2022-23 regular season. The Tank begins...

[URL]https://www.slcdunk.com/2022/12/31/23534138/herro-ball-tyler-herro-lifts-miami-heat-past-utah-jazz-in-thriller[/URL]

[QUOTE]The good news for Utah is that Lauri Markkanen is here to stay. Tonight he had another big night with 29 points on fantastic efficiency and he doesn’t appear to be slowing down, if anything, he’s just getting better. There’s just no way the Jazz don’t find a way to keep him on the team long-term. If he can do this on a team that wasn’t supposed to win a lot of games, what happens when you pair him with elite talent down the road?

[/QUOTE]

he becomes the role player he's always been? Great players carry teams. We saw Gobert carry a lot less talent to wins

[QUOTE] It’s danger time in Minnesota. The losses are piling up and so are the frustrations. This passion play has been at the local art house for the last two decades, and the foundation crumbles so much more easily when it has been blown up and rebuilt over and over again. Fingers start pointing and fabric is torn and the team is staring down the barrel of a potential disaster should they finish in the lottery and give their pick to Utah, where Walker Kessler has out-performed Gobert in some loud areas this season. [URL="https://theathletic.com/4048742/2023/01/01/timberwolves-rock-bottom-pistons/"]“I think tonight was the first time I saw them frustrated with each other through a lot of different ins and outs of the lineup, tough losses on the road, but tonight I think it manifested itself in a different way,” Finch said.[/URL] “A lot of frustration with guys not making the right and simple play.”

– via [URL="https://theathletic.com/4048742/2023/01/01/timberwolves-rock-bottom-pistons/"]Jon Krawczynski @ The Athletic[/URL]


[/QUOTE]

Kessler has more blocks. Minnesota's D is good with Gobert. Jazz D is bad regardless :facepalm

Tony Jones: [URL="https://*********.com/social/"]Collin Sexton didn’t practice today and is taking a week to strengthen and rest his hamstring.[/URL] Not necessarily a setback, Sexton just doesn’t feel like the hamstring is where it was before the injury. He will be out at least a week
– via [URL="https://twitter.com/Tjonesonthenba"]Twitter Tjonesonthenba[/URL]

Jason Anderson: [URL="https://*********.com/social/"]According to a league source, Keon Ellis and Chima Moneke will join the Sacramento Kings in Salt Lake City for Tuesday’s game against the Utah Jazz.[/URL] Ellis and Moneke will remain in SLC with the G League Stockton Kings for Wednesday’s game against the Salt Lake City Stars.
– via [URL="https://twitter.com/JandersonSacBee"]Twitter JandersonSacBee[/URL]

[QUOTE]Eric Walden: [URL="https://*********.com/social/"]Utah Jazz owner @Ryan Smith getting up shots at Jazz shootaround with coach Will Hardy[/URL].

[/QUOTE]

even he might shoot better than his favorite bum

[QUOTE] Brian Windhorst: I said that the Timberwolves could use a guy like Mike Conley… It doesn’t appear Mike Conley is available, at least right now.
– via Apple Podcasts[/QUOTE]


for the right price he is. Obviously him and Gobert have great chemistry. Can only imagine how good the Jazz would be with Gobert on the team still plus the guys they got from Cleveland

[url]https://kslsports.com/497160/donovan-mitchell-is-reaching-new-heights-after-leaving-jazz/[/url]

[QUOTE]Howard Eisley was one of the league’s top young point guards playing behind Stockton in the late 90s. After turning down a multi-year deal to continue as Stockton’s backup, Eisley was traded to the Mavericks where he received a bigger role, but never developed into the upper-echelon starter Dallas hoped they were acquiring in the deal.

[/QUOTE]

Eisley sucked as did most of Stockton's backups

[QUOTE]Shandon Anderson suffered a similar fate. Anderson was a strong contributor in the Jazz’s runs to the Finals, but turned down a larger role with the Jazz for an opportunity to take a starting role with the Houston Rockets.

[/QUOTE]

what larger role? Instead of him being their main focus in the off season as he should have been they were worried about Horny who was about done.

[QUOTE]The Jazz chose to move on from Donovan Mitchell, recognizing their timeline was better served to hit the reset button, rather than trying to piecemeal a new supporting cast around him. And, even with the guard having a career year with the Cavaliers, it’s far too early to say the Jazz made a bad move.

[/QUOTE]

I'll take Lauri and Sexton over the gunner anyday. Too bad they don't still have Gobert though

[url]https://saltcityhoops.com/sc7-0102230-bestworst-clutch/[/url]

[QUOTE]Nobody mentioned it, but an onslaught of COVID-19 illness and other injuries derailed the Jazz after the 28-10 peak mentioned above. They would never be whole again after early January, and it just killed the belief — again, even though the team was fighting for the No. 1 seed before the bad luck started.

[/QUOTE]

and that is where the narrative that they had went as far as they could with this group. Stockton and Malone went up and down throughout their careers. New coach might have been all they needed. That was the obvious change that only happened because he left. tHE CURRENT TEAM SUCKS AT d AND REBOUNDING. iMAGINE IF THEY wOLVES TRADE HADN'T HAPPENED JUST THE cAVS(AND cLARKSON_

[url]https://www.slcdunk.com/2023/1/3/23537328/tables-turn-in-utah-jazz-sacramento-kings-rematch[/url]

[QUOTE]In short, it’s been a layup line. Against Sacramento the other night, Utah had it’s best success with a 3-big lineup of Lauri Markkanen, Kelly Olynyk, and Walker Kessler. In 11 minutes, that group only allowed 6 of 20 shots at the rim and still performed at an elite offensive level.

[/QUOTE]

did they rebound? That's the biggest issue to me. You're playing bigger than everyone in the league and can't rebound

[url]https://fansided.com/2023/01/02/nba-mega-trade-30-teams-2023/4/[/url]
[QUOTE]
[B]Sending out:[/B] Rudy Gay, Talen Horton-Tucker
[B]Bringing in:[/B] Duncan Robinson[/QUOTE]

shooting isn't their problem

[url]https://www.ksl.com/article/50552062/the-jazz-gave-ochai-agbaji-a-chance-and-the-rookie-delivered-[/url]

good now some consistency rather it's with the Jazz or Stars

[url]https://kslsports.com/497256/markkanen-agbaji-snap-jazz-losing-streak/[/url]

[QUOTE]With the trade deadline approaching on February 9, the Jazz front office must decide what they’ve learned about the roster at the midway point of the season and decide whether they’d be better served to attempt to make a push toward the playoffs, or by dropping back in the standings.

[/QUOTE]

Clarkson needs to go minimum

[url]https://www.deseret.com/2023/1/4/23481149/utah-jazz-rudy-gay-getting-minutes-but-why[/url]

[QUOTE]So, if you’re getting veteran mentorship, a reliable source of wisdom and all you have to give up for that is 12-15 minutes a night and a couple of bad shots, it’s a pretty good deal, especially when those minutes aren’t directly contributing to losing and when you look at what could hypothetically happen if you decided to go in another direction.

[/QUOTE]

considering the money he makes through next season and that those minutes could go to others it sucks

[QUOTE]“I think it’s time that Ochai finds some minutes,” Hardy said after the loss to the Kings. “He’s worked really, really hard and he’s done great with Scott (Morrison), our G League coach and their staff. He’s been down there getting minutes to learn how to be a pro and understand how he can help our team and we need his physicality, we need his athleticism, especially on the defensive end.”

[/QUOTE]

Nicekeil, Horton Tucker and Simone aren't getting minutes why should he when the Gleague is there for him?

[URL="https://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/nba/2-best-trades-jazz-must-make-before-2023-nba-trade-deadline/ar-AA161Sui?rc=1&ocid=winp1taskbar&cvid=0eb2f567437947e59dcd7bd81b47407e"]2 best trades Jazz must make before 2023 NBA trade deadline (msn.com)[/URL]

[QUOTE][LEFT]As tempting as that might sound, however, it’s critical for Utah to stick to its plan. They just have to step into Phase 2. That means getting rid of the next tier of players on the roster like Rudy Gay and Malik Beasley. Some feel they may also consider shipping out Mike Conley Jr. and Jordan Clarkson, but we are not too sold on that.
[/LEFT][/QUOTE]

Lauri looks like a guy to build around. You need to get rid of whomever doesn't fit around him starting with Clarkson and Gay ideally. They need to think of him as a 4/5 not a 3. They need to figure out which 2 or 3 bigs they're moving forward with. I'd think Kessler should be looked as the eventual starter and I'd say Vanderbilt off the bench with his great energy and D with Olynyk or Simone if you look to go smaller and younger. At some point they will have to decide between Conley and Sexton. I like Beasley and Nickeil but the latter certainly doesn't feel like he will be around past the off season. He should be playing. Best perimeter defender, one of the best playmakers, their biggest guard, play the 1 and 2 and he's hitting shots

[QUOTE][LEFT]We are not sure if Danny Ainge & Co. would agree, but the Jazz should be sellers and not buyers right now. If the Jazz do want to target anyone, it has to be a guy who fits into the team’s timeline. They still have room to grow, but they shouldn’t invest anything in a seasoned veteran moving forward. It should be a full-on youth movement right now in Utah.
[/LEFT][/QUOTE]

depends on who they are selling and buying. Sounds like they want Collins. Looks like they want young vets on a decent 2nd contract like him, Lauri and Sexton. If they become a star like Lauri you have a bargain contract or you can use those contracts for something bigger or whatever. I'd be happy if Clarkson was gone but there's several guys now that won't be back next year so if you can trade them now why not? Bolmaro, Udoka, Nickeil, Simone, Talen...

[QUOTE][LEFT]The Jazz should explore a deal for Gay. This would free up some playing time for youngsters Simone Fontecchio and Ochai Agbaji. Any club out there that may be looking for a veteran shooter may want to stake a wager on Gay’s six seasons of above-average three-point shooting.
[/LEFT][/QUOTE]

no one wants Gay unless they are getting back something else to make it worth their while

[QUOTE][LEFT]The Jazz may also think about dealing Gay for a younger player. Jaxson Hayes, for example (Pelicans), could be interesting. Although Hayes won’t turn 23 until after the season, his potential to develop into much more than his present form should make him quite appealing.
[/LEFT][/QUOTE]

and what else do they want? Hayes probably wouldn't play. Could sit next to Udoka

[QUOTE][LEFT]The Jazz may even include Beasley in the aforementioned Hayes trade package. As an alternative, the Jazz may want to consider Miami’s Nikola Jovic or Boston’s Payton Pritchard.
[/LEFT][/QUOTE]

Now Beasley actually should have a lot of value. He can play.

KC Johnson: Bulls update to injury report: [URL="https://*********.com/social/"]Tony Bradley is out and in league’s health and safety protocol.[/URL] Fairly certain this is first instance Bulls have placed someone in health and safety protocol this season.
– via [URL="https://twitter.com/KCJHoop"]Twitter KCJHoop[/URL]

KC Johnson: [URL="https://*********.com/social/"]Lauri Markkanen following Jazz shootaround: “Of course, it’s always extra motivation to come here.”[/URL] Have always respected how Markkanen leans into this rather than downplaying it Also, many Jazz staffers were wearing “The Finnisher” sweatshirts as All-Star push is in full swing
– via [URL="https://twitter.com/KCJHoop"]Twitter KCJHoop[/URL]

[QUOTE] [URL="https://marcstein.substack.com/p/nba-trade-deadline-time?utm_source=post-email-title&publication_id=392205&post_id=95230845&isFreemail=false&utm_medium=email"]Myles Turner, to this point, has rebuffed Indiana’s contract extension offers,[/URL] league sources say. Ditto for Jordan Clarkson in Utah.

– via [URL="https://marcstein.substack.com/p/nba-trade-deadline-time?utm_source=post-email-title&publication_id=392205&post_id=95230845&isFreemail=false&utm_medium=email"]Marc Stein @ marcstein.substack.com[/URL]





Two rival teams have mentioned to me recently [URL="https://marcstein.substack.com/p/nba-trade-deadline-time?utm_source=post-email-title&publication_id=392205&post_id=95230845&isFreemail=false&utm_medium=email"]that Houston’s asking price for Eric Gordon is similar to Detroit’s with Bogdanović[/URL].
– via [URL="https://marcstein.substack.com/p/nba-trade-deadline-time?utm_source=post-email-title&publication_id=392205&post_id=95230845&isFreemail=false&utm_medium=email"]Marc Stein @ marcstein.substack.com[/URL]


[/QUOTE]some good news on the Clarkson front. Can't believe Ainge is that stupid anyway!

But the Pistons are asking for a first-round pick for teams eager to add the veteran shooter, and the Lakers are not the only suitor. [URL="https://bleacherreport.com/articles/10060740-latest-nba-trade-buzz-keep-eyes-on-small-market-teams-with-money-to-burn"]The Dallas Mavericks are on the list, but one source said the Pistons would demand the Mavericks’ 2027 first-round pick[/URL] (probably with a player like Davis Bertans, whose contract isn’t pretty).
– via [URL="https://bleacherreport.com/articles/10060740-latest-nba-trade-buzz-keep-eyes-on-small-market-teams-with-money-to-burn"]Eric Pincus @ Bleacher Report[/URL]

[url]https://kslsports.com/497278/utah-jazz-four-factors-midway-point/[/url]

[QUOTE]At 22-years-old, and having played at a high-level college program like Kansas, Agbaji should be able to impact the game in more ways than he’s shown through the first half of his rookie season.

[/QUOTE]

not necessarily. Has to be better with the Stars at least though. A lot better

[QUOTE]The Jazz declined to pick up either player’s option next season, so if they hope to stick with the franchise, they’ll have to prove they’ve got more to offer over the next four months.

[/QUOTE]

doubt either will be around. I like Bolmaro. Udoka showed he could play in the league last year

[QUOTE]They need to choose one or the other because staying in the 10th seed in the West is arguably the worst option available.

[/QUOTE]

not really. If you don't win the play-in you are a lottery team

[QUOTE]He’s a knockdown shooter, a developing pick-and-roll finisher, and a long, willing defender. The Jazz may not have another long-term staple on the team as of today, but finding talent to fit around Markkanen should be easier than it was to build around Rudy Gobert and Donovan Mitchell.

[/QUOTE]

we'll see. The Jazz were good as soon as Gobert emerged. Jazz aren't very good right now

[QUOTE]Clarkson will likely opt out of his contract this summer, meaning the Jazz have to weigh whether he’s more valuable as a trade asset, or as a player they’ll want to dedicate significant money to over the summer.

[/QUOTE]

see ya! Be great not to have to pay him the 4th year!

[QUOTE]The Jazz opened the year winning 10 of 13 games, eliminating any chance for a season-long tank that may have proven fruitful but would have been painful for fans to sit through.

[/QUOTE]

they can still finish as one of the worst teams and it doesn't improve your odds that much anyway We'll know soon which direction they are heading

[URL="https://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/nba/rumor-jordan-clarkson-fuels-jazz-trade-links-with-eye-opening-decision-on-contract-offer/ar-AA165g6z?rc=1&ocid=winp1taskbar&cvid=4095c18aeb25491fb6d916f439b7bbd3"]RUMOR: Jordan Clarkson fuels Jazz trade links with eye-opening decision on contract offer (msn.com)[/URL]

see ya!!! :rockon:

Tony Jones: [URL="https://*********.com/social/"]The Jazz and Jordan Clarkson have been engaged in contract extension talks, according to league sources. No agreement has been reached, but there is mutual interest in moving forward.[/URL] The two sides have until April to come to an agreement. If no agreement is reached, Clarkson has the option to pick up his player option or head into unrestricted free agency. In unrestricted free agency, the Jazz have his bird rights.
– via [URL="https://twitter.com/Tjonesonthenba"]Twitter Tjonesonthenba[/URL]





Tony Jones: The key, according to sources, is the two sides have interest in continuing to talk and will continue to talk. [URL="https://*********.com/social/"]The Jazz see Clarkson as someone who is playing at a high level and is still young enough to grow with the current rebuild.[/URL] The Jazz are limited in what they can currently offer because of league rules, but talks at this stage are still considered in the routine stage, according to sources.
– via [URL="https://twitter.com/Tjonesonthenba"]Twitter Tjonesonthenba[/URL]

Memphis: Ja Morant (right thigh soreness) and Steven Adams (non-COVID illness) have been downgraded to questionable for Sunday’s game against Utah. Desmond Bane (right big toe injury management) is available.
– via Alberto De Roa @ *********

Meltdown.

Ryan Miller: [URL="https://*********.com/social/"]Talen Horton-Tucker will miss today’s game in Memphis with a right ankle sprain[/URL].
– via [URL="https://twitter.com/millerjryan"]Twitter millerjryan[/URL]

Bolmaro big game in win last night for the Stars

As for Collins, [URL="https://theathletic.com/4067336/2023/01/09/john-collins-trade-rumors/?source=nbatw"]the Hawks have long since known that he’d welcome a change of scenery.[/URL] But the factors that matter the most in deal-making may not currently be in his favor.
– via [URL="https://theathletic.com/4067336/2023/01/09/john-collins-trade-rumors/?source=nbatw"]Sam Amick @ The Athletic[/URL]




[URL="https://theathletic.com/4067336/2023/01/09/john-collins-trade-rumors/?source=nbatw"]“I can say, ‘Hey, I want to do this and I wanna do that,’ and they can just do whatever they feel is fair. You saw it with Kevin Durant (last summer), right? He’s begging for trade, and Brooklyn is like, ‘Nah.’[/URL] Not saying that I’m Kevin Durant, but it’s just the mentality of ‘Yeah, you can say whatever, you can make a public scene, you can do whatever, (but it won’t matter).’”

– via [URL="https://theathletic.com/4067336/2023/01/09/john-collins-trade-rumors/?source=nbatw"]Sam Amick @ The Athletic[/URL]







[URL="https://theathletic.com/4067336/2023/01/09/john-collins-trade-rumors/?source=nbatw"]I’ve had three coaches up to this point. So as I said, it’s sort of being calm in the business world of basketball, which is a lot.[/URL] There are ideas and thoughts, a lot of players’ hopes and dreams and careers, and just a lot of decision making going on that I can’t control happening in front of me. So I just know to keep my mind clear. That’s the best thing for me. It’s just a lot to think about and process.

– via [URL="https://theathletic.com/4067336/2023/01/09/john-collins-trade-rumors/?source=nbatw"]Sam Amick @ The Athletic[/URL]






[URL="https://theathletic.com/4067336/2023/01/09/john-collins-trade-rumors/?source=nbatw"]But are you hoping that one thing or another happens? I don’t give a damn honestly,[/URL] you know what I mean? How’s that possible? What do you mean? I play basketball every day, you know what I mean? I come in and I play basketball, and whatever happens, happens because I don’t control that side. I don’t have any control over any decisions that get made, where I am and where I play. I don’t have any control over that.
– via [URL="https://theathletic.com/4067336/2023/01/09/john-collins-trade-rumors/?source=nbatw"]Sam Amick @ The Athletic[/URL]

Eric Walden: [URL="https://*********.com/social/"]Kelly Olynyk has been ruled OUT tomorrow vs. Cleveland (left ankle sprain)[/URL]. Collin Sexton (right hamstring) and Talen Horton-Tucker (right ankle sprain) remain OUT.
– via [URL="https://twitter.com/tribjazz"]Twitter tribjazz[/URL]

Former Suns player [URL="https://*********.com/lists/international-transactions-log-where-are-former-nba-players-going/"]Paris Bass signed with G League team Wisconsin Herd for the remainder of the 2022-23 season[/URL].
– via [URL="https://*********.com/lists/international-transactions-log-where-are-former-nba-players-going/"]Alberto De Roa @ *********[/URL]

Andy Larsen: [URL="https://*********.com/social/"]Udoka Azubuike is out tonight due to COVID protocols.[/URL] Leandro Bolmaro is questionable (illness) Johnny Juzang is questionable. Micah Potter available.
– via [URL="https://twitter.com/andyblarsen"]Twitter andyblarsen[/URL]

Your former teammate Donovan Mitchell returns as a member of the Cleveland Cavaliers to play in Salt Lake City against the Jazz for the first time on Tuesday. What do you think about the return of your friend and old teammate? [URL="https://andscape.com/features/jordan-clarkson-is-ready-for-the-return-of-donovan-mitchell-hes-a-real-real-superstar/"]Jordan Clarkson: Donny is coming. That’s my guy man, always. Always show love to him. We talked a lot. He is a cool and down to Earth kid and he’s really starting to embrace that. He’s a real, real superstar, honestly.[/URL] Seeing him go through all that so young is really crazy to me. I never had that experience. I saw Kobe, and LeBron, and them when they were older and understood a lot of things. And Donny’s kind of understanding it and really coming into his own as a man.
– via [URL="https://andscape.com/features/jordan-clarkson-is-ready-for-the-return-of-donovan-mitchell-hes-a-real-real-superstar/"]Marc J. Spears @ Andscape[/URL]





The 2023 NBA All-Star Game is in Salt Lake City. [URL="https://andscape.com/features/jordan-clarkson-is-ready-for-the-return-of-donovan-mitchell-hes-a-real-real-superstar/"]Do you aspire to make your first NBA All-Star appearance in your home arena? Jordan Clarkson: I’m playing to that caliber, making plays, trying to help my team win. I ain’t never been one to chase awards and accolades or nothing.[/URL] I just kind of let the game speak for itself. If it happens, it happens, but definitely going to have to keep winning more games. It’s not really on my mind. Not at all really. But I come out here, try to perform every night, give our team a chance to win. That’s all I’m really worried about.
– via [URL="https://andscape.com/features/jordan-clarkson-is-ready-for-the-return-of-donovan-mitchell-hes-a-real-real-superstar/"]Marc J. Spears @ Andscape[/URL]






What did you learn from Kobe work ethic-wise and off the court? [URL="https://andscape.com/features/jordan-clarkson-is-ready-for-the-return-of-donovan-mitchell-hes-a-real-real-superstar/"]Jordan Clarkson: In those last two years when it was almost over and he made his farewell tour or whatever it was, he was still the first dude in the gym, weight room, and getting up shots.[/URL] Sometimes he’d be like, ‘Man, were you at?’ He did a whole practice and a whole film session before we practiced. And then coming in there changing stuff on the film game plan. Just being around all that early [former Laker Julius Randle] could attest to that, [former Laker] D’Angelo [Russell] as well, that’s helped us in our career tremendously. He pushed us too.
– via [URL="https://andscape.com/features/jordan-clarkson-is-ready-for-the-return-of-donovan-mitchell-hes-a-real-real-superstar/"]Marc J. Spears @ Andscape[/URL]







Jordan Clarkson: [URL="https://andscape.com/features/jordan-clarkson-is-ready-for-the-return-of-donovan-mitchell-hes-a-real-real-superstar/"]I think D-Lo got on a podcast and talked about a [Lakers game we had] in Portland. I think it was Dame [Lillard] and C.J. [McCollum] went crazy on us, and Kobe went off on a 30-, 40-minute rant on us.[/URL] About us being young guys, and how those dudes were really taking control of what they got, and what they were doing. So, till this day all that stuff still stands for me.
– via [URL="https://andscape.com/features/jordan-clarkson-is-ready-for-the-return-of-donovan-mitchell-hes-a-real-real-superstar/"]Marc J. Spears @ Andscape[/URL]

Marc J. Spears: Ex-Jazz coach [URL="https://*********.com/social/"]Quin Snyder will serve as camp director at the Basketball Africa League combine for 30 prospects in Paris on Jan. 15-16.[/URL] Prospects will take part in athletic testing, skill development and 5-on-5 games in front of execs from 12 teams playing in @theBAL 2023 season.
– via [URL="https://twitter.com/MarcJSpears"]Twitter MarcJSpears[/URL]

[URL="https://theathletic.com/4071072/2023/01/09/donovan-mitchell-returns-utah/"]There is, or there should be, mutual appreciation between Mitchell and Jazz fans. I’m not sure there is mutual love. “I don’t know. We did a lot of great things there.[/URL] We did not accomplish our main goal. I don’t know what the response is going to be, and I am hopeful there will be cheers,” Mitchell told reporters after the Cavaliers’ game in Phoenix on Jan. 8. “Like I said, I had a lot of positives despite not winning a championship. That is not easy and only one team does it. “At the end of the day, we played well, and we had great groups of coaches. For me, it is just to get another win on the road. I understand there is going to be a lot of stuff going on but we just have to win as a group.”
– via [URL="https://theathletic.com/4071072/2023/01/09/donovan-mitchell-returns-utah/"]Tony Jones @ The Athletic[/URL]

“I know I’ve gotten better as a player, gotten more mature as a person, so I think it just takes time to evolve,” Markkanen said. “Just sometimes I feel like I’m in the right place at the right time clicking with the coaching staff, system and the guys I’m surrounded with. It’s a different path for everybody.” Bulls [URL="https://www.espn.com/nba/insider/insider/story/_/id/35415238/the-hoop-collective-first-round-picks-no-use-lebron-james-here-why"]guard Zach LaVine, Markkanen’s former teammate in Chicago, said: “I’m just happy for him. He’s 100% an All-Star in my book.”[/URL]
– via [URL="https://www.espn.com/nba/insider/insider/story/_/id/35415238/the-hoop-collective-first-round-picks-no-use-lebron-james-here-why"]Brian Windhorst @ ESPN[/URL]

Michael Scotto: Pistons [URL="https://*********.com/lists/nba-rumors-knicks-lakers-raptors-mavericks-pistons-kevin-durant/"]guard Alec Burks has drawn interest on the trade market from several playoff-caliber teams, league sources told *********.[/URL] The 31-year-old veteran has averaged 14 points on a career-high 46.4 percent from the field and 44.7 percent from beyond the arc. Next season, Burks has a $10.49 million team option, which the Pistons are expected to exercise if he remains with the team past the trade deadline, given his strong play and veteran presence.
– via [URL="https://*********.com/lists/nba-rumors-knicks-lakers-raptors-mavericks-pistons-kevin-durant/"]Michael Scotto @ *********[/URL]

One Eastern Conference executive shared with Heavy Sports where things stand with Atlanta and Collins and the likelihood that the Nets would be able to get a deal done for the sixth-year forward. “What you are seeing with Collins now is that the Hawks want him to be treated like an All-Star, they want a big-time return for Collins—not quite like the Rudy Gobert or Donovan Mitchell trades, but something in that neighborhood. And everyone else looks at him like he’s a guy who is owed $100 million over the next four years and is having the worst year of his career. [URL="https://heavy.com/sports/brooklyn-nets/john-collins-nets-asking-price/"]The Nets can build a package around Joe Harris to make the money match, and add in Royce O’Neale and Cam Thomas[/URL].
– via [URL="https://heavy.com/sports/brooklyn-nets/john-collins-nets-asking-price/"]Thomas Darro @ Heavy.com[/URL]

[URL="https://www.inquirer.com/sixers/sixers-niang-nba-three-point-contest-harden-20230109.html"]If Georges Niang gets his wish, the 76ers power forward will compete in the NBA three-point contest as part of the NBA All-Star Weekend next month. “I think that would be a cool event,” Niang said.[/URL] “I’ve never done something like that, so I definitely would be excited to take part in that.” He made 3 of 8 three-pointers Sunday in a 123-111 victory over the Detroit Pistons and is shooting 42.0% from deep this season.
– via [URL="https://www.inquirer.com/sixers/sixers-niang-nba-three-point-contest-harden-20230109.html"]Keith Pompey @ The Philadelphia Inquirer[/URL]




Niang has always been obsessed with the All-Star weekend. He can tell you what Rashard Lewis, Stephen Curry, Larry Bird or any other winner did to prevail in the three-point contest. [URL="https://www.inquirer.com/sixers/sixers-niang-nba-three-point-contest-harden-20230109.html"]“The three-point contest, obviously, if you’re an NBA fan, you’ve paid attention to it and watched it,” Niang said.[/URL] “If you ever get a chance to be a part of that, it would be an honor.”
– via [URL="https://www.inquirer.com/sixers/sixers-niang-nba-three-point-contest-harden-20230109.html"]Keith Pompey @ The Philadelphia Inquirer[/URL]

[url]https://kslsports.com/497388/ryan-smith-talks-utah-jazz-trade-deadline/[/url]

[QUOTE]“I think we’ve had more close games than anyone in the league,” Smith said, “and it’s a testament to [coach Will Hardy], it’s a testament to the guys, it’s a testament to the vets and that’s what people want to see every night.”

[/QUOTE]

more a testament to the bum and bad D that they aren't better

[QUOTE]“We’re definitely thinking long term, we’re looking at it to be opportunistic as always,” Smith said. “I think we were opportunistic throughout this process.”

[/QUOTE]

long term while signing Clarkson? :facepalm

Thankfully got through the Don return cleanly. Good to see. Treated him respectfully, got the W, best case scenario all around.

Came out what the Hawks were asking for John Collins and supposedly they wanted a Don/Gobert type haul for him, which is a bit extreme no doubt.

[QUOTE=El Kabong;14715815]Thankfully got through the Don return cleanly. Good to see. Treated him respectfully, got the W, best case scenario all around.

Came out what the Hawks were asking for John Collins and supposedly they wanted a Don/Gobert type haul for him, which is a bit extreme no doubt.[/QUOTE]

he's by far the most popular Jazz player ever other than statues. There was no doubt about the reception though I actually didn't see it

They aren't getting that for Collins. No many teams want his contract. Ainge likes the contract I imagine. Similar to Lauri and Sexton.

Shams Charania: [URL="https://*********.com/social/"]The Phoenix Suns are signing G League Raptors 905 guard Saben Lee to a 10-day contract,[/URL] sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium . Lee has played 87 NBA games over the past three years and spent time with 76ers this season.
– via [URL="https://twitter.com/ShamsCharania"]Twitter ShamsCharania[/URL]