2022-23 regular season. The Tank begins... [Archive] - Page 2 - Message Board Basketball Forum

Xiao Yao You

11-18-2022, 09:24 AM

When asked what the Heat were doing to answer their needs at power forward an Eastern Conference executive told Heavy Sports’ Sean Deveney that the Heat have more depth problems than in their front court. “They’ve been quiet on that lately. They looked at Jae Crowder, they hoped to get Utah to give up Jarred Vanderbilt—they want defense at that spot. They are not desperate, though. (https://heavy.com/sports/miami-heat/heat-expected-to-target-96-million-point-guard-ahead-of-trade-deadline/) They want to see what they have with guys like Caleb Martin, see how he handles that spot. They have other needs, too. Everybody assumes they’re worried about the power forward spot but they’re worried about the depth overall, too. It is something that they can address later in the year if they decide they don’t like what they have,” the executive told Heavy Sports.
– via Thomas Darro @ Heavy.com (https://heavy.com/sports/miami-heat/heat-expected-to-target-96-million-point-guard-ahead-of-trade-deadline/)

Xiao Yao You

11-18-2022, 09:25 AM

The Athletic: Royce O’Neale with the bucket for the win (https://*********.com/social/) Nets get a big W over Portland. @Brooklyn Nets pic.twitter.com/Bkbv4pZalL

Royce O’Neale with the bucket for the win

Nets get a big W over Portland.
@BrooklynNets (https://twitter.com/BrooklynNets?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) pic.twitter.com/Bkbv4pZalL (https://t.co/Bkbv4pZalL)

— The Athletic NBA (@TheAthleticNBA) November 18, 2022 (https://twitter.com/TheAthleticNBA/status/1593482246928859136?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)

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

Xiao Yao You

11-18-2022, 09:26 AM

Kevin Pelton: Per @Stathead, Royce O’Neale joined Elvin Hayes, Mark Jackson, Larry Bird and Goran Dragic as the fifth player in their database to record a triple-double of precisely 11 points, rebounds and assists: (https://*********.com/social/) stathead.com/tiny/OWg9R
– via Twitter kpelton (https://twitter.com/kpelton)

Alex Schiffer: Royce O’Neale’s first triple-double comes in clutch fashion (https://*********.com/social/) as the tip-in clinched the Nets’ win over Portland. Kyrie is set to return on Sunday.
– via Twitter Alex__Schiffer (https://twitter.com/Alex__Schiffer)

rs (https://*********.com/team/portland-trail-blazers/)

Rudy Gobert: I see youuuuu @Royce O’Neale (https://*********.com/social/tweets/)

– via Twitter rudygobert27 (https://twitter.com/rudygobert27)

Xiao Yao You

11-18-2022, 09:28 AM

“They’re off to such a hot start, and they’ve got a lot of guys who are really confident,” the anonymous NBA scout told BasketballNews.com. “I’m a big Jordan Clarkson guy and he has really emerged. (https://www.basketballnews.com/stories/can-the-jazz-keep-this-up-nba-scout-weighs-in-on-utahs-hot-start) He’s always been a scorer, but I think he knows that he has to be good night in and night out and he has to lead the charge for this team. Lauri Markkanen is killing it, and I’m really happy for him. This is what we thought Lauri Markkanen would be when the Bulls took him [No. 7 overall]. It took some time, but this is the guy we thought he might become.”

– via Alex Kennedy @ basketballnews.com (https://www.basketballnews.com/stories/can-the-jazz-keep-this-up-nba-scout-weighs-in-on-utahs-hot-start)

Anonymous NBA scout: “I think Kelly Olynyk is a great veteran, and so is Mike Conley. They have a solid bench with Collin Sexton. I’m a Walker Kessler guy; I think he’s actually going to be a really good big. (https://www.basketballnews.com/stories/can-the-jazz-keep-this-up-nba-scout-weighs-in-on-utahs-hot-start) And then they’ve got Talen Horton-Tucker… When they acquired Ochai Agbaji and Leandro Bolmaro, I thought those guys would get an opportunity to play, but they really haven’t gotten opportunities because there’s so much depth! They have a lot of veterans who have been very productive.”

– via Alex Kennedy @ basketballnews.com (https://www.basketballnews.com/stories/can-the-jazz-keep-this-up-nba-scout-weighs-in-on-utahs-hot-start)

Clarkson will never be good every night. He's not a good shooter for starters

Xiao Yao You

11-18-2022, 05:04 PM

Rod Boone: Per league sources, Gordon Hayward, originally listed as doubtful for tonight’s game in Cleveland, is being upgraded to questionable (https://*********.com/social/).
– via Twitter rodboone (https://twitter.com/rodboone)

Xiao Yao You

11-18-2022, 05:06 PM

The Knicks have shown a willingness to discuss Derrick Rose and Immanuel Quickley in trade talks, (https://theathletic.com/3910489/2022/11/18/hawks-suns-john-collins-jae-crowder-trade-talk-shams-inside-pass/) league sources say, as a way to sort out the team’s glut at the guard position over the course of the season.

– via Shams Charania @ The Athletic (https://theathletic.com/3910489/2022/11/18/hawks-suns-john-collins-jae-crowder-trade-talk-shams-inside-pass/)

could have had Mitchell if you'd wanted to trade these guys a few months ago

Xiao Yao You

11-18-2022, 07:57 PM

https://kslsports.com/495513/rudy-gay-injury-update/

Gay has a $6.4 million player option to remain with the Jazz next season.

ouch!

Xiao Yao You

11-18-2022, 08:16 PM

https://saltcityhoops.com/simone-fontecchio-has-the-juice/

It took just two games for me to reach an unshakeable conclusion: Simone Fontecchio needs a permanent spot in the forward rotation for the Utah Jazz.

with Gay out he will get his chances

And so we all kind of thought Fontecchio would find more minutes immediately. Surely there was room in the rotation for instant super-spacing, quick decision-making and “give-a-shit” defense, right? Talen Horton-Tucker was still playing unremarkably, Kelly Olynyk didn’t really *need* to play 34 minutes a night, and there was little benefit to Rudy Gay’s presence on the floor.

they've been good with Gay on the court. Talen has been playing well lately and is 21. Agree on Olynyk

I’m bludgeoning you over the head with the theme here, but the energy and effort is constant with Fontecchio. This doesn’t matter much on its own, but it is always paired with immediate, correct decision making and scoring that creates the real edge on the court. Fontecchio finished a -19 against the Knicks, but that negative mark was almost entirely caused by his bench teammates missing shots or throwing the ball away, coupled with New York having a nice stretch of shot making.

which is why plus/minus shouldn't be the main stat used as it seems to be anymore. Very noisy

But, keeping the better-performing player on the bench also can mess up the vibes of a team, especially if that player is effectuating all the stuff the coach purportedly cares about. Danny Ainge and Justin Zanik may need to force the issue by removing that club from Hardy’s bag, if you will, by finding a departure path out of Salt Lake City for Gay.

more on the owner when you're talking about cash

do they want to win is the question?

Xiao Yao You

11-19-2022, 10:28 AM

The Rally: “The Utah Jazz are another team, I’m told, that has made an inquiry and has shown interest in recent weeks and months.” (http://twitter.com/TheRally/status/1593742170724642817) NBA Insider @ShamsCharania reports on trade talks surrounding Hawks big man John Collins.

"The Utah Jazz are another team, I'm told, that has made an inquiry and has shown interest in recent weeks and months."
NBA Insider @ShamsCharania (https://twitter.com/ShamsCharania?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) reports on trade talks surrounding Hawks big man John Collins. pic.twitter.com/6L2PeTTXBX (https://t.co/6L2PeTTXBX)
— The Rally (@TheRally) November 18, 2022 (https://twitter.com/TheRally/status/1593742170724642817?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)

– via Twitter (http://twitter.com/TheRally/status/1593742170724642817)

Xiao Yao You

11-19-2022, 10:31 AM

Ben Anderson: Lauri Markkanen is the third player in @Utah Jazz history to score at least 38 points while shooting 80 percent from the field or better (https://*********.com/social/). He joins Adrian Dantley and Karl Malone who last did it on January 8, 1998. #takenote | @kslsports pic.twitter.com/bo7CpOVrYY
– via Twitter BensHoops (https://twitter.com/BensHoops)

Jarred Vanderbilt didn’t mince words and didn’t try to beat around the bush. “Lauri Markkanen is an All-Star,” he wrote on Twitter. “That’s it.” Currently, Markkanen is ranked 7th in points per game (22.2) among frontcourt players in the Western Conference and is second in that group in field goal percentage (54.4%). (https://www.deseret.com/2022/11/19/23460366/lauri-markkanens-career-night-vs-suns-utah-jazz) The only player in the NBA with as many points per game and a higher effective field goal percentage than Markkanen (61.1%) is Stephen Curry (65.2%) The Jazz needed every bit of fight from Mike Conley on Friday night, they needed all of Malik Beasley’s 27 points off the bench, they needed every ounce of defense from Vanderbilt to eek out the 134-133 victory over Phoenix, and still, the team knew that Markkanen was the star of the show.
– via Sarah Todd @ deseret.com (https://www.deseret.com/2022/11/19/23460366/lauri-markkanens-career-night-vs-suns-utah-jazz)

Xiao Yao You

11-19-2022, 10:32 AM

For a few games Rudy Gay had been favoring his left hand, shaking it out after plays and holding it in some sort of clear pain. He then missed Tuesday’s game against the New York Knicks and later the Utah Jazz announced that he would miss at least two weeks. “Gay was examined Wednesday by the Utah Jazz medical staff and underwent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) testing,” a statement from the team read. “The MRI revealed a third finger MCP joint sprain in his left hand. He will be reevaluated in two weeks.” (https://www.deseret.com/2022/11/18/23467460/rudy-gay-sidelined-with-hand-sprain-simone-fontecchio-utah-jazz)
– via Sarah Todd @ deseret.com (https://www.deseret.com/2022/11/18/23467460/rudy-gay-sidelined-with-hand-sprain-simone-fontecchio-utah-jazz)

Xiao Yao You

11-19-2022, 10:35 AM

Sean Highkin: Blazers say Nassir Little is questionable tomorrow vs. Utah with left calf soreness. (https://*********.com/social/) Nurkic and Winslow are off the injury report, Keon Johnson remains out.
– via Twitter highkin (https://twitter.com/highkin)

Xiao Yao You

11-19-2022, 04:24 PM

https://kslsports.com/495561/markkanen-beats-booker-suns/

The veteran guard has now scored in double-digits in the Jazz’s last seven games and is averaging 18.6 points per game in his last five outings.

how long until he replaces the bum? Feel like it's going in when he shoots. With Clarkson it's the opposite

Jarred Vanderbilt continues to flirt with a triple-double. The forward had six points, eight assists, and 11 rebounds against the Suns.

not what I'd call flirting. 2 assists and two baskets is a lot

Xiao Yao You

11-19-2022, 04:28 PM

https://kslsports.com/495548/utah-jazz-four-factors-week-four/

Ochai Agabji has spent the last three games with the Salt Lake City Stars and is averaging 9.0 points and 4.3 rebounds, but is shooting only 30 percent from the floor and 29 percent from three.

worrisome. He has to be one of the best players out there

Leandro Bolmaro is averaging 10.7 points, 4.0 assists, and 3.7 rebounds while connecting on a healthy 50 percent from the floor including 40 percent from the three-point line.

hits the 3 he will be tough to keep off the floor

Xiao Yao You

11-20-2022, 11:45 AM

https://www.ksl.com/article/50522274/jazz-respond-late-to-beat-blazers-and-take-over-top-record-in-west

and how many turnovers down the stretch for the bum. He was awful!

Xiao Yao You

11-20-2022, 11:49 AM

https://kslsports.com/495625/jazz-own-top-record-in-west/

The Jazz struggled with turnovers in his absence, coughing it up five times in the fourth quarter leading to easy Portland baskets. It nearly cost them the game.

most of them by Clarkson!

Xiao Yao You

11-20-2022, 11:52 AM

https://www.deseret.com/2022/11/20/23468897/mike-conley-awaiting-mri-results-on-left-knee-says-early-signs-are-positive

be hard without him and no pg

Xiao Yao You

11-20-2022, 11:59 AM

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

get it done Danny!

Xiao Yao You

11-20-2022, 12:10 PM

Sarah Todd: A Blazers fan was escorted out of the arena tonight. The fan, according to those who heard the exchanges, was directing racist comments toward Jordan Clarkson and then also flipped the players off for a long while. Sexton pointed the fan out to team security (https://*********.com/social/).
– via Twitter NBASarah (https://twitter.com/NBASarah)

Xiao Yao You

11-20-2022, 12:11 PM

Law Murray: A source close to Paul George tells @TheAthletic that George does not believe that his knee soreness is serious and that he expects to play Monday night vs Jazz (https://*********.com/social/)
– via Twitter LawMurrayTheNU (https://twitter.com/LawMurrayTheNU)

Xiao Yao You

11-20-2022, 02:17 PM

Approaching six months later, even though Collins is only in Year 2 of a five-year, $125 million contract extension, sources say momentum is building on all sides to follow through on finding a new home for Collins this time (https://marcstein.substack.com/p/nba-trade-notes-on-a-sunday?utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email).

– via Marc Stein @ marcstein.substack.com (https://marcstein.substack.com/p/nba-trade-notes-on-a-sunday?utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email)

Any mention of the Hawks and trades, of course, is prone to thrust Collins’ name into the conversation. A report that the Suns have interest in Collins was forcefully shot down by Phoenix-based radio host and insider John Gambadoro, but league sources confirmed Utah is among the teams to express interest in the Atlanta forward (https://marcstein.substack.com/p/nba-trade-notes-on-a-sunday?utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email).

– via Marc Stein @ marcstein.substack.com (https://marcstein.substack.com/p/nba-trade-notes-on-a-sunday?utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email)

John Gambadoro: Contrary to reports the Phoenix Suns are NOT interested in Atlanta forward John Collins (http://twitter.com/Gambo987/status/1593711633854963712?t=JF80kD0PXJYUfTSnEkJA4A&s=19).
– via Twitter (http://twitter.com/Gambo987/status/1593711633854963712?t=JF80kD0PXJYUfTSnEkJA4A&s=19)

who do the Hawks want from the Jazz if anyone?

There was a good bit of buzz that Phoenix was finally making progress on a Crowder deal — one that would likely land him with one of his most ardent suitors (Milwaukee). Yet no trade materialized and, by week’s end, chatter had begun to resurface that Atlanta remains a potential Crowder destination and should not be discounted (https://marcstein.substack.com/p/nba-trade-notes-on-a-sunday?utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email).

– via Marc Stein @ marcstein.substack.com (https://marcstein.substack.com/p/nba-trade-notes-on-a-sunday?utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email)

supposed to be a 3 team deal. Jazz in on this one?

Yet another illustration of Utah’s apparent willingness to let its current team land wherever it lands in the standings without trying to offload more talent in the wake of the Rudy Gobert and Donovan Mitchell trades to prioritize draft position: One rival team official told me he thinks that the Jazz are more likely to extend organizational favorite Jordan Clarkson’s contract before they consider trading him. (https://marcstein.substack.com/p/nba-trade-notes-on-a-sunday?utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email) Clarkson, 30, is averaging career-highs in scoring (18.6 PPG) and assists (4.6 APG).

– via Marc Stein @ marcstein.substack.com (https://marcstein.substack.com/p/nba-trade-notes-on-a-sunday?utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email)

why is it I'm the only one missing the great allure of ball pounding, prayers, bricks and turnovers? I could really like this team win or lose if not for that bum. :cry:

Xiao Yao You

11-20-2022, 03:38 PM

After the organization dealt its prized guard (Donovan Mitchell) and rim protector (Rudy Gobert), Utah Jazz point guard Mike Conley expected to hear about the franchise making another significant move. “I was just like everybody else,” Conley said. “I was waiting to get the phone call that I was going somewhere else.” (https://www.nba.com/news/mike-conley-relishing-jazz-strong-start)
– via Mark Medina @ NBA.com (https://www.nba.com/news/mike-conley-relishing-jazz-strong-start)

Has the front office offered any more clarity to you since the season started? Mike Conley: It doesn’t change anything. From my perspective, I’m going to keep doing what I’m doing. Justin [Zanik] and Danny [Ainge] have been very transparent with everything. (https://www.nba.com/news/mike-conley-relishing-jazz-strong-start) If something pops up, they’ll let me know. But right now, I’m just focusing on the team. I love it. It’s a great organization. Ryan [Smith] is great. Danny is great. Will Hardy has been awesome. So, we’ll see.
– via Mark Medina @ NBA.com (https://www.nba.com/news/mike-conley-relishing-jazz-strong-start)

Xiao Yao You

11-20-2022, 03:38 PM

What explains the strong start? Mike Conley: The vibe around here has been a lot different than any team I’ve been on. (https://www.nba.com/news/mike-conley-relishing-jazz-strong-start) We got such a deep team. We have guys that all have individual goals with wanting to prove the world wrong about them and how we all can improve. We all have this dog and grit about us. You put that together in a pot and mix it up, and you’re seeing what the result is. It’s been a lot of fun to be a part of it.
– via Mark Medina @ NBA.com (https://www.nba.com/news/mike-conley-relishing-jazz-strong-start)

Xiao Yao You

11-20-2022, 06:00 PM

Ochai finally broke out in the Gleague

Xiao Yao You

11-20-2022, 07:49 PM

Shams Charania: Sources: Utah Jazz guard Mike Conley Jr. avoided major injury or ligament damage on the non-contact left knee injury suffered Saturday night. He has a knee strain and is expected to miss at least two weeks (https://*********.com/social/).
– via Twitter ShamsCharania (https://twitter.com/ShamsCharania)

Xiao Yao You

11-20-2022, 09:24 PM

Mark Medina: Clippers rule out Paul George for tomorrow’s game vs the Utah Jazz because of right knee soreness (https://*********.com/social/)
– via Twitter MarkG_Medina (https://twitter.com/MarkG_Medina)

Ohm Youngmisuk: Paul George is listed as questionable to play tomorrow against Utah with right knee soreness. Luke Kennard (calf strain) remains out (https://*********.com/social/).
– via Twitter NotoriousOHM (https://twitter.com/NotoriousOHM)

Eric Walden: Mike Conley’s injury is being called a popliteus strain. (https://*********.com/social/) I know as much or less about what that is as you do. pic.twitter.com/cvEldY6XMt
– via Twitter tribjazz (https://twitter.com/tribjazz)

Xiao Yao You

11-21-2022, 04:09 PM

Veteran role players Nerlens Noel and Alec Burks are also trade candidates to watch closer to the deadline. Noel isn’t expected to finish the season with Detroit, ********* has learned. (https://*********.com/lists/nba-rumors-top-trade-candidates-on-each-team/) Burks has gotten off to a torrid start since returning to the lineup and is expected to draw interest from playoff-caliber teams closer to the trade deadline.
– via Michael Scotto @ ********* (https://*********.com/lists/nba-rumors-top-trade-candidates-on-each-team/)

Bucks guard Grayson Allen was discussed in trade talks for Suns forward Jae Crowder, league sources told *********. (https://*********.com/lists/nba-rumors-top-trade-candidates-on-each-team/) With Pat Connaughton set to return to action, Allen could become expendable for Milwaukee with the Bucks searching for frontcourt help.

– via Michael Scotto @ ********* (https://*********.com/lists/nba-rumors-top-trade-candidates-on-each-team/)

Brian Windhorst: The problem is, I don’t think that the sons want Grayson Allen and that’s not a perfect swap for them. So there’s been some attempts to bring in a third team and I always say a three-team trade is a no-team trade. (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/bulls-stars-struggle-together-bucks-persevere/id293376147?i=1000586937889) Obviously, they happen, they happen every year. But trust me, a huge percentage of the three-team trades die, because it’s so very hard to satisfy all three parties.
– via Apple Podcasts (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/bulls-stars-struggle-together-bucks-persevere/id293376147?i=1000586937889)

Jae Crowder is the player executives around the league are monitoring closely as the player most likely to be traded. (https://*********.com/lists/nba-rumors-top-trade-candidates-on-each-team/) Despite Cameron Johnson’s torn meniscus that’s expected to sideline him 1-2 months, there’s still no expectation Crowder will return to the Suns. Several teams, including the Bucks, Hawks, Heat, and others, have expressed interest in Crowder.
– via Michael Scotto @ ********* (https://*********.com/lists/nba-rumors-top-trade-candidates-on-each-team/)

Suns (https://*********.com/team/phoenix-suns/)

When the Cavaliers expressed interest in acquiring Suns forward Jae Crowder, Cedi Osman’s name came up in the trade talks, league sources told *********. It’s not the first time, nor the last, his name will likely come up in trade talks leading up to February’s trade deadline. (https://*********.com/lists/nba-rumors-top-trade-candidates-on-each-team/) With the recent insertion of Lamar Stevens into the starting lineup, Osman is now seeing less playing time behind Caris LeVert, Isaac Okoro, and Stevens. Osman’s $7.4 million salary can easily fit into most trade discussions. Next season, Osman’s salary declines to $6.7 million, which could appeal to teams.
– via Michael Scotto @ ********* (https://*********.com/lists/nba-rumors-top-trade-candidates-on-each-team/)

Xiao Yao You

11-21-2022, 04:25 PM

Jazz owner Ryan Smith is said to be a fan of Jordan Clarkson, ********* has learned. (https://*********.com/lists/nba-rumors-top-trade-candidates-on-each-team/) There’s a palpable buzz around the league that Utah will look to sign Clarkson to an extension rather than trade him.

– via Michael Scotto @ ********* (https://*********.com/lists/nba-rumors-top-trade-candidates-on-each-team/)

knew I didn't like him when I first saw him with his stupid oversized baseball cap. Missing the Millers :cry:

Xiao Yao You

11-21-2022, 04:40 PM

Is it sort of a little bit– it must be frustrating at times when, you know, you don’t play four or five games and trying to stay ready and all of that. How do you kind of keep your attitude during– in those situations? Juan Hernangomez: I mean, it is frustrating but every team got 18 players. (https://ca.sports.yahoo.com/video/juancho-hernangomez-role-raptors-fifa-180254758.html) The game, actually, it plays for with 9, 10 players, so it’s a lot of players. You got to stay ready. You got to keep working on the game. You never know when the opportunity comes.
– via Yahoo Sports Canada Videos @ Yahoo! Sports (https://ca.sports.yahoo.com/video/juancho-hernangomez-role-raptors-fifa-180254758.html)

Juan Hernangomez: And it’s not the first time I’ve been in this situation. I mean, NBA, every year it’s a lot of players getting out, it’s a lot of players coming in. (https://ca.sports.yahoo.com/video/juancho-hernangomez-role-raptors-fifa-180254758.html) So, just the players who keep working hard, keep believing in them, and keep being ready when the chance coming are the players who staying. So it’s a hard business.
– via Yahoo Sports Canada Videos @ Yahoo! Sports (https://ca.sports.yahoo.com/video/juancho-hernangomez-role-raptors-fifa-180254758.html)

Xiao Yao You

11-21-2022, 04:41 PM

Eric Nehm: Per @Milwaukee Bucks: The Milwaukee Bucks have assigned Khris Middleton and Wesley Matthews to the Wisconsin Herd (https://*********.com/social/).
– via Twitter eric_nehm (https://twitter.com/eric_nehm)

Xiao Yao You

11-21-2022, 05:08 PM

https://www.slcdunk.com/2022/11/21/23471281/lauri-markkanens-next-step-is-self-creation-on-volume

At 12-6 with a handful of metrics validating Utah’s start, questions now surround just how far the team can go. The answer is honestly as far as Markkanen can take them.

I'd say it's more up to the front office. The fact that the owner wants to keep Clarkson around I don't have much hope. You hire Ainge to do a job and than you don't let him do it?:banghead:

At 12-6 with a handful of metrics validating Utah’s start, questions now surround just how far the team can go. The answer is honestly as far as Markkanen can take them.

still early. Let's see him do it for a whole year

Xiao Yao You

11-21-2022, 05:26 PM

https://sircharlesincharge.com/2022/11/20/nba-every-team-grateful-thanksgiving/30/

What to be grateful for: The hiring of Danny Ainge

my guess is he won't be around long if the owner is making the decisions instead of the proven winner. Keep Clarkson trade a statue. Sure makes perfect sense! :facepalm

Xiao Yao You

11-21-2022, 05:34 PM

https://sircharlesincharge.com/2022/11/19/nba-trade-rumors-jazz-target-star-deadline/

It would hard to imagine Markkenen and Collins working playing next to each other as they have similar strengths and weaknesses. Though, perhaps the Jazz believes Collins is a slight upgrade from Markkanen and that the team could try to sell high on him and buy low on Collins.

I see no reason why it wouldn't work. They are playing 3 bigs together now and none of them are just doing one thing. If Collins is versatile Hardy will make it work. The bigger question would be who are they giving up in that deal. If it's Clarkson and Gay its a no brainer

Xiao Yao You

11-21-2022, 06:30 PM

Andrew Greif: The Clippers have now ruled Paul George OUT for tonight because of a right hamstring tendon strain (https://*********.com/social/).
– via Twitter AndrewGreif (https://twitter.com/AndrewGreif)

Xiao Yao You

11-21-2022, 08:20 PM

Law Murray: George’s hamstring strain is expected to be evaluated in the next couple of days, source tells @TheAthletic. (https://*********.com/social/) Would seem doubtful for Golden State on Wednesday. The injury is not believed to be a case of wear and tear, but rather a hyperextension from Saturday.
– via Twitter LawMurrayTheNU (https://twitter.com/LawMurrayTheNU)

Xiao Yao You

11-21-2022, 10:42 PM

Eric Walden: Hardy also cites the importance of Jordan Clarkson being a playmaker tonight. (https://*********.com/social/) Praised the job he did in the Memphis game that Conley sat out, as well as his play down the stretch of the Portland game where Conley got hurt.

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

they're in trouble. Bolmaro is with the team I think. Not with the Stars. I'd guess Nickeil will get the minutes though

Xiao Yao You

11-21-2022, 11:08 PM

https://saltcityhoops.com/sc7112122-injury-ode-conley-passing/

Nobody gives up fewer opponent threes per game than Utah’s 10.1. The degree to which that number holds up might well be what determines exactly how good this spunky Jazz are.

I think they said the Jazz are giving up lots of attempts. Leaving guys open they want to shoot

Utah’s most used lineup that features at least three starters but no Conley is when Sexton supplants him next to Clarkson, Markkanen, Vanderbilt and Olynyk. That group has only played 42 possessions together, but if +32.8 so far, including a scorching offense and a shaky defense. The same group with THT in Sexton’s place is +79.1 in just 29 possessions, with an unsustainably hot offense and a really solid defense. It’s too early for those numbers to hold any predictive value, but one of those two is likely to be the new starting lineup when the Jazz suit up without Conley this week. Another option is to shift more ball-handling duties to Clarkson and activate Beasley, but that group has only played three possessions together.

I'd start Sexton and Beasley

Xiao Yao You

11-22-2022, 05:03 PM

For Gobert, though, fans shouldn’t be quick to dress down the Timberwolves even when the results aren’t to their liking, per Jon Krawczynski of The Athletic. “I just don’t appreciate people that come in and boo your team. When you’re a fan, you gotta support your team in the tough or the good moments. There’s no team in NBA history that only had good moments, so if you’re not going to support us in the tough moments, just stay home. (https://clutchpoints.com/timberwolves-news-rudy-gobert-anthony-edwards-send-message-to-booing-minnesota-fans) I think if you’re going to embrace us in the tough moments, then come and then we’re going to love the support.”
– via Rexwell Villas @ Clutch Points (https://clutchpoints.com/timberwolves-news-rudy-gobert-anthony-edwards-send-message-to-booing-minnesota-fans)

Xiao Yao You

11-22-2022, 05:04 PM

Mark Medina: Jazz forward Lauri Markkanen said that becoming an All-Star “has always been a personal goal of mine.” (https://*********.com/social/) Markkanen below on his teammates saying he should make the team this season pic.twitter.com/jB3CovzVTl
– via Twitter MarkG_Medina (https://twitter.com/MarkG_Medina)

Xiao Yao You

11-22-2022, 05:06 PM

Farbod Esnaashari: Ty Lue says Jazz coach Will Hardy has brought some new offensive schemes in the NBA that no one has ever seen before. (https://*********.com/social/) Gave him huge credit toward the team’s success.

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

gets most of the credit

Xiao Yao You

11-22-2022, 07:33 PM

https://saltcityhoops.com/markkanens-all-star-trajectory/

Even if this continues to regress, Markkanen as an above-average rim defender is a huge development, especially as he’s proving the ability to play at the forward position. The previous iteration of the Jazz always longed for secondary rim protection, and Markkanen may be able to provide that.

imagine him with Rudy

Xiao Yao You

11-22-2022, 11:39 PM

As confirmed by Adams’ research: Since 1983-84, when the NBA expanded its playoff format to eight teams per conference, 111 teams have started precisely at 12-6. No less than 101 of those 111 reached the playoffs. The 10 that fell short, furthermore, won at least 33 games … while combining to win an average of 39 games. With even a total as low as 33 wins, it would take something stronger than mere good luck for #thisjazz to win the No. 1 overall pick in the lottery in May and have a clear shot at drafting Victor Wembanyama (https://marcstein.substack.com/p/when-its-too-late-to-brick-for-vic?utm_source=post-email-title&publication_id=392205&post_id=86188265&isFreemail=false&utm_medium=email).
– via Marc Stein @ marcstein.substack.com (https://marcstein.substack.com/p/when-its-too-late-to-brick-for-vic?utm_source=post-email-title&publication_id=392205&post_id=86188265&isFreemail=false&utm_medium=email)

Ryan Miller: Jordan Clarkson is handing out 200 Thanksgiving dinners today at Valley Jr. High in West Valley (https://*********.com/social/)

Jordan Clarkson is handing out 200 Thanksgiving dinners today at Valley Jr. High in West Valley pic.twitter.com/pKFzV3lTIA (https://t.co/pKFzV3lTIA)
— Ryan Miller (@millerjryan) November 22, 2022 (https://twitter.com/millerjryan/status/1595174427196473344?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)

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

Xiao Yao You

11-22-2022, 11:42 PM

Eric Walden: Mike Conley and Rudy Gay remain OUT on Wednesday vs. the Pistons (https://*********.com/social/) pic.twitter.com/uximJ7oEBn
– via Twitter tribjazz (https://twitter.com/tribjazz)

Xiao Yao You

11-22-2022, 11:42 PM

Andy Larsen: Jazz two-way guard Johnny Juzang tore his right wrist playing in the G-League last week (https://*********.com/social/) — Jazz announce he’ll be out at least 2 more weeks.

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

down to 14

Xiao Yao You

11-23-2022, 08:09 AM

Tim Bontemps: The Sixers will be signing Saben Lee to a two-way deal, (https://*********.com/social/) sources told ESPN. To clear the spot for him, they’ll be waiving Michael Foster Jr., who if he clears waivers will be eligible to play for their G-League team.
– via Twitter TimBontemps (https://twitter.com/TimBontemps)

Xiao Yao You

11-23-2022, 08:15 AM

Win for Stars Agbaji was ok. Cook, Alkins and Williams carried them

Xiao Yao You

11-23-2022, 08:38 AM

https://www.deseret.com/2022/11/22/23471264/utah-jazz-mailbag-looking-at-where-the-team-goes-from-here

There aren’t big egos on this team and everyone, from Hardy to the last guy on the bench, has a lot to prove and that’s a motivating situation to be in. I don’t think that Hardy is that different, I just think he might be in the right place at the right time.

all I know is he isn't COTM! :bowdown:

The Jazz are also going to need continued effort and buy-in on the defensive end from Jordan Clarkson, Sexton, Malik Beasley and Kelly Olynyk. If the Jazz put it all together the ceiling is pretty high, but I think the Jazz are still kind of figuring out who they are on defense.

dump Clarkson and they get better

Basically, the Jazz are often crashing the boards with at least three or four players, sometimes all five. When you have that many guys that are going for rebounds, if the other team gets the ball they can usually pop out in front and beat the defense back down the floor.

they did that more under Snyder and than only sent their centers before having the cormer 3 shooters mostly O'Neale crash the offensive glass the past couple years

Who should play point guard when Conley is not on the court? Wow, what a loaded question.

Butler or Forrest

Xiao Yao You

11-23-2022, 04:29 PM

Utah has so far signaled an intent to keep breakout star forward Lauri Markkanen plus franchise favorite Jordan Clarkson, (https://sports.yahoo.com/early-success-means-jazz-have-some-options-to-consider-on-trade-market-120705606.html) and have established a high asking price for Jarred Vanderbilt, sources told Yahoo Sports, leaving Malik Beasley and Kelly Olynyk, along with Conley, as the obvious veterans the Jazz could move before the Feb. 9 trade deadline. Olynyk is known to be a favorite of Ainge.
– via Jake Fischer @ Yahoo! Sports (https://sports.yahoo.com/early-success-means-jazz-have-some-options-to-consider-on-trade-market-120705606.html)

But what if Utah is no longer content with joining the race for prized prospect Victor Wembanyama? The Jazz’s interest in Hawks forward John Collins is real, league sources said, and would seem to indicate Utah considering how to add to this winning unit rather than subtract from it. (https://sports.yahoo.com/early-success-means-jazz-have-some-options-to-consider-on-trade-market-120705606.html) Right now, the likelihood of Collins landing in Salt Lake City, though, seems low. Atlanta approached the Jazz about swapping Collins for Markkanen, sources said, which did not generate any traction.
– via Jake Fischer @ Yahoo! Sports (https://sports.yahoo.com/early-success-means-jazz-have-some-options-to-consider-on-trade-market-120705606.html)

Have you thought about your future in Utah since they have a team option on you for next season? Malik Beasley: I would love for them to pick that option up for me to continue my journey here in Utah. (https://*********.com/lists/nba-rumors-malik-beasley-utah-jazz-future-sixth-man-of-year-candidate/) If not, then I’ve got to make the best of it. I’m very thankful for this landing spot since I came here. There are a lot of great people here in Utah and a great fan base. I think it’s the perfect opportunity to show I’m a changed man in Utah. It’s a place where big-name players usually wouldn’t come here, but I don’t know why. Once you come out here, you’ll have a great time.
– via Michael Scotto @ ********* (https://*********.com/lists/nba-rumors-malik-beasley-utah-jazz-future-sixth-man-of-year-candidate/)

Xiao Yao You

11-23-2022, 04:31 PM

Sources said the Jazz have been searching to move Rudy Gay, (https://sports.yahoo.com/early-success-means-jazz-have-some-options-to-consider-on-trade-market-120705606.html) who will almost assuredly pick up his $6.5 million player option for 2023-24.
– via Jake Fischer @ Yahoo! Sports (https://sports.yahoo.com/early-success-means-jazz-have-some-options-to-consider-on-trade-market-120705606.html)

Malik Beasley: The expectation with us going into the season was we were all underdogs. Collin Sexton, Lauri Markkanen, and Jarred Vanderbilt. Me and Jarred came from playoff teams. I’m not saying we were the main factors, but we did play a nice part in changing Denver into a playoff team and then Minnesota. When we came in, we heard what was expected out of us to be a tanking team, but a lot of the guys in the locker room during training camp said, “Let’s be great.” We have a nice team. If we put it together the right way, we could be really good. To start off, none of us had egos. We all wanted to prove that we’re a special team (https://*********.com/lists/nba-rumors-malik-beasley-utah-jazz-future-sixth-man-of-year-candidate/).
– via Michael Scotto @ ********* (https://*********.com/lists/nba-rumors-malik-beasley-utah-jazz-future-sixth-man-of-year-candidate/)

Malik Beasley: We want to destroy everybody. (https://*********.com/lists/nba-rumors-malik-beasley-utah-jazz-future-sixth-man-of-year-candidate/) Our main thing is having fun while we’re playing. We play way better when we’re just playing. If you watch the film, a lot of the stuff we draw up is straight off reads, and there aren’t always set plays. Coach Hardy has a foundation for what we want to do. Me and Jordan Clarkson move around the perimeter a lot and cut sometimes. Lauri Markkanen cuts all the time. Vanderbilt sets good screens. If it’s serious and we try to play in the half court and be perfect, that’s when we don’t win games. All of our losses have been when we try to be too perfect. Everybody has their role and knows what they’re supposed to be doing.
– via Michael Scotto @ ********* (https://*********.com/lists/nba-rumors-malik-beasley-utah-jazz-future-sixth-man-of-year-candidate/)

Malik Beasley: Coming into the year, honestly, I had aspirations of being an All-Star. (https://*********.com/lists/nba-rumors-malik-beasley-utah-jazz-future-sixth-man-of-year-candidate/) I felt like I have the ability to do that and make the right plays, but coach wants me to lead our team off the bench. As a seven-year veteran, I can do that for my team and understand the role. I’m at a point in my career where I want to make money, but I also want to win. I’m down for sacrificing the starting position role and doing the best I can to prove to my team that we’re all in this together. Obviously, I want to get into the three-point contest. I felt like I deserved that last year. I’m trying to continue this journey and be the best player I can be.
– via Michael Scotto @ ********* (https://*********.com/lists/nba-rumors-malik-beasley-utah-jazz-future-sixth-man-of-year-candidate/)

Malik Beasley: I went to a school and talked to students. This Christmas, I’m doing a lot of coat drives. I’m trying to get out in the community. My main purpose is to change my image. I’m a great guy, I believe. I made a lot of mistakes, and I learned from my mistakes. I’m ready to change that image to I’m a great player and a great person off the court. (https://*********.com/lists/nba-rumors-malik-beasley-utah-jazz-future-sixth-man-of-year-candidate/) I truly and genuinely want to do that.
– via Michael Scotto @ ********* (https://*********.com/lists/nba-rumors-malik-beasley-utah-jazz-future-sixth-man-of-year-candidate/)

Xiao Yao You

11-23-2022, 05:25 PM

Jazz Guard Malik Beasley Linked to New Trade Rumor by Insider (msn.com) (https://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/nba/jazz-guard-malik-beasley-linked-to-new-trade-rumor-by-insider/ar-AA14qw8n?rc=1&ocid=winp1taskbar&cvid=0da1bacf9de44afa9bdd917fb3656aa8)

The Jazz would have to pony up on money and years if they wanted to deter Clarkson from taking that path. If the situation isn't trending to an agreement prior to the trade deadline, then Clarkson would be the most likely player moved.

let's hope so. This could be my all time favorite Jazz team if they'd just move that bum!

Xiao Yao You

11-23-2022, 05:33 PM

The @utahjazz (https://twitter.com/utahjazz?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) Injury report:

*QUESTIONABLE – Ochai Agbaji (illness)
OUT – Leandro Bolmaro (concussion protocol)
OUT – Mike Conley (strained left leg)

OUT – Rudy Gay (third MCP joint sprain left hand)
OUT – Johnny Juzang (right wrist sprain)

OUT – Micah Potter (G League)
— Ben Anderson (@BensHoops) November 23, 2022 (https://twitter.com/BensHoops/status/1595490052498460682?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)

guess Bolmaro wasn't with the Jazz. Down to 11 or 12. Might need to call Potter up?

Xiao Yao You

11-23-2022, 05:35 PM

https://kslsports.com/495739/injured-jazz-host-pistons-bogdanovic/

The forward leads the team in scoring at 20.6 points per game on an efficient 50 percent shooting from the floor and 40 percent shooting from the three-point line.

certainly would have won more with Olynyk so good move for their tank

Xiao Yao You

11-23-2022, 05:42 PM

https://basketball.realgm.com/wiretap/269469/Johnny-Juzang-To-Be-Reevaluated-In-10-14-Days-For-Wrist-Injury

Xiao Yao You

11-24-2022, 09:38 AM

https://www.ksl.com/article/50525245/bojan-bogdanovic-has-happy-return-as-pistons-top-jazz

Jazz fans hadn't forgotten what Bogdanovic did in his three seasons in Salt Lake City — the two game winners, the defensive effort in the playoffs, the amazing consistency.

d in the playoffs! Now there is something to be proud of. Why not D all the time? Olynyk for Bojan has worked for both teams. Jazz got better and Pistons got worse

For less than two minutes to close the half, the Jazz went with two non-shooting centers. Welcome back to the 1990s!

Kessler does shoot the 3. We just haven't seen it yet Actually welcome back to Favors spotting up in the corners. Don't have to go back to the 90's for that crap!

For less than two minutes to close the half, the Jazz went with two non-shooting centers. Welcome back to the 1990s!

I like that he's up for anything. I hope he stays that way always but I doubt it

Xiao Yao You

11-24-2022, 09:42 AM

https://kslsports.com/495759/clarkson-passes-bogdanovic-for-most-3s-made-in-jazz-history/

the fact that an awful shooter like him has hit that many 3's says it all about the bum

Xiao Yao You

11-24-2022, 09:49 AM

https://www.deseret.com/2022/11/24/23473359/analysis-utah-jazz-vs-detroit-pistons

This team has had a pretty large number of games where everyone has been impressed by how they’ve fought and how they’ve never given up, no matter the score or game situation. But the last few games they have let their foot off the gas a little bit.

can't sustain that all year. There's a reason why the cream usually rises to the top when all is said and done

It would be one thing if the game against Detroit was an outlier, but this has been a consistent theme. It’ll be one player one night and then a different player the next. This needs to get cleaned up.

or they can embrace the tank

Xiao Yao You

11-25-2022, 08:44 AM

https://www.ksl.com/article/50525347/a-man-of-mystery-bogdanovic-remains-secretive-figure-to-former-jazz-teammates

The one thing his former teammates did know: Bogdanovic delivered on the court.

as long as you didn't expect anything but shooting and scoring

He added another game winner against Houston during his first season; he scored a career high 48 points against Denver in 2021; and there were the three playoff series he played in, too. All were fond memories for the forward who turned out to be one of Utah's best free agent signings ever.

sad!

He was proud of the basketball the Jazz had played, but injuries to himself, Conley and Donovan Mitchell at inopportune times held the team back from reaching its full potential.

still not convinced they missed him in the playoffs. Offense wasn't their problem that series

"That's my guy always," Clarkson said.

you'll never be mine!

Xiao Yao You

11-25-2022, 08:59 AM

https://www.slcdunk.com/2022/11/24/23475939/could-the-utah-jazz-send-multiple-players-to-all-star-weekend

In an interview (https://*********.com/lists/nba-rumors-malik-beasley-utah-jazz-future-sixth-man-of-year-candidate/) with *********.com’s Michael Scotto, Beasley said, “If we stay in the top three, I feel like we can get two All-Stars in Lauri Markkanen and Jordan Clarkson. If we finish first or second, we can get me in the three-point contest and Kelly Olynyk in the skills challenge.”

1.5 games out of the play in. Good luck with that! :lol

Xiao Yao You

11-25-2022, 06:16 PM

Rod Boone: Gordon Hayward has been downgraded to out for tonight’s game against Minnesota (https://*********.com/social/).
– via Twitter rodboone (https://twitter.com/rodboone)

James Plowright: Clifford on Hayward “His shoulder was really, really bothering him and he took another hit on it.” (https://*********.com/social/) McDaniels will start
– via Twitter British_Buzz (https://twitter.com/British_Buzz)

Xiao Yao You

11-25-2022, 06:23 PM

http://www.espn.com/nba/tradeMachine?tradeId=2lgomnl7

Get rid of Clarkson and Gay for fan fave abnd it sayd the Jazz get worse! If Hayward is relatively healthy it improves the Jazz greatly and the fans would have to get over it
(http://www.espn.com/nba/tradeMachine?tradeId=2lgomnl7)

Xiao Yao You

11-25-2022, 09:42 PM

Keith Pompey: #Sixers two/way guard Saben Lee arrived in time for tonight’s game. Doc Rivers said he could see some action tonight (https://*********.com/social/).
– via Twitter PompeyOnSixers (https://twitter.com/PompeyOnSixers)

Xiao Yao You

11-25-2022, 10:35 PM

https://kslsports.com/495780/markkanen-beasley-shine-in-jazz-week-five-grades/

Horton-Tucker averaged 8.0 points, 2.0 rebounds, and 2.3 assist, and saw his shooting efficiency climb to 43 percent from the floor and 37 percent from the three-point line.

got a future if he can hit 3's like that

At this point, it looks crystal clear that the Jazz won the Patrick Beverley for Horton-Tucker trade, and the guard may figure to be a long-term part of the team’s plans.

pretty sure the Jazz would be better if they had Beverley

Xiao Yao You

11-26-2022, 03:49 PM

https://kslsports.com/495796/jazz-bench-guards-struggle-in-loss-to-warriors/

Nickeil Alexander-Walker’s stat line easily eclipsed his backcourt cohort scoring eight points, grabbing five rebounds, handing out six assists, and recording three steals, but like Horton-Tucker, he struggled to shoot the ball.

and it could be what leads them both out of the league in the next couple of years

Hardy opted to play Alexander-Walker over rookie wing Simone Fontecchio as the Jazz have struggled to maintain a consistent offensive attack over the last 13 quarters with Conley off the floor.

I thought Simone was playing for Gay and Nickeil for Conley?

However, if he hopes to remain in the rotation, he’ll have to knock down shots at a higher rate.

or they could just trade Clarkson

There is positive news on the horizon for the Jazz, however. After facing the Suns they return home where they will play eight of their next nine games in Utah.

depends on who they are playing home or not

Xiao Yao You

11-26-2022, 03:59 PM

https://www.deseret.com/2022/11/26/23476043/utah-jazz-schedule-seen-through-new-lens

Games that would have once been viewed as a scheduled loss for the Jazz are now looking like the most important games of the season for them to test their mettle.

they're dropping fast. Here they come Scoot!

The Jazz have played the Clippers twice in Los Angeles already this season and they split those games. This time the Clippers will be on in Jazz territory and as of writing this, we don’t know if the Jazz are still going to be without Mike Conley. Seeing how this Jazz team fares against any of the top teams while Conley is sidelined will provide a lot of insight.

will it? They weren't very good without Conley the past 3 years. Need him even more now. Not a good team without him. Butler was the 2nd best pg on the team or 3rd to Forrest anyway

Xiao Yao You

11-26-2022, 04:03 PM

https://www.deseret.com/2022/11/26/23474073/analysis-warriors-put-surprising-rebuilding-utah-jazz-in-their-rightful-place

“I thought Nickeil was unbelievable,” Hardy said. “His defense, getting over screens, using his length, being disruptive, I really think that Nickeil is the player that turned the game for us and kept us in the game. … He really did a marvelous job keeping us in the game and sort of helping us get back to what we want to do.”

he's done that at least a couple games. Needs to play somewhere

Xiao Yao You

11-26-2022, 04:13 PM

https://www.slcdunk.com/2022/11/26/23479299/struggling-utah-jazz-take-on-devin-booker-phoenix-suns

After their loss to the Warriors, the Jazz are currently 6th in the west and are at risk of dropping further. The parity in the Western Conference is a lot of fun, but the downside is that any sort of losing streak knocks you down the standings pretty drastically. Things don’t get any easier tonight as it looks like they’ll still be without Mike Conley. With Conley on the team, Utah is a high-level offense with a lot of versatility. Their team assists reach impressive levels and they find ****** in their opponents armor and can exploit their weaknesses relentlessly. Losing Mike Conley makes them less versatile and keeps them from getting the level of passing that they were doing earlier in the season.

long win streak and you can move up the standings as well. Hopefully other teams are paying attention to the Conley impact

The other issue they’ll need to fix is the rebounding. Golden State dominated the offensive glass and it was a big reason the Jazz couldn’t get stops against the Warriors. Against the Suns they’ll need to shore that up or they could be looking at a 4-game losing streak.

especially when you're playing bigger than everyone else. Vanderbilt is great and Lauri and Kessler have been good. Olynyk isn't much of a rebounder. He does everything else. Need everyone else to step up

Xiao Yao You

11-26-2022, 04:53 PM

Gerald Bourguet: Chris Paul (right heel soreness) remains out for today’s game against the Jazz, but Landry Shamet (concussion protocol) has been upgraded to probable (https://*********.com/social/)
– via Twitter GeraldBourguet (https://twitter.com/GeraldBourguet)

Xiao Yao You

11-26-2022, 04:53 PM

Eric Walden: Mike Conley and Rudy Gay remain OUT for the Jazz’s game vs. the Suns tonight (https://*********.com/social/).
– via Twitter tribjazz (https://twitter.com/tribjazz)

Xiao Yao You

11-26-2022, 09:50 PM

Gerald Bourguet: Monty Williams confirms Landry Shamet is available tonight (https://*********.com/social/)
– via Twitter GeraldBourguet (https://twitter.com/GeraldBourguet)

Xiao Yao You

11-27-2022, 04:52 PM

“He was going to come,” Calhoun, who had led UConn to NCAA titles in 1999 and 2004 ahead of the Durant recruitment, said in a phone interview after he made similar comments Saturday on Sirius NBA Radio. “He didn’t tell me personally, no. He told Rudy that.” He added: “That summer [2006], he and Rudy Gay went to France, I believe it was, with Nike, and as he got off the plane [in the U.S.], he told Rudy, ‘I’m going to see you. I’m going to see you. I’m going to room with you.’ So they made their plans to be together.” (https://www.zagsblog.com/2022/11/27/jim-calhoun-says-kevin-durant-was-coming-to-uconn-before-he-committed-to-texas/)
– via ZagsBlog.com (https://www.zagsblog.com/2022/11/27/jim-calhoun-says-kevin-durant-was-coming-to-uconn-before-he-committed-to-texas/)

Xiao Yao You

11-27-2022, 05:56 PM

https://www.ksl.com/article/50526757/jazz-dont-foul-at-the-end-as-suns-escape-with-113-112-win

There was just two seconds separating the shot clock and game clock — not nearly enough time to secure a stop, get a timeout and draw up a game-winning play — yet, the Jazz still didn't foul.

straight out of COTM playbook

"We have to rebound as a team," Hardy said. "We've talked all season about we don't have one player on our team who can go up and get 18 defensive rebounds. So it takes that secondary guy or guys sometimes coming in to help rebound."

Vanderbilt can. You play big you have to rebound period!

Xiao Yao You

11-27-2022, 06:05 PM

https://www.deseret.com/2022/11/26/23474084/3-keys-to-the-utah-jazzs-1-point-loss-to-the-phoenix-suns

Lauri Markkanen has become a priority for opposing defenses. They are not only trying to deny him the ball, but they are clamping down on him as the Jazz’s top offensive option and making it very difficult for him to operate. Markkanen entered the fourth quarter Saturday with just five points and then scored 10 points in the final 12 minutes, but it wasn’t enough to get the Jazz in front.

that's why you don't call guys all stars in November. All stars show up night in and night out. Teams adjust. All stars adjust

Xiao Yao You

11-27-2022, 06:08 PM

https://www.slcdunk.com/2022/11/26/23479944/utah-jazz-phoenix-suns-rematch-ends-on-a-sour-note

At 12-10, Jazz are 0.5 games out of the lottery and just 2 games out of top 10 odds. Pro-tanking fans will certainly sweat the upcoming stretch.

Also of note, December 15th (soon after this stretch) is the official kickoff of trade season as most every player signed to new contracts are eligible to be traded. We’re gearing up to find out what the front office might have in the chamber.

buckle up! Time for Danny to start having some fun

Xiao Yao You

11-27-2022, 08:26 PM

Andy Larsen: Lauri Markkanen is listed as questionable vs. Chicago tomorrow due to a left knee contusion (https://*********.com/social/).
– via Twitter andyblarsen (https://twitter.com/andyblarsen)

El Kabong

11-28-2022, 07:22 AM

Xiao Yao You

11-28-2022, 08:01 AM

Considering the run of games in the first part of the season the Jazz had they'd take that record as a big win. Some obvious flaws starting to be seen, especially on D and with rebounding and playmaking when Conley is out, but that's OK, team has a bit of time now.

don't think anyone expected them to continue to be the best team. They have 1 pg. They've had a chance in pretty much every game this year which says a lot about Hardy

Xiao Yao You

11-28-2022, 08:05 AM

will be interesting to see where Ainge goes. They were just saying they weren't tanking anymore but if the losses keep coming once Conley is back you don't have much choice. Nickeil and Simone need to needs to play

Xiao Yao You

11-28-2022, 05:20 PM

Andy Larsen: Lauri Markkanen at shootaround this morning. He does have a small pad on that right knee, but is participating at shootaround, (https://*********.com/social/) so that’s a good sign for his availability tonight.

Xiao Yao You

11-28-2022, 05:26 PM

“You always hope to play for one team for your whole career. But it just didn’t work out,” said Markkanen, who grew disenchanted with his role and lack of a contract extension in December 2020. “I think I’ve definitely got better from those years, just mentality-wise and physically being in a better place. . . . I’m smarter and better now.” (https://sports.yahoo.com/former-bull-lauri-markkanen-life-142411212.html)
– via K.C. Johnson @ Yahoo! Sports (https://sports.yahoo.com/former-bull-lauri-markkanen-life-142411212.html)

So while his four seasons with the Chicago Bulls definitely produced some highs, they also featured trying times. And all those experiences, both high and low, helped form who he is today. “I have very good memories from Chicago playing-wise and off the court—my kids being born there, growing as a family in the city of Chicago and playing with one of the most historic franchises. (https://sports.yahoo.com/former-bull-lauri-markkanen-life-142411212.html) Obviously, there were definitely hard times as well, missing the playoffs four years straight,” Markkanen said in a phone conversation with NBC Sports Chicago that will also appear on the Bulls Talk podcast. “But I think now it’s just easy to say I needed that kind of experience to fight through that kind of stuff and get here where I am today.”
– via K.C. Johnson @ Yahoo! Sports (https://sports.yahoo.com/former-bull-lauri-markkanen-life-142411212.html)

Xiao Yao You

11-28-2022, 06:06 PM

https://saltcityhoops.com/salt-city-seven-slipping-defense-sextons-path-trade-musings-more/

Unfortunately, though, that means that the culprit behind their 2-7 malaise is fairly obvious: the defense has cratered.

(((Rudy)))

1. Rebounding. This has been an issue all season long, as Jazz opponents grab 32% of their own misses this season. But over the last nine, the Jazz are giving up 17.9 second chance points per game, the worst figure in the league.

You have to dominate the glass if you're playing big. Might be time to move Olynyk?

But it’s actually not even just the turnovers: a third of their opponents’ live defensive rebounds turn into transition plays, the fourth worst figure in the NBA. During this 2-7 funk, that figure has ticked up slightly (to 34% of live opponent rebounds) and Utah’s opponents are running with the third highest frequency overall.

live and die by the 3

Most teams that are bad at defensive rebounding don’t just suddenly become good at it, especially when physiology is involved; the Jazz are just smaller than a lot of teams when it comes to rebounding. And 3-point shot luck is just kind of what it is: the Jazz can guard to the scouting report more and be more vigilant about not giving up threes to certain players… but ultimately, they were never going to maintain that 32.3% opponent outside shooting figure.

there guards may be smaller but no one else starts 3 bigs do they? Vandebilt, Lauri and Kessler all rebound, Everyone else needs to step up a bit

A heated sideline exchange (https://twitter.com/hoops_bot/status/1594932566213025792?s=20&t=zvvgSQnrZlsR3gB1q9jwqw) between Hardy and the young guard brought a lot more attention to their relationship and to Sexton’s mercurial play. But count this writer among those not overly concerned by the intense conversation. Sexton has struggled to make reads and has found himself out of position on defense more than the Jazz would like. But Hardy taking him to task is actually a sign that he believes he can get more from him.

I like that he gets after people on D unlike others from previous teams we won't mention

Other Sexton-for-Conley variants have been a little shakier. The lineup version where Lauri Markkanen slides to the four and Malik Beasley takes Jarred Vanderbilt’s spot is +5.4 with Conley at the helm, but -12.4 in 54 possessions with Sexton, per CTG. There aren’t more direct lineup equivalents with both a Conley version and a Sexton version that have enough sample size to cmopare them good faith. But in all, Conley-led lineups with no Sexton are +2.3, and Sexton lineups with no Conley are -6.8 on the aggregate.

I'd say that is because you lose Olynyk who you can run the offense through where Sexton is more of a scorer still

Overall, seeing Hardy this invested in refining Sexton is a positive thing. Sure, the coach clearly wants his guard to address some deficiencies. But being that engaged about communicating his expectations — during a game, no less — tells me that tapping into Sexton’s better basketball angels is actually a top priority for the first-year coach.

it ought to be. He's 23 with a big 4 year deal

The Warriors shot 92.3% at the rim (12/13) on Friday. Literally only one team has shot better on at least as many rim attempts all season: the Bulls, who shot 13 for 13 against the Bucks. (The Warriors also had a 9-for-9 night at the rim against Denver.) GSW’s 35 transition points were also tied for fourth most in an NBA game this season.

Gobert kept teams under 50 btw

The franchise’s decision-makers aren’t likely to let the record at any particular point in time dictate their long-term approach to team-building. In fact, the indication I get from in-the-know folks is that the Jazz never really took those options off the table, even though they have not been as eager about change for change’s sake as certain pockets of the fan base have been. They view their strong start as a positive development that gives them more options as opposed to fewer. They still own more unencumbered picks than anybody, and they have good players at very matchable salaries. They can make deals work in a lot of different ways.

depends on other teams. If they offer enough Danny will deal anyone I'm sure

That said, there are clearly players they would be more or less reluctant to trade. Markkanen and Sexton were acquired with the intent to give them a chance to grow, and the former’s early-season play has made it more likely that the Jazz treat him like a piece to build on. The rookie scale contracts of Walker Kessler and Ochai Agbaji give Utah several years of team control, making them somewhat less likely to be dealt. And as you’ve seen reported elsewhere, it would take a lot for ownership to sign off on a deal where Clarkson is outgoing.

**** the owner!. Ochai hasn't impressed with the Stars yet. Kessler is good. Probably need to figure out how to get him on the floor more. I doubt Lauri and Sexton are the guys they are looking to deal but again if someone wants them enough I'm sure they are available. Not sure you are building around either player

Xiao Yao You

11-28-2022, 06:15 PM

https://basketball.realgm.com/analysis/269509/Minnesotas-Twin-Tower-Problem

The expectation for a 46-win team that follows their breakout season with a franchise-altering trade has to be somewhere in the vicinity of championship contention. The Wolves, right now, look like a team that will struggle to make the play-in portion of the Western Conference Playoffs. Their gambit appears to have failed—again, its fruits could still emerge later and prove otherwise, but envisioning this outcome presents a growing strain on the imagination. Going forward, Minnesota has the seventh most difficult schedule in the NBA; they will see teams much more equipped to exploit their obvious weaknesses.

Too much talent not to figure it out. D is great with Gobert on the floor and the offense is bad much like when Favors and Rubio were starting. Towns and Russell are better offensive players than Ricky and Favors. No excuses. To me it doesn't look like Edwards hasn't been very good and he needs to be there best player

Philadelphia, however, hadn’t exploded the foundation of their future to put this dubious roster together. They moved Horford during the following offseason, added more shooting, and improved greatly the next season as a result. They also used their 2020 first-round draft pick to take Tyrese Maxey; the Wolves’ latest pick went to the Jazz in the trade, and with it they took Walker Kessler, an immediate contributor. Minnesota will not have their first-round pick in the next draft, either (or in 2025, 2027, or 2029). They also, again, don’t have the players they sent to Utah—Jared Vanderbilt’s relentless defense and demeanor, Pat Beverley’s barking leadership, and Malik Beasley’s shooting all solved problems that this team no longer has answers for. Now, there is no near way out of what they’ve built, excepting the possibility of another massive trade.

or a new coach. You telling me Hardy wouldn't be killing teams with that roster?

And would that even look like? Gobert is a depressed asset after everyone’s seen how tough of an offensive fit he is outside of Quin Snyder’s system in Utah, with Russell also making more than he’s worth to most teams. Towns and Edwards were meant to be the duo everything was built around, with Gobert as their accelerator, but with the big plan failing as badly as it is, there’s no way for the team to meaningfully improve without trading one of them. It’s not something they’d do lightly, and it’s probably not even an idea they’ve yet considered with any seriousness. But the Wolves don’t have much time left to improve before it’s time to consider emergency protocol.

Don't see how he is a tough fit. Many screeners and rim runners in the league still and he's the best.

Xiao Yao You

11-29-2022, 04:08 PM

https://www.ksl.com/article/50527894/jazz-fall-to-chicago-for-5th-straight-defeat-but-a-silver-lining-to-the-losing-skid

Outside of Conley, the Jazz don't have another natural point guard on the roster. Currently, there's no one who can consistently get the team into their sets when things get tight or a defense gets more aggressive. On Monday, that played a role in Utah shooting 42% from the field in the second half (it would have been hard to survive a 3-of-15 night from Jordan Clarkson regardless of who was playing).

and that's typical Clarkson. Needs to go!

Xiao Yao You

11-29-2022, 04:09 PM

https://kslsports.com/495964/mike-conley-injury-update/

Conley will continue the rehabilitation process but is considered day-to-day.

Xiao Yao You

11-29-2022, 04:13 PM

https://kslsports.com/495941/chicago-bulls-hand-jazz-third-home-loss-in-four-games/

Conley isn’t the best shooter in the Jazz backcourt this season, that honor belongs to Beasley. But he’s better than Clarkson, Horton-Tucker, and Alexander-Walker behind the three-point line, and against the Bulls, his absence was noticeable.

1 of the best shooters in the league is better than 3 who can't shoot!

“Walker has done a lot of things very well,” Will Hardy said, “I thought in his first run that (Andre) Drummond’s physicality bothered him a little bit.”

not surprising. He's got to get stronger

“I thought that Dok would give us a good presence and I was actually really happy with how he played,” Hardy said. “He rebounded well, wet good screens, I was really happy for Dok.”

he had to learn something watching Gobert

Xiao Yao You

11-29-2022, 04:18 PM

https://www.deseret.com/2022/11/29/23481158/analysis-utah-jazz-struggling-miss-mike-conley-as-losses-mount

The second thing is that this Jazz team has not done well in tough, late-game situations through this losing streak.

Clarkson is awful in the clutch. He hasn't done it in the past for good reason

Xiao Yao You

11-29-2022, 11:17 PM

Eric Walden: Mike Conley and Rudy Gay remain OUT on the Utah Jazz’s latest injury report. (https://*********.com/social/) Leandro Bolmaro (concussion protocol) has been upgraded to QUESTIONABLE.
– via Twitter tribjazz (https://twitter.com/tribjazz)

Xiao Yao You

11-30-2022, 10:07 AM

https://kslsports.com/495968/karl-anthony-towns-injury-could-help-jazz-draft-pick/

However, Gobert has taken longer to assimilate with the Timberwolves than some had hoped as the Western Conference Playoff picture has begun to take shape.

It's all Gobert and not the others who haven't won before like Gobert?

Towns has appeared in all 21 games for the Timberwolves so far his season, but the team has struggled without the former number one overall pick in recent campaigns.

no Rudy recently. This could be just what they need to get them going. Hopefully you insert Towns and continue it. If not you look to move him

Xiao Yao You

11-30-2022, 01:09 PM

Potter and Bass continue to play well for Stars. Abagji should still be down there as far as I'm concerned. Not sure what sitting on the Jazz bench does for him. They are home for 3 weeks so I imagine he might be going back and forth. Bolmaro questionable tonite so he could back with them to but with Conley out he seems more likely to be able to help Jazz

Xiao Yao You

11-30-2022, 01:11 PM

Cook with a monster game in the last one and Miller appears to be coming on

Xiao Yao You

12-01-2022, 04:17 PM

ESPN Stats: Devin Booker is the 2nd player over the last 25 years with 50 points and 80% shooting through the first 3 quarters of a game, (http://twitter.com/ESPNStatsInfo/status/1598163256752967680) joining James Harden on Nov. 5, 2017 against the Jazz.
– via Twitter (http://twitter.com/ESPNStatsInfo/status/1598163256752967680)

Xiao Yao You

12-01-2022, 04:34 PM

https://www.ksl.com/article/50529658/youre-not-tired-will-hardy-challenges-stars-to-help-jazz-snap-losing-skid-

'You're not tired': Will Hardy challenges stars to help Jazz snap losing skid

stars?

Xiao Yao You

12-01-2022, 04:36 PM

https://www.ksl.com/article/50528584/lauri-markkanens-trials-in-chicago-paved-way-for-breakout-season-with-jazz

"I do think that was some of the things that happened to our team — moving him to small forward spot, maybe that was out of his natural position," said Chicago coach Billy Donovan, who coached Markkanen in his final year with the Bulls. "But I was always a big, big fan of his, and I think he's a winning player."

starting there now

Xiao Yao You

12-01-2022, 04:40 PM

https://kslsports.com/495999/jazz-center-kelly-olynyk-to-have-jersey-retired-at-gonzaga/

Xiao Yao You

12-01-2022, 11:36 PM

Indiana: Tyrese Haliburton (sore left groin) has been downgraded to questionable for Friday’s game (https://*********.com/lists/nba-injuries-tracker/) against Utah.
– via Alberto De Roa @ ********* (https://*********.com/lists/nba-injuries-tracker/)

Xiao Yao You

12-02-2022, 04:47 PM

https://fansided.com/2022/12/01/nba-veterans-trade-bait-rebuildling/2/

So, why adding Bojan Bogdanovic? First, to get rid of another veteran in Kelly Olynyk (who is himself overperforming and not helping Utah’s plans). Second, to establish a winning culture around the locker room and to give the youngsters someone to build their character around.

seemed to be because Bojan was expiring but than they gave him extension

What Detroit wasn’t expecting, most probably, is the type of production Bogdanovic is handing the Pistons on a nightly basis.

they should have. He doesn't do many things but he can shoot and score. The fact that Detroit still sucks says it all about Bojan though

As if the scoring alone wasn’t enough to hurt the Pistons’ losing ways (they’re still sucking, don’t sweat it if you’re from Motown), Bogdanovic has been good to put up 3.8 rebounds and 2.5 assists per game. Veteranship, minutes, and production. Something every contender would covet and any rebuilding team would try to get rid of as soon as possible.

4 boards sucks. Has to be a career high in assists. Not sure that is a good thing or not. He was usually better off shooting than trying to pass

After putting together an extraordinary season in 2020-21 that ended earning him the Sixth Man of the Year award thanks to (mostly) hitting 18.4 points per game while posting a 42.5/34.7/89.6 shooting-splits line, Clarkson is raising the bar playing in a stiffer context as a starter.

mostly due to playing with the guy that should have won it

J-Clark is scoring 19 points per game this year to go with career-highs in boards (4.0) and dimes (4.9) per game. The shooting is bonkers with Clarkson hoisting more shots than ever (16.2 per game) but nailing them at a 42.7 clip while also hitting treys at the highest percentage of his career (35.2 percent) at his current volume (7.8 3-point attempts per game).

is nailing the right verb with those pathetic %'s? You forgot the career high 2.5 TO's per game!

Xiao Yao You

12-02-2022, 04:49 PM

https://sircharlesincharge.com/2022/12/01/nba-trade-rumors-surprise-sellers-deadline/2/

A few players on the roster that wouldn’t be surprising to see moved by the February 9 NBA Trade Deadline are Kelly Olynyk, Malik Beasley, Jordan Clarkson, Mike Conley, Jarred Vanderbilt, and Rudy Gay. And if they could sell high on a player like Lauri Markkanen, I honestly believe that’s something they should consider.

I'm sure everyone is available. I'll be ecstatic if they get rid of Clarkson win or lose. After that who cares!

Xiao Yao You

12-02-2022, 07:16 PM

Those who run the Utah Jazz have heard your complaints about the team’s new uniforms — and they’re asking for you to help to make them better. (https://www.sltrib.com/sports/jazz/2022/12/02/utah-jazz-polling-fans-future/) On this six-game homestand — with a particular focus on this weekend — a team of pollsters working for Qualtrics will ask fans for their feedback on a slew of new possible jersey designs for the team moving forward, beginning in the 2024-25 season.

– via Salt Lake Tribune (https://www.sltrib.com/sports/jazz/2022/12/02/utah-jazz-polling-fans-future/)

The process began earlier this week and fans will continue to be approached and surveyed at Vivint Arena as Qualtrics — the company founded by team owner Ryan Smith — seeks to collect a sample of data across all of the different kinds of fans who attend Jazz home games. The process involves voting on a series of uniforms and color schemes the team has created. Fans will be shown images on an iPad, giving each a 1-10 rating (https://www.sltrib.com/sports/jazz/2022/12/02/utah-jazz-polling-fans-future/).
– via Salt Lake Tribune (https://www.sltrib.com/sports/jazz/2022/12/02/utah-jazz-polling-fans-future/)

anything has to be better than the garbage you chose for this year you clown!

Xiao Yao You

12-02-2022, 09:51 PM

Sean Highkin: Blazers are listing Josh Hart as “doubtful” for tomorrow vs. Utah with a left ankle sprain. (https://*********.com/social/) Drew Eubanks is questionable with a right hip contusion.
– via Twitter highkin (https://twitter.com/highkin)

Xiao Yao You

12-02-2022, 10:02 PM

https://sports.yahoo.com/nba-trades-sneakiest-great-deals-223341218.html

On 2013 draft night, the Nuggets traded Rudy Gobert to the Jazz for the 46th overall pick (Erick Green) and cash. That was a pretty underwhelming return for a late first-rounder even if he turned out to be an average player. A typical trade out of a later first-rounder nowadays often goes for multiple high second-rounders or gets rolled over into a future first-round pick.

Xiao Yao You

12-03-2022, 08:04 PM

https://kslsports.com/496079/utah-jazz-four-factors-week-six/

Clarkson hadn’t shot the ball well until Wednesday’s game against the Clippers (https://kslsports.com/496022/clarkson-leads-jazz-over-clippers/) where he turned in a season-high 33 points, earning the Jazz the win.

what do you expect from a 34 % career 3 point shooter

Xiao Yao You

12-03-2022, 08:15 PM

https://www.deseret.com/2022/12/3/23490147/utah-jazz-need-lauri-markkanen-playing-like-an-all-star

It’s all well and good for Markkanen to continue to be unselfish but eventually there is going to come a time when he needs to realize that he is the star on this Jazz team. Now is the time to start building those habits.

let's stop calling everyone stars. He hasn't been that great since Conley went out

Xiao Yao You

12-03-2022, 08:21 PM

https://www.slcdunk.com/2022/12/3/23491668/another-back-to-back-for-the-utah-jazz-as-they-take-on-the-portland-trail-blazers

The other side of the coin is they have the #22 defense in the league. That may improve since the Jazz have had one of the hardest schedules in the league. In fact, it almost has to. With the rest of their schedule loosening up, it’s more likely than anything that the Jazz will see their defense jump to the upper teens? Regardless, and barring any more significant injuries, the Jazz will be a playoff team this season. And that’s something to celebrate. For a team that was left for dead by the media and former players looking to make their way to a bigger market, it’s one of the best stories in the league.

we really have no idea until the trade deadline passes what this team is this year

Xiao Yao You

12-04-2022, 05:27 PM

Anfernee Simons knew that the Portland Trail Blazers were facing an uphill battle at the Utah Jazz Saturday night. Injuries had left the Blazers with just nine available players. But Simons was tired of losing. The Blazers had lost eight of their last 10 games. So, h sought to be the spark his team would need to earn a much-needed victory. “Nine is enough,” Simons told his teammates in the locker room before the game. That proved to be true but mainly because Simons scored a career-high 45 points to lead the Blazers to a 116-111 victory at Vivint Arena in Salt Lake City, Utah. But he did more than just score. (https://www.oregonlive.com/nba/2022/12/anfernee-simons-determination-and-45-points-leads-trail-blazers-to-win-at-utah-i-just-wanted-to-set-the-tone.html) He led. When Utah’s defense adjusted, he adjusted. And when the Blazers needed a defensive stop late, Simons made the key play.
– via Aaron Fentress @ Oregonian (https://www.oregonlive.com/nba/2022/12/anfernee-simons-determination-and-45-points-leads-trail-blazers-to-win-at-utah-i-just-wanted-to-set-the-tone.html)

The Blazers (12-11) return home back above .500 and with Damian Lillard expected to return Sunday against Indiana. Although the Blazers sit in ninth place in the Western Conference, they are just 3.5 games out of first. “We’ve been dropping some lately,” Blazers forward Justise Winslow said. “But that’s part of it. Every team is gonna go that at this point in the season. (https://www.oregonlive.com/blazers/2022/12/anfernee-simons-jerami-grant-lead-portland-trail-blazers-to-116-111-win-at-utah-jazz-at-the-buzzer.html) But I think just for our morale and our spirit, this was a big win. And knowing that Dame is coming back soon, we’ll get some help from him.”
– via Aaron Fentress @ Oregonian (https://www.oregonlive.com/blazers/2022/12/anfernee-simons-jerami-grant-lead-portland-trail-blazers-to-116-111-win-at-utah-jazz-at-the-buzzer.html)

Ben Anderson: “I should have gotten thrown out, that play was gross.” Will Hardy said he should have been ejected (https://*********.com/social/) after the refs badly blew a bad foul that could have injured Jordan Clarkson. #TakeNote | @kslsports
– via Twitter BensHoops (https://twitter.com/BensHoops)

Eric Walden: Jordan Clarkson, on his fall: It’s a little swollen. It hurts a bit. But that’s just part of the game. (Insert wry smile to indicate he does not think that should have been part of the game.) (https://*********.com/social/)
– via Twitter tribjazz (https://twitter.com/tribjazz)

Jordan Clarkson: live learn, keep the vibe going!!! https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/14.0.0/svg/1f3f4-200d-2620-fe0f.svg (https://*********.com/social/tweets/)
– via Twitter JordanClarksons (https://twitter.com/JordanClarksons)

Xiao Yao You

12-04-2022, 06:12 PM

https://www.slcdunk.com/2022/12/4/23492830/a-letter-to-coach-hardy-why-are-the-utah-jazz-so-complacent-in-their-defense

Why are the Utah Jazz (https://www.slcdunk.com) so complacent in their defense? According to Synergy Sports’ play tracking data, Utah allows the 8th most P&R ball handler, 4th most post-up, and 12th most isolation attempts - and opponents score at efficiencies that rank 5th, 6th, and 3rd highest in said play types when playing against the Jazz. I understand that it’s more efficient to play the passing lanes and force more difficult unassisted shots, but when playing against the better self-creating players in the league, you’ve repeatedly been burned. Embiid scored 59. Booker scored 49. Morant 37, George 34, Curry 33, Bane 32. Players like Dillon Brooks, Norman Powell, Kevin Porter Jr., and Reggie Jackson went over 25; Marvin Bagley was 9/10 from the field. Just last night, Anfernee Simons picked up 43 points in three quarters. Every single one of these players went well over league average PPS, and their respective offenses were strong enough from the unassisted option*, that the other options could retreat early and nullify Utah’s transition**.

Imagine Gobert with this team! :cry:

Xiao Yao You

12-04-2022, 06:17 PM

https://www.slcdunk.com/2022/12/3/23492175/the-utah-jazz-lose-to-the-portland-trial-blazers-on-anfernee-simons-career-night-nba-2022-will-hardy

Poor defense and rebounding strike again

I know someone that would have helped

Xiao Yao You

12-05-2022, 10:36 AM

Tim Bontemps: Donovan Mitchell on if there was any extra excitement or anticipation for him to play at MSG tonight after the on-again, off-again trade discussions with the Knicks this summer before he was traded to Cleveland: “I think more so playing in front of my family and friends. What’s done is done, and I’m happy as hell to be where I’m at. At the end of the day, this decision was made and I don’t think I’ve been happier since I’ve been in the league. (https://*********.com/social/) But I think for me it’s always going to be motivation to come back and play well in my hometown, but you could say that about anybody. But with what happened this summer, it’s over with, it happened and I’m happy to be with the Cavaliers.”
– via Twitter TimBontemps (https://twitter.com/TimBontemps)

Xiao Yao You

12-05-2022, 04:29 PM

Birmingham Squadron: Welcome to Birmingham, @Feron Hunt The Squadron have traded Justin Wright-Foreman’s returning rights and a pick for Feron Hunt, (http://twitter.com/GleagueSquadron/status/1599789712260345856) a 6-8 forward from @SMUBasketball #SquadUp
– via Twitter (http://twitter.com/GleagueSquadron/status/1599789712260345856)

Xiao Yao You

12-05-2022, 05:30 PM

https://www.slcdunk.com/2022/12/5/23494159/for-the-utah-jazz-to-lean-a-direction-they-first-must-learn-what-they-have

After a summer that returned just three rotation players (Conley, Clarkson, and Gay) and only two members of the coaching staff (Jensen, Skeeter) from 2021-22, Utah had little idea of where they stood let alone where it could lead them.

it would appear that Skeeter is Hardy's main guy now leaping over Jensen who I assume is still working with bigs. Bailey also returns but I guess he was considered part of the development department. He also appears like he may have jumped Jensen. I guess they are closer to Hardy's age?

In fact, the Jazz pulled the trigger on a Bojan Bogdanovic trade specifically to round out the roster for purposes of evaluation and development.

they needed a veteran center and Ainge like Olynyk even though he's not really the center Vanderbilt is. Bojan wouldn't really fit on this team. He was a one trick pony. These guys are more versatile

JC is likely to opt out of next year’s contract and is likely to be looking a 3 year $75M deal, which you’re probably unable to trade. Is Utah prepared for that?

:roll:

Mike Conley has demonstrated just how valuable he is to this team. Certainly he’d be value-add this season should a team look to trade for him or if Utah is interested in “going for it”. However, next year’s $14M guaranteed is giving teams serious pause.

It's a partial guarantee and he's one of the most impactful guys you could get. He's really the key domino. Without him the Jazz aren't that good. With him they are pretty good. Sexton has looked good as a starter and at some point you have to go in that direction. Clarkson needs to go period. I'd love this team win or lose if they got rid of the shit show

Kelly Olynyk’s ability to stretch the floor at the 5 and pass has really helped unlock the Jazz as a top 5 offense but the defense has suffered and he’s extremely foul prone.

and he's weak on the glass where they haven't been good. You play big you have to win the rebounding period!

The Jazz more or less know what they have with Lauri: an All-Star level talent, under team control, on a great contract. Per reports (https://*********.com/rumor/jazz-want-to-keep-both-lauri-markkanen-and-jordan-clarkson/), Jazz are signaling no intent to move him.

Yeah without Conley he's looked mostly like the same guy he's always been.

Jarred’s increased inclination to fire from the right corner 3P line is a big development. He’s already taken more (26) than in all previous seasons combined and made 4x more (12) than ever. He’s a tricky player for whom to evaluate impact. The starting lineup is great but all other lineups featuring Vando have gotten smoked.

Love him. He's gotten better around the rim finishing and passing off too. He's the kind of guy you want on your team. Ideally he's probably coming off the bench with his energy though

Collin came to the Jazz as the biggest question mark and remains such through the quarter mark of the regular season. They envision a 6th man role and developing him into a PG with mixed results thus far.

He looks like a better pg already than Mitchell ever was. Like him a lot too. Like him better than Donovon

He’s shooting just shy of 39% from beyond the arc at the second highest volume of his career. He’s generating a lot of gravity and attention on offense. He’s showing an ability to create a bit off the dribble though decision making can suffer and the defense is iffy.

another guy that fits in anywhere assuming he's not a bad influence on the kids. He should be starting

Jazz know what they have but know there’s more development to take place.

not sure they do. He shot 3's in college. Not good but he did shoot them. I don't think his ceiling is as high as Gobert's so I'm not sure if he's a guy you want starting or not but he can play!

But the 3P shot just isn’t there. He’s amassed 400 career attempts at a 27% success rate. He does find himself a victim of blinders offensively but has shown defensive instincts and a better recipe for efficient offense. He’s a puzzle I don’t know will ever be solved.

he has to get better shooting the ball

Nickeil’s most encouraging development appears to be defensively where he’s moved well, competed, and avoided consistent mistakes. His offensive efficiency remains nothing to boast about but he’s having a good season from a creating for other standpoint.

he's looked really good when he's gotten the chance. Needs to shott more consistently

There’s a ton to learn about Agbaji but so far the more we do the less encouraging it is.

he only had one really good game in the Gleague. For someone that played in college for a few years and was a lotttery pick he has to be one of the best players down there

Xiao Yao You

12-05-2022, 05:37 PM

https://sircharlesincharge.com/2022/12/04/nba-trade-rumors-ideas-resurrect-lakers/3/

doubt the Jazz do it for 1 1st though you do get rid of Gay's contract

Xiao Yao You

12-05-2022, 07:51 PM

Vivek Jacob: Juancho Hernangomez is not available to play tonight, (https://*********.com/social/) Nurse is hopeful he’ll be back some time this week.
– via Twitter vivekmjacob (https://twitter.com/vivekmjacob)

Keith Pompey: Sixers power forward Georges Niang will miss tonight’s game with right foot soreness (https://*********.com/social/).
– via Twitter PompeyOnSixers (https://twitter.com/PompeyOnSixers)

Xiao Yao You

12-06-2022, 04:15 PM

Former Jazz player Jeremy Evans signed with French team Paris Basketball for the remainder of 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

12-06-2022, 04:16 PM

He can’t wait to get back on the court but confessed that he doesn’t expect to play for too many more years in the NBA. “To be honest, I don’t have much left in the NBA,” the MVP of the World Cup 2019 noted and expressed his desire to reach the NBA finals with the Cavs. “When my son starts school, I want to settle in my house in Badalona. In two-three years, I would say I have left. (https://www.eurohoops.net/en/nba-news/1429743/rubio-about-his-nba-future-i-dont-have-much-left-two-to-three-years/) I think I’ve found my place in Cleveland, I’m comfortable, and I want to reach the top with this project. I dream of living the experience of playing in the Finals“.
– via EuroHoops.net (https://www.eurohoops.net/en/nba-news/1429743/rubio-about-his-nba-future-i-dont-have-much-left-two-to-three-years/)

Xiao Yao You

12-06-2022, 04:18 PM

Michael Scotto: Danny Ainge wanted to give Will Hardy an opportunity to have a group of guys he could work with and develop a culture there, especially as a first-year head coach. I’ve heard Utah has been impressed with Lauri Markkanen. It would take a lot for Utah to trade him. Utah also wants to extend Jordan Clarkson, who owner Ryan Smith likes a lot. (https://*********.com/lists/nba-rumors-top-nba-trade-candidates-eligible-after-december-15/) The rest of the roster is expendable, including Sexton, as you mentioned, especially with Utah coming back down to earth following the team’s hot start.

– via ********* (https://*********.com/lists/nba-rumors-top-nba-trade-candidates-eligible-after-december-15/)

hard to have much faith in this owner

Xiao Yao You

12-06-2022, 04:21 PM

Dane Moore: Anthony Edwards on PnR chemistry: “I gotta learn big Rudy still a little bit more. When he rolls, how long it takes him to get out of the screen, stuff like that.” (https://*********.com/social/) Then I asked if he has ever played with a straight rolling big — even in AAU. Ant: “Nope. Nah. Not at all. Never.”
– via Twitter DaneMooreNBA (https://twitter.com/DaneMooreNBA)

Xiao Yao You

12-06-2022, 04:22 PM

Eric Walden: Will Hardy is currently running around the ZBBC gym, exultant, screaming “That’s 3!” after beating Simone Fontecchio and Leandro Bolmaro in the latest FT competition (https://*********.com/social/).
– via Twitter tribjazz (https://twitter.com/tribjazz)

Xiao Yao You

12-06-2022, 04:34 PM

https://kslsports.com/496245/kelly-olynyk-attends-jersey-retirement-ceremony/

Xiao Yao You

12-06-2022, 04:46 PM

https://saltcityhoops.com/salt-city-seven-film-on-the-finn-plus-vibes-boards-more/

Jazz center Walker Kessler’s performance on Friday marked the only 20-and-10 performance by an NBA rookie off the bench this season. He was also the first Jazz rookie to pull 20-and-10 off the bench since the 1982-83 season — 18 years and change before the big man was born.

not even the Mailman! :bowdown:

Xiao Yao You

12-06-2022, 06:54 PM

https://www.slcdunk.com/2022/12/5/23495890/walker-kessler-ranked-10th-in-espn-nba-rookie-rankings-utah-jazz

Xiao Yao You

12-06-2022, 06:56 PM

https://basketball.realgm.com/wiretap/269581/Mike-Conley-Could-Return-Wednesday-On-Minutes-Restriction

Xiao Yao You

12-08-2022, 05:42 PM

Eric Nehm: The Bucks have assigned Joe Ingles, Thanasis Antetokounmpo and MarJon Beauchamp to the Wisconsin Herd, per the team (https://*********.com/social/).
– via Twitter eric_nehm (https://twitter.com/eric_nehm)

Xiao Yao You

12-08-2022, 09:41 PM

Ryan Miller: Collin Sexton suffered a mild hamstring strain in his right leg last night. He will be reevaluated in one week (https://*********.com/social/).
– via Twitter millerjryan (https://twitter.com/millerjryan)

Xiao Yao You

12-09-2022, 03:58 PM

Tim MacMahon: Jazz PG Mike Conley has been cleared to play tonight vs. Timberwolves, (https://*********.com/social/) per source.
– via Twitter espn_macmahon (https://twitter.com/espn_macmahon)

Eric Walden: Jazz PG Mike Conley, on if he’s expecting to play tonight: “I am, yeah. I was hopeful to play tonight regardless, but with (Collin Sexton) out, obviously, it kinda helps make the decision a little bit easier.” (https://*********.com/social/)
– via Twitter tribjazz (https://twitter.com/tribjazz)

Xiao Yao You

12-09-2022, 04:01 PM

Michael Scotto: Trey Burke is joining the Sacramento Kings’ G League affiliate, Stockton Kings, (https://*********.com/social/) a league source told @*********. Burke appeared in 42 games last season for the Dallas Mavericks.
– via Twitter MikeAScotto (https://twitter.com/MikeAScotto)

Alberto de Roa: Ricky Rubio has been assigned to the G League to practice with the Cleveland Charge. Good sign for his return to the court (https://*********.com/social/).
– via Twitter TikotDeRoa (https://twitter.com/TikotDeRoa)

Xiao Yao You

12-09-2022, 04:02 PM

Chris Fedor: No sign of #Cavs Donovan Mitchell here at shootaround this morning (https://*********.com/social/).
– via Twitter ChrisFedor (https://twitter.com/ChrisFedor)

Danny Cunningham: #Cavs guard Caris LeVert has a wine colored starters jersey on at shootaround today. Donovan Mitchell is listed as questionable with right lower leg soreness (https://*********.com/social/).
– via Twitter RealDCunningham (https://twitter.com/RealDCunningham)

Xiao Yao You

12-10-2022, 07:32 PM

https://www.slcdunk.com/2022/12/9/23502783/bittersweet-night-in-salt-lake-city-as-rudy-gobert-leads-minnesota-timberwolves-over-utah-jazz

I was near the Wolves bench, and you could see Gobert enjoyed the video and then waived to the fans. It was nice to see the Jazz organization do an excellent job of welcoming one of the Jazz greats back and showing him that appreciation. As I watched, I couldn’t help but think that it’s very likely Gobert will have a jersey in the rafters at some point, and rightfully so.

Likely? Should be a statue

Xiao Yao You

12-10-2022, 08:35 PM

Former Thunder player Grant Jerrett signed with Japanese team Utsunomiya Brex (https://*********.com/lists/international-transactions-log-where-are-former-nba-players-going/) for the remainder of the 2022-23 season.
– via Alberto De Roa @ ********* (https://*********.com/lists/international-transactions-log-where-are-former-nba-players-going/)

Xiao Yao You

12-11-2022, 05:20 PM

https://www.ksl.com/article/50536838/somebody-to-pay-attention-to-hardy-shares-thoughts-on-young-players-after-jazz-loss

"I don't know what it is about Argentina, but every Argentinian that I've ever been around is an absolute crazy person and competes every possession like it's the last possession of their life. And Leo does that. His energy from the second he steps on the floor is contagious to the group. I think he's somebody for everybody to pay attention to moving forward. He spends a bunch of time in the G League right now to try to get a lot of game minutes but his fire, his mental makeup, his passion for the game is what we're looking for in our program."

he probably won't be in your program long. I like him

Xiao Yao You

12-11-2022, 05:37 PM

https://kslsports.com/496469/alexander-walker-horton-tucker-set-jazz-highs-in-loss-to-nuggets/

With Conley slowly working his way back from injury, Alexander-Walker’s more natural playmaking abilities seem to have given him the edge in the rotation at the moment.

Nickeil should have been ahead of him all along I'd think. Get rid of the bum and they can both play

He’s yet to show he’s a threat with the ball in his hands, but his recent shooting is a good sign for his future. If he can prove to be a weapon on the defensive end, it’ll go a long way toward seeing the floor more regularly.

needs to start showing a lot more with the Stars than he has. Bolmaro too but he's probably not going to be around

Xiao Yao You

12-11-2022, 05:43 PM

https://www.deseret.com/2022/12/10/23496616/analysis-utah-jazz-loss-to-denver-nuggets

I think that is ok, to a point. But, you can’t put your trust in a player, long-term, if the execution is missing. Eventually, intent isn’t going to be enough.

and yet here we are having to watch the shit show better known as Jordan Clarkson :cry:

Xiao Yao You

12-11-2022, 05:46 PM

https://www.deseret.com/2022/12/10/23496619/3-keys-in-utah-jazz-115-110-loss-to-denver-nuggets

But Alexander-Walker, much like the other Jazz players who were on the court with him on Saturday, does not have a lot of experience closing games in clutch situations. The Jazz weren’t able to get a really good look in the final moments of the game with a chance to tie, and Alexander-Walker had to take a deep 3 that came up short.

Clarkson never gets a good look especially at the end of quarters but again here we are with m,any more yars apparently of watching that crap

Xiao Yao You

12-12-2022, 10:11 AM

https://www.deseret.com/2022/12/11/23502083/evaluating-utah-jazzs-young-bench-players

In his play with the Stars, the Jazz’s G-League affiliate, he’s also struggled, fouling and turning the ball over a lot.

that's the biggest worry. After 4 years of college and being a lottery pick he has to be one of the best players down there

It would be really, really great if he was also an outside threat, because that would open his game up a lot, but that doesn’t seem to be the case right now. Defensively, Bolmaro has the kind of body that would allow him to be pesky and to get around screens but he gets caught hard on them. Though, it’s kind of hard to have really developed a feel for that when you aren’t playing in very many competitive games.

needs to be better with the Stars as well not that he's probably part of their future

Xiao Yao You

12-12-2022, 10:15 AM

https://www.slcdunk.com/research-statistics-analytics/2022/12/11/23504351/where-preparation-meets-opportunity-how-the-utah-jazz-pulled-off-an-improbable-comeback

Olynyk was welcomed after a trade to Utah with a fanbase asking “Why?”, arguing “He’s worse than the player we traded away”! He also entered the game having the team sport a better offensive rating (117.5) while he was on the court than 287 other players could say for themselves, ranking 27th in the NBA.

he's a lot better player than Bojan

Jordan Clarkson gave us a glimpse into the Jazz focus in their three-day rest and practice, saying; “[We’ve] been focusing on the last 2 minutes of the games ... That’s what we were mostly working on during our 3 off days.”

best thing they could do is bench your sorry ass

Xiao Yao You

12-12-2022, 11:19 AM

Eric Nehm: Before tonight’s game in Houston, we chatted with Mike Budenholzer about Joe Ingles, who has played with the Bucks’ G-League unit twice in the last week. I asked Budenholzer how close Ingles is to getting on the floor. Here was his response: “I think it’s fair to say he’s getting close. (https://*********.com/social/) I mean, if you’re playing with our G League Group and you’re playing five on five and live action — but again, part of the question towards the end of Khris’s (rehab) is, it’s also, you know, you’ve got to get to a conditioning level to be ready to play in an NBA game. You’ve got to get kind of, I would say, a significant number of reps of just playing and doing things and building up just everything that it takes to go into playing an NBA game. So, hopefully, somewhere there is an answer for you.“
– via Twitter eric_nehm (https://twitter.com/eric_nehm)

Xiao Yao You

12-12-2022, 04:03 PM

Eric Walden: Lauri Markkanen, Mike Conley, and Jordan Clarkson were all full participants in Jazz practice today (https://*********.com/social/). Simone Fontecchio and Collin Sexton did not participate.
– via Twitter tribjazz (https://twitter.com/tribjazz)

Xiao Yao You

12-12-2022, 04:09 PM

They chased him during the offseason when Bogdanović was still a member of the Utah Jazz and, according to league sources, continue to register trade interest in the 33-year-old Croatian. Sources say that the Lakers recently offered a trade package to Detroit for Bogdanović centered around one future first-round pick with unspecified draft protections attached. The Pistons have to date declined those overtures, sources add, insisting on a fully unprotected future first from the Lakers to seriously entertain a Bogdanović swap. Detroit, in fact, continues to tell interested teams (and there are several) that it wants to keep Bogdanović, (https://marcstein.substack.com/p/the-lakers-and-bojan-bogdanovic?sd=pf) who is averaging 21.0 points and shooting 50.8% from the field (43.7% on 3-pointers) as a Piston.

– via Marc Stein @ marcstein.substack.com (https://marcstein.substack.com/p/the-lakers-and-bojan-bogdanovic?sd=pf)

good luck, all Ainge got was Olynyk which has been a good trade. For both teams I guess? He can shoot and score. Olynyk brings more

Xiao Yao You

12-12-2022, 04:13 PM

Meanwhile, the Hawks have had several teams in the Collins market, such as Utah, Washington, Brooklyn and Dallas, sources said. Atlanta has not shown interest so far in a potential framework that would contain Brooklyn’s Joe Harris, those sources said. (https://theathletic.com/3992371/2022/12/12/bojan-bogdanovic-jae-crowder-shams-charania-inside-pass/) Phoenix has a desire for Collins but does not appear inclined to take on the forward, who is in the second season of a five-year, $125 million pact.

– via Shams Charania @ The Athletic (https://theathletic.com/3992371/2022/12/12/bojan-bogdanovic-jae-crowder-shams-charania-inside-pass/)

the rumors won't die. Sounds like Lauri and the bum aren't likely to be involved but everyone else is. Not sure what Atlanta needs besides Lauri. No one needs Clarkson. You'd think Atlanta would rather deal with the Jazz or Dallas than the East

Xiao Yao You

12-12-2022, 04:15 PM

The Hawks and Heat also are interested in Crowder, and Miami is expected to have a re-energized pursuit soon because it has a slew of players, such as Dewayne Dedmon and Victor Oladipo, available to be traded starting Thursday. (https://theathletic.com/3992371/2022/12/12/bojan-bogdanovic-jae-crowder-shams-charania-inside-pass/) The Bucks could continue to seek a third team to facilitate a trade for Crowder, which would be a homecoming of sorts for the Georgia native who played his college ball at Marquette.

– via Shams Charania @ The Athletic (https://theathletic.com/3992371/2022/12/12/bojan-bogdanovic-jae-crowder-shams-charania-inside-pass/)

3 team deal. Clarkson to the Suns who they wanted earlier I believe. Collins to Utah. Crowder to Hawks. Filler

Xiao Yao You

12-12-2022, 04:32 PM

http://www.espn.com/nba/tradeMachine?tradeId=2zkg475x

looks pretty good. Everyone gets their guys. Atlanta gets expiring contracts and Crowder. They might want to throw in some filler because they will have to cut guys as it looks now. Suns get two vets to add to their contending team. Save some tax this year by taking on next year. Jazz get Collins while getting rid of Gay and Clarkson for next year and 2 young guys who's options they didn't pick up. Open up roster space(depending on what Atlanta or the Suns may want to throw in). Still deep. More flexibility moving forward. Beasley starts. Jazz lots of picks to make it work

Xiao Yao You

12-12-2022, 07:10 PM

Christian Clark: Herb Jones is on track to play tomorrow against the Jazz. He’s listed as probable (https://*********.com/social/). Brandon Ingram is still out. He’s missed the last seven games.
– via Twitter cclark_13 (https://twitter.com/cclark_13)

Xiao Yao You

12-12-2022, 07:36 PM

Sarah Todd: Latest Jazz injury report is much smaller than before: Simone Fontecchio (left ankle sprain) and Collin Sexton (right hamstring strain) are out for tomorrow’s game against the Pelicans (https://*********.com/social/)
– via Twitter NBASarah (https://twitter.com/NBASarah)

Xiao Yao You

12-13-2022, 05:39 PM

https://www.slcdunk.com/2022/12/12/23506027/jarred-vanderbilt-remains-biggest-question-mark-on-the-utah-jazz

An intriguing wrinkle that complicates Jarred’s future is that he’s played just two (2) possessions this season with Azubuike or Kessler. His inability to generate gravity makes it impossible to play with a traditional, non-shooting center.

don't think that is necessarily true. He can shoot and make some plays for others

Xiao Yao You

12-14-2022, 05:32 PM

Sarah Todd: Collin Sexton continues light court work but didn’t practice with the Jazz today. He did have an MRI and should have an update on his progress tomorrow (https://*********.com/social/)
– via Twitter NBASarah (https://twitter.com/NBASarah)

Xiao Yao You

12-14-2022, 05:34 PM

Erik Slater: Jacque Vaughn says Royce O’Neale will be good to go for this weekend’s games (https://*********.com/social/).
– via Twitter erikslater_ (https://twitter.com/erikslater_)

Xiao Yao You

12-14-2022, 05:43 PM

https://kslsports.com/496580/who-can-utah-jazz-trade-on-december-15/

On the flip side, if the rumors are true that the Jazz were interested in acquiring Atlanta Hawks forward John Collins (https://twitter.com/TheRally/status/1593742170724642817?s=20&t=iTX8fI4mM1kbVrVDS9wEXw) to improve the talent on this year’s roster, Sexton and Fontecchio could now be included in a trade to facilitate the deal.

yeah get rid of guys with upside while the Clarkson shit show continues unabated! :cry:

Xiao Yao You

12-14-2022, 05:49 PM

https://kslsports.com/496568/jazz-best-pelicans-to-open-two-game-series/

Over his last eight games, the 24-year-old is averaging 11.6 points and 3.0 assists while shooting 57 percent from the floor and 51 percent from the three-point line in 22 minutes per game.

and yet we still have to watch Clarkson

Xiao Yao You

12-14-2022, 05:59 PM

https://www.deseret.com/2022/12/14/23507939/analysis-utah-jazz-win-first-of-two-games-against-new-orleans-pelicans

Without Clarkson, the Jazz don’t have the same kind of offensive pressure that they otherwise would.

with him their efficiency, ball movement and D suffers :facepalm

Xiao Yao You

12-14-2022, 06:02 PM

https://www.slcdunk.com/2022/12/13/23508616/with-lauri-markkanen-back-utah-jazz-dominate-zion-williamson-new-orleans-pelicans

Probably the best story for the Jazz was Nickeil Alexander-Walker. NAW was brilliant tonight in his time on the floor. Going 7/10 from the field and 4/6 from three, NAW scored 19 points with 6 assists and 3 rebounds. It might also be time to get excited a little bit. In the three games before this, two of them starts, NAW averaged 16.3 points, 3.3 assists, and 4.7 rebounds. That’s while shooting 58% from the field and 55% from three. He obviously won’t keep up those numbers, but NAW is looking more and more comfortable. When the Jazz got him in the Ingles trade, their hope was that they could develop him into the potential many saw when he first came into the league. It looks like that may be happening. If it does, this Utah Jazz team has yet another weapon going forward. When he plays like this, it’s hard to even remember that Collin Sexton didn’t play. What a luxury for Coach Hardy!

not much of a luxury as long as Clarkson continues to start and suck

Xiao Yao You

12-15-2022, 11:43 AM

Atlanta has continued its pursuit of Jae Crowder, (https://sports.yahoo.com/emerging-spurs-big-man-jakob-poeltl-could-be-a-key-player-in-this-seasons-trade-market-005938316.html) and a new three-team concept with Utah and Phoenix circled around league executives this week. The Hawks certainly view the Jazz as a potential landing spot for John Collins.

– via Jake Fischer @ Yahoo! Sports (https://sports.yahoo.com/emerging-spurs-big-man-jakob-poeltl-could-be-a-key-player-in-this-seasons-trade-market-005938316.html)

I start that?

Xiao Yao You

12-15-2022, 11:44 AM

http://www.espn.com/nba/tradeMachine?tradeId=2zkg475x

Xiao Yao You

12-15-2022, 05:29 PM

https://kslsports.com/496610/kessler-signs-endorsement-deal-with-adidas/

Xiao Yao You

12-15-2022, 05:37 PM

https://www.slcdunk.com/2022/12/14/23510500/more-trade-rumors-the-utah-jazz-to-john-collins-atlanta-hawks-jarred-vanderbilt

Atlanta has continued its pursuit of Jae Crowder, and a new three-team concept with Utah and Phoenix circled around league executives this week. The Hawks certainly view the Jazz as a potential landing spot for John Collins. But while Utah has signaled a willingness to discuss Jarred Vanderbilt — of known interest to the Suns — and Landry Shamet has often been included in deal frameworks that would send Crowder to Atlanta, this structure appears to be an expired idea that never gained significant traction due to draft pick compensation and other shortcomings.

pretty sure Clarkson was linked to the Suns in the off season too. Vanderbilt isn't surprising. You would still have Collins/Lauri/Kessler starting I imagine with Olynyk/Simone/Udoka off the bench

Xiao Yao You

12-15-2022, 05:58 PM

http://www.espn.com/nba/tradeMachine?tradeId=2oyu6hua

same idea as before. Hawks could cut Bolmaro and Udoka. They have no options past this year. Pick up Shamet's contract to off set some of what the Jazz take on with Collins. More depth. Stay under tax. Saric in the mix for 6th front court guy with Simone. Still deep. Front court and starting line up gets better. Guard line too. Addition by subtraction. Stay under tax. Phoenix takes on Gay to get Vanderbilt and Clarkson. Save some tax

Xiao Yao You

12-15-2022, 06:06 PM

https://hoopshabit.com/2022/12/14/timberwolves-buyers-remorse-rudy-gobert/

This was not the case with Gobert. Although recognized as one of the league’s best defenders, if not the best, Rudy is nowhere near a top-10 player in the NBA. Aside from his defensive acumen, Gobert is a very limited offensive player, he is mostly a rim runner who is unable to punish mismatches in the post.

and yet he's been one of the most impactful offensive players in the league. Not many have had the impact at both ends the past 8 years as he has

Even though he is a great rim protector in a drop coverage scheme, due to his lack of scheme versatility, his defense has also been exposed in the postseason when teams decide to go five out. This is why many pundits were quick to criticize the trade, especially at such a hefty price. Meanwhile, some were optimistic about the trade, stating that Gobert was the perfect fix for what ailed the Wolves last season, which was rim protection and defensive rebounding.

5 out wasn't the problem. The problem was the team around him. This is easily the most talented team he's had around him

According to NBA.com stats (https://www.nba.com/stats/lineups/advanced?slug=advanced&Season=2021-22&TeamID=1610612750), the Wolves’ starting lineup for the 2021-2022 season was one of the best in the league with a 12.8 net rating (https://www.nba.com/stats/lineups/advanced?slug=advanced&TeamID=1610612750). Meanwhile, this year’s starting lineup has only a +4 net rating. Currently, the Wolves are .500 and ranked 12th in the Western Conference.

the bench has to play better or the coach has to come up with better substitution patterns

Needless to say, they are falling very short of expectations. To add insult to injury, they will be without Towns for at least one more month, which could cause them to drop even more in the standings.

no reason they can't be better without Towns. I saw Rudy carry much worse teams to wins

Xiao Yao You

12-15-2022, 07:27 PM

Adrian Wojnarowski: After missing nine straight games, Charlotte Hornets F Gordon Hayward (left shoulder) is hopeful to return to the lineup vs. Atlanta on Friday, sources tell ESPN. He’s expected to make a final decision after shootaround (https://*********.com/social/).
– via Twitter wojespn (https://twitter.com/wojespn)

Xiao Yao You

12-15-2022, 07:28 PM

Dane Moore: Rudy Gobert has been added to the Wolves injury report with a left ankle sprain, and listed as questionable for Friday in OKC (https://*********.com/social/) D’Angelo Russell, who missed Wednesday’s game with a left knee bruise, also listed as questionable Jordan McLaughlin, left calf strain, is listed as out
– via Twitter DaneMooreNBA (https://twitter.com/DaneMooreNBA)

Xiao Yao You

12-15-2022, 09:13 PM

Ky Carlin: Danuel House Jr. is listed as probable for tomorrow with a left foot laceration Furkan Korkmaz is probable with a non-COVID illness De’Anthony Melton is not listed on the injury report after missing a game with back tightness #Sixers
– via Twitter Ky_Carlin

Xiao Yao You

12-15-2022, 09:28 PM

Andy Larsen: Update from the Jazz on Collin Sexton: “Sexton (right hamstring strain) was reevaluated yesterday, which included a follow up MRI. He is progressing as expected, will continue to increase on court work and is day to day.” (https://*********.com/social/)
– via Twitter andyblarsen (https://twitter.com/andyblarsen)

Xiao Yao You

12-16-2022, 07:32 AM

https://www.deseret.com/2022/12/16/23511126/mike-conley-utah-jazz-beat-new-orleans-pelicans

“Definitely, Mike is probably our most important player,” Rudy Gay said of his teammate. “He keeps us in games, as you can see.

not much doubt. Difference between good and lottery

Even in the most chaotic of moments, Conley calms things when other players might buckle or might not know what the smart thing to do is. Like for example on the below play when Clarkson dribbles the ball off his own foot and the play is broken

Clarkson has to dive to save the ball, but as soon as he gets it into Conley’s hands, Conley calmly penetrates to draw in the defense and makes a perfect scoop pass out to Markkanen for a huge 3.

imagine not having those stupid plays

I’m not saying that Alexander-Walker should be playing over Sexton, I’m just genuinely curious about what will happen, and also curious about how that’s going to impact Alexander-Walker, so I asked him if he thinks about what will happen.

better than Clarkson as is Beasley. The answer is an easy one. Do your job Ainge

Xiao Yao You

12-16-2022, 07:40 AM

https://www.slcdunk.com/2022/12/15/23512279/utah-jazz-get-second-straight-win-over-new-orleans-pelicans-in-overtime-thriller

Clarkson was brilliant in this one. From the start, he was the driving force of the Jazz offense, hitting shots everywhere on the court. Clarkson ended the game with 39 points while going 15/26 from the field and 7/14 from three. He also dropped 6 absolute dimes as he carved up the Pelicans' defense. Clarkson is consistently finding ways to help the Jazz win, and with each game, he seems to be finding more and more consistency. Because he’s leveled up as a playmaker, there’s no simple way to guard him. Even last year, teams could load up on Clarkson knowing he’d likely shoot the ball and they could get a bad shot from him. Not anymore.

consistent? He was on a 4-29 stretch from 3. He's the streakiest player their is

Xiao Yao You

12-16-2022, 04:12 PM

Adrian Wojnarowski: ESPN Sources: After nearly 10 months of rehabilitation on a torn left ACL, Milwaukee Bucks forward Joe Ingles is targeting his return vs. New Orleans on Monday. Once Ingles successfully completes a final 5-on-5 workout Saturday, that’ll be the last hurdle in his comeback (https://*********.com/social/).
– via Twitter wojespn (https://twitter.com/wojespn)

Xiao Yao You

12-16-2022, 04:13 PM

Adrian Wojnarowksi: Charlotte Hornets forward Gordon Hayward plans to play vs. Atlanta tonight, his agent Mark Bartelstein of @PrioritySports tells ESPN. Hayward has missed nine straight games — and 17 of the past 20. Significant boost for the depleted Hornets (https://*********.com/social/).
– via Twitter wojespn (https://twitter.com/wojespn)

Xiao Yao You

12-16-2022, 04:17 PM

Olgun Uluc: Ian Clark has signed with the Adelaide 36ers, (https://*********.com/social/) sources told ESPN.
– via Twitter OlgunUluc (https://twitter.com/OlgunUluc)

Xiao Yao You

12-16-2022, 07:15 PM

Noah Levick: Furkan Korkmaz (illness) is out and Danuel House Jr. is in tonight (https://*********.com/social/).
– via Twitter NoahLevick (https://twitter.com/NoahLevick)

Xiao Yao You

12-16-2022, 08:01 PM

Charlotte Hornets PR: INJURY UPDATE: @Charlotte Hornets forward Gordon Hayward (L Shoulder Scapula Fracture) has been upgraded from questionable and will be active and available to play tonight (http://twitter.com/HornetsPR/status/1603892679359733765) vs. ATL
– via Twitter HornetsPR (https://twitter.com/HornetsPR)

Xiao Yao You

12-16-2022, 08:01 PM

Milwaukee: Khris Middleton (right knee soreness) has been downgraded to out for Saturday’s game (https://*********.com/lists/nba-injuries-tracker/) against Utah. Jrue Holiday (non-COVID illness) and Serge Ibaka (non-COVID illness) are probable.
– via Alberto De Roa @ ********* (https://*********.com/lists/nba-injuries-tracker/)

Xiao Yao You

12-16-2022, 08:02 PM

Jon Krawczynski: Chris Finch says Rudy Gobert is OUT tonight and D’Angelo Russell is a gametime decision (https://*********.com/social/)

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

Dane Moore: Chris Finch says Rudy Gobert’s “tweaked ankle” — that will keep him out tonight against OKC — is a “pretty short-term” injury (https://*********.com/social/). Sounds like it’s reasonable to assume Gobert could be back as early as Sunday against Chicago.
– via Twitter DaneMooreNBA (https://twitter.com/DaneMooreNBA)

Xiao Yao You

12-16-2022, 08:02 PM

Brian Lewis: Jacque Vaughn on the fine from the #NBA: “I am about facts and logic. We got fined. (https://*********.com/social/) We’re gonna accept the fine and play tonight.” #Nets
– via Twitter NYPost_Lewis (https://twitter.com/NYPost_Lewis)

Xiao Yao You

12-16-2022, 08:59 PM

Nick DePaula: BREAKING: Hornets forward Gordon Hayward has signed a 5-year, multi-million dollar signature shoe deal extension with ANTA (https://*********.com/social/). Hayward’s GH signature series with the brand will continue, with the GH4 releasing in Spring 2023.
– via Twitter NickDePaula (https://twitter.com/NickDePaula)

Xiao Yao You

12-17-2022, 07:53 AM

https://www.ksl.com/article/50540801/these-guys-are-different-the-jazz-are-bit-more-resilient-this-season

"We all lock in those situations. The communication on the bench is crazy; everybody's talking," Clarkson said. "You got guys coming over with iPads, telling you missed a play or whatever. Just communication down the line I think has just been great with this team. We trust everybody. We just hungry."

must be busy with you. You are nothing but missed plays

Xiao Yao You

12-17-2022, 08:25 AM

https://saltcityhoops.com/the-jazz-have-optionality-entering-trade-season/

From that spot in the middle, the Jazz could opt to go either direction or stand pat, back to Zanik’s oft-repeated “optionality” teams. One rung up the org chart, team CEO Danny Ainge has lamented just how stuck the Jazz were last year: “The draft wasn’t very much fun. Free agency wasn’t very much fun. We were over the tax, no draft picks, and our team loses in the first round, and it wasn’t very fun for us.”

Get rid of COTY, trade Mitchell, Clarkson and Bojan and we could really be having fun

Well, now they have all the optionality they want. Indeed, with the team in the middle of the pack, they could make moves to strengthen their team, or to target future assets at the expense of this year’s win-loss record. They could also stay the course. Let’s say the season ended today. The Jazz would not have a lottery pick. Does that mean they’re stuck on the treadmill of being in the middle? Not necessarily.

Th Wolves pick is lottery at the moment

The Jazz have a treasure trove of future draft picks, so this is not their only shot at drafting a potential superstar. The idea of Victor Wembanyama is tantalizing, but even the worst team in basketball only gets 14% odds at that payoff, and the Jazz are too far removed from that tier for that to be realistic. But Utah’s surprise start provides other benefits. For one, their roster has a higher collective trade value. It’s possible that lost draft position could be made up by better trade returns.

still a lot of ball to be played. Without Conley they aren't very good

Furthermore, the team has bought into rookie coach Will Hardy. The team looks like it’s having fun. Vibes matter, and this team has good vibes. If anything, it’s a lot fun to watch. Whatever the asset balance sheet looks like, this is shaping up to be a memorable season.

Clarkson is not fun to watch

That said, the Jazz could make moves that aren’t overtly tank-y, while also sticking to a longer term timeline. They can nudge some experience for potential. Such a pattern has emerged in recent trades:

Joe Ingles for Nickeil Alexander-Walker

Patrick Beverley for Talen Horton-Tucker
Bojan Bogdanovic for Kelly Olynyk

Bojan for Kelly was for fit and they needed a vet big.

While all of these trades have their nuances, each swapped established talent for younger players. But unlike the seismic Gobert and Mitchell trades, these were small shifts. NAW, THT, and Olynyk are not dead weight. Each have featured in Utah’s rotation. It’s hard to say if those moves had much impact on the current win total, but the returned players fit Utah’s direction better.

They could us Beverley actually. Ingles would look good with this team too but love Nickeil!

One other pattern to glean from recent trades is that Utah has not brought on long-term salaries. Bojan Bogdanovic could have returned a first-round draft pack, but it would have required taking on a bad contract. While the Kelly Olynyk return did come as a surprise, it gave the Jazz a useful, younger player that fit a roster need. It also gave the Jazz another $5 million in wiggle room and no long-term commitment. Clearly preserving optionality is a priority.

longer term than Bojan

It’s clear the Jazz have been reticent to trade their veterans for good draft picks attached to bad contracts. And hey, the Jazz like having players like Mike Conley and Jordan Clarkson on the roster. They’re talented and good leaders. They’re not dying to get them away from the team. But I also don’t think they Jazz will turn down the right offer.

Clarkson needs to go period!

I wouldn’t be shocked if they Jazz keep their current roster for the rest of the season or make big moves. Optionality remains the key word here. It’s refreshing after last season, when everyone knew what the team needed, but the assets to make moves just weren’t there.

I'd be surprised if there aren't some moves. They have depth except behind Conley

Xiao Yao You

12-17-2022, 07:08 PM

https://kslsports.com/496651/utah-jazz-four-factors-week-eight/

But, if he can become a knockdown shooter in the NBA, his odds of sticking grow dramatically.

need more from a lottery pick with 4 years of college

Xiao Yao You

12-17-2022, 07:23 PM

Minnesota: Rudy Gobert (left ankle sprain) and D’Angelo Russell (left knee contusion) have been upgraded to questionable for Sunday’s game (https://*********.com/lists/nba-injuries-tracker/) against Chicago.
– via Alberto De Roa @ ********* (https://*********.com/lists/nba-injuries-tracker/)

Xiao Yao You

12-17-2022, 07:25 PM

Ian Begley: Shabazz Muhammad signed a contract with the G League and is in the league’s player pool, (https://*********.com/social/) per SNY sources. Muhammad is eligible to be claimed by any G League team, based on their waiver order. Muhammad last played in the NBA in 2018. He was selected 14th in the 2013 NBA Draft
– via Twitter IanBegley (https://twitter.com/IanBegley)

Xiao Yao You

12-17-2022, 07:28 PM

Eric Nehm: The Bucks have assigned Joe Ingles, Thanasis Antetokounmpo and Jordan Nwora to the Wisconsin Herd, per the team.
– via Twitter eric_nehm

Xiao Yao You

12-17-2022, 07:30 PM

Chris Fedor: #Cavs Donovan Mitchell on the trash talk with Indiana and the face-to-face, chest-to-chest tie-up with rookie Bennedict Mathurin in the fourth quarter: “Sometimes you just have to … (pauses because he knows it’s going to sound corny) … let ’em know.” (https://*********.com/social/)
– via Twitter ChrisFedor (https://twitter.com/ChrisFedor)

Xiao Yao You

12-17-2022, 07:32 PM

Although in today’s NBA, he sees at least one comparison that fits his playing style. “I think it’s Rudy Gobert. I consider him similar to me in blocking shots, defense, and helping teammates. I think in the NBA, a lot depends on luck. Rudy Gobert went to Utah, and they gave him all the trust. (https://basketnews.com/news-182510-tavares-shares-nostalgic-moment-with-campazzo-evaluates-the-next-superstar-after-doncic.html) They waited for him to get ready for the NBA. So he had luck and great guys who trusted him. I think that’s why he is so successful now,” Tavares said.

– via BasketNews (https://basketnews.com/news-182510-tavares-shares-nostalgic-moment-with-campazzo-evaluates-the-next-superstar-after-doncic.html)

they gave him the trust because he was their best player and they had no choice

Xiao Yao You

12-18-2022, 09:03 AM

https://www.ksl.com/article/50541902/it-wasnt-very-good-jazz-explain-clunker-in-milwaukee-following-rout-by-bucks

For Hardy, there was three things that stood out: screen setting, driving the ball (or the lack thereof) and rebounding. All three could be explained away by a lack of physicality.

who could have made a difference there? Funny it seems like all their weaknesses are the things Gobert brought for years. It's really too bad they didn't keep him and trade Mitchell, Clarkson and Bojan. Could have had something special with Hardy

Milwaukee beat Utah on the boards 54-29 and grabbed 15 offensive rebounds. The Jazz gave a team who shot 47% from 3-point range that many extra opportunities, and it wasn't a good time. Utah had just six free-throw attempts in the entire game, which is just more evidence of a lack of force from the Jazz against the shorthanded Bucks.

that's inexcusable when you are playing bigger than anyone in the league

Xiao Yao You

12-18-2022, 09:07 AM

https://kslsports.com/496720/jazz-outhustled-by-shorthanded-bucks/

Sexton averages 4.4 free throw attempts per game which is tied with Lauri Markkanen to lead the Jazz.

yet another thing that the statue brought

The game marks the Jazz’s first meeting with Donovan Mitchell since the superstar guard was traded in September.

the superstar that wasn't even the best player on his team? No one called Gobert one yet...

Xiao Yao You

12-18-2022, 09:13 AM

https://www.slcdunk.com/2022/12/17/23514726/jazz-fail-to-take-advantage-of-giannis-absence-fall-to-bucks

There were some positive performances from the Jazz. Malik Beasley is continuing his run of form with 18 points tonight including 6-of-10 shooting from three. Nickeil Alexander-Walker also had another productive night with 14 points and five assists. These performances were nice to have, but without lots of production from the starters it isn’t able to have as much positive effect (especially when the defense gives up 123 points).

one of those guys should be starting. That's part of the problem

Xiao Yao You

12-18-2022, 04:07 PM

Noah Levick: Danuel House Jr. on Sixers’ chemistry, team growing closer on and off the court: “It’s like a gumbo pot. The longer you let the seasoning sit, the better the gumbo hit.” (https://*********.com/social/)
– via Twitter NoahLevick (https://twitter.com/NoahLevick)

Xiao Yao You

12-18-2022, 04:08 PM

Speaking of Monday, what are you thinking as you get back on the floor for the first time since you tore your ACL on Jan. 30? Joe Ingles: Obviously, a lot of different things. I’ll be excited. It will be fun to get back out there and nervous because, like I said, playing with new guys, guys I’ve never played with, in a real game. (https://theathletic.com/4012758/2022/12/18/bucks-joe-ingles-experience-when-did-you-figure-out-he-never-shuts-up/) New Orleans is not going to give a f— that it’s my first game. That part of it is the nerves and stuff, but also, once I get out there, I think I’ll be fine. It’s that natural, it’s like riding a bike once I’m back out there. I’ll be fine, but there will be nerves.
– via Eric Nehm @ The Athletic (https://theathletic.com/4012758/2022/12/18/bucks-joe-ingles-experience-when-did-you-figure-out-he-never-shuts-up/)

While some may find such a personality grating, especially coming from the new guy in town, the Bucks have loved having Ingles around and believe he has been incredibly helpful for team camaraderie. “In the NBA, whether it’s the beginning of the season or the middle, you need guys who can get on guys, talk to the other team a little bit, talk to the coaches a little bit,” Budenholzer said. (https://theathletic.com/4012758/2022/12/18/bucks-joe-ingles-experience-when-did-you-figure-out-he-never-shuts-up/) “His voice and his energy, and him integrating into the locker room and developing friendships and relationships before he’s even hit the court … I don’t know that I’ve seen a guy do it the way he has without playing. Usually, this league, you’ve got to get on the court and play.”
– via Eric Nehm @ The Athletic (https://theathletic.com/4012758/2022/12/18/bucks-joe-ingles-experience-when-did-you-figure-out-he-never-shuts-up/)

Xiao Yao You

12-18-2022, 08:02 PM

Ryan Miller: Collin Sexton will miss his homecoming game in Cleveland due to the right hamstring strain. Kelly Olynyk is questionable with a left ankle sprain he suffered in Milwaukee (https://*********.com/social/).
– via Twitter millerjryan (https://twitter.com/millerjryan)

Xiao Yao You

12-18-2022, 08:02 PM

KC Johnson: Rudy Gobert is out and D’Angelo Russell is gametime decision for Timberwolves, (https://*********.com/social/) per Chris Finch.
– via Twitter KCJHoop (https://twitter.com/KCJHoop)

Xiao Yao You

12-18-2022, 09:11 PM

Former Jazz player JJ O’Brien signed with Montenegrin team KK Buducnost for the remainder of 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

12-19-2022, 08:38 AM

https://saltcityhoops.com/sc7-dec192022-revisiting-more/

This writer has very little interest in a full-blow post mortem of the Mitchell era, so let’s leave it at this: I believed right up until the very end (and still do) that the previous Jazz core had the talent and complementary skills to do special things. But they were too broken. Folks may remember that I actually started the offseason by daring to imagine (https://saltcityhoops.com/new-version-mitchell-gobert/) how the Jazz could keep their 2022 All-Stars and redesign their supporting cast on the fly. But the more connected people I heard from, the more obvious it was that it just wasn’t happening. The group had mentally moved on from one another. It sucks, but it happens.

What's sad is that their weaknesses now are what Rudy would have brought. The things they are doing now sharing the ball and playing hard at both ends are things that Mitchell and Bojan weren't good at(Clarkson either). They could truly be a contender now with Gobert, Hardy and company and still had a bunch of draft capital and future assets and Ainge could have still been having fun

Contrary to summer chatter, the Jazz never really cared about out-hauling the Rudy Gobert trade return on a Mitchell deal. But the fact that they ultimately got Markkanen — whom they viewed as worth assets — PLUS Sexton, three picks, two swaps and recent lotto pick Ochai Agbaji makes it a very similar macro-value return.

Agbaji not looking too good

The headliner of Jazz-Cavs was a player who will receive some immediate All-Star consideration in his first Jazz season, and yet the Jazz also scored the same number of unprotected picks. And that’s before we even get to Sexton.

the next pick anyway looks better coming from Minnesota if they don't figure it out

The Jazz were also excited about Sexton’s resume, while also acknowledging that he’d need some refining over time. As Tony Jones has spelled out (https://theathletic.com/3921987/2022/11/22/utah-jazz-collin-sexton/), they are trying to chisel the 23-year-old into a different type of NBA guard, and that will take some time. But already there are things to like about the early returns: he has been one of Utah’s best on-ball creators, his 49% on non-rim twos is elite for a guard, and he plays with a fire in his belly. Like Markkanen, they acquired Sexton with the intent of giving him a chance to grow into a bigger role. Those two have as high a chance of being part of the next great Jazz team as anybody else on the roster.

I like him better than Mitchell. He's already looking like a pg something Mitchell will never be, he's faster, he's a better shooter from everywhere, plays hard at both ends...

To continue the dialogue from above, we should also acknowledge that the Jazz will visit Bojan Bogdanovic after they drop in on Mitchell. They didn’t get quite the same asset haul from the Bogey deal as some anticipated, and yet Kelly Olynyk has been really important to how the Jazz are playing. He’s the only big man in the league shooting above 42% from three AND averaging 3+ assists per game.

probably more fouls flops, and less rebounds than any of them

As I detailed after the deal, the Jazz could have gotten a first (https://saltcityhoops.com/jazz-roster-remodel-continues-with-bogey-olynyk-swap/) for Bogey in several different deal versions, but those constructs all required them to take (or include) other stuff they weren’t wild about taking (or including). With Olynyk they gave themselves a chance to balance the roster and make the basketball ecosystem (https://twitter.com/danclayt0n/status/1602471349758271489?s=20&t=lbhGqlR7LgTwm-xf6AU5Dg) a little more cohesive to everyone else’s development because of the Canadian’s savvy. I still wrote that I thought they probably should’ve gotten some type of asset in dealing the better (on the macro) player, and a good sign that I’m right is that ESPN’s Zach Lowe still thinks they did. He continues to remember the deal as the Jazz getting “Olynyks and some seconds or something,” a good indicator that the rough value calculation here is that the Jazz gave up the better player on the whole.

they did get a young player in Lee who may end up being someone. They just had too many guaranteed deals

Xiao Yao You

12-19-2022, 08:40 AM

https://www.slcdunk.com/2022/12/18/23515966/new-look-utah-jazz-face-former-teammate-donovan-mitchell-cleveland-cavaliers

The Utah Jazz and Cleveland Cavaliers enter this game better than they were before, who would have thought?

Jazz currently a play-in team. Not better than they were

Xiao Yao You

12-19-2022, 06:36 PM

Michael Scotto: Nuggets center Nikola Jokić and Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell have been named the NBA Western and Eastern Conference Players of the Week (https://*********.com/social/).

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

Former Warriors player Ian Clark signed with Australian team Adelaide 36ers for the remainder of 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/)

Denver: Jamal Murray (left knee injury management), Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (left lower leg contusion) and Jeff Green (low back pain) have been downgraded to questionable for Tuesday’s game (https://*********.com/lists/nba-injuries-tracker/) against Memphis. Nikola Jokic (right knee contusion) has been downgraded to probable and Michael Porter Jr (left heel strain) has been upgraded to doubtful.
– via Alberto De Roa @ ********* (https://*********.com/lists/nba-injuries-tracker/)

Xiao Yao You

12-19-2022, 06:38 PM

Days before the start of training camp, Lauri Markkanen finalized the paperwork on a new house and moved in, (https://www.cleveland.com/cavs/2022/12/lauri-markkanen-has-no-hard-feelings-after-shocking-offseason-trade-from-cavaliers.html) choosing the city of Westlake — about a 25-minute drive from both Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse and the team’s Independence practice facility. A place with a well-regarded school system — critical for the family-oriented Markkanen who has two kids. In mid-April, following Cleveland’s play-in losses to Brooklyn and Atlanta, Markkanen had the finishing touches put on a spacious, state-of-the-art weightroom and gym inside his home. That was supposed to be his training ground — before, during and after the season. But he never got much chance to use it.
– via Chris Fedor @ Cleveland Plain Dealer (https://www.cleveland.com/cavs/2022/12/lauri-markkanen-has-no-hard-feelings-after-shocking-offseason-trade-from-cavaliers.html)

Markkanen and his family were uprooted because of this summer’s stunning blockbuster trade that brought three-time All-Star Donovan Mitchell to Cleveland and sent Markkanen to Utah. The deal, which has rocketed the Cavs into contention and sent Markkanen down an unexpected path, was completed less than a year after moving into that Westlake mansion. (https://www.cleveland.com/cavs/2022/12/lauri-markkanen-has-no-hard-feelings-after-shocking-offseason-trade-from-cavaliers.html) “You never know what’s going to happen in the NBA, but we expected to be here a while,” Markkanen told cleveland.com near the end of Monday morning’s shootaround at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse. “It was kind of a shock.”
– via Chris Fedor @ Cleveland Plain Dealer (https://www.cleveland.com/cavs/2022/12/lauri-markkanen-has-no-hard-feelings-after-shocking-offseason-trade-from-cavaliers.html)

Markkanen had just been traded to Utah, along with 2022 No. 14 pick Ochai Agbaji, Collin Sexton, three first-rounders and a pair of future pick swaps for Mitchell — a deal that never would’ve crossed the finish line without Markkanen’s inclusion. Utah wanted him. He was viewed as its trade centerpiece. “I had no idea. But is what it is,” Markkanen said when reflecting on the blockbuster. “It was tough at first because we really enjoyed our time here. Had a really fun year last season so it was tough at first. But then settled in and see the opportunity with Utah. Understanding the business, I know there’s always a chance. It’s not like I had any anger.” (https://www.cleveland.com/cavs/2022/12/lauri-markkanen-has-no-hard-feelings-after-shocking-offseason-trade-from-cavaliers.html)
– via Chris Fedor @ Cleveland Plain Dealer (https://www.cleveland.com/cavs/2022/12/lauri-markkanen-has-no-hard-feelings-after-shocking-offseason-trade-from-cavaliers.html)

Xiao Yao You

12-19-2022, 07:52 PM

https://www.ksl.com/article/50542714/donovan-mitchell-calls-trade-a-win-win-as-he-reflects-on-his-time-in-utah

Mitchell's final year in Utah was grating. His relationship with Gobert was constantly under a microscope and he felt less and less accepted from the fan base. Add on to the Jazz failing to live up to expectations on the court and change didn't just appear imminent, it felt needed by all.

the fan base loved him no matter what he did. What the **** is he talking about? It was all Gobert's fault damn it! :facepalm

He's averaging a career-high 29.5 points per game on career-best efficiency numbers, and has helped the Cavs out to a 20-11 start. What's more is he's played a solid part of Cleveland being the No.1 defense in the league. His play has even generated some MVP buzz.

the fan base might have loved you if you'd put in effort on D here

Xiao Yao You

12-19-2022, 08:56 PM

https://www.slcdunk.com/2022/12/19/23515774/revisiting-the-lauri-markkanen-gordon-hayward-comparison

Hayward, on the other hand, was a pure wing, comfortable scoring and getting to the foul line just as he was facilitating.

he should have been at the 4

Xiao Yao You

12-20-2022, 10:34 AM

https://www.ksl.com/article/50542926/jazz-no-match-for-donovan-mitchell-and-cavs-

The Jazz don't have a player that can break down a defense by themselves and set everything up. In short, they no longer have Mitchell. The spacing was bad for much of the night — missing Kelly Olynyk, who was out with a sprained ankle — also led to that, and the shooting was worse. That's not a good combo for success.

Sexton

"I think that these last two games have shown us that when teams do have a significant size advantage on us, we really have to be more cognizant of the little things to help each other create good shots," Hardy said.

a size advantage over a team starting 3 bigs? The guard line is small but the Cavs is smaller

"I mean, they got where they wanted to go," he continued. "They made a lot of tough shots, but they also had, you know, 10 or 11 dunks."

wonder who could have helped them here?

"I dunno," Clarkson said, almost sarcastically, as he searched Mitchell's name. "He played good, 8-for-12, 4-for-5. He didn't play much in the fourth quarter; they were up by 20. So he played pretty good."

he scored and fouled. Didn't fill the box score

Xiao Yao You

12-20-2022, 10:47 AM

https://www.deseret.com/2022/12/19/23516907/analysis-utah-jazz-cleveland-cavaliers-donovan-mitchell

I’m not here to say that Olynyk is the Jazz’s best player or even that he’s the best defender, but this team isn’t the kind of team that can lose integral pieces and still operate the same way.

they've won without guys all year. They haven't been good on the road. The scouting report is finally catching up with them. Time for Ainge to get to work. Pretty tough to overcome 8-21 and 3 TO every night

The Jazz don’t want to use not having Olynyk on the floor as an excuse. They’d like to think they have a team in which the next man can step up and fill in the holes when someone is injured, but the Jazz are not that team, and Olynyk has been incredible for them this season.

depth is their strength. D and rebounding isn't but should be better with Kessler getting more minutes

Xiao Yao You

12-20-2022, 10:55 AM

https://www.slcdunk.com/2022/12/19/23518251/donovan-mitchell-shines-in-first-showdown-with-utah-jazz-cleveland-cavaliers-cavs

There were some elements of the game that were interesting for the Jazz on the floor. Kelly Olynyk’s value was very apparent. Without his outside shooting, the spacing for Utah isn’t as good, and the Jazz don’t have enough talent to overcome spacing issues. Olynyk also embodies the unselfishness that has been the calling card of this team. His passing opens things up for everyone else. Without that, it’s one too many cogs missing in a system that the pieces make up something greater than the individual parts.

the spacing might not be such a problem if Beasley or Nickeil are out there instead of a bum

Xiao Yao You

12-20-2022, 10:59 AM

https://factoryofsadness.co/2022/12/19/what-couldve-been-where-was-the-cleveland-cavaliers-ceiling-with-collin-sexton-and-lauri-markkanen/

As for Sexton, he would not have been the difference maker many thought he could be, and even at his zenith with the Cavs, he was never the same type of player that Mitchell is. Mitchell can score from all three levels, while Sexton, frankly can’t. That allowed the Cavs to get a bit funky with lineups now that Mitchell is on the team, something they couldn’t do with Sexton due to his limited offensive shot selection.

Not the Sexton I've seen. Take away this year and he's been a better 3 point shooter. He's faster than Mitchell and can get to the rim at will. He's probably most comfortable in the mid range. WTF are you talking about?

Granted, this is all anecdotal evidence but if you’ve seen the 2021-2022 squad and the 2022-20223 squads, and you compare how different they are with Sexton and Mitchell, you can see with the eye test, that this Cavs team is just a more aggressive team on offense.

Sexton is as aggressive of a player as there is. Cavs obviously didn't use Lauri right

Xiao Yao You

12-20-2022, 11:02 AM

https://fansided.com/2022/12/19/john-collins-surprising-trade-partners/3/

Jarred Vanderbilt has given Utah nice energy as their starter at the power forward spot, but he lacks the skill to really keep the floor open with the starting unit. Markkanen’s ability to really shoot the ball from three at a high level would leave Collins with a ton of room to operate near the basket.

starting center on one of the best offenses in the league. He is a rim runner who can hit a corner 3 and make passes when the rim is covered

Xiao Yao You

12-20-2022, 02:41 PM

Eric Walden: Both Kelly Olynyk and Collin Sexton remain OUT (https://*********.com/social/) for the Jazz’s game tonight in Detroit.
– via Twitter tribjazz (https://twitter.com/tribjazz)

Xiao Yao You

12-20-2022, 05:05 PM

Christian Vital was traded from Raptors 905 to the Salt Lake City Stars.
Darryl Morsell was traded from the Salt Lake City Stars to Raptors 905.
Malcolm Miller was traded from the Salt Lake City Stars to Raptors 905.

Juzang had a good game in his return off the bench

Xiao Yao You

12-20-2022, 07:18 PM

James Edwards III: Casey said he thinks Bogey is an All-Star. Said his scoring is up there with anyone in the league. “I hope they don’t look at our record. He deserves it.” (https://*********.com/social/) Mentioned it would be cool for Bogey to make his first All-Star game in Utah.
– via Twitter JLEdwardsIII (https://twitter.com/JLEdwardsIII)

Mike Curtis: Casey on Bogey as potential All-Star: “I hope people don’t look at our record as a rebuilding team & punish him. To me, Bogey’s an All-Star. I’ve coached a lot of offensive players in my career — Nowitzki, DeRozan, Kevin Garnett. Offensively, he’s right up there with those guys.” (https://*********.com/social/)
– via Twitter MikeACurtis2 (https://twitter.com/MikeACurtis2)

Xiao Yao You

12-21-2022, 07:30 AM

https://www.deseret.com/2022/12/20/23518789/analysis-how-the-jazz-defeated-the-pistons

Look, there are going to be nights when Azubuike just doesn’t look great on the court and that’s completely understandable considering the limited amount of reps that he gets, but when he has good moments it’s important to shine a light on that.

looked good starting last year

Xiao Yao You

12-21-2022, 07:33 AM

https://www.slcdunk.com/2022/12/20/23520107/lauri-markkanen-leads-utah-jazz-to-decisive-win-over-detroit-pistons

Jordan Clarkson had another nice night for the Jazz. Probably the most consistent player of the season for Utah, Clarkson was great dishing the ball and scoring. With his 21 points and 6 assists, Clarkson showed why he continues to be an electric player that continues to improve his game. There were times when Clarkson was jawing with a fan on the floor tonight, and he definitely got the last laugh as he dazzled with a 46/42 shooting split.

consistent is certainly not a word I'd ever associate with the bum. He was what 8-21 the night before which is typical. I guess he is pretty consistent with how awful he is

Xiao Yao You

12-21-2022, 07:37 AM

https://hoopshabit.com/2022/12/20/utah-jazz-jarred-vanderbilt-distinct/

Walker Kessler has recently emerged as a dynamic, up-and-coming center with his ability to block shots and anchor the defense. Unfortunately, Vanderbilt and Walker playing together prove difficult as neither of them can stretch the floor. Could this make Vanderbilt expendable? Granted, Vanderbilt’s three-point percentage has drastically improved this season (https://www.statmuse.com/nba/ask/jared-vanderbilt-3-point-percentage-last-year-and-this-year) and that trend could continue.

looked good last night. Just watched Kessler's 3's last year. Most were long. I think he hit all his corner 3's. Not hard to imagine them together

Xiao Yao You

12-21-2022, 01:26 PM

Justin Kubatko: Lauri Markkanen last night: 38 PTS 13-20 FG 9-13 3P Markkanen is just the second listed 7-footer in NBA history to make at least nine 3-pointers in a game. He joins Channing Frye, who also made nine 3-pointers on April 11, 2011 (https://*********.com/social/).

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

I remeber Frye at 6'11?

Xiao Yao You

12-21-2022, 05:06 PM

The club seems to be seeking a more cohesive and complementary roster. The Collins trade rumors persist, according to those in the league, but there are those who wonder whether anything will get done in that regard. “Collins is going to be tough to trade,” one general manager told Heavy. “I’m just not sure many teams are going to want to take on his contract ($102 million guaranteed over this year at $23.5 million and the next three seasons, (https://heavy.com/sports/atlanta-hawks-trae-young-nate-mcmillan/) the last of which is a player option at $26.6 million).

– via Steve Bulpett @ Heavy.com (https://heavy.com/sports/atlanta-hawks-trae-young-nate-mcmillan/)

Jazz want him. If it means goodbye to Clarkson and maybe Gay it's a no brainer

Xiao Yao You

12-21-2022, 05:20 PM

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

works without the Suns involved

Xiao Yao You

12-21-2022, 07:58 PM

Sarah Todd: Collin Sexton has been upgraded to questionable for tomorrow’s Jazz game (https://*********.com/social/) against the Wizards. Kelly Olynyk is listed as out.
– via Twitter NBASarah (https://twitter.com/NBASarah)

Xiao Yao You

12-22-2022, 09:13 AM

https://www.deseret.com/2022/12/21/23521538/the-all-star-case-for-utah-jazz-lauri-markkanen

“He’s been scoring crazy, his numbers are crazy — field goal percentage, 3-point percentage, rebounding — he’s doing everything,” teammate Jordan Clarkson said.

too bad FG% doesn't mean anything Mr. 34%

It’s laughable now to look back and think about how concerned some people were that Markkanen’s shooting percentage was down at the start of the season. He shot 29.7% from 3 through his first 12 games with the Jazz. He wasn’t worried. He promised that the numbers would even out and that he would find his rhythm. Since then he’s shot at a 51.5% clip from 3-point range.

WHO WAS WORRIED? hE'S STREAKY. tHAT'S OBVIOUS

“He’s an All-Star, it’s not even a question,” Mike Conley said. “I hope nobody ever has to debate that.”

they will. Jazz are barely 500 in a loaded west

Xiao Yao You

12-22-2022, 09:15 AM

https://www.slcdunk.com/2022/12/21/23522181/utah-jazz-return-to-salt-lake-to-take-on-the-washington-wizards-preview-game-time

For the Jazz, they’re still dealing with some injuries, but overall are looking like the tough team that started the season. With injuries come opportunities, and we’ve seen some players take advantage. Walker Kessler is looking like he deserves a starting role more and more every game. His ability to finish near the rim and crash the offensive glass makes him a potent weapon, and we all know what he can do on the defensive end. Jarred Vanderbilt is also showing more consistency with his shooting. Playing opposite Kessler forces him to shoot the corner three more, and it’s falling at an impressive 38%. The more confident he becomes with that, the better but considering his attempts are at 1.1 per game compared to 0.2 last season, you can expect next season for that to go up even more.

you can't really expect it. What happens when teams start guarding him at the 3?

Xiao Yao You

12-22-2022, 03:48 PM

Several teams have been mentioned as potential John Collins suitors this season — Utah, Brooklyn, Washington and Indiana prime among them (https://marcstein.substack.com/p/the-search-for-nba-sellers?sd=pf) — but the apparent desire of both team and player to move on from each other is proceeding slowly.
– via Marc Stein @ marcstein.substack.com (https://marcstein.substack.com/p/the-search-for-nba-sellers?sd=pf)

When it comes to players who have unequivocally been made available as a new calendar year approaches, Atlanta’s John Collins and Phoenix’s Jae Crowder still top the list in terms of prominence. League sources say Atlanta, while it is also managing recently revealed tension between star guard Trae Young and Coach Nate McMillan, has indeed widened the scope on its Collins trade discussions in recent weeks in hopes of finding him a new home (https://marcstein.substack.com/p/the-search-for-nba-sellers?sd=pf).
– via Marc Stein @ marcstein.substack.com (https://marcstein.substack.com/p/the-search-for-nba-sellers?sd=pf)

This, on one hand, has pitched more momentum than ever behind the idea that the 25-year-old will finally be moved after being subjected to many months as trade speculation. Collins, though, is in just the second year of a five-year, $125 million contract. And moving a deal with that much money left on it is proving to be no layup (https://marcstein.substack.com/p/the-search-for-nba-sellers?sd=pf). Especially not with Collins, who recently missed eight consecutive games with a sprained left ankle, averaging just 12.0 points per game and shooting a career-low 21.3% percent from 3-point range in a diminished role offensively with the Hawks.
– via Marc Stein @ marcstein.substack.com (https://marcstein.substack.com/p/the-search-for-nba-sellers?sd=pf)

Xiao Yao You

12-22-2022, 03:49 PM

Eric Walden: Collin Sexton was a full participant in Utah Jazz shootaround this morning. He remains QUESTIONABLE for tonight’s game vs. the Wizards for now. Kelly Olynyk has already been ruled OUT (https://*********.com/social/).
– via Twitter tribjazz (https://twitter.com/tribjazz)

Xiao Yao You

12-22-2022, 03:50 PM

Josh Robbins: After Kristaps Porziņģis missed Tuesday’s game in Phoenix because of a non-Covid illness, his availability for tonight’s game versus the Jazz will be a game-time decision, Wes Unseld Jr. said. Porziņģis attended the Wizards’ meeting this morning but didn’t attend the shootaround (https://*********.com/social/).
– via Twitter JoshuaBRobbins (https://twitter.com/JoshuaBRobbins)

Xiao Yao You

12-22-2022, 03:51 PM

Utah Jazz guard Jordan Clarkson and his representatives have entered into contract extension dialogue, (https://bleacherreport.com/articles/10059477-sources-trae-young-could-be-next-nba-superstar-to-request-trade) league sources tell Bleacher Report.

– via Chris Haynes @ Bleacher Report (https://bleacherreport.com/articles/10059477-sources-trae-young-could-be-next-nba-superstar-to-request-trade)

why am I the only one that doesn't get the appeal of this bum?

Xiao Yao You

12-22-2022, 03:52 PM

Getting the job done shows some of the growth that this team has made from the start of the season until now. They’re certainly not a finished product, at least they hope not to be, and they’re not the same product they were earlier in the year. “I think it’s night and day,” Cavs guard Donovan Mitchell said of the team’s poise from the start of the season compared to now. “That’s a testament of a team that wants to win and continue to grow and now we just gotta continuously do it and be consistent. We look at nights like tonight, we’ll see these games continuously, but when you get later in the season, you look at nights like this. Like, alright, this is what we could be, this is what we’ve done, we’ve shown we can do it and we’ve just got to continue to be consistent.” (https://thelandondemand.com/news/2022/dec/22/game-night-observations-cavs-growth-evident-third-/)
– via The Land on Demand (https://thelandondemand.com/news/2022/dec/22/game-night-observations-cavs-growth-evident-third-/)

Xiao Yao You

12-22-2022, 05:56 PM

Josh Robbins: The Wizards have added Deni Avdija to their injury report for tonight’s game in Salt Lake City, listing him as questionable to play because of lower back soreness. (https://*********.com/social/) Avdija has played in 114 consecutive regular-season games.
– via Twitter JoshuaBRobbins (https://twitter.com/JoshuaBRobbins)

Xiao Yao You

12-23-2022, 12:14 PM

https://www.deseret.com/2022/12/23/23519009/analysis-malik-beasley-asserting-himself-for-utah-jazz

Beasley has said multiple times this season that he wants to accept a larger role. He wants to be more than just a 3-point shooter and he wants Jazz head coach Will Hardy to challenge him, just as Beasley challenges himself.

Would be nice. Have 4 really good guards and yet the shit show plays the most minutes, has the ball the most and takes the most shots. They have no wings unless you think a 7 footer is a wing

Beasley is a very confident player and believes that he is deserving of a starting spot. That doesn’t mean that he’s angry about his bench spot (he said as much on Thursday). He’s happy to do whatever the team needs and he sees that he is on the court in closing minutes and has the trust of his coaches and teammates.

He or Nickeil should be starting. It's a joke. Typical of this franchise

Xiao Yao You

12-23-2022, 12:23 PM

https://www.slcdunk.com/2022/12/22/23522920/utah-jazz-are-in-contract-discussions-with-jordan-clarkson

Jordan Clarkson has been the heart of this team this season and a new contract would make him an all time Jazz man

what am I missing that everyone else is seeing with this bum? There's no way the organization or the fans would have liked this guy's brand of low IQ basketball in the past. I guess Mitchell made it acceptable to gun, pound the ball in iso and not play D? Hard to think much of Hardy or Ainge despite their track record

It makes sense the Jazz and Clarkson are talking. He’s become a fan favorite since he arrived and in his time here has evolved his game to the point of being a fringe all-star.

:roll:

Clarkson is having a career year and has been invaluable as a leader on the team with his locker room presence and energy on the court. With the complete turnover of the roster and coaching staff this offseason, having Clarkson be a cornerstone presence is not something to overlook. There are a lot of ways a situation like that could go sideways and Clarkson has shown great leadership.

if starting Clarkson and giving him an extension isn't going sideways I don't know what is

It also has to be said that, at 30, he’s still evolving his game which shows he’d be a good good investment at this late point in his career. Clarkson’s playmaking has reached a new level this season and there’s no reason to believe that he won’t continue to play at a high level through the rest of his next contract.

he's never played at a high level with any consistency or been a good investment. 4.5 ass and 3 TO a game. What a playmaker!

Haynes mentions that there is the possibility he tests the market, which is not a point the Jazz would like to get to. The ideal situation is they come to an agreement with Clarkson that keeps him on the team. If Clarkson’s team feels he can do better and they’re ready to test the market, the Jazz may need to look at some sort of trade, or even a sign and trade if another team is interested.

trade should be the only option

Xiao Yao You

12-23-2022, 12:28 PM

https://www.slcdunk.com/the-downbeat-latest-jazz-news/2022/12/22/23516245/lauri-markkanens-all-star-chances

*Assuming Anthony Davis does miss the coming month due to injury, as reported.

Lakers shouldn't get an all star let alone two

Xiao Yao You

12-23-2022, 12:48 PM

Tony Jones: Malik Beasley said he wants to be in the 3-point contest during all-star weekend (https://*********.com/social/)
– via Twitter Tjonesonthenba (https://twitter.com/Tjonesonthenba)

Xiao Yao You

12-23-2022, 12:53 PM

Kellan Olson: Devin Booker, Cam Payne, Cam Johnson and Jae Crowder remain out for the Suns’ game tomorrow (https://*********.com/social/) against the Grizzlies. Jock Landale and Josh Okogie have been upgraded to questionable. No Chris Paul on the injury report.
– via Twitter KellanOlson (https://twitter.com/KellanOlson)

Xiao Yao You

12-23-2022, 09:07 PM

Former Warriors player Ekpe Udoh signed with Japanese team Shimane Susanoo Magic for the remainder of 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

12-24-2022, 07:31 AM

He’s been linked to potential deals with Atlanta, Milwaukee, Utah and now Washington, but a source informed The Republic that Crowder needs to join a team that can make a playoff run to give him time to show he’s worth at least a multiyear deal (https://www.azcentral.com/story/sports/nba/suns/2022/12/24/report-teams-turned-off-jae-crowder-not-showing-up-this-season-for-suns/69754850007/).

– via Arizona Republic (https://www.azcentral.com/story/sports/nba/suns/2022/12/24/report-teams-turned-off-jae-crowder-not-showing-up-this-season-for-suns/69754850007/)

3 way deal with Utah. Haven't read about a deal that brings him here. I'd take him for Gay and the bum though

Xiao Yao You

12-24-2022, 07:32 AM

StatMuse: Players averaging 30+ PTS on 55+ FG% this season: Kevin Durant He’s the first player to do this since Karl Malone in 1990 (https://*********.com/social/). @BallMuse23
– via Twitter statmuse (https://twitter.com/statmuse)

Xiao Yao You

12-24-2022, 07:36 AM

The Cleveland Cavaliers are counting down the days until Ricky Rubio is cleared from his torn ACL. Andscape’s Marc J. Spears reported on the Hoop Collective podcast the Cavs are “ecstatic about Rubio’s return.” (https://bleacherreport.com/articles/10059345-nba-rumors-cavs-ecstatic-about-ricky-rubios-return-from-injury) “He means much more to that franchise as a leader and as a guard coming off the bench than I think a lot of people know,” Spears said at the 40:20 mark.
– via Joseph Zucker @ Bleacher Report (https://bleacherreport.com/articles/10059345-nba-rumors-cavs-ecstatic-about-ricky-rubios-return-from-injury)

Xiao Yao You

12-24-2022, 05:01 PM

Adrian Wojnarowski: Denver’s Jeff Green fractured his left hand and sprained a finger and will be re-evaluated in a month, (https://*********.com/social/) Nuggets say.
– via Twitter wojespn (https://twitter.com/wojespn)

Xiao Yao You

12-25-2022, 08:47 PM

Tony Jones: Kelly Olynyk is listed as out tomorrow night in San Antonio, with his ankle sprain
– via Twitter Tjonesonthenba

Xiao Yao You

12-25-2022, 11:48 PM

Paul Garcia: Dominick Barlow is the only player out (g-league) for the Spurs’ game Monday (https://*********.com/social/) vs Utah
– via Twitter PaulGarciaNBA (https://twitter.com/PaulGarciaNBA)

Xiao Yao You

12-26-2022, 03:15 PM

Brian Lewis: Royce O’Neale on facing Donovan Mitchell: “I’ll guard him a little; I might give him a hard foul or 2. For sure playing against Donovan is going to be a lot of fun. (https://*********.com/social/) Its going to be different; used to be teammates now guarding each other. So its going to be fun” #Nets #Cavs #Jazz
– via Twitter NYPost_Lewis (https://twitter.com/NYPost_Lewis)

Xiao Yao You

12-26-2022, 04:36 PM

Michael Scotto: The Philadelphia 76ers are waiving Saben Lee to sign Louis King to a two-way contract, @********* has learned.
– via Twitter MikeAScotto

Xiao Yao You

12-27-2022, 11:30 AM

“Utah, Phoenix and Atlanta …those three teams discussed a potential deal. I’m told the deal failed to gain traction when Utah asked for multiple first-round picks.” (http://twitter.com/TheRally/status/1607511261473816578) NBA Insider @ShamsCharania reports on Suns‘ Jae Crowder ( @CJC9BOSS ) and his value as well as Hawks‘ John Collins.

“Utah, Phoenix and Atlanta …those three teams discussed a potential deal. I’m told the deal failed to gain traction when Utah asked for multiple first-round picks.”

NBA Insider @ShamsCharania (https://twitter.com/ShamsCharania?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) reports on Suns‘ Jae Crowder (@CJC9BOSS (https://twitter.com/CJC9BOSS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)) and his value as well as Hawks‘ John Collins. pic.twitter.com/0btQBLuGDK (https://t.co/0btQBLuGDK)
— The Rally (@TheRally) December 26, 2022 (https://twitter.com/TheRally/status/1607511261473816578?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)

– via Twitter (http://twitter.com/TheRally/status/1607511261473816578)

make them take Clarkson and Gay instead

Xiao Yao You

12-27-2022, 11:50 AM

https://www.ksl.com/article/50546592/popovich-still-providing-learning-experiences-for-hardy-as-spurs-top-jazz

Bad shooting can happen; that wasn't what Hardy was disappointed with after the loss.

it's likely to happen as long as you keep playing the shit show

Xiao Yao You

12-27-2022, 12:01 PM

https://www.slcdunk.com/2022/12/26/23527541/the-jazz-fall-short-in-san-antonio

Jordan Clarkson’s shooting makes or breaks the Jazz at times.

mostly breaks. The worst shooter taking the most shots. :facepalm

Xiao Yao You

12-27-2022, 04:18 PM

Kelsey Russo: #Cavs J.B. Bickerstaff on Ricky Rubio’s progression: “I would expect him, if things go the right way, sometime early next month. (https://*********.com/social/) So we’re definitely progressing in the right direction.”
– via Twitter kelseyyrusso (https://twitter.com/kelseyyrusso)

Xiao Yao You

12-27-2022, 05:44 PM

https://www.yahoo.com/news/donovan-mitchell-breaks-down-made-175204356.html

Xiao Yao You

12-27-2022, 08:08 PM

Cleveland Cavaliers injured point guard Ricky Rubio won’t play on the team’s upcoming two-game road trip against Indiana and Chicago, but his return is on the horizon. (https://www.cleveland.com/cavs/2022/12/ricky-rubio-getting-closer-to-season-debut-after-practicing-with-cavaliers.html) Still recovering from a torn left ACL that has sidelined him for nearly a year, Rubio practiced Tuesday afternoon — although the team did not do any 5 on 5, sources tell cleveland.com.
– via Chris Fedor @ Cleveland Plain Dealer (https://www.cleveland.com/cavs/2022/12/ricky-rubio-getting-closer-to-season-debut-after-practicing-with-cavaliers.html)

Not only is the team eagerly awaiting his debut, but Rubio is also itching. “He is ready to go,” Bickerstaff said. “He’s pushing as much as he can and doing all the things that he can — obviously, safely. (https://www.cleveland.com/cavs/2022/12/ricky-rubio-getting-closer-to-season-debut-after-practicing-with-cavaliers.html) He’s talking to the guys. He and I have had conversations. He is definitely looking forward to it.”
– via Chris Fedor @ Cleveland Plain Dealer (https://www.cleveland.com/cavs/2022/12/ricky-rubio-getting-closer-to-season-debut-after-practicing-with-cavaliers.html)

Xiao Yao You

12-28-2022, 05:54 PM

Eric Walden: Kelly Olynyk will be AVAILABLE tonight vs. the Warriors (https://*********.com/social/)
– via Twitter tribjazz (https://twitter.com/tribjazz)

Xiao Yao You

12-28-2022, 05:58 PM

What was your reaction when you learned about Cleveland trading you to Utah? Lauri Markkanen: It was 10:30 at night, and I was with the Finnish national team. We were playing the next morning against Israel in the first game of EuroBasket. We were just playing video games and saw the news that Cleveland got Donovan Mitchell. We were excited. But I joked, ‘We’ll see who is a part of the deal.’ But the initial report didn’t have any names on who was traded. I wondered if I was a part of it. Then, 20 seconds later, [Cavs general manager Koby Altman] called me. Then, I put it together (https://www.nba.com/news/qa-lauri-markannen-jazz-2022).

– via Mark Medina @ NBA.com (https://www.nba.com/news/qa-lauri-markannen-jazz-2022)

How would you compare your initial expectations of your role and the team’s success to what has actually happened to start the season? Lauri Markkanen: I had high expectations, especially after this summer. I got my confidence going with the national team. There were a lot of NBA guys [in EuroBasket]. Physically, I’m in the best shape of my life. So, I had high expectations from the beginning. We have a lot of good players on this team. So, I had high expectations with the team even coming into the year, especially after training camp started. We have a good team. We just have to stay on the same page and build off our chemistry. (https://www.nba.com/news/qa-lauri-markannen-jazz-2022) We have a lot of new guys. But that was the same thing last season when I was in Cleveland. Everyone was doubting you at the beginning of the year. Then we started out well. Having that experience and then going into training camp, I knew we had a good team. We just have to keep going and keep getting better with knowing each other and staying on the same page.
– via Mark Medina @ NBA.com (https://www.nba.com/news/qa-lauri-markannen-jazz-2022)

What do you think it will take to make the All-Star team? Lauri Markkanen: That has always been a personal goal of mine. It takes a lot. It takes us winning basketball games. We have to keep this thing going. I just have to keep getting better every day and putting numbers up on a winning team. That’s the trick. I know if I play to the best to my abilities, it’ll help the team (https://www.nba.com/news/qa-lauri-markannen-jazz-2022).
– via Mark Medina @ NBA.com (https://www.nba.com/news/qa-lauri-markannen-jazz-2022)

Xiao Yao You

12-28-2022, 05:58 PM

Kellan Olson: Devin Booker, Cam Johnson, Jae Crowder, Cam Payne and Landry Shamet remain out for the Suns in today’s game against the Wizards. Bismack Biyombo (right knee soreness) has been added to the injury report and is questionable (https://*********.com/social/). No Chris Paul on there.
– via Twitter KellanOlson (https://twitter.com/KellanOlson)

Xiao Yao You

12-28-2022, 06:00 PM

According to rival executives, the Jazz view Vanderbilt as worthy of a first-round pick in value given his production, (https://*********.com/lists/nba-rumors-kyle-kuzma-john-collins-jae-crowder-yuta-watanabe-dwight-howard/) contract (signed for $4.7 million next season), and age (23). At the end of November, Beasley told ********* he’d like to remain in Utah and have the Jazz exercise his $16.5 million team option.
– via Michael Scotto @ ********* (https://*********.com/lists/nba-rumors-kyle-kuzma-john-collins-jae-crowder-yuta-watanabe-dwight-howard/)

Suns guard Landry Shamet was also discussed in the trade talks, league sources told *********. In at least one framework of the three-teamtrade talks, Shamet would’ve gone to Atlanta with Crowder, (https://*********.com/lists/nba-rumors-kyle-kuzma-john-collins-jae-crowder-yuta-watanabe-dwight-howard/) sources said.
– via Michael Scotto @ ********* (https://*********.com/lists/nba-rumors-kyle-kuzma-john-collins-jae-crowder-yuta-watanabe-dwight-howard/)

How does that role contrast to the end of your time in Chicago? Lauri Markkanen: Looking back, I could’ve done things better in previous places I played for. (https://www.nba.com/news/qa-lauri-markannen-jazz-2022) But I wasn’t the player I am today when I was there. I just kept working and kept getting better. You have to progress, and you can’t rush into it. I’ve gotten better as a player with how I approach the game.
– via Mark Medina @ NBA.com (https://www.nba.com/news/qa-lauri-markannen-jazz-2022)