spinning on its right axis after that. Favors was the power forward for the Jazz, next to Rudy Gobert, and that is how things should be.




as long as winning big isn't your goal I guess


Well, like a true professional, Favors played for the Pelicans, moving over to the center slot for the first time in his career. As a result, he averaged a career-high 9.8 rebounds per game and showed that he is still a presence in the league.




He was the center when Rudy emerged and was when Rudy didn't play


The Jazz were 13th in the league in rebounding with 44.9 per game and while this is ok, they were 26th in offensive rebounds with 9.1 per game. For a team who take the outside shots the Jazz do, they need to be top-10 in this category.




Bradley was the best in the league so I doubt this gets better

[Xiao Yao You]

Glenn Robinson III, one of the top wings remaining on the market, has drawn interest from the Los Angeles Lakers, Los Angeles Clippers, Houston Rockets, Brooklyn Nets, and Utah Jazz, (https://*********.com/2020/11/25/sources-glenn-robinson-iii-lakers-clippers-rockets-nets-jazz/) league sources told *********.
– via Michael Scotto @ ********* (https://*********.com/2020/11/25/sources-glenn-robinson-iii-lakers-clippers-rockets-nets-jazz/)


sounds like they're still looking

[Xiao Yao You]

Rudy/Favors/Udoka/Gill
O'Neale/Niang/Morgan/Brantley
Bojan/Ingles/Oni
Mitchell/Clarkson/Tucker/Hughes/Toolson
Conley/William Goss/Forrest

Mudiay, Wright Forman

Batum, Robinson III

[Xiao Yao You]

Robinson showed some 6th man ability last year maybe 3 and D? Too bad they have Clarkson! :cry:

[Xiao Yao You]

https://www.slcdunk.com/latest-utah-jazz-news-recent/2020/11/26/21721311/utah-jazz-news-and-notes-rudy-gobert-jarrell-brantley-elijah-hughes-nba-offseason


With the shortened season he’ll also likely get more chances to play. With there being more back to backs and even some possible scenarios with four games in five nights, the Jazz (https://www.sbnation.com/nba/teams/utah-jazz) will likely need him more than last season.





probably needed him more last year actually


The Jazz (https://www.sbnation.com/nba/teams/utah-jazz) also signed 6’4” 210 pound guard Trent Forrest (https://www.sbnation.com/college-basketball/players/298669/trent-forrest). In 4 seasons at Florida State (https://www.sbnation.com/college-basketball/teams/florida-st-seminoles) Forrest (https://www.sbnation.com/college-basketball/players/298669/trent-forrest) averaged 8.3 points, 4.1 rebounds and 3.3 assists. His percentages aren’t anything to write home about but he does have good size and athleticism. Probably the most interesting thing about him at Florida State (https://www.sbnation.com/college-basketball/teams/florida-st-seminoles) was his 1.9 steals per game. There’s some definite upside there on the defensive end. If he can figure out his shooting could he become a future defensive wing for the Jazz (https://www.sbnation.com/nba/teams/utah-jazz)?




or maybe a pg since that's what he plays?


Being a first round pick it was easy to predict a contract signing for Azubuike (https://www.sbnation.com/nba/players/346795/udoka-azubuike), but for Hughes (https://www.sbnation.com/nba/players/346796/elijah-hughes) it was a little unclear what kind of contract he would get. Apparently it will be two years guaranteed.




I really don't get it. Last years guys got some guaranteed money. Only Tucker got anything guaranteed this year and that's cause other teams wanted him. Is this guy better than Oni, Tucker, Brantley and Wright Forman? Seems disrespectful to them especially Brantley but all showed something last year at the NBA level :coleman:


It’s a sign that the Jazz (https://www.sbnation.com/nba/teams/utah-jazz) really like Hughes. The Jazz (https://www.sbnation.com/nba/teams/utah-jazz) have done this in the past with surprise contracts like this and it has worked out well with players like Royce O’Neale (https://www.sbnation.com/nba/players/291441/royce-o-neale). Will Elijah Hughes (https://www.sbnation.com/nba/players/346796/elijah-hughes) be the next Jazz (https://www.sbnation.com/nba/teams/utah-jazz) success story? It seems likely when you look at that beautiful jumpshot.




the 34 % says otherwise

As far as Azubuike (https://www.sbnation.com/nba/players/346795/udoka-azubuike) this is expected. Azubuike (https://www.sbnation.com/nba/players/346795/udoka-azubuike) will likely get some nice minutes this season with the shortened schedule and will hopefully step in and provide the rim-rolling and rim protection right away.



hoping for that means Favors or Gobert aren't playing unless you're talking the Stars where him and Hughes will get to carry Gleague 1st teamer Brantley's bags


We likely won’t see something in the next day or so with Thanksgiving but if days and days start going by this may become a bigger story.




have more than 3 weeks. Settle down :roll:

[Xiao Yao You]

Rudy/Favors/Udoka/Gill
O'Neale/Niang/Morgan/Brantley
Bojan/Ingles/Oni
Mitchell/Clarkson/Hughes/Tucker/Toolson
Conley/William Goss/Forrest

Mudiay, Wright Forman

Batum, Robinson III

So 10 guaranteed deals, 2 two ways, 4 non guaranteed, 1 partial, 2 exhibit 10's, 2 free agents and two players the Jazz are rumored to have interest in. Need more vets. They obviously don't think as much of Oni, Tucker and Morgan as has been reported. Might as well get some vets. Have enough young guys that won't play already.

[Xiao Yao You]

https://kslsports.com/446986/jazz-fans-can-be-thankful-for-these-five-things/


When the Jazz drafted Mitchell in 2017, they weren’t expecting to be getting a max-level player who would one day sign an enormous contraction extension that would keep the franchise competitive for the next half-decade.




Competitive assuming the franchise player is also signed


If I told you newly drafted Elijah Hughes would be worth a max-level deal in three seasons while averaging better than 20 points per game for his career, you wouldn’t ask me what contract stipulations existed in the negotiation. You’d just be thrilled the Jazz hit a homerun on another late draft pick.




Just hoping he's worth the roster spot he's taking the next two seasons possibly over guys that have already shown something at the NBA and Gleague level


Jazz fans, you have a very rare star in Mitchell, be thankful for him.




There's a lot of guys scoring a lot of points on a lot of shots and not playing much D. He's got a lot to prove yet


In 2017, the Jazz lost Gordon Hayward, one of the best players the franchise had seen since Karl Malone and John Stockton left the state in 2003. Instead of going in the tank, the Jazz made three consecutive playoff runs in Hayward’s absence under Gail Miller’s watchful eye.




because the best player they've ever had besides Stockton and Malone is still here! Thanks ownership?


Yes, drafting Mitchell helped, and luck came with that. But the Jazz identified Mitchell as a target early in the draft process because the Miller family allowed their work ethic to blend seamlessly with Dennis Lindsey and Justin Zanik’s concept on team building.






It sounds like mostly they identified him because he was out of their draft range yet wanted to workout for them anyway. Guys that want to be in Utah they like rather they should or not


Smith has big shoes to fill, but his willingness to spend more than $250 million extending Mitchell, and re-signing both Jordan Clarkson and Derrick Favors within the first three days of his first free agency is extremely promising.




Paying tax for the team they have especially Clarkson and Favors spotting up in the corner is scary! Last time they paid tax it was similarly spent stupidly

[Xiao Yao You]

https://www.deseret.com/sports/2020/11/26/21717653/sizing-up-every-team-in-the-nba-utah-jazz-western-conference-eastern-conference-free-agency-draft


The Utah Jazz spent the last week working to beef up on the defensive side while retaining the firepower they gained last season.




and still not having a starting 4 unless it's Favors spotting up from 3. That will make the offense worse certainly.


The hope is that by running the team back from last season, while increasing the interior defense and depth of the bench, the Jazz will be positioned to be better than they were for the 2020-21 campaign, which kicks off in less than a month.




What are they better positioned for? A first round matchup assuming it's a team they matchup well against because they didn't answer their biggest issues: starting 4, size, versatility, D, depth...


The biggest question for the Nuggets this season will be whether or not they’ll have a competent defense after losing a significant portion of the length and depth on that end of the floor that served them very well in last season’s playoffs.




Didn't have a competent D last year yet still beat the Jazz because of their size which the Jazz addressed with Favors spotting up in the corner!


They lost Seth Curry, Delon Wright and Justin Jackson, but the Mavs drafted basically all the players that Jazz fans were coveting. Rookies Josh Green, Tyrell Terry and Tyler Bey will join Josh Richardson, James Johnson and Wes Iwundu as the newest members of a Mavs team that was already rising through the Western Conference ranks.




Jazz fans were wrong about the 1st pick as were you. Not sure what to make of the 2nd pick though


Will Zion Williamson become the star he was promised under the tutelage of Stan Van Gundy? New Orleans is certainly hoping so.




He's already a star. Can he stay n the floor?


Not a lot of moves, but you know the saying: if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.




The Jazz are broke and they didn't fix it

[Xiao Yao You]

https://sircharlesincharge.com/2020/11/25/utah-jazz-improved-familiar-faces-offseason/


For non-Jazz fans, these signings aren’t exactly juicy – some might even say boring. But these moves are huge for a Jazz team that now looks like they could push for a top-3 seed in the West.




could also push for the lottery. All they have to do is pay tax and let Clarkson gun and Favors spot up in the corner!


Jordan Clarkson brings the ability to have a second scorer on the floor and is someone that doesn’t need the ball to be effective. By trading Dante Exum for Clarkson, the Jazz offense immediately went from a clunky struggle-fest (106 offensive rating) to a high-powered juggernaut that could blow teams off the floor (117 offensive rating).




The problem is if he's on the floor with Mitchell, Conley, Bojan and Rudy and still thinks he's the number 1 option which he certainly does! Mudiay, Bradley and Niang were part of the improved bench but let's keep saying it was one guy!


Keeping Clarkson to play alongside Donovan Mitchell, Mike Conley and Bojan Bogdonovic guarantee that the Jazz will have high-level scoring on the floor at all times.




Which as we saw in the bubble without Bojan wasn't their problem


The Jazz will have to use Gobert and Favors together again if they want to combat big teams like the Lakers and Nuggets, which gives me some pause because the offense sputtered with those two before. However, if you consider Utah now has two of the best catch and shoot 3-point shooters (Conley and Bogdanovic) on the team plus an improved Donovan Mitchell, there’s reason to believe that lineup could be great on both ends of the floor.




the offense won't be great with Favors spotting up in the corner


The Utah Jazz by no means made the splashiest moves this offseason, but they didn’t need to. By re-signing Jordan Clarkson and getting back Derrick Favors, it’s clear the Jazz front office believes they’re close to a championship run.





then clearly they need a new front office!


The Jazz roster is very deep and very flexible, able to maneuver tactics against other Western Conference contenders. Whether or not they can push the Lakers for the title will depend more on the continued growth of Donovan Mitchell and Mike Conley within Quin Snyder’s system. The Jazz were successful this offseason simply by not getting worse – but if you look closer, the Jazz actually got much better.




Deep and flexible yet no starting 4 outside of Favors spotting up in the corner, only 3 or 4 guys that play D, small backcourt. Much better? They are arguably better but the offense certainly got worse and they didn't really address their issues form last year other than Favors spotting up in the corner!

[Xiao Yao You]

https://sircharlesincharge.com/2020/11/25/nba-one-thing-every-team-thankful-thanksgiving/15/


The Utah Jazz might be heading into an awkward situation with Rudy Gobert next offseason but the good news is that they have Donovan Mitchell locked in for the foreseeable future with the team. Mitchell has emerged as the team’s best player and was explosive during the NBA’s restart.




When he can carry the team without Rudy I'll believe he's their best player. I'll take the guy that has carried them at both ends of the floor for nearly 6 years until he does though


Now that he’s locked in, the Jazz will have some insurance if Gobert elects to leave during free agency next offseason.




have fun with the tank!

[Xiao Yao You]

David Locke: Donovan Mitchell says he will be working with new Jazz coach Keyon Dooling. (https://*********.com/social/) He shares they have been connected since his rookie year.
– via Twitter Lockedonsports (https://twitter.com/Lockedonsports)





now we know why Dooling got hired

[Xiao Yao You]

Kelsey Russo: #Cavs announce they have acquired Rayjon Tucker and a 2027 second-round draft pick from the Jazz in exchange for cash considerations (https://*********.com/social/).
– via Twitter kelseyyrusso (https://twitter.com/kelseyyrusso)


The guaranteed money for the 2nd rounder is getting less hard to understand by the minute. Give up yet another pick for one the handful of guys on the team that played D. He looked like an end of the defensive energy guy at worst and a 3 and D 6th man type possibly.

[Xiao Yao You]

Rudy/Favors/Udoka/Gill
O'Neale/Niang/Morgan/Brantley
Bojan/Ingles/Oni
Mitchell/Clarkson/Hughes/Toolson
Conley/William Goss/Forrest

Mudiay, Wright Forman

Batum, Robinson III

So 10 guaranteed deals, 2 two ways, 4 non guaranteed, 2 exhibit 10's, 2 free agents and two players the Jazz are rumored to have interest in. Need more vets. They obviously don't think as much of Oni and Morgan as has been reported. Might as well get some vets. Have enough young guys that won't play already.

[Xiao Yao You]

Marc Stein: One option for the forthcoming NBA G League season that has gained some traction, sources say, is a bubble concept in the Atlanta area that would cost NBA teams an entry fee in the $500,000 range. Not all 28 G League teams, under that proposal, would be expected to participate (https://*********.com/social/).
– via Twitter TheSteinLine (https://twitter.com/TheSteinLine)





Maybe this explains the Hughes guarantee?

[Xiao Yao You]

Bobby Marks: Rayjon Tucker has $340K guaranteed (out of $1.5M) with the balance fully protected if he is not waived by Nov. 29. The Jazz open up a roster spot (now with 14) and save toward the tax. Good value with Cleveland on the 2027 second. Equal to paying $340K for a second (https://*********.com/social/).
– via Twitter BobbyMarks42 (https://twitter.com/BobbyMarks42)


They only have 10 guaranteed. It opens up a camp space if they plan on carrying 20 which all teams aren't apparently. What happened with Niang's guarantee? Oni and Morgan?

[Xiao Yao You]

https://kslsports.com/447112/utah-jazz-trade-rayjon-tucker-to-cleveland-cavaliers/


Meanwhile, Georges Niang, Nigel Williams-Goss, Miye Oni, and Juwan Morgan are expected to return to the team this season.


By return you mean camp or the final roster? When are they guaranteed? Niang should have been before the draft. The others maybe not until the NBA guarantee date a couple months into the season? William Goss is making more sense with only Conley and the two way guy at point besides Mitchell and Ingles


That would leave the Jazz with one open roster spot before players begin reporting for individual workouts in the next week. The Jazz have traditionally held one roster space open ahead of training camp to sign another team’s waived player.


no they haven't! Sometimes they do. This is probably the most flexibility they've ever had at this point. Only 10 guaranteed right now by my count plus the two 2 ways. Could add 5 guys if they wanted. More vets would be nice. Looks like they're after at least one

[Xiao Yao You]

https://www.deseret.com/sports/2020/11/27/21718628/donovan-mitchell-contract-extension-max-deal-utah-jazz-nba-denver-nuggets-bubble-jamal-murrray


Donovan Mitchell earned a max extension, yes, but first-round loss to Nuggets still eating away at him






He hasn't earned it! Most players don't earn their rookie max extension. They are given it based on the hope that they will become that player. He isn't that player yet


The depth of the team is one thing, and Mitchell thinks that having Bojan Bogdanovic healthy, along with a bench highlighted by Joe Ingles, Jordan Clarkson (https://www.deseret.com/sports/2020/11/20/21583339/jordan-clarkson-derrick-favors-utah-jazz-nba-free-agency-free-agent-dennis-lindsey-justin-zanik), Derrick Favors (https://www.deseret.com/sports/2020/11/25/21718627/derrick-favors-utah-jazz-nba-trade-free-agency-new-orleans-pelicans-return-feels-like-home) and promising rookies (https://www.deseret.com/sports/2020/11/19/21574179/utah-jazz-nba-draft-udoka-azubuike-elijah-hughes-justin-kansas-jayhawks-syracuse-orange) will give the Jazz more of a fighting chance.




depth? Bojan, Favors spotting up in the corner and rookies aren't the difference sorry to say


“We kind of tend to fluctuate,” he said. “You look at the 3-1 lead as an example, we got up, things changed and we stopped. All of us, you know, we stopped doing little things that got us to that point.”




Was more Denver going big and the Jazz having no way to answer. Still don't other than Favors spotting up in the corner


“We have to continue to be as perfect as we can be for all 72 games, the first round, second round, conference finals, championship.”




Speak for yourself! You've yet to start out a season like you play 2 or 3 months into it.

[Xiao Yao You]

https://www.deseret.com/2020/11/27/21723005/utah-jazz-trading-rayjon-tucker-draft-pick-to-cleveland-cavaliers-for-cash


The move is a rather minor one, as Tucker played in just 20 regular-season games in his lone campaign in Utah after getting signed at Christmas last year following strong play for the Wisconsin Herd in the NBA G-League.




Hardly minor if you ask me. He looked like he should be in the mix for minutes to me. Certainly rather have him than Clarkson if not Ingles and Bojan at this stage

[Xiao Yao You]

https://twitter.com/ShamsCharania/status/1332434061093179395/photo/1

2 with the Suns and 1 with the Clippers

[Xiao Yao You]

https://www.nba.com/jazz/roster/grid

Official Jazz site has Mudiay and Wright Forman as part of the roster which I guess until they are renounced or sign elsewhere they are still Jazzmen.

[Xiao Yao You]

The assets they gave up won’t help them win anytime soon. Most importantly, if they get under the luxury tax this year they have more flexibility to cross it next year. The repeater penalty for being over the tax multiple years is something most teams try to avoid

Posted by oregonjazzfan (https://www.sbnation.com/users/oregonjazzfan) on Nov 27, 2020 | 8:10 PM (https://www.slcdunk.com/latest-utah-jazz-news-recent/2020/11/27/21723379/utah-jazz-trade-rayjon-tucker-and-a-2nd-to-the-cleveland-cavliers-for-cash#533945544)


Disagree. I certainly think some of the rookies could have helped to beat Denver


Still have one more to waive or Trade to get under the Tax line



Posted by AdMan59 (https://www.sbnation.com/users/AdMan59) on Nov 27, 2020 | 8:15 PM (https://www.slcdunk.com/latest-utah-jazz-news-recent/2020/11/27/21723379/utah-jazz-trade-rayjon-tucker-and-a-2nd-to-the-cleveland-cavliers-for-cash#533945635)


and who would that be? Everyone else but the two rookies are in the rotation. That's all the money they can cut now but at the trade deadline if someone like Tucker had stepped up maybe Ingles would have been expendable. Who knows?


Quin must have liked him. He got minutes in the playoffs.


I’m surprised. He was playing ahead of the other young bench warmers, why did we keep them and let Tucker go?
I hope this means they have someone else in mind for that roster spot.

Posted by Big_B (https://www.sbnation.com/users/Big_B) on Nov 27, 2020 | 11:28 PM (https://www.slcdunk.com/latest-utah-jazz-news-recent/2020/11/27/21723379/utah-jazz-trade-rayjon-tucker-and-a-2nd-to-the-cleveland-cavliers-for-cash#533948116)


Seemed like part of him signing here was him being on the roster and getting a chance to play because it made little sense that he was playing over guys who already had been here since summer

[Xiao Yao You]

https://www.slcdunk.com/latest-utah-jazz-news-recent/2020/11/27/21723379/utah-jazz-trade-rayjon-tucker-and-a-2nd-to-the-cleveland-cavliers-for-cash


The Jazz (https://www.sbnation.com/nba/teams/utah-jazz) also get the benefit of an open roster spot with this move. If another team waves a player the Jazz (https://www.sbnation.com/nba/teams/utah-jazz) like they can now pick them up. It also has to be said that if things go wrong with the Rudy Gobert (https://www.sbnation.com/nba/players/297107/rudy-gobert), negotiations this opens up options for the Jazz (https://www.sbnation.com/nba/teams/utah-jazz) if there were some kind of trade.




They only have 10 guaranteed contracts.


Because of the ongoing negotiations with Gobert (https://www.sbnation.com/nba/players/297107/rudy-gobert) it’s obvious there are a lot of machinations behind the scenes to get things in order. The good news, if there is any for having to trade assets to get cash, is that the Jazz (https://www.sbnation.com/nba/teams/utah-jazz) are playing a contender's game. If Utah (https://www.sbnation.com/nba/teams/utah-jazz) weren’t going for it they wouldn’t be dealing with problems like this. The signings they’ve made are the moves that a contender makes. Still, it’s never ideal to have to make trades just to clear space.



the fact that they are having to worry about cash with this roster and think they are contenders is worrisome. Will the new owner put someone competent in charge eventually?

The other is the exact opposite: The Jazz are making it a priority to get under the luxury tax even at the expense of losing assets because they recognize that they aren’t yet contenders. Granted, they didn’t give up anything major here, but a team that is "going for it" would be looking to add assets; not remove them.
Let’s hope that there is a bigger picture we can’t see working behind the scenes, but this looks like nothing more than a salary dump, which is the opposite of what contenders do.

Posted by Kira Argonova (https://www.sbnation.com/users/Kira%20Argonova) on Nov 27, 2020 | 5:38 PM (https://www.slcdunk.com/latest-utah-jazz-news-recent/2020/11/27/21723379/utah-jazz-trade-rayjon-tucker-and-a-2nd-to-the-cleveland-cavliers-for-cash#533942850)


Makes me wonder why they carried 6 rookies last year instead of vets if they didn't see a future for them. Only one is guaranteed for this year. Tucker could have helped them without a doubt. Plays D unlike most of their supposed rotation


I am a little surprised we had to give up a draft choice though – you would think we would getting one back.

Posted by SKMike (https://www.sbnation.com/users/SKMike) on Nov 27, 2020 | 5:55 PM (https://www.slcdunk.com/latest-utah-jazz-news-recent/2020/11/27/21723379/utah-jazz-trade-rayjon-tucker-and-a-2nd-to-the-cleveland-cavliers-for-cash#533943161)


yeah right! The guy is a fringe player like countless others. I certainly think he can play. He's better than Exum for sure so the Cavs did well here. Jazz still have Clarkson, no PF other than Favors spotting up in the corner

[Xiao Yao You]

Kelsey Russo: The #Cavs are waiving Rayjon Tucker, (https://*********.com/social/) sources told @The Athletic.
– via Twitter kelseyyrusso (https://twitter.com/kelseyyrusso)





Hard to imagine they don't need some D. He's better than Exum for sure!

[Xiao Yao You]

Chris Fedor: #Cavs have agreed to a training camp deal with Thon Maker, (https://*********.com/social/) sources tell @clevelanddotcom.
– via Twitter ChrisFedor (https://twitter.com/ChrisFedor)




would have loved him on a mere camp deal

[Xiao Yao You]

The most likely suitors at this point appear to be the Kings, Los Angeles Lakers, Los Angeles Clippers and Utah Jazz, (https://www.sacbee.com/sports/article247479155.html) sources said. The Kings could be looking for depth on the wing after they declined to match Bogdan Bogdanovic’s offer from the Atlanta Hawks.
– via Sacramento Bee (https://www.sacbee.com/sports/article247479155.html)





I assume they might be waiting for the Hayward trade to be finalized to see if Batum is bought out or not before committing to Robinson, Mudiay or whoever? They could bring in several guys though with only 10 guaranteed deals

[Xiao Yao You]

https://www.yahoo.com/sports/report-lakers-clippers-among-four-023018126.html


Robinson will get a minimum contract and minutes off the bench with any of these teams. With the Clippers, Robinson would back up Kawhi Leonard (https://www.rotoworld.com/basketball/nba/player/29695/kawhi-leonard) at the three. With the Lakers, he would be asked to play behind Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (https://www.rotoworld.com/basketball/nba/player/29925/kentavious-caldwell-pope) and Wesley Matthews (https://www.rotoworld.com/basketball/nba/player/29559/wesley-matthews) on the wing. Sacramento will start Harrison Barnes (https://www.rotoworld.com/basketball/nba/player/29807/harrison-barnes) at the three, then things get thin. In Utah, Joe Ingles (https://www.rotoworld.com/basketball/nba/player/30119/joe-ingles) starts at the three and Robinson would be asked to playoff Jordan Clarkson (https://www.rotoworld.com/basketball/nba/player/30083/jordan-clarkson) with the second unit.


I guess now that they're over the tax they can't use the exception? Maybe a sign and trade with one of their trade exceptions?

[Xiao Yao You]

Shams Charania: The Charlotte Hornets are waiving forward Nicolas Batum, (https://*********.com/social/) sources tell @The Athletic @Stadium.
– via Twitter ShamsCharania (https://twitter.com/ShamsCharania)



so I'm guessing this is what the Jazz have been waiting for with camp opening tomorrow?

[Xiao Yao You]

Shams Charania: Nicolas Batum plans to sign with the Los Angeles Clippers after he clears waivers, (https://*********.com/social/) sources tell @TheAthleticNBA @Stadium .
– via Twitter ShamsCharania (https://twitter.com/ShamsCharania)


So Robinson and /or Mudiay to the Jazz?

[Xiao Yao You]

Michael Scotto: Glenn Robinson III and the Sacramento Kings have agreed to a deal, (https://*********.com/social/) a league source told @*********.
– via Twitter MikeAScotto (https://twitter.com/MikeAScotto)





Mudiay is the fall back?

[Xiao Yao You]

https://www.ksl.com/article/50057788/former-byu-standout-jake-toolson-explains-why-he-signed-with-the-utah-jazz


Essentially, the contract is a way for teams to incentivize players to stay with their affiliated teams rather than depart for potential offers overseas — even offers that may be more lucrative, but offer their own uncertainties. So even if Toolson is waived by the Jazz (which remains a strong possibility, due to the roster's current makeup), he has plenty of reasons to play for the affiliated SLC Stars in Taylorsville.




it's almost a certainty


After struggling through most of two seasons at BYU and eventually withdrawing from school, Toolson followed then-Cougar assistant coach Mark Pope to Utah Valley — where his career was reborn. After sitting out the 2016-17 season due to NCAA transfer rules, Toolson posted double-figure scoring averages in both seasons he played in the Western Athletic Conference. His career culminated with 15.7 points, 4.5 rebounds and 2.3 assists per game in 2018-19 en route to WAC Player of the Year honors (https://www.ksl.com/article/46509530/uvus-jake-toolson-named-wac-player-of-the-year-lowell-tabbed-freshman-of-the-year) and an Associated Press All-America honorable mention (https://www.ksl.com/article/46523222/utah-states-merrill-uvus-toolson-earn-ap-all-america-honorable-mention-status) designation.


not sure what these struggles were. He was starting

[Xiao Yao You]

According to an NBA source, the Cavaliers weren’t sold on Toppin’s defensive prowess. Cleveland instead took Auburn’s Isaac Okoro, considered the draft’s best wing defender. The Cavaliers have been the league’s worst defensive team for two straight seasons (https://nypost.com/2020/11/29/knicks-very-lucky-to-snag-obi-toppin-at-nba-draft-expert/).
– via Marc Berman @ New York Post (https://nypost.com/2020/11/29/knicks-very-lucky-to-snag-obi-toppin-at-nba-draft-expert/)




No wonder. Just let Tucker go. He plays D

[Xiao Yao You]

But the Celtics are still centered by Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, now both signed to long-term extensions, with Marcus Smart (who’s not ungettable, per league sources) (https://theathletic.com/2219637/2020/11/30/nba-preview-aldridge-nba-rankings-of-nba-offseason-accomplishments/) and Kemba Walker back in strong support roles. And making Hayward’s deal a sign and trade with Charlotte gives Boston a huge cudgel with which to take a swing at another star: a $28.5 million traded player exception that the Cs have a year to use in a trade. Given how Boston got throttled in the Eastern finals by Bam Adebayo, looking for a big man upgrade certainly made sense, and while Thompson’s not quite the two-way force he was a few years ago, he’s still quite good at both screen assists and points off of them (4.6 screen assists and 10.4 points per game produced last season, each sixth-best among centers in the league).
– via David Aldridge @ The Athletic (https://theathletic.com/2219637/2020/11/30/nba-preview-aldridge-nba-rankings-of-nba-offseason-accomplishments/)





Now's your chance! Didn't want him in the draft because of Exum! :facepalm

[Xiao Yao You]

Tim MacMahon: Jazz executive VP Dennis Lindsey on extension discussions with Rudy Gobert: “We don’t comment on past, present or future negotiations, but we love Rudy. We want Rudy to be here for the rest of his career.” (https://*********.com/social/)
– via Twitter espn_macmahon (https://twitter.com/espn_macmahon)





we'll see soon rather you're talking out of your ass again or not

[Xiao Yao You]

Ben Anderson: Also sounds like Dennis Lindsey and the @UtahJazz are fully planning on Juwan Morgan returning (https://*********.com/social/). “Juwan Morgan, as an example, was plus eight with Rudy, (when Morgan was) at the four, and he gives us a switch five.”
– via Twitter BensHoops (https://twitter.com/BensHoops)




Ben Anderson: Dennis Lindsey on the @UtahJazz re-signing Jordan Clarkson. “Jordan Clarkson was a very significant free agent. He had big market, glamour market options. He wanted to come back.” (https://*********.com/social/)
– via Twitter BensHoops (https://twitter.com/BensHoops)





Imagine that they were good with a 4 in the game! :facepalm

[Xiao Yao You]

https://sports.yahoo.com/what-the-celtics-can-do-with-their-nba-record-breaking-285-million-traded-player-exception-213307650.html


Gobert is probably the only player on that list who could become available. The two-time Defensive Player of the Year’s relationship with Mitchell is icy (https://sports.yahoo.com/jazz-teammates-rudy-gobert-and-donovan-mitchells-relationship-reportedly-doesnt-appear-salvageable-170712333.html), and he will be an unrestricted free agent next year. A package including Thompson’s salary plus picks would allow the Celtics to absorb Gobert’s contract into the TPE.




I think their relationship is fine. Rather the Jazz fully appreciate him and want to pay him is the question

[Xiao Yao You]

https://kslsports.com/447283/jazz-staying-big-in-shrinking-nba/


Why Are The Jazz Staying Big In A Shrinking NBA?



They aren't unless Favors is spotting up for 3 in the corner


First and foremost, Lindsey said the Jazz missed their two-big lineup. Gobert and Favors regularly started games together during their first stint in Utah, an element the team lost after sending Favors to the New Orleans Pelicans in 2019.




Yeah the best offense in the lague really missed Favors spotting up in the corner. They did miss having size on the floor besides their center. Still will unless Favors...


“It stood to reason [to] bring back our top eight guys that produced the number one offense since December 23,” Lindsey said. “And then add a defensive component that we need to go big-big.”




It won't be the best offense anymore if Favors is spotting up in the corner. The other problem is I'm not sure they were number one against good teams. Beat up on bad teams sure!


“Derek doesn’t give us traditional spacing at the four, but he does give us vertical spacing at the five,” Lindsey said. “Again, coupled with that, it’s already been proven that he and Rudy can play together successfully.”




It's proven that the offense will suffer. Why not get a modern starting 4 instead?

Why Add Azubuike?



3 centers going to be free agents. 6 rookies last year covering everything but a true center. Really?


With Gobert likely to play at least 30 minutes a night, and Favors deserving of the remaining backup minutes at center, why did the Jazz add Azubuike at a position that is already in a minutes pinch?



Because if you've paid attention you aren't getting immediate help from the draft


While some teams prefer to draft for need, Lindsey said the Jazz believed Udoka was the best player remaining on their board on draft night.




and what you needed in your system


“I think our analytics ratings had him second overall,” Lindsey said of the team’s first-round pick. “Our scouting ratings had him inside the top 10. Their defensive rating at Kansas was the best in the NCAA. We just feel like he was a unique kid.”



not sure that means much with your track record but interesting


In addition to the aforementioned trio, the Jazz plan to carry six bigs into training camp when including Bojan Bogdanovic, Juwan Morgan, and Georges Niang.




Bojan? What about Brantley or their starting 4 O'Neale?


“A week from now we will determine whether we want to have him take contact at the first available practice or if is he script only,” Lindsey said. “A lot of that really is Bojan’s feedback to [vice president of performance health Mike Elliott] about his level of confidence. But so far so good.”




Still not ready? Kind of ridiculous that he didn't have surgery in March

[Xiao Yao You]

https://kslsports.com/447274/jordan-clarkson-chose-jazz-over-glamour-market-teams/


According to Jazz vice president of basketball operations Dennis Lindsey, Clarkson chose to return to Utah over other, higher-profile teams in the NBA.




He chose Utah or money? Hard to believe anyone else wanted to pay him that kind of money for that many years. Also who else will let him think he's the number 1 option?


“Part of my conversation with Donovan Mitchell when we were talking [included] bringing Jordan back and Donovan really co-signed on that decision,” Lindsey said.




You should have learned with Hayward approving Rubio not to listen to your players.


“He’s a selfless guy. He’s had a huge impact on our team our chemistry, our connection.” Snyder said. “Everybody likes JC. It’s more than likes him, I think people appreciate him, and it’s not often you get to a coach a guy that’s as authentic as he is.”




selfless? Really?

[Xiao Yao You]

https://www.deseret.com/sports/2020/11/30/21726586/utah-jazz-derrick-favors-dennis-lindsey-nba


Utah Jazz banking on continuity and familiarity for the 2020-21 season




like almot every year. Woo Pee! :cry:


The Utah Jazz are not one of those teams.




but they could have been


The biggest question the Jazz will be looking to answer in the early days of the 2020-21 season is, have they done enough to boost their defense?




the bigger question will be their lack of size other than Favors spotting up in the corner and how much that affects the O


Next up, the Jazz will be evaluating whether the moves they made in the offseason will be enough to elevate the team.




They probably got a little better but didn't really answer the issues they had other than Favors spotting up in the corner which brings with it other issues


This time around, the Jazz know pretty much what they’re getting and will be looking at whether the addition of Favors and the development of internal players is enough to stabilize the defense in a meaningful way.




internal development could have helped the D but Tucker is gone and Brantley is on a 2 way. and there are 1 or two rotation spots open for those guys for limited minutes


Being able to evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of the roster in the early days of the season will give the Jazz a blueprint for how to address the roster moving forward, whether that be between now and the trade deadline, or after the conclusion of this season.



how did they not evaluate Favors and Clarkson before? Really? :facepalm

[Xiao Yao You]

https://hoopshabit.com/2020/11/29/utah-jazz-3-season-goals-for-bojan-bogdanovic-in-2020-21/


While the addition of Bogdanovic caused Joe Ingles to struggle at the start of the season, things worked out as the season progressed. Ingles was not his normal confident shooting self and this had a flow-on effect for the rest of the roster.




Not sure you can blame him for Joe but certainly for their lack of size, versatility and D


The Utah Jazz turned to ball over too often last season. They ranked 21st with 15.1 per game. Considering they were also 26th in assists with only 22.4 per game, those turnovers are a problem. This is a large reason the Jazz were not higher in the standings last season.




more for other things

How about Bojan show he can do more than shoot and score? That's what I'd really like to see other than him traded for a starting 4

[Xiao Yao You]

https://sircharlesincharge.com/2020/11/29/nba-early-playoff-predictions-2020-21-lakers/17/


8. Utah Jazz



tax paying!!!


I have concerns about that and whether this team has already maxed out as a core. Falling a few spots in the standings, I think the Jazz, with how the rest of the Western Conference teams have improved, is a borderline playoff team in the West.



They haven't maxed out but they have serious issues that weren't addressed other than Favors spotting up in the corner

[Xiao Yao You]

Ian Begley: Trevon Bluiett has agreed to an Exhibit 10 deal with the Utah Jazz, (https://*********.com/social/) per SNY sources.
– via Twitter IanBegley (https://twitter.com/IanBegley)





I called that one. He can play. Might be a good guy for the end of the bench. Too bad they have so many young guys already

[Xiao Yao You]

Rudy/Favors/Udoka/Gill
O'Neale/Niang/Morgan/Brantley
Bojan/Ingles/Oni/Bluiett
Mitchell/Clarkson/Hughes/Toolson
Conley/William Goss/Forrest

Mudiay, Wright Forman

That's 20 and might be it but they could easily cut a non guaranteed deal or exhibit 10 which they probably will. I think they can have 4 exhibit 10's overall so they'll likely add another before the end of camp. So 10 guaranteed deals, 2 two ways, 4 non guaranteed, 3 exhibit 10's, 2 free agents. Need more vets. They obviously don't think as much of Oni and Morgan as has been reported. Might as well get some vets. Have enough young guys that won't play already.

[Xiao Yao You]

Collinsworth probably would have had a spot in camp too if he hadn't gone overseas

[Xiao Yao You]

Jared Weiss: Ainge says he’s amazed but he caliber of players who are still free agents right now, but he wants to go into camp giving players who didn’t play much last year a chance to show what they can do before going to the FA market to round out the roster. That’s vital for Javonte Green (https://*********.com/social/)
– via Twitter JaredWeissNBA (https://twitter.com/JaredWeissNBA)

and yet the Jazz are happy with just making the playoffs with what they got. One significant injury to Rudy and it's the lottery

[Xiao Yao You]

Brian Lewis: Nash thinks Jeff Green’s best position at this point is smallball center. (https://*********.com/social/) #Nets
– via Twitter NYPost_Lewis (https://twitter.com/NYPost_Lewis)

ok!

[Xiao Yao You]

Ben Anderson


@BensHoops


(https://twitter.com/BensHoops?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembe d%7Ctwterm%5E1333863292423454720%7Ctwgr%5E%7Ctwcon %5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fkslsports.com%2F447328%2Fque stions-the-jazz-can-and-cant-answer-in-training-camp%2F%3F)

(https://twitter.com/BensHoops/status/1333863292423454720?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5 Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1333863292423454720%7Ctwgr% 5E%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fkslsports.com%2F447328%2Fque stions-the-jazz-can-and-cant-answer-in-training-camp%2F%3F)
Here's the rough @utahjazz (https://twitter.com/utahjazz?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed %7Ctwterm%5E1333863292423454720%7Ctwgr%5E%7Ctwcon% 5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fkslsports.com%2F447328%2Fque stions-the-jazz-can-and-cant-answer-in-training-camp%2F%3F) depth chart entering training camp:PG: Conley / Ingles / NWGSG: Mitchell / Clarkson / OniSF: O'Neale / HughesPF: Bogdanovic / Niang / MorganC: Gobert / Favors / AzubuikeTwo way: Brantley, Forrest

Hughes is the backup?

[Xiao Yao You]

Andrew Greif: Rayjon Tucker has signed an Exhibit 10 deal with the Clippers, (https://*********.com/social/) two sources told @latimessports . It gives Tucker a chance to compete for a job.
– via Twitter AndrewGreif (https://twitter.com/AndrewGreif)





good pickup

[Xiao Yao You]

https://kslsports.com/447388/gobert-my-goal-is-to-win-a-championship-in-utah/


Gobert is likely to spend less time on the floor with Favors than he had in previous seasons after Bogdanovic’s breakout season last year with the Jazz. The sharpshooting forward averaged 20.2 points 4.1 rebounds and shot 41 percent on more than seven three-point attempts per game.




Yeah right! They have no else but Favors spotting up for 3 in the corner. Probably be more!

[Xiao Yao You]

https://kslsports.com/447382/bogdanovic-unsure-if-hell-be-ready-for-jazz-opener/


Rudy Gobert stands a full 7’0 tall, Favors is 6’9, and Bogdanovic is 6’8. The forward said he’s excited about the prospect of spending some time at the small forward position.




who cares? Bojan hardly plays big other than being able to shoot over people. O'Neale plays big jut not at the 4 and Mitchell does just not so much at the 2


“I think that we’ve got a really good [front] line,” Bogdanovic said. “We can play with two bigs with him and Rudy on the court. But also we can play small like he did last season.”




You can but they both have their issues as we've seen


Though the two may end up splitting minutes at the power forward position, Bogdanovic said he anticipates Favors being an important addition to the roster.



O'Neale was the 4 if anyone was. Does anyone actually watch the games?

[Xiao Yao You]

https://kslsports.com/447365/jazz-welcome-new-faces-to-utah/


Oliva has perhaps the most unique background of any new face on the Jazz bench. The assistant coach has a Ph.D. in complexity theory from the Polytechnic University of Catalonia.




Maybe Snyder won't think he's smarter than everyone anymore?

[Xiao Yao You]

https://kslsports.com/447328/questions-the-jazz-can-and-cant-answer-in-training-camp/


The top priority for the Jazz is the contract extension for Rudy Gobert. It’s a little surprising that the two sides haven’t reached an agreement, and it’s possible they remain further away on negotiations than both would have hoped entering the year.




Why is it surprising? It's an enormous amount of money they're talking or not talking about


Snyder should have a very good understanding of who deserves minutes at which positions by the time the season starts based on how much experience he has having coaching each of these players over the last several seasons.




He should but as we've seen he doesn't


What to watch: How does new assistant coach Sergi Oliva (https://kslsports.com/443943/jazz-add-76ers-oliva-to-coaching-staff/) and his chaos theory expertise affect Snyder’s rotation?




what is this?


Third, the Jazz no longer have to wait to see if Donovan Mitchell will take the next step in his development. While last season the team entered the year wondering if the third-year guard had developed into an All-Star caliber player, the Jazz now have that answer.




I'd love to see him show up from day 1 not 2 or 3 months into the season. Playing both ends might be too much to ask?


Though the bubble created some scoring abnormalities across the league that won’t translate into the regular season, there’s no question Mitchell has emerged as one of the true an up and coming superstar in the NBA.




no he hasn't. It's still Rudy's team until he proves otherwise


What to watch: Without a true backup point guard on the roster, how much ball-handling and playmaking will Mitchell be responsible for? He excelled in the role when Conley missed games last season, is this his audition to be a full-time point guard for the 2021-22 season?




why would it change? Same players minus Mudiay who only played when Conley was hurt


The Jazz should enter the season with most of their ducks in a row. The pressing questions leaving last season were answered (big man depth, free agency etc.) as the team largely opted to run it back for a second, ideally less unpredictable season.




Nothing was answered! Still don't have a starting 4 other than Favors spotting up for 3 in the corner. Still a small starting guard line. Same bad defenders except Favors spotting up in the corner. Got rid of some of their already thin depth of Mudiay and Tucker.

The question now shifts to whether bringing Favors back pushes the Jazz towards the top of the league in defensive rating, or whether more of that credit belonged to former point guard Ricky Rubio.




The Matador! :roll: Maybe it's Bojan, Conley, Niang and Clarkson or an aging Ingles or O'Neale playing out of position?


What to watch: Without a true backup point guard on the roster and a need for a defensive specialist, could two-way guard Trent Forrest (https://kslsports.com/446483/report-jazz-sign-fsu-guard-forrest-to-two-way-contract/) earn a spot on the main roster? The Jazz will likely enter camp with an open roster spot and the former Florida State guard could bring excellent on-ball defense as a secondary ball-handler.




The Rubio wanna be to the rescue!


The question is, which Conley starts for the Jazz this season? If the guard can see similar averages to those in which he closed the season the Jazz will have one of the most talented starting lineups in the NBA.




still too small regardless


The Jazz used a first-round pick on a player who will enter the season buried behind both Gobert and Favors in the rotation, that’s a steep price to pay for a third-string center in today’s NBA.




You're paying for the future. That's what the draft is for. Free agency and trades are for now


However, the Jazz front office has said they expect to see Favors earn minutes alongside Gobert in the rotation, which could free up minutes for the four-year Kansas star at backup center.




God I hope not!


The question then becomes whether he remains on the Jazz main roster, or plays in the G League with the Utah Stars, assuming there’s a season.




Stars. He gets to be the man and learn the system


What to watch: If the Jazz and Gobert are unable to reach an agreement on a contract extension, will the team feel the need to manufacture minutes for Azuabuike in case he’s asked to assume a significantly larger role if Goert leaves in free agency?



I think they are preparing for life without Rudy unfortunately. A lot of losses in their future if true