Draft day, free agency, training camp, pre season...

[QUOTE][URL="https://*********.com/2020/11/25/sources-glenn-robinson-iii-lakers-clippers-rockets-nets-jazz/"]Glenn Robinson III, one of the top wings remaining on the market, has drawn interest from the Los Angeles Lakers, Los Angeles Clippers, Houston Rockets, Brooklyn Nets, and Utah Jazz,[/URL] league sources told *********.
– via [URL="https://*********.com/2020/11/25/sources-glenn-robinson-iii-lakers-clippers-rockets-nets-jazz/"]Michael Scotto @ *********[/URL]
[/QUOTE]

sounds like they're still looking

[I]Rudy/Favors/Udoka/Gill
[I]O'Neale/Niang/Morgan/Brantley
[I]Bojan/Ingles/Oni
[I]Mitchell/Clarkson/Tucker/Hughes/Toolson
[I]Conley/William Goss/Forrest

Mudiay, Wright Forman

Batum, Robinson III[/I][/I][/I][/I][/I]

Robinson showed some 6th man ability last year maybe 3 and D? Too bad they have Clarkson! :cry:

[url]https://www.slcdunk.com/latest-utah-jazz-news-recent/2020/11/26/21721311/utah-jazz-news-and-notes-rudy-gobert-jarrell-brantley-elijah-hughes-nba-offseason[/url]

[QUOTE]With the shortened season he’ll also likely get more chances to play. With there being more back to backs and even some possible scenarios with four games in five nights, the [URL="https://www.sbnation.com/nba/teams/utah-jazz"]Jazz[/URL] will likely need him more than last season.


[/QUOTE]


probably needed him more last year actually

[QUOTE]The [URL="https://www.sbnation.com/nba/teams/utah-jazz"]Jazz[/URL] also signed 6’4” 210 pound guard [URL="https://www.sbnation.com/college-basketball/players/298669/trent-forrest"]Trent Forrest[/URL]. In 4 seasons at [URL="https://www.sbnation.com/college-basketball/teams/florida-st-seminoles"]Florida State[/URL] [URL="https://www.sbnation.com/college-basketball/players/298669/trent-forrest"]Forrest[/URL] averaged 8.3 points, 4.1 rebounds and 3.3 assists. His percentages aren’t anything to write home about but he does have good size and athleticism. Probably the most interesting thing about him at [URL="https://www.sbnation.com/college-basketball/teams/florida-st-seminoles"]Florida State[/URL] was his 1.9 steals per game. There’s some definite upside there on the defensive end. If he can figure out his shooting could he become a future defensive wing for the [URL="https://www.sbnation.com/nba/teams/utah-jazz"]Jazz[/URL]?


[/QUOTE]

or maybe a pg since that's what he plays?

[QUOTE]Being a first round pick it was easy to predict a contract signing for [URL="https://www.sbnation.com/nba/players/346795/udoka-azubuike"]Azubuike[/URL], but for [URL="https://www.sbnation.com/nba/players/346796/elijah-hughes"]Hughes[/URL] it was a little unclear what kind of contract he would get. Apparently it will be two years guaranteed.


[/QUOTE]

I really don't get it. Last years guys got some guaranteed money. Only Tucker got anything guaranteed this year and that's cause other teams wanted him. Is this guy better than Oni, Tucker, Brantley and Wright Forman? Seems disrespectful to them especially Brantley but all showed something last year at the NBA level :coleman:

[QUOTE]It’s a sign that the [URL="https://www.sbnation.com/nba/teams/utah-jazz"]Jazz[/URL] really like Hughes. The [URL="https://www.sbnation.com/nba/teams/utah-jazz"]Jazz[/URL] have done this in the past with surprise contracts like this and it has worked out well with players like [URL="https://www.sbnation.com/nba/players/291441/royce-o-neale"]Royce O’Neale[/URL]. Will [URL="https://www.sbnation.com/nba/players/346796/elijah-hughes"]Elijah Hughes[/URL] be the next [URL="https://www.sbnation.com/nba/teams/utah-jazz"]Jazz[/URL] success story? It seems likely when you look at that beautiful jumpshot.


[/QUOTE]

the 34 % says otherwise
[QUOTE]As far as [URL="https://www.sbnation.com/nba/players/346795/udoka-azubuike"]Azubuike[/URL] this is expected. [URL="https://www.sbnation.com/nba/players/346795/udoka-azubuike"]Azubuike[/URL] will likely get some nice minutes this season with the shortened schedule and will hopefully step in and provide the rim-rolling and rim protection right away.


[/QUOTE]
hoping for that means Favors or Gobert aren't playing unless you're talking the Stars where him and Hughes will get to carry Gleague 1st teamer Brantley's bags

[QUOTE]We likely won’t see something in the next day or so with Thanksgiving but if days and days start going by this may become a bigger story.



[/QUOTE]
have more than 3 weeks. Settle down :roll:

[I]Rudy/Favors/Udoka/Gill
[I]O'Neale/Niang/Morgan/Brantley
[I]Bojan/Ingles/Oni
[I]Mitchell/Clarkson/Hughes/Tucker/Toolson
[I]Conley/William Goss/Forrest

Mudiay, Wright Forman

Batum, Robinson III

So 10 guaranteed deals, 2 two ways, 4 non guaranteed, 1 partial, 2 exhibit 10's, 2 free agents and two players the Jazz are rumored to have interest in. Need more vets. They obviously don't think as much of Oni, Tucker and Morgan as has been reported. Might as well get some vets. Have enough young guys that won't play already.[/I][/I][/I][/I][/I]

[url]https://kslsports.com/446986/jazz-fans-can-be-thankful-for-these-five-things/[/url]

[QUOTE]When the Jazz drafted Mitchell in 2017, they weren’t expecting to be getting a max-level player who would one day sign an enormous contraction extension that would keep the franchise competitive for the next half-decade.


[/QUOTE]

Competitive assuming the franchise player is also signed

[QUOTE]If I told you newly drafted Elijah Hughes would be worth a max-level deal in three seasons while averaging better than 20 points per game for his career, you wouldn’t ask me what contract stipulations existed in the negotiation. You’d just be thrilled the Jazz hit a homerun on another late draft pick.


[/QUOTE]

Just hoping he's worth the roster spot he's taking the next two seasons possibly over guys that have already shown something at the NBA and Gleague level

[QUOTE]Jazz fans, you have a very rare star in Mitchell, be thankful for him.


[/QUOTE]

There's a lot of guys scoring a lot of points on a lot of shots and not playing much D. He's got a lot to prove yet

[QUOTE]In 2017, the Jazz lost Gordon Hayward, one of the best players the franchise had seen since Karl Malone and John Stockton left the state in 2003. Instead of going in the tank, the Jazz made three consecutive playoff runs in Hayward’s absence under Gail Miller’s watchful eye.


[/QUOTE]

because the best player they've ever had besides Stockton and Malone is still here! Thanks ownership?

[QUOTE]Yes, drafting Mitchell helped, and luck came with that. But the Jazz identified Mitchell as a target early in the draft process because the Miller family allowed their work ethic to blend seamlessly with Dennis Lindsey and Justin Zanik’s concept on team building.


[/QUOTE]

[CENTER][/CENTER]
It sounds like mostly they identified him because he was out of their draft range yet wanted to workout for them anyway. Guys that want to be in Utah they like rather they should or not
[QUOTE]
Smith has big shoes to fill, but his willingness to spend more than $250 million extending Mitchell, and re-signing both Jordan Clarkson and Derrick Favors within the first three days of his first free agency is extremely promising.


[/QUOTE]

Paying tax for the team they have especially Clarkson and Favors spotting up in the corner is scary! Last time they paid tax it was similarly spent stupidly

[url]https://www.deseret.com/sports/2020/11/26/21717653/sizing-up-every-team-in-the-nba-utah-jazz-western-conference-eastern-conference-free-agency-draft[/url]

[QUOTE]The Utah Jazz spent the last week working to beef up on the defensive side while retaining the firepower they gained last season.


[/QUOTE]

and still not having a starting 4 unless it's Favors spotting up from 3. That will make the offense worse certainly.

[QUOTE]The hope is that by running the team back from last season, while increasing the interior defense and depth of the bench, the Jazz will be positioned to be better than they were for the 2020-21 campaign, which kicks off in less than a month.


[/QUOTE]

What are they better positioned for? A first round matchup assuming it's a team they matchup well against because they didn't answer their biggest issues: starting 4, size, versatility, D, depth...

[QUOTE]The biggest question for the Nuggets this season will be whether or not they’ll have a competent defense after losing a significant portion of the length and depth on that end of the floor that served them very well in last season’s playoffs.


[/QUOTE]

Didn't have a competent D last year yet still beat the Jazz because of their size which the Jazz addressed with Favors spotting up in the corner!

[QUOTE]They lost Seth Curry, Delon Wright and Justin Jackson, but the Mavs drafted basically all the players that Jazz fans were coveting. Rookies Josh Green, Tyrell Terry and Tyler Bey will join Josh Richardson, James Johnson and Wes Iwundu as the newest members of a Mavs team that was already rising through the Western Conference ranks.


[/QUOTE]

Jazz fans were wrong about the 1st pick as were you. Not sure what to make of the 2nd pick though

[QUOTE]Will Zion Williamson become the star he was promised under the tutelage of Stan Van Gundy? New Orleans is certainly hoping so.


[/QUOTE]

He's already a star. Can he stay n the floor?

[QUOTE]Not a lot of moves, but you know the saying: if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.


[/QUOTE]

The Jazz are broke and they didn't fix it

[url]https://sircharlesincharge.com/2020/11/25/utah-jazz-improved-familiar-faces-offseason/[/url]

[QUOTE]For non-Jazz fans, these signings aren’t exactly juicy – some might even say [I]boring.[/I] But these moves are huge for a Jazz team that now looks like they could push for a top-3 seed in the West.


[/QUOTE]

could also push for the lottery. All they have to do is pay tax and let Clarkson gun and Favors spot up in the corner!

[QUOTE]Jordan Clarkson brings the ability to have a second scorer on the floor and is someone that doesn’t need the ball to be effective. By trading Dante Exum for Clarkson, the Jazz offense immediately went from a clunky struggle-fest (106 offensive rating) to a high-powered juggernaut that could blow teams off the floor (117 offensive rating).


[/QUOTE]

The problem is if he's on the floor with Mitchell, Conley, Bojan and Rudy and still thinks he's the number 1 option which he certainly does! Mudiay, Bradley and Niang were part of the improved bench but let's keep saying it was one guy!

[QUOTE]Keeping Clarkson to play alongside Donovan Mitchell, Mike Conley and Bojan Bogdonovic guarantee that the Jazz will have high-level scoring on the floor at all times.


[/QUOTE]

Which as we saw in the bubble without Bojan wasn't their problem

[QUOTE]The Jazz will have to use Gobert and Favors together again if they want to combat big teams like the Lakers and Nuggets, which gives me some pause because the offense sputtered with those two before. However, if you consider Utah now has two of the best catch and shoot 3-point shooters (Conley and Bogdanovic) on the team plus an improved Donovan Mitchell, there’s reason to believe that lineup could be great on both ends of the floor.


[/QUOTE]

the offense won't be great with Favors spotting up in the corner

[QUOTE]The Utah Jazz by no means made the splashiest moves this offseason, but they didn’t need to. By re-signing Jordan Clarkson and getting back Derrick Favors, it’s clear the Jazz front office believes they’re close to a championship run.


[/QUOTE]


then clearly they need a new front office!

[QUOTE]The Jazz roster is very deep and very flexible, able to maneuver tactics against other Western Conference contenders. Whether or not they can push the Lakers for the title will depend more on the continued growth of Donovan Mitchell and Mike Conley within Quin Snyder’s system. The Jazz were successful this offseason simply by not getting worse – but if you look closer, the Jazz actually got much better.


[/QUOTE]

Deep and flexible yet no starting 4 outside of Favors spotting up in the corner, only 3 or 4 guys that play D, small backcourt. Much better? They are arguably better but the offense certainly got worse and they didn't really address their issues form last year other than Favors spotting up in the corner!

[url]https://sircharlesincharge.com/2020/11/25/nba-one-thing-every-team-thankful-thanksgiving/15/[/url]

[QUOTE]The Utah Jazz might be heading into an awkward situation with Rudy Gobert next offseason but the good news is that they have Donovan Mitchell locked in for the foreseeable future with the team. Mitchell has emerged as the team’s best player and was explosive during the NBA’s restart.


[/QUOTE]

When he can carry the team without Rudy I'll believe he's their best player. I'll take the guy that has carried them at both ends of the floor for nearly 6 years until he does though

[QUOTE]Now that he’s locked in, the Jazz will have some insurance if Gobert elects to leave during free agency next offseason.


[/QUOTE]

have fun with the tank!

[QUOTE]David Locke: Donovan [URL="https://*********.com/social/"]Mitchell says he will be working with new Jazz coach Keyon Dooling.[/URL] He shares they have been connected since his rookie year.
– via [URL="https://twitter.com/Lockedonsports"]Twitter Lockedonsports[/URL]



[/QUOTE]

now we know why Dooling got hired

[QUOTE]Kelsey Russo: [URL="https://*********.com/social/"]#Cavs announce they have acquired Rayjon Tucker and a 2027 second-round draft pick from the Jazz in exchange for cash considerations[/URL].
– via [URL="https://twitter.com/kelseyyrusso"]Twitter kelseyyrusso[/URL]

[/QUOTE]
The guaranteed money for the 2nd rounder is getting less hard to understand by the minute. Give up yet another pick for one the handful of guys on the team that played D. He looked like an end of the defensive energy guy at worst and a 3 and D 6th man type possibly.

[I]Rudy/Favors/Udoka/Gill
[I]O'Neale/Niang/Morgan/Brantley
[I]Bojan/Ingles/Oni
[I]Mitchell/Clarkson/Hughes/Toolson
[I]Conley/William Goss/Forrest

Mudiay, Wright Forman

Batum, Robinson III

So 10 guaranteed deals, 2 two ways, 4 non guaranteed, 2 exhibit 10's, 2 free agents and two players the Jazz are rumored to have interest in. Need more vets. They obviously don't think as much of Oni and Morgan as has been reported. Might as well get some vets. Have enough young guys that won't play already.[/I][/I][/I][/I][/I]

[QUOTE]Marc Stein: [URL="https://*********.com/social/"]One option for the forthcoming NBA G League season that has gained some traction, sources say, is a bubble concept in the Atlanta area that would cost NBA teams an entry fee in the $500,000 range. Not all 28 G League teams, under that proposal, would be expected to participate[/URL].
– via [URL="https://twitter.com/TheSteinLine"]Twitter TheSteinLine[/URL]



[/QUOTE]

Maybe this explains the Hughes guarantee?

[QUOTE]Bobby Marks: Rayjon Tucker has $340K guaranteed (out of $1.5M) with the balance fully protected if he is not waived by Nov. 29. The Jazz open up a roster spot (now with 14) and save toward the tax. Good value with Cleveland on the 2027 second. [URL="https://*********.com/social/"]Equal to paying $340K for a second[/URL].
– via [URL="https://twitter.com/BobbyMarks42"]Twitter BobbyMarks42[/URL]

[/QUOTE]
They only have 10 guaranteed. It opens up a camp space if they plan on carrying 20 which all teams aren't apparently. What happened with Niang's guarantee? Oni and Morgan?

[url]https://kslsports.com/447112/utah-jazz-trade-rayjon-tucker-to-cleveland-cavaliers/[/url]

[QUOTE]Meanwhile, Georges Niang, Nigel Williams-Goss, Miye Oni, and Juwan Morgan are expected to return to the team this season.
[/QUOTE]

By return you mean camp or the final roster? When are they guaranteed? Niang should have been before the draft. The others maybe not until the NBA guarantee date a couple months into the season? William Goss is making more sense with only Conley and the two way guy at point besides Mitchell and Ingles

[QUOTE]That would leave the Jazz with one open roster spot before players begin reporting for individual workouts in the next week. The Jazz have traditionally held one roster space open ahead of training camp to sign another team’s waived player.
[/QUOTE]

no they haven't! Sometimes they do. This is probably the most flexibility they've ever had at this point. Only 10 guaranteed right now by my count plus the two 2 ways. Could add 5 guys if they wanted. More vets would be nice. Looks like they're after at least one

[URL]https://www.deseret.com/sports/2020/11/27/21718628/donovan-mitchell-contract-extension-max-deal-utah-jazz-nba-denver-nuggets-bubble-jamal-murrray[/URL]

[QUOTE][B]Donovan Mitchell earned a max extension, yes, but first-round loss to Nuggets still eating away at him[/B]




[/QUOTE]

He hasn't earned it! Most players don't earn their rookie max extension. They are given it based on the hope that they will become that player. He isn't that player yet

[QUOTE]The depth of the team is one thing, and Mitchell thinks that having Bojan Bogdanovic healthy, along with a bench highlighted by Joe Ingles, [URL="https://www.deseret.com/sports/2020/11/20/21583339/jordan-clarkson-derrick-favors-utah-jazz-nba-free-agency-free-agent-dennis-lindsey-justin-zanik"]Jordan Clarkson[/URL], [URL="https://www.deseret.com/sports/2020/11/25/21718627/derrick-favors-utah-jazz-nba-trade-free-agency-new-orleans-pelicans-return-feels-like-home"]Derrick Favors[/URL] and [URL="https://www.deseret.com/sports/2020/11/19/21574179/utah-jazz-nba-draft-udoka-azubuike-elijah-hughes-justin-kansas-jayhawks-syracuse-orange"]promising rookies[/URL] will give the Jazz more of a fighting chance.


[/QUOTE]

depth? Bojan, Favors spotting up in the corner and rookies aren't the difference sorry to say

[QUOTE]“We kind of tend to fluctuate,” he said. “You look at the 3-1 lead as an example, we got up, things changed and we stopped. All of us, you know, we stopped doing little things that got us to that point.”


[/QUOTE]

Was more Denver going big and the Jazz having no way to answer. Still don't other than Favors spotting up in the corner

[QUOTE]“We have to continue to be as perfect as we can be for all 72 games, the first round, second round, conference finals, championship.”


[/QUOTE]

Speak for yourself! You've yet to start out a season like you play 2 or 3 months into it.

[url]https://www.deseret.com/2020/11/27/21723005/utah-jazz-trading-rayjon-tucker-draft-pick-to-cleveland-cavaliers-for-cash[/url]

[QUOTE]The move is a rather minor one, as Tucker played in just 20 regular-season games in his lone campaign in Utah after getting signed at Christmas last year following strong play for the Wisconsin Herd in the NBA G-League.


[/QUOTE]

Hardly minor if you ask me. He looked like he should be in the mix for minutes to me. Certainly rather have him than Clarkson if not Ingles and Bojan at this stage

[url]https://twitter.com/ShamsCharania/status/1332434061093179395/photo/1[/url]

2 with the Suns and 1 with the Clippers

[url]https://www.nba.com/jazz/roster/grid[/url]

Official Jazz site has Mudiay and Wright Forman as part of the roster which I guess until they are renounced or sign elsewhere they are still Jazzmen.

[QUOTE]The assets they gave up won’t help them win anytime soon. Most importantly, if they get under the luxury tax this year they have more flexibility to cross it next year. The repeater penalty for being over the tax multiple years is something most teams try to avoid

Posted by [URL="https://www.sbnation.com/users/oregonjazzfan"]oregonjazzfan[/URL] on [URL="https://www.slcdunk.com/latest-utah-jazz-news-recent/2020/11/27/21723379/utah-jazz-trade-rayjon-tucker-and-a-2nd-to-the-cleveland-cavliers-for-cash#533945544"]Nov 27, 2020 | 8:10 PM[/URL]
[/QUOTE]

Disagree. I certainly think some of the rookies could have helped to beat Denver

[QUOTE][B]Still have one more to waive or Trade to get under the Tax line[/B]



Posted by [URL="https://www.sbnation.com/users/AdMan59"]AdMan59[/URL] on [URL="https://www.slcdunk.com/latest-utah-jazz-news-recent/2020/11/27/21723379/utah-jazz-trade-rayjon-tucker-and-a-2nd-to-the-cleveland-cavliers-for-cash#533945635"]Nov 27, 2020 | 8:15 PM[/URL]
[/QUOTE]

and who would that be? Everyone else but the two rookies are in the rotation. That's all the money they can cut now but at the trade deadline if someone like Tucker had stepped up maybe Ingles would have been expendable. Who knows?

[QUOTE][B]Quin must have liked him. He got minutes in the playoffs.[/B]


I’m surprised. He was playing ahead of the other young bench warmers, why did we keep them and let Tucker go?
I hope this means they have someone else in mind for that roster spot.

Posted by [URL="https://www.sbnation.com/users/Big_B"]Big_B[/URL] on [URL="https://www.slcdunk.com/latest-utah-jazz-news-recent/2020/11/27/21723379/utah-jazz-trade-rayjon-tucker-and-a-2nd-to-the-cleveland-cavliers-for-cash#533948116"]Nov 27, 2020 | 11:28 PM[/URL]
[/QUOTE]

Seemed like part of him signing here was him being on the roster and getting a chance to play because it made little sense that he was playing over guys who already had been here since summer

[url]https://www.slcdunk.com/latest-utah-jazz-news-recent/2020/11/27/21723379/utah-jazz-trade-rayjon-tucker-and-a-2nd-to-the-cleveland-cavliers-for-cash[/url]

[QUOTE]The [URL="https://www.sbnation.com/nba/teams/utah-jazz"]Jazz[/URL] also get the benefit of an open roster spot with this move. If another team waves a player the [URL="https://www.sbnation.com/nba/teams/utah-jazz"]Jazz[/URL] like they can now pick them up. It also has to be said that if things go wrong with the [URL="https://www.sbnation.com/nba/players/297107/rudy-gobert"]Rudy Gobert[/URL], negotiations this opens up options for the [URL="https://www.sbnation.com/nba/teams/utah-jazz"]Jazz[/URL] if there were some kind of trade.


[/QUOTE]

They only have 10 guaranteed contracts.

[QUOTE]Because of the ongoing negotiations with [URL="https://www.sbnation.com/nba/players/297107/rudy-gobert"]Gobert[/URL] it’s obvious there are a lot of machinations behind the scenes to get things in order. The good news, if there is any for having to trade assets to get cash, is that the [URL="https://www.sbnation.com/nba/teams/utah-jazz"]Jazz[/URL] are playing a contender's game. If [URL="https://www.sbnation.com/nba/teams/utah-jazz"]Utah[/URL] weren’t going for it they wouldn’t be dealing with problems like this. The signings they’ve made are the moves that a contender makes. Still, it’s never ideal to have to make trades just to clear space.


[/QUOTE]
the fact that they are having to worry about cash with this roster and think they are contenders is worrisome. Will the new owner put someone competent in charge eventually?
[QUOTE]The other is the exact opposite: The Jazz are making it a priority to get under the luxury tax even at the expense of losing assets because they recognize that they aren’t yet contenders. Granted, they didn’t give up anything major here, but a team that is "going for it" would be looking to add assets; not remove them.
Let’s hope that there is a bigger picture we can’t see working behind the scenes, but this looks like nothing more than a salary dump, which is the opposite of what contenders do.

Posted by [URL="https://www.sbnation.com/users/Kira%20Argonova"]Kira Argonova[/URL] on [URL="https://www.slcdunk.com/latest-utah-jazz-news-recent/2020/11/27/21723379/utah-jazz-trade-rayjon-tucker-and-a-2nd-to-the-cleveland-cavliers-for-cash#533942850"]Nov 27, 2020 | 5:38 PM[/URL]
[/QUOTE]

Makes me wonder why they carried 6 rookies last year instead of vets if they didn't see a future for them. Only one is guaranteed for this year. Tucker could have helped them without a doubt. Plays D unlike most of their supposed rotation

[QUOTE]I am a little surprised we had to give up a draft choice though – you would think we would getting one back.

Posted by [URL="https://www.sbnation.com/users/SKMike"]SKMike[/URL] on [URL="https://www.slcdunk.com/latest-utah-jazz-news-recent/2020/11/27/21723379/utah-jazz-trade-rayjon-tucker-and-a-2nd-to-the-cleveland-cavliers-for-cash#533943161"]Nov 27, 2020 | 5:55 PM[/URL]
[/QUOTE]

yeah right! The guy is a fringe player like countless others. I certainly think he can play. He's better than Exum for sure so the Cavs did well here. Jazz still have Clarkson, no PF other than Favors spotting up in the corner

[QUOTE]Kelsey Russo: [URL="https://*********.com/social/"]The #Cavs are waiving Rayjon Tucker,[/URL] sources told @The Athletic.
– via [URL="https://twitter.com/kelseyyrusso"]Twitter kelseyyrusso[/URL]



[/QUOTE]

Hard to imagine they don't need some D. He's better than Exum for sure!

[QUOTE]Chris Fedor: [URL="https://*********.com/social/"]#Cavs have agreed to a training camp deal with Thon Maker,[/URL] sources tell @clevelanddotcom.
– via [URL="https://twitter.com/ChrisFedor"]Twitter ChrisFedor[/URL]



[/QUOTE]
would have loved him on a mere camp deal

[QUOTE][URL="https://www.sacbee.com/sports/article247479155.html"]The most likely suitors at this point appear to be the Kings, Los Angeles Lakers, Los Angeles Clippers and Utah Jazz,[/URL] sources said. The Kings could be looking for depth on the wing after they declined to match Bogdan Bogdanovic’s offer from the Atlanta Hawks.
– via [URL="https://www.sacbee.com/sports/article247479155.html"]Sacramento Bee[/URL]



[/QUOTE]

I assume they might be waiting for the Hayward trade to be finalized to see if Batum is bought out or not before committing to Robinson, Mudiay or whoever? They could bring in several guys though with only 10 guaranteed deals

[URL]https://www.yahoo.com/sports/report-lakers-clippers-among-four-023018126.html[/URL]

[QUOTE]Robinson will get a minimum contract and minutes off the bench with any of these teams. With the Clippers, Robinson would back up [URL="https://www.rotoworld.com/basketball/nba/player/29695/kawhi-leonard"]Kawhi Leonard[/URL] at the three. With the Lakers, he would be asked to play behind [URL="https://www.rotoworld.com/basketball/nba/player/29925/kentavious-caldwell-pope"]Kentavious Caldwell-Pope[/URL] and [URL="https://www.rotoworld.com/basketball/nba/player/29559/wesley-matthews"]Wesley Matthews[/URL] on the wing. Sacramento will start [URL="https://www.rotoworld.com/basketball/nba/player/29807/harrison-barnes"]Harrison Barnes[/URL] at the three, then things get thin. In Utah, [URL="https://www.rotoworld.com/basketball/nba/player/30119/joe-ingles"]Joe Ingles[/URL] starts at the three and Robinson would be asked to playoff [URL="https://www.rotoworld.com/basketball/nba/player/30083/jordan-clarkson"]Jordan Clarkson[/URL] with the second unit.
[/QUOTE]

I guess now that they're over the tax they can't use the exception? Maybe a sign and trade with one of their trade exceptions?

[QUOTE]Shams Charania: [URL="https://*********.com/social/"]The Charlotte Hornets are waiving forward Nicolas Batum,[/URL] sources tell @The Athletic @Stadium.
– via [URL="https://twitter.com/ShamsCharania"]Twitter ShamsCharania[/URL]

[/QUOTE]

so I'm guessing this is what the Jazz have been waiting for with camp opening tomorrow?

[QUOTE]Shams Charania: [URL="https://*********.com/social/"]Nicolas Batum plans to sign with the Los Angeles Clippers after he clears waivers,[/URL] sources tell @TheAthleticNBA @Stadium .
– via [URL="https://twitter.com/ShamsCharania"]Twitter ShamsCharania[/URL]

[/QUOTE]
So Robinson and /or Mudiay to the Jazz?

[QUOTE]Michael Scotto: [URL="https://*********.com/social/"]Glenn Robinson III and the Sacramento Kings have agreed to a deal,[/URL] a league source told @*********.
– via [URL="https://twitter.com/MikeAScotto"]Twitter MikeAScotto[/URL]



[/QUOTE]

Mudiay is the fall back?

[url]https://www.ksl.com/article/50057788/former-byu-standout-jake-toolson-explains-why-he-signed-with-the-utah-jazz[/url]

[QUOTE]Essentially, the contract is a way for teams to incentivize players to stay with their affiliated teams rather than depart for potential offers overseas — even offers that may be more lucrative, but offer their own uncertainties. So even if Toolson is waived by the Jazz (which remains a strong possibility, due to the roster's current makeup), he has plenty of reasons to play for the affiliated SLC Stars in Taylorsville.


[/QUOTE]

it's almost a certainty

[QUOTE]After struggling through most of two seasons at BYU and eventually withdrawing from school, Toolson followed then-Cougar assistant coach Mark Pope to Utah Valley — where his career was reborn. After sitting out the 2016-17 season due to NCAA transfer rules, Toolson posted double-figure scoring averages in both seasons he played in the Western Athletic Conference. His career culminated with 15.7 points, 4.5 rebounds and 2.3 assists per game in 2018-19 en route to WAC [URL="https://www.ksl.com/article/46509530/uvus-jake-toolson-named-wac-player-of-the-year-lowell-tabbed-freshman-of-the-year"]Player of the Year honors[/URL] and an Associated Press [URL="https://www.ksl.com/article/46523222/utah-states-merrill-uvus-toolson-earn-ap-all-america-honorable-mention-status"]All-America honorable mention[/URL] designation.
[/QUOTE]

not sure what these struggles were. He was starting

[QUOTE]According to an NBA source, the Cavaliers weren’t sold on Toppin’s defensive prowess. [URL="https://nypost.com/2020/11/29/knicks-very-lucky-to-snag-obi-toppin-at-nba-draft-expert/"]Cleveland instead took Auburn’s Isaac Okoro, considered the draft’s best wing defender. The Cavaliers have been the league’s worst defensive team for two straight seasons[/URL].
– via [URL="https://nypost.com/2020/11/29/knicks-very-lucky-to-snag-obi-toppin-at-nba-draft-expert/"]Marc Berman @ New York Post[/URL]



[/QUOTE]
No wonder. Just let Tucker go. He plays D

[QUOTE][URL="https://theathletic.com/2219637/2020/11/30/nba-preview-aldridge-nba-rankings-of-nba-offseason-accomplishments/"]But the Celtics are still centered by Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, now both signed to long-term extensions, with Marcus Smart (who’s not ungettable, per league sources)[/URL] and Kemba Walker back in strong support roles. And making Hayward’s deal a sign and trade with Charlotte gives Boston a huge cudgel with which to take a swing at another star: a $28.5 million traded player exception that the Cs have a year to use in a trade. Given how Boston got throttled in the Eastern finals by Bam Adebayo, looking for a big man upgrade certainly made sense, and while Thompson’s not quite the two-way force he was a few years ago, he’s still quite good at both screen assists and points off of them (4.6 screen assists and 10.4 points per game produced last season, each sixth-best among centers in the league).
– via [URL="https://theathletic.com/2219637/2020/11/30/nba-preview-aldridge-nba-rankings-of-nba-offseason-accomplishments/"]David Aldridge @ The Athletic[/URL]



[/QUOTE]

Now's your chance! Didn't want him in the draft because of Exum! :facepalm

[QUOTE]Tim MacMahon: Jazz executive VP Dennis Lindsey on extension discussions with Rudy Gobert: “We don’t comment on past, present or future negotiations, but [URL="https://*********.com/social/"]we love Rudy. We want Rudy to be here for the rest of his career.”[/URL]
– via [URL="https://twitter.com/espn_macmahon"]Twitter espn_macmahon[/URL]



[/QUOTE]

we'll see soon rather you're talking out of your ass again or not

[QUOTE]Ben Anderson: Also [URL="https://*********.com/social/"]sounds like Dennis Lindsey and the @UtahJazz are fully planning on Juwan Morgan returning[/URL]. “Juwan Morgan, as an example, was plus eight with Rudy, (when Morgan was) at the four, and he gives us a switch five.”
– via [URL="https://twitter.com/BensHoops"]Twitter BensHoops[/URL]




Ben Anderson: Dennis Lindsey on the @UtahJazz re-signing Jordan Clarkson. [URL="https://*********.com/social/"]“Jordan Clarkson was a very significant free agent. He had big market, glamour market options. He wanted to come back.”[/URL]
– via [URL="https://twitter.com/BensHoops"]Twitter BensHoops[/URL]



[/QUOTE]

Imagine that they were good with a 4 in the game! :facepalm

[url]https://sports.yahoo.com/what-the-celtics-can-do-with-their-nba-record-breaking-285-million-traded-player-exception-213307650.html[/url]

[QUOTE]Gobert is probably the only player on that list who could become available. The two-time Defensive Player of the Year’s relationship with Mitchell is [URL="https://sports.yahoo.com/jazz-teammates-rudy-gobert-and-donovan-mitchells-relationship-reportedly-doesnt-appear-salvageable-170712333.html"]icy[/URL], and he will be an unrestricted free agent next year. A package including Thompson’s salary plus picks would allow the Celtics to absorb Gobert’s contract into the TPE.


[/QUOTE]

I think their relationship is fine. Rather the Jazz fully appreciate him and want to pay him is the question

[url]https://kslsports.com/447283/jazz-staying-big-in-shrinking-nba/[/url]

[QUOTE][h=1]Why Are The Jazz Staying Big In A Shrinking NBA?[/h][B]
[/B]
[/QUOTE]

They aren't unless Favors is spotting up for 3 in the corner

[QUOTE]First and foremost, Lindsey said the Jazz missed their two-big lineup. Gobert and Favors regularly started games together during their first stint in Utah, an element the team lost after sending Favors to the New Orleans Pelicans in 2019.


[/QUOTE]

Yeah the best offense in the lague really missed Favors spotting up in the corner. They did miss having size on the floor besides their center. Still will unless Favors...

[QUOTE]“It stood to reason [to] bring back our top eight guys that produced the number one offense since December 23,” Lindsey said. “And then add a defensive component that we need to go big-big.”


[/QUOTE]

It won't be the best offense anymore if Favors is spotting up in the corner. The other problem is I'm not sure they were number one against good teams. Beat up on bad teams sure!

[QUOTE]“Derek doesn’t give us traditional spacing at the four, but he does give us vertical spacing at the five,” Lindsey said. “Again, coupled with that, it’s already been proven that he and Rudy can play together successfully.”


[/QUOTE]

It's proven that the offense will suffer. Why not get a modern starting 4 instead?
[QUOTE][h=2]Why Add Azubuike?[/h]

[/QUOTE]

3 centers going to be free agents. 6 rookies last year covering everything but a true center. Really?

[QUOTE]With Gobert likely to play at least 30 minutes a night, and Favors deserving of the remaining backup minutes at center, why did the Jazz add Azubuike at a position that is already in a minutes pinch?


[/QUOTE]
Because if you've paid attention you aren't getting immediate help from the draft

[QUOTE]While some teams prefer to draft for need, Lindsey said the Jazz believed Udoka was the best player remaining on their board on draft night.


[/QUOTE]

and what you needed in your system

[QUOTE]“I think our analytics ratings had him second overall,” Lindsey said of the team’s first-round pick. “Our scouting ratings had him inside the top 10. Their defensive rating at Kansas was the best in the NCAA. We just feel like he was a unique kid.”


[/QUOTE]
not sure that means much with your track record but interesting

[QUOTE]In addition to the aforementioned trio, the Jazz plan to carry six bigs into training camp when including Bojan Bogdanovic, Juwan Morgan, and Georges Niang.


[/QUOTE]

Bojan? What about Brantley or their starting 4 O'Neale?

[QUOTE]“A week from now we will determine whether we want to have him take contact at the first available practice or if is he script only,” Lindsey said. “A lot of that really is Bojan’s feedback to [vice president of performance health Mike Elliott] about his level of confidence. But so far so good.”


[/QUOTE]

Still not ready? Kind of ridiculous that he didn't have surgery in March



[CENTER]

[/CENTER]

[url]https://kslsports.com/447274/jordan-clarkson-chose-jazz-over-glamour-market-teams/[/url]

[QUOTE]According to Jazz vice president of basketball operations Dennis Lindsey, Clarkson chose to return to Utah over other, higher-profile teams in the NBA.


[/QUOTE]

He chose Utah or money? Hard to believe anyone else wanted to pay him that kind of money for that many years. Also who else will let him think he's the number 1 option?

[QUOTE]“Part of my conversation with Donovan Mitchell when we were talking [included] bringing Jordan back and Donovan really co-signed on that decision,” Lindsey said.


[/QUOTE]

You should have learned with Hayward approving Rubio not to listen to your players.

[QUOTE]“He’s a selfless guy. He’s had a huge impact on our team our chemistry, our connection.” Snyder said. “Everybody likes JC. It’s more than likes him, I think people appreciate him, and it’s not often you get to a coach a guy that’s as authentic as he is.”


[/QUOTE]

selfless? Really?

[url]https://www.deseret.com/sports/2020/11/30/21726586/utah-jazz-derrick-favors-dennis-lindsey-nba[/url]

[QUOTE][h=1]Utah Jazz banking on continuity and familiarity for the 2020-21 season[/h]


[/QUOTE]

like almot every year. Woo Pee! :cry:

[QUOTE]The Utah Jazz are not one of those teams.


[/QUOTE]

but they could have been

[QUOTE]The biggest question the Jazz will be looking to answer in the early days of the 2020-21 season is, have they done enough to boost their defense?


[/QUOTE]

the bigger question will be their lack of size other than Favors spotting up in the corner and how much that affects the O

[QUOTE]Next up, the Jazz will be evaluating whether the moves they made in the offseason will be enough to elevate the team.


[/QUOTE]

They probably got a little better but didn't really answer the issues they had other than Favors spotting up in the corner which brings with it other issues

[QUOTE]This time around, the Jazz know pretty much what they’re getting and will be looking at whether the addition of Favors and the development of internal players is enough to stabilize the defense in a meaningful way.


[/QUOTE]

internal development could have helped the D but Tucker is gone and Brantley is on a 2 way. and there are 1 or two rotation spots open for those guys for limited minutes

[QUOTE]Being able to evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of the roster in the early days of the season will give the Jazz a blueprint for how to address the roster moving forward, whether that be between now and the trade deadline, or after the conclusion of this season.


[/QUOTE]
how did they not evaluate Favors and Clarkson before? Really? :facepalm

[url]https://hoopshabit.com/2020/11/29/utah-jazz-3-season-goals-for-bojan-bogdanovic-in-2020-21/[/url]

[QUOTE]While the addition of Bogdanovic caused Joe Ingles to struggle at the start of the season, things worked out as the season progressed. Ingles was not his normal confident shooting self and this had a flow-on effect for the rest of the roster.


[/QUOTE]

Not sure you can blame him for Joe but certainly for their lack of size, versatility and D

[QUOTE]The Utah Jazz turned to ball over too often last season. They ranked 21st with 15.1 per game. Considering they were also 26th in assists with only 22.4 per game, those turnovers are a problem. This is a large reason the Jazz were not higher in the standings last season.


[/QUOTE]

more for other things

How about Bojan show he can do more than shoot and score? That's what I'd really like to see other than him traded for a starting 4

[url]https://sircharlesincharge.com/2020/11/29/nba-early-playoff-predictions-2020-21-lakers/17/[/url]

[QUOTE][h=2]8. Utah Jazz[/h]

[/QUOTE]

tax paying!!!

[QUOTE]I have concerns about that and whether this team has already maxed out as a core. Falling a few spots in the standings, I think the Jazz, with how the rest of the Western Conference teams have improved, is a borderline playoff team in the West.


[/QUOTE]
They haven't maxed out but they have serious issues that weren't addressed other than Favors spotting up in the corner

[QUOTE]Ian Begley: [URL="https://*********.com/social/"]Trevon Bluiett has agreed to an Exhibit 10 deal with the Utah Jazz,[/URL] per SNY sources.
– via [URL="https://twitter.com/IanBegley"]Twitter IanBegley[/URL]



[/QUOTE]

I called that one. He can play. Might be a good guy for the end of the bench. Too bad they have so many young guys already