2023-24 NBA Season [Archive] - Message Board Basketball Forum

Xiao Yao You

10-24-2023, 06:16 AM

https://kslsports.com/506498/utah-jazz-questions-remain-as-season-opener-nears/

Talen Horton-Tucker started all five preseason games for the Jazz, and was the team’s second-leading minute-getter, perhaps a clear indicator that he should be the favorite to start on opening night.

might just have wanted more of a look at him or to showcase him for others? To me he's behind Dunn, Agbaji, Sexton. I'd have him ahead of The Bum but they won't

Conversely, Kris Dunn never started but was by far the Jazz’s most efficient guard, he looked comfortable initiating the offense and is the team’s best perimeter defender.

Best finisher and best leader. Anyone but him starting is a joke!

At this point, the only major surprise would be if George earned a starting spot on opening night. Otherwise, there’s evidence to support Horton-Tucker, Sexton, Clarkson, and Dunn all earning those spots.

You forgot Agbaji who should start with Dunn

Every NBA team wants to space the floor, but can Kessler do it well enough to help the Jazz this season? More success early in the year would go a long way toward confirming its effectiveness in his arsenal.

I'd guess you will see it to open up Collins at the rim at times

Dunn, Horton-Tucker, and George appear to be the frontrunners in a ten-man rotation based on preseason play.

George hasn't earned it

That would leave newcomer Omer Yurtseven out of the frontcourt rotation and would exclude Luka Samanic and Simone Fontecchio, both of whom finished last season showing improvement in their games.

I'd imagine Omer at times against certain matchups.

How long until The Bum is traded is the biggest question?

Xiao Yao You

10-24-2023, 06:23 AM

https://saltcityhoops.com/predictions-win-total-hardy-hardware-more/

Why then would year two of that squad, under year two of coach Will Hardy, with year two of Lauri Markkanen as an All-Star and year two of Walker Kessler lead the Jazz to dip below that mark, let alone 34 wins?

No Conley though I think Dunn can replace some of that if he plays and The Bum not miss as many games

Keyonte George wants Rookie of the Year (https://saltcityhoops.com/keyonte-georges-blueprint-for-winning-rookie-of-the-year/), but I’m not sure if he’s ever met Victor Wembanyama. There’s some buzz for John Collins to give the Jazz back-to-back Most Improved Player hardware, but I’m not ready to hop on that bet yet. What I want to do is claim this as the year Markkanen gets on an All-NBA team. Last year the big man was just outside of the top 15 by two spots. If the Jazz are to take a leap, it will be because the Finnisher continues his ascent into stardom, something that is reasonable to expect if he stays healthy and remains confident.

and they aren't tanking after the trade deadline again which very well could be the case

Clarkson scored 45 points, his career high, two seasons ago after he went 7-13 from deep against the Sacramento Kings. Last year, he never eclipsed 40, as the season high was a 38-point performance against the 76ers, when he interestingly went 3-12 from deep. I’m willing to bet big this year, he tops the half-dollar and gets a 50-nugget game.

what is interesting about it? That he only missed 9 3's?

Picking for JC again, he needs just 43 more threes made to pass up Gordon Hayward for 4th on the all-time leaderboard. Let’s say he does so in 50 games, that would put him at 300 games in a Jazz jersey while it took Hayward 516 to get to his spot on the board.

and one was a hell of a ball player and the other is A Bum

Collin Sexton, Talen Horton-Tucker, and Kris Dunn will each take a turn as starting point guard this season. In fact, let’s get crazy: why not say that George and Clarkson will as well?

because The Bum sucks? Could see George being the guy before March

Xiao Yao You

10-24-2023, 06:33 AM

https://saltcityhoops.com/positive-takeaways-from-jazz-preseason/

He only played the first half of each game, and there was no reason for him to play a second more other than helping him to stay warmed up for the start of the season. In 20 minutes per game, he averaged 16.8 points and 8 rebounds. His per 36 minute averages (he averaged close to 35 minutes last season), were 28.8 points and 13.8 rebounds. Considering he only shot 30.8 percent from three-point range compared to his career 37 percent mark, it’s looking like there is a real chance his scoring could even top his career high of 25.6 points from last season.

started slow from 3 last year as well

While he won’t be the opening night starter, Key has already shown enough to earn consistent rotational minutes. Those minutes will give him invaluable experience and could ultimately lead to him being the Jazz starting point guard before the season is over. Taken with the 16th pick in the draft, the Jazz might have gotten the steal of the draft.

Who has he earned minutes over other than The Bum? I'm not seeing it. He should be with the Stars to start the year

This was the biggest question mark coming into the season for the Utah Jazz. Who was going to be the starting point guard? Something that became obvious during the preseason though is that the question of who will be our starting point guard is not there due to a lack of talent. Utah lacks a standout, clear-cut starter, but every potential point guard on the roster seems to have legitimate strengths that will help the team to be successful. While each guard has some clear strengths, but some obvious flaws as well.

clearly Dunn

Clarkson seems to be the best of the guards. He is coming off a season scoring 20 points per game to go along with 4 assists. Whenever he is on the floor, it just feels like the offense is less bogged down because he has the ability to create for himself at any time but has also really seemed to grow as a facilitator.

4 guys standing around while one dribbles and throws up prayers is beautiful to watch :facepalm

Kris Dunn is clearly a fan favorite and many are clamoring for the Jazz to make him their starting point guard. For a player who doesn’t look to shoot very often, he runs the offense very well and seems to have a positive impact. There is just something about the way he plays that seems to settle the team. He is also a suffocating defender. Outside of Walker Kessler, Dunn is the best defensive player on the Jazz roster, and it’s probably closer than we realize. All that said, he doesn’t shoot. During the preseason, he attempted only five shots per game and shot 84 percent, because he only takes shots when there isn’t another option and he knows he can make them. Hard to win with a point guard who doesn’t seem to want to shoot the ball.

until Kessler shows he can guard in space Dunn is their best defender. They have plenty of guys that will shoot. Having one that gets others the ball is welcome in my book

That’s five legitimate ball-handling guard options for the Jazz, and they are all positive impact players, despite their flaws. The Jazz would love to have a Damian Lillard, Jrue Holiday, Donovan Mitchell level point guard, but the question mark revolving around the point guard position is not because they don’t have talent at the position.

If Mitchell was a pg we'd still be talking about Gobert and Mitchell but we're not

Xiao Yao You

10-24-2023, 06:39 AM

https://thejnotes.com/2023/10/23/ksl-named-top-50-players-utah-jazz-players-time-no-1-pick-right-call/

And all three of these men can make equal claims to such spots against the broader NBA landscape. All three men could easily take claim to be the best the team ever had, and that’s probably why KSL ranked all three men in the Top 3 of their Top 50 list.

Pete has no claim. Stockton, Malone, Gobert, Dantley, Pete, Deron than you can take whomever you choose

Honestly, seeing Mark Eaton, Adrian Dantley, Maravich, Stockton, and Malone in the Top 10, is not surprising, even if you don’t agree with where some of the names fell. Seeing Andrei Kirilenko, Carlos Boozer, Deron Williams, Rudy Gobert, and Donovan Mitchell also in the Top 10 is rather surprising.

No one outside of the statues had close to the impact as Gobert. Not surprising that they had Mitchell and others over him though :facepalm

Not that they don’t deserve it. It’s just wild seeing more modern names etching their position in the upper echelon of the team’s history. Especially since Kirilenko bridged the gap from Malone and Stockton to Williams and Boozer, who then bridged it to Gordon Hayward (#14), who then bridged it to Gobert and Mitchell.

Hayward was hardly a bridge for Gobert. The team sucked until Gobert made them good despite the supposed greatness of Hayward, Favors, Kanter and Burks :roll:

Xiao Yao You

10-24-2023, 09:08 PM

Jason Anderson: The Sacramento Kings are listing Chris Duarte as questionable for Wednesday’s season opener against the Utah Jazz due to left knee soreness, but the team is optimistic he will play. (https://*********.com/social/) Trey Lyles is out with a left calf strain. Utah doesn’t have anyone on its injury report.
– via Twitter JandersonSacBee (https://twitter.com/JandersonSacBee)

Xiao Yao You

10-25-2023, 07:20 AM

https://www.deseret.com/2023/10/24/23927463/utah-jazz-must-make-playoffs-otherwise-season-would-be-failure-for-the-2023-24-season-nba

If they can’t make the playoffs, or at least the play-in, something has gone terribly wrong

You mean like A Bum being one of their featured players?

Jazz coach Will Hardy (https://www.deseret.com/2023/4/8/23671989/will-hardy-utah-jazzs-success) was looking like a mastermind. Following a summer of huge trades and roster turnover, he got the newly put together team to play fast and play for each other, leading to a breakout season for Lauri Markkanen and rookie Walker Kessler (https://www.deseret.com/2023/2/17/23591350/utah-jazz-rookie-walker-kessler-lauri-markkanen-participating-nba-all-star-weekend).

if it wasn't for The Bum starting he'd look like a mastermind

If 37 wins was possible with Rudy Gay and Jarred Vanderbilt and Udoka Azubuike while Markkanen and Clarkson were watching in street clothes, then this year’s team, if healthy — with the continued success of the returning players and the addition of John Collins, Kris Dunn and Keyonte George — should be able to cobble together a handful of wins that would push them into a playoff berth.

Unless Dunn is allowed to replace Conley it could get ugly

I find it hard to believe that inserting Markkanen and Clarkson back into the lineup at the end of the year wouldn’t have netted the Jazz another five wins at least. Adding to that, I think this team is better than the post-trade deadline Jazz of last season, and so do the players — even the ones that have yet to play in a regular-season game with the Jazz.

inserting The Bum helps no one

Xiao Yao You

10-25-2023, 07:30 AM

https://saltcityhoops.com/group-scoring-trades-brigde/

Dan Clayton (https://twitter.com/danclayt0n): Contrarian take here: I actually think there’s a solid chance it’s Collin Sexton. Clarkson has evolved impressively over his Jazz career, but John Collins’ arrival probably evens things out a bit behind Markkanen, especially within the starting group. Meanwhile, Sexton will be a designated defense-buster off the bench. His per-36 average last year (21.5) was actually right in line with his career figure (21.8) so I think as his minutes normalize he could easily jump. And while Clarkson’s raw numbers will likely be affected by some amount of democratization in the first unit, Sexton will play alongside sometimes-reluctant shooters like Kris Dunn, Ochai Agbaji, Kelly Olynyk and whichever of Simone Fontecchio/Luka Samanic finds himself in the 10th man role most often. That sounds like a recipe for a whole lot of Sexton.

we don't actually know who's starting and coming off the bench and it could change through 20 games according to the coach. Anyone other than The Bum is great though

Mark: Sexton. I feel pretty alone on an island with my belief in Sexton as a burgeoning playmaker. Smart (https://saltcityhoops.com/can-collin-sexton-be-the-guy-to-run-the-show/) people (https://saltcityhoops.com/sextons-on-ball-scoring-knack-points-to-possibilities/) have rightfully pointed out Sexton’s legitimate success as a scoring on-ball guy while noting his deficiencies as a passer, but I see more. Learning to play NBA point guard is so difficult. The top-tier guys already have the skill from day one, but lots of good point guards needed years of digestion of developmental minutes to exhibit real showrunning ability. Sexton can create so much space off the dribble, and learning real passing from those advantages will be easier. This will also be Sexton’s first fully-healthy season with the Jazz, and his first season /ever/ playing for a not-garbage team. His very high “give-a-shit” level matters, too.

I thought he looked like that guy after Conley was traded. He learned a lot. But Dunn should start and Sexton off the bench

Clark: Sexton and Talen Horton-Tucker for Gordon Hayward.

would be funny if Hayward was back here

Steve: It has to involve the guards. With playing time needed for Sexton, THT and Dunn, it doesn’t seem like there is enough pie at the table. I can also foresee Keyonte George pulling up a chair. If he develops and is ready that quickly, the Jazz will be shopping some guards elsewhere. Did I answer the question? I don’t know, but I’ll also say this: I don’t think the big trade with all the picks and assets happens in-season this year.

Olybyk and Collins could go too. How long will they continue to try to play big? Hendricks and Sensabaugh will need time eventually as well

Clark: Seven: Markkanen, George, Hendricks, Walker Kessler, Brice Sensabaugh, Clarkson, Abagji.

Won't be going anywhere as long as The Bum is around

Xiao Yao You

10-25-2023, 07:49 AM

https://thejnotes.com/2023/10/24/ranking-every-utah-jazz-player-by-how-impactful-they-can-be-this-year/

Christopher isn’t a great shooter and is already on his second team after just being drafted a couple of years ago. He’s got some issues as a prospect. For Potter, he’s coming in second. He’s a solid rebounder, but he isn’t athletic enough to make up for a lack of refined shooting. Then there’s Juzang, the most likely of the three to see any real-time on the pro squad.

I'll go with the guy that could still be in college and was a 1st round pick :facepalm

This means that Yurteven is basically just sitting on his hands for most games. He’s a solid defender, and a decent rebounder but he isn’t really doing much else to get eyes on him. He’s a fine backup but unless someone gets hurt, Yurtseven isn’t likely to see many minutes or make any meaningful impact.

he'll get minutes when they play some of the bigger centers in the league I imagine

Simone Fontecchio looked good in the FIBA World Cup, helping lead Italy to a nice showing. There was some belief from us that he may crack into the rotation with how well he played but that doesn’t seem likely to happen. Unlike some on the team, Fontecchio isn’t that far down the depth chart. He’s right behind Lauri Markkanen (https://thejnotes.com/2023/10/17/5-realistic-trade-targets-for-the-utah-jazz-some-point-this-season/) and maybe Ochai Agbaji, depending on if the team feels Agbaji can replace Markkanen for a spell.

pretty sure Agbaji will get most of those minutes until Hendricks or Sensabaugh do anyway

Despite being buried further behind the starter than someone like Omer Yurtseven, Luka Samanic may find more minutes to play due to those ahead of him. Samanic is the team’s third-best power forward, just behind Taylor Hendricks (https://thejnotes.com/2023/10/17/5-realistic-trade-targets-for-the-utah-jazz-some-point-this-season/) and starter John Collins. Samanic isn’t going to get minutes over Hendricks, as Hendricks is a vaunted prospect (and Samanic is not). And he’s not going to get minutes over Collins, as he’s the new addition the team is quite excited about.

Lauri is their best 4. Samanic they see as more of a 3 I think

He is only (ha, only), 6’6, so he’s likely not an option at power forward and definitely not at center. So he’s limited to just perimeter positions. And due to the fact he isn’t a strong ball-handler and isn’t a great passer, he isn’t a point guard. So he’s stuck playing just the shooting guard and small forward positions. (https://thejnotes.com/2023/10/17/5-realistic-trade-targets-for-the-utah-jazz-some-point-this-season/)

not too hard to imagine in today's NBA in smaller lineups and certainly in the Gleague where he will be

Dunn is everything Horton-Tucker is, but better. He’s a better defender, better rebounder, better passer, and even a better scorer. The only reason why it makes sense for Horton-Tucker to start over Dunn is because the team is trying to trade Horton-Tucker.

wouldn't say he's a better scorer. If he wanted to be he might but he doesn't want to be

If he can keep (https://thejnotes.com/2023/10/17/5-realistic-trade-targets-for-the-utah-jazz-some-point-this-season/) his shot falling at a consistent rate and become the perimeter defender needed to pair with Walker Kessler, Agbaji may not be a bench player for very much longer.

he should be starting

Speaking of (https://thejnotes.com/2023/10/17/5-realistic-trade-targets-for-the-utah-jazz-some-point-this-season/) the second-best scorer, have we talked about Jordan Clarkson? Clarkson, as we’ve mentioned before, is Collin Sexton’s final evolution. As with Sexton, Clarkson really only does one thing very well; sore. But unlike Sexton who doesn’t shoot many threes or has spells where he’s inconsistent, Clarkson does in fact shoot threes and hardly ever has a long cold snap.

he's cold a lot more than he's hot :roll:

So yes, Clarkson isn’t elite from three, but he is from inside the arc. He’s a career 51% from inside the three-point line and it shows, namely in last year’s Sixth Man of the Year Award. He can be a genuine difference-maker on offense. If he’s able to play solid defense, which would be a year-to-year improvement for Clarkson, then the Jazz may even see Clarkson make the All-Star team in 2024.

:oldlol:

Xiao Yao You

10-25-2023, 07:51 AM

https://sircharlesincharge.com/2023/10/24/nba-wrap-around-primer-teams/14/

Utah Jazz
Starting Lineup

Collin Sexton
Jordan Clarkson
Lauri Markkanen
John Collins
Walker Kessler

Key Bench Players

Keyonte George
Ochai Agbaji
Talen Horton-Tucker
Taylor Hendricks

Pretty sure Olynyk will play and Dunn should

Xiao Yao You

10-26-2023, 08:49 AM

https://www.ksl.com/article/50765183/keyonte-george-feels-like-he-belongs-after-jazzs-season-opening-loss-to-kings

"To be completely honest with you, I feel like I belong," George said. "Since we've been playing, I think that was the most comfortable I've ever been in an NBA basketball game."

he looked better than the preseason

Xiao Yao You

10-26-2023, 08:55 AM

https://kslsports.com/506594/how-did-talen-horton-tucker-win-starting-job-for-jazz/

“Talen pairs well with Jordan, and Jordan is very much a good pairing with Lauri because he provides a second threat offensively, a second ball handler, a second playmaker, kind of a second focal point of the offense,” the coach explained. “So when we made the determination that Jordan was going to play with Lauri, Talen was the best fit to play with Jordan.”

too bad The Bum sucks

Xiao Yao You

10-26-2023, 09:07 AM

https://thejnotes.com/2023/10/25/2023-2024-utah-jazz-season-guide-preview/2/

The team is also not deep at the center position. Walker Kessler (https://thejnotes.com/2023/10/24/ranking-every-utah-jazz-player-by-how-impactful-they-can-be-this-year/) is on the rise and Kelly Olynyk is a very good backup, but should either get hurt or see foul minutes, then you may have to turn to Omer Yurtseven who hasn’t looked great this preseason.

He's looked fine and you'd have Lauri and Collins as well as Potter

Beyond that, we think there’s going to be some hardware coming to the Utah Jazz. While we’re not picking Walker Kessler for winning the Defensive Player of the Year Award, we are expecting him to make the 2nd Team All-Defensive Team. We think he’s a true gem in the NBA and a difference-maker on defense.

yet to show he can guard in space and the Fact that his minutes were limited last night I presume because of the matchup says a lot

Xiao Yao You

10-27-2023, 07:50 AM

https://www.slcdunk.com/2023/10/26/23934011/takeaways-from-the-utah-jazz-opening-game-highlights-analysis-2023-season

The Jazz starting lineup might be really bad

The Bum alone is awful. Talen wasn't even in the rotation last year until they went into tank mode after the deadline.

One of the most glaring things from the Jazz’s first game was the disparity of 3-pt attempts. The Sacramento Kings took 58 threes compared to Utah taking 28. The percentages weren’t far off either at 37% and 32% respectively. As Will Hardy mentioned that becomes a math problem at some point and that’s hard to overcome. With all the shooting on this Jazz team, there’s no reason they can’t take things to another level. The question is, is it possible with the current starting lineup? What we saw last night was the starting guards unable to set up their shooters with threes. Over the next set of games we’ll see if the starting lineup can improve. If not, the need to make some changes.

Dunn will set guys up for 3's and Agbaji(or Sexton) unlike The Bum will hit 3's

Consider this the beginning of the campaign for Keyonte George to become the starting point guard for the Utah Jazz (that’s probably too large for a sign). When George had the ball, great things happened. He was surprisingly poised in a chippy, sometimes violent game, and was also efficient (3/5 from the field). What’s better is the offense flowed while he ran the show with players getting into their actions. Open threes were finally being taken! It’s one game and it was against a Sacramento defense that isn’t known for being great, but it was a great sign and should start the momentum to get him his starting role, one he probably should have already.

He looked good but based on pre-season he shouldn't have even been playing. Let's not rush things

Xiao Yao You

10-27-2023, 07:57 AM

https://thejnotes.com/2023/10/26/big-letdown-utah-jazz-look-bad-tonight/

Will Hardy needed to call timeouts a few times to settle the troops, but refused to do so. He needs to improve at this and realize when things are getting out of hand.

might have us another COTM that is a lot smarter than all of us?

Lauri Markkanen needs to do a better job on the perimeter. Steph Curry goes 5-7 on the night, you take it because it could’ve been 9-11. If Harrison Barnes goes 5-7 on the night, you have to start wondering where your life went wrong. It’s not all on Markkanen, team defense in the NBA never is all on one guy, but Markkanen has to play better on defense. Now, we say that to say this; he had a solid offensive night. He had a double-double with 19 points and 10 rebounds, two steals an assist, and looked comfortable all night on offense. There are going to be nights like this from Markkanen on defense, as he’s not going to be as quick as every forward he faces, but he balanced out a shoddy defensive outing with a very solid offensive one.

I wouldn't expect much defensively from a 7 footer playing the 3

As with Lauri Markkanen, there were struggles from the defense and he and John Collins had to carry that. Collins got beaten up by Domantas Sabonis, and that’s not in dispute. He, however, did play much better offensively than he previously did in the preseason. 15 points, 11 rebounds, two assists, and a steal; not a bad stat line. Shore up the defense, and the Jazz may have something with Collins in the lineup.

most of that was in the 1st half

If Jordan Clarkson’s defense was cheese, it’d be Swiss, because there’s nothing but holes in it. That said, he had a wonderfully efficient offensive night. He led the team in scoring, putting up 24 points, had a nice six assists to only two turnovers, and shot 50% on the night. He’s not a good defender at all, case in point the 51 three-point shots the Kings attempted, but he did his job which is to produce offense. Is he the answer as a starter? Maybe not with the rotation as is, but no one can say he wasn’t as good of a version of Jordan Clarkson as he could be. We know what he is and what he isn’t and this is the best Clarkson can really be.

and he's not going to be that good usually

Four turnovers in a game is abysmal, especially when you play fewer than 20 minutes. Admittedly, Kris Dunn (https://thejnotes.com/2023/10/24/kris-dunn-grateful-utah-jazz-grateful/) played fine, but for as many people, ourselves included, who advocate for him to be the team’s starting point guard, he can’t keep turning the ball over.

play him with the starters and I bet he looks a lot better

The defense was bad. (https://thejnotes.com/2023/10/25/nba-expansion-coming-will-affect-utah-jazz/) Just pure bad. The Sacramento Kings shot 51 three-point shots. Read that number again, because it’s unbelievable. That’s bad enough. What’s even worse is how two of their starting forwards went ham on the Utah Jazz’s defense. Harrison Barnes was taking some very easy-looking shots, and Domantas Sabonis looked like his father and Nikola Jokic rolled into one. Walker Kessler played just 22 minutes because of how little impact he was having on the game on his own. And it’s not all on him. When you have a starting five that includes Talen Horton-Tucker and Jordan Clarkson, and then you play Keyonte George and Collin Sexton; of course, you’re going to give up a lot of points. Will Hardy is supposed to be a smart coach, yet we’re left wondering why he thought this lineup was going to do anything against the Sacramento Kings.

His love of The Bum says it all

Xiao Yao You

10-27-2023, 08:52 PM

https://saltcityhoops.com/game-one-overreactions-and-observations/

Sabonis is a tough matchup across the entire NBA, but you’d hope that Kessler could’ve done better when faced with a small-ball threat. Looking closer, the stats show that the Kings went 3-for-4 from deep with Kessler as the primary defender on an outside shooter. The Kings also went 10-for-17 (58%) everywhere else on the court when Kessler was the closest defender.

which is why the all D/DPOTY is way premature. He has yet to show he can guard in space

The Jazz also tried out the 3-guard, and even the 4-guard, lineups. Basketball Reference (https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/UTA/2024.html) pointed out that Agbaji primarily played small forward for most of his minutes (around 79% and then 21% at power forward) and George played some small forward as well (22%), even JC had a turn (3%).

figured Agbaji would get most of the minutes behind Lauri at the 3

Xiao Yao You

10-27-2023, 08:56 PM

https://www.slcdunk.com/2023/10/27/23932858/observations-from-utah-jazz-first-outing

Last night, Utah couldn’t even hang their hat on smart shots. 60% of the Jazz’s shots came from 3 or at the rim. Now compare that to Sacramento’s 71%. A perfect example was a 3rd quarter, contested floater by Clarkson amid three defenders which missed and was immediately followed by a wide-open, swished transition 3 from De’Aaron Fox.

typical Bum

Xiao Yao You

10-27-2023, 08:59 PM

https://thejnotes.com/2023/10/27/we-already-have-to-talk-about-the-utah-jazzs-lineup-and-rotation/

Sexton, Clarkson and Horton-Tucker? You can’t keep all three, and play George and expect good efforts on defense. It’s not going to happen. The team won’t survive with the Jazz playing three guys who are known for not playing good defense, and a rookie while rotating them all through at such a vital position. And this isn’t a “well, it’s the first game of the season, don’t overreact”, because we know that those there men don’t play well on defense.

Tucker is supposedly starting because of his defensive potential.. Sexton plays hard at that end

That’s why there has to be someone to tug on Will Hardy’s ear and tell him that the Jazz need to start Kris Dunn and Ochai Agbaji over Horton-Tucker and Clarkson. The team should look for trade offers for Sexton and Horton-Tucker, and return Clarkson to the sixth-man role where he can shoot at will and play the minimal defense we expect from him.

Agreed on the starters but The Bum needs to go and either Sexton or Tucker

Xiao Yao You

10-27-2023, 09:03 PM

https://thejnotes.com/2023/10/27/the-utah-jazz-are-going-to-have-a-problem-winning-while-playing-6-guards/

The Jazz need another forward and maybe another power forward or center. There’s no reason to be playing the likes of Horton-Tucker or George when you have better, more season, and more consistent players ahead of them.

they have plenty of bigs. Need wings. Lauri isn't a wing

Xiao Yao You

10-27-2023, 09:04 PM

https://thejnotes.com/2023/10/27/utah-jazz-protect-nba-expansion-draft/

The Bum if he's still here and Sexton or Collins probably

Xiao Yao You

10-27-2023, 09:22 PM

Shams Charania: Suns star Bradley Beal (back) will miss Saturday’s home opener vs. Jazz and Devin Booker (foot) is expected to be doubtful to play for second straight game (https://*********.com/social/).
– via Twitter ShamsCharania (https://twitter.com/ShamsCharania)

Xiao Yao You

10-28-2023, 08:44 AM

https://www.deseret.com/2023/10/28/23927497/jordan-clarkson-locks-up-kawhi-leonard-to-help-jazz-beat-clippers

Hardy’s point about Clarkson continuing to grow is one that should not be overlooked. We have a lot of evidence to support the assertion that Clarkson is able to do just about anything that could be asked of him.

about everything but not suck. Let's not forget he had a typical Bum performance of bricks and pounding the ball into submission while his teammates stood around watching

Xiao Yao You

10-28-2023, 01:57 PM

https://www.basketball-reference.com/international/players/karolis-lukosiunas-1.html

1st round pick of the Stars. Doesn't look like much on paper. Can shoot a bit. A guard. 6'5

Xiao Yao You

10-28-2023, 02:00 PM

https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/player/_/id/4067770/isaac-johnson

2nd round pick. 6'9 PF i guess. Not much of a shooter. Rebounds. Can pass a bit. Got some steals so maybe plays D?

Xiao Yao You

10-28-2023, 02:03 PM

Miller/Langford
Christopher/Devoe/Kinsey/Lukosiunas
Sensabaugh/Juzang/Justice
Hendricks/Johnson/Hauser(not sure if he can still play with the Stars or nor?)
Potter/Ongenda

Not sure who made it from their tryout last month. I imagine camp starts anyday? They play in a couple weeks

Xiao Yao You

10-28-2023, 05:06 PM

Andy Larsen: Taylor Hendricks, Brice Sensabaugh, Johnny Juzang, Micah Potter, and Josh Christopher are all out for tonight, as they’ve been assigned to the G-League SLC Stars (https://*********.com/social/). Collin Sexton is also listed as probable, due to a right wrist strain.
– via Twitter andyblarsen (https://twitter.com/andyblarsen)

Xiao Yao You

10-29-2023, 08:29 AM

https://kslsports.com/506791/jazz-fall-in-first-road-game-against-suns/

However, with the increasingly impressive play from rookie Keyonte George who scored 12 points, grabbed seven rebounds, and dished out six assists in 27 minutes against Phoenix, the leash for Horton-Tucker can’t be long.

as long as as The Bum is allowed his unlimited leash than a 22 year old ought to have a pretty long one too

The Jared Butler ‘This Ain’t the Preseason Anymore (https://www.nba.com/stats/team/1610612762/players-traditional?Season=2021-22&SeasonType=Pre%20Season&dir=D&sort=PTS)‘ Award goes to:

could give it to George. He has been a lot better though the 2nd half last night wasn't that good. Great 1st half!

Xiao Yao You

10-29-2023, 08:36 AM

https://www.deseret.com/2023/10/29/23927498/utah-jazz-phoenix-suns-walker-kessler-early-season-struggles-and-john-collins-in-game-savvy

I don’t think that anyone is concerned about Kessler at this point because it’s only three games into the season and he’s playing with some new guys. His timing is a little off and he’s had a few bad nights. I’m confident that he’ll get back to being himself.

I'd guess it's the new guys especially Collins. Collins is a great rim runner that can shoot the 3 too. Kessler is probably trying to figure out where he should be depending on where Collins is?

“It’s an undervalued skill, but Kris is really good at it,” Kessler said. “Obviously I haven’t been playing as well as I wanted to, but it’s early so I’m just trying to stay positive.”

went from a high lottery to the Gleague so he gets it. Probably wouldn't have made it back otherwise

Xiao Yao You

10-29-2023, 08:14 PM

Andy Larsen: Ochai Agbaji has been diagnosed with a knee contusion, (https://*********.com/social/) is listed as questionable vs. DEN tomorrow.

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

knee on knee. That shit hurts

Xiao Yao You

10-30-2023, 07:18 AM

https://thejnotes.com/2023/10/29/keyonte-george-shouldnt-be-getting-minutes-over-ochai-agbaji/

He could be the second-best player this season when it’s all said and done, or nearly unplayable; we simply don’t know. All we know is what we’re seeing right now. Simply put, he’s someone who can do well on offense, but he’s a defensive liability. And considering the biggest issue the team is currently facing is its perimeter defense, George just isn’t a player (https://thejnotes.com/2023/10/27/we-already-have-to-talk-about-the-utah-jazzs-lineup-and-rotation/) who makes sense to play.

We know he's getting better and looks like he belongs. Based on pre-season I didn't think he should be playing but he's shown once the lights go on he's a different player. The Bum is the one that shouldn't be playing!

Not over Ochai Agbaji. Agbaji has seen his minutes decline over the first three games from 19 to 12 to just six minutes of action against the Phoenix Suns. Likewise, George shouldn’t be playing 27 minutes. Not over Agbaji.

Agbaji got hurt and is mostly playing the 3 because they have too many guards and Bums :facepalm

George shot 4-12 from the floor in his latest outing against the Suns, a truly terrible night of offense from the rookie. And if that wasn’t bad enough, his defense was nearly as problematic. He’s someone who is going to hurt the team as he plays. If he can’t score consistently to offset his poor defense, then what is he providing the team?

he was great in the 1st half. Sounds like he got tired in the 2nd half on his first back to back. He was one of their best players in the 1st for sure

Especially when George is taking shots away from Kelly Olynyk, Simone Fontecciho, Collin Sexton, and Lauri Marrkkanen. Sexton isn’t a great player but he’s a far better scorer than George. He may be worse defensively but George hasn’t exactly proven to be a reliable defender.

Simone had a good game in garbage time but he's mostly been awful. Kelly doesn't need shots to be good. Not sure Sexton is a worse defender right now. He at least plays hard at that end. George might be their best pg outside Dunn

George has only proven one thing so far in his very short career; he’s inconsistent. If the goal is to see what the rookies and youngsters can do, tank for a better pick, and worry about competing down the line, okay, play George. But if we’re to believe the players and the coaches that the goal is the playoffs, George shouldn’t be getting minutes.

The Jazz have mostly been awful in 2 of their 3 games. Who should be getting minutes if not the future of the team? It will pay off later

Not over Agbaji at least (https://thejnotes.com/2023/10/27/the-utah-jazz-are-going-to-have-a-problem-winning-while-playing-6-guards/). If you want to sit Talen Horton-Tucker, go for it. Give George Horton-Tucker’s minutes. Give George minutes from guys who are either hurting the team or aren’t long for the team. Don’t give George minutes that should be given to guys who can help balance the defense out.

who are these great defenders that should be playing?

Agbaji likewise Kris Dunn, and Walker Kessler, need to be given good minutes to help this horrific defensive start. George isn’t a bad prospect, he’s just not ready to contribute in meaningful ways, and if you really intend to compete, then George can’t be the priority.

Kessler hasn't been good and Dunn who I love hasn't been great either. The Bum sucks period. I'm all for the kid getting time. He belongs

Xiao Yao You

10-30-2023, 07:24 AM

https://thejnotes.com/2023/10/29/lauri-markkanen-needs-featured-legit-no-1-scoring-option-utah-jazz-win-games/

So far, through three games, the Utah Jazz are far from the playoff team we thought they’d be. They’re among the worst, if not the worst defensively; something we feared could be the case due to their collection of offensive-minded guards, while also a middling, unimpressive offense. The team as a whole isn’t shooting well, and guys we thought would be big contributors to the team, like Ochai Agbaji, are sitting on the bench watching. Even the defensive dynamo that was supposed to be Walker Kessler is playing uninspired ball.

Playing a 7 footer at the 3 like it was 1990 has nothing to do with it!

Clearly, giving guys like Jordan Clarkson, Collin Sexton, and Talen Horton-Tucker 31.4 shots per game isn’t helping this offense. We’re hopeful Clarkson gets better as the season goes on, but Sexton doesn’t shoot threes and Horton-Tucker is the 14th-worst shooter in the league.

why would you expect The Bum to get better? He's always sucked and is in his 30's now. Sexton can shoot and score. Talen could be a bench piece once The Bum is dealt

This means either telling the likes of Clarkson, Sexton, and Horton-Tucker to find Markkanen more often or putting in guys who won’t take away from the best shooter on the team. This team’s only victory came when Markkanen out-bodied the opposition and dropped 35 on the Los Angeles Clippers.

Going to have to put the ball in Dunn's hands. Those guys aren't known for their passing :lol

Xiao Yao You

10-30-2023, 07:31 AM

https://thejnotes.com/2023/10/29/simone-fontecchio-may-have-played-himself-into-more-minutes/

The Utah Jazz are playing a 10-man rotation right now, with a heavy focus on the guard play for the team. Through the the first three games, the Jazz have played five or six guards in all three games, giving them sizeable minutes. It’s not worked all that well and the team’s defense has suffered. While the focus is still on a poorly advised 10-man rotation, the Jazz did give another forward more time on Saturday against the Phoenix Suns.

The Jazz sucked on D last year so blaming it on the guards when they are playing 3 bigs up front in a league where most play one big is laughable

The Jazz tapped Simone Fontecchio (https://thejnotes.com/2023/09/09/with-the-fiba-world-cup-over-for-simone-fontecchio-its-clear-he-deserves-minutes-for-the-utah-jazz/) to get some minutes and he made the most of those minutes; playing 18 of them, while having a great night of shooting. Fontecchio went 5-8 from the floor (3-6 from three) while scoring 13 points and bringing in three rebounds. All while posting a BPM of +6; the highest on the Jazz out of anyone.

much of it was meaningless garbage time

The Utah Jazz need size (https://thejnotes.com/2023/09/07/simone-fontecchio-shows-his-value-as-a-scorer-by-not-playing/) on the wings; watching a group of guards who are all closer to 5’11 than they are 6’6 try and guard longer, more established wing players has been brutal. The teams’ defense is the worst in the league and guys like Walker Kessler and Kris Dunn are being exploited due to the lack of team defense around them.

Simone should be playing the 4 in today's league. That is where the defensive problems start

Guys like Jordan Clarkson, Collin Sexton, and even Talen Hoton-Tucker are not helping this team stop guys and all three have had some scoring fits as well. Clarkson could bounce back, but the team needs to worry about finding guys who can hit their shots consistently, which is a hard task right now. After all, it’s not just that they’re not hitting their shots, it’s also that they’re not playing good defense either.

When has The Bum ever done anything consistently other than pound the ball. throw up prayers and brick them? Sexton and Talen are both young and have upside anyway

Each man may be able to bring something to the table but each of the three lacks a major element of their game that is holding back the team. Fontecchio may also suffer from the lack of a certain skillset, but right now he’s the best option the team has for a quick fix to not only their defense but their three-point shooting woes.

I believe Simone was the worst player on the team last year that isn't A Bum. He's not the answer to anything but an expiring contract for Ainge

Xiao Yao You

10-30-2023, 07:41 AM

https://thejnotes.com/2023/10/29/how-long-should-the-utah-jazz-wait-to-make-changes-to-their-lineup/

Clarkson may just be starting off slow, but as he’s played well in the FIBA World Cup and for the most part in the preseason, that seems unlikely. Sexton had a rough first two games but against the Suns looked much better; on offense. Defensively he’s becoming borderline unplayable. He has a defensive rating of 130, the worst on the team, and a defensive box plus-minus of -6.2.

I believe the Phillipines lost all their game The Bum played so well. He's where the problems start. Sexton off the bench isn't the problem

Walker Kessler can be summed up as overwhelmed. He’s on the worst defense in the league and even if he could cover four other spots on the court at the same time, it still wouldn’t be enough. So while Kessler isn’t single-handedly changing the game on his own, he’s also at the mercy of four other guys who are usually not doing their job either.

Gobert did just exactly that(while getting blamed for not being able to do it enough in the playoffs) and Kessler has been touted as a DPOTY and all defense. Funny they have given up more than 100 pts for 85 straight games. Who was on the team the last time they held a team under 100 I wonder?

Well, Horton-Tucker is just bad. He’s shooting just 21% from inside the arc, and 33% from outside of it. He’s the top-rated guard defensively but considering how bad the other guards are known to be on defense historically (save for Kris Dunn), that’s not exactly a high bar for him to clear. Defensively he may be a better option than most but the team isn’t playing guys that long either.

His defensive potential is why he's starting. He should come off the bench certainly at this stage of his career anyway

Of the six guards, only Clarkson is getting anything close to 30 minutes per game, making it really hard to judge the play of guys who are getting 18-21 minutes per night.

30 minutes from their worst player. Wonder who we can point the finger at?

We’re not talking about Keyonte George or the other rookie’s development; those young men need time We’re talking about Sexton, a six-year guard who’s known for his poor defense. Clarkson, who has been to the NBA Finals before, is long known for his poor defense. We’re talking about Horton-Tucker and his horrid, well, everything.

Talen has issues but certainly isn't horrid at everything. The Bum is and he isn't young and talented like the others

Xiao Yao You

10-30-2023, 07:44 AM

Stars camp opens today!

Xiao Yao You

10-30-2023, 08:54 PM

https://saltcityhoops.com/the-salt-city-seven-returns-guard-questions-game-ball-historic-streak-more/

There’s starting to be some amount of noise about Walker Kessler’s counting stats and defensive impact being less impressive through three games, but consider this: 59 of his first 67 minutes have come with at least one of spacing-challenged guards THT and Dunn on the floor. As Jazz fans learned in the Rudy Gobert era, a traditional diving big can still be at the center of a very good offense, but the geometry starts to get harder when you also have non-shooters on the court. So far, the Kessler-THT combo is producing a 108.7 offense and getting outscored by 19.3 points per 100 possessions.

Gobert was still great no matter the lineup. Kid has a lot to prove still

Exactly two Jazz players have ever recorded at least three straight double-doubles to begin their Jazz careers:

Truck Robinson, 1977-78
John Collins, 2023-24

nice. If he could play D like Gobert they'd really have something

Xiao Yao You

10-31-2023, 08:29 AM

https://www.ksl.com/article/50770162/jazz-say-there-are-way-more-positive-things-after-loss-to-defending-champion-nuggets

In the end, there was too much Nikola Jokic (27 points, 10 rebounds and 11 assists) to complete the comeback, but the Jazz made the defending champs play a full four quarters after it looked like it would be a runaway.

more like 34 minutes of The Bum. That was the ball game :facepalm

Xiao Yao You

10-31-2023, 08:39 AM

https://kslsports.com/506891/jazz-frontcourt-shines-but-jokic-carries-nuggets-to-victory/

Kelly Olynyk scored three points on 0-2 shooting, Ochai Agbaji was 0-5 from the floor including 0-2 from three, while Kris Dunn had a scoreless 0-2 performance.

Olynyk was good. This idea that the announcers and media seem to have of him being a scorer is bizarre

Depth should be a strength of this Jazz team with the number of veterans and young talent sprinkled throughout the roster. But unless that depth performs on a consistent basis, the Jazz will continue to fall short in winnable games.

They had 4 frontcourt players and 2 backcourt guys have good games. 34 minutes of The Bum was the difference in the game not Olynyk taking and missing 2 shots :facepalm

The ‘Kyle Anderson His Performance Was Better Than His Stats (https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/a/anderky01.html)‘ Award Goes To:

Olynyk

Xiao Yao You

10-31-2023, 08:44 AM

love how the media drools all over The Bum until he's a no show and than there's nothing said at all

Xiao Yao You

10-31-2023, 08:07 PM

Andy Larsen: Jazz announce Taylor Hendricks and Brice Sensabaugh are still OUT tomorrow on G-League assignment (https://*********.com/social/)
– via Twitter andyblarsen (https://twitter.com/andyblarsen)

Xiao Yao You

11-01-2023, 08:53 PM

https://thejnotes.com/2023/11/01/5-non-superstars-that-could-help-the-utah-jazz-win-this-year/2/

Alex Caruso – Chicago Bulls

would love him

Xiao Yao You

11-01-2023, 08:55 PM

https://thejnotes.com/2023/11/01/james-harden-landing-with-the-la-clippers-could-be-a-good-thing-for-the-utah-jazz/

We don’t know who the Jazz’s point guard of the future is, but we do know who it isn’t; Jordan Clarkson, Talen Horton-Tucker, and sadly, Collin Sexton. Kris Dunn was never in the running, not really, even if we wish he were. So that just leaves Keyonte George.

It's not George with Agbaji next to him? :facepalm

Wstbrook no! :roll:

Xiao Yao You

11-02-2023, 05:39 AM

https://kslsports.com/506956/utah-jazz-blowout-memphis-grizzlies-in-salt-lake-city/

You could also replace Howard Eisley with Shandon Anderson for the namesake of this award, going to guys who looked terrific when playing next to All-Stars but saw their impact reduced (https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/e/eisleho01.html) once they had to be the guy on their own team.

Eisley never looked good to me

Xiao Yao You

11-02-2023, 05:44 AM

https://www.slcdunk.com/2023/11/1/23943037/jazz-vs-grizzlies-recap-jazz-play-their-best-game-of-the-season-while-blowing-out-memphis-lauri

The answer I found is that it might be a little bit of both. Memphis’s offense has been pretty atrocious to start the season, it was once again atrocious, this time because of elite frontcourt pressure set by our guards defending well, Walker Kessler and John Collins defending the rim, and one of the most underrated qualities about this Jazz team, solid effort on the glass not allowing Memphis 2nd opportunities.

they are playing bigger than everyone. They have to win rebounding which they haven't after getting out rebounded last year. Underrated? :facepalm

Xiao Yao You

11-02-2023, 06:01 PM

“There were a lot of teams reaching out but it seemed like the Jazz were one of the main ones that were making that effort,” Christopher said of hitting free agency. (https://kslsports.com/507003/stars-season-will-focus-on-hendricks-sensabaugh-development/) “They were really doing their background check.”
– via KSL Sports (https://kslsports.com/507003/stars-season-will-focus-on-hendricks-sensabaugh-development/)

Xiao Yao You

11-02-2023, 09:05 PM

https://kslsports.com/507003/stars-season-will-focus-on-hendricks-sensabaugh-development/

In addition to Hendricks and Sensabaugh, the Stars will showcase former lottery pick Romeo Langford, former second round pick CJ Elleby, two-way contract players Micah Potter, Josh Christopher, and Johnny Juzang, as well as G League draft picks Karolis Lukosiunas and Isaac Johnson.

Elleby returning is a new name in the mix. only 23

Xiao Yao You

11-02-2023, 09:06 PM

Miller/Langford
Christopher/Elleby/Devoe/Kinsey/Lukosiunas
Sensabaugh/Juzang/Justice
Hendricks/Johnson/Hauser(not sure if he can still play with the Stars or nor?)
Potter/Ongenda

Xiao Yao You

11-03-2023, 11:20 AM

https://www.ksl.com/article/50775167/will-hardy-breaks-down-final-moments-of-jazzs-crunch-time-loss-to-magic

"That's where you win the game," Lauri Markkanen said.

I can tell you where this game and the Denver game were lost. Hardy playing the worst player in the league the most minutes. Get rid of them both Danny please!

"I think our guys executed well," Hardy said. "I think once Jordan drove it, it looked like his teammates thought he was going to shoot, and so the three guys on the weak side all crashed. Our spacing was gone and Talen was the only outlet at the top."

just the play you want. The Bum with the ball to their 2nd worst shooter! :facepalm

Xiao Yao You

11-03-2023, 11:24 AM

https://kslsports.com/507028/sloppy-second-quarter-dooms-jazz-in-loss-to-magic/

Clarkson was the worst offender who despite scoring 21 points shot just 5-20 from the floor including 2-8 from three and turned the ball over six times.

which would be fine if it was just an off night. This is typical Bum

The Jazz didn’t lose solely because of Clarkson and Sexton, but a better game from either veteran guard would have likely pushed the team over the top.

they lost this and the Denver one because of The Bum and Hardy who thought it was a good idea to play him more than anyone else

Xiao Yao You

11-03-2023, 11:27 AM

https://www.deseret.com/2023/11/2/23938636/utah-jazz-orlando-magic-analysis

Had Olynyk waited another second he might have been able to see Markkanen a little better (though a cross-court pass there is risky) or he could have seen Clarkson open at the top for a deep 3. No matter, he chose George, but he passed the ball too low and it went right into the hands of the Magic’s Franz Wagner.

of course the Bum was open. Why was he in the game is the question?

Xiao Yao You

11-03-2023, 11:30 AM

https://thejnotes.com/2023/11/03/thoughts-utah-jazz-losing-orlando-magic/

Talen Horton-Tucker had a good game – 15 points, 8 assists and 3 steals. However, he still is miscast as a starting two-guard, it seems like he falls down 2 to 3 times a game for no reason at all. He might be more effective as a small ball 3 in a reserve role.

I'd say he's the pg

Luka Samanic would have been useful in tonight’s game, with both John Collins and Kelly Olynyk in foul trouble, but he never got off the bench.

they went 12 deep as it was :facepalm

Xiao Yao You

11-03-2023, 06:45 PM

Ryan Miller: Good news on the injury front: Lauri Markkanen is not listed on the injury report. Also, Taylor Hendricks and Brice Sensabaugh are back with the Stars (https://*********.com/social/).
– via Twitter millerjryan (https://twitter.com/millerjryan)

Xiao Yao You

11-04-2023, 04:20 AM

https://kslsports.com/507050/jazz-face-timberwolves-gobert-after-career-worst-shooting-night/

Jordan Clarkson, last season’s second-leading scorer has shot below 31 percent in five of six outings, and is averaging 3.8 turnovers per game.

and no one with a clue should be at all surprised. At least two losses are on him and Hardy for continuing to play him huge minutes

Xiao Yao You

11-04-2023, 04:23 AM

https://www.deseret.com/2023/11/3/23944645/unapologetically-himself-joe-ingles-career-continues-with-orlando-magic

Joe Ingles (https://www.deseret.com/2022/2/5/22910538/respect-for-joe-ingles-goes-beyond-utah-utah-jazz-michael-malone), at 36 years old, joined the Magic in free agency. The Orlando front office and coaching staff made it clear to Ingles that he would play a different role than he was used to but sold him on the idea of mentoring the youthful roster.

they sold him with a lot of money. He looked like a minimum vet contract his last year here before blowing out his knee. The fact that he keeps getting paid is shocking!

He was never in great shape but definitely fat in that photo! :cheers:

Xiao Yao You

11-04-2023, 04:26 AM

https://thejnotes.com/2023/11/03/the-utah-jazz-need-to-consider-this-recently-released-nba-veteran/

was still hitting the 3 last year but who's minutes will he take? Unless it's The Bum which it won't be than I'm not sure it makes much sense at this stage

Xiao Yao You

11-04-2023, 04:30 AM

https://thejnotes.com/2023/11/03/who-is-letting-jordan-clarkson-shoot-the-ball-20-times-for-the-utah-jazz/

And yet, while he’s struggling to hit the backboard this season, for some reason Hardy has let Clarkson take 20 shots against the Orlando Magic. Clarkson, the guy who’s notoriously a streaky shooter and has been bad for most of the young season, took three more shots than the team’s star, Lauri Markkanen.

played the most minutes and had almost 1/3 of their TO's. No one should be surprised. He sucks

This team needs a real point guard. Yes, they’re fifth in the league in assists, a good sign, they’re also fifth in the league in turnovers as well. That’s unacceptable if you expect this team to compete for the playoffs.

and the best stretch was the end of the 2nd with Dunn leading the way at both ends. Of course he didn't see the floor again. All the other guards were good though. Makes no sense but neither did him starting last year or him getting an extension. He must give great head

Xiao Yao You

11-04-2023, 04:33 AM

https://flywareagle.com/2023/11/03/auburn-basketball-great-bigger-role/

Kessler is already the complete package on the defensive end of the floor. His ability to rebound and defend makes him a player you need on the floor. If the Utah Jazz invest in expanding his offensive game, they can have a player who will be looked at as a top big man in the NBA and a complete package overall.

no he's not! He's yet to show he can defend in space

Xiao Yao You

11-05-2023, 07:33 AM

https://kslsports.com/507124/utah-jazz-fall-to-minnesota-timberwolves/

Nearly a tenth of the way into the season and it’s blatantly clear the Jazz starting backcourt isn’t working.

the fact that anyone ever thought it would is concerning. Fix it Danny!

Jordan Clarkson’s experience, and terrific play last year were a good reason to start him coming into the season.

no it wasn't. He's an awful basketball player

Both players are prone to overdribbling, though Horton-Tucker is particularly guilty of putting his head down without ever looking for his teammates.

Sure they have The Bum looking for his teammates more but he's better off not because he usually throws the ball away if he tries to pass it

Had his shooting numbers improved since last season it might be easier to justify keeping him in a starting role, but they’ve remained below a reasonable expectation.

they like his D I think but than why isn't Dunn playing? George might be their next best defender out there

If the Jazz can close the road trip with two or more wins, they can feel good about their record considering the difficulty of the schedule to start the year.

will still have at least two losses thanks to The Bum and Hardy playing The Bum

Xiao Yao You

11-05-2023, 07:38 AM

https://kslsports.com/507114/blog-utah-jazz-fall-to-minnesota-timberwolves/

Lauri Markkanen continues to play great basketball early in the year, the Jazz are going to have to decide how long they’re willing to extend this rebuild rather than surrounding him with high-level talent.

The extension for The Bum isn't surrounding him with high level talent? :roll:

Anthony Edwards is an elite defensive player, pretty unusual for such a young guard, but it gives him a chance to be one of the best players in the league at his size with his offensive prowess.

also gives Rudy a chance to be on a great team finally! :cheers:

Xiao Yao You

11-05-2023, 07:42 AM

https://www.ksl.com/article/50776819/mike-conley-calls-being-traded-from-jazz-the-weirdest-day-of-my-life

"Mike was a massive sort of safety blanket for our team and most importantly for me," Jazz coach Will Hardy said.

Yep. He had me fooled into thinking you could coach despite your love of The Bum. I was wrong :cry:

Xiao Yao You

11-05-2023, 07:45 AM

https://www.ksl.com/article/50776740/gobert-reminds-utah-fans-what-they-used-to-have--a-good-defense--in-jazz-loss-to-wolves

but Kessler is already as good as Gobert! DPOTY! :lol

Xiao Yao You

11-05-2023, 07:50 AM

https://www.deseret.com/2023/11/4/23938650/utah-jazz-lose-to-minnesota-timberwolves

But then I remember that last year’s Jazz team didn’t know each other at all and had a lot less familiarity and continuity on the roster and early in the season they didn’t look nearly as disjointed as this team.

Conley. I think Dunn could give them some of that unfortunately Hardy is the coach

Walker Kessler has clearly struggled this season, Sexton is guilty of the same things that Horton-Tucker is, the spacing with Collins still needs to be figured out and optimized, Jordan Clarkson hasn’t shot the ball as well as he would like, and I could probably say something about nearly everyone else on the roster.

The Bum can't shoot though

Xiao Yao You

11-05-2023, 07:59 AM

https://thejnotes.com/2023/11/04/3-things-the-utah-jazz-have-to-do-to-turn-things-around/

Kris Dunn and Ochai Agbaji, the team’s two best perimeter players, are playing just 13 minutes per game. They’re giving up minutes to guys like Talen Horton-Tucker (11th on the team in True Shooting Percentage) and Jordan Clarkson (12th in TS%), and those minutes are ultimately being wasted. Especially by Clarkson. Horton-Tucker is at least a playable defender, Clarkson is 13th.

Talen is young with upside. The Bum is old and he sucks

But that’s not at all, as the Jazz are also limiting the minutes Kelly Olynyk (No. 1in defensive box plus-minus for the Jazz) and Walker Kessler are getting as well. It’s almost like if the Jazz played all four men at the same time, and for more than just a handful of minutes, the team defense may actually improve.

Kessler hasn't been good and Olynyk hasn't been the past couple games

As mentioned above, the two players who are hurting the team the most are probably Talen Horton-Tucker and Jordan Clarkson (https://thejnotes.com/2023/10/25/2023-2024-utah-jazz-season-guide-preview/). They have made so many bad decisions to start the season, and with someone like Clarkson, all you see is bad shot after bad shot. Clarkson’s shot selection is terrible, and he’s taking a lot of awful, just terribly planned shots.

his passing may be even worse

And the coaches let him. If he’s shooting just 36% from the floor, there’s no reason to let him shoot more in a game than Lauri Markkanen.

same problem they had with Mitchell and The Bum while the most efficient player in NBA history stood alone at the rim

He’s clearly talented enough but for some reason the Jazz aren’t letting him off the leash, so to speak. He’s a better scorer than anyone on the team but just about every night he’s been second or so in shots attempted. Imagine telling Reggie Miller in his prime that someone else would be taking more shots than him.

He's going to the line. Those don't count as FDA in case you didn't know

Xiao Yao You

11-05-2023, 08:02 AM

https://flywareagle.com/2023/11/03/auburn-basketball-great-bigger-role/

Kessler is already the complete package on the defensive end of the floor. His ability to rebound and defend makes him a player you need on the floor. If the Utah Jazz invest in expanding his offensive game, they can have a player who will be looked at as a top big man in the NBA and a complete package overall.

yet to show he can guard in space. He's sucked this year. DPOTY! :facepalm

Xiao Yao You

11-06-2023, 09:22 AM

https://thejnotes.com/2023/11/05/time-utah-jazz-bench-talen-horton-tucker-jordan-clarkson/

Horton-Tucker has never been a good NBA player, so his bad start isn’t surprising, it was expected. He was just a career 43% shooter from the floor coming into the season and shot under 42% the last two seasons. Clarkson, on the other hand, was one of the best scorers for the Jazz just last season. And while he’s never been a super-efficient scorer, he’s never been this bad.

The Bum has certainly been this bad. Maybe not at the beginning of the season but mostly he sucks

It’s fair to say not much, just his age. Clarkson is 31 years old and while that may not seem old to many, Lou Williams was declining as young as 33. Not everyone is the same, and bodies break down or last longer than others, but it’s possible that this isn’t a slump for Clarkson, but his new normal.

the biggest problem is he starts and Hardy thinks he's the best player on the team

They clearly need better guys (https://thejnotes.com/2023/11/04/the-utah-jazz-and-3-other-teams-who-arent-performing-as-expected/) than what they have in their starting lineup, so why not try Kris Dunn, Ochai Agbaji, and/or Keyonte George? At this point, what do you have to lose?

Or Sexton. I'd consider benching Kessler too. Front office needs to fix it because the coach appears to be clueless but than the front office extended The Bum so maybe the need to go to

Xiao Yao You

11-06-2023, 09:29 AM

https://thejnotes.com/2023/11/05/selfish-basketball-and-not-team-chemistry-is-why-the-utah-jazz-are-so-bad/

It’s not for the offense. No, Clarkson has been on this team for years and is chucking up garbage at a consistent rate. So much so that everyone knows he’s hurting the offense, everyone but head coach Hardy. If Clarkson was playing this exact style, but making more of his shots, then this isn’t an issue. It’s an issue because he’s missing and still playing the same way.

it's an issue rather he makes shots or not

And another way of saying that is selfish. The team isn’t passing the ball well, and when they do they seemingly turn it over far more often than anyone else in the league. They’re not running screens for one another and the pick-and-roll game that we thought the team would be built around has been so minimal it’s almost non-existent.

the thing I liked last year was that outside The Bum they were unselfish. Apparently that was Conley not Hardy

The Jazz need to run their offense through their bigs, instead, Horton-Tucker and Clarkson are running the offense through themselves. This is a selfish brand of offense and one that won’t see the team succeed long-term.

Dunn should start at the one and George backing him up until he's ready which might not be long it appears

We already wrote that the team needs to bench Clarkson and Horton-Tucker, but it may not be that simple. The Jazz should seriously consider trading both men.

The Bum should certainly be gone. Talen is young and could be effective off the bench. Either him or Sexton. Could start Sexton with Dunn and Agbaji and bench Kessler too though

Xiao Yao You

11-06-2023, 09:31 AM

https://thejnotes.com/2023/11/05/losing-to-the-minnesota-timberwolves-further-digs-a-hole-this-team-cant-come-out-of/

And it isn’t just the total points, but the overall play of the team. The Jazz had no answer for Anthony Edwards and Karl-Anthony Towns on Saturday night. Now, Edwards was going to get him, he’s been that good for a good long while, but Towns? The T-Wolves big was coming into the Jazz’s game having a bad year so far.

Towns is a great offensive player too :facepalm

Xiao Yao You

11-06-2023, 09:07 PM

https://thejnotes.com/2023/11/06/3-chicago-bulls-who-would-look-good-as-members-of-the-utah-jazz/

Alex Caruso

would love him

Ayo DosunmuThe idea is that the Utah Jazz need new guards. The only three the team should even consider keeping are Collin Sexton, Keyonte George, and Kris Dunn, and honestly, Dunn could go if he’s needed to make the money work. Outside of that, the Jazz should clear the board if needed. We’d like to keep Ochai Agbaji, but again, if he’s needed to make the deal work, then he’s needed to make the deal work. Getting back someone like Ayo Dosunmu will help things dramatically. He’s a solid perimeter defender who can shoot when allowed. He may not be a starter for the Jazz, at least yet, but he has an upside.

Talen is young. I can see keeping him. Keep Agbaji and play him. The Bum needs to go. I'd keep Dunn unless you get another floor general and defensive stopper to replace him. Don't have either now but him

Xiao Yao You

11-06-2023, 09:09 PM

https://kslsports.com/507192/taylor-hendricks-makes-salt-lake-city-stars-preseason-debut/

looks like Christopher might be playing the 1?

Xiao Yao You

11-06-2023, 09:09 PM

https://saltlakecity.gleague.nba.com/roster

camp roster up

a few new names

Xiao Yao You

11-07-2023, 05:54 AM

It appear Bryce Golden would most likely not make the team. Didn't look like much even in college. Have to cut 1 more I think. Got a few Gleague vets, exhibit 10 guys and gleague rooks fighting for the last spot. Rotation would seem to be something like Cain, Christopher, Elleby, Hendricks, Juzang, Langford, Miller, Potter and Sensabaugh?

Xiao Yao You

11-07-2023, 06:05 AM

https://saltcityhoops.com/exploring-utahs-most-used-early-lineups/

Speaking of Collins, he has been amazing in the Jazz jersey. Last year, the dude shot 29% from deep with the Hawks but that number is up to nearly 36% with the Jazz in the seven games played thus far. He also had four double-doubles in the first six games. He’s been a threat from deep, has played with a high motor, and is a big rebound machine. As the lineup numbers show, the Jazz are plus on rebounds with Lauri Markkanen, Collins, and Kessler (when he is on) hitting the glass like crazy, with the backcourt of Clarkson (averaging four a game) and THT (2.7) positively contributing as well. This was best evidenced in the narrow loss to Denver as the starting lineup combined for 42 rebounds. If we need to go big, this starting lineup is the way to do so.

-19 before last night. Certainly better ways to go :facepalm

While watching Jazz games (thanks Jazz+! (https://www.utahjazzplus.com/)), I’ll admit that Olynyk is usually a guy whose minutes I had wished would go elsewhere as he never seemed to fit our timeline or roster construction, or just seemed like the odd rotational piece as an after Collins’ arrival. Now, I’m grateful when he checks in because, based solely on the eye test, good things happen with him around. As I thought about the lineup combinations and this article, I bet myself that I would see lineup data that proved my eye test correct and the Jazz have healthy combinations when Olynyk is in the picture.

might want to consider starting him over Kessler again

Interestingly enough, the two best lineups feature four common players: Markkanen, Big Kes, THT, and Kris Dunn. Rotating for that next slot are two of my favorites: young guards Ochai Agbaji and Keyonte George.

Not surprising but of course Hardy hasn't played them much because he doesn't like Dunn and Agbaji :cry:

Similarly, when you pair THT (or Kessler) with shooters, good things happen. With flame-thrower JC out of flame to start the season, the Jazz have sorely needed additional offense behind all-star Markkanen. Inserting George has been a great solution. Per-36 numbers have him at 13 points, 5.5 assists on 59% shooting from the field and 33% from deep. Those are basically the same as what JC is currently averaging but with much higher efficiency. With George, he is a threat to shoot whenever he has the ball. He can dribble, he can drive, he can pull up, he can spot up. So, he helps your offense breathe, something that has been needed in these few short weeks with JC struggling to ignite.

seems like he defends pretty well too. He's got to take care of the ball better. Gets his pocket picked too much. Drummond last night!

Xiao Yao You

11-07-2023, 06:17 AM

https://saltcityhoops.com/salt-city-seven-defense-driving-woes-halloween-more/

After a 2-5 start, there are plenty of burning questions surrounding the Utah Jazz. Lingering issues with guard decision-making. Slumping sophomores. And what the heck is going on with Jordan Clarkson?

It's like no one has ever seen The Bum play before! We've seen this his whole career. He sucks

Honestly, it’s about both process and results. They allow an above-average proportion of three-pointers and floater-range attempts. But the difference between their opponents’ expected field goal percentage by location and the actual output magnifies those mistakes: their opponents are making an unusually high percentage just about everywhere other than on above-the-break threes. Their defensive rim field goal percentage is the fourth worst in the league, as is opponent shooting from the corners. In the midrange, it’s second worst. Jazz foes just don’t seem to feel a ton of resistance.

can we stop talking about Kessler like he's another Gobert now? :facepalm

It also doesn’t help that the Jazz’s schedule has been heavy of good offensive teams. Five of their seven opponents so far boast above-average offensive ratings. The only two that don’t are Memphis (29th) whom the Jazz beat, and Orlando (20th) whom they almost beat. That could bode well for this week, when the Jazz are set to face three bottom-five offenses in Chicago, Portland and Memphis again. (Indiana is really good; that game will be a tough one for a team that’s struggling to defend.)

Should have beat Orlando and Denver. Thank you Bum and Hardy for those! :cry:

This quote tells me that Hardy things some Jazz team members are reluctant to sacrifice things about their individual game, which kind of sounds like a shocking allegation except that it’s not when you think about how the NBA works. The Jazz have 15 guys who are in one way or another all playing to secure both basketball futures and financial security. Of course there are going to be some competing desires. Notice that he says that the problem is “wanting to win your way;” he’s not accusing anybody of not being committed to winning, just of wanting to get there in a very specific way that aligns with their self-interest.

Conley was obviously the main reason for last year not Hardy. Maybe Mike is ready to go into coaching?

We know he’s been pretty vocal about wanting guards like Collin Sexton to pass more (https://twitter.com/Mark_R_Pereira/status/1719165932776411355). This quote was delivered minutes after Talen Horton-Tucker’s 20-FGA game, could that also be on his mind here? Or maybe he’s concerned with Jordan Clarkson’s ongoing funk, or the slumps Kessler and Ochai Agbaji are experiencing as they look to build on their meaningful rookie-year progress.

he's not worried about The Bum. Plays him more than anyone. Agbaji has hardly played to see he's slumping. Play him and see what happens

Xiao Yao You

11-07-2023, 06:27 AM

https://www.ksl.com/article/50778604/in-blowout-loss-to-bulls-jazz-only-find-good-in-markkanens-highlight-assist

"There are times where I do think that their intention is to drive the ball and draw the defense," Hardy said. "I think both of them have gotten a little bit in trouble by just getting probably one whole dribble too far into the paint. I think both of those players, when they watch film, when they work at practice, they end up being some of the guys that have the highest assist numbers on the team as well.

The Bum is just as likely to throw it away as to get an assist. He's better off not passing. He can't shoot either. Why again is he in the league at all? :cry:

Xiao Yao You

11-07-2023, 06:44 AM

https://kslsports.com/507226/utah-jazz-no-match-for-chicago-bulls/

Clarkson’s long history of success has earned him more leeway than others when it comes to these types of slumps, but this is by far the worst he’s ever played in a Jazz uniform.

I'd bet he's had worse stretches they just didn't come at the beginning of the season. The guy is awful and always has been. I really can't be the only one that sees this shit? :facepalm

I’ll be watching closely to see if those two start Wednesday’s games in Indiana, or if Hardy has seen enough.

I'm hoping that with the mid season tourney thing at Memphis that maybe Hardy will make a move but I doubt it. he loves The Bum for some reason

Xiao Yao You

11-07-2023, 06:46 AM

https://kslsports.com/507207/blog-utah-jazz-fall-to-chicago-bulls/

Kris Dunn is back in the rotation after sitting on Saturday in the loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves.

again one of the best stretches of the game and didn't come back until garbage time. :facepalm

Xiao Yao You

11-07-2023, 06:52 AM

https://www.deseret.com/2023/11/6/23948733/the-utah-jazz-have-a-turnover-problem

But, Horton-Tucker (and Collin Sexton and Jordan Clarkson) sometimes gets caught either too deep in the paint by over dribbling, or by picking up his dribble too early, allowing the defense to close him off from his passing lanes.

The Bum over dribbling? Really? :roll:

Both of these plays resulted in turnovers. While these are just two examples and they don’t cover the entirety of the problem, the point is that there are instances when the Jazz are giving up the ball that they can fix.

Benching The Bum would solve a lot of their issues or let Jason Terry take over the team

Xiao Yao You

11-07-2023, 06:57 AM

https://thejnotes.com/2023/11/06/utah-jazz-need-play-much-better-defense-win-ballgames/

Mix things up – Different lineups are needed to find combinations that work, especially on defense. To date, the Jazz have yet to run their best defenders in a regular lineup, perhaps since that lineup might struggle at the other end. Utilizing a group like Walker Kessler, John Collins, Ochai Agbaji, Keyonte George and Kris Dunn is one possibility.

Agbaji, Dunn and no Bum? I'm in. Pretty sure Hardy isn't though :facepalm

Xiao Yao You

11-07-2023, 06:59 AM

https://thejnotes.com/2023/11/06/3-utah-jazz-players-who-need-a-big-game-against-the-chicago-bulls/

Kris Dunn hasn’t been getting the minutes he really deserves, but he’s also not been shooting the ball well. While he’s a defensive-minded player normally, he does still need to be competent from the floor. He’s necessary to the team, but he has to be more effective with the ball in his hands to see more realistic playing time.

play him and he'll be fine

As far as struggling players go, John Collins isn’t the guy you first think of, and for good reason; he’s been playing fine. Which is part of the problem, fine isn’t what the Utah Jazz signed up for. It was one thing to expect 15 points and nine rebounds when the team was supposed to be an offensive juggernaut but now the team is struggling to score points, and Collins needs to step up and help the team achieve that goal. More specifically, he’s got to get better on defense, as he’s been one of the worst starters the team has right now on that side of the court. And that’s saying something.

probably their 2nd or 3rd best player so far. Him or Olynyk. He's not the problem

Xiao Yao You

11-07-2023, 07:01 AM

https://thejnotes.com/2023/11/06/the-utah-jazz-need-to-consider-making-moves-now-to-capitalize-on-lauri-markkanen/

Lauri Markkanen is going to expedite the @utahjazz (https://twitter.com/utahjazz?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) rebuild because he's so good, you can't simply waste seasons by not surrounding him with high-level talent.

— Ben Anderson (@BensHoops) November 5, 2023 (https://twitter.com/BensHoops/status/1720962938138411511?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)

you mean like the decade they wasted not building around Gobert or the 2 decades they piddled around with the statues?. There's always next year!!! :facepalm

Xiao Yao You

11-07-2023, 08:03 PM

Andy Larsen: Walker Kessler is listed as questionable for tomorrow’s game due to a left elbow strain, (https://*********.com/social/) Keyonte George is listed as probable due to left foot soreness.
– via Twitter andyblarsen (https://twitter.com/andyblarsen)

Xiao Yao You

11-08-2023, 04:36 AM

https://kslsports.com/507281/jazz-notes-is-a-big-change-on-horizon-for-utah/

Clarkson should be able to turn it around and begin to hit shots. The biggest question mark for the Jazz is THT.

it's really hard to take anyone serious that thinks this guy doesn't suck :facepalm

Xiao Yao You

11-08-2023, 04:37 AM

https://kslsports.com/507274/walker-kessler-on-espn-top-25-under-25-list/

“If he’s ever able to add a reliable 3-point shot, he could jump way up this list,” ESPN added. “Even if he doesn’t, Kessler is a worthy heir to Rudy Gobert as the anchor of Utah’s defense.”

remains to be seen

Xiao Yao You

11-08-2023, 04:43 AM

https://www.deseret.com/2023/11/7/23949509/the-utah-jazz-are-one-of-the-nba-worst-defensive-teams-and-there-are-two-key-reasons-why

Hardy freely admits that he relied on Mike Conley a lot while Conley was in Utah through the first half of the season. It was easy to rely on a veteran player who was clearly going to be the communicating leader of the team and it made things easy on the players.

it's confirmed. Hardy does indeed suck. Mike made him look good. Nice hire Danny! I think Dunn could give you some of what Mike did but Hardy doesn't like him

no mention of them playing 3 bigs in a league where most teams play 1 :facepalm

Xiao Yao You

11-08-2023, 01:51 PM

Eric Walden: Walker Kessler is DOUBTFUL to play tonight vs. the Pacers (https://*********.com/social/) pic.twitter.com/gbS2ADbbYJ
– via Twitter tribjazz (https://twitter.com/tribjazz)

Xiao Yao You

11-08-2023, 03:23 PM

Tony Jones: Walker Kessler is doubtful tonight with a left elbow sprain. Some context. I’m hearing this is not expected to be a long term injury, but I’m also hearing this isn’t expected to be a one or even two game injury. The Jazz may have to go some games without their starting center (https://*********.com/social/)

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

how does he go from probable to this? I assume Olynyk will start which might help them. Yurtseven!

Xiao Yao You

11-09-2023, 07:24 AM

https://kslsports.com/507335/utah-jazz-fall-to-indiana-did-new-starting-lineup-help/

It wasn’t a perfect night from Clarkson who still had six turnovers, far too many for a guard with his talent, but it was a step in the right direction for the veteran’s confidence.

of what talent? He averages 4. Awful down the stretch while Lauri sat around just hoping to touch the ball. He has to go!

“The Pacers ended up scoring 74 points in the paint,” Hardy said after the game. “The commitment to team defense has to improve.”

good thing Kessler was out and helped their spacing! Where was Yurtseven?

Xiao Yao You

11-09-2023, 07:33 AM

https://www.deseret.com/2023/11/8/23949517/utah-jazz-can-walker-kessler-and-john-collins-successfully-play-together

The fact that anyone thought this would work in today's game is the scary part. I thought Danny had a clue? Might be time to retire

Xiao Yao You

11-09-2023, 07:44 AM

https://thejnotes.com/2023/11/08/will-hardy-should-absolutely-be-on-the-hot-seat-after-a-disastrous-start-for-the-utah-jazz/

definitely seems to be in over his head. Even he admits how much Conley meant last year. I think Dunn could give you some of that but he doesn't like Dunn. He does love The Bum though! :cry:

Xiao Yao You

11-09-2023, 07:45 AM

https://thejnotes.com/2023/11/08/the-utah-jazz-need-to-move-on-from-jordan-clarkson/

yep

Xiao Yao You

11-09-2023, 08:05 PM

https://saltlakecity.gleague.nba.com/roster

guess the final roster though there will be many changes I'm sire throughout the year as always

Xiao Yao You

11-10-2023, 08:49 AM

https://kslsports.com/507320/utah-jazz-mailbag-will-hendricks-help-jazz-defense/

Now, that doesn’t mean rookies can’t have an impact defensively. Last season Walker Kessler helped the Jazz as a rim protector, blocking more than two shots a game.

and as we've seen he's not really that good. Can't guard in space and the scouting report is out

But, with Keyonte George taking over the starting job in Indiana, the Jazz are probably happy to let him eat up most of the minutes at point guard as he develops into a pillar of the franchise.

Ideally a vet would be behind him and Hardy doesn't like Dunn for some reason

Xiao Yao You

11-10-2023, 08:56 AM

https://www.deseret.com/2023/11/8/23949517/utah-jazz-can-walker-kessler-and-john-collins-successfully-play-together

So that brings us back to where the Jazz will find themselves in a few weeks, when Kessler is back on the court. The question that was hanging over the team before the season even started is one that still needs answering. Can the Jazz successfully play Kessler and Collins together? And if so, what does it look like?

no and no one should have expected it. We saw last year three bigs wasn't the way to go unless you have Gobert and McDaniels. The bigger problem will remain The Bum though

Xiao Yao You

11-10-2023, 08:57 AM

https://www.slcdunk.com/2023/11/9/23954950/utah-jazz-vs-memphis-grizzlies-preview-injury-report-game-info-what-to-watch

I want to see if Keyonte George in his second start will be a little bit more aggressive. The 9 assists were awesome, the only 1 turnover was nice, and the 8 shots and only 3 threes weren’t my favorite. I’d like to see Keyonte be a little more aggressive in finding his shot. I watched Keyonte on Wednesday get separation multiple times and he wouldn’t shoot it, I hope he shoots a lot more on Friday night.

having a guard that is getting it to the guy they should be getting it too in Lauri isn't a problem. The Bum, Talen and Sexton certainly aren't that guy. Dunn is but Hardy

Xiao Yao You

11-10-2023, 09:04 AM

https://thejnotes.com/2023/11/09/jordan-clarkson-isnt-good-enough-to-start-let-alone-be-the-star-of-the-team/

Why does Will Hardy keep letting Jordan Clarkson shoot like he’s Steph Curry when he plays defense like, well, Jordan Clarkson?

sadly his D has been the best thing he's offering. The dribbling, gunning, passing are another story all together

If Clarkson was just a sixth-man, or even rotation guy off the bench, you take it, because those guys are only usually on the team because they excel at just one thing. But Clarkson isn’t just a bench guy getting minutes in a rotation; he’s supposedly the second-best player on the team.

he sucks regardless

Despite the fact that Markkanen has historically been a better shooter. If Markkanen is the face of this team, then he should get shots like he is. Giving Clarkson 26 shots is a problem. Especially since he took only three from behind the arc.

again only 3 bricks from 3 is a positive for The Bum

Xiao Yao You

11-10-2023, 09:08 AM

https://thejnotes.com/2023/11/09/the-utah-jazz-cant-afford-to-play-talen-horton-tucker-anymore/

He's young with upside unlike The Bum

Jordan Clarkson and Talen Horton-Tucker are holding the Utah Jazz back. And while Clarkson has value as a bench scorer who can shoot the ball in bunches over a short amount of time, the fact is that Horton-Tucker is unplayable. The two men may have different styles, but they have similar personalities. They both take too many shots for how badly they’re scoring the ball, they’re both terrible passers who turn the ball over far too much and they’re both not good defenders who give up too many points.

I believe Talen has been one of their better defenders and has a lot of potential at that end. His shooting is the big question

Clarkson seemingly turns the ball over more often by careless with the ball. He’ll charge the paint, as he tends to do, and will stop looking to pass out, only for him to cough up the ball. Horton-Tucker will just throw it to the wrong team more often than not. (https://thejnotes.com/2023/11/08/will-hardy-should-absolutely-be-on-the-hot-seat-after-a-disastrous-start-for-the-utah-jazz/)

trying to pass is his biggest problem and also the over dribbling which ends up dribbling the ball off himself

Neither man can run the offense, but at least Clarkson makes him a viable player to get just under 20 minutes a night, just as long as he’s coming off the bench, with the second unit, and giving him the most shots of the bench guys.

rather have Sexton or Talen taking the shots off the bench. Sexton is just betterr and Talen has some potential in that role too

Xiao Yao You

11-10-2023, 09:10 AM

https://thejnotes.com/2023/11/09/better-offense-lots-turnovers-utah-jazz/

Kris Dunn had 7 points, 4 boards, 2 assists, and no turnovers in 12 minutes. He needs more time and opportunities.

hard to imagine it changing. No matter how he plays Hardy obviously isn't a fan and why would he be when he's got The Bum instead!!! :cry:

Xiao Yao You

11-10-2023, 04:04 PM

Tony Jones: Jordan Clarkson on the Jazz playing their first in season tournament game: Treat it like a playoff game (https://*********.com/social/)

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

uh oh

Xiao Yao You

11-10-2023, 08:43 PM

https://thejnotes.com/2023/11/10/rebuild-or-not-the-utah-jazz-were-not-supposed-to-be-this-bad/

Could they really not replace Conley in the offseason? Was Vanderbilt that important to the Jazz’s defense? If so, it begs to reason why they were shipped out of town in the first place. If they weren’t, we have to ask ourselves why this squad, minus a couple of good pieces, is somehow significantly worse than anyone imagined. (https://thejnotes.com/2023/11/09/ryan-smith-takes-dig-at-michael-jordan-with-utah-jazz-wi-fi-name/)

their D sucked last year. Conley is obviously the missing piece

Xiao Yao You

11-11-2023, 10:00 AM

https://kslsports.com/507420/utah-jazz-snap-losing-streak-with-win-over-memphis-grizzlies/

Is The Jazz Backcourt Fixed?

not as long as The Bum is around :facepalm

Clarkson is the Jazz’s best backcourt scorer, and over the last two games, he’s scored 59 points, a one-point uptick over his four previous performances combined.

he shoots the most. Sexton is a better scorer

There’s still plenty of room for improvement in George’s career, but he’s making his teammates’ lives easier and has helped balance the guard rotation, no small feat considering the early season struggles.

the fact that he was a scorer not a pure pg is the impressive part. Looks like he'll be one of the best playmakers in the league shortly

It was eerily reminiscent of the Jazz Game Six collapse against the Los Angeles Clippers when Rudy Gobert wouldn’t leave the paint to defend Terance Man in the corners leading to seven made threes, and a career-high 39 points.

you mean when he had two choices leave the paint and defend the 3 or let the Clippers have a lay up line at the rim because he had no help?

Xiao Yao You

11-12-2023, 08:37 AM

https://thejnotes.com/2023/11/11/the-next-8-games-are-going-to-be-crucial-for-the-utah-jazz/

Anything less than a 6-2 record during the next eight games should be seen as a disappointment. If the Jazz can finish this stretch of very winnable games at or around.500, then the season may not be as far out of reach yet as we had once feared.

You're dreaming! Have you been watching this team? :roll:

Xiao Yao You

11-12-2023, 08:42 AM

https://thejnotes.com/2023/11/11/gordon-hayward-utah-jazz-heading-reunion/

Rumors have Gordon Hayward on the trade block in Charlotte. Should the Utah Jazz explore bringing him back?

I think it would be hilarious especially if it was for fan favorite The Bum! :cheers:

The Jazz need to clear a logjam at the guard positions, which moving THT and Sexton would accomplish. This would open minutes for Keyonte George, Ochai Agbaji, Kris Dunn, and even Josh Christopher from the G-League alongside Clarkson for the time being. Hayward could also provide spot minutes at SG if needed.

The Bum is the one that needs to go with Simone and either Talen or Sexton or possibly Collins.

Xiao Yao You

11-12-2023, 06:16 PM

Stars got owned. Hendricks sat 2nd half. Not sure what happened. He looks like a high IQ guy. Had a great block. Sensabuagh wasn't very efficient and turned it over a lot but got a bunch of points, assists and boards. Christopher started at the 1. Another inefficient gunner it would appear. No Juzang. Guess he's with the Jazz?

Xiao Yao You

11-12-2023, 06:22 PM

Towns in attendance

Xiao Yao You

11-13-2023, 08:39 AM

https://www.slcdunk.com/research-statistics-analytics/2023/11/12/23958499/keyonte-george-nba-stats-first-two-starts-utah-jazz-chris-paul-tyrese-haliburton-lamelo-ball

Conley didn’t start until game 31, but in those first two starts, he averaged: 8.5 points, 6 assists, and 4 rebounds on 1.5 turnovers per game. He shot 43% from the field and 20% from three. Other starters were: Pao Gasol, Rudy Gay, Darko Milicic, and Mike Miller.

I remember him being considered a bit of a bust early on in his career before he really put it together

Just like Keyonte George, Deron Williams got the start on game 9 and it was a good one. Williams averaged 16.5 points, 3.5 assists, and 3.5 rebounds with 5 turnovers per game.

Didn't he get benched? Remember him playing behind McLeod and Palacio

This is an exciting one because you can see that Haliburton also avoided turning the ball over. There’s little doubt that George will start scoring more, but it’s neat to see he’s stacking up pretty well.

he's already looking like one of the best pure pgs like Haliburton which is the best part considering he was more of a gunner coming in

The assists to TO is impressive and he looks like he could be a plus defender eventually too. The scoring and shooting should come in time. Get rid of The Bum and either Sexton or Talen

Xiao Yao You

11-13-2023, 08:41 AM

https://thejnotes.com/2023/11/12/this-john-collins-highlight-shows-what-the-utah-jazz-can-really-be/

Especially if George continues to make huge passes like he’s been doing while avoiding turning over the ball. George tossing lobs to Collins and fellow forward Lauri Markkanen could be a big key weapon going forward, and one we hope to see a lot more of.

ultimately isn't going to work with Kessler

Xiao Yao You

11-13-2023, 08:47 AM

https://thejnotes.com/2023/11/12/3-young-players-getting-minutes-utah-jazz/

Collin Sexton is a better player than Jordan Clarkson. By all metrics, by all measurements, by everything you want to observe or read into, he’s better. He’s a more reliable scorer (.588 true shooting for Sexton, .489 true shooting for Clarkson), he’s a better defender (-4.1 DPBM for Sexton, -4.4 DBPM for Clarkson), and he turns the ball over far less (2.0 for Sexton to 3.7 for Clarkson).

tell me who isn't better than The Bum?

Yes, he’s Sexton’s bad on defense, but so is Clarkson. And Sexton is cheaper, more efficient, and can still grow as a player. We know what Clarkson is, he’s hit his peak and it makes no sense to play him over Sexton. Especially when they play similar styles

that's the biggest thing to me. Say what you will about Sexton or Talen or whoever they are young with upside. The Bum is over 30 and has always sucked

He’s also doing it without turning the ball over, posting just 1.7 turnovers per game. So while he’s struggling to score, he’s still able to pass the ball without turning it over, and right now that’s what the Jazz need more than anything; a stable ball handler who can engage with the offense.

he's not shooting a ton lot an old school pass first pg unlike The Bum who shoots a lot no matter what

Now that he’s seemingly in the starting lineup going forward this may not be a big issue. Now, Will Hardy has shown to be a bit unpredictable with his lineups and rotations, but it seems obvious Agbaji is the way to go. But we’ll have to wait and see.

Will he be starting once Kessler comes back? Probably not. He should certainly be playing and starting though

Xiao Yao You

11-13-2023, 08:51 AM

https://thejnotes.com/2023/11/12/what-is-the-utah-jazzs-most-pressing-issue-this-season/

Also, it should be noted that defense is a skill while turning over the ball is just poor play. One you can easily fix, the other you may need to get some help for. The Jazz may need to make some trades to seriously upgrade their defense. That may not be needed to just teach guys to not pass the ball to the wrong team.

Start Agbaji and Dunn and bring Collins off the bench once Kessler is back. Get rid of The Bum and either Seton or Talen. Hendricks will probably be in the rotation by the end of the year. Some actual wings instead of 7 footers masquerading as wings would be nice too!

Xiao Yao You

11-13-2023, 08:52 AM

https://thejnotes.com/2023/11/11/the-next-8-games-are-going-to-be-crucial-for-the-utah-jazz/

2-6 seems likely unless their is a coaching change

Xiao Yao You

11-14-2023, 09:09 AM

https://saltcityhoops.com/salt-city-seven-adjusting-sans-kessler-key-lineup-change-sunday-stuff-more/

John Collins. Collins has played a lot of center throughout his career, but the reality about him is that he’s probably best as a defensive 5 and an offensive 4. Now, he’s going to have to function more like a full-time center. Opponents shoot 62% at the rim with him defending, which is lower than league average but nowhere near Kessler’s domain. Though it’s worth mentioning they shot 10-of-20 against Collins in the two games without Kessler, so maybe he’s showing he can hold the fort for a minute. He has four blocks in Memphis.

backup center might have to be his role once Kessler is back if they can get him to accept it or he's going to have to be traded. Can't go back to 3 bigs starting at least until Hendricks is ready

The combined efficiency differential of all non-Kessler lineups so far this year is -0.7, which is actually quite a bit better than the team mark of -8.2. Interestingly, all of the positive sans-Kessler lineups (min. 10 possessions) involve Olynyk.

him and Collins have certainly been their best players outside Lauri. Not sure how him and Collins fit once Hendricks and Sensabaugh are in the mix

Jordan Clarkson. The geometry of the floor is going to look a little different now for Clarkson, and that could be a good thing as Clarkson looks to reignite the flame. He’s shooting a career-low 39% (.489 true shooting), and while a lot of that is due to a 3-point shooting slump, he’s also having one of his worst seasons ever at the rim and in floater range. Maybe having fewer bodies present as he carves and wiggles his way through the paint will give him a chance to fine tune things. Besides, if the Jazz spend more time playing literal five-out basketball, that’s going to increase the importance of guys who can break down a defender 1-on-1, and on this roster that primarily means Clarkson and his bench analog, Collin Sexton.

he's awful. Has to go!

The Jazz probably won’t be asking anything wildly different of Lauri Markkanen on offense, although on defense he might have to spend more time in front of larger bodies. Ochai Agbaji and Keyonte George will get more minutes given the wing reshuffle that resulted from Kessler’s absence, but their development checklists still likely look roughly the same as before.

Lauri needs to be at the 4 or 5 period! Agbaji should start probably at the 3 just because they don't have anyone else there right now. I'd probably start Dunn with George behind him but the kid is good!

Remember how big a deal we made last year of Markkanen’s ability to assault the rim while also pouring in 200+ threes? Turns out he’s having an even better year this year in both departments: his 75% percentage inside three feet and his 44.6% 3-point percentage are both career bests by a wide margin.

too bad he's standing around hoping The Bum will give up the ball

Xiao Yao You

11-14-2023, 09:22 AM

Stars with maybe the biggest blow out I've seen against the young Ignite at home.

Sensabaugh showing a lot but he's turning it over a lot. Only averaged 1 assist in college so being a playmaker is still new to him

Hendricks isn't as dynamicc of an offfensive player but seems more likely to be able to step in and play a role sooner with D and shooting. He's a high iq high energy guy

Potter is solid if he ever gets called upon by the Jazz. Not sure he has much of an NBA future though

Christopher was a lot better. He's athletic and I'd say still learning to be a 1? Too many turnovers but that's Hardy ball apparently!

Kinsey was impressive. Might be after Potter or Juzang's spot

Xiao Yao You

11-15-2023, 09:08 AM

Stars got blown out on the back to back. The rooks weren't too good on their first back to back understandably. Get the same team in a couple days

Xiao Yao You

11-15-2023, 09:12 AM

https://www.ksl.com/article/50789455/how-the-jazz-held-an-opponent-under-100-points-for-the-first-time-in-the-will-hardy-era

The Jazz started the season relying on a defense centered around Walker Kessler's ability to protect the rim; it didn't go great. Hardy saw plenty of times perimeter players would use Kessler as a crutch — a crutch that was limited with an injured elbow and poor timing.

sounds strangely familiar? Too bad Kessler can't guard in space

Xiao Yao You

11-15-2023, 09:17 AM

https://kslsports.com/507610/utah-jazz-beat-portland-trail-blazers-for-second-tournament-win/

George is now shooting 26 percent from three over his last five games, not an unplayable number, but far below standard for a starting NBA point guard.

if he was shooting as much as The Bum it would be a problem but he's not. He's running the offense and getting it to others for good looks

Xiao Yao You

11-15-2023, 09:22 AM

https://www.deseret.com/2023/11/14/23959313/jordan-clarkson-is-on-a-hot-streak-and-keyonte-george-is-part-of-the-reason-why

Something else that has been working for Clarkson is the point guard. As you read above, George is already thinking about where and when to get Clarkson the ball and to show patience because he knows that Clarkson is smart.

Smart is not a word I'd use

Xiao Yao You

11-15-2023, 09:24 AM

https://www.slcdunk.com/2023/11/14/23961787/utah-jazz-portland-trail-blazers-recap-utah-in-season-tournament-win-keyonte-george-final-score

Finally, it’ll be interesting to see how things go with Walker Kessler back. What will the lineup changes be? What will he look like with Keyonte George on the floor? Seeing how Keyonte George has helped things, it’s safe to assume it will go well. The question will be who leaves the starting lineup? Likely it will be Ochai Agbaji. But Agbaji is also taking things to another level since joining the starting lineup and his athleticism, shooting, and defense is showing up more and more. It’ll be a shame if he’s not getting more minutes in the future because he helps this Jazz team in a lot of ways that don’t always show up on a stat sheet.

should be Collins and The Bum but considering who it the coach you are probably right. Agbaji should be playing. No one else on the team gives you what he does

Xiao Yao You

11-15-2023, 09:26 AM

https://sircharlesincharge.com/2023/11/14/nba-trade-rumors-struggling-difference-maker-fresh-start/4/

hardly say he's struggled. A big reason for the latest win

Xiao Yao You

11-16-2023, 08:01 AM

https://www.deseret.com/2023/11/15/23959425/utah-jazz-aim-to-keep-it-simple-when-it-comes-turnovers-will-hardy

“I don’t doubt the intent of anybody on our team,” Jazz coach Will Hardy said. “I don’t think we have a selfish player on the roster. I don’t think that there are people that are trying to do it by themselves in a bad way. So, I always just think of it as like, it is my responsibility to maintain a level head and continue to teach the best I can.”

obviously you think that by the amount of minutes you play The Bum :cry:

Xiao Yao You

11-17-2023, 07:37 AM

https://kslsports.com/507657/jazz-notes-grades-where-does-utah-fall-in-western-conference-nba/

If the Jazz can creep towards .500, they will put their name in the hat for the postseason and continue to rise up the power rankings.

let's see what the coach does once Kessler is back. Collins has to go to the bench as good as he's been. He or Olynyk will have to go as good as both have been if not both with Hendricks and Sensabaugh coming. Need actually wings other than Agbaji. Sensabaugh might fill that role eventually? Ideally The Bum would go somewhere else but won't unless Ainge really isn't losing it completely

Xiao Yao You

11-17-2023, 07:43 AM

https://www.deseret.com/2023/11/16/23959431/simone-fontecchio-new-confidence-utah-jazz

Additionally, Fontecchio meets a positional need for the Jazz. The team is not exactly balanced when it comes to larger wing players, and in the first few games of the season, Fontecchio wasn’t getting a lot of playing time because of the experimentation happening with the large number of guards on the roster.

Their larger wings are bigs in today's game including Simone. He won't be on the team past this year. Probably not in the league

Xiao Yao You

11-17-2023, 07:49 AM

https://saltcityhoops.com/what-to-expect-from-a-rookie-starter-at-point-guard/

There have been other positive side effects as well. Maybe the biggest beneficiary being Clarkson, who has been able to transition back into more of his score-first mode. Clarkson seemed to be in a funk to start this season, but with George taking on the responsibility of running the offense, Clarkson has jumped up to averaging 29.7 points and has still managed to chip in four assists per game. Three games, but encouraging to see nonetheless, because the Jazz need his offense to pair with Markkanen’s.

they need someone to get Lauri the ball. They have other guys that can score while Lauri doesn't stand around watching 1 guy

Xiao Yao You

11-17-2023, 07:52 AM

https://www.slcdunk.com/2023/11/16/23964711/latest-utah-jazz-news-lowe-post-and-ringers-top-10-keyonte-george-lauri-markkanen-rookie-rankings

Utah is a team in talent acquisition mode. If you imagine its roster as a crate of vinyl, you might thumb through it and think, “I kinda like that. … That’s fun. … Oooh, that’s pretty good, actually.” It’s a workable group of ideas that could still use some mixing and matching to make it flow seamlessly. If Keyonte can build upon some very impressive displays of live-dribble passing reads and great touch, he could become a player to build around rather than another fun project.

He obviously has joined Lauri as a building block. I'd think Kessler and Agbaji are too but Hardy seems to prefer The Bum and others to them.

Xiao Yao You

11-17-2023, 07:55 AM

https://thejnotes.com/2023/11/16/one-way-or-another-jordan-clarkson-is-the-key-to-the-zach-lavine-situation/

Don't want Lavine or The Bum

Xiao Yao You

11-17-2023, 07:57 AM

https://thejnotes.com/2023/11/16/kevin-durant-and-two-more-phoenix-suns-that-the-utah-jazz-have-to-keep-an-eye-on/

believe Beal is out. Unfortunately The Bum is not

Xiao Yao You

11-17-2023, 08:01 AM

https://thejnotes.com/2023/11/16/top-3-landing-spots-guard-jordan-clarkson-february-8th-trade-deadline/

While Clarkson may not be the most marquee guy on the market, he will still be valuable to front offices in all different stages of building their teams should he be made available. Danny Ainge has proven time and time again that he knows what his guys are worth and he will squeeze everything he can out of other General Managers around the league.

not sure he'd still be on the Jazz if he was that sought after

Coach Gregg Popovich has shown in the past how much he likes having a flamethrower coming off the bench and that is exactly how Clarkson has been utilized throughout his career on every team he has been a part of.

he's exactly the opposite of what Pop likes

Jazz Receive: Marcus Morris Sr, Robert Covington, 1st Rd Draft Pick (PHI), 1st Rd Draft Swap (LAC)

76ers Receive: Jordan Clarkson, Simone Fontecchio

this one looks the best

Xiao Yao You

11-17-2023, 08:03 AM

https://thejnotes.com/2023/11/16/utah-jazz-guard-jordan-clarkson-is-off-to-a-great-3-game-stretch-but-is-it-for-real/

And a lot of that revolves around Clarkson not just struggling, but taking a bulk of the shots that the Jazz take in a given game. Considering that Lauri Markkanen is widely seen as the face of the team, his desire to take more shots than the man dubbed the Finnisher is irritating a lot of people. Especially since he’s shooting about 30% from the floor for the bulk of the season.

you and I seem to be the only ones that don't love him! :facepalm

But his shots are falling finally. Is this a sign that Clarkson is back? Maybe. But maybe not. The three teams that Clarkson has cooked were the Indiana Pacers, Memphis Grizzlies, and the Portland Trail Blazers.

back from what? We've seen him have good games before. Mostly he's always sucked though and he will again

Xiao Yao You

11-17-2023, 08:08 AM

Christopher with a monster game last night. Still young

Potter and Juzang also good

Devoe has looked good the past 3 games as well. Might be someone to watch

Xiao Yao You

11-17-2023, 10:43 PM

https://saltcityhoops.com/likes-and-dislikes-the-good-and-bad-from-a-4-7-jazz-start/

dislikes : The Bum and Hardy

Xiao Yao You

11-17-2023, 10:44 PM

https://thejnotes.com/2023/11/17/walker-kessler-will-make-talen-horton-tucker-the-odd-man-out-for-the-utah-jazz/

Should be The Bum

Xiao Yao You

11-17-2023, 10:44 PM

https://thejnotes.com/2023/11/17/simone-fontecchio-should-keep-getting-reps-for-the-utah-jazz/

not if they are healthy

Xiao Yao You

11-17-2023, 10:45 PM

https://thejnotes.com/2023/11/17/there-is-a-push-to-keep-keyonte-george-in-the-utah-jazzs-starting-lineup/

I'd be surprised if he's benched. Dunn should start but won't

Xiao Yao You

11-17-2023, 10:46 PM

https://thejnotes.com/2023/11/17/not-everyone-is-on-board-with-zach-lavine-coming-to-the-utah-jazz/

why would anybody be on board other than the Bulls?

Xiao Yao You

11-18-2023, 09:34 AM

https://www.deseret.com/2023/11/18/23959437/the-jazz-lost-but-it-doesnt-matter-because-keyonte-george-is-so-good

The Jazz lost, but it doesn’t matter, because Keyonte George is so good

:facepalm

I could very easily parse the mistakes the Jazz made (though there weren’t very many in the 131-128 game) and analyze the little things.

yeah what could be wrong when you give up 130 points! :roll:

The Jazz were seriously considering and in conversations about Jrue Holiday before the season started, and honestly, it’s a good thing that those negotiations came to an end because I don’t think George would have gotten the playing time he’s being afforded right now and I really don’t think he’d be starting.

learning from one of the best isn't a bad thing

I just think that we should really appreciate what we’re seeing because this is the future for the Utah Jazz. George is going to be a huge piece of what this team builds. He is officially one of the building blocks, and it took just four NBA starts for me to say that.

been pretty obvious since summer league

Xiao Yao You

11-19-2023, 07:27 AM

https://thejnotes.com/2023/11/18/unpacking-john-collins-role-impact-utah-jazz-rebuild/

I'd say if Hardy has a clue which I don't think he does Collins has to go to the bench once Kessler comes back. Than you have 2 of your top 3 players with him and Olynyk on the bench. At least one of them probably has to go and eventually both with Hendricks and Sensabaugh in the wings not to mention Agbaji who should be at the 2 but again Hardy and his Bum. Collins has had a resurgence as was hoped and him and Olynyk should both be very tradable

Xiao Yao You

11-19-2023, 07:29 AM

https://thejnotes.com/2023/11/18/if-history-is-any-indication-jordan-clarkson-cant-keep-this-pace-up-for-the-utah-jazz/

nice to know at least one other person gets it :cheers:

Xiao Yao You

11-19-2023, 07:30 AM

https://thejnotes.com/2023/11/18/stopping-elite-scorers-issue-utah-jazz/

too bad that Gobert guy sucked so bad that you had to trade him. Who has the best D in the league?

Xiao Yao You

11-21-2023, 09:02 AM

https://saltcityhoops.com/salt-city-seven-the-big-impending-choice-hardy-sees-progress-more/

The continued growth of Keyonte George and the encouraging news about Walker Kessler (https://x.com/esotericwalden/status/1726671264595812623?s=20) mean the Jazz could be days away from having a difficult decision to make.

they suck! How difficult can it be? Obviously Collins has to be benched even though along with Olynyk they are your 2nd and 3rd best players this year. The Bum should be gone. I'd definitely bring him off the bench and keep Agbaji in but we know that won't happen. Keep starting George or start Dunn which also won't happen. No other options there

One option: break up the bigs. The Kessler-Markkanen-Collins trio has a -20.9 net rating in 211 possessions so far this season, which Will Hardy and his staff could take as an early sign that the combination doesn’t work. On the other hand, though: 174 of those 211 possessions came alongside THT. It’s entirely possible that the configuration could work with a complement of guards that doesn’t further complicate the spacing. (The collective maligning of THT has gone a bit overboard, but it is true that opponents are not that concerned about him off ball, even thought he’s currently shooting a higher percentage than Clarkson, George and Collin Sexton.)

again for those that have somehow missed it, The Bum sucks!

Agbaji feels too important defensively, as he has routinely been assigned opposing teams’ best wing or guard. Clarkson feels too important offensively, as essentially the only Jazzman who can consistently manufacture his own shot. It sure as heck won’t be the team’s lone All-Star, and we’ve already covered the reasons they likely won’t ask George to keep his warm-ups on longer.

Hardy certainly doesn't think as highly of Agbaji as the rest of us. Loves The Bum more than anyone obviously though. Hardy should be the first one to go!

(It’s also worth reminding ourselves that lineup data has very little predictive value in general at this point in the season. It’s still interesting and descriptive, but new sample can make stats swing wildly back and forth at this point. Want proof? The best high-minute lineup in Sunday’s thriller against Phoenix was Markkanen with the four primary reserves at +8.9 — the same group that was -6.7 against the same opponent two nights earlier. Be patient with all stats at this point in the season, but especially lineup data.)

How about just eye test and common sense? The Bum sucks period! No upside either. Can't imagine the 3 bigs are going to work no matter the sample size. Has never made sense. They sucked defensively last year with 3 and Collins isn't McDaniels and Kessler isn't Gobert. It's 2022 not 1990

There’s no easy answer here. But there does have to be an answer, and we’ll know it soon.

there is but again it will take a different coach and some roster changes to fix their mess

One of the worries about Markkanen’s trajectory is that he’d take an efficiency hit playing without a Mike Conley-level table setter. So far, that hasn’t happened. His true shooting is .633, the second best season of his career and mere tenths of a percentage point off of last season. In particular, he seems emboldened (or perhaps encouraged from the sidelines) about shooting early in the shot clock, and when he does, watch out: he’s currently shooting 52% from deep when he fires in the first nine seconds of the shot clock.

the rest of the roster and coach miss Conley. Obviously the big difference between last year and this one

Suns superstar Devin Booker shot just 1-for-9 from the field (0-for-3 from three) while guarded by Agbaji in this weekend’s two games. For that matter, even the red hot Kevin Durant managed just 6-for-13 against Agbaji’s defense. He also turned the ball over three times with Agbaji as his primary defender, but did bait the Jazz guard into a 3-shot foul. In all, that’s 17 points on 17 used possessions. Agbaji is becoming Utah’s defensive Swiss Army knife.

and Hardy still hasn't figured it out. One of their best athletes if not the best and one of their better shooters and one of their young guys that should be part of their future core but who cares you've got the brick master instead!

Xiao Yao You

11-21-2023, 09:05 AM

https://thejnotes.com/2023/11/20/the-utah-jazz-need-a-better-number-two-option-than-jordan-clarkson/

Sexton, Collins and Talen all better

Xiao Yao You

11-21-2023, 09:07 AM

https://thejnotes.com/2023/11/20/utah-jazz-get-robbed-officials-loss-phoenix-suns/

Talen Horton Tucker had his best game of the year, with 25 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 steals, and 50% shooting in 29 minutes. Strangely, he did not play in either overtime period.

strange? You foget who the coach was? Thurl and what's her name were praising Hardy all nite for extending Talen's minutes but didn't mention that Hardy went with his favorite player at the end. Would have never went to ot. Fix it Danny!

Xiao Yao You

11-21-2023, 09:09 AM

https://thejnotes.com/2023/11/20/despite-back-to-back-losses-we-know-the-utah-jazz-can-hold-their-own-finally/

The Jazz still need to get some help from the front office to right the ship, as guys like Jordan Clarkson and Horton-Tucker are still holding the team back, and the Jazz need to get Walker Kessler back from injury so that he can help fortify a pretty poor defense.

I can see Talen having a role. He's young with upside. The Bum sucks and has no upside. Not the same sorry my man!

Xiao Yao You

11-21-2023, 09:10 AM

https://sircharlesincharge.com/2023/11/20/nba-thankful-underrated-player/15/

You’d have to think that at some point soon, the Jazz is going to be able to cash in Clarkson as an asset in the trade market. He’s a professional scorer that a contender could probably use heading into the final stretch of the season. The question is, when will that come and what will be the final return for him?

been thinking it for years but it's looking more and more like he will retire here with Hardy :cry:

Xiao Yao You

11-22-2023, 12:53 PM

Looks like their big 4 played pretty well in the loss. Sensabaugh at the 2 with Juzang back still putting up big numbers. Langford big off the bench too. Christophe with 11 assists but 5 TO

Xiao Yao You

11-22-2023, 10:29 PM

Andy Larsen: Will Hardy: “The only 2 things that I care about are: play hard & pass. We’re at a point now where if you’re not willing to do both of those things, you cannot play for the Utah Jazz. We have had pockets where that’s been our identity, & we’ve had pockets where we have wavered.”
– via Twitter andyblarsen

I liked the team last year because they played hard and unselfish except for you're favorite player. When he's not playing for the Jazz I might believe you :facepalm

Xiao Yao You

11-23-2023, 09:54 AM

https://www.ksl.com/article/50798279/jazz-coach-hints-lineup-changes-could-be-coming-after-ugly-loss-to-portland

It gave Utah more size, Olynyk's a better stylistic fit next to Lauri Markkanen, and it freed up some minutes for Omer Yurtseven, who was coming off an 18-point performance the night before.

more size doesn't help them defensively unless its on the wing and Agbaji is really the only one they got there until Sensabaugh and maybe Hendricks are ready. Already looked like Collins would have to move to the bench with Olynyk with Kessler returning. Danny fix this! Hardy is out of his league

That was one of many hints from Hardy Wednesday that rotation changes could be coming for the Jazz. Before the game, he said things had reached a point that if players aren't willing to both pass and play hard, they won't be playing for the Jazz.

the problem is some people like The Bum can't pass even if you force him to

That was one of many hints from Hardy Wednesday that rotation changes could be coming for the Jazz. Before the game, he said things had reached a point that if players aren't willing to both pass and play hard, they won't be playing for the Jazz.

Dunn played good and he does play hard and unselfish but of course Hardy went away from him again. Until he does something about their biggest problem The Bum it's all just a bunch of hot air

Hardy said the team has moments of stubbornness — evidenced by aimless drives from guards (Jordan Clarkson had seven turnovers Wednesday, Talen Horton-Tucker had three and Collin Sexton had two) and too much shot-hunting — that can be maddening.

that's The Bum's game. You've tried to change him and what he needs to do doesn't come natural to him and he's not going to be able to change at his age. The other two are at least young with upside

There aren't obvious fixes, either. After a marvelous preseason, Dunn has struggled to start the year, and Hardy is reluctant to give Keyonte George more minutes as he adjusts to an NBA workload.

There are obvious fixes. Dunn has hardly played enough to say he's struggled. Played their best ball in pre-season when he was in. He defends and he can run the offense. He should be starting or backing up Keyonte period.

"It's going to continue to bite us if we don't correct those things, and we don't show a willingness to just take the simple plays that are right in front of us," Hardy said. "I do think our team is capable of playing good basketball. I think that we've seen that throughout the early part of the year, even in a couple of games that we didn't end up winning."

I do to but not as long as you think The Bum is their best player when he's actually one of the worst I've seen in almost 45 years of watching

Xiao Yao You

11-23-2023, 09:59 AM

https://www.deseret.com/2023/11/22/23970849/jazz-105-blazers-121-inside-the-numbers

Worst of the worst: Jordan Clarkson, while efficient in his shooting, was the worst offender when it came to turnovers, committing seven of the Jazz’s 24 miscues.

and the media outside one guy and the broadcasters talk him up like he is the second coming. It's sickening! Just an awful excuse for a ball player

Xiao Yao You

11-24-2023, 11:01 AM

https://thejnotes.com/posts/taylor-hendricks-is-having-a-very-ho-hum-outing-with-the-utah-jazz-s-g-league-squad-01hfwgwcw2cs

The highly touted, uber-athletic forward is struggling to find his way with the Utah Jazz G-League affiliate, the Utah Stars. Hendricks has not been an impactful player for the squad, averaging just 13.8 points, 4.6 rebounds, 1.2 assists (but 2.0 blocks), all in just 26.4 minutes per game.

watch the games. He looks fine and a lot better than Agbaji did last year. I'd guess he'll be in the rotation by trade deadline

And if that wasn't bad enough, he's doing it all on subpar shooting splits. Hendricks, so far for the G-League club, his shooting splits are just .418/.357/.778. He's got a great three-point shot for a man in his posititon, that's not untrue, but he's struggling to make your more standard two-pointer. And as he's a lob threat with supposedly great skills to score inside, that's concerning.

just turned 20 I think. I'm not concerned at all. Sounds smart and looks it on the floor as well. I was concerned about Agbaji last year after 4 years of college and he's turned out fine

He's also turning the ball over a lot for a non-ball-handler, putting it on the floor more than twice a game.

one of their key players. Once he's on the Jazz he'll be more of a role player at least initially

Xiao Yao You

11-24-2023, 11:05 AM

https://thejnotes.com/posts/brice-sensabaugh-s-time-in-the-g-league-should-merit-minutes-for-the-utah-jazz-01hfwwwvrqch

Brice Sensabaugh's time in the G-League should merit minutes for the Utah Jazz

despite stats I'd say Hendricks will help them before Sensabaugh. He can play a role sooner. They'll probably both be playing after the trade deadline

And then there was Sensabaugh, a guy who just was there at times (https://thejnotes.com/posts/null). No one had any high hopes for him, and most thought he may be part of a trade package to land a major name. He didn't make the rotation for the Jazz and only saw a handful of minutes early in the season during garbage time.

they should have. Sounds like he was considered a lottery talent too. His injury had him fall. Best scorer and shooter of the bunch and now showing playmaking as well

Yes, its against G-League competition but that's one heck of a stat line. In fact, it's so dang impressive, that it's fair to say that Sensabaugh, and not George, should be getting the shot to start for the Jazz. The Jazz need good scoring, from guys who aren't wildly inconsistent. Not only has his shot been consistent since arriving with the Stars, but Sensabaugh has been a very helpful defender.

what do you think George would be doing against Gleaguers? :roll:

At this rate, Sensabaugh's going to need to be called up soon to play for the big league squad.

who's sitting? Until Ainge clears some guys off the roster he will be with the Stars

Xiao Yao You

11-24-2023, 11:08 AM

https://thejnotes.com/posts/talen-horton-tucker-and-jordan-clarkson-should-be-traded-sooner-rather-than-later-01hfwfghg9ga

The Bum yes. Talen or Sexton if not both yes. Olynyk or Collins if not both yes.Talen is young. Not ready to throw him under the bus. Kessler/Lauri/Agbaji/George/Hendricks/Sensabaugh are the guys you should be looking at as the core. Obviously the coach doesn't feel that way though. Ainge has to fix it

Xiao Yao You

11-25-2023, 09:43 AM

https://www.deseret.com/2023/11/24/23971465/utah-jazz-defense-losing-streak

The Jazz held a long practice on Friday, focusing mostly on their defensive issues.

starts with the coaching. Trying to play 3 bigs. Starting a 6th man and a rookie. Crashing the offensive glass instead of getting back in transition D. Refusing to play your best defender...

Xiao Yao You

11-25-2023, 09:47 AM

https://www.slcdunk.com/2023/11/24/23974423/whats-next-for-theutah-jazz-losses-jordan-clarkson-collin-sexton-talen-horton-tucker-keyonte-george

Just like a broken record for the 2023-24 Utah Jazz team, the lack of playmaking was their biggest plague once again. The assist numbers of the squad won’t indicate that because they rank eight (26.9) among the league in this category. George has shown enough flashes to be bullish in his table-setting, but the concern is which player can replicate or show some semblance of it in the Jazz roster?

Dunn. Also your best defender

Zooming into the guards of the Jazz second unit, we can say that both Talen Horton-Tucker and Collin Sexton are not primary ball handlers in nature. Unfortunately, the current team construction has forced head coach Will Hardy to give them playmaking reps, which has been messy overall. To see them have a hard time against the 19th rated defense should lower your confidence even more.

He's not forced. George and Dunn

What hurts more in these instances is that they are live ball turnovers, which enables the opposition to run while the defense isn’t set properly. Assess how easy the Blazers capitalized on a Jordan Clarkson mishandle. I’ll leave it to your subjective mind.

Typical play by the Hardy's favorite player

Another challenge for the Jazz this season has been defending in the half court. They really don’t have the luxury of having good point of attack (POA) defenders, which is compounded with the absence of Walker Kessler at the paint.

Dunn

Xiao Yao You

11-25-2023, 09:55 AM

https://thejnotes.com/posts/it-s-a-a-bit-late-for-will-hardy-to-threaten-big-changes-to-the-utah-jazz-01hg1fgqbmp3

Will Hardy recently made comments to the media (https://www.si.com/nba/jazz/news/will-hardy-jazz-comments-warning)that seem to indicate that some major changes were coming to the Utah Jazz? The Jazz is 4-11 and one of if not the worst teams in the league right now. The team is plagued by selfish play, incompatible defensive components, and a head coach who doesn't seem to have any urgency to make changes to the team.

The roster is a mess and the coach is in over his head

The Jazz are a team that is constantly searching for an identity, one that may be better served by not having Jordan Clarkson as their number two player. The shooting guard has done that and only that throughout the season, putting up some of the worst shooting performances of his career while trying to be the team's running buddy next to Lauri Markkanen.

The fact that everyone thinks The Bum doesn't suck is beyond me

Yet, his inconsistent shot and nonexistent defense are killing the team's chances of winning each and every night. His poor play on both ends of the court is really only overshadowed by his chronic turnover problem. Anyone with two eyes would've sat him down weeks into the season after a handful of games. After all, we know Clarkson can be a big factor off the bench as a sixth man, but for some reason, Hardy keeps feeling the need to force him as a starter and let him shoot at will (https://thejnotes.com/2023/11/06/the-utah-jazz-need-to-consider-making-moves-now-to-capitalize-on-lauri-markkanen/).

years not weeks

This has shown many fans that Hardy isn't' willing to make the big calls when it comes to bettering the team, but who knows, maybe this is on Danny Ainge. The right call was to sit guys like Clarkson on the bench weeks ago, and send Talen Horton-Tucker to the end of the bench where he couldn't cause any more damage.

The front office certainly deserves blame for hiring the coach, trading for Collins(who is one of their best players but 3 bigs wasn't the answer to a team that sucked on D) and giving an extension to The Bum

Xiao Yao You

11-25-2023, 09:58 AM

https://thejnotes.com/posts/will-hardy-alludes-to-members-of-the-utah-jazz-not-caring-about-the-game-01hg1fngeqp4

Clearly the Jazz has players who don't. Guys like Jordan Clarkson, Talen Horton-Tucker, and even Collin Sexton all come to mind as guys who don't seem to care. While Sexton has shown to be a dynamic scorer, he doesn't pass but he's highly efficient shooting the ball. But he also doesn't play defense.

Sexton plays hard and like Talen is young with upside. The love of The Bum I will never understand

Then you have Clarkson and Horton-Tucker, who even at their best version of themselves, don't play defense and aren't that consistent while scoring. Then you throw into the fact that both men can have five to seven turnovers a game on a whim, and it makes you wonder what it is they're doing, because playing good basketball isn't it.

Talen's defensive potential is one of the things they like about him and he's shown some improvement there I'd say

We've seen John Collins absolutely struggle to play consistent good defense, in fact he's one of the worst rated defenders on the team, right alongside Sexton, Clarkson and Keyonte George. The team has too many players who care too much about their stast and not enough on plaing team basketball on either side of the court.

playing 3 bigs, A Bum and a rookie. What did you think would happen?

Xiao Yao You

11-26-2023, 05:34 PM

The Utah Jazz have been hoping that they could find a way to get a win that would feel good. Outshooting the other team is great and it’s a way to get the job done, but to win on the defensive end inspires a different level of confidence. “This is for sure the first game this year that we’ve won because of our defense,” Jazz head coach Will Hardy said after the Jazz’s 105-100 win over the New Orleans Pelicans on Saturday night. (https://www.deseret.com/2023/11/26/23971140/utah-jazz-defense-finally-shows-up-to-play) “Our defense kept us in the game and allowed us to kind of hang around. I thought too that every player that took the court tonight really, really competed on that end of the floor.”

– via Sarah Todd @ deseret.com (https://www.deseret.com/2023/11/26/23971140/utah-jazz-defense-finally-shows-up-to-play)

and ball movement. What changed? :facepalm

Xiao Yao You

11-26-2023, 09:36 PM

Ryan Miller: Jordan Clarkson and Lauri Markkanen are both questionable for tomorrow (https://*********.com/social/).
– via Twitter millerjryan (https://twitter.com/millerjryan)

Xiao Yao You

11-26-2023, 10:14 PM

Good game for Potter. Hendricks and Sensabaugh struggled. Christopher out

Xiao Yao You

11-27-2023, 07:07 AM

https://thejnotes.com/posts/kris-dunn-and-not-keyonte-george-should-be-starting-going-forward-fo-01hg6gjwjbv1

Kris Dunn, and not Keyonte George, should be starting going forward fo

I agree and if playing unselfish and hard is what Hardy really wants he would have been all along but we know Dunn will be back at the end of the bench once The Bum is back. He didn't even play that much last game and him and Yurtseven were their best players. He's probably their best defender by far and one of the best in the league and he can run the offense and George could learn behind him until he's ready

The Jazz are not a team that can afford to sit their best defensive players, even if it means that a rookie sits, and if the team is deadset on playing Jordan Clarkson as a starter, then the Jazz have to sit George for Dunn. Dunn is better right now in every aspet, and George has shown to be a poor shot selector and just as wild passing the ball as Clarkson is.

he's taken care of the ball pretty well. He's not a Bum. The Bum will of course still play as he's obviously Hardy's favorite player. Hopefully Ainge fixes this shit sooner than later

Xiao Yao You

11-28-2023, 07:07 AM

https://www.deseret.com/2023/11/27/23976264/utah-jazz-new-orleans-pelicans-inside-the-numbers

Best of the best: Jordan Clarkson had ten assists and just one turnover on a night when the Pelicans were really denying some of the Jazz’s normal playmakers.

no mention of his godawful gunning though as usual :facepalm

Xiao Yao You

11-28-2023, 04:11 PM

Not Sensabaugh's best outing. A lot of TO's again. Hendricks got a double double with some steals and blocks but didn't shoot well. Potter and Juzand were pretty good but like the Jazz lots of TO's. Devoe continues to be someone to keep an eye on

Xiao Yao You

11-29-2023, 06:06 PM

Eric Walden: Kris Dunn is OUT tonight (along with Lauri Markkanen), while Jordan Clarkson and Kelly Olynyk are QUESTIONABLE. (https://*********.com/social/) pic.twitter.com/43cF0d8ZVA
– via Twitter tribjazz (https://twitter.com/tribjazz)

Xiao Yao You

11-29-2023, 06:17 PM

Talen Horton-Tucker ($11.02 million) and Kelly Olynyk ($12.2 million) have expiring contracts and are potential trade candidates, (https://*********.com/lists/top-nba-trade-candidates-for-the-2023-24-season/) rival executives who spoke with ********* said. Collin Sexton’s salary would make him a trade candidate for matching potential contracts.

– via Michael Scotto @ ********* (https://*********.com/lists/top-nba-trade-candidates-for-the-2023-24-season/)

get rid of The Bum

Xiao Yao You

11-29-2023, 06:31 PM

https://thejnotes.com/posts/what-should-the-utah-jazz-s-lineup-and-rotation-look-like-when-lauri-markkanen-returns-from-injury-01hgbvjt7hde

Well, the starting five should likely be Keyonte George, Collin Sexton, Simone Fontecchio, Lauri Markkanen, and Walker Kessler in the starting lineup. George can playmake, and Sexton is a reliable shooter. Fontecchio brings improved size on the perimeter to help with the defense, while Markkanen is the star of the team and becomes the rightful number-one option. Kessler should also go back to controlling both ends of the court from the paint.

Dunn/Sexton/Agbaji/Lauri/Kessler

The sixth man should be Jordan Clarkson, as you can limit his shot attempts and maximize his streaky shooting in the process. Then you have John Collins, whose offense has been awful and needs to be protected, and Kris Dunn who can help balance the defensive issues off the bench. Lastly, you have Kelly Olynyk, and depending on the issues with George and Clarkson, Ochai Agbaji is the 10th man if needed. Olynyk can facilitate the offense and play solid defense.

George/Talen/Olynyk/Collins

need more wings. Trade Bum and probably others with Hendricks and Sensabaugh coming

Xiao Yao You

11-29-2023, 08:56 PM

https://thejnotes.com/posts/john-collins-may-not-be-the-guy-the-utah-jazz-need-01hg6gn271kb

he's been their 2nd or 3rd best player. Problem is too many bigs. Him or Olynyk if not both will have to go

Xiao Yao You

11-30-2023, 04:05 AM

Sensabaugh shot horribly. Big game for Hendricks. Christopher back. Potter with Jazz

Xiao Yao You

12-01-2023, 10:15 AM

https://thejnotes.com/posts/sitting-jordan-clarkson-won-t-help-his-trade-value-but-it-ll-help-the-utah-jazz-win-games-01hgh2tv2jfb

Sitting Jordan Clarkson won't help his trade value but it'll help the Utah Jazz win games

Playing him and him sucking can't help his trade value either. Hard for me to believe anyone can see any value in the guy at all

Xiao Yao You

12-02-2023, 07:40 PM

https://thejnotes.com/posts/the-utah-jazz-should-just-tank-if-they-re-going-to-keep-starting-keyonte-george-01hgkh85hycz

they are tanking. George certainly isn't their biggest issue

Xiao Yao You

12-03-2023, 09:58 PM

“I mean, that’s pretty much what I do — I’m a defensive player, so I’m trying to affect the game in any way I can,” said the soft-spoken Hendricks. His teammates, meanwhile, were a little more vociferous about his defensive proclivities. “Defensively, I think he’s going to be a monster,” said fellow rookie Keyonte George. “Help side, on-ball — he’s coming in to himself as a player. I texted him the other day and just told him to be ready. (https://www.sltrib.com/sports/jazz/2023/12/03/utah-jazz-rookie-taylor-hendricks/) I’ve been seeing what he’s been doing with the Stars; I think that that could come into play with us — being that guy that comes in, go guard the best player, frustrate him, help-side go block the shot.”

– via Salt Lake Tribune (https://www.sltrib.com/sports/jazz/2023/12/03/utah-jazz-rookie-taylor-hendricks/)

if the coach would play him, Dunn and Agbaji they'd probably be at least decent defensively but he won't

Xiao Yao You

12-05-2023, 04:18 PM

https://thejnotes.com/posts/2-things-the-utah-jazz-are-doing-well-and-2-things-they-are-not-doing-well-01hgv5dfjqma

Two big culprits are the often discussed Talen Horton-Tucker and Jordan Clarkson, who are 9th and 12th on the team in true shooting percentages. Despite this lack of effeciency, Clarkson is 2nd and Horton-Tucker is 6th in shots attempted for the Jazz. It really doesn't take a rocket sciencetist to see who's holding back the team.

coach Hardy and the front office. Talen is young with upside anyway. The Bum there is absolutely no excuse for

Xiao Yao You

12-05-2023, 04:19 PM

https://thejnotes.com/posts/rudy-gobert-is-still-looking-every-bit-as-good-as-he-did-when-he-was-with-the-utah-jazz-01hgh2s5fpfw

different timeline than their young guys so enough picks and Danny would move him for sure

Xiao Yao You

12-06-2023, 05:36 PM

https://saltcityhoops.com/where-do-the-7-13-jazz-go-from-here/

Ochai Agbaji is the other second year player who needs to bring more to the table. In roughly the same amount of minutes per game compared to his rookie season, his scoring has gone down from 7.9 to 5.7. The Jazz don’t need Ochai to be a high volume shooter and scorer, but they do need him to be more of a consistent threat. He has been fantastic on the defensive side of the ball and is doing a good job of taking on the challenge of defending the top offensive wings on the opposing team each night, but on 5.7 points and 4.8 shot attempts per game isn’t going to cut it.

need a new coach with a clue. He's really the only wing player on the team and needs to play big minutes

The final step for the Jazz to get more competitive would likely be at least one roster move to bolster their guardline. I am a Jordan Clarkson truther so I am not going to go there, but they could package either Talen Horton-Tucker or Collin Sexton, paired with one of their many future draft picks to see if they can bring in a more solid and consistent presence in the backcourt, ideally a shooter. THT may be the more appealing option to other teams due to his age and expiring contract.

you're an idiot. Anyone that can watch this team and think The Bum isn't their biggest problem is clueless

Doing this option is pretty easy. The Jazz are already loaded with some really intriguing young assets, and you could give them ample opportunity to prove what they have to offer to the franchise going forward. If the Jazz were to try and trade some of their veteran talent to contending teams, they could increase draft capital or bring in additional young talent. Kelly Olynyk, THT, Sexton, and as much as it pains me to say, Jordan Clarkson, are all players that would have value in the marketplace. It would definitely decrease their chance of winning, but that would free up playing time for George, Agbaji, Sensabaugh, Hendricks, and Kessler.

that's where you need to be looking. Get what you can out of the others

Xiao Yao You

12-06-2023, 05:45 PM

https://saltcityhoops.com/sc7-working-dev-minutes/

What’s working? Extending possessions. The Jazz score 26.6 points per every 100 of their own reboundable misses. That’s second in the league, and it’s the only thing saving their halfcourt offense, which is otherwise kind of a wreck. They are third worst in the league at scoring in halfcourt.

from playing big and pounding the glass which hurts them everywhere else

What’s not working? Guard shooting. The four main ball handlers — Jordan Clarkson, Keyonte George, Collin Sexton and Talen Horton-Tucker — are all shooting below 34% from three this season. Together, they are converting a combined 31.7% from outside, and that probably won’t cut it if the Jazz are aiming to be semi-competitive over the next 61%. And because guards aren’t making outside shots, it’s made Utah’s pull-up shooting game so anemic (28.9% on pull-up threes, third worst) that teams can guard pick-and-roll action a certain way and make it even harder for Utah to break the paint.

at least two of them need to go

What’s not working? A lot of John Collins pairings. Collins has been one of Utah’s most consistent players. But when he is paired with literally any of the other 10 main rotation guys, the net rating of each of those pairs is -6.3 to -21.4. Some of this might start to look better if the guard shooting improves, as Collins looks a lot less comfortable on the court with multiple non-shooters. For example, when THT is the point guard and Kessler and Collins share the floor, the Jazz are -21.2.

Collins needs to go to the bench once Lauri is back and probably traded

The Jazz had their two worst offensive games of the year in the Memphis-Minny back-to-back: 96.8 outside of garbage time and heaves against the Grizz, 93.8 against the Wolves. All told. their O-rating is 105.3 in the games Markkanen has missed, which would be last in the league. Somehow, though, they’re 3-2 in those games.

The Bum being out too mainly

Xiao Yao You

12-06-2023, 05:48 PM

https://thejnotes.com/posts/should-simone-fontecchio-remain-in-the-starting-lineup-when-lauri-markkanen-returns-01hh08c5satk

no. He's a 4 playing out of position like most of their team

Xiao Yao You

12-06-2023, 05:48 PM

https://thejnotes.com/posts/we-re-not-sure-what-espn-is-talking-about-but-john-collins-is-not-having-a-good-season-01hh07p3ka45

been their 2nd or 3rd best player

Xiao Yao You

12-07-2023, 04:23 PM

https://kslsports.com/508517/jazz-notes-will-taylor-hendricks-stay-in-rotation-when-markkanen-returns/

along with Agbaji he was their best player last night. Put them with Kessler and Dunn and they might be able to play some D. He could help them more than George right now. Unfortunately the coach isn't a big fan of any of those guys. His favorite will be back soon to carry them! :roll:

Xiao Yao You

12-07-2023, 04:28 PM

https://saltcityhoops.com/the-inevitable-scuttlebutt-around-lauri-markkanens-future/

the fact that he is on a different timeline than their last 5 1sts tells me trading him makes the most sense. Too bad they didn't keep Gobert or they might have been one of the top teams in the league still

Xiao Yao You

12-07-2023, 04:31 PM

https://thejnotes.com/posts/should-the-utah-jazz-make-this-trade-with-the-portland-trail-blazers-01hh09df2afj

makes some sense since Hardy doesn't like Dunn. Need a vet to mentor George

Xiao Yao You

12-07-2023, 05:20 PM

Andy Larsen: Will Hardy: “Our fans should want to win every game, like, that’s totally normal and healthy… We also understand that we have one of the smartest fan bases in the NBA in terms of having perspective and understanding where we are in this process.” (https://*********.com/social/)

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

The Bum says otherwise about the coach and fanbase

Xiao Yao You

12-08-2023, 09:52 AM

https://thejnotes.com/posts/former-utah-jazz-guard-drops-highest-bpm-of-the-season-on-his-former-team-in-dallas-mavericks-blowout-01hh2rna5k94

still can't shoot. If he's in their rotation they're in trouble. End of the bench defensive specialist sure

Xiao Yao You

12-08-2023, 06:16 PM

Sensabaugh limited minutes so hopefully he's alright? Played well as did Christopher and Juzang

Xiao Yao You

12-08-2023, 06:20 PM

Smith Entertainment Group, the company with a majority stake in the Jazz, has explored building a new arena outside of Utah’s capital city, (https://www.sltrib.com/sports/jazz/2023/12/08/could-utah-jazz-leave-downtown-one/) multiple stakeholders have told The Salt Lake Tribune. Those talks have included holding behind-closed-door conversations with The Point of the Mountain State Land Authority about building a new arena near the old site of the Utah state prison, at the south end of Salt Lake County. A new arena would likely host the Utah Jazz and a future NHL team.
– via Salt Lake Tribune (https://www.sltrib.com/sports/jazz/2023/12/08/could-utah-jazz-leave-downtown-one/)

Salt Lake City officials and stakeholders want to be proactive in keeping the Jazz — along with potentially building a new sports and entertainment district — downtown. (https://www.sltrib.com/sports/jazz/2023/12/08/could-utah-jazz-leave-downtown-one/) “Our board establishes four priorities for the year. One of those four priorities this year is to support investments in the Utah Jazz’s long-term residency downtown,” Downtown Alliance executive director Dee Brewer said. While any decision is likely years away — the team plans to stay at the Delta Center for the immediate future — it’s clear that both Jazz owner Ryan Smith’s management group and government leaders have been considering where the team might play next.
– via Salt Lake Tribune (https://www.sltrib.com/sports/jazz/2023/12/08/could-utah-jazz-leave-downtown-one/)

Why would Jazz ownership think about building a new arena? “If the Jazz can expand their revenue platform, they can invest more in the players and be more competitive with teams in larger markets like LA, Miami, NY and Chicago,” Brewer said. (https://www.sltrib.com/sports/jazz/2023/12/08/could-utah-jazz-leave-downtown-one/) Forbes estimated that the Jazz made $275 million in revenue for the 2022-23 season; NBA teams in those four larger markets earned an average of $437 million.
– via Salt Lake Tribune (https://www.sltrib.com/sports/jazz/2023/12/08/could-utah-jazz-leave-downtown-one/)

Xiao Yao You

12-09-2023, 07:04 PM

https://thejnotes.com/posts/benching-ochai-agbaji-for-jordan-clarkson-was-a-major-mistake-for-the-utah-jazz-01hh7pbdbc4c

he's proving he's not qualified to be a head coach in the NBA. The guys that should be playing he doesn't like. His favorite player is a joke

Xiao Yao You

12-09-2023, 07:06 PM

https://thejnotes.com/posts/can-the-utah-jazz-win-without-an-elite-perimeter-defender-01hh7p9h8s4e

Dunn is elite and Agbaji looks like he could be as well as Hendricks. Need a new coach and for Ainge to fix the roster

Xiao Yao You

12-11-2023, 07:29 AM

https://thejnotes.com/posts/utah-jazz-head-coach-seems-fed-up-with-the-effort-his-team-is-putting-out-01hhamq6yb0y

Will Hardy seems upset that the Utah Jazz aren't putting forth the effort needed.

we keep hearing it but he keeps playing the same guys. Agbaji and Dunn play hard. No they can't throw up brick after brick or pound the rock all night like The Bum but they will give it their all

Xiao Yao You

12-12-2023, 07:37 PM

https://saltcityhoops.com/salt-city-seven-how-to-enjoy-following-a-non-competitive-team-more/

So who’s most likely to be around and making an impact on the next competitive team? I think it’s easiest to think about it in groupings.

the 5 1sts from the past two drafts and maybe Lauri. Possibly some of the other younger guys Sexton, Talen, Samanic, Christopher and Juzang?

Non-rotation minimums. History shows these are the most transient pieces in a rebuild. Luka Samanic probably ranks as the least likely long-term piece here just because technically his contract is still just partially guaranteed. Kris Dunn has a full guarantee for the season and has basically been the 11th man. Omer Yurtseven straddles this group and the next, but we’ll slot him here for now since he’s back out of the rotation and he has a near-minimum contract that is fully non-guaranteed for next year.

be interesting to see if they pick up Samanic for the rest of the year. He's still pretty young and has some upside

Xiao Yao You

12-13-2023, 05:24 AM

https://www.deseret.com/2023/12/12/23996965/utah-jazz-are-nba-leaders-of-some-of-the-worst-stats-will-hardy-whats-wrong

The Jazz have the 26th-ranked offense and 26th-ranked defense in the NBA. During the last 10 games, the Jazz have allowed the sixth-best opponent 3-point percentage (38.8%), they allow the sixth-most points of all NBA teams and they are the second-most blocked team in the league, with opponents averaging 6.7 blocks per game.

play Dunn, Agbaji and Hendricks and the D would improve. Starting Dunn would improve the turnover problem too. Agbaji should start too and maybe even Hendricks if he can play the 3. He's at least an energy guy off the bench

Xiao Yao You

12-13-2023, 09:42 PM

https://thejnotes.com/posts/josh-hart-is-the-type-of-player-the-utah-jazz-are-missing-01hhjnch82r6

But as for the three-and-D guy, while they've tried out Simone Fontecchio (https://thejnotes.com/2023/11/17/simone-fontecchio-should-keep-getting-reps-for-the-utah-jazz/) and Ochai Abaji at the spots, neither has shown to be that consistent of a shooter or that great of a defender to be that guy, again, yet. They might turn into that guy, but for right now they aren't.

Simone a 3 and D? Agbaji just needs to play along with Dunn and Hendricks

Xiao Yao You

12-13-2023, 09:44 PM

https://thejnotes.com/posts/the-utah-jazz-feeling-directionless-and-without-a-plan-for-the-2023-2024-season-01hhjk8bd3xk

Clarkson can score, especially off the bench, where you limit his minutes and match him up on defense against less-quality offensive players. But Clarkson isn't a point guard. He's not a natural ball handler and he's certainly not a great passer. His defense is among the worst in the league and he's being asked to play against a team's top two or three guard. That's posing significant issues on a nightly basis.

the biggest problem is the coach thinks he's their best player

And if the latter was truly the case, then this season was never going to go any different. If the goal was to compete, then moves would've needed to be made by now to ensure that the team never fell this far behind. If the goal was to rebuild, they never should've brought Kelly Olynyk, Talen Horton-Tucker, and Jordan Clarkson back for this season.

Talen just turned 23 and you do need some vets. Giving The Bum an extension is a head scratcher though

Xiao Yao You

12-13-2023, 09:45 PM

https://thejnotes.com/posts/we-love-seeing-dante-exum-play-great-but-moving-on-was-the-right-call-01hhjk7jc0mx

I wish they would have let his contract expire and we'd never seen The Bum! :cry:

Xiao Yao You

12-15-2023, 09:39 AM

While there has been no tangible evidence that Utah’s stance on Markkanen has changed, there is a rising belief heading into Showcase that a team or two out there is actively planning to test Utah’s resolve this season by making an offer for the Finnish power forward (https://marcstein.substack.com/p/a-new-team-joins-nba-trade-watch?utm_source=post-email-title&publication_id=392205&post_id=139803534&utm_campaign=email-post-title&isFreemail=false&r=10980&utm_medium=email).

– via Marc Stein @ marcstein.substack.com (https://marcstein.substack.com/p/a-new-team-joins-nba-trade-watch?utm_source=post-email-title&publication_id=392205&post_id=139803534&utm_campaign=email-post-title&isFreemail=false&r=10980&utm_medium=email)

One thing to add to the conversation is that there is palpable curiosity circulating among some teams studying the Jazz about Utah’s long-range plans for Lauri Markkanen (https://marcstein.substack.com/p/a-new-team-joins-nba-trade-watch?utm_source=post-email-title&publication_id=392205&post_id=139803534&utm_campaign=email-post-title&isFreemail=false&r=10980&utm_medium=email).
– via Marc Stein @ marcstein.substack.com (https://marcstein.substack.com/p/a-new-team-joins-nba-trade-watch?utm_source=post-email-title&publication_id=392205&post_id=139803534&utm_campaign=email-post-title&isFreemail=false&r=10980&utm_medium=email)

My guess is with enough picks Danny is listening. Too bad they didn't make the Cavs deal and keep Gobert though

Xiao Yao You

12-15-2023, 09:41 AM

Olynyk, meanwhile, is in on course to become a free agent in July as he plays out the final season of a three-year, $37 million deal and is regarded in some league circles as the most likely of the Utah vets to move on at some point during the next six-plus weeks (https://marcstein.substack.com/p/a-new-team-joins-nba-trade-watch?utm_source=post-email-title&publication_id=392205&post_id=139803534&utm_campaign=email-post-title&isFreemail=false&r=10980&utm_medium=email).

– via Marc Stein @ marcstein.substack.com (https://marcstein.substack.com/p/a-new-team-joins-nba-trade-watch?utm_source=post-email-title&publication_id=392205&post_id=139803534&utm_campaign=email-post-title&isFreemail=false&r=10980&utm_medium=email)

Sexton, 24, is in the second year of a four-year, $71 million deal and, according to my Yahoo! Sports’ colleague Jake Fischer, has been available in trade conversations since this past offseason (https://marcstein.substack.com/p/a-new-team-joins-nba-trade-watch?utm_source=post-email-title&publication_id=392205&post_id=139803534&utm_campaign=email-post-title&isFreemail=false&r=10980&utm_medium=email).
– via Marc Stein @ marcstein.substack.com (https://marcstein.substack.com/p/a-new-team-joins-nba-trade-watch?utm_source=post-email-title&publication_id=392205&post_id=139803534&utm_campaign=email-post-title&isFreemail=false&r=10980&utm_medium=email)

Olynyk, Collins and The Bum I would think are the top candiadates

Xiao Yao You

12-15-2023, 12:34 PM

And yet the Jazz are mired in an 8-16 start, prompting several teams to phone Utah’s front office in order to gauge its willingness to move Markkanen, sources said. The Jazz are by no means expected to trade the 7-foot sharpshooter at this juncture. He’s been a true favorite of Jazz officials, sources said. But Utah has indeed left opposing executives with the sense that Markkanen is no longer untouchable in trade conversations, (https://sports.yahoo.com/how-the-trade-market-is-shaping-up-for-zach-lavine-lauri-markkanen-145142833.html) league sources told Yahoo Sports.

– via Jake Fischer @ Yahoo! Sports (https://sports.yahoo.com/how-the-trade-market-is-shaping-up-for-zach-lavine-lauri-markkanen-145142833.html)

can't imagine anyone is with Danny especially with the gap in age between him and their last 5 1sts

Xiao Yao You

12-15-2023, 12:35 PM

League personnel believe three teams in particular value the Finnish forward at this preliminary stage of trade conversations. Two of those apparent suitors, Sacramento and Atlanta, make sense, considering the Kings’ and Hawks’ respective approaches for Siakam. The third team league personnel continue mentioning to watch for a potential Markkanen approach is Oklahoma City, (https://sports.yahoo.com/how-the-trade-market-is-shaping-up-for-zach-lavine-lauri-markkanen-145142833.html) suddenly second in the West with a trove of first-round picks.
– via Jake Fischer @ Yahoo! Sports (https://sports.yahoo.com/how-the-trade-market-is-shaping-up-for-zach-lavine-lauri-markkanen-145142833.html)

Xiao Yao You

12-15-2023, 02:17 PM

https://www.slcdunk.com/2023/12/14/24002243/nba-utah-jazz-trade-rumors-jordan-clarkson-john-collins-collin-sexton-talen-horton-tuck-kelly-olynyk

Those five players are Talen Horton-Tucker, Collin Sexton, Kelly Olynyk, John Collins, and fan favorite Jordan Clarkson. There is a sense of frustration in the teams guard play. The three mentioned guards poor shot selection and reluctance to pass have been the teams main issue. Kelly Olynyk has defensive limitations but his elite floor spacing and passing make him an appealing trade candidate for a contender. Olynyk is 32 and does not fit the teams timeline.

as we've seen their biggest issue is The Bum and the coach that thinks he's the best player on the team. Olynyk and Collins probably have to go because of Hendricks and the fact that they need wings not 3 bigs starting. Talen and Sexton are young so I'm open about them still

The other starter potentially on the trading block is new acquisition, John Collins. Collins still has not acclimated himself into the teams system. Collins is not the 20 and 10 guy he was a few years ago but he shouldn’t be regressing, he should be entering his prime. Collins has the physical tools to be a great defender but has not made that jump. John has provided the team with good shooting and rebounding but he is not considered a core piece moving forward.

He's been their 2nd or 3rd best player but you can't start 3 bigs and is he going to be happy off the bench? Plus you have Hendricks and possibly Senabaugh coming

Xiao Yao You

12-15-2023, 02:20 PM

https://thejnotes.com/posts/trade-season-opens-on-december-15th-who-is-on-the-block-from-the-utah-jazz-01hhnkrkqmbf

But John Collins, the biggest Jazz acquisition of the off-season, is a strange inclusion, especially where he has multiple seasons left under contract, and his play hasn't raised his trade value on the open market. Have the Jazz given up on him already?

his play should have raised his value. I think they saw him as a trade piece when they got him

Xiao Yao You

12-15-2023, 02:22 PM

https://thejnotes.com/posts/keyonte-george-is-hurt-but-the-utah-jazz-may-just-chug-along-without-him-01hhkjxy8acn

Now, if the Jazz keep playing guys like Dunn, Agbaji, and other players who can actually play defense, then the Jazz may just be able to turn this season around. And while that's not intended to be a knock on George, the Knicks game is proof that Hardy values one-dimensional offense over team defense, and George (Clarkson and Sexton) really gives Hardy options to do just that. Without those options, Hardy has to play guys who are more apt on defense, and that may just help the Jazz out long-term.

seems to be the case. Even last night he refused to start Dunn and went back to Talen. Doesn't like Agbaji for some reason either. Both should start even if everyone is healthy

Xiao Yao You

12-16-2023, 09:56 PM

https://www.deseret.com/2023/12/15/24002820/utah-jazz-trade-season-is-here-who-are-jazz-willing-to-part-with

It’s obvious that the Jazz like what they have in Kessler and Agbaji, especially considering their age, but it might not be so obvious on the outside that the Jazz are heavily invested in Hendricks.

it'd not obvious the coach likes them or anyone actually outside The Bum

Though the Jazz were excited about the prospect of getting Collins from the Atlanta Hawks in exchange for Rudy Gay and a future second-round pick, he hasn’t performed as well as many would have hoped he would. Because of the size of his contract (he’s got two years and $53 million left on his deal after this season) it could be difficult to move him.

He's been their 2nd or 3rd best player. Not sure what anyone was expecting? I'd say they thought of him as an asset when they got him and didn't expect him to be here long

Xiao Yao You

12-16-2023, 10:00 PM

https://thejnotes.com/posts/3-player-who-could-be-additions-by-subtractions-for-the-utah-jazz-01hht0j4dt97

Talen Horton-Tucker

young with upside

Jordan Clarkson

sucks

John Collins

unless he embraces a bench role I can't see keeping him around

Xiao Yao You

12-18-2023, 07:10 AM

https://www.slcdunk.com/2023/12/17/24004072/player-analysis-simone-fontecchio-bojan-bogdanovic-utah-jazz-nba-three-point-shooting-italian-player

“If you sort every NBA player with 100+ minutes in 2023-24 by the AVERAGE OF THEIR RANKS in 6 catch-alls (BPM, EPM, GmSc/Poss, as well as the cumulative versions of each)”

29. Lauri Markkanen
105. Collin Sexton
143. Kelly Olynyk
153. Walker Kessler
178. Simone Fontecchio
201. Talen Horton-Tucker
212. John Collins
235. Jordan Clarkson
277. Kris Dunn
278. Ochai Agbaji
306. Keyonte George

any metric that doesn't have The Bum last is not a good one sorry

Fontecchio’s specialty is the three-ball and off-ball movement to get open. While he had poor shooting splits his rookie seasons (.369/.330/795) his sophomore year (.458/.406/.87) is a whole other story. The 2nd year Italian is proving to Jazz fans and the whole league while he deserves to be a rotation-level player for the next few years.

not sure he's a rotation player. Jazz are awful. The shooting splits are good but he's a 4 in today's game and he's been playing the 3

Xiao Yao You

12-18-2023, 03:55 PM

https://football.fantasysports.yahoo.com/f1/560117/9

don't want Lavine unless it's the only way to get rid of The Bum

The Detroit trade maybe. Suggs yes! OKC if there are enough picks for Danny

Xiao Yao You

12-19-2023, 08:26 AM

So what’s the line for an acceptable offer? My impression from talking to teams is that it’s something resembling the haul the Jazz received for Mitchell and Gobert: so, five-ish firsts and/or players of comparable value. (https://www.theringer.com/nba/2023/12/18/24006001/nba-trade-rumors-oklahoma-city-thunder-lauri-markkanen) This is a lot for Markkanen in the sense that he doesn’t have postseason scoring success like Mitchell, or three Defensive Player of the Year trophies like Gobert.

– via Kevin O'Connor @ The Ringer (https://www.theringer.com/nba/2023/12/18/24006001/nba-trade-rumors-oklahoma-city-thunder-lauri-markkanen)

He's a lot better than Mitchell. Certainly hasn't had the impact of Gobert

Jordan Clarkson is drawing the attention of contending teams, (https://basketball.realgm.com/wiretap/274017/Contending-Teams-Reportedly-Interested-in-Acquiring-Jordan-Clarkson) according to Chris Haynes of Bleacher Report. “There are contending teams out there [who] are calling in, looking to see how they can get Jordan Clarkson. “Nothing serious as of right now, but there are contending teams out there who are interested in acquiring,” said Haynes.

– via RealGM (https://basketball.realgm.com/wiretap/274017/Contending-Teams-Reportedly-Interested-in-Acquiring-Jordan-Clarkson)

please, please please!!! :cheers:

Xiao Yao You

12-20-2023, 07:22 AM

https://kslsports.com/509006/utah-jazz-lauri-markkanen-trade/

He is by no means a perfect player, but he checks so many critical boxes that are difficult to replace that I don’t know how you could realistically get equal value back, sans acquiring a superstar-caliber player.

yet they traded Gobert who had a bigger impact than anyone in Jazz history that doesn't have a statue

Then mix in the fact that he likes Utah, and his care factor matches his enormous talent, and you have a borderline generational player if he continues to develop (and he’s already pretty spectacular).

Gobert was a generational defender

Xiao Yao You

12-20-2023, 07:25 AM

https://thejnotes.com/posts/three-jordan-clarkson-trades-we-would-like-to-see-01hhzyh14cqv/2

yes to all. Hard to imagine a trade for The Bum I wouldn't like though

Xiao Yao You

12-21-2023, 07:42 PM

https://kslsports.com/509089/utah-jazz-notes-grades-holiday-momentum/

Jazz Notes Grades: Can Utah Build Off Of Holiday Momentum?

are they trading The Bum?

Xiao Yao You

12-23-2023, 09:09 AM

https://thejnotes.com/posts/the-utah-jazz-should-absolutely-keep-an-eye-on-the-ricky-rubio-situation-01hj4dzt5ymy

The Cleveland Cavaliers may part ways with Ricky Rubio, and the Utah Jazz would be wise to scoop him up.

God no!!! My guess is he's headed back to Spain and we've seen the last of The Matador

Xiao Yao You

12-23-2023, 09:10 AM

https://thejnotes.com/posts/there-s-a-push-to-start-collin-sexton-over-keyonte-george-and-that-might-be-the-right-call-01hj4e5kpef9

There's a push to start Collin Sexton over Keyonte George and that might be the right call

He should start over The Bum. Dunn should start over George

Xiao Yao You

12-26-2023, 08:42 PM

https://saltcityhoops.com/salt-city-seven-vet-trade-watch-jazz-win-5-of-7-holiday-fun/

But look: the Celtics can “monitor” Olynyk all they want, to use Marc Stein’s term. The reality is that the new second apron rules make an Olynyk-to-Boston deal extremely unlikely. In order to bring in Olynyk, the Celtics would need to to send out at least $11.086M in salary. Doing that without sending one of their top six would literally require a 5-for-1 trade, and Utah isn’t going to waive a third of their roster to make a trade happen just so they can employ Svi Mykhailiuk for half a season.

depends on how many picks are involved

Xiao Yao You

12-26-2023, 08:44 PM

https://www.slcdunk.com/the-downbeat-latest-jazz-news/2023/12/26/24015232/step-in-the-right-direction-unpacking-the-jazzs-recent-success

According to PBP Stats, the Jazz are winning by a whopping 20.07 points in the 127 minutes Kessler and Dunn have shared the court. It’s intriguing if we’ll see more of them inserted by Coach Hardy in different units moving forward.

Dunn likely won't play tonite and Kessler will still be coming off the bench with Ochai in limited minutes :facepalm

Xiao Yao You

12-26-2023, 08:45 PM

https://www.slcdunk.com/2023/12/26/24015261/utah-jazz-vs-san-antonio-spurs-jazz-hopes-to-continue-their-winning-streak

The squad is finally getting their groove after collecting five wins in the last seven games to hold a 12-18 record. Good news is today might be the return of guards Keyonte George and Talen Horton-Tucker to the lineup. Coinciding with that is the fine play of Kris Dunn recently, tallying a total of 23 assists the past two games. Intriguing how Coach Hardy will rotate his guards.

Not much doubt. Huge minutes for his fave, none for Dunn and limited for the others

Xiao Yao You

12-26-2023, 08:48 PM

https://thejnotes.com/posts/the-utah-jazz-may-have-found-the-right-lineup-finally-01hjm8wvh022

Dunn won't play tonite. Sexton will be back to inconsistent minutes

Xiao Yao You

12-26-2023, 11:49 PM

Step in the right direction: Unpacking the Jazz’s recent success (msn.com) (https://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/other/step-in-the-right-direction-unpacking-the-jazz-s-recent-success/ar-AA1m3TD0?ocid=winp1taskbar&cvid=6064e36fcae148c4b89f3f8119daf647&ei=18)

nice try but the main reason is injuries and Hardy having to play guys he doesn't like instead of his faves like The Bum

Xiao Yao You

12-28-2023, 11:33 PM

https://thejnotes.com/posts/the-utah-jazz-are-clearly-better-off-without-talen-horton-tucker-01hjs3z75ts5

Talen 23 The Bum old. One sucks. One has upside :facepalm

Xiao Yao You

12-28-2023, 11:35 PM

https://www.slcdunk.com/2023/12/26/24015209/utah-jazz-player-analysis-utah-jazzs-2nd-best-player-lauri-markkanen-jordan-clarkson-walker-kessler

2. Jordan Clarkson: Placing Clarkson at #2 is controversial because this is Clarkson’s worst statistical year with the Jazz. Clarkson is shooting at a poor clip and for some games has played with no energy and had bad body language. That being said, the Jazz are far more likely to win when Clarkson has a good game. Clarkson is still the Jazz’s best guard because of his mix of being able to self-create and ability to find others for open looks. At this point, no other player on the team can create like Clarkson. What Clarkson brings to the table is a discount version of a star like Zach LaVine or Bradley Beal. The Jazz desperately need a player to fill the self-creating star guard role and Clarkson, despite his flaws, is the best player to fill that role.

:roll:

Xiao Yao You

12-30-2023, 06:57 AM

https://thejnotes.com/posts/the-utah-jazz-should-consider-making-kris-dunn-a-bigger-part-of-their-future-01hjvexabt0w

more likely he'll be traded

Xiao Yao You

12-30-2023, 06:59 AM

https://thejnotes.com/posts/john-collins-needs-to-be-back-on-the-bench-for-the-utah-jazz-01hjvexemk8v

No matter the fact that the Jazz are better with him on the bench. No matter the fact that Collins is struggling to play well, or even put in any real effort. Collins has fallen so far from his expectations this offseason that it doesn't make sense to still put him over the likes of Kelly Olynyk.

3 bigs makes no sense. Start Agbaji

Xiao Yao You

12-30-2023, 05:37 PM

https://www.slcdunk.com/2023/12/30/24008650/opinion-the-utah-jazz-should-trade-for-trae-young

no thanks

Xiao Yao You

12-30-2023, 05:40 PM

https://www.slcdunk.com/2023/12/30/24019027/5-observations-from-utah-jazz-lineup-duos-this-season

But that may speak more to the competent players surrounding him than strictly Talen’s on court contributions. Talen successfully commands competent units. This may point to why Will Hardy (who’s been unapologetic in his intentions to win every game) has regularly found opportunities for THT.

yet he thinks The Bum is his best player! :facepalm

It’s not readily understood why this is. Many other duos struggle with Markkanen and Dunn’s only other pairing worth noting is with Ochai Agbaji. More investigation is needed into what is contributing to its success (could just be shooting luck or opponent strength).

their best defender and playmaker. Not too hard to figure.

Xiao Yao You

12-30-2023, 05:42 PM

https://thejnotes.com/posts/no-utah-jazz-player-is-more-inconsistent-from-night-to-night-than-jordan-clarkson-01hjvex4nw0h

No Utah Jazz player is more inconsistent from night to night than Jordan Clarkson

I'd say he's been one of their most consistent since they got him. Sucks almost always. Hard to beat that

Xiao Yao You

12-30-2023, 05:43 PM

https://thejnotes.com/posts/sports-illustrated-drops-3-names-the-utah-jazz-should-consider-and-we-want-all-of-them-01hjxzhven3n

be funny if Hayward came back. Fans still boo him :facepalm

Xiao Yao You

12-31-2023, 08:17 AM

https://thejnotes.com/posts/the-utah-jazz-have-to-keep-these-players-ahead-of-the-trade-deadline-01hjxzbrnd33

no one is untouchable if you can trade Gobert

Xiao Yao You

01-01-2024, 06:53 AM

https://thejnotes.com/posts/any-trade-coming-out-of-utah-should-focus-on-jordan-clarkson-and-john-collins-01hk0q58zjt9

I'd be looking to move everyone but their 5 young firsts if the price is right. Hendricks, Kessler and Agbaji need to play for sure

Xiao Yao You

01-01-2024, 06:54 AM

https://thejnotes.com/posts/trading-for-trae-young-would-compound-the-issues-the-utah-jazz-are-already-dealing-with-01hk0pyvkaxw

Agreed. Lauri and Murray makes you a good team assuming The Bum is out and Hardy has a clue which he doesn't

Xiao Yao You

01-02-2024, 08:16 AM

https://saltcityhoops.com/sc7-jan1-lineup-sexton-ghost/

George hasn’t been part of too many successful duos and trios. The rookie battled some shooting woes before his injury absence, but mostly the issue with those groups has been on the defensive end. In particular, the George-Kessler pairing (-19.1 per 100) has been worrisome, but given the importance of both in the long-term, I think they’ll give it more looks. George-Simone Fontecchio lineups (-16.4) and George-Collins (-15.8) have also had rough early results.

he should probably be with the Stars at least until they hopefully trade The Bum. Talen should play over him. I think Hendricks offers more right now and probably in the future. Really high on him. Was a lot more aggressive and confident in his return to the Stars after his stint. High IQ, bounce to go along with the physical attributes. Danny needs to fix the roster! George might be the next Trey Burke but I doubt it

Of the main rotation guys, George’s net rating is best when playing with Markkanen (-2.6) or Kris Dunn (+18.4, but on limited minutes).

At least it appears Hardy has finally got a clue about Dunn

The Jazz’s five best trios with at least 50 minutes (https://www.nba.com/stats/team/1610612762/lineups-advanced?CF=MIN*GE*50&GroupQuantity=3) all involve Kris Dunn. The top trios also are extremely likely to include Markkanen, Kessler, Ochai Agbaji and Talen Horton-Tucker.

and Lauri is the only one that Hardy seems to really like. :facepalm

Collin Sexton’s duos and trios are mostly pretty middling on a season-long basis, but in his last 10 games as a starter, he’s been part of several winning trios (https://www.nba.com/stats/team/1610612762/lineups-advanced?GroupQuantity=3&LastNGames=10), generally with THT and/or Kessler involved.

The Bum offers you nothing over Sexton. He should start with Dunn, Lauri, Kessler and Agbaji

Xiao Yao You

01-02-2024, 08:32 AM

https://www.slcdunk.com/2024/1/1/24021479/nba-new-years-resolutions-for-the-utah-jazz-2024

Setting a goal that isn’t fully within your control is always a terrible idea, but I’ve lumped these two together because this really will be the most important thing for them in 2024. Unfortunately the way things are trending, this may not happen until next season. Hopefully they’ll see more opportunities to grow their game and be ready to contribute sooner rather than later. Both have shown flashes in the G-League and Hendricks has been an impact defender when given the opportunity in NBA minutes.

Be shocked if Hendricks isn't playing after the trade deadline. Probably Sensabaugh too but Danny has some work to do

I feel like the worst kept secret this year is that the Jazz want to trade at least one of their excess guards. In the meantime, said guards that are likely to be traded will continue getting minutes over Dunn until that trade occurs. Kris has been solid for the Jazz this year, especially with his defense and lack of turnovers. I think his role will increase quite a bit once we’re past the trade deadline and minutes open up for him.

I'd guess teams would want Dunn. Great defender and playmaker. Could help anyone

Take the highlight posted above. Was it a cool layup? Sure. Was it the right basketball decision? Absolutely not.

and yet The Bum is treated like The 2nd Coming :roll:

Resolution: Remember how to shoot a basketball

never could shoot to begin with

Xiao Yao You

01-03-2024, 09:00 AM

https://kslsports.com/509382/ksl-sports-utah-jazz-mailbag-who-is-the-team-mvp/

“We could sit here and everybody could fill out a card right now, like hey, rank the guys 1-15 and there would be some variance. I imagine Lauri would probably be number one on everybody’s card and then after that, it’s kind of all a little bit subjective.”

and yet it would appear that The Bum is your guy :facepalm

Hardy is right, Markkanen is the Jazz’s top player, but beyond that, there are arguments for Jordan Clarkson, Collin Sexton, Kelly Olynyk, and maybe even Keyonte George as the Jazz’s second-best player this season.

there are no arguments for The Bum or the rookie

Under that definition, I would say Will Hardy has been the Jazz’s MVP, and that’s a great sign for the team’s fans.

:roll:

The reason they are where they are is because Hardy has kept the team’s belief in itself high enough that once they got healthy, and the schedule eased up from the gauntlet to start the year, they feel there is something to play for.

The injuries are the main reason. Dunn and Sexton wouldn't be starting otherwise and The Bum and George would be

Bringing both Clarkson and Kessler off the bench in favor of Olynyk and Sexton has improved the contributions from all four of those players, and it’s raised the Jazz’s ceiling considerably.

the front court starters outside Lauri and it would appear Collins change every game. You forgot Dunn and George

Xiao Yao You

01-03-2024, 09:07 AM

https://thejnotes.com/posts/at-this-exact-moment-are-the-utah-jazz-buyers-or-sellers-at-the-deadline-01hk0yqxzpc8

They can get better now and in the future by subtraction. Hendricks, Kessler and Agbaji need to play for sure

Xiao Yao You

01-03-2024, 09:08 AM

https://thejnotes.com/posts/was-trading-for-john-collins-a-mistake-for-the-utah-jazz-01hk5x0fxyx1

I think they saw him as an asset and he is more valuable now than when they got him

Xiao Yao You

01-04-2024, 09:41 AM

https://thejnotes.com/posts/if-austin-reeves-is-out-in-los-angeles-should-the-utah-jazz-make-a-play-for-him-01hk8f7y1cbp

Please! Lakers can have The Bum :roll:

Xiao Yao You

01-09-2024, 06:07 AM

Michael Scotto: The Utah Jazz agreed to a two-way deal with guard Jason Preston, (https://*********.com/social/) league sources told @*********.

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

Michael Scotto: The Utah Jazz have waived guard Josh Christopher, (https://*********.com/social/) team says.
– via Twitter MikeAScotto (https://twitter.com/MikeAScotto)

interesting. Christopher is young and looks like he has a lot of talent

Xiao Yao You

01-09-2024, 06:17 AM

Played for the Clippers a bit last year. 24 years old. Shoots the 3. His Gleague numbers have went up this year on a different team. Almost doubled his rebounds at 10.4 at 6'4. 8.4 assists. His points have went down but shooting better across the board and getting to the line more. Steals have tripled. Turnovers up but still only 2.4. Looks like he's probably a pg. He didn't shoot well at the line in college now over 80%

Xiao Yao You

01-09-2024, 06:23 AM

2nd round pick of Clipps . Had foot surgery before last season.

Xiao Yao You

01-09-2024, 02:58 PM

Michael Scotto: The Utah Jazz signed Jason Preston to a two-year, two-way deal, (https://*********.com/social/) league sources told @*********. Preston will receive the maximum two-way guarantee amount for next season as part of the deal.
– via Twitter MikeAScotto (https://twitter.com/MikeAScotto)

Xiao Yao You

01-10-2024, 07:46 AM

https://kslsports.com/509668/what-does-the-utah-jazz-trade-deadline-look-like/

Outside of Markkanen, Clarkson is the guy I can point to most regularly and say “The Jazz don’t win that game if he doesn’t have that performance.”

why is it that they started playing well with him out and have continued to do so with him coming off the bench? :roll:

I think Olynyk, Walker Kessler, and Keyonte George deserve honorable mention, but it’s between Clarkson and Sexton through the halfway point of the season.

The Bum brings you nothing that Sexton doesn't do better. You forgot Collins

Xiao Yao You

01-10-2024, 07:51 AM

https://www.deseret.com/2024/1/9/24030460/utah-jazz-coach-will-hardy-has-done-a-lot-of-lineup-and-rotation-experimenting-with-the-jazz

why the need to experiment? I said Dunn was the guy from the get-go and Sexton makes the most sense next to him since Agbaji is really you're only 3 not that the coach has figured that one out yet nor that Kessler should play as well or Hendricks...

Xiao Yao You

01-10-2024, 07:58 AM

https://saltcityhoops.com/salt-city-um-eight-what-the-surge-means-triple-double-fun-more/

That’s the total number of points scored in Jazz-Pistons on Wednesday, which per the fantastic Ben Anderson (https://twitter.com/BensHoops/status/1742776910621573446) is the most combined points in a Jazz game in history. There was just very little effective defense played on either end of the court. It was the Jazz’s best single game offensive efficiency of the year (141.3), but also one of their three worst defensive outings (131.0).

surprising since the coach seems to only care about offense

Xiao Yao You

01-10-2024, 07:59 AM

https://www.slcdunk.com/the-downbeat-latest-jazz-news/2024/1/9/24021033/should-john-collins-still-be-starting-for-the-utah-jazz

no and neither should Simone. Kessler, Lauri, Agbaji, Sexton and Dunn

I contend that moving Collins to center is not the change that has improved the Jazz. Two other lineup changes occurred simultaneously, which I believe are more important. Hardy inserted Kris Dunn into the starting lineup and moved Collin Sexton to the shooting guard position. He also removed Talen Horton-Tucker from the rotation.

The Bum was hurt

Xiao Yao You

01-11-2024, 07:28 AM

https://www.deseret.com/2024/1/10/24032253/utah-jazz-124-denver-nuggets-111-inside-the-numbers

Best of the best: In what turned out to be a great development for the Jazz, the Nuggets continued to go under screens on Clarkson, which is not smart, considering that Clarkson will take open shots when given any amount of room.

actually very smart when a guy is shooting below 30 % from 3 :facepalm

Xiao Yao You

01-15-2024, 08:06 AM

https://thejnotes.com/posts/trading-talent-for-draft-picks-would-be-general-manager-malpractice-at-this-point-01hm4stn7da2

So when I see an article suggesting the New York Knicks should trade (https://www.si.com/nba/jazz/news/utah-jazz-kelly-olynyk-knicks-nba-trade)Evan Fournier and their 2024 First Round Draft Pick for Talen Horton-Tucker and Kelly Olynyk, I have to laugh. Why would the Jazz give up Olynyk for a player who's more likely to fail out of the NBA than anything? It'd hurt the Jazz right now and will very likely hurt them in years to come.

I'd rather have Fournier coming in behind Sexton than The Bum. They could use more size on the wing for sure. Olynyk is tough to lose but Hendricks and Kessler need to play and are you signing Olynyk next year at 32 or whatever he is probably to a huge raise with the current market?

Xiao Yao You

01-17-2024, 09:14 AM

https://kslsports.com/509967/utah-jazz-mailbag-what-will-jazz-do-at-trade-deadline/

However, the Jazz have continued to assign Hendricks to the Salt Lake City Stars, hinting that they may value wins over youth development, at least for now.

I think Hendricks will help them win more than most of the guys. I think he offers more than George at the moment

If the Jazz wanted to simply compete for the playoffs, they could have kept Rudy Gobert and Donovan Mitchell and saved themselves the trouble of making those blockbuster trades last season.

Imagine this team with Gobert, Lauri and Sexton :cry:

Essentially, he’s taken his best year in Cleveland and refined it to fit on a winning team’s roster. That means All-Star-level production on a playoff-caliber team. Isn’t that what every franchise wants in their backcourt?

he's pretty much the same player the coach was just forced to play him because of injuries and has a hard time pulling him now because he'd look even dumber than he did

Xiao Yao You

01-17-2024, 09:21 AM

https://www.slcdunk.com/2024/1/16/24041091/nba-trade-rumors-deadline-kelly-olynyk-jordan-clarkson-utah-jazz

It’s a pretty interesting rumor and pretty specific. It also makes sense for the Jazz to make those moves because of what they want to do with the future in mind. Jordan Clarkson and Kelly Olynyk are playing well right now for the Jazz, but that doesn’t make sense for the Jazz if they’re thinking about continuing to build for the future, something the front office is more focused on than anything. Currently, Taylor Hendricks is playing great in the G-League and has looked good every time he’s played for the Jazz, and I’m sure the Jazz would love to get him on the floor more. On top of that, Clarkson and Olynyk on the floor are keeping the ball out of Keyonte George’s hands, and he spends a lot of possessions watching Clarkson and Olynyk dominate the offense. It’s working right now, but could it work just as well with George and Hendricks getting those minutes? Maybe even better? You won’t miss out on shooting with Hendricks, and you’ll actually see the defense get even better. The question is, how much will you miss the playmaking from Olynyk? Personally, I am ready for the Keyonte George show to begin. Giving him the reins to drive freely and run the offense will build the confidence he’ll need in the years to come.

George should probably be with the Stars. Kelly will be hard to lose. I'd say Collins and Simone would be the guys I'd look to move to get Hendricks in the lineup. Obviously Talen since he's not playing but I'd be playing him over George now and of course The Bum has to go!

Xiao Yao You

01-18-2024, 07:00 AM

https://saltcityhoops.com/sc7-markkanen-all-star-sexton-half/

Walker Kessler remains an absolutely elite paint protector. He’s holding opponents to 45.1% at the rim, the lowest of any player who’s defended at least 70 rim attempts (https://www.nba.com/stats/players/defensive-impact?CF=DEF_RIM_FGA*GE*70&PerMode=Totals&dir=A&sort=DEF_RIM_FG_PCT) this season. Lower than Gobert, than Davis, than Ivica Zubac — than anybody. That’s an unreal percentage, better than any of Gobert’s three DPOY seasons.

let me know when he guards in space or plays big minutes

After some serious slumpage early on, Utah now how six rotation players making at least 37% of their threes for the season, led by Kelly Olynyk at 42.9%. Interestingly, their four best shooters are all frontcourt players, but Sexton and (surprisingly) Kris Dunn are both right around 37%. Rotation guards Ochai Agbaji (32.8%), Keyonte George (32.6%) and Jordan Clarkson (30.6%) are all still struggling from outside.

The Bum isn't struggling. That's who he is. Hopefully the kids get better