2022 Camp begins-The tank is on

[Xiao Yao You]

Can't say I'm real happy about Clarkson, Conley, Gay and now Zeller being on the team and taking reps away from their young guys especially if they really had deals for Clarkson and Conley and are waiting for more. Clarkson should help them lose games I guess anyway!

[Xiao Yao You]

Olynyk/Udoka/Zeller/Kessler/Potter
Markkanen/Vanderbilt/Gay/Johnson
Fontecchio/Alexander-Walker/Bolmaro/Juzang/
Beasley/Clarkson/Horton-Tucker/Agbaji
Sexton/Conley/Butler/Lee

Looks like they have to cut someone before camp even begins. Zeller? 18 guaranteed deals. Let's have some fun Ainge! I'd guess if they end up having to cut guaranteed deals that Johnson would be gone for sure. Not sure after that?

[Xiao Yao You]

Tony Jones: Justin Zanik: we are going to try and win every single game. From jump. (https://*********.com/social/) Our veterans are here, they are in shape, and they are going to play

35 mins ago (https://*********.com/rumor/jazz-gm-justin-zanik-we-are-going-to-try-and-win-every-single-game/) – via Twitter Tjonesonthenba (https://twitter.com/Tjonesonthenba)



good luck even if you are trying. Conley put up all star numbers on Memphis and they sucked without Gasol. Sexton has put up big numbers on a bad team too. They will be awful. Clarkson helps them there




Eric Walden: Jazz injury updates: • Walker Kessler fully cleared from toe injury • Udoka Azubuike continues to progress from ankle surgery, but not cleared for 5 on 5 • Collin Sexton has been cleared after last year’s meniscus surgery (https://*********.com/social/).
41 mins ago (https://*********.com/rumor/1752080/) – via Twitter tribjazz (https://twitter.com/tribjazz)




That explains Zeller and Olynyk. Too bad for Dok. Was solid when he started before the latest injury. Don't rush Kessler or anyone else. The 3 seems like their weak spot now behind the Italian

[Xiao Yao You]

Jamal Collier: Injury updates Bucks GM Jon Horst: Says he expects Khris Middleton back sometime early in the season. Wasn’t sure about opening night, but said Middleton is making progress. Joe Ingles could be ready to play sometime in December or January (https://*********.com/social/)
– via Twitter JamalCollier (https://twitter.com/JamalCollier)

[Xiao Yao You]

Bryce Cotton dropped an easy 36 points, doing anything he wanted off pin-downs, on-balls, one-on-one action; every way he’s capable of scoring – of which there are many — he showed it off in this one. “Man, it’s unreal,” his teammate, Luke Travers, told ESPN. “Everyone knows he could possibly be in the NBA – he’s definitely good enough – so it’s fun when he gets in that zone.” (https://www.espn.com.au/nbl/story/_/id/34672838/nbl-perth-wildcats-bryce-cotton-back-mountaintop-plan-moving)
– via Olgun Uluc @ ESPN (https://www.espn.com.au/nbl/story/_/id/34672838/nbl-perth-wildcats-bryce-cotton-back-mountaintop-plan-moving)

[Xiao Yao You]

Eric Walden: NAW said it’s scary to him to adopt the perception that there will be more opportunity for him this season. (https://*********.com/social/) He’s just trying to control what he can: “It’s about making sure I give him reasons to play me, whether it’s last year’s team or this year’s.”

– via Twitter tribjazz (https://twitter.com/tribjazz)




certainly no guarantee of playing time with Conley and Clarkson still around :cry:

[Xiao Yao You]

Jon Krawczynski: Rudy: “I’ve always loved to play with another dominant big because I think I can pass.” Says you will see more of his game in Minnesota (https://*********.com/social/)

– via Twitter JonKrawczynski (https://twitter.com/JonKrawczynski)




never had anything close to the talent he has now. Looking forward to seeing what a new coach does with him

[Xiao Yao You]

Jon Krawczynski: Gobert: “I don’t think there’s a ceiling. (https://*********.com/social/) When you look at the roster and the talent we have, it’s pretty incredible. I’m lucky to be surrounded by a bunch of guys that can really accomplish anything.”

– via Twitter JonKrawczynski (https://twitter.com/JonKrawczynski)




he's right

[Xiao Yao You]

JD Shaw: Pistons guard Alec Burks is expected to miss the start of training camp while he continues to rehab a navicular fracture. (https://*********.com/social/) He’ll be re-evaluated in three weeks.
– via Twitter JShawNBA (https://twitter.com/JShawNBA)

[Xiao Yao You]

JD Shaw: The Clippers have signed forward Juwan Morgan ahead of training camp, according to his agency @Keith Kreiter. Morgan played for the Celtics this past season (https://*********.com/social/).
– via Twitter JShawNBA (https://twitter.com/JShawNBA)

[Xiao Yao You]

https://www.ksl.com/article/50483697/i-want-a-team-that-competes-jazz-enter-training-camp-with-new-expectations


"I want a team that competes. I want a team that cares about winning," new coach Will Hardy said. "I understand that there are individual aspects to playing at this level, but I want people that are solely focused on winning basketball games for the Utah Jazz."



the one guy that was focused on winning is in Minnesota

[Xiao Yao You]

https://www.slcdunk.com/2022/9/26/23373397/4-major-themes-from-utah-jazz-media-day-2022


We can clearly see that the team is shooting for their ceiling and will maximize all talent available to them. As constructed, this team is not headed for a premium lottery pick so barring additional roster adjustments lowering the ceiling, fans should plan for a developing winning culture.



predicted to be bottom 5. They will be awful!

[Xiao Yao You]

https://www.slcdunk.com/2022/9/26/23372388/utah-jazz-season-preview-2022-who-to-watch


We debated how good we thought this team might be. While there are a lot of legitimate NBA players on the roster, there aren’t any players who have proven ability to lead a team to wins outside of Mike Conley, who is probably past that point of his career. Almost every player on the roster has recently been on a lottery team, and they were never too good to prevent that team from losing. So while there are a lot of decent or even good players, the sum of the team’s parts is still very much a lottery team.



Memphis sucked Conley's last year despite him playing at an all star level

[Xiao Yao You]

Christopher Hine: Rudy Gobert on playing with D’Angelo Russell during today’s Timberwolves practice: “He can see it all. There’s a few times when I didn’t know that he saw me, and he still saw me. It’s really impressive and it’s really exciting.” (https://*********.com/social/)

– via Twitter ChristopherHine (https://twitter.com/ChristopherHine)



I'm guessing those two will be staggered together

[Xiao Yao You]

Alex Schiffer: Steve Nash calls new assistant coach Igor Kokoškov “an offensive encyclopedia.” Said he divided the staff into three pods: player development, offense and defense (https://*********.com/social/).
– via Twitter Alex__Schiffer (https://twitter.com/Alex__Schiffer)

[Xiao Yao You]

Serena Winters: Donovan Mitchell looking forward to changing the perception of his defense this season: “It’s not the ability, I can play defense, I know that for a fact. I haven’t shown that & that’s what I’m looking forward to do here. Top 5 defense, I’m not here to bring that down.” (https://*********.com/social/) #Cavs pic.twitter.com/1AswJkSWeD

– via Twitter SerenaWinters (https://twitter.com/SerenaWinters)




believe it when I see it

[Xiao Yao You]

Ryan Miller: The Jazz will be holding an open scrimmage Oct. 8 at 11 am at Vivint Arena (https://*********.com/social/).
– via Twitter millerjryan (https://twitter.com/millerjryan)

[Xiao Yao You]

Mitchell was also rated a bottom-20 defender in the NBA by FiveThirtyEight’s RAPTOR. He had a defensive RAPTOR of -2.7, which means the Jazz’ defensive performance fell by 2.7 points per 100 possessions while Mitchell was on the court. “It’s not the ability,” Mitchell said on Tuesday. “I can play defense. I know that for a fact. I haven’t shown that and that is what I’m looking forward to doing here.” (https://theathletic.com/3634665/2022/09/27/cavs-donovan-mitchell-defense/?source=emp_shared_article)

– via Kelsey Russo @ The Athletic (https://theathletic.com/3634665/2022/09/27/cavs-donovan-mitchell-defense/?source=emp_shared_article)



but it was Gobert's fault for not being able to cover all 5 guys at once!

[Xiao Yao You]

Tony Jones: Collin sexton: I didn’t feel like I’m losing a beat so I’m going to always have that chip on my shoulder. I want to play both ends every night (https://*********.com/social/)

– via Twitter Tjonesonthenba (https://twitter.com/Tjonesonthenba)




Tony Jones: Collin Sexton said he played a ton of fives in Atlanta this summer, some with jarred Vanderbilt. He said he’s fully healthy physically and mentally (https://*********.com/social/)

– via Twitter Tjonesonthenba (https://twitter.com/Tjonesonthenba)







Tony Jones: Mike Conley: Collin has been great. We know who he is with his aggression and mentality. He gets after it and loses himself in the game. He’s picking up defensively fullcourt. He’s been great (https://*********.com/social/)
– via Twitter Tjonesonthenba (https://twitter.com/Tjonesonthenba)






Ben Anderson: Collin Sexton said he and Will Hardy have a target number for his assist average this year (he wouldn’t reveal the number), but that’s clearly a goal this year (https://*********.com/social/). He had a reputation to develop blinders at points in Cleveland. #TakeNote | @kslsports
– via Twitter BensHoops (https://twitter.com/BensHoops)




blinders like Clarkson and Mitchell

[Xiao Yao You]

Tony Jones: Mike Conley said he was picking up fullcourt and teammates joked about him still being able to slide his feet. “Sliding my feet is how I got into the league,” Conley said. “When I got into the league I was defense first” (https://*********.com/social/)

– via Twitter Tjonesonthenba (https://twitter.com/Tjonesonthenba)





Ben Anderson: Mike Conley said Nickeil Alexander-Walker has stood out early in camp for the Jazz (https://*********.com/social/). He’s also said Kelly Olynyk has some similar traits offensively to Marc Gasol with his pick and pop skills, and his passing. #takenote | @kslsports

– via Twitter BensHoops (https://twitter.com/BensHoops)




Too bad Olynyk doesn't play D like Gasol. Too bad Nickeil won't be playing because of Conley and Clarkson

[Xiao Yao You]

Tony Jones on Jordan Clarkson: I would say that the Jazz are more likely to extend him than trade him (https://open.spotify.com/episode/46bkOzn9vdjP1czW0ObT17).

– via Spotify (https://open.spotify.com/episode/46bkOzn9vdjP1czW0ObT17)




Tony Jones: I think that the Jazz think that he can be a real part of recapturing the culture of this franchise that they lost last year. The Jazz really value Jordan. He’s just a prince of a guy in the locker room, for lack of a better term, and he loves Utah, and he wants to be in Utah. And I think that, at this point, the Jazz franchise can use guys in their program who actually want to be here (https://open.spotify.com/episode/46bkOzn9vdjP1czW0ObT17).

– via Spotify (https://open.spotify.com/episode/46bkOzn9vdjP1czW0ObT17)






Tony Jones on Jordan Clarkson: Milwaukee showed a lot of interest in him. But the Jazz would have had to take back George Hill in a potential trade, and they weren’t going to do that. (https://open.spotify.com/episode/46bkOzn9vdjP1czW0ObT17) That was kind of a non-starter for them. But other than Milwaukee, I don’t think there’s really been a serious suitor for Jordan.

– via Spotify (https://open.spotify.com/episode/46bkOzn9vdjP1czW0ObT17)



not sure Hill's contract off hand but he's one of the best players the Jazz have had and Clarkson is the absolute worst! Extend him? Fire Ainge if he's really that stupid. I can't imagine you want your guys watching him play 1 on 5, bricking up shots and rewarding him for it






Tony Jones: Mike (Conley) didn’t have a ton of interest on the trade market, which is one of the big reasons why he’s still here (https://open.spotify.com/episode/46bkOzn9vdjP1czW0ObT17).
– via Spotify (https://open.spotify.com/episode/46bkOzn9vdjP1czW0ObT17)

[Xiao Yao You]

https://kslsports.com/493530/nickeil-alexander-walker-standing-out-early-at-jazz-camp/


“He has good size, he’s a very good passer,” Hardy said. “He can put the ball in the basket — when he’s open and he shoots it, I think it’s going in.”



standing out and sitting on the bench while you give Clarkson an extension

[Xiao Yao You]

https://kslsports.com/493148/jazz-roster-has-mostly-new-faces-ahead-of-media-day/


Conley struggled mightily in the postseason but could see a sharp increase in averages as one of the most talented players on the roster.



he's their best player by far now until someone proves otherwise but he's probably backing up Sexton and not playing back to backs so not sure his averages will get better unless they really showcase him for a trade


Clarkson will again likely be used as the Jazz sixth man in Will Hardy’s system and is a candidate to be the team’s second-leading scorer behind Collin Sexton.



if he's 2nd leading scorer they will certainly lose a lot of games. Makes no sense to me having him on the roster


Butler should get ample opportunity to prove last preseason was no fluke, though his summer league performance left fans wanting more.



based on reports he's behind at least 3 guys currently. Ample time? Maybe after the trade deadline?


Due to his age and the fact that the Jazz owe him $21 million over the next two seasons, Talen Horton-Tucker should be a mainstay in the rotation this season.



again he's behind at least 3 guys right now from the sound of things. Rotation?


One of four rookies on the Jazz roster, Ochai Agbaji should get ample opportunity to see the floor during a developmental season in Utah.



that's 3 guys that are getting ample time besides Conley, Clarkson, Sexton and Nickeil. I guess Nickeil and Ochai can play some 3? Should be a Star until he proves otherwise


Due to his age, expiring contract, and minuscule salary, Lee could fit the Jazz rebuilding timeline, but unless he shows quick improvement during the preseason, he might be a buyout candidate.



he absolutely dominated the Gleague which most of the team can't say.


With the Jazz youth and depth in the backcourt, Juzang may spend most of his time developing with the Salt Lake City Stars in the G League.

He's built more like a modern 4. He's certainly not playing guard. Probably starts at the 4 with the Stars where he will probably spend all of his time.


The Jazz likely would have redirected Beasley to a new team this summer had there been a reasonable offer but didn’t feel forced to move him after the Gobert trade.



you could say that about pretty much the whole team. At 25 they should be looking to move other guys first. At 6'4 he is a SG not a wing.


Beasley will be given the opportunity to rehab his image in Utah and will be one of the team’s go-to scorers early in the season. If he proves he can help a team win while staying out of trouble off the floor, he could be a valuable trade piece at the deadline.



A go to scorer to go with 3 that are getting ample time, camp stand out Nickeil and Sexton, Conley and Clarkson. There are only 96 guard minutes available


However, when he’s not on his game, which is unfortunately often, he can be a major detriment. If it clicks, Bolmaro has a chance to be a special player, but consistency will be key, and he’s never shown that at any point during his professional career.



I like him a lot. If they can fix his shot he could be a piece. You can see the Ginobli and Nocioni in his game


His size, experience, and shooting ability should translate immediately to the NBA, and unlike some of the younger players on the Jazz roster, he should be able to earn NBA minutes from day one in Utah.



I'd think he's your starting 3


Johnson’s ambiguous role on the Jazz might make it more difficult for him to succeed than it was in LA, but he should see the floor.



he's a 4 and appears to be one of the most likely to be cut by the end of camp unless there are some trades made


Gobert had been the longest-tenured Jazzman, and former coach Quin Snyder admitted last season the team was built around the center to maximize his strengths.



they never really did build around him though. A 6'4 pf? A tiny backcourt?


Markkanen was forced to play small forward last season in Cleveland but will likely move back to one of the two frontcourt positions this season and could record big numbers in a Jazz uniform.



I'd expect the same numbers he's always put up


On the flip side, he doesn’t match the Jazz timeline and could be a candidate for a high-priced buyout before the regular season.



buyout seems likely with 3 guaranteed contracts too many


Like Agbaji, Kessler should get plenty of opportunities to make mistakes during his rookie season with the Jazz.



Both should be leading the Stars until they prove otherwise


The third-year center must first prove that he can stay healthy, then show he’s worthy of valuable minutes if he hopes to stick with the Jazz this season.


he showed he can play last year. Rather he can stay healthy remains to be seen


It’s unlikely, but with the Jazz needing to trim the roster down three spots by opening night, Azubuike is a dark horse buyout candidate.


doubt it unless they think the ankle will never be good


The big man was a standout in the G League last season and his ability to space the floor is unique among centers.



more unique not to be spacing the floor these days

[Xiao Yao You]

https://kslsports.com/493520/donovan-mitchell-plans-to-lock-in-on-defense-with-cavs/


“I don’t have to do as much offensively,” Mitchell said of his new teammates. “So I’m able to lock in most possessions and I’m not tired.”



Bullshit. Jazz had the best offense in the league last year. O'Neale and Gobert played hard at both ends of the court. Suck it up superstar! :facepalm


The Cavaliers had the fifth-ranked defense last season and will look to improve their 20th-ranked offense without sacrificing their defensive identity with Mitchell in the lineup.



how far will their defensive rating fall is the question?

[Xiao Yao You]

https://www.deseret.com/2022/9/28/23377920/byu-basketball-eric-mika-nba-draft-prospect-scoot-henderson-g-league-ignite


This means he’ll be teammates with Scoot Henderson, a dynamic guard who is already expected to be the second pick in next June’s draft behind only once-in-a-generation prospect Victor Wembanyama of France.



could be 1st pick. He'd be my pick. No one Victor's size has ever stayed healthy and dominated

[Xiao Yao You]

https://www.deseret.com/sports/2022/9/28/23375968/utah-jazz-young-players-getting-crash-course-in-problem-solving-from-coach-will-hardy


“He lets guys play, and lets guys play free,” Kelly Olynyk (https://www.deseret.com/2022/9/22/23366730/who-is-kelly-olynyk-utah-jazz-saben-lee-bojan-bogdanovic-detroit-pistons) said. “With a younger team that’s what you need — the freedom to let guys be themselves and go out and compete and work hard and then kind of rein it in from there.”



so he's not going to rein in Clarkson?


“It’s important for us as coaches to help the players build some autonomy on the floor,” Hardy said. “I’m not out there in the game with them. I don’t have 72 timeouts in the game to call so their ability to problem-solve and communicate amongst each other is going to be paramount for our success.”



success will be measured on how bad you are

[Xiao Yao You]

https://fansided.com/betsided/posts/every-nba-teams-top-mvp-candidate-ahead-of-the-2022-23-season


Minnesota Timberwolves: Karl-Anthony Towns (+6000) | Anthony Edwards (+6000)



Unless Edwards takes a huge leap and Gobert finally starts to decline it's hard to imagine it not being Rudy

[Xiao Yao You]

Former Nuggets player Erick Green signed a three-month contract with Israeli team Hapoel Holon (https://*********.com/lists/international-transactions-log-where-are-former-nba-players-going/).
– via Alberto De Roa @ ********* (https://*********.com/lists/international-transactions-log-where-are-former-nba-players-going/)

[Xiao Yao You]

Tony Jones: Malik Beasley on Collin Sexton: he lives up to his nickname. He’s a young bull. (https://*********.com/social/) He’s going to put pressure on the rim and get downhill. He’s going to be a great player. We have a lot of underdogs on this team
– via Twitter Tjonesonthenba (https://twitter.com/Tjonesonthenba)

[Xiao Yao You]

Dane Moore: Anthony Edwards said he will be guarding the best opposing offensive player the majority of the time this season — and because of that, Ant says he will be “salty” if he doesn’t make an All-Defense team this season (https://*********.com/social/).

– via Twitter DaneMooreNBA (https://twitter.com/DaneMooreNBA)



sky is the limit for the Wolves if they get some perimeter D

[Xiao Yao You]

https://www.deseret.com/sports/2022/9/29/23375975/utah-jazz-young-players-have-stood-out-in-training-camp


It’ll come as no surprise that some of the Utah Jazz veterans — Mike Conley, Jordan Clarkson, Malik Beasley — have been vocal leaders through the first week of training camp. But some of the youngest and least experienced players on the roster have had standout moments in these early days.



time to get rid of them if they don't have moments. They have talent. They should have moments. The best of them will do it consistently as they develop

[Xiao Yao You]

James Edwards III: Isaiah Stewart said Bojan is “one of the smartest players he’s ever played with.” Said the transition has been easy (https://*********.com/social/).
– via Twitter JLEdwardsIII (https://twitter.com/JLEdwardsIII)

[Xiao Yao You]

Crowder does not appear to be alone in wanting an extension. New Pistons sharpshooter Bojan Bogdanović, 33, is said to be seeking a new multiyear contract, (https://marcstein.substack.com/p/actual-nba-basketball-is-back?utm_source=post-email-title&publication_id=392205&post_id=75620794&isFreemail=false&utm_medium=email) which league sources say dissuaded some interested teams from pushing harder to try to acquire him from the Jazz as Bogdanović plays out this season on an expiring $19.3 million deal.

– via Marc Stein @ marcstein.substack.com (https://marcstein.substack.com/p/actual-nba-basketball-is-back?utm_source=post-email-title&publication_id=392205&post_id=75620794&isFreemail=false&utm_medium=email)





Word is that the Pistons want to see first if they have enough on the roster to mount an unexpected run at a play-in slot (https://marcstein.substack.com/p/actual-nba-basketball-is-back?utm_source=post-email-title&publication_id=392205&post_id=75620794&isFreemail=false&utm_medium=email) … even in a deeper-than-usual Eastern Conference that doesn’t exactly encourage such optimism.

– via Marc Stein @ marcstein.substack.com (https://marcstein.substack.com/p/actual-nba-basketball-is-back?utm_source=post-email-title&publication_id=392205&post_id=75620794&isFreemail=false&utm_medium=email)




he'll be on another team by the deadline

[Xiao Yao You]

Jared Weiss: The Celtics are waiving Denzel Valentine, (https://*********.com/social/) sources tell me and @Shams Charania.
– via Twitter JaredWeissNBA (https://twitter.com/JaredWeissNBA)

[Xiao Yao You]

NBA Central: “Me…Draymond and probably Giannis, three guys who can literally guard 1-through-5 and be effective.” (https://*********.com/social/) – Bam Adebayo (Via https://t.co/wWGNmWoaNH) pic.twitter.com/vPpIgwX494

– via Twitter TheNBACentral (https://twitter.com/TheNBACentral)



Gobert. No he can't guard all 5 at once

[Xiao Yao You]

Tony Jones: Malik Beasley has been getting Most of the votes this week for best shooter on the team (https://*********.com/social/)

– via Twitter Tjonesonthenba (https://twitter.com/Tjonesonthenba)




not Clarkson? :roll:



Tony Jones: Jordan Clarkson on the difference of coaches: last year, we had been together for three years so camp had been a little more chill. So it’s difficult to really compare. This year we are playing a lot and a bunch of competing (https://*********.com/social/).

– via Twitter Tjonesonthenba (https://twitter.com/Tjonesonthenba)







Tony Jones: Clarkson on practice this week: everyone has been competing and going hard. Kelly Olynyk has done a great job and Malik has been shooting the ball and Mike has been Mike. Everyone has had a good camp and everyone has been playing hard (https://*********.com/social/)

– via Twitter Tjonesonthenba (https://twitter.com/Tjonesonthenba)







Tony Jones: Jordan Clarkson on tomorrows Utah Jazz preseason opener: I think we’re all excited to get out there and play against somebody else. We’re back to the grind and I think everyone is looking forward to it (https://*********.com/social/)

– via Twitter Tjonesonthenba (https://twitter.com/Tjonesonthenba)







Tony Jones: Simone Fontecchio: I’m still adjusting but I feel good on the court. I feel good shooting the ball so hopefully I feel better and better as time goes on (https://*********.com/social/)
– via Twitter Tjonesonthenba (https://twitter.com/Tjonesonthenba)

[Xiao Yao You]

https://saltcityhoops.com/the-absolute-value-of-picks-the-sweet-7-10-draft-pocket/


If they could’ve pushed themselves up to the luxury tax with players contributing as much as they were being paid while those young stars were still underpaid on rookie-scale contracts, they’d have hit championship contention level, but Jazz stuck right over the cap until Mike Conley’s extension, or really the Derrick Favors 2020 signing at the midlevel exception. Instead, they refused to commit until the season after Hayward left.



they were still trying to tank after Gobert made that futile until Haywar'd last season. Could have had Millsap, Gobert, McCollum and Hayward :cry:


The 2016-17 season had a salary cap of $99M and a tax of $119M, and the Jazz were paying Gobert and Hayward just $18M combined. That was just 15% of the tax. On average, players at or adding up to 15% of the tax will produce 10 extra wins, while Gobert and Hayward contributed roughly 23. That was the perfect moment to load up around them while their cheap contracts still offered flexibility to a team wanting to go all-in. That they didn’t is easily the biggest misstep in the Jazz’ rebuild. Instead, they were dead last in spending that year, with 15% of the cap available at the end of the season, which means they had room to buy another nine or so wins at market value.They should’ve not only paid in UFA, but they also didn’t make any trades to move up in contract value. Had they pushed the tax (they were at just 71% of the tax), they could’ve propelled the team to championship levels.



biggest misstep was letting their best player Millsap walk for a two year 16 million dollar deal. Demarre should have been kept as well. He walked for 2 years 4 mill :cry:

[Xiao Yao You]

Tony Jones: Udoka Azubuike will miss tomorrow’s preseason opener against the Raptors (https://*********.com/social/) as he continues to come back from ankle surgery
– via Twitter Tjonesonthenba (https://twitter.com/Tjonesonthenba)

[Xiao Yao You]

https://www.ksl.com/article/50487247/a-guide-to-new-look-jazz-as-they-begin-preseason-play


This season is likely less about wins and more about development. So do the Jazz give more time to Kessler, Agbaji, Fontecchio and Bolmaro? And what about Alexander-Walker, Butler or Azubuike — will they get a chance to see if they are NBA players?



they've already shown they are


Our guess for an initial rotation? Conley, Sexton, Markkanen, Vanderbilt and Olynyk as starters. Beasley, Clarkson, Gay, and a mixture of Alexander-Walker, Fontecchio, Agbaji, and Kessler, depending on matchups, coming off the bench. Feel free to ridicule us when we are very wrong.



I could see Conley backing up Sexton. Beasley at the 2. Lauri should be at the 4. The Italian at the 3. Vanderbilt off the bench

[Xiao Yao You]

That is likely why Azubuike said it was hard to put into words how important this preseason was for him. He isn't alone: Barring a trade, Azubuike, Lee, Butler, Alexander-Walker and potentially many more could be playing for their jobs.



let's hope Clarkson at least is gone soon!

[Xiao Yao You]

Conley/Beasley/Lauri/Vanderbilt/Olynyk started

Sexton/Clarkson/Nickeil/Gay/Kessler off the bench

Conley still their best player by far. Vanderbilt is in the mix for every board. Lauri very skilled. Clarkson was passing. Not sure if that is the coach or just pre season.

[Xiao Yao You]

Tony Jones: Relative to expectations, I thought Walker Kessler was the person I was most impressed with. He looks like a rookie who only needs experience in order to make a real impact. The skillset on both ends is already there. Had also heard he has played very well in camp (https://*********.com/social/)

– via Twitter Tjonesonthenba (https://twitter.com/Tjonesonthenba)




needs to get stronger

[Xiao Yao You]

3rd string > Butler/Horton Tucker/ Ochai/Simone/Zeller

[Xiao Yao You]

Horton Tucker looks fat

[Xiao Yao You]

https://www.ksl.com/article/50487602/what-did-we-learn-from-the-utah-jazzs-preseason-loss-to-toronto-


Sexton not starting was a bit of an eye-brow raiser considering the contract he received from the Jazz. That said, a Conley-Sexton backcourt always projected to struggle defensive, so it makes sense Hardy didn't use it. The two guards never shared the court together on Sunday. Will that always be the case? Time will tell.



showcasing the vets to trade them


But that alone may have revealed some of Hardy's philosophy. The Jazz played with a lot of size, using lineups that featured multiple 7-footers and long wings.



No 6'4 PF?


There were some minor notables: Alexander-Walker got the time over Jared Butler and Ochai Agbaji, and Kessler was trusted with a fairly large role in his first bit of NBA action.



a vet. not many options at center with Udoka out


Saben Lee, Stanley Johnson, Leondro Bolmaro and Johnny Juzang were the only healthy players that didn't appear in Sunday's game. Juzang is on a two-way deal and Bolmaro is guaranteed at least through next season. Lee and Johnson's deals end after this season.



Johnson always seemed likely

[Xiao Yao You]

https://kslsports.com/493718/jazz-show-room-for-growth-in-preseason-opener/


Sexton brings a defensive intensity that the Jazz have lacked on the perimeter over the last several years and his 3-4 shooting from the three-point line was promising in 18 minutes on the floor.

was nice to see him at least attempt to play D unlike the guy he replaced


There was growing concern through the offseason that the Jazz might be too talented to truly tank this season. After all, the Jazz have eight players on the roster with at least four years of NBA experience, each of whom have proven they belong in the league.



Clarkson will help lose games. Was awful as usual

[Xiao Yao You]

https://www.deseret.com/2022/10/2/23381268/analysis-utah-jazzs-first-preseason-game-offers-mixed-bag-of-good-bad-and-ugly


The biggest surprises here are that Sexton came off the bench and that Alexander-Walker was a part of that top-10 group.



he was a rotation player on bad Pels teams. Hardly surprising he played


I’m going to be very interested to see what other rotation wrinkles Hardy plays with through the next three preseason games and what this team starts to actually look like when guys settle into their roles.



be more interesting when the old guys are gone

[Xiao Yao You]

https://www.slcdunk.com/2022/10/3/23384991/way-too-early-observations-from-first-utah-jazz-preseason-game


Last season the Jazz logged 13 games with double-digit steals and just a single game of 20+ turnovers from the opponent. The 2022-23 Utah Jazz generated 11 steals and saw 23 turnovers committed by the Raptors.



Toronto went to their 3rd string to start the 2nd half. Next


In the first quarter alone Utah generated four steals. Check the video above to see the activity, specifically on the guard line, that made this possible.



going to have to be without Gobert especially


For some, this result means nothing. In the case of Juzang, he’s a two-way contract so he’ll see most time with the G-League Stars. Simone Fontecchio was signed immediately to a two year deal and is likely just ramping up into a role for real evaluation. Ochai Agbaji, as a rookie, is ramping up to a role as well and is undoubtedly an exciting piece for the future assuming he develops.



Ochai will have the Stars. I guess Simone too but I doubt they'd send a seasoned Euro vet down buy maybe briefly while he gets used to things


Stanley Johnson fits the mold of a bigger wing with athleticism, energy, and toughness. By not seeing the floor, perhaps Utah is comfortable with that skillset in others to this point.



He's a 4. He would have been at the top of my list of guys that will, be gone by the end of camp. Only so much upside. Was out of the league


Udoka Azubuike is in a tough spot. After yet another injury kept him out of the preseason game, seeing another rookie center come over in the Gobert trade, and the Jazz picking up two veteran centers in Cody Zeller and Kelly Olynyk, the Jazz 2020 draft pick may be in serious jeopardy of getting cut.



Unless they think his ankle will always be an issue than I can't see him getting cut. He showed he could play last year


Furthermore, he played just 15 minutes in the opening 3 quarters of the game. He played far less than Mike Conley and Malik Beasley, despite having a top 3 performance from the team.



they want to showcase those guys and not play small. Conley didn't look old. Some team could use him for sure.


It’s curious and requires additional investigation. Perhaps, given a competitive game throughout, the minutes would’ve evened out. It’s something to monitor for the remainder of preseason and to begin the real games.



It's not. He will be the pg once Conley is dealt. He will be the 6th man if Clarkson is dealt sooner than Mike

[Xiao Yao You]

https://sircharlesincharge.com/2022/10/02/nba-trade-rumors-lakers-pick-turner/4/

no thanks on Fournier for Lauri

[Xiao Yao You]

Dane Moore: Chris Finch says Karl-Anthony Towns and Rudy Gobert will not play in the Wolves preseason opener on Tuesday (https://*********.com/social/). Towns is still ramping up from an illness, and Gobert is resting after playing heavy minutes in Eurobasket this September.
– via Twitter DaneMooreNBA (https://twitter.com/DaneMooreNBA)

[Xiao Yao You]

Danny Cunningham: #Cavs guard Ricky Rubio continuing his rehab as he returns from a torn left ACL. (https://*********.com/social/) pic.twitter.com/ZqOubO1Ikm

#Cavs (https://twitter.com/hashtag/Cavs?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) guard Ricky Rubio continuing his rehab as he returns from a torn left ACL. pic.twitter.com/ZqOubO1Ikm (https://t.co/ZqOubO1Ikm)
— Danny Cunningham (@RealDCunningham) October 3, 2022 (https://twitter.com/RealDCunningham/status/1576995902400921600?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)


– via Twitter RealDCunningham (https://twitter.com/RealDCunningham)

[Xiao Yao You]

Did Jazz owner Ryan Smith keep Jordan Clarkson from being traded to the Lakers? (msn.com) (https://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/nba/did-jazz-owner-ryan-smith-keep-jordan-clarkson-from-being-traded-to-the-lakers/ar-AA12yiM9?rc=1&ocid=winp1taskbar&cvid=dd5ca39d21da494cbbef4b7fd51563c1)



“(The Lakers) had explored ways of landing Nets star Kyrie Irving during the offseason, discussed concepts with the Jazz around Bojan Bogdanovic prior to him being traded to the Pistons for Kelly Olynyk and Saben Lee and even tried to land former Laker Jordan Clarkson from the Jazz before it was made clear that Utah owner Ryan Smith had no intentions of letting him go,” the story says.





You hired Ainge for a reason. Let him do his ****in' job! :facepalm

[Xiao Yao You]

Michael Scotto: Coming from a playoff Utah team that was dismantled, were you shocked, and what did you think of Danny Ainge’s recent comments? Royce O’Neale: I was definitely shocked. I had been there for five years. The team we had for a couple of years fell short. I thought we were going to build on it. Things happened, so keep it moving (https://*********.com/author/michaelascotto/).
– via ********* (https://*********.com/author/michaelascotto/)

\


Michael Scotto: When you were traded to the Nets and the Kevin Durant stuff was going on, what was your view of the Nets from the outside, and how is it now being here? Royce O’Neale: That was the summer. Nobody cares about it now. We’re all here, and we’re going to make it work. We have a lot of work to do to get to where we want to go. That’s what we’re focusing on (https://*********.com/author/michaelascotto/).
– via ********* (https://*********.com/author/michaelascotto/)







Kyrie Irving on Royce O’Neale: Royce is one of those players that you want on your team because he’s had a lot of experience. He’s been through a lot of battles. He understands the nuances of the game and what it takes to win. (https://*********.com/author/michaelascotto/) He didn’t necessarily get over the hump in Utah, but he was a part of a lot of those teams that led the league in offensive efficiency. I think he brings intangibles to our team really well, and we can utilize him on that wing to be the defensive stopper we know that he naturally is and also add some dimensions on offense for us by being a space out shooter. He moves and plays the game well.
– via ********* (https://*********.com/author/michaelascotto/)

[Xiao Yao You]

Sarah Todd: Speaking with Collin Sexton this morning, he said that he expected to come off the bench on Sunday because he really hasn’t played a lot following his meniscus surgery. He said though that his expectation is to start once he has worked his way back to full speed (https://*********.com/social/).
– via Twitter NBASarah (https://twitter.com/NBASarah)

[Xiao Yao You]

Former Clippers player Diamond Stone signed with Filipino team San Miguel Beermen for the 2022-23 season.
– via Alberto De Roa @ *********

[Xiao Yao You]

Law Murray: The LA Clippers are expected to make transactions at end of roster today. Sources tell The Athletic that Juwan Morgan, Lucas Williamson, Michael Devoe will be waived. Two players will be signed: Malik Fitts and Nate Darling (https://*********.com/social/).
– via Twitter LawMurrayTheNU (https://twitter.com/LawMurrayTheNU)





Ohm Youngmisuk: Clippers waived Michael Devoe, Juwan Morgan and Lucas Williamson (https://*********.com/social/).
– via Twitter NotoriousOHM (https://twitter.com/NotoriousOHM)

[Xiao Yao You]

Tim Bontemps: Pistons coach Dwane Casey says getting Bojan Bogdanovic from the Utah Jazz last month was “a godsend” for Detroit, and said he’s already making an impact lending his advice to the team’s young players (https://*********.com/social/).
– via Twitter TimBontemps (https://twitter.com/TimBontemps)

[Xiao Yao You]

Jon Krawczynski: Wolves say D’Angelo Russell, Karl-Anthony Towns and Rudy Gobert will not play in tonight’s preseason opener in Miami (https://*********.com/social/)
– via Twitter JonKrawczynski (https://twitter.com/JonKrawczynski)

[Xiao Yao You]

Andrew Greif: The signings of Nate Darling and Malik Fitts have been announced by the team, with both guys on the court already working this morning at practice (https://*********.com/social/).
– via Twitter AndrewGreif (https://twitter.com/AndrewGreif)

[Xiao Yao You]

https://www.ksl.com/article/50489177/jazz-pick-up-preseason-win-in-portland-but-was-future-of-team-playing-in-las-vegas


And with that the Jazz may have found a formula to win some games this season: Let the veterans run the show offensively, and then play an extremely aggressive defense to try and jump passing lanes and create havoc. Having guys like Jarred Vanderbilt and Stanley Johnson help with the latter.



Conley will help win some games but Clarkson and Gay should help the other team


The ceiling of Wembanyama's game is Rudy Gobert with an overall offensive game; or in other terms, a slightly better version of Giannis Antetokounmpo. There's a reason he's considered by some to be the best prospect since LeBron James.



assuming he's the first guy that size to live up to his potential and stay healthy. I'd take the guard


And secondly, based on how Hardy has organized his rotation in the two first preseason games, he doesn't seem to favor losing games for the sake of development.



I'd say that has more to do with them showcasing those guys for a trade. Anyone watching should see that Conley can still ball


Utah has one rookie lottery pick on its roster in Ochai Agbaji. In the first two preseason games, he has yet to play outside of late fourth quarter garbage time; that's not a sign that Hardy is looking to do anything but try to win games.



it shows that they have a lot of guys ahead of him besides Clarkson and Conley and that he will start with the Stars.

The guys not playing but maybe too good for the Stars like Lee and Bolmaro are the ones I'd be concerned about


Conley, Clarkson, Sexton, Markkanen and even Malik Beasley, who exited Tuesday's game with a left ankle sprain, are all able to shoot a team to victories on random nights. And those veteran-heavy teams do give the Jazz their best chance to win games.



minor sprain?

[Xiao Yao You]

https://kslsports.com/493799/jazz-reveal-identity-over-blazers-wembanyama-scoot-offer-hope/


If any teams in the NBA want to make the playoffs and are a point guard away (looking at you Chicago), they should start putting together trade packages for the Jazz veteran.



yep!


Olynyk’s hustle made for some decent plays early in the first quarter but as the game wore on Portland had success getting the Jazz to rotate and then attacking the slow-moving frontcourt.



he's not a starter on a good team


When teams start really scouting the Jazz in the regular season that lack of speed and paint integrity will be an obvious weak point.



Udoka/Kessler/Vanderbilt


While his unique size might make Wembanyama the defacto number one pick, whichever team ends up with the second pick and Handerson is getting a heck of a consolation prize.



his size is the reason I'd avoid him. Too big!

[Xiao Yao You]

https://www.deseret.com/2022/10/5/23381277/analysis-utah-jazz-portland-trail-blazers


Clearly there are some players that are higher in the pecking order, but it’s good to see that Hardy is still experimenting and playing around with things. There were some small lineups deployed as well as some ultra big lineups and there was a bit more rotational movement.


not sure about the 3 big line up in today's game but it's great to see a coach trying something new...anything! :bowdown:


While Horton-Tucker showed his strength and athleticism, it felt often like he was trying way to hard to show those things and he came off as ball hog who wasn’t interested in the rest of the team.



while taking long twos :facepalm

[Xiao Yao You]

https://www.slcdunk.com/2022/10/4/23388680/utah-jazz-beat-the-portland-trail-blazers-in-first-preseason-win-nba


We saw some more impressive minutes from Walker Kessler who is looking pretty comfortable already as a backup NBA center. There were a handful of rookie moments for Kessler tonight, but the foundation is there for a nice NBA player who can help this Jazz team for years to come.



need him to be more than a back up. Olynyk isn't the answer

[Xiao Yao You]

Rod Boone: #Hornets are signing Xavier Sneed to an Exhibit 10 deal, (https://*********.com/social/) league sources tell @theobserver. Roster is back up to 20.

– via Twitter rodboone (https://twitter.com/rodboone)



should have a better opportunity there

[Xiao Yao You]

Dane Moore: These are the Wolves players out tonight, per Chris Finch Karl-Anthony Towns Eric Paschall PJ Dozier D’Angelo Russell and Rudy Gobert will play (https://*********.com/social/)
– via Twitter DaneMooreNBA (https://twitter.com/DaneMooreNBA)




Ben Golliver: 7’1” center Rudy Gobert says “I feel good, I feel small” next to 7’4” French countryman Victor Wembanyama (https://*********.com/social/)

[Xiao Yao You]

Dane Moore: Anthony Edwards on growing chemistry with Rudy Gobert: “We just been working on my lob throws. I’ve never threw lobs before, so I’ve been working on em… It’s very effective. Him rollin, KAT poppin, teams don’t know how to guard us because he creates a great highway to the rim.” (https://*********.com/social/)
– via Twitter DaneMooreNBA (https://twitter.com/DaneMooreNBA)



I'd guess they'll stagger those two together like Conley and Gobert here. KAT and ANT with the other group. They will stomp on people

[Xiao Yao You]

Eric Walden: Malik Beasley did not go through Utah Jazz practice again today (https://*********.com/social/).
– via Twitter tribjazz (https://twitter.com/tribjazz)

[Xiao Yao You]

Former Jazz player Juwan Morgan signed with G League team Ontario Clippers for the 2022-23 season (https://*********.com/lists/international-transactions-log-where-are-former-nba-players-going/).
– via Alberto De Roa @ ********* (https://*********.com/lists/international-transactions-log-where-are-former-nba-players-going/)

[Xiao Yao You]

Following a first-round exit for the third time in four seasons, Jazz executive Danny Ainge saw “a group of players that really didn’t believe in each other” and began to dismantle the core by trading Rudy Gobert, Donovan Mitchell, and Bogdanovic, who disagreed with Ainge’s view. “I think we were unlucky that last year Donovan got hurt before the playoffs,” Bogdanovic told *********. “The year before, Mike (Conley) missed time in the playoffs. (https://*********.com/lists/nba-rumors-pistons-bojan-bogdanovic-free-agency/) My first year I was there, I missed the playoffs because of my wrist. Basically, we had a lot of guys missing in the playoffs. That was the key reason why we didn’t have a run deep in the playoffs.”
– via Michael Scotto @ ********* (https://*********.com/lists/nba-rumors-pistons-bojan-bogdanovic-free-agency/)




The Suns discussed sending Jae Crowder and Dario Saric, along with draft compensation to Utah for Bogdanovic, league sources told ********* (https://*********.com/lists/nba-rumors-pistons-bojan-bogdanovic-free-agency/). The Lakers had numerous conversations with Utah that included Russell Westbrook and both of Los Angeles’ unprotected first-round picks in 2027 and 2029 that all involved Bogdanovic. There were various structures that ultimately fizzled. One scenario had the Jazz sending a future unprotected first-round pick back to the Lakers. Other variations of trade talks included different players that could’ve been included with Bogdanovic. One trade discussion involved Jordan Clarkson, another involved Mike Conley, and another one included Malik Beasley and Rudy Gay, leagues ources told *********.
– via Michael Scotto @ ********* (https://*********.com/lists/nba-rumors-pistons-bojan-bogdanovic-free-agency/)





********* asked Casey about his expectations for Bogdanovic this season and potentially in the future. “I’d love to have him back,” Casey replied. “He’s a free agent. Hopefully, he has a good experience with us and finds a good home with us. Everybody needs a guy like that who knows how to play and can shoot the ball. (https://*********.com/lists/nba-rumors-pistons-bojan-bogdanovic-free-agency/) Hopefully, we can entice him to stay. If he doesn’t, he helps us, and we help him. He’s a pro. He’ll have a big role for us this year.” When ********* asked Bogdanovic for his reaction to Casey’s hopeful optimism, the veteran forward replied, “I’m here only for a couple of days, but if they’re open for that, we’ll see what’s going to happen.”
– via Michael Scotto @ HoopsHyp (https://*********.com/lists/nba-rumors-pistons-bojan-bogdanovic-free-agency/)




The Charlotte Hornets waived big man Isaiah Whaley. The Hornets have also signed wing Xavier Sneed (https://basketball.realgm.com/wiretap/268893/Hornets-Waive-Isaiah-Whaley;-Sign-Xavier-Sneed). Whaley appeared in one preseason game for Charlotte. He grabbed one rebound in four minutes of play. Whaley is expected to join the Greensboro Swarm of the G League this season.
– via RealGM (https://basketball.realgm.com/wiretap/268893/Hornets-Waive-Isaiah-Whaley;-Sign-Xavier-Sneed)

[Xiao Yao You]

Dane Moore: Rudy Gobert says it’s “the plan” to play with Victor Wembanyana in the 2024 Olympics in Paris. Gobert: “Paris would be perfect. It’s gonna be right after his first NBA season. And we’re gonna try and win a gold medal.” (https://*********.com/social/)
– via Twitter DaneMooreNBA (https://twitter.com/DaneMooreNBA)


Embiid might take your spot Rudy!

[Xiao Yao You]

“It’s going to take us a while to get used to everyone and learn everyone,” Clarkson said. “We’re still just getting the basics down. We’re not even at the point of knowing guys’ spots and individual games.” (https://www.deseret.com/2022/10/7/23393444/utah-jazz-chemistry)
– via Sarah Todd @ deseret.com (https://www.deseret.com/2022/10/7/23393444/utah-jazz-chemistry)


what are you going to pass if you know their spots and games? :roll:

[Xiao Yao You]

Rudy Gobert: Insecurity is always loud (https://*********.com/social/tweets/).
– via Twitter rudygobert27 (https://twitter.com/rudygobert27)




concerning Draymond. He's right on about that guy! :cheers:

[Xiao Yao You]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TMunGrtkKok

TODAY'S SCRIMMAGE OR SOME OF IT?

[Xiao Yao You]

Kyle Goon: The Lakers have waived Dwayne Bacon and Javante McCoy, and they’ve signed Shaquille Harrison and LJ Figueroa as training camp bodies (https://*********.com/social/).
– via Twitter kylegoon (https://twitter.com/kylegoon)

[Xiao Yao You]

https://www.deseret.com/2022/10/8/23381266/utah-jazz-practices-more-competitive-under-coach-will-hardy

JUST GLAD TO HAVE A NEW COACH. sHOULD HAVE HAPPENED AFTER THE BUBBLE

[Lee]

Not bad to start from scratch, that core wasnt going to go further.

[Lee]

You will have very good team in 3 years.

[Xiao Yao You]

Not bad to start from scratch, that core wasnt going to go further.

we don't know how far they were going to go. New coach could have done wonders. Dumping Mitchell and Clarkson for vets that played D, hit shots and passed the ball would have too. Imagine if they thought that in 1993 when two of the greatest players ever went from 1st to 3rd and remained there for two seasons. Would have never had the finals runs

[Xiao Yao You]

You will have very good team in 3 years.

who knows. First you have to find a guy to build around and actually build around him unlike what they did when Gobert emerged and they continued to try and tank and never really built around him. Same with Millsap before him. You'd like to think Ainge can work his magic again but than we have reports that the owner won't trade Clarkson! Let Ainge do his job and sign the checks!

[Xiao Yao You]

https://www.deseret.com/2022/10/8/23393446/4-observations-from-the-utah-jazz-open-scrimmage


This is the version of Butler that was expected when he was drafted out of Baylor. If Butler is still on the team when the season begins, this is the version of him that the Jazz hope to see more of.



might see it with the Stars while Conley and Clarkson try winning/losing you games


But he’s been working a lot more this offseason on being a facilitator and creating for his teammates, and I think there is some clear evidence that he’s becoming a better passer.



That would be great next to Sexton. The rookie is supposed to have that too hopefully


Head coach Will Hardy has made it known that he wants the ball to move a lot and is asking for more passing from all of the guards, and it’s exciting to see that’s already being taken to heart, even before the start of the regular season.



and than there is Clarkson :cry:


On one hand, if you’ve got Clarkson, Talen Horton-Tucker and Collin Sexton all taking shots whenever they want and a bunch of young guys playing for their contracts, that could lead to some pretty bad basketball, which is kind of what you want from the Jazz right now (the race to get Victor Wembanyama is on).

Talen might be the new Clarkson. Taking bad shots and bricking them. At least Sexton is actually good


On the other hand, if you’re trying to develop some other players to be facilitators and play within an offensive system and move the ball but it stops every time Sexton or Horton-Tucker touch it, that could be a problem.



rather it be Sexton than Clarkson or Tucker


Saben Lee had some highlight-worthy dunks that were extremely fun for the fans. Although it’s hard to imagine that Lee will be on the roster once opening day is upon us, it was good to see that he’s an athletic guy who actually has some tricks in the bag.



it's not hard to imagine anyone on or off this roster. They could trade 4 guys for one contract another team wants to get rid of and get to 15 guaranteed contracts. We just have no idea right now. OKC has made two trades since camp began. Someone certainly needs Conley right now. All I know is Lee destroyed the Gleague in 7 games last year. Bolmaro put up big numbers there too. They've got something. More than the bum Clarkson for sure

[Xiao Yao You]

https://www.slcdunk.com/research-statistics-analytics/2022/10/8/23342234/why-tanking-is-an-important-part-of-the-nba-ecosystem-offseason-rebuild


Tanking is a natural process that improves the overall product of the NBA



disagree. Having guys that belong in college or the Gleague playing instead of vets has been awful for the league. Need to get the last two NBA holdouts on the Gleague teams and have a real minor league. Young guys developing play there. Vets play in the NBA like hockey and baseball


Well, first off, calm down. Second, the NBA is also a fragile ecosystem and rules and systems in place can trickle down in huge ways. Tanking always comes with a mixed bag of reactions. The mere mention of the word will get certain people to react like you just told a dirty joke they didn’t appreciate, while others agree it’s an integral part of building some NBA teams.



and there is the Jazz who still haven't figured out how to tank


With the Utah Jazz (https://www.slcdunk.com) on a downward trend, Danny Ainge did the right thing to blow it up and reset their championship timeline. That it also happens to coincide with a chance at the best prospect we’ve seen since LeBron James, well, we’ll just pretend that’s a coincidence.



he thinks 2024 is even better. I'd say that is the main motivation behind this not the core reaching their ceiling. Hard for me to say trading a statue is the right thing though. They come around every 10 years in Utah.


And the Jazz aren’t finished. During the season other championship contenders will look to make a move to improve their odds and you can bet the Jazz will be one of the teams they’ll call to get better. One of the contenders out there will want someone like Malik Beasley or Jordan Clarkson to improve on one of their positions or fill a hole from injury, it’s only a matter of time. This makes for a better playoff product where the best possible version of each team will be on the floor competing.



the idea that Clarkson can make you better is hilarious! I'd rather have Exum


What getting rid of tanking will do is remove a lot of hope and publicity to the smaller market teams. Imagine hearing all the rumors for years about Donovan Mitchell to New York and knowing that keeping him was your only option. How awful would that be!?! With the moves this offseason, the Jazz gave their team a chance at a championship because the only way to get that is by having 1-2 MVP/1st-team all-NBA caliber players. Danny Ainge took control of the Jazz’s future and provided Jazz fans with hope again. If they’re successful, the Jazz will have a chance at drafting a player they’d never have a chance of getting otherwise. Remember, every great player they’ve had has been in the draft. Whether it was John Stockton, Karl Malone, Andrei Kirilenko, Deron Williams, Rudy Gobert, Donovan Mitchell and then hopefully Victor Wembanyama. The draft is the only way the Jazz get their stars and so the strategy should always be to use the draft to get those players.



Maravich, Dantley...


If you take that away from the Jazz, you’re telling Jazz fans they should give up ALL hope at a potential title because there’s zero way they’re getting those players in any other way. Sure, the Jazz have made trades for nice complimentary stars like Hornacek and Conley, but those moves were made after the stars were already drafted.



you mean all star Conley or all star Okur(not that he should have been)?


Tanking makes smaller market teams more relevant and makes them an important part of an evolving NBA ecosystem.



you took a statue away from Gobert and me so why not?


I don’t know if Adam Silver agrees with this, but he has to see some of these benefits. As long as there’s a draft there will always be some form of tanking, especially in a game and league where winning is so dependent on having 1-2 stars on your team. Flattening the lottery odds has definitely helped, but it’s still there as it should be.



they can eliminate tanking if they want. Have everyone in the lottery same odds. Have the first pick rotate every year so every team gets it every 30 years...


Regardless, all of this stuff is actually fun and should be embraced. Whether your team makes the big trade, signs that big free agent, or wins the lottery, those are all parts of fandom and are part of the NBA ecosystem. Trying to remove that one element can have more negative side effects than the NBA probably realizes.



i get it but embracing trying to lose should never be encouraged

[Xiao Yao You]

Tony Jones: The Utah Jazz are waiving guard Saben Lee, (https://*********.com/social/) League Sources tell myself and @Shams Charania
– via Twitter Tjonesonthenba (https://twitter.com/Tjonesonthenba)

[Xiao Yao You]

Mark Medina: Timberwolves will play Karl-Anthony Towns tonight vs Clippers. Rudy Gobert will sit out.
– via Twitter MarkG_Medina

[Xiao Yao You]

https://basketball.realgm.com/wiretap/268917/Jazz-To-Waive-Saben-Lee

In 85 games with Detroit over two seasons, Lee averaged 5.6 points and 3.3 assists in 16.3 minutes per game. Utah will have $1.7 million in dead money on their cap sheet for this season, unless Lee is claimed off waivers by another team.

[Xiao Yao You]

Sarah Todd: The Jazz have waived Saben Lee (https://*********.com/social/)
– via Twitter NBASarah (https://twitter.com/NBASarah)

[Xiao Yao You]

https://kslsports.com/494021/jazz-waive-saben-lee-will-sign-micah-potter/


Lee, a point guard entering his third season was coming off a difficult second year in which he averaged 5.6 points, 2.4 rebounds, and 2.9 assists.



he dominated the Gleague. That shows me he's a fringe NBA player at least. Got hops and length. Sucks to see anyone cut when Clarkson and Gay are still around


Lee’s $1.7 million contract was set to expire next summer but has a team option for the 2023-24 season. The Pistons sent the Jazz $1.7 million in the trade to cover his salary.



looks like he was a likely cut from the time they got him. Anyone with an expiring contract and little trade value is on the bubble. Zeller and who will be next?


The Jazz also announced it had signed Darryl Morsell who will be waived and joining the Salt Lake City Stars.



6'5" guard who defends


Earlier this month Potter was signed and waived by the Pistons in order to join their G League affiliate the Motor City Cruise, but agreed to the two-way deal with the Jazz before the beginning of training camp.



guess they get something from Detroit afterall

[Xiao Yao You]

The Utah Jazz have signed guard Darryl Morsell. (https://basketball.realgm.com/wiretap/268921/Jazz-Sign-Darryl-Morsell) It’s expected that Morsell signed a non-guaranteed training camp contract. The 6-foot-5 Morsell went undrafted out of Marquette at the 2022 NBA Draft. Morsell was a four-year starter for Maryland before transferring to Marquette for his senior season. As a senior, Morsell averaged 13.4 points and 1.2 steals per game.

– via RealGM (https://basketball.realgm.com/wiretap/268921/Jazz-Sign-Darryl-Morsell)

[Xiao Yao You]

What’s your expectation on how long the integration process will take with KAT, Anthony Edwards and D’Angelo Russell? Rudy Gobert: Every night will be an opportunity for us to get better. Basketball is not a perfect science. There is never perfection. But if you can play for each other and compete for each other every single minute on the court, we’re going to get better and better. Our goal obviously is to be one of the best teams in the Western Conference, then get to the Finals and play for a championship (https://www.nba.com/news/qa-rudy-gobert-wolves-welcome).

– via Mark Medina @ NBA.com (https://www.nba.com/news/qa-rudy-gobert-wolves-welcome)





Once you start playing with Towns, what do you think the chemistry will be? Rudy Gobert: It’s going to be fun. We both understand the game really well and we both know how we’re going to make each other better on defense and on offense. We’re going to learn every single day and every single minute on the court. That’s part of the fun with enjoying your team, enjoying your teammates and learning how to make each other better (https://www.nba.com/news/qa-rudy-gobert-wolves-welcome).
– via Mark Medina @ NBA.com (https://www.nba.com/news/qa-rudy-gobert-wolves-welcome)







What has it been like mentoring Victor Wembanyama? Rudy Gobert: It’s been great. I’ve known Victor since he was 13 years old. He’s a great kid. He’s very wise. Obviously, he has all the tools. But what makes him special is his mindset and his spirit. He’s passionate about the game. He wants to be great, and he knows what it takes to be great. He’s putting all of that together and working really hard to get to that level. (https://www.nba.com/news/qa-rudy-gobert-wolves-welcome) It’s been really cool to watch him grow.
– via Mark Medina @ NBA.com (https://www.nba.com/news/qa-rudy-gobert-wolves-welcome)






When did you realize he would be a special player? Rudy Gobert: The first time I watched him play. We all knew he would be special. But the real question was how far and how special? These last few days, we can all agree that he’s going to be something unique. As soon as I got to speak with him and understand his mindset, I knew he would be great. He has all of the tools, but the mentality is the most important tool. He has that (https://www.nba.com/news/qa-rudy-gobert-wolves-welcome).
– via Mark Medina @ NBA.com (https://www.nba.com/news/qa-rudy-gobert-wolves-welcome)

[Xiao Yao You]

Former Hornets player Treveon Graham signed with G League team Long Island Nets (https://*********.com/lists/international-transactions-log-where-are-former-nba-players-going/) for the 2022-23 season.

– via Alberto De Roa @ ********* (https://*********.com/lists/international-transactions-log-where-are-former-nba-players-going/)

[Xiao Yao You]

Former Suns player Paris Bass signed with G League team Salt Lake City Stars (https://*********.com/lists/international-transactions-log-where-are-former-nba-players-going/) for the 2022-23 season.
– via Alberto De Roa @ ********* (https://*********.com/lists/international-transactions-log-where-are-former-nba-players-going/)

[Xiao Yao You]

Ben Anderson: Kelly Olynyk shared what it’s like to still play with John Stockton at Sunday pickup games in Spokane. “He’s damn near the best player out there every single possession.” (https://*********.com/social/) #TakeNote | @kslsports pic.twitter.com/9AyzjnkYNr
– via Twitter BensHoops (https://twitter.com/BensHoops)

[Lee]

who knows. First you have to find a guy to build around and actually build around him unlike what they did when Gobert emerged and they continued to try and tank and never really built around him. Same with Millsap before him. You'd like to think Ainge can work his magic again but than we have reports that the owner won't trade Clarkson! Let Ainge do his job and sign the checks!

I think of Ainge, that I feel you will get a good team

[Xiao Yao You]

I think of Ainge, that I feel you will get a good team

I'd think so but if the rumors are true about the owner insisting on keeping the bum Clarkson I wouldn't bet on it. Owners that don't let front offices do their job are a problem

[Xiao Yao You]

Sarah Todd: Malik Beasley (left ankle sprain) will not play in the Jazz’s preseason game tomorrow (https://*********.com/social/). Udoka Azubuike also remains sidelined.
– via Twitter NBASarah (https://twitter.com/NBASarah)

[Lee]

I'd think so but if the rumors are true about the owner insisting on keeping the bum Clarkson I wouldn't bet on it. Owners that don't let front offices do their job are a problem

Yeh if Clarkson trade available,pull the trigger

[Xiao Yao You]

Yeh if Clarkson trade available,pull the trigger

supposedly they have trades for him and Beasley. I'm ok keeping Beasley as a young vet for the time being. Someone will want Conley eventually. He's easily their best player

[Xiao Yao You]

Keith Pompey: #Sixers coach Doc Rivers on Danuel House Jr.: “I love him. I love his spirit before he gets on the court. I love his talk. He’s one of the other guys that talks a lot (https://*********.com/social/). “But he shoots the ball. He’s just playing very, very smart basketball.”
– via Twitter PompeyOnSixers (https://twitter.com/PompeyOnSixers)

he was great last year for the Jazz

[Xiao Yao You]

https://www.ksl.com/article/50492643/why-jared-butler-has-hope-for-a-strong-2nd-season--if-he-can-get-there


So far, Butler hasn't been part of coach Will Hardy's rotation, but with so many players at relatively the same skill level, that may change quickly.



trades of Conley and Clarkson is what they need but that might bring back more competition


Some of his issues can be explained away by inconsistent minutes on a veteran-laden team. That, however, doesn't clarify his Summer League showing when he struggled to create separation and run Utah's offense against players that, for the most part, won't be playing in the league this season.



he ran the offense great. He's had a problem with scoring. Looks really small. He needs a higher release on his shot which I saw when they drafted him. He had his moments last year


The good news for Butler is that many players have taken the next step when they realized something similar. Only a few NBA players excel at everything across the board; the rest survive in the league by being really good in a couple areas — or even a singular area.



who excels at everything?


"He's real talented, can shoot the ball, has great change of pace," Olynyk said. "Just trying to be able to kind of transition into a solid point guard. I don't know his back story or how point guard dominant he was when he was growing up or in college, but I think he can be really successful in this league.



he's definitely a pg, Only Conley can run the offense better

[Xiao Yao You]

https://www.ksl.com/article/50492688/slc-stars-to-play-at-maverik-center-this-season

interesting. I think they had plenty of seats at the old venue. Guess they'll just seat the lower bowl?

[Xiao Yao You]

https://www.slcdunk.com/2022/10/10/23398031/utah-jazz-injury-report-malik-beasley-and-udoka-azubuike-both-out-for-preseason-matchup-with-spurs


And that’s going to be one of the storylines this season. How much are the young players going to be able to get on the floor. Agbaji is a promising prospect but he needs to time on the floor. Will that happen soon? Or will he have to earn it over the season? We’ll see as things go on.



looks like he will have to earn it which I love. He will soon get on the floor with the Stars while they wait to dump Conley and Clarkson hopefully

[Xiao Yao You]

https://fansided.com/betsided/posts/rudy-gobert-bam-adebayo-lead-opening-nba-defensive-player-year-odds-2022-23-season

Gobert the heavy favorite

[Xiao Yao You]

https://basketball.realgm.com/wiretap/268929/Nets-Hire-Jeff-Bower-As-Scout

was also one of many guys with the Jazz front office

[Xiao Yao You]

Tom Orsborn: Josh Richardson did not travel to Utah after suffering a minor knee injury on Sunday vs. New Orleans. Also, the charge Zach Collins drew against Zion Williamson is what landed him in the league’s concussion protocols (https://*********.com/social/).
– via Twitter tom_orsborn (https://twitter.com/tom_orsborn)

[Xiao Yao You]

How are you feeling fatigue-wise now that you’re about three weeks removed from EuroBasket? Doncic: I’m good. I had about a week off after the EuroBasket, but I’m good. I was sleeping a lot, [rejuvenated], so I’m good to go. Was it tough to stay patient as you eased back into the NBA grind? Doncic: I mean, I did everything. Just not the first day, and I didn’t play in Tulsa, but other than that I did everything. Think you’ll play Friday in the preseason finale in Utah then? Doncic: Yeah. [pause, smiling] Probably (https://www.dallasnews.com/sports/mavericks/2022/10/11/luka-doncic-qa-mvp-outlook-tougher-west-playoff-picture-and-year-2-with-jason-kidd/).
– via Callie Caplan @ Dallas Morning News (https://www.dallasnews.com/sports/mavericks/2022/10/11/luka-doncic-qa-mvp-outlook-tougher-west-playoff-picture-and-year-2-with-jason-kidd/)

[Xiao Yao You]

Duane Rankin: #Suns sign free agent guards Adonis Arms, Saben Lee and waived Frank Jackson (https://*********.com/social/).
– via Twitter DuaneRankin (https://twitter.com/DuaneRankin)

[Xiao Yao You]

As the regular season approaches, House Jr. opened up on his role with the team and he discussed what he is expected to do out on the floor. “My role is just to be energy,” he told reporters in Cleveland. “Be the guy to make stuff happen. Make plays happen, make a shot, knock down a shot, get a rebound, pass the ball, set the play up, run the play, set the screen, whatever the team needs pretty much. (https://sixerswire.usatoday.com/2022/10/11/danuel-house-jr-discusses-his-role-with-sixers-winning-is-high-priority/) I’m just here to give away myself. Like I said earlier, I’m not really worried about accolades. As long as we win, I feel like that’s my biggest accolade.”
– via Ky Carlin @ Sixers Wire (https://sixerswire.usatoday.com/2022/10/11/danuel-house-jr-discusses-his-role-with-sixers-winning-is-high-priority/)

[Xiao Yao You]

In recent transaction cycles, Phoenix has explored adding greater ball-handling depth behind Chris Paul and Devin Booker. And Jordan Clarkson, one of the many veterans thought to be available in Utah, is one dynamic guard the Suns have inquired about landing in exchange for Crowder, sources said. (https://sports.yahoo.com/the-suns-curious-handling-of-jae-crowder-creates-more-questions-than-answers-135459778.html) Would Phoenix be willing to attach draft capital in that scenario? That outcome would seem to result in Crowder securing a buyout from Utah, and then his pick of destination, albeit at an unknown salary.
– via Jake Fischer @ Yahoo! Sports (https://sports.yahoo.com/the-suns-curious-handling-of-jae-crowder-creates-more-questions-than-answers-135459778.html)

[Xiao Yao You]

Gerald Bourguet: The Suns have officially signed Adonis Arms and Saben Lee after waiving Frank Jackson (https://*********.com/social/).
– via Twitter GeraldBourguet (https://twitter.com/GeraldBourguet)

[Xiao Yao You]

Andy Larsen: The Jazz (finally) officially signed Micah Potter to a two/way contract, the team announced. Also, they waived Jeenathan Williams. (https://*********.com/social/) Go flourish in West Valley, Jeenathan.
– via Twitter andyblarsen (https://twitter.com/andyblarsen)

[Xiao Yao You]

Omari Sanfoka II: Bojan Bogdanovic practiced today, Dwane Casey said (https://*********.com/social/)
– via Twitter omarisankofa (https://twitter.com/omarisankofa)

[Xiao Yao You]

Andy Larsen: The SLC Stars named former Boston Celtics assistant Scott Morrison their head coach today. Marquis Newman is now the team’s GM (https://*********.com/social/).
– via Twitter andyblarsen (https://twitter.com/andyblarsen)

[Xiao Yao You]

https://kslsports.com/494109/jared-butler-shines-in-jazz-loss/


The Jazz aren’t designed to be good. The goal for the team this season is to find which of the 15 players on the final roster are worth investing in long term, while also losing games to better their odds of landing a top pick in the 2023 NBA Draft.



Not 15. Most of them won't be on the team after Danny's draft picks start joining. Looking for the ones that will be here then

[Xiao Yao You]

https://basketball.realgm.com/wiretap/268964/Finch-Connelly-Wolves-Couldnt-Afford-Not-To-Trade-For-Rudy-Gobert

they likely win that trade. Kessler has looked good so far though

[Xiao Yao You]

http://www.espn.com/nba/tradeMachine?tradeId=2kkkmw7l

Clarkson for Crowder doesn't work straight across

[Xiao Yao You]

Dave McMenamin: Wolves coach Chris Finch says that Rudy Gobert and Karl-Anthony Towns will be out tonight against the Lakers.
– via Twitter mcten

Dane Moore: Chris Finch said he feels the best way to grow the chemistry around a two-big lineup is to get the two bigs on the same page and then have the surrounding players build off that. Finch was in Denver with Jokic and Nurkic and in New Orleans with Davis and Cousins. Same process.
– via Twitter DaneMooreNBA

[Xiao Yao You]

https://kslsports.com/494130/stars-scott-morrison-promote-gm/


Prior to his time in Boston, Morrison was the head coach of the Celtics’ NBA G League affiliate the Maine Red Claws between 2014-17. The coach lead Maine to a 35-15 record and won the Dennis Johnson G League Coach of the Year Award in his first season.



Expecting big things. Looks like at least one lottery pick will be playing for them

[Xiao Yao You]

https://saltcityhoops.com/active-october-as-jazz-weigh-decisions/


That leaves an unlucky foursome of young guys fighting for two roster spots: the Jazz can likely only keep two of Udoka Azubuike, Leandro Bolmaro, Jared Butler and Stanley Johnson. All four appear to be outside the main rotation as of today, and all four have no financial guarantees beyond this season. Each one makes between $1.5 and 2.5 million, making them the lowest-paid Jazzmen with guaranteed salaries. For all those reasons, it’s extremely likely the final two cuts come from that group. (The Jazz will also likely cut Zeller, a move which won’t cost them anything on the cap sheet.)



I'd guess Johnson and Bolmaro who I'd hate to see go. Can't see them cutting Udoka unless they think his ankle will never be good. Zeller is better than Olynyk sadly


Bolmaro and Butler are both guards trying to lock up spots on an already guard-heavy roster, so it seems unlikely that both of them will survive final cuts. Each guy has arguments in favor: Butler has more innate scoring ability and was an in-house draft project who has been in the Jazz’s program for a year; Bolmaro is bigger, possesses some more tradiitonal point guard skills, and is a first-round talent. Ultimately, neither guy has established himself as a rotational player — both stayed under the 400 minute mark as rookies. Both were inefficient shooters, but Butler’s per-shot efficiency was closer to respectable territory, and he passed the ball better. Bolmaro rebounded better and showed a bit more defensive ability — unsurprising on both counts given his 6-foot-6 frame.



Butler has struggled to score. He can run the team and plays D though. Bolmaro does it all except shoot well


Johnson is the closest thing to an established NBA player in this quartet, and I’ve heard that he has been great influence in training camp. But he arrived in Utah mostly as salary ballast in a summer trade, and the Jazz are already swimming in guys who are 6’6″ and under. He’s a non-shooter, non-passer and non-ballhandler, all skill sets that you ideally want in your wings in a modern offense. He has generally been a plus defender throughout his career and he plays with energy, but it’s not clear where he’d find minutes.



he's ideally an end of the bench energy guy


Dok can at least be slotted as a third-string center. He has struggled to stay healthy, but had some success in a winter stretch where injuries opened the door for him: he average 10 & 8 over a 6-game stretch in February, on 77% shooting.



if he's healthy and on the team he will play. Kessler might get sent to the Stars until they figure it out


(No, they’re not going to waive Rudy Gay, who is owed salary next season. Also no on the idea that’s been picking up social media steam that they might cut Simone Fontecchio. Just… no.)



they're tanking. If they don't see him having trade value eat it now


The reality here: it’s highly likely this decision won’t matter much in the long run. Whoever the Jazz hang onto for now could eventually be cut for roster flexibility or could lose his job later as Utah adds talent via the grundle of draft picks they own. It still behooves them to factor in which guys have a better chance of “hitting” and offering some value to their rebuild, which is why my guess is they keep the less redundant Bolmaro and Dok for now.



it probably won't matter in the long run but still sad when Clarkson and Gay are still here


A Jordan Clarkson-to-Phoenix rumor (https://twitter.com/davidjsmith1232/status/1580201549225000960?s=20&t=8BBL7eNiZqnBb8YQHL5fMA) surfaced on Wednesday, but honestly, it feels like Phoenix is one of those teams that could actually use a productive version of Gay. He’d play the exact role/position that Crowder vacated in the rotation, and he’d be $18-19 million cheaper than Crowder when factoring in luxury tax costs. A construct where Phoenix gets Gay, a team like Memphis or Atlanta gets Crowder, and the Jazz wind up with a contract they could cut and a small asset doesn’t seem all that crazy. (My theory is that the Jazz would probably consider cutting Gay if not for the $6.5M player option for next season, so trading his two years for even a slightly larger 1-year salary they could cut actually makes some sense.) Of course, that’s all very contingent on whether the Suns believe Gay can access his pre-Utah performance level.



Suns don't want Crowder on Memphis. Gay is risky for Suns. Clarkson still on Jazz :cry:


Even a direct Gay-Dario Saric swap would save the Suns $14 to $15 million without too much basketball cost, and they haven’t really been using Saric. But again, it’s unclear whether Phoenix has any interest whatsoever in Gay, who struggled last season.



had his moments. Finished the last 6 games playing well I thought


And then there’s the Laker stuff. Los Angeles would still likely be open to surrendering a single unprotected pick to get off of Russell Westbrook’s $47 million expiring contract, but supposedly doesn’t have interest in Mike Conley, whose contract could hurt their 2023 cap flexibility. The Jazz would almost need to include Conley in a Westbrook swap, but maybe there is a team out there who could use Conley and would flip an expiring to L.A. Washington addressed its point guard need by adding two floor generals, but neither is a solid starter type. Would they send Will Barton to Hollywood in order to upgrade their playmaking? Dallas still seems like a team that needs another offensive creator, but it looks like they may instead talk themselves into the unspectacular (https://twitter.com/statmuse/status/1484747209635553284?s=20&t=8BBL7eNiZqnBb8YQHL5fMA) Facundo Campazzo. Chicago makes some sense as a Conley spot with Lonzo Ball’s injury, but they have few tradable contracts in that range.



I like Campazzo but someone needs Conley. Can still ball


Up to six guys can be acquired by each G League team in this manner, and the SLC Stars can already claim affiliate player rights to Paris Bass, Jeenathan Williams and Darryl Morsell because of their brief Jazz contracts. It was reported earlier this summer that Kofi Cockburn would get similar treatment, and then the Jazz/Stars can still perform that operation up to two more times.



I thought there were some others in the summer


Expect them to sign (and then waive) Cockburn and potentially a couple of other G League-bound prospects in the next few days. But since they’re currently at 20 roster spots, they’ll first need to waive Zeller or make one of the cuts/trades we speculated about up top.



been wondering if Zeller is going to play with the Stars until an NBA team comes calling



If the Jazz decline those options and then one of Azubuike/Bolmaro pop this upcoming season, they’ll still have free agent rights that enable them to re-sign them next summer, but they will be unrestricted free agents at that point.


This month — October 18, to be exact — also brings the deadline for players entering the fourth season of their rookie scale contract to agree to an extension. The only player the Jazz have in that situation is Alexander-Walker, and it’s unlikely he gets an extension given that the Jazz value flexibility as they rebuild. They can still make the Canadian guard a restricted free agent next summer if they choose to.



I doubt anyone gets an extension. Most of these guys won't be on the team once the tank is over

[Xiao Yao You]

Josh Lewenberg: Nick Nurse anticipates Juancho Hernangomez being part of the rotation, especially early in the season with Porter and Boucher banged up. (https://*********.com/social/) Nurse says they’ve been managing his minutes in preseason after his busy summer but need his shooting with the second unit.
– via Twitter JLew1050 (https://twitter.com/JLew1050)

[Xiao Yao You]

They believe Gobert isn’t just a championship-level acquisition but that he provides an injection of rocket fuel to the rest of their team, particularly their other star players. “We put up the 30 best players in the league on a board,” said Wolves coach Chris Finch, broadly gesturing with his hands as he described meetings when the deal was first seriously contemplated (https://www.espn.com/nba/insider/insider/story/_/id/34775510/the-trade-left-nba-stunned-skeptical-why-wolves-went-all-rudy-gobert). “At any given time, like there’s maybe three or four of them available. Some aren’t even available if you gave 10 picks. And if you have one you can get and he fits and does a lot of the things that we like — the more that we looked at it and the deeper we went, like just the more we felt like we couldn’t not [trade for him].”

– via Brian Windhorst @ ESPN (https://www.espn.com/nba/insider/insider/story/_/id/34775510/the-trade-left-nba-stunned-skeptical-why-wolves-went-all-rudy-gobert)





The general idea was to keep Towns and Edwards together all the time — they were the heart of an offense developed last season that was No. 1 in the league after Jan. 1 — and then have Gobert and Russell out there together as much as possible, ensuring 48 minutes of firepower if the groups were staggered correctly. The Wolves, however, ranked 16th on defense in that span, and in their playoff loss to the Memphis Grizzlies, rebounding was a major thorn. In narrow losses in Games 5 and 6, the Wolves were outrebounded by a combined 28 boards. Gobert led the NBA in rebounding last season (https://www.espn.com/nba/insider/insider/story/_/id/34775510/the-trade-left-nba-stunned-skeptical-why-wolves-went-all-rudy-gobert). As the hours passed and the Wolves mulled this move, they fell more and more in love.

– via Brian Windhorst @ ESPN (https://www.espn.com/nba/insider/insider/story/_/id/34775510/the-trade-left-nba-stunned-skeptical-why-wolves-went-all-rudy-gobert)




goes from the #1 offense last season to the #1 offense after the Jazz injuries started to come. I thought they were 10th in D last year? Must've been great the 1st half?

[Xiao Yao You]

Eric Walden: Malik Beasley (left ankle sprain) did not practice for the Jazz today. (https://*********.com/social/) Udoka Azubuike (ankle surgery) was a full participant in practice.

– via Twitter tribjazz (https://twitter.com/tribjazz)



Dok is back!

[Xiao Yao You]

Chris Fedor: #Cavs Evan Mobley will make his preseason debut tomorrow night in Orlando. (https://*********.com/social/) Darius Garland, Donovan Mitchell and Jarrett Allen will not travel make the trip.
– via Twitter ChrisFedor (https://twitter.com/ChrisFedor)

[Xiao Yao You]

Andrew Greif: The Clippers say they have waived Xavier Moon, Malik Fitts and Nate Darling (https://*********.com/social/).
– via Twitter AndrewGreif (https://twitter.com/AndrewGreif)

[Xiao Yao You]

Dan Woike: Darvin Ham said he speaks to Quin Snyder once a week – joked that he’s working for the Lakers pro bono while collecting a “Utah check.” (https://*********.com/social/)
– via Twitter DanWoikeSports (https://twitter.com/DanWoikeSports)







Mike Curtis: Kevin Knox and Bojan Bogdanovic are available tonight (https://*********.com/social/). Killian Hayes, Hamidou Diallo, Nerlens Noel, Isaiah Livers and Alec Burks are out.
– via Twitter MikeACurtis2 (https://twitter.com/MikeACurtis2)

[Xiao Yao You]

Michael Scotto: Sources: The Phoenix Suns have waived guard Saben Lee, (https://*********.com/social/) @Jorge Sierra has learned.
– via Twitter MikeAScotto (https://twitter.com/MikeAScotto)

[Xiao Yao You]

Eric Walden: Malik Beasley and Udoka Azubuike remain OUT for the Jazz’s preseason finale (https://*********.com/social/) Friday vs. the Mavs
– via Twitter tribjazz (https://twitter.com/tribjazz)

[Xiao Yao You]

Nobody was more happy to be practicing on Thursday than Udoka Azubuike. It was the first time in seven months that the third-year center has been able to fully participate with the Utah Jazz (https://www.deseret.com/2022/10/13/23403507/utah-jazz-hard-luck-udoka-azubuike-cleared-for-full-practice). Early on Thursday morning Azubuike was cleared for full participation in practice after weeks of working on his own. “I was excited about it,” Azubuike said. “We did some exercises in the morning before practice, and that felt good. Then, me going out there, getting a rep and you know, I’m just excited. It really felt good.”
– via Sarah Todd @ deseret.com (https://www.deseret.com/2022/10/13/23403507/utah-jazz-hard-luck-udoka-azubuike-cleared-for-full-practice)

[Xiao Yao You]

Callie Caplan: Only Davis Bertans (right knee effusion) on Mavs’ status report for preseason finale in Utah. Expect dress rehearsal-like lineups and rotations for Luka Doncic and the gang to start tomorrow night (https://*********.com/social/).
– via Twitter CallieCaplan (https://twitter.com/CallieCaplan)

[Xiao Yao You]

https://kslsports.com/494163/mike-conley-learned-from-damon-stoudamire/


Butler benefited from the help, dishing out seven assists against the Spurs and looking more like a point guard than he ever did in college.



he's definitely looked like a pg at least since summer. He's certainly the best player to run the O other than Conley


Conley was a popular name (https://kslsports.com/492921/conley-clarkson-in-utah-despite-ongoing-trade-rumors/) thrown out in trade talks during the offseason with the veteran guard still holding value for teams looking to make a deep run in the playoffs. And, if the right package were to be offered to the Jazz, there’s a very real likelihood he could be on the move.



just a matter of time. Keep him healthy! He can certainly still play

[Xiao Yao You]

https://www.deseret.com/2022/10/13/23403507/utah-jazz-hard-luck-udoka-azubuike-cleared-for-full-practice


Azubuike is in a precarious situation with the Jazz. While he’s finally progressing and making his way back from being sidelined, the Jazz need to finalize their roster by 3 p.m. MDT on Oct. 17, and he is one of the players that’s at risk of not making the final cut.



can't see him being cut unless they think he will always have problems with the ankle. He showed he's at least a back up in this league last year


The Jazz still need to shed two of the full contract players on the roster in order to round out the 15-man regular-season roster, and with Kelly Olynyk and Walker Kessler both guaranteed to play pretty significantly, it’s hard to see a path forward for Azubuike with the Jazz.



Olynyk will be traded eventually and Kessler is guaranteed time over a guy that has already shown he's an NBAer? Kessler has looked good but he's behind Udoka until he proves it in the regular season. The Stars are here for a reason. Udoka might start the year with the Stars while he ramps up maybe? Olynyk has been their PF with Vanderbilt at the 5 anyway. Gay could be the one benched or stretched?

[Xiao Yao You]

https://www.deseret.com/2022/10/13/23402969/utah-jazz-new-jerseys-schedule


The Twitter account Jazz Uniform Tracker (https://twitter.com/JazzUniTracker) was the first to give a breakdown of the schedule on Tuesday, but Utah will wear its white threads 28 times, its black ones 26 times, its purple ones (the throwback mountain jerseys) 18 times and its yellow ones 10 times.



yikes!

[Xiao Yao You]

The Suns have not inquired about Clarkson. (https://open.spotify.com/episode/3rB1Apn6N8Y3sqWAHGrbP5) I think it has to do with the money. Remember the sons are luxury taxpayer right now.

– via Spotify (https://open.spotify.com/episode/3rB1Apn6N8Y3sqWAHGrbP5)



I think this saved them tax. Crowder makes more.

[Xiao Yao You]

The Minnesota Timberwolves will name third-year wing Jaden McDaniels as the starting small forward to begin the 2022-23 season, (https://sports.yahoo.com/sources-timberwolves-to-name-jaden-mcdaniels-to-starting-lineup-141805640.html) league sources told Yahoo Sports. McDaniels, 22, has been preparing for the role during this preseason in what will be his first opportunity as a full-time starter. The 6-foot-9 wing will be tasked with defending the opposition’s best perimeter scorers and adding versatility and athleticism to a starting unit that will feature D’Angelo Russell, Anthony Edwards, Karl-Anthony Towns and newly acquired Rudy Gobert.
– via Chris Haynes @ Yahoo! Sports (https://sports.yahoo.com/sources-timberwolves-to-name-jaden-mcdaniels-to-starting-lineup-141805640.html)

[Xiao Yao You]

http://www.espn.com/nba/tradeMachine?tradeId=2jq4746c

this cuts their tax bill
(http://www.espn.com/nba/tradeMachine?tradeId=2jq4746c)

[Xiao Yao You]

https://saltcityhoops.com/starting-5-writers-weigh-in-on-surprises-success-measures-the-future/


Clark Schmutz (https://twitter.com/Clarkpojo): I am a little bit surprised that Sexton looks like he may not start for the Jazz although I understand wanting to avoid a tiny backcourt with him and Mike Conley, both listed at 6’1″. The former Cav seems fine right now with a bench role, but is that because he thinks he will be put in the starting lineup when he’s healthier? I’m going to keep an eye on that situation because balancing that dynamic will be a test for Will Hardy.



I think it is clear to anyone that they are showcasing their best player Conley. Sexton's time will come


Tyler Crandall (https://twitter.com/tjcranman): The most notable exclusion from Hardy’s regular rotation has to be Ochai Agbaji. The rookie wing was hyped as a late lottery pick, the Cavs were reluctant to let him go, and he was the most intriguing future piece in the Donovan Mitchell deal. However, because Agbaji is under team control for so long, it’s probably less pressing (https://twitter.com/tjcranman/status/1580037410426978304?s=20&t=fk1bbgCOrnXryUGxseOlwA) to develop him and figure him out.



Stars. Doubt Kessler would have been playing over Udoka either


Zarin Ficklin (https://twitter.com/zarinf): Hardy has favored veterans in his initial rotations. Intriguing rookies like Agbaji and Simone Fontecchio have seen little play. There are some plausible explanations: Hardy may be establishing a culture of earning minutes. He may be showing respect to the veterans, hoping for locker room dividends. He may be helping the front office build trade value in players that may not be on the roster later in the season. And it’s not like Agbaji or Fontecchio have blown the doors off in their debuts. It makes long-term sense for the Jazz to give their rookies reps this season, but Hardy has a lot of objectives to balance, and preseason is a good time to try things that may not hold through the full season.



there are reps with the Stars. The Italian should be past that stage but as he's learning the American game he might spend some time there too


Mark Russell Pereira (https://twitter.com/Mark_R_Pereira): Sexton not starting is a head-scratcher for me. Other than Conley’s playmaking, Sexton has the best, most established NBA skill of any player on the roster: efficient volume scoring. Jazz fans very much understand the defensive peril of starting two 6-footers in the backcourt, but I care a little bit more about the team figuring out their offense than their defense. Kelly Olynyk needs to start as the only competent center, and Lauri Markkanen is way too good to keep on the bench. So for the two remaining starting spots alongside Conley, I was surprised to see Hardy go with Malik Beasley and Jarred Vanderbilt. I would much rather see what Sexton can do as a starting guard alongside Conley than either of Beasley or Vanderbilt, who I project as just “guys” who won’t mean as much to the Jazz rebuild when all is said and done.



they aren't figuring out much other than who's getting traded next and how they lose most of their games. Udoka was competent last year. I like Zeller more than Olynyk. Vanderbilt might be more likely to be around after their lottery picks start joining than Sexton


Clark: The logical candidates in my mind are Conley, Sexton, Jordan Clarkson, and Markkanen and I’m going to go with Markkanen. It’s the right combination of skill, role, and timing for him to break out.



Conley is their best player. It's pretty clear


Mark: Markkanen is primed for a big year as a focal point of an offense led by a good coach. I don’t think Markkanen has an All-Star-level ceiling, but I expect him to be a passing mention in writers’ All-Star selection columns and opinions. Markkanen has grown a lot as a player while operating as a tertiary option for weird and bad Cleveland and Chicago teams. I believe there is a great chance that his improvement will be way more apparent as a primary focus of the offense. I’m betting on a 20 points, 8 rebounds per game season from Markkanen.



that's a lot to expect from someone his age that has never been close to those numbers


Clark: Given contract control and age, Kessler and Agbaji are the obvious answers. If I had to choose one, I’d go with Kessler. As a bonus I’d also say that only three Jazzmen will be on the next contending team: Kessler, Agbaji, and Markkanen.



be surprised if Lauri is around past Feb.


Zarin: I’m going to throw a curveball and say Kessler. While any of the youngish vets like Markkanen, Sexton and Vanderbilt could contribute toward a contending team, they have a higher chance of being traded or leaving in free agency by the time the Jazz are contention-ready. Walker and Agbaji have the best chance of being on the team long-term due to their rookie-scale contracts. While Agbaji has all the tools of a coveted wing prototype and is a lottery talent, I’ve just seen a lot more out of Kessler in the first three preseason games. Sure, those last four words are important. We’ve seen very little, and Agbaji could easily end up the better player. But from the glimpses we have seen, Kessler already looks like he belongs in the league, positional trends aside.



Kessler is younger too


David: The Jazz have several promising players that will get ample opportunity to prove themselves worthy of being a cog or in some cases, a cornerstone, for the team’s future. Again, Sexton and Markannen have multiple years on solid contracts, so will get the chance to show their long-term value. It is hard not to be excited about rookie Walker Kessler. He is smart, moves well without the ball, has great defensive instincts, and plays within himself. I’ve been impressed with his agility on-the-ball and as a help defender. He may end up being the best player that came to Utah in the Gobert trade.



likely the best player from that trade

[Xiao Yao You]

https://www.slcdunk.com/2022/10/14/23403952/what-are-the-best-and-worst-case-scenarios-for-the-utah-jazz-this-season-nba-preview


In reality, there’s some urgency here for the Jazz to get these players developed. Timelines and windows for this team are not what they used to be, and when you have a set of all-stars on your team, you have to be able to maximize your chances. If the Jazz continue to do silly things like play Mike Conley and Rudy Gay over their young players, it’s messing with valuable development time. Every minute counts!

Conley has value. He has to be showcased and hopefully kept healthy. Would be nice if Gay showed enough for them to be able to trade him too but I'm not sure that is possible?

[Xiao Yao You]

https://www.slcdunk.com/2022/10/13/23403881/utah-jazz-take-on-the-dallas-mavericks-in-final-preseason-game-luka-doncic


But that doesn’t mean this season can’t be successful. In a way, the Jazz have jumpstarted their rebuild with the acquisition of rookies like Walker Kessler, Ochai Agbaji and even Simone Fontecchio. The only way this isn’t a success if the Jazz don’t successfully develop these players. For the most part we’ve seen some nice things from Kessler and Fontecchio, but it’s time that we saw more of Agbaji. If we don’t see him soon, I wouldn’t be surprised if Danny Ainge doesn’t make another move to clear space for him. The Jazz need to be bad and also develop their youth for when they bring in the potential cornerstone players over the next two seasons. Giving more time to the rookies will achieve both.



They will move guys and Agbaji will eventually get his shot. Until than there is the Stars. Dominate there and then you talk about having to find him minutes with the Jazz. Kessler might be going there too with Udoka back

[Xiao Yao You]

https://www.slcdunk.com/2022/10/13/23403933/quin-snyder-working-with-the-los-angeles-lakers


Perhaps Snyder is also letting Ham know how he got outcoached in every playoff series he was a part of. That can only be helpful to Ham to know how to beat a bad playoff scheme that never changes. My guess is Snyder is also helping him decide who his oldest, most washed defender is, and then persuading him to have them guard the other team’s best scorer in isolation. Ah the joys of watching Jamal Murray destroy the Jazz’s worst defenders over and over in the bubble with no adjustment in sight. Truly a memory that will live forever in Jazz lore.



he outcoached Rivers and Brooks. The past 3 were ugly. Even 5 minutes of Oni, Tucker or Brantley guarding Murray might have been the difference

[Xiao Yao You]

ClutchPoints: “The Lakers at some point here will start engaging teams again on possible Russell Westbrook trades. (https://*********.com/social/) They paused it at the start of training camp.” @wojespn on the Lakers’ plans.

“The Lakers at some point here will start engaging teams again on possible Russell Westbrook trades. They paused it at the start of training camp.”@wojespn (https://twitter.com/wojespn?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) on the Lakers’ plans
pic.twitter.com/hEMt6vvN2k (https://t.co/hEMt6vvN2k)

— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPointsApp) October 14, 2022 (https://twitter.com/ClutchPointsApp/status/1581002331797090304?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)


– via Twitter ClutchPointsApp (https://twitter.com/ClutchPointsApp)

[Xiao Yao You]

http://www.espn.com/nba/tradeMachine?tradeId=2nk32mqe

plus the two firsts. Get it done!
(http://www.espn.com/nba/tradeMachine?tradeId=2nk32mqe)

[Xiao Yao You]

Shams Charania: The Houston Rockets are planning to waive center Derrick Favors, (https://*********.com/social/) sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium. Rockets needed to make a roster cut to reach 15 guaranteed spots.
– via Twitter ShamsCharania (https://twitter.com/ShamsCharania)

[Xiao Yao You]

https://kslsports.com/494185/jazz-mavericks-preseason-finale/

Fontecchio was added to the Jazz injury list on Friday morning due to a left quadriceps contusion. The Italian rookie averaged 4.3 points in three preseason appearances for the Jazz.

[Xiao Yao You]

Sarah Todd: Stanley Johnson has been waived by the Utah Jazz (https://*********.com/social/)

– via Twitter NBASarah (https://twitter.com/NBASarah)



looks like Bolmaro or Butler?

[Xiao Yao You]

Dane Moore: Rudy Gobert on Karl-Anthony Towns: “What I love about Karl is that he really wants to see people around him have fun and people around him win. (https://*********.com/social/) As a star player in this league, it’s a great threat, and I think it’s a trait winning players have.”
– via Twitter DaneMooreNBA (https://twitter.com/DaneMooreNBA)

[Xiao Yao You]

https://www.ksl.com/article/50495894/jazz-happy-with-progress-after-preseason-finale-loss-to-dallas


He pointed to the ball movement and the 25 assists his team had, and the different level of connectivity the team found for large portions of the first half. It was a night and day difference from Tuesday's abysmal opening against the San Antonio Spurs; Utah consistently ran efficient sets and sought to make the extra pass.



too much passing at times like COTM's teams. Clarkson is still a bum though!


The Jazz look to be headed toward a starting lineup of Conley, Jordan Clarkson, Vandebilt, Markannen and Kelly Olynyk.



only a tanking team could start Clarkson :cry:


Based on preseason roles, the key reserves look to be Walker Kessler, Gay, Sexton, and Malik Beasley, with Horton-Tucker, Alexander-Walker and Butler potentially filling out the rest of the minutes.



at least until they dump some vets

[Xiao Yao You]

https://www.ksl.com/article/50495888/jazz-begin-final-roster-cut-down-by-waiving-stanleyBased on preseason production, Bolmaro and Azubuike appear to be the most likely to be included in the final cut. Bolmaro appeared in just one preseason contest, and Azubuike just returned to practice for the first time since an ankle injury that cut his year short last season.-johnson-following-preseason-finale-


Based on preseason production, Bolmaro and Azubuike appear to be the most likely to be included in the final cut. Bolmaro appeared in just one preseason contest, and Azubuike just returned to practice for the first time since an ankle injury that cut his year short last season.

Dok was good last year so unless they think his ankle will always be a problem can't see him getting cut. I'd guess Bolmaro which sucks. I like his game

[Xiao Yao You]

https://kslsports.com/494204/jazz-1-3-after-preseason-loss-to-dallas/


In Tuesday’s loss to the San Antonio Spurs it was painfully obvious the Jazz missed the floor general as Conley rested in the team’s third preseason outing.



Butler is your next best option and he might get cut!



Mike Conley is the best player on the @utahjazz (https://twitter.com/utahjazz?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) roster.

Showing you how much of a back seat he's taken for the last few years because he's so dynamic with the ball in his hands.

He could still really help a contender this year.

— Ben Anderson (@BensHoops) October 15, 2022 (https://twitter.com/BensHoops/status/1581111098224148480?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)



yep. They really wasted him spotting him up. They were always best running through him and Gobert


As long as Conley and Markkanen are on the floor, the Jazz should have a consistent offensive identity this season.



I guess!


If the Kentucky product can develop that touch around the rim he’ll be a far more dynamic player. If not, he may struggle to see the floor at key moments.



will be an issue. Still young enough he might be able to develop it


Barring a trade in the next few days, the Jazz are going to have to cut young talent from the roster without getting a large sample size to see what they can do.



but Udoka and Nickeil have shown something in the NBA already. Butler did a bit too. Bolmaro hasn't but I like his game personally

[Xiao Yao You]

Rod Boone: Along with LiAngelo Ball, the #Hornets are also waiving Xavier Sneed, Jalen Crutcher and Ty-Shon Alexander, (https://*********.com/social/) per league sources. Roster is down to 16.
– via Twitter rodboone (https://twitter.com/rodboone)

[Xiao Yao You]

Gay looked good last night. Can he do it consistently this year though? Still going to be tough to move him with another year on his deal

[Xiao Yao You]

https://www.deseret.com/2022/10/14/23405540/yoeli-childs-returning-player-rights-traded-by-salt-lake-city-stars

[Xiao Yao You]

https://www.deseret.com/2022/10/14/23385028/utah-jazz-went-all-in-on-danny-ainge-will-he-deliver


It’s a bold plan (https://www.deseret.com/2022/9/1/23327917/utah-jazz-trade-donovan-mitchell-cleveland-cavaliers) and one that stakes the Jazz’s future on one thing: Ainge. The Jazz have bet the house on the draft, and that means they have bet on Ainge and his ability to evaluate talent and craft deals.



if the owner will let him do his job instead of keeping bums around because he likes their hair or whatever


That adds up to 11 hits, 10 misses and five “solid” first-round picks for Ainge. The Jazz have bet everything that he can find a few Marcus Smarts and Jayson Tatums for his new team.



iMAGINE IF THE wIZARD HAD TAKEN sMART OR rANDLE INSTEAD OF eXUM :cry:

[Xiao Yao You]

The Minnesota Timberwolves today announced the team has signed guard Matt Lewis, guard Emmanuel Mudiay and forward Phillip Wheeler (https://www.nba.com/timberwolves/news/timberwolves-sign-three-players).

– via Taylor Nardinger @ NBA.com (https://www.nba.com/timberwolves/news/timberwolves-sign-three-players)




liked Mudiay. Take him over Clarkson any day

[Xiao Yao You]

Tony Jones: The Utah Jazz are waiving veteran big man Cody Zeller, (https://*********.com/social/) League Sources tell The Athletic
– via Twitter Tjonesonthenba (https://twitter.com/Tjonesonthenba)

[Xiao Yao You]

One more to go

[Xiao Yao You]

Tony Jones: The Utah Jazz are waiving Guard Jared Butler, (https://*********.com/social/) league sources tell myself and @Shams Charania

– via Twitter Tjonesonthenba (https://twitter.com/Tjonesonthenba)




that's too bad. He can definitely run a team and he plays D. Has to figure out how to get his shot off. I saw that as a potential issue when he came into the league

[Xiao Yao You]

Jovan Buha: The Lakers announce they have waived Jay Huff, Shaquille Harrison and Nate Pierre-Louis (https://*********.com/social/).
– via Twitter jovanbuha (https://twitter.com/jovanbuha)

[Xiao Yao You]

Marc J. Spears: The Minnesota Timberwolves have waived guard Matt Lewis, guard Emmanuel Mudiay and forward Phillip Wheeler (https://*********.com/social/).
– via Twitter MarcJSpears (https://twitter.com/MarcJSpears)

[Xiao Yao You]

The Utah Jazz have signed forward Tyler Cook, and guards Frank Jackson and Isaiah Miller (https://www.nba.com/jazz/news/utah-jazz-sign-tyler-cook-frank-jackson-and-isaiah-miller).

– via Jeremy Rincon @ NBA.com (https://www.nba.com/jazz/news/utah-jazz-sign-tyler-cook-frank-jackson-and-isaiah-miller)



Frank is a local guy for the Stars I imagine

[Xiao Yao You]

Tony Jones: The Utah Jazz are signing former Lone Peak star Frank Jackson go an Exhibit 10 deal, League Sources tell The Athletic. Jackson, who has played for the New Orleans Pelicans and Detroit Pistons, comes home
– via Twitter Tjonesonthenba

[Xiao Yao You]

Kellan Olson: Suns have waived Adonis Arms, Saben Lee and Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot (https://*********.com/social/). None of the training camp invites were able to get the open roster spot. Suns hold that with the pair of two-way guys for a total of 16 players.
– via Twitter KellanOlson (https://twitter.com/KellanOlson)

[Xiao Yao You]

The Utah Jazz have waived forward Tyler Cook, and guards Frank Jackson and Isaiah Miller.
– via Jeremy Rincon @ NBA.com

[Xiao Yao You]

https://www.ksl.com/article/50496134/utah-jazz-waive-jared-butler-to-get-roster-to-15-players


Butler had received more playing time during the preseason than fellow young guard Leandro Bolmaro. Meanwhile, Udoka Azubuike hasn't yet consistently shown he's ready for NBA minutes — with the caveat that he's had two season-ending injuries since being drafted in the first round by Utah in 2021.



Udoka looked like a rotation player last year for that 18 or whatever game stretch he had. Bolmaro has more size. He was a 1st round pick

[Xiao Yao You]

https://kslsports.com/494229/jazz-sign-frank-jackson/


Jackson owns NBA career averages of 8.5 points on 43.3 percent from the field and 33.3 percent from three-point range, to go with 1.8 rebounds, and 1.0 assists in 213 games (31 starts) with New Orleans and Detroit (https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&cx=016111108727378380569:lql85r4l5te&q=https://kslsports.com/449622/detroit-pistons-sign-former-lone-peak-guard-frank-jackson-to-two-way-contract/&sa=U&ved=2ahUKEwilh5-dnuP6AhU7DkQIHSJDA4UQFnoECAAQAg&usg=AOvVaw3Bcyzm8t6RIIZCBJnWe3pD). The 24-year-old averaged a career-best 10.6 points in 53 games with the Pistons last season.



double figures. He should dominate the Gleague but he'll be behind the lottery pick for a while anyway

[Xiao Yao You]

https://www.deseret.com/sports/2022/10/15/23405431/utah-jazz-waive-jared-butler-to-finalize-regular-season-roster


Butler, though, would have had a hard time cracking even this rebuilding rotation with so many guards ahead of him, and with new head coach Will Hardy’s penchant for long, big lineups, a smaller guard like Butler would have had a tough road to hoe.



he's probably in the rotation if Conley and Clarkson are gone de[ending on who they get for them of course

[Xiao Yao You]

https://basketball.realgm.com/wiretap/269007/Rockets-Waive-Derrick-Favors

please don't bring him back yet again!!!

[Xiao Yao You]

Stanley Johnson: Salt Lake City ain’t bad what so ever appreciate the hospitality. had a great camp was looking forward to a fun season. (https://*********.com/social/tweets/) Grateful forever for the opportunity @Utah Jazz as a player and as a man

– via Twitter iAmSJ (https://twitter.com/iAmSJ)




moves ahead of Kanter in Utah

[Xiao Yao You]

The Lakers engaged in trade talks with the Utah Jazz, Indiana Pacers and Brooklyn Nets, (https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/34783014/lebron-age-westbrook-trade-value-other-major-questions-facing-los-angeles-lakers-season) sources said, and the conversations often hit a similar snag. Several teams that the Lakers engaged with insisted on L.A. including both of their future first-rounders in a deal; the Lakers were determined to trade only one of the two unless the package would return a can’t-miss-talent such as Donovan Mitchell or Kyrie Irving.

– via Dave McMenamin @ ESPN (https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/34783014/lebron-age-westbrook-trade-value-other-major-questions-facing-los-angeles-lakers-season)





The Lakers originally planned to have found a trade partner for Westbrook before signing Schroder, sources said. But after the point guard’s strong showing for Germany in the FIBA EuroBasket tournament generated interest around the league, L.A. signed him before another team could (https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/34783014/lebron-age-westbrook-trade-value-other-major-questions-facing-los-angeles-lakers-season).

– via Dave McMenamin @ ESPN (https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/34783014/lebron-age-westbrook-trade-value-other-major-questions-facing-los-angeles-lakers-season)



Clarkson please!!!

[Xiao Yao You]

Omari Sanfoka II: Killian Hayes, Hamidou Diallo, Bojan Bogdanovic and Isaiah Livers practiced today, (https://*********.com/social/) Casey said. Diallo missed all of preseason with a quad injury. Nerlens Noel went through some pre-practice work.
– via Twitter omarisankofa (https://twitter.com/omarisankofa)

[Xiao Yao You]

https://www.slcdunk.com/2022/10/15/23406427/utah-jazz-waive-stanley-johnson-cody-zeller-and-jared-butler


It’s an interesting decision that has some angles to consider. Johnson showed last year with the Lakers (https://www.silverscreenandroll.com) that he’s a viable NBA rotation player. He’s not a very good offensive player but he can fit in the NBA as a versatile wing defender. There’s probably not a lot of upside there for Johnson and that was probably the reason they let him go. Considering the Jazz aren’t going to be very good this year, it doesn’t make a lot of sense to give a lot of minutes to Johnson who wouldn’t likely be on the Jazz in 2-3 years anyway.



more of an end of the bench guy. Lakers sucked


Regardless of the spilt milk that sowered this Jazz roster after last season, the Jazz had very few options with this decision. Kepping Zeller was not going to happen and if they also cut Udoka Azubuike that would have left them without a third-string center. For Butler, who’s ceiling was probably a high level third guard, it’s a tough loss but the Jazz are making decisions that will improve the team in the next 2-3 years. It’s hard to say that Butler would be a part of this roster at that time, whether they keep DOK or not.



hard to say what his ceiling is

[Xiao Yao You]

Aaron Rose: The Raptors have signed Saben Lee to an exhibit 10 contract. (https://*********.com/social/) He’s been waived and will join the Raptors 905

– via Twitter AaronBenRose (https://twitter.com/AaronBenRose)




dominated Gleague a year ago. Won't be there long

[Xiao Yao You]

Keith Smith: Micah Potter’s Two-Way contract with the Utah Jazz is for two years, (https://*********.com/social/) a league source tells @spotrac.
– via Twitter KeithSmithNBA (https://twitter.com/KeithSmithNBA)

[Xiao Yao You]

Eric Nehm: Bucks make it official. They have cut down their roster to 17 by requesting waivers of Marques Bolden and Lindell Wigginton. (https://*********.com/social/) pic.twitter.com/dlQKy5zSr8

Bucks make it official.
They have cut down their roster to 17 by requesting waivers of Marques Bolden and Lindell Wigginton. pic.twitter.com/dlQKy5zSr8 (https://t.co/dlQKy5zSr8)
— Eric Nehm (@eric_nehm) October 17, 2022 (https://twitter.com/eric_nehm/status/1581813486770073600?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)


– via Twitter eric_nehm (https://twitter.com/eric_nehm)

[Xiao Yao You]

Donovan Mitchell is the ‘least’ abused player in the top 50 in terms of the share of negative Tweets directed at him. He ‘only’ had 24.32% negative sentiment rate (https://www.actionnetwork.com/nba/the-most-hated-and-loved-nba-players-according-to-more-than-8-5-million-tweets).
– via Action Network Staff @ Action Network (https://www.actionnetwork.com/nba/the-most-hated-and-loved-nba-players-according-to-more-than-8-5-million-tweets)

[Xiao Yao You]

Former Jazz player Jeremy Evans signed a one-month deal with French team Paris Basketball (https://*********.com/lists/international-transactions-log-where-are-former-nba-players-going/).
– via Alberto De Roa @ ********* (https://*********.com/lists/international-transactions-log-where-are-former-nba-players-going/)

[Xiao Yao You]

Rylan Stiles: The Oklahoma City Thunder has waived guard Trey Burke and forwards Marquese Chriss and David Nwaba. (https://*********.com/social/) They were originally acquired on Sept. 30 from the Houston Rockets. Per team PR
– via Twitter Rylan_Stiles (https://twitter.com/Rylan_Stiles)

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Tony Jones: As expected, the Utah Jazz will not sign Nickeil Alexander-Walker to a rookie extension, (https://*********.com/social/) League Sources tell The Athletic. That clears the way for NAW to be a restricted free agent this summer. Big year for the combo guard
– via Twitter Tjonesonthenba (https://twitter.com/Tjonesonthenba)

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https://www.ksl.com/article/50497607/jazz-sign-general-manager-justin-zanik-to-multi-year-extension

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https://www.deseret.com/2022/10/17/23405579/are-utah-jazz-tanking-this-season


The biggest pieces of evidence (https://www.deseret.com/2022/9/1/23328230/donovan-mitchell-is-gone-and-utah-jazz-rebuild-is-officially-underway) are that the Jazz traded away the players that kept them in playoff contention over the last few years. The most important pieces the Jazz received in those trades were future assets. They wanted large hauls of draft picks and they got what they wanted.



they traded a statue away for picks and young guys. The tank has been on officially since


There are no NBA players who want to lose. There is not an NBA coach who is going to coach players to lose. So when they say they want to win, they are not lying. But if a front office is trying to increase their odds at a high draft pick, it’s their job to take away winning pieces from a team, disrupt the composition of the team, and make sure that the team is not set up to win.



while keeping a losing piece in Clarkson and maybe Gay


If I were to ask, who would win you more games: Olynyk or Bojan Bogdanovic (https://www.deseret.com/2022/9/22/23366970/breaking-down-utah-jazz-bojan-bogdanovic-trade-to-detroit)? My answer would be Bogdanovic, which is why he’s not in a Jazz uniform anymore. Olynyk though, with only a $12 million deal, could be easily traded next year when his deal is expiring and not fully guaranteed. It’s also possible that a trade featuring Olynyk could net a future asset, or be part of a larger deal, which would then make the Bogdanovic trade look a lot better. So, we have to wait and see how that pans out.



I'd say Olynyk actually. More importantly they needed a vet center more than a wing. Also younger


Maybe the rotations and minutes distributions will change after the trade deadline. Maybe there will be some more movement that we aren’t anticipating right now. But I’m also wondering why Agbaji didn’t get more runs during the preseason and what his opportunities are going to look like in the upcoming days, weeks and months.



not much doubt the team will look much different after the trade deadline. Agbaji can play big minutes with the Stars in the mean time. If he dominates down there than he gets minutes with the Jazz sooner


Two-way players Johnny Juzang (https://www.deseret.com/2022/7/17/23267833/johnny-juzang-has-a-chance-to-be-the-utah-jazzs-next-developmental-success-story) and Micah Potter (https://www.deseret.com/2022/9/20/23364025/report-the-utah-jazz-have-agreed-with-center-cody-zeller-on-a-camp-deal) are not going to be featured heavily. Of the 15 regular roster players, it looks as if Udoka Azubuike, Leandro Bolmaro, Simone Fontecchio and Agbaji are at the tail end of the pecking order. That leaves an 11-man rotation that will probably get the lion’s share of the rotational minutes.



Udoka has been hurt. What we do know is he was really good starting last season. Hard to imagine he will not be in the rotation once he's cleared. Simone I'd think will be in the rotation sooner than later as well. Bolmaro hopefully gets a shot once they get rid of some vets

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Tony Jones: Ryan Smith said the Jazz will have more streaming options next season. He describes the process as “all hands on deck” (https://*********.com/social/) and said the conversations are going fast and furious

– via Twitter Tjonesonthenba (https://twitter.com/Tjonesonthenba)





Ben Anderson: Ryan Smith confirmed the Jazz were caught off guard by the loss of the #takenote hashtag (https://*********.com/social/). Sounds like Twitter dropped the ball.
– via Twitter BensHoops (https://twitter.com/BensHoops)







Sarah Todd: Me: “Ryan I thought you and Tim cook were supposed to be friends?” Ryan Smith: “We’re not. (https://*********.com/social/) You talking about the hashtag?” Me: Yup Ryan: “Yeah that was weird. I saw it when you guys did. I will look into it.”
– via Twitter NBASarah (https://twitter.com/NBASarah)



hard to believe the tv package has still not changed and they keep renewing with a station that cut off a lot of people from seeing the game

[Xiao Yao You]

Tony Jones: Justin Zanik: this year was unique because we had to cut legitimate NBA players. (https://*********.com/social/) Not guys who were tryout guys, but legitimate NBA players

– via Twitter Tjonesonthenba (https://twitter.com/Tjonesonthenba)




should be the case pretty much every year especially since the Jazz are always so deep! :lol

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Eric Walden: Jazz owner Ryan Smith, on the rebuild: “Let’s be honest: We’re a team in a city where we’ve got to build through the draft.” (https://*********.com/social/)
– via Twitter tribjazz (https://twitter.com/tribjazz)





Eric Walden: Asked Danny Ainge if Donovan Mitchell — who was noncommittal about remaining with the Jazz at the end of last season — if the guard ever officially requested a trade: “I won’t divulge our private conversations.” (https://*********.com/social/)
– via Twitter tribjazz (https://twitter.com/tribjazz)

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Gina Mizell: Sixers reserve (and Boston-area native) Georges Niang on how many family/friends are coming to tonight’s opener: “Honestly, a lot. There’s a lot of money going towards tickets…but it’s all worth it. (https://*********.com/social/) They’ve supported me throughout my journey and they deserve to be there.”
– via Twitter ginamizell (https://twitter.com/ginamizell)

[Xiao Yao You]

Eric Walden: Danny Ainge on new coach Will Hardy: “I think he’s realistic on what the team is.”
– via Twitter tribjazz


Eric Walden: Owner Ryan Smith, asked how a significant decrease in wins will impact the team financially, said he expects it won’t be as bad for the bottom line as say, last season, when the Jazz had the fifth-highest payroll in the NBA.
– via Twitter tribjazz


Eric Walden: Ryan Smith, on the rebrand: “There’s stuff I really like about it … and stuff I don’t like, I’ll be honest.” Noted that the recent Red Rocks-style City Edition and related Dark Mode jerseys were by far the most popular among fans.
– via Twitter tribjazz


Hardy wouldn't be here otherwise. Dark mode is ok. The others sucked

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Mike Curtis: Marvin Bagley III (right knee), Alec Burks (left navicular fracture) and Isaiah Livers (right hip) are all listed as out for tomorrow’s game (https://*********.com/social/) against the #Magic.
– via Twitter MikeACurtis2 (https://twitter.com/MikeACurtis2)