[QUOTE]"John
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[QUOTE]"John
[QUOTE]"It made me feel so good that there's a team out there that has so much belief in my game," Jefferson says of his dinner with Higgins and Clifford. "I was like, 'Done deal.' And then when they started talking money, it was like, 'Oh my god!' It was icing on the cake."5 Grantland
"They used to call me The Black Hole, and that's really who I was," Jefferson says. "But going to Utah just matured me in so many ways. I'm past the stage in my career where I feel like I have to take all the shots." Grantland[/QUOTE]
Good luck to Al and the Bobcats with that. Pretty sure they'll need it.
[QUOTE]No team has had a more interesting offseason than the Utah Jazz.
General manager Dennis Lindsey passed on re-signing four starters, traded up to the No. 9 pick in June's draft, acquired three veterans who rarely played last season, signed a journeyman point guard, and grabbed the MVP of the Las Vegas Summer League championship.
He was like one of those guys in your fantasy league that unceasingly adds and drops just for the sake of it.
Now here's the $55 million question: What will these changes result in?
Win Shares
To make a decent guess, I used Basketball-Reference's 2013-14 per-36 projections to estimate win shares for each player on the Jazz's roster. Check it out:
Enes Kanter (31 min.): 4.0
Derrick Favors (35 min.): 5.2
Gordon Hayward (37 min.): 5.4
Alec Burks (28 min.): 2.2
Trey Burke (28 min.): 2.2
Rudy Gobert (10 min.): N/A
Jeremy Evans (10 min.): 2.2
Marvin Williams (16 min.): 1.9
Brandon Rush (17 min.): 2.1
John Lucas III (10 min.): 1.1
Ian Clark (10 min.): 0.7
Richard Jefferson (5 min.): 0.6
Andris Biedrins (3 min.): 0.4
Total: 28
Yikes. Last year, 28 wins would've tied Utah with Sacramento for the third-worst record in the Western Conference. (Note: I realize my guesstimate on minutes won't be perfect -- who knows how much time Ty Corbin will give to any of these guys, especially veterans like Williams and Rush -- but I think it's a decent approximation.)[/QUOTE]
28 is pretty optimistic I'd say.
[QUOTE] Here's the good news: When compared with the ex-starting five, the new lineup looks pretty strong. They combined for 19 wins -- just seven less than what Al Jefferson, Paul Millsap, Gordon Hayward, Randy Foye, and Mo Williams collected last season. Not bad for group that has an average of just two years of experience per player.
[/QUOTE]
Exactly. Very optimistic!
[QUOTE]Other Stats
Based on the same numbers, we can expect some solid per-game averages from Utah's collection of lottery picks.
Gordon Hayward, for instance, would up his scoring from 14.1 points per game to a team-leading 16.7. He'd also grab 4.2 rebounds and hand out 3.7 assists.[/quote]
I'd hope to see more assists from him.
[QUOTE]As for the bigs, Derrick Favors would collect a double-double -- 14.5 points, 10.6 rebounds -- and block 2.2 shots per contest[/QUOTE]
About what I figure based on his numbers last year but as his number of shots has went up his FG% has went down so who knows what he'll do playing against starters and not bench players.
[QUOTE]while Enes Kanter's averages would jump from 7.2 points and 4.3 rebounds to 13.8 and 9.0, respectively
And, although they come from the smallest players of the bunch, Burks' and Burke's stats would be big: No. 10 would average double figures for the first time with 11.8 PPG, while the rookie floor general would gather 4.7 assists an outing.[/QUOTE]
These 3 need to step up as scorers.
[QUOTE] stats for Derrick Favors are predicted to jump from 9.4 points, 7.1 rebounds and 1.7 blocks to 14.5 points, 10.6 rebounds and 2.2 blocks. Although these numbers are estimates calculated by one guy, the projections at least look hopeful.[/QUOTE]
Hopeful for the supposed franchise player would be closer to 20/12/3.
[QUOTE]Another hopeful prediction is the NBA success of rookie point guard Trey Burke. A recent article by Purple and Blues predicted the Minnesota T-Wolves, who drafted Burke then promptly traded him to Utah, will be kicking themselves for giving him up.
The article suggested if Burke can get a way from his 3-point shooter mentality, he can become a versatile NBA guard. It also referenced a highlight video in which Burke didn't make a single 3-pointer, yet was still effective. Purple and Blues believes Burke will be the next big thing for the Jazz if he allows himself to grow and improve each year.[/QUOTE]
Minnesota will be sorry for giving up a guy they drafted for another team? Did anyone else see the summer league?
Jeff Goodman: Agent Justin Zanik -- who has worked with Andy Miller the last few years -- is on the verge of joining Utah Jazz front office, per source. Twitter
Jeff Goodman: Justin Zanik's title with Utah Jazz expected to be assistant general manager, source told ESPN. Twitter
Jody Genessy: Justin Zanik will make the leap from player agent to Utah Jazz assistant general manager, a source confirmed. Twitter @DJJazzyJody
[QUOTE]Jody Genessy: Per his agency's website, Justin Zanik was "an integral part of ASM
[QUOTE]During Al Jefferson's three seasons in Utah, the Jazz routinely finished in the bottom half of the league in a variety of defensive statistics.
From the 2010-11 season to this past year, the Jazz were never ranked among the NBA's top 15 teams in opponents' points per game or opponents' field-goal percentages.
Jefferson was particularly weak against the pick and roll. According to Yahoo Sports! writer Dan Devine, the Jazz finished in the 20s (24th, 20th and 21st) in opponent points per possession during Jefferson's time in Salt Lake City, and the Jazz allowed "an eye-popping 9.2 more points per 100 possessions with Big Al in the middle than when he sat last season."[/QUOTE]
Who wanted to bring Al back? They will definitely be a lot better defensively this year.
[QUOTE]During a recent interview with Grantland's Zach Lowe, Jefferson acknowledged his defensive deficiencies.
"It ain't no secret around the league that I struggle with my defense," Jefferson told Lowe. "My pick-and-roll defense is my weakness. And that's mind over matter. I just gotta suck it up
[QUOTE]Skeptics around the league will tell you the Jefferson signing might represent the perfect "best of both worlds" endgame for Charlotte
Jorge Sierra: ASM's Andy Miller announces Justin Zanik leaving the agency effective August 31 to join the Utah Jazz as assistant GM. Twitter @*********
[QUOTE]Bill Oram: Dennis Lindsey says on @1280thezone that conversations about extending Favors, Hayward are ongoing. But willing to let market dictate price. Twitter @tribjazz[/QUOTE]
Looks like the Bucks may be setting the price for Favors now. I'd guess Hayward is more likely to sign. They have a lot better idea what they have with him I think. If they can get Favors for 10-12 they probably have to roll the dice that he'll live up to the hype because he could get a lot more next summer. Hayward to for that matter especially with them getting the chance to take the reins of the team. But I guess that could go either way if they have dissapointing seasons. Hayward might get something similar though the new CBA does seem to have had an effect on spending.
[QUOTE]Jody Genessy: Jazz promote David Fredman to director of pro player personnel and Richard Smith to executive director of basketball operations. Twitter @DJJazzyJody
Bill Oram: Hired former interns Bart Taylor (coordinator of scouting) and Isaiah Wright (asst. strength and conditioning coach) Twitter @tribjazz[/QUOTE]
Fredman has had a lot of different positions with the team over the years. Think he's been with the team the longest by far now probably. Maybe since the b eginning in NO? Certainly since the early Utah days. Actually come to think of it he may have left to another team for a while?
[QUOTE]The euphoria Jazz fans felt when the team acquired Trey Burke in the NBA Draft could soon be waning.
I
Not sure what people are expecting from the young Jazz? 20 wins will be a good result from my perspective. It's not really about winning games at the moment, it's about development and seeing if the guys they've recruited have it in them to carry the team in the future or not.
I'm hoping they win at least 10 so they aren't the worst team ever. Could definitely be the worst Jazz team ever which would be saying something considering their early history. Most people want them to finish with one of the worst records so they will get one of the studs in the next draft. Hard to imagine that they won't and would be pretty disappointing if they didn't with the obvious tank job they're doing.
See what they have so they know who they want to pay in the next couple years(Hayward and Favors might get paid beforehand though). See if they want to bring Neto and possibly Tomic over next year based on what Burke, Clark and their bigs do. See if Biedrins, Rush and Lucas will be worth keeping around.
I think they should be more exciting anyway. Pushing the ball. Getting after people defensively and hopefully running the Jazz offense again in the half court. Looking forward to seeing what Enes and Burks can do in a featured role finally.
[QUOTE]Ronnie Brewer Considered Bulls, Jazz Before Signing With Rockets
Aug 27, 2013 12:12 AM EDT
Ronnie Brewer considered returning to the Chicago Bulls or Utah Jazz before signing with the Houston Rockets in unrestricted free agency.
"They play my style," Brewer said. "Dwight Howard is a defender, but can get up and down the court."
Brewer played with the Bulls for two seasons and was the Jazz's draft pick in 2006.[/QUOTE]
I liked him but not sure how he would have fit. Not sure how he fits with Dwight either though.
Trey Burke Wants To Make Immediate Impact
Aug 26, 2013 | John Schuhmann/NBA.com
Trey Burke feels pressure being the Jazz's starting point guard, but he also senses lowered expectations for the team from outsiders.
[QUOTE]Over the next week or so I am going to dig inside the numbers on the our returning Jazz players. Here is the Alec Burks breakdown
OVERALL
[QUOTE=Xiao Yao You]I liked him but not sure how he would have fit. Not sure how he fits with Dwight either though.[/QUOTE]
Would have thought they'd want another shooter.
[QUOTE=El Kabong]Would have thought they'd want another shooter.[/QUOTE]
He could make sense playing with Motiejunas. Someone has to spread the floor to open up the inside for Ronnie like Okur did for the Jazz.
[QUOTE]When Utah Jazz coach Tyrone Corbin reached out to Alex Jensen about joining his staff, a number of qualities drew him to the D-League Coach of the Year and, likewise, Jensen to Corbin. That Jensen was a Centerville native and played a starring role on the University of Utah team that advanced to the 1998 NCAA championship game was low on Corbin
[QUOTE]Gery Woelfel: Told by sources Bucks in the market for established small forward. They made a run at Caron Butler last month. Will they again? Twitter @GeryWoelfel[/QUOTE]
Marvin?
[url]http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865585771/Player-options-Its-a-make-or-break-season-for-Burks-Kanter-and-Fredette.html[/url]
[QUOTE]The Utah Jazz have made their decisions, as they will exercise the options on both Alec Burks and Enes Kanter. Does Kanter deserve it?
According to Grantland writer Zach Lowe,
Hayward would probably attract a lot of interest from teams, but I don't see anyone offering an over the top deal, maybe $9-$10 million?
And I guess Larry Sanders 4/44 deal could be used as a gauge for Favors. He's the one that'll get the bigger offers.
[QUOTE=El Kabong]Hayward would probably attract a lot of interest from teams, but I don't see anyone offering an over the top deal, maybe $9-$10 million?
And I guess Larry Sanders 4/44 deal could be used as a gauge for Favors. He's the one that'll get the bigger offers.[/QUOTE]
Hard to say now. Contracts have definitely went down. Under the old system 10-12 for Hayward would be norm. After what Batum got I could definitely see someone throwing a lot of cash at G. He is loved by many if not everyone. He brings a lot to the table and could fit pretty much anywhere I'd think.
Hayward is worth more to me right now than Favors as is Kanter. He has a lot to prove. If they can get him to sign for 10-12 million they probably have to roll the dice and hope he lives up to it eventually because he could cost them a lot more next summer especially if he lives up to the hype this year.
[QUOTE]Jodie Valade: OSU alum Dallas Lauderdale and ex-Cav Flip Murray in Utah minicamp this week Twitter @PDcavsinsider[/QUOTE]
Flip could actually be a great fit if he's got anything left. When's the last time he played anywhere? They need a vet big if anything though and I'm thinking Dallas isn't their guy!
Also on the horizon: Free agency. Potentially, at least. Hayward and his agent, Mark Bartelstein, are currently in talks with the Jazz to extend his contract this summer. If no deal is reached, he
[QUOTE=Xiao Yao You]Flip could actually be a great fit if he's got anything left. When's the last time he played anywhere? They need a vet big if anything though and I'm thinking Dallas isn't their guy![/QUOTE]
09-10 last time Flip played in the NBA, but made the training camp for Memphis in 2012. He's still been playing in Europe though between that.
Hayward and his agent, Mark Bartelstein, are currently in talks with the Jazz to extend his contract this summer. If no deal is reached, he
Zelmo Beaty, a dominating center who led the Utah Stars to the ABA [QUOTE]championship in 1971, has died. Beaty had been battling cancer for four years. He passed away Saturday at the age of 73, according to the Atlanta Hawks, his first professional team. Salt Lake Tribune
"He was a terrific player," said former Jazz coach Jerry Sloan, who played against Beaty as a member of the Chicago Bulls. "Zelmo was big and strong and nasty *
The 6-6 swingman Justin Holiday, the older brother of New Orleans All-Star point guard Jrue Holiday, has workouts scheduled with the Utah Jazz and Miami Heat this week, he tells CSNNW.com. According to Holiday, on the 11th and 12th of September, he's working out for the Jazz. The Heat workout is expected to take place towards the end of the week.
CSNNW.com
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There are ongoing talks of two more workouts he'll be involved in next week, however he says there's nothing concrete as of now.
[QUOTE]BREAKDOWN
[QUOTE]With seven guards already under contract, the Suns signed shooting guard Dionte Christmas on Friday after he showed his pure scoring ability on their NBA Summer League entry in July.
Arizona Republic
Christmas signed a multi-year contract with a small guarantee on the first season, a deal that is similar in structure to what he had with Boston last year. Suns general manager Ryan McDonough was with Boston last year, when Christmas was waived during the preseason.
[QUOTE]According to L'Equipe, the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Utah Jazz are interested in Alexis Ajinca. Basket USA[/QUOTE]
I guess he's a vet. Been out of the league a couple years. Looks like he has some offensive skills out to 3 point range. Gets blocks and steals. Good numbers in the Euro Championships and French League. Has put on 30 or so lbs.
Looks like OKC might not even have any roster spots open. Jazz looks like a better opportunity for playing.
[url]http://probasketballtalk.nbcsports.com/2013/08/22/jazz-could-get-marvin-williams-back-from-achilles-early-in-season/?ocid=Yahoo&partner=ya5nbcs[/url]
[QUOTE]Reserve forward Marvin Williams could be back from his Achilles injury by training camp or early November, a couple weeks into the season.[/QUOTE]
This sucks unless it means they'll be able to trade him.
*********: French big Alexis Ajinca said this morning his contract with Strasbourg still includes an NBA out. Agent looking at options in the States. Twitter @*********
*********: Ajinca said he's focused in the Eurobasket and letting his agent do work. Thinks he will be back in the NBA eventually. Twitter @*********
*********: Ajinca said things didn't work out in the NBA for him because he was not mentally or physically ready at the time. Twitter @*********
[QUOTE]Jorge Sierra: Briscoe also tells us former Sixer Xavier Silas will work out for the Utah Jazz today and tomorrow. po.st/sUYXOk Twitter @*********[/QUOTE]
Xavier James Silas, son of the former NBA James.
As he continues to workout for an array of NBA squads this month, RidiculousUpside.com has learned that James Nunnally has already received a training camp invite from the Memphis Grizzlies.
Ridiculous Upside
Though receiving such an invite is quite an honor in itself, the guard's work is not yet done. He'll continue to workout for other teams as scheduled this week, including the Utah Jazz and New Orleans Pelicans.
Ridiculous Upside
Former Illini and Peoria Central product DJ Richardson has earned a tryout with the Utah Jazz. As a senior at Illinois, Richardson was second on the team in scoring, averaging 12.3 points per game. He was ninth in the Big Ten in scoring.
CIProud