2014 pre-season!

Here we go again!

[QUOTE]Jody Genessy: Jazz have announced that the annual pre-preseason scrimmage will take place Monday at 6:30 p.m. at EnergySolutions Arenea. Free admission. Twitter @DJJazzyJody [/QUOTE]

might have to go up. The price is right!

[QUOTE]If the Jazz are running, sharing the basketball and stopping opponents in transition, whatever outcomes they produce will be more tolerable than last season

[QUOTE]But Enes Kanter, ever the optimist, started talking about playoffs, but stopped himself from using the word "promise." Trib columnist Kurt Kragthorpe wrote a little more about all of this today[/QUOTE]

Players should be wanting to win but they are just too young and really only have a couple proven NBA caliber starters right now

[QUOTE]I’m very interested in the fan approach to this season. Last year, the overwhelming sentiment (at least on Twitter and the emails I received) supported what we’ll lazily and generally call "tanking." The end result was Dante Exum, who I think most fans and people in the organization are genuinely enthused about. But what about this year? I haven’t quite had that same sense. At the same time, few seem to think this is a team ready to do much winning now.[/QUOTE]

I don't see how anybody could look at this off-season and not think tank.

[QUOTE]• Kanter remains a terrific interview. He was obviously frustrated about needing surgery for a second straight summer, though he said he’s feeling healthy now. The Turkish big man was also effusive in his praise of Quin Snyder. Kanter obviously has the tools to succeed, and he seems more at ease dealing with Snyder (who seems to have helped taken away a sort of fear of failing) than he has in past years under Ty Corbin.

• There have been some issues with Kanter and the Turkish national team in the past. But Kanter on Monday said he was in fact planning on playing in the World Cup before he was sidelined by injury.[/QUOTE]

So how long has he been healthy and working on his game? That obviously hurt him at the beginning of last year.

[QUOTE]• Meanwhile, Dennis Lindsey has opened contract extension talks with agents for Alec Burks and Kanter. Last year, the Jazz extended Derrick Favors before the fall deadline and failed to reach a deal with Gordon Hayward. Subsequently, Hayward became a restricted free agent this summer, allowing him to land his max deal.[/QUOTE]

Of course they have. Stupid not to look at it. Even if Kanter is traded eventually you might be able to get a good deal with him coming off a couple injuries. Burks they should be looking to sign for sure.

[QUOTE]• Late Sunday, nude photos of Trey Burke started to spread on social media. The second-year point guard on Monday apologized for the incident and said they were old photos meant to be kept private.

• Ben Anderson, a really smart host over at 1320 KFAN, asked Lindsey if he intentionally took away some of the veteran leadership from last year to force the young players to step in.

"I’m not sure how to totally answer that question at this point in time," Lindsey replied. The GM talked about some of Favors’ and Haywards’ leadership qualities before saying, "Did some veterans move on and will some young guys need to replace that voice? Absolutely."

• No doubt that Hayward is expected to lead. Read Tony Jones’ story on the $63-million man.[/QUOTE]

Wasn't it Tony that just called Favors a proven leader? :D

[QUOTE]• Hayward ruffled some feathers earlier this summer when he talked to Trib columnist Kurt Kragthorpe about his expectations having just signed a new deal. Here’s what Lindsey had to say about that: "I think the message that Gordon was trying to say is, ‘I always feel accountable to producing and trying to find wins and being a part of a winning club.’ I think if you’re in the business of basketball and you’re a competitor, you’re going to find the right reasons why to compete. Usually those guys if they’re doing it for a dollar sign, they’re in it for the wrong reasons. We’re very confident in Gordon, in who he is."[/QUOTE]

obviously more than a lot of us

[QUOTE]• Exum has had a whirlwind summer and said he’s glad to be in Salt Lake City and settling down. He’s living downtown and said he’s been to "both malls." He’s also been to a University of Utah football, his first American football experience.

• There seems to be one spot up for grabs when it comes to the handful of non-guaranteed camp invitees. And there are some interesting skill sets and stories to be told there.[/QUOTE]

Should be a good fight. They still are under the cap by a bit with the extra roster spot so they could still be in play for a deal. Some teams with more than 15 guaranteed deals.

[QUOTE]Dahntay Jones spent part of last year as an NBA analyst after being waived by the Bulls. It kept him around the game and gave him practice at something he can see himself doing once he’s done with basketball.

Jones has been in long-shot situations before. He was a member of the D-League Fort Wayne Mad Ants before he got his shot with Denver.
But he sees his arrival in Utah more like his move to Indiana.

"You had a team that was rebuilding and they started from the bottom and wanted to definite the team they wanted to have. They started with different pieces and they grew from there. [Eventually], they go to the Eastern Conference Finals."

• Media availability will be after practices this season. This is a departure from years past. It’s a minor thing. It’ll mean a little more sleeping in for me and the other reporters. But it will also mean that if there’s an injury at practice, we can ask about it that day instead of waiting until the following availability.

• Two-a-days start tomorrow. Remember you can always hit us up with questions and comments on Twitter or email.

— Aaron Falk[/QUOTE]

[QUOTE]Not only did Favors say he could average 20 and 10 this season, he predicted that he will also get at least 10 assists in a single game and average somewhere between two and three.[/QUOTE]

20-10? Maybe try for a double double first. Big talk last year of him being one of the top rebounders in the league. What happened there?

[QUOTE]"That

[QUOTE]Hayward thinks the Jazz will make a significant leap from last season. His Team USA experience, though ultimately unsuccessful

[QUOTE]The Turkish big man has attempted exactly one shot from beyond the arc in each of his first three seasons (sinking one of them). This year, Kanter says he

[QUOTE]Defensively, Kanter appeared to be lost on the floor at times. This year, he said one of his primary focuses is on being a better defender.

[QUOTE]

[url]http://www.deseretnews.com/top/2757/3/28-Trey-Burke-Utah-Jazz-Ranking-the-starting-point-guards-in-the-NBA-from-the-2013-14-season.html[/url]

at least he's ahead of Felton!

[QUOTE]The morning session of Day 1 was focused entirely on defense and more specifically transition defense. Snyder says he doesn

[QUOTE]David Locke: Carrick Felix will miss approx. 4 weeks with a Grade One AC joint sprain of the his left shoulder Twitter @Lockedonsports [/QUOTE]

sucks for him. He might have had a chance for some minutes. He'll be way behind now.

[QUOTE]Last season, both players established themselves as key contributors and anchors of the franchise

[QUOTE]Guys who aren

[QUOTE] the Jazz have said they will take Exum and play him right away, in order for him to gain NBA experience.[/QUOTE]

They've also said guys are going to compete. Which is it? If he's not ready it makes more sense to spend time in the D-League.

[QUOTE]"It was a good first practice for us," Exum said. "It

[QUOTE]“It’s very different. We didn’t run a play (on offense) all practice,” Jazz big man Derrick Favors said. “Everything was basically defense — defensive rotations, where to be at, how to guard your man, different schemes. The whole practice was basically defense.”[/QUOTE]

The coach K philosophy that led to the USA 2006 loss.

[QUOTE]Especially transition defense, one of the culprits for Utah finishing ranked last in the league in defensive efficiency for the 2013-14 season.

“It’s the first part of any defensive possession,” Snyder said. “If you’re not back in transition then you don’t get a chance to play any other type of defense.”

In his first season as head coach, Snyder is committed to changing the defensive culture in Utah. That, Jazz management believes, is a critical step that must be taken en route to the championship-contending level the team hopes to reach.

“We’re focusing on defending,” Snyder said between the day’s two practice sessions. “I think that’s where we’ve got to begin.”

It starts on the offensive side of the court. Snyder wants his bigs to pound the glass for offensive boards and then to beeline it to the other end if that doesn’t work. Meanwhile, it’s up to the rest of the team to hurry back to slow down fast-break and early-offense attempts.

But, Snyder insisted, it’s more than just physically hustling.

“It’s habits. It’s mental hustle. If you’re not quick to react, you’re late and you can’t catch up. It’s like a sprint — whoever gets out of the gate quickly has an advantage,” the new Jazz coach said. “Especially if you look at the point guards in the West — the ball’s coming at you pretty quick. We’ve got to have the bigs also to form a wall, so people see bodies and see a crowd (and) they don’t see space and the rim.”

Fourth-year big Enes Kanter said defense was the first thing Snyder talked about in a locker room meeting before practice, too.

“I think the important thing right now is defense. Just go out there and just give yourself 100 percent on defense,” Kanter said. “We have special, talented guys who can score the ball. But team defense is teamwork. Every five guys has to do it. It’s going to take some work, definitely. I have to be more in shape. We all have to be in better shape.”

While the Jazz have talked about improving their defense in years past, Favors said things feel a bit different at the beginning of this camp. The players seem more committed. The focus on that end of the court is sharper.

“We’re more focused on defense this year than previous years. Everybody came out here and we’re committed to playing defense,” Favors said. “It’s a very unselfish team. Everybody wants to share the ball. Everybody wants to see everybody do good. It feels like it’s a different feeling in the gym.”

On an individual basis, Favors said Snyder wants him to “play defense like I’ve always played, just with the team.” That includes helping teammates when they get beat off the dribble, adjusting to get back on D quicker, and being more vocal, something coaches tried to get him to do last season.

Kanter, who averaged a double-double over the last month and a half of 2013-14, knows he has left much room for improvement on the defensive end. He said it’s catching on, too.

“Last year, I didn’t have much knowledge on defense. But now this year with Coach Quin, (he) has given us that energy. It’s just come naturally,” Kanter said. “You just want to play defense. Of course, offense is fun. Everybody wants to play offense. Defense is becoming fun too for me.” Hood, a 6-8 small forward, said the coaches are stressing that he should “make athletic plays,” including swiping down lobs, being physical and rebounding.

Exum said the coaches also talked about getting three players back quickly in defensive transition to foil fast breaks.

“As a young team,” he said, “if we can get the D-trans and put them in a half-court and make them play, it gives us a better chance to win in the long run.”

The 6-6 playmaker hopes to be able to use his elite quickness and size to pester opposing point guards, although the raw 19-year-old anticipates a challenge getting used to the physicality of the NBA. He said that might be harder to adapt to at this level than running the offensive show.

“Defense is one of those things where it’s physical, guys are running off, using their body to get open, get to the basket,” he said. “I think that’s going to be one of the tough things.”

And, yes, he’ll hear about it when he doesn’t get back quick enough or try hard enough on the defensive end. That, Exum admitted, happened Tuesday morning.

Jokingly asked if he got yelled at in his first practice, Exum smiled and softly replied.

“Yeah, I did,” he said. “On the base line.”

Not to ruin any future surprises for the rookie, but it won't be the last time.

EMAIL: [email]jody@desnews.com[/email]

TWITTER: DJJazzyJody[/QUOTE]

[QUOTE]Only the Lakers, 76ers, Timberwolves and Mavericks (the lone playoff team on this list) allowed more fast-break points last year than Utah, which watched opponents gallop to 1,277 of them.[/QUOTE]

Which probably means their half court d was even worse.

[QUOTE]If this year

[QUOTE]

[QUOTE]Evans hopes to continue his progress under coach Quin Snyder, who likes what he

[QUOTE]The new veterans

The Jazz practiced for over two hours on Wednesday morning as two-a-days continued.

"It

[QUOTE]Burke is coach Quin Snyder

[QUOTE]Last year, the Jazz used 33% of their possessions in the final 10 seconds of the shot clock

[QUOTE]

[QUOTE]not enough was said about the major improvements Burks saw across the board. [/QUOTE]

Yeah everyone seems to think this is his year but he was arguably their best player last year while Favors and Burke continued to get the hype.

[QUOTE]He seems more confident (which is saying a lot for the swaggertastic Burks). His decision-making has never been better. Burks knew when to slash, shoot or pass. The numbers do the talking: career-highs in every major category; 15.8 PER (up from 11.5); 3.2 WS (up from 1.0); .449 FTr, 16.9 AST% (with a better 13.0 TOV%). Credit should also go to Corbin, who changed his position from back-up point guard to designated scorer off the pine.[/QUOTE]

Credit to Burks and Corbin in the same paragraph? :applause:

[QUOTE]Quin Snyder will be the catalyst. It seems like the offense that is being implemented really plays to the strengths of a guy like Burks. In fact, he may be the one who benefits the most. Look for Burks to lead the team in scoring.[/QUOTE]

Him or Kanter and maybe Burke are the guys they should be looking to to score.

[QUOTE]Utah will become a top 12 shot-blocking team: This would constitute a size able jump from the #20 spot. Few players have had a more productive summer than Rudy Gobert. If he enters his way into the rotation–which he will[/QUOTE]

We'll see. He's got a lot to prove at the other end.

[QUOTE]–that alone will propel progression here. Derrick Favors had an unexpected drop in this department (going from 2.6/36 min in 2013 to 1.8 last season. Likewise, his BLK% decreased from 5.7 to 3.8–the lowest since his rookie campaign). With his confidence growing as he moves forward as the team’s defensive anchor, look for a return to his elite form in this category.[/QUOTE]

His numbers were against bench players before last year.

[QUOTE]Trey Burke will be a top 10 assist guy: First, a caveat: the #10 player last season, Jeff Teague, averaged 6.7 apg. Seeing as Burke doled out 5.7 dimes per outing as a rookie and finished 22nd in the NBA, this is quite realistic. While there are a lot of questions behind Snyder’s offense, the constant take of extra passing and playing with more pace can help Burke. While he was not always keen on pushing the ball last year, when he initiated some early offense looks, the Jazz offense was much more effective. Look for Burke to hit the 7 to 7.5 apg mark.[/QUOTE]

That would pretty good but he'll be splitting the majority of assists with G(like last year) and Burks. Also if Exum is in their he'll be looked at to score more I'd imagine.

[QUOTE]Rudy Gobert’s wingspan will still be 7’9″: Shocker, I know. We’ll also hear about cereal, video games and skateboarding ad nauseum.

No extensions come Halloween: It is encouraging that talks between Utah and their fourth-year players, Alec Burks and Enes Kanter. There are simply too many unknowns in both situations. How will they be utilized in Snyder’s system, as opposed to Tyrone Corbin’s? Will Burks be tabbed a starter? How will Kanter’s green light to shoot 3-pointers affect his outlook? Despite valiant efforts, they will come away without extensions. One minor prediction: Mehmet Okur’s presence, whatever that may be, will be a boon for Kanter’s play. [/QUOTE]

or bust. Would hate to see him hanging out in the corner all game. Okur had no other choice because it's all he had going for him.

[QUOTE]Steve Novak will not play much: Given the front court depth, this prediction is anything but bold. With Favors, Kanter, Gobert and Trevor Booker most likely to earn the lion’s share of the PT, Novak will be used as a situational player–in case of foul trouble or injuries, to create the occasional mismatch and end-of-quarter plays. Novak has too many limitations. Plus, Jeremy Evans is still in the fold, coming off a career year.[/QUOTE]

Agreed but I'd still put Evans ahead of Gobert until proven otherwise.

[QUOTE]Gordon Hayward’s shooting will return to his career marks: His dismal shooting last year was well documented–41.3 percent FGs and 30.4 percent 3s. Assuming a lead role, less surrounding talent and perhaps pressure from his unresolved contract situation all probably played a part. After a busy summer that saw him become richer, happier (with his marriage) and battling against some of the game’s best, Hayward should return to form. I’m thinking 45 and 37 percent, respectively.[/QUOTE]

We'll see. He's always been inconsistent. He might start gunning more now that he is elite(in his own words).

[QUOTE]Utah will open with 15 on its roster: In years past, the Jazz would start with 14 to help maintain roster flexibility. Dennis Lindsey does things differently2. It also helps that teams can add a guy while affixing a January guarantee date, thus making it a low-cost move. Someone out of the training camp invitees will impress and stick. Another wrinkle to watch: while a few guys have guarantees (like Felix and Ian Clark), what if a few of the free agents really stick out? Given their modest salaries, would Utah be willing to cut one of them if someone shows more short and long-term potential?[/QUOTE]

Don't see them cutting guys with guaranteed money. One spot at most open. Murray could go before the January guarantee date. Still could be a trade to change things too though.

[QUOTE]Jazz All-Star Weekend Representation: Burke will return to the Rising Stars no-defense game. Keep an eye on Gobert, too. With a less strong class of sophomores, the Frenchman could make a big jump amongst this group. Dante Exum will not make it there, but Rodney Hood will. It’s also safe to predict that Jack Cooley will not be a Slam Dunk Competition participant. No one will make the real All-Star team.

Rookie performances: Speaking of which, Hood will be viewed by many as one of the big steals of the 2014 Draft. He will be a rotational player from day one and will provide a spark with his fundamental play and much-needed perimeter marksmanship. Unlike most out there, I concur with Andrew Bogut about Exum: he won’t struggle as much as people are assuming. Yes, he will have a lot of growing pains. But his natural talent will be hard to keep off the floor. He will play more than the 15-18 MPG some are forecasting.[/QUOTE]

Maybe in the Dleague.

[QUOTE]Snyder will turn a lot of heads: With the emphasis being more on development and systematic implementation, Snyder will have a great Honeymoon year. He will have the team playing hard and there will be a very fun brand of basketball put out there. While some other rookie coaches will see some immediate success–see Steve Kerr–he will surprise.

There are a lot more, but this will do for today. What are your predictions? Feel free to share any you may have in the comments below.[/QUOTE]

Coach Quin Snyder likes what he

[QUOTE]Zach Lowe: League sources: NBA sent memo today indicating 30 teams could vote on slightly revised lottery reform proposal at Bd of Gov later this month Twitter @ZachLowe_NBA [/QUOTE]

regret the tank?

So even as a rookie, Hood figures prominently into the Jazz

[QUOTE]Coach Quin Snyder, who saw Booker in action four times last season in his Hawks assistant position, has used words like

[QUOTE]After being asked which Utah guard was the toughest to defend, Clark admitted that Burks had a particularly good Saturday morning showing.

[QUOTE]NOTES: The Jazz wrap up their first week of practice with one workout Sunday. Utah will host an open intrasquad scrimmage Monday (6:30 p.m., ESA) and begin preseason action at home against Portland on Tuesday.

New Jazz forward Trevor Booker on Utah

[QUOTE]One thing has been consistent so far during camp: Gordon Hayward continues to receive compliments for his play and physical improvements.

On Friday, Novak gushed about how strong the fifth-year small forward has been in camp.

[QUOTE]ATHLETIC ADVANTAGE: The Jazz are one of the younger teams in the NBA. With 19 players on the roster, their current age is only 24.7 years old, the third-lowest in the league. (Dallas is the oldest: 28.3).

[QUOTE]NOTES: Novak said the Jazz bigs are also playing well and complimented 6-11 forward/center Enes Kanter for hitting a pair of 3-pointers in scrimmages. ... [/QUOTE]

sweet

[QUOTE]Snyder on Carrick Felix, who suffered a Grade 1 AC joint sprain of his left shoulder during the first practice this week: "Carrick ran into good, clean screen. He was trying to get over the top of it and caught his shoulder," the coach said. "It

[QUOTE]Based on salary, Hayward and Derrick Favors are the top candidates to become All-Stars. Going by draft status, it would be Favors or Enes Kanter. For pure athletic ability, it is Alec Burks. By age, with the most improvement to come, it should be Dante Exum or Trey Burke.[/QUOTE]

I think Kanter is the same age as Burke and arguably has a lot more room for improvement based on his experience and being a big. And Exum was in a lot stronger draft so by draft stays you could argue him as well.

[QUOTE]My ranking of those six, by degree of All-Star likelihood: Burks, Hayward, Exum, Favors, Kanter, Burke. Or who knows, maybe Rodney Hood is the guy.

Whether any of them reaches that level, and how soon, are good questions.

"I can

[QUOTE]Returning this year, with a season in the NBA under his belt, the guard says he still felt a need to prove himself.[/QUOTE]

A guy that has proven absolutely nothing has to prove himself? :facepalm

[QUOTE]"Definitely," Clark said after practice Saturday. "It

Aaron Falk: Per Jazz PR, Ian Clark (left patella tendinitis; sprained left ankle) did not practice today. Clark & Felix are OUT for Monday's scrimmage. Twitter @tribjazz

Never understood this no headband business. If the players feel more comfortable wearing one then let 'em I say.

Jerry was old school and I guess Ty too. If it keeps sweat out of your eyes I'd want them wearing them if they want.

[QUOTE]