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[url]https://www.deseret.com/sports/2021/1/31/22258595/utah-jazz-win-streak-11-denver-nuggets-bad-loss-donovan-mitchell-rudy-gobert-nikola-jokic[/url]
[QUOTE]“We felt like we didn’t play our best in the loss,” Donovan Mitchell said. “I think that’s what hurts. Especially the way we played the past two games back home against Dallas.”
[/QUOTE]
if you play you're best you probably don't lose. The way you played against Dallas?
[url]https://sircharlesincharge.com/2021/01/31/utah-jazz-renaissance-basketball-contender/[/url]
[QUOTE]Utah is in a unique place where the team has tied most of its future around its foundational pieces and funded the rest of its economy around role players that are a bit past their prime or overachieving within it. Gobert makes the most money on the team with a supermax contract extension and has put up his typical career numbers so far this season. He’ll probably never be the 20-point, 10-rebound interior centerpiece that so many other offensively superior big men are throughout the league.
[/QUOTE]
so many?
Sarah Todd: [URL="https://*********.com/social/"]Donovan Mitchell and Derrick Favors are no longer in the Jazz injury report[/URL]. OUT – Elijah Hughes (left ankle sprain) OUT – Udoka Azubuike (G League assignment) OUT – Trent Forrest (G League – Two Way)
– via [URL="https://twitter.com/NBASarah"]Twitter NBASarah[/URL]
[QUOTE]Noah Levick: Sixers two-way player [URL="https://*********.com/social/"]Rayjon Tucker is with the Blue Coats in the G-League bubble at Disney World. He said he’d like to eventually develop into a player like Victor Oladipo,[/URL] who “came out of nowhere, proved himself time and time again when everybody doubted him.”
– via [URL="https://twitter.com/NoahLevick"]Twitter NoahLevick[/URL]
[/QUOTE]
the lottery pick that came out of nowhere
Friends, After almost four decades of ownership, Gail Miller, who purchased the Utah Jazz with her late husband Larry in 1985, decided to sell the team this past October for $1.66 billion. The buyer? Ryan Smith, the billionaire chairman and cofounder of Qualtrics — an experience management company based in Utah. The interesting part? [URL="https://huddleup.substack.com/p/ryan-smith-the-nbas-next-great-owner?token=eyJ1c2VyX2lkIjoxNjkxNTY4LCJwb3N0X2lkIjozMjAwOTY0OSwiXyI6ImY3TlBKIiwiaWF0IjoxNjEyMjA5NjU3LCJleHAiOjE2MTIyMTMyNTcsImlzcyI6InB1Yi0xNzkyMiIsInN1YiI6InBvc3QtcmVhY3Rpb24ifQ.p_c0ewz99fDEtZRd9jc6mMjXhEQ_HLgJSH_onPZ_hZI"]He’s quickly become one of my favorite NBA owners already[/URL]. Today, we’ll run through why.
– via [URL="https://huddleup.substack.com/p/ryan-smith-the-nbas-next-great-owner?token=eyJ1c2VyX2lkIjoxNjkxNTY4LCJwb3N0X2lkIjozMjAwOTY0OSwiXyI6ImY3TlBKIiwiaWF0IjoxNjEyMjA5NjU3LCJleHAiOjE2MTIyMTMyNTcsImlzcyI6InB1Yi0xNzkyMiIsInN1YiI6InBvc3QtcmVhY3Rpb24ifQ.p_c0ewz99fDEtZRd9jc6mMjXhEQ_HLgJSH_onPZ_hZI"]Joseph Pompliano @ Huddle Up[/URL]
First, some history. It’s no secret; you can’t buy an NBA team without being super-wealthy, so how did Ryan Smith make his money? I’ve tweeted about it before, but here’s the story. After his dad was diagnosed with cancer in 2002, Ryan Smith left college and headed back home to Utah. [URL="https://huddleup.substack.com/p/ryan-smith-the-nbas-next-great-owner?token=eyJ1c2VyX2lkIjoxNjkxNTY4LCJwb3N0X2lkIjozMjAwOTY0OSwiXyI6ImY3TlBKIiwiaWF0IjoxNjEyMjA5NjU3LCJleHAiOjE2MTIyMTMyNTcsImlzcyI6InB1Yi0xNzkyMiIsInN1YiI6InBvc3QtcmVhY3Rpb24ifQ.p_c0ewz99fDEtZRd9jc6mMjXhEQ_HLgJSH_onPZ_hZI"]“I just wanted to sit and be with my dad, but he had a lot of downtime between radiation and chemo,” Smith says. To pass the downtime in between his father’s cancer treatments, Ryan and his dad started working on the idea that became Qualtrics[/URL].
– via [URL="https://huddleup.substack.com/p/ryan-smith-the-nbas-next-great-owner?token=eyJ1c2VyX2lkIjoxNjkxNTY4LCJwb3N0X2lkIjozMjAwOTY0OSwiXyI6ImY3TlBKIiwiaWF0IjoxNjEyMjA5NjU3LCJleHAiOjE2MTIyMTMyNTcsImlzcyI6InB1Yi0xNzkyMiIsInN1YiI6InBvc3QtcmVhY3Rpb24ifQ.p_c0ewz99fDEtZRd9jc6mMjXhEQ_HLgJSH_onPZ_hZI"]Joseph Pompliano @ Huddle Up[/URL]
Ryan’s dad, a researcher by nature, realized companies had no effective way to survey, conduct market research, and communicate with customers and employees. The solution? [URL="https://huddleup.substack.com/p/ryan-smith-the-nbas-next-great-owner?token=eyJ1c2VyX2lkIjoxNjkxNTY4LCJwb3N0X2lkIjozMjAwOTY0OSwiXyI6ImY3TlBKIiwiaWF0IjoxNjEyMjA5NjU3LCJleHAiOjE2MTIyMTMyNTcsImlzcyI6InB1Yi0xNzkyMiIsInN1YiI6InBvc3QtcmVhY3Rpb24ifQ.p_c0ewz99fDEtZRd9jc6mMjXhEQ_HLgJSH_onPZ_hZI"]Qualtrics — an online software platform that allowed companies to survey and communicate effectively[/URL]. Within a couple of months, Ryan and his father had a product ready to go. The only problem? They needed customers.
– via [URL="https://huddleup.substack.com/p/ryan-smith-the-nbas-next-great-owner?token=eyJ1c2VyX2lkIjoxNjkxNTY4LCJwb3N0X2lkIjozMjAwOTY0OSwiXyI6ImY3TlBKIiwiaWF0IjoxNjEyMjA5NjU3LCJleHAiOjE2MTIyMTMyNTcsImlzcyI6InB1Yi0xNzkyMiIsInN1YiI6InBvc3QtcmVhY3Rpb24ifQ.p_c0ewz99fDEtZRd9jc6mMjXhEQ_HLgJSH_onPZ_hZI"]Joseph Pompliano @ Huddle Up[/URL]
Given his father’s background, they started with colleges that conducted field research. First up — Kellogg School of Management, which took a year to onboard. Fast forward a few years, and Qualtrics had 250 universities across the country signed up. The best part? As students graduated, their penetration into universities worked as a feeder system into corporations. “Someone took us from Kellogg to Heineken,” Smith says. Sales accelerated. As the company grew, Ryan convinced his brother Jared to leave Google and run the technical team at Qualtrics — “which increased productivity 7x.” That wasn’t even his biggest contribution. [URL="https://huddleup.substack.com/p/ryan-smith-the-nbas-next-great-owner?token=eyJ1c2VyX2lkIjoxNjkxNTY4LCJwb3N0X2lkIjozMjAwOTY0OSwiXyI6ImY3TlBKIiwiaWF0IjoxNjEyMjA5NjU3LCJleHAiOjE2MTIyMTMyNTcsImlzcyI6InB1Yi0xNzkyMiIsInN1YiI6InBvc3QtcmVhY3Rpb24ifQ.p_c0ewz99fDEtZRd9jc6mMjXhEQ_HLgJSH_onPZ_hZI"]Despite being pitched 50x a month, Jared was adamant they didn’t take venture capital[/URL].
– via [URL="https://huddleup.substack.com/p/ryan-smith-the-nbas-next-great-owner?token=eyJ1c2VyX2lkIjoxNjkxNTY4LCJwb3N0X2lkIjozMjAwOTY0OSwiXyI6ImY3TlBKIiwiaWF0IjoxNjEyMjA5NjU3LCJleHAiOjE2MTIyMTMyNTcsImlzcyI6InB1Yi0xNzkyMiIsInN1YiI6InBvc3QtcmVhY3Rpb24ifQ.p_c0ewz99fDEtZRd9jc6mMjXhEQ_HLgJSH_onPZ_hZI"]Joseph Pompliano @ Huddle Up[/URL]
From 2013 to 2018, Qualtrics kept growing — going from 5,000 customers to 8,000. With revenue growth north of 50%, the business cash-flow positive, and almost $400 million in annual revenue — Ryan & Jared decided it was time to go public. But SAP had other ideas… Knowing the Qualtrics IPO would be oversubscribed, SAP tried to stop them from going public by buying the company. Ryan Smith declined, insisting the roadshow would go on and gave SAP 7 days to make them an offer they couldn’t refuse. [URL="https://huddleup.substack.com/p/ryan-smith-the-nbas-next-great-owner?token=eyJ1c2VyX2lkIjoxNjkxNTY4LCJwb3N0X2lkIjozMjAwOTY0OSwiXyI6ImY3TlBKIiwiaWF0IjoxNjEyMjA5NjU3LCJleHAiOjE2MTIyMTMyNTcsImlzcyI6InB1Yi0xNzkyMiIsInN1YiI6InBvc3QtcmVhY3Rpb24ifQ.p_c0ewz99fDEtZRd9jc6mMjXhEQ_HLgJSH_onPZ_hZI"]SAP came back with $8B. This time, the brothers accepted[/URL].
– via [URL="https://huddleup.substack.com/p/ryan-smith-the-nbas-next-great-owner?token=eyJ1c2VyX2lkIjoxNjkxNTY4LCJwb3N0X2lkIjozMjAwOTY0OSwiXyI6ImY3TlBKIiwiaWF0IjoxNjEyMjA5NjU3LCJleHAiOjE2MTIyMTMyNTcsImlzcyI6InB1Yi0xNzkyMiIsInN1YiI6InBvc3QtcmVhY3Rpb24ifQ.p_c0ewz99fDEtZRd9jc6mMjXhEQ_HLgJSH_onPZ_hZI"]Joseph Pompliano @ Huddle Up[/URL]
Outside of his amazing entrepreneurial journey, which I love, Ryan Smith has consistently impressed me with his generosity before and after becoming the Utah Jazz owner. Here’s what I mean… [URL="https://huddleup.substack.com/p/ryan-smith-the-nbas-next-great-owner?token=eyJ1c2VyX2lkIjoxNjkxNTY4LCJwb3N0X2lkIjozMjAwOTY0OSwiXyI6ImY3TlBKIiwiaWF0IjoxNjEyMjA5NjU3LCJleHAiOjE2MTIyMTMyNTcsImlzcyI6InB1Yi0xNzkyMiIsInN1YiI6InBvc3QtcmVhY3Rpb24ifQ.p_c0ewz99fDEtZRd9jc6mMjXhEQ_HLgJSH_onPZ_hZI"]When the NBA introduced patch sponsors in 2017, while Ryan Smith was still just a fan of the team, Smith bought the rights for his companies philanthropic arm “5 for the Fight.” Rather than use the $15-$20 million annual investment as advertising for his company, Smith raised $25 million (and counting) for cancer research. Today, Smith and the Utah Jazz still have the only cause-related jersey sponsor in the NBA[/URL]. Now that’s amazing.
– via [URL="https://huddleup.substack.com/p/ryan-smith-the-nbas-next-great-owner?token=eyJ1c2VyX2lkIjoxNjkxNTY4LCJwb3N0X2lkIjozMjAwOTY0OSwiXyI6ImY3TlBKIiwiaWF0IjoxNjEyMjA5NjU3LCJleHAiOjE2MTIyMTMyNTcsImlzcyI6InB1Yi0xNzkyMiIsInN1YiI6InBvc3QtcmVhY3Rpb24ifQ.p_c0ewz99fDEtZRd9jc6mMjXhEQ_HLgJSH_onPZ_hZI"]Joseph Pompliano @ Huddle Up[/URL]
Ben Anderson: [URL="https://*********.com/social/"]The @Utah Jazz announce Vivint Arena will open the upper bowl at Jazz games for socially distanced pod seating, beginning Feb. 2.[/URL] The overall capacity will be 3,902 for season ticket members choosing to attend games. All health and safety precautions remain in place.
– via [URL="https://twitter.com/BensHoops"]Twitter BensHoops[/URL]
[QUOTE]Adrian Wojnarowski: [URL="https://*********.com/social/"]Contact tracing within Pistons is reason for postponement with Nuggets tonight,[/URL] source tells ESPN.
– via [URL="https://twitter.com/wojespn"]Twitter wojespn[/URL]
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so much for tomorrow
[url]https://kslsports.com/452377/jazz-look-to-begin-new-streak-against-pistons/[/url]
[QUOTE]The key matchup between the Jazz and Nuggets will pit forwards Bojan Bogdanovic and Jerami Grant against one another.
[/QUOTE]
O'Neale likely covers Grant
[url]https://kslsports.com/452360/february-will-be-a-measuring-stick-month-for-the-utah-jazz/[/url]
[QUOTE]The Jazz three-game road trip beginning on Thursday starts in Atlanta, before traveling to Charlotte, and Indiana.
[/QUOTE]
2 of 3
[QUOTE]The Jazz will return home for four contests against the Boston Celtics, Milwaukee Bucks, Miami Heat, and Philadelphia 76ers.
[/QUOTE]
tough stretch. Winning 2 might be good
[QUOTE]The team then embarks on a two-game road series against the Los Angeles Clippers, before returning to Utah to face the Hornets and Los Angeles Lakers on February 22 and 24.
[/QUOTE]
Lakers the big test. Another tough stretch. Winning 2 would be good
[QUOTE]The Jazz finish the month on the road with games against the Heat and Orlando Magic.
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maybe both
[url]https://www.deseret.com/sports/2021/2/1/22260626/the-utah-jazz-just-had-the-best-3-point-shooting-month-in-nba-history[/url]
only taken them 6 years to figure it out
[url]https://saltcityhoops.com/sc7-bogey-warming-more/[/url]
[QUOTE]Some of them have just been unexplainable misses, like going up strong with the defender well behind him and just shooting over the rim. But one common problem has been his insistence on focusing on contact. Bogey fervently believes he gets fouled on every paint attempt. Sometimes he’s absolutely right. Sometimes he’s technically right, but it’s a 50-50 call and you don’t get all of those. But at least as often, it’s Bogey who twists and contorts into a mostly static defender, and then casts an evil eye at the zebras when their whistles stay silent.
[/QUOTE]
his whining gets old.
[QUOTE]Minnesota recognized the play, and they did what a lot of teams are doing now to blow up this Spain P&R action: they simply have the two smaller defenders switch, and the advantage the Jazz had hoped to create evaporates. Mitchell gives the ball up, and Bogey tries to go to work against the smaller Josh Okogie, but he fails to see that Karl-Anthony Towns has fully committed to stopping his drive. A dish back to Gobert here results in an almost sure dunk, but Bogey has blinders on and instead gets his shot swatted into some unknown realm.
[/QUOTE]
not a playmaker
[QUOTE]That’s a patient, precise and aware Bogdanovic. Getting him back on track in these situations is going to unlock more potential in an offense that’s already in the top five. The Jazz don’t need him at 25% usage now that Conley is playing like an All-Star, but a more fully deployed Bogey will raise the ceiling. They don’t run a ton of pick-and-roll for Bogey unless they’re matchup hunting or unless the ball lands with him after the first set of actions[URL="https://saltcityhoops.com/sc7-bogey-warming-more/#note-3"]3[/URL], but he needs to be able to score putting the ball on the floor if the Jazz hope to weaponize his gravity the way they did last season.
[/QUOTE]
better off not putting the ball on the floor. They don't need him to be the player he was last year
[QUOTE][B]Thursday 2/4, Jazz @ Hawks:[/B] Atlanta has won five of its last seven, but all of those wins came at the expense of likely lottery clubs, except the Clippers who were without their two superstars due to contact tracing. In other words, it’s hard to get a handle on how good the 10-9 Hawks actually are. SRS and 538 both see them as a pretty solid top-8 team out east, and they have a top-10 defense and a decent offense. Veteran scorer Danilo Gallinari has also been back in the lineup for them for the last five games (averaging 10 points on a minutes limit), so that should help them achieve some consistency.
[/QUOTE]
I wasn't impressed last game but they were missing some players
[QUOTE][B]Sunday 2/7, Jazz @ Pacers:[/B] Indiana peaked at 8-4, but has since teetered with a 3-5 stretch. TJ Warren (foot) and recent trade acquisition Caris LeVert (kidney surgery) remain out indefinitely. All-Star Domantas Sabonis (averaging 20, 12 and 6) and Malcolm Brogdon (23, 40% from 3) have been trying to hold things together, but depth has limited them to being a fairly average team at both ends. They will run when opponents let them, so Utah will have to watch the turnovers here.
[/QUOTE]
god time to be facing them
Adrian Wojnarowski: The [URL="https://*********.com/social/"]Detroit Pistons are departing Denver for Salt Lake City, where they’re expected to be able to play their scheduled game with the Jazz on Tuesday,[/URL] sources tell ESPN. Pistons stayed in Denver, retesting players after postponement vs. Nuggets tonight.
– via [URL="https://twitter.com/wojespn"]Twitter wojespn[/URL]
James Edwards III: [URL="https://*********.com/social/"]Hearing the test in question was a false positive for the #Pistons.[/URL] Team is headed to Utah and expected to play.
– via [URL="https://twitter.com/JLEdwardsIII"]Twitter JLEdwardsIII[/URL]
[url]https://kslsports.com/452405/clarkson-on-more-jazz-fans-in-arena-thats-live-thats-lit/[/url]
[QUOTE]The Jazz are one of the few teams that seem to have benefited from playing at home this season, though truly their overall terrific play may deserve more credit than the team’s fans.
[/QUOTE]
doubt the fans have much to do with it since Snyder teams have never been great at home
[url]https://www.ksl.com/article/50099545/patrick-kinahan-the-jazz--legitimate-championship-contender-or-merely-good-team[/url]
[QUOTE]"They're creating brilliant looks on the perimeter and cashing in so many," Harper wrote. "It's just flat-out overwhelming opponents. If they keep playing like this, they'll have an argument for three All-Stars, which nobody expected prior to this season."
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Mitchell has no argument but is most likely to make it
[url]https://saltcityhoops.com/threading-the-needle-january-uniform-review/[/url]
[QUOTE]The gold/mustard/yellow Statement jerseys are always the hottest topic when it comes to Jazz uniforms. Even Jazz coach Quin Snyder and All-Star guard Donovan Mitchell have commented on them in the past, which is saying something. Fans are pretty polarized on the subject, some believing them to be cursed, while others feel it looks too Lakers-esque. Some fans — a seeming minority — actually like them.
[/QUOTE]
hideous
[QUOTE]For those who have asked, there has still been no official announcement on the rumored Earned jersey that leaked in December. It’s becoming more likely that it will only be used in the second half of the season the schedule for which has yet to be announced. [/QUOTE]
no hurry. They might even be worse than the yellow crap
[url]https://www.slcdunk.com/the-downbeat-latest-jazz-news/2021/2/1/22260446/utah-jazz-vs-denver-nuggets-the-good-the-bad-the-ugly-of-the-matchup-nba[/url]
[QUOTE]Fortunately, most of these realizations affect matchups with Denver and may not apply to the remaining 28 teams in the league. However, they do suggest the Jazz have flaws, flaws that define a high ceiling for sure, but is it high enough?
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who thought they didn't have flaws?
[url]https://www.slcdunk.com/the-downbeat-latest-jazz-news/2021/2/2/22261821/who-would-win-between-the-deron-williams-jazz-and-the-donovan-mitchell-jazz[/url]
[QUOTE]At 15-5 and just 0.5 games out of first in the West, scratch that first in the entire league, the [URL="https://www.slcdunk.com/"]Utah Jazz[/URL] are off to a fantastic start this season. In fact, they are off to their best start since 2006-2007*. You know, the last time the Jazz made an appearance in the Western Conference Finals!
[/QUOTE]
only in the finals because of the historic upset in round one by GS though
[QUOTE]Mike Conley has been fantastic this year. He’s been every bit the player that the Jazz traded before last season. It took him a while to reach this point, but he’s near-All Star caliber again. Deron Williams in his prime was definitely better, but DWill hadn’t quite hit his prime in 2007. At just 22 years old he was still an up and comer. That season he averaged 16.2 points, 9.3 assists, and 3.3 rebounds on 46/32/77 shooting. His advanced numbers were 111 ORtg, 110 DRtg, 1.3 BPM, .117 WS/48, and a TS% of 53.5%.
[/QUOTE]
Conley is better because he plays both ends
[QUOTE]It pains me that I have to put Derek Fisher there. Personally, I remember Ronnie Brewer in this slot a lot more but this is how the majority of the 2007 starting lineup played out. This one obviously isn’t even close as to who the better player is. Don’t get me wrong, Fish played his role well for his limited time in Utah but Donovan would destroy that guy. Fisher was basically just a veteran presence that you could trust to make the right play, meanwhile Donovan is an All Star. I’m not even going to waste anyone’s time putting stats or other arguments here. Donovan >>>>> Derek.
[/QUOTE]
Brewer was a rookie and hardly played. It should have been him. One of those unfortunate Jerry love stories
[QUOTE]2007 was definitely not AK47’s best season. That year he put up just 8.3 points but did add 4.7 rebounds and 2.9 assists. More important were his 1.1 steals and 2.1 blocks per game. After his insane All Star season, Andrei kind of just morphed into this Swiss (Russian?) army knife that could do it all. His 3 point shot wasn’t very reliable (just 31% for his career) but he hit some big ones. He could defend literally any position at a high level and was a crafty playmaker. Bojan, meanwhile, is averaging 14.7 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 2.0 assists. His overall FG% is quite down but his 3 ball is still going in at a 39.7% clip. The advanced stats definitely lean towards Kirilenko and I think I tend to agree. I think he would win this matchup over Bogdanovic.
[/QUOTE]
AK. Not even worth discussing
[QUOTE]Honestly, I have a hard time believing that Derrick Favors wouldn’t be the starting PF in this hypothetical matchup. He just feels like the better matchup against Booz. Carlos Boozer is a tough one for me personally. He was an important player in a very successful era, but I just never really loved the guy like I have some Jazzmen. That being said, he put up some big numbers here, 2007 included. That year he averaged 20.9 points, 11.7 rebounds, and 3.0 assists. The advanced numbers were really good to him as well with a 114 ORtg, 104 DRtg, 4.6 BPM, .185 WS/48, and .588 TS%.
[/QUOTE]
Favors is never the better matchup at the 4. I'll take Royce. Be better to go Ak/Royce and Bojan/Boozer. Probably AK and Boozer in that scenario which is why this position by position crap is stupid
[QUOTE]Rudy Gobert is definitely not a stretch big. But boy is he big. You Jazz fans obviously don’t need me to tell you that. He’s the best defensive player on the planet and arguably has become one of the best defensive players this planet has ever seen. And he’s having a really good year so far. He is putting up 13.5 points, 13.8 rebounds, and 2.7 blocks. And his defensive is absolutely top notch again (minus that Denver game...). I think Rudy is obviously the better player here. But Memo would make him work and be tough pulling him away from the basket so frequently.
[/QUOTE]
Not close
[QUOTE]Ok this isn’t even close. The depth of the 2021 Jazz is almost unfair at times. Especially spots 6-8, each of which could likely start for many NBA teams. I know that playoff rotations tighten up quite a bit, but there’s no way that this discrepancy doesn’t play a pretty big role here. I think the bench minutes, even if limited, would lean pretty significantly in 2021’s favor and gain or stretch leads.
[/QUOTE]
not close for the other side maybe. Millsap was arguably better than Boozer
[QUOTE]That being said, can you imagine the chess match between Jerry Sloan and Quin Snyder? I think Quin would come into a 7 game series with the better pieces, but Coach Sloan always got more out his rosters than he should have. I (obviously) give the coaching edge to Jerry here. He’s one of the best to ever do it. But is it that advantage enough? I don’t think so.
[/QUOTE]
but he didn't Fisher starting and Collins and Matt love affairs is getting the most out of them?
[url]https://www.slcdunk.com/2021/2/2/22262664/utah-jazz-take-on-the-detroit-pistons-game-preview-start-time[/url]
[QUOTE]Mitchell is absolutely the Jazz’s best offensive player. He can do everything on that end. The difficult thing for him will be knowing when to play within the flow of the offense and when the Jazz need him to break free and score. If he’s not scoring efficiently, he needs to learn how to still manufacture points efficiently within the offence. Whether that’s with playmaking, getting to the line etc. The Jazz offense breaks down when Mitchell is freelancing and not scoring efficiently. That’s why a game like tonight helps, Mitchell can play against an inferior team and hopefully find that flow again.
[/QUOTE]
he's their best by ppg and usage. Nothing else
[QUOTE]The Jazz have some players showing real promise in Miye Oni and Juwan Morgan. Both have shown they can have strong positive impacts on the game. A lot of what they do can be seen on the defensive end where they’ve helped the Jazz continue their winning ways when players like Joe Ingles and Derrick Favors have missed time. Do we see them get some run?
[/QUOTE]
they won't play. Morgan should start
[url]https://kslsports.com/452489/jazz-survive-pistons-despite-late-surge/[/url]
[QUOTE]If the Jazz can continue to run the floor, they might be championship contenders. If not, they could be in for a disappointing finish the year.
[/QUOTE]
it will come down t not having size
[url]https://www.ksl.com/article/50100037/bojan-bogdanovic-shows-hes-still-clutch-as-utah-survives-detroit-rally[/url]
[QUOTE]Roberts missed the game due to the NBA's health and safety protocols. It was just the seventh game in 42 years that Robert has missed. He is the longest-tenured PA announcer in the league and the only one the Jazz have ever employed. Roberts' son, Jeremy, said on Twitter that he father is expected to be back in his normal chair for Utah's next home game next week.
[/QUOTE]
that will get him a banner
[url]https://www.sltrib.com/sports/jazz/2021/02/03/triple-team-jazz-find/[/url]
[QUOTE]But in the third and fourth quarter, the Jazz started to walk the ball up the court. Mitchell — who was phenomenal tonight by the way, with 34 points on 17 shots — does have a tendency to grab the ball with the lead and walk it up the court with a late lead, playing prevent offense, essentially.
[/QUOTE]
and not get it up in 8 seconds. Should have learned
[QUOTE]Now here’s the rub: it’s really really difficult to run this hard for 48 minutes per game, in the course of a regular season, especially a compressed one. The Jazz have played five games in eight days. They came out roaring and running, but to start this game, but once you have a 28-point lead on a terrible opponent, it’s going to happen on both ends — you’ll naturally slow down.
[/QUOTE]
that's on coty. We keep hearing how deep they are. Play more guys. Keep everyone fresh
[url]https://www.deseret.com/sports/2021/2/2/22260294/utah-jazz-detriot-pistons-score-win-nba-donovan-mitchell[/url]
[QUOTE]Let’s talk about one of Donovan Mitchell’s many qualities: His ability to control the pace of a game. He had absolutely no intentions at any point on Tuesday of letting the Pistons slow down the game, and he was more than willing to lead the break for the Jazz nearly every time they had the opportunity to get out in front of the defense. It was one of many instances in which he’s done that this season, but he was particularly aggressive against Detroit. And his 32 points — 30 of which were scored in the first three quarters — were pretty nice, too.
[/QUOTE]
but he did slow it down and it almost cost them
[QUOTE]I know it’s nit-picky to do this, but I would love if O’Neale would just shoot when he’s open. The Jazz want him to, the fans want him to, I want him to, we all want him to.
[/QUOTE]
He's getting bette just like Ingles did
[url]https://www.slcdunk.com/2021/2/2/22263707/utah-jazz-narrowly-beat-detroit-pistons-donovan-mitchell-32-points[/url]
[QUOTE]One might argue that Mitchell’s mere two-points in a nearly disastrous fourth quarter detracts from the overall performance, but his efforts in the first three quarters were a main reason Utah had such a large lead to nearly blow anyway.
[/QUOTE]
It was a reason. Everything was going right until the end of the 3rd
[QUOTE] he’s definitely the best offensive player and needs to get his shots and even some iso possessions (which some fans on this feed seem to treat as evil for some reason), but you also want to keep a basic offensive flow that maximizes the shooting of Bogey, Joe, and Royce and flows through the pick and roll. It’s a balance, and it will be a test of Quin’s coaching ability to coordinate all of that offense.
Posted by [URL="https://www.sbnation.com/users/GregOstertagged"]GregOstertagged[/URL] on [URL="https://www.slcdunk.com/2021/2/2/22263707/utah-jazz-narrowly-beat-detroit-pistons-donovan-mitchell-32-points#536125571"]Feb 2, 2021 | 11:52 PM[/URL]
[/QUOTE]
if we look at usage and ppg he's the best otherwise far from it
But after all these months of scrutiny, and with the Jazz taking so much pride in their ability to come out of such a sensitive situation even stronger, Gobert has turned a tad edgier of late in terms of how he handles this spotlight. His favorite new hashtag — #f—yourpredictions — tells you that much on its own. [URL="https://theathletic.com/2363204/2021/02/03/rudy-gobert-interview-donovan-mitchell-utah-jazz/?source=rss"]“The better you get, the more people talk and the more people are either going to praise you or adopt you or criticize you, so I kind of started to embrace it and take every kind of criticism as, in a way, a compliment,” the 28-year-old Gobert explained in our phone discussion late last week. “I mean, look at LeBron (James). He was actually the most criticized player of our generation, and he’s the one who has accomplished the most.”[/URL]
– via [URL="https://theathletic.com/2363204/2021/02/03/rudy-gobert-interview-donovan-mitchell-utah-jazz/?source=rss"]Sam Amick @ The Athletic[/URL]
So Rudy, a big part of this job is that we write about the tough stuff and we also make sure we write about the good stuff. And from March until now, your team has been on both sides of it. Why do you think things are working so well right now? Rudy Gobert: [URL="https://theathletic.com/2363204/2021/02/03/rudy-gobert-interview-donovan-mitchell-utah-jazz/?source=rss"]I think it starts with the group, and I believe we have a group of guys that really play for one another, and that put winning and the team first. When you have that from your leaders, and you have that from every single person from the coaching staff to the players to the organization, you know you already have something special. And then, obviously, we have the talent.[/URL] We have guys who have experience, we have young guys who have been getting better every single year. We have a great coach (in Quin Snyder), and when you add it all up, you end up with a group of guys that can accomplish something that hopefully we’ve never accomplished before.
– via [URL="https://theathletic.com/2363204/2021/02/03/rudy-gobert-interview-donovan-mitchell-utah-jazz/?source=rss"]Sam Amick @ The Athletic[/URL]
I don’t want to make you look backward too much, but I do wonder: When do you feel like you and the rest of the team — and specifically, you and Donovan — really start healing this and solving it and getting it to a place that’s really positive. How did you get from there to here? Rudy Gobert: It was a tough experience, for me personally and I think for everyone — obviously in the world, but for our team (too). It was tough. But at the same time, I think the experience really helped me and helped us grow. Not as players, but as human beings. For Donovan, I think it really helped us put ourselves in each other’s [URL="https://theathletic.com/2363204/2021/02/03/rudy-gobert-interview-donovan-mitchell-utah-jazz/?source=rss"]shoes. For me, it was really that, being able to put myself in his shoes and I think he was able to put himself in my shoes. As two young leaders of this team, when two leaders are able to do that, it can become really powerful. And I believe that’s really how we were able to grow. And in a way, we have celebrated our growth as players, as human beings, as players too. And that’s a big reason why today we believe we can win a championship together[/URL].
– via [URL="https://theathletic.com/2363204/2021/02/03/rudy-gobert-interview-donovan-mitchell-utah-jazz/?source=rss"]Sam Amick @ The Athletic[/URL]
That’s a very honest answer. So when it comes to the two of you, was it having dinners together or talking on the phone? What did it take to put yourself in each other’s shoes? Rudy Gobert: [URL="https://theathletic.com/2363204/2021/02/03/rudy-gobert-interview-donovan-mitchell-utah-jazz/?source=rss"]I think it happened within ourselves first. But then with some articles coming out and some shit coming out about (the team), all that was before the bubble. And I decided to just tell everyone, ‘Let’s just talk on the phone.’ We can’t be having media and people putting out articles about some stuff, that are not helping us and helping the team. So we just had very honest phone conversations.[/URL] And then after that, I really think we were able to move forward and to grow.
– via [URL="https://theathletic.com/2363204/2021/02/03/rudy-gobert-interview-donovan-mitchell-utah-jazz/?source=rss"]Sam Amick @ The Athletic[/URL]
Ben Anderson: Seven guards in the NBA are averaging at least 7 three-point attempts per game while shooting better than 40%. [URL="https://*********.com/social/"]The @UtahJazz have two of them in Mike Conley and Donovan Mitchell[/URL].
– via [URL="https://twitter.com/BensHoops"]Twitter BensHoops[/URL]
Jim Owczarski: [URL="https://*********.com/social/"]The #Bucks will try to get rookies Jordan Nwora (Salt Lake City Stars) and Sam Merrill (Memphis Hustle) some playing time in the bubbled G League. Mamadi Diakite is also going down there (Lakeland Magic)[/URL].
– via [URL="https://twitter.com/JimOwczarski"]Twitter JimOwczarski[/URL]
[QUOTE][h=1]The All-Star Case For Donovan Mitchell[/h]
[/QUOTE]
there isn't one especially ahead of Conley and Rudy who didn't even get an article!
[QUOTE]Though Mitchell has seen a slight dip in his scoring and rebounding averages, his efficiency numbers have never been better, and it’s one of the primary reasons the Jazz own the best record in the NBA nearly a month and a half into the season.
[/QUOTE]
it's not one of the primary reasons
[QUOTE]Perhaps most importantly for Mitchell’s case, the guard owns the reputation as the best player on the league’s best team, which should not only secure him an All-Star bid but should earn him MVP buzz should the Jazz continue their high level of play.
[/QUOTE]
a rep he hasn't earned
[QUOTE]The advanced metrics may not agree that Mitchell is the team’s most impactful player, but the fourth-year star continues to elevate his game and his team on a nightly basis.
[/QUOTE]
far from it. Far down that list
[QUOTE]The guard’s biggest competitors will be San Antonio Spurs guard DeMar DeRozan, Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker, Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, and Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant for the final wildcard spot.
[/QUOTE]
Conley?[CENTER][/CENTER]
[url]https://kslsports.com/452514/the-all-star-case-for-mike-conley/[/url]
[QUOTE]Though this isn’t Conley’s most prolific statistical season during his 14 year NBA career, it’s likely his best overall season as a pro, and he’s one of the primary reasons the Jazz are 11 games above .500 less than two months into the season.
[/QUOTE]
his D is the biggest difference this year
[QUOTE]Considering their high-profile status and history as All-Stars, Mitchell, Lillard, and George should be considered near locks for the game.
[/QUOTE]
the fact that Mitchell is considered a lock is a joke
Be sad when Mike doesn't make it
[CENTER]
[/CENTER]
[url]https://www.deseret.com/sports/2021/2/3/22256497/utah-jazz-quest-for-home-court-advantage-for-nba-playoffs[/url]
[QUOTE]“Obviously we want to be in a position where we’re one of the top two teams in the West so we can, at the end of the season, be in a great position to have home-court advantage,” Rudy Gobert said.
[/QUOTE]
top seed ideally. Avoid LAL and LAC until the final and hopefully Clippers knock off Lakers so Jazz have a chance
[QUOTE]The Jazz want to be known as a good team both at home and on the road. After a recent six-game homestand in which the Jazz won every game as part of an 11-game win streak, they made some headway in establishing themselves as one of the better teams in the league at their home arena.
[/QUOTE]
would be a first under Snyder
[url]https://saltcityhoops.com/after-20-games-the-hot-shooting-jazz-appear-ready-to-contend/[/url]
[QUOTE]The Jazz are also ranked first in offensive rebounding rate, and as [URL="ttps://www.espn.com/nba/insider/story/_/id/30816424/two-stunning-stats-driving-nba-surprise-contenders"]Zach Lowe observed[/URL], it’s fairly uncommon for teams to be elite in 3-point shooting and offensive rebound rate. The Jazz’s effective pick-and-roll play is putting them in a position to rebound well; Rudy Gobert and Derrick Favors often wind up with a size advantage on rebound opportunities, and this year the Jazz are allowing perimeter players like Royce O’Neale, Mike Conley, and Miye Oni to opportunistically chase rebounds from the corners.
[/QUOTE]
Oni?
[QUOTE]When the Jazz signed Favors, it felt like the Jazz might switch lineups on a matchup basis, sometimes pairing Favors and Gobert against bigger teams. This has rarely been used. Snyder was okay with Bojan Bogdanovic guarding Zion Williamson, for example. Instead of adapting to other teams, the Jazz are forcing other teams to adapt to them. Basketball executive Dennis Lindsey could have targeted a non-shooting perimeter defender in free agency, but instead built the team in a way that a rim-rolling center surrounded by four shooters are on the floor at all times.
[/QUOTE]
could have targeted a starting 4 which they need desperately
[QUOTE][B]Favors[/B] is averaging a ho-hum 6/6/1, but he’s only playing 16 mpg. Adjust for per 36, and most his numbers are on par from his last few seasons. Of note, his block rate is second best in career and and turnover rate is a career best. Favors’ impact goes beyond the numbers. His knowledge of Snyder’s system and play style allow the Jazz to play the same for 48 minutes. He’s also a fantastic locker room presence and beloved by the organization from top to bottom.
[/QUOTE]
for 30 million he better be!
[QUOTE]Regardless, even two All-Stars is a great reward for a Jazz team that has finally started a season hot.
[/QUOTE]
a joke if Mitchell is there over Conley or Rudy
[QUOTE]It’s still early to evaluate this award, but it’s especially relevant to Mitchell, who stands to earn an extra $6 million a year if he makes the team this year. This will have domino effects on the chances of re-signing Conley or adding other pieces in coming years. Right now, the first four guard spots are likely to be some combination of Damian Lillard, Steph Curry, James Harden and Luka Doncic (assuming LeBron James stays in the forward spot and isn’t considered a guard). Mitchell’s competition includes Bradley Beal (keep on eye on a trade, because it’s hard to make All-NBA with the worst record, even while averaging close to 35 points per game), Jaylen Brown, Kyrie Irving, Trae Young, and the Suns’ guards. It may come down to seeding, and right now Mitchell has a decent shot.
[/QUOTE]
can't see it. They are obviously a lot better at picking than the all star voters are
[QUOTE]Conley is a fringe candidate who may benefit from the voters being a mix of sportswriters and broadcasters.
[/QUOTE]
right now he deserves 1st team
[QUOTE]The Jazz have also struggled to contain elite guards, like Damian Lillard, Steph Curry, and James Harden. But who doesn’t? The West is loaded with elite guards. The larger issue is when players like Austin Rivers or last year’s Derrick Rose cook the Jazz. This offseason Utah could’ve chased a guard stopper like Kris Dunn, but instead elected to bring back Favors. So far it’s paid off, but the Jazz are still susceptible to quick guards that O’Neale isn’t best equipped to handle. Luckily Conley has proven to be a solid defender at the point of attack this season. Shaq Harrison has the tools to be a defensive specialist, but Snyder has been hesitant to use him outside of garbage time. Ideally Mitchell is able to make a defensive jump.
[/QUOTE]
they could have went after the starting 4 they need so O'Neale could concentrate on defending the perimeter. Mitchell! :roll:
[QUOTE]Okay, I’m not sure any team or player can stop Jokic at this point. The Jazz are very familiar with him after last year’s playoff series. But Jokic didn’t have his usual All-NBA game against Utah over the weekend — he had an eviscerating, MVP-statement game. It’s something they may need to figure out, because even if the Jazz’s best case scenario lands them the one seed to avoid playing both LA teams in the first two rounds, they would likely matchup with Denver in the second round as a fourth or fifth seed. Denver has assumed the position as Utah’s primary rival, and they are likely to lock horns over the next few seasons.
[/QUOTE]
I'd be more about the Lakers
[QUOTE]Then we have the Lakers. No game is more anticipated, not just because of LA’s star power, but because the champions are [I]the[/I] measuring stick for the Jazz right now. Last season the Lakers swept the Jazz, winning 95–86, 121–96, and 116–108. Lindsey has since spoken about how the Jazz added Favors specifically to give them options to match up against the Lakers.
[/QUOTE]
Yeah easier for the best D to defend!
[url]https://hoopshabit.com/2021/02/02/ranking-top-5-big-3s-nba/2/[/url]
[QUOTE]The guy who leads this team though is a two-time defensive player of the year Rudy Gobert. He’s a double-double every night and is currently averaging 2.8 blocks per game, Gobert helps the Jazz on both ends of the court in ways that very few players can.
[/QUOTE]
someone gets it
[url]https://fansided.com/2021/02/02/mike-conley-resurgent-season-utah-jazz-contender/[/url]
[QUOTE][h=2]What’s been different for Mike Conley this season?[/h]
[/QUOTE]
D!
[QUOTE]When three relevant data points align — the tape, impact metrics and box-score production — it’s the mark of a firm conclusion holding merit: Mike Conley is playing his way to his first All-Star appearance and captaining a Jazz team riding continuity up the Western Conference hierarchy.
[/QUOTE]
Be shocked if he made it but he's all NBA in my mind!
[url]https://hoopshabit.com/2021/02/02/nba-early-star-selections/3/[/url]
[QUOTE][h=2]Western Conference Starters[/h][I]Donovan Mitchell – Utah Jazz/BC[/I]
[/QUOTE]
now he's starting?
[QUOTE]Rudy Gobert is arguably as important as Donovan Mitchell for the Utah Jazz since-snapped 11 game winning streak and is the anchor of a defense that is back to being elite. Paul George has cooled off slightly from his scorching start but is still having one of the best seasons of his career and quiet is fine for the Clippers for a change. Anthony Davis is still Anthony Davis. He has missed some games but is still a clear top-10 player. None of these players should be debated.
[/QUOTE]
There's no argument. Mitchell isn't as valuable as O'Neale or Clarkson and maybe not Ingles either
[QUOTE][I]Honorable Mentions: Mike Conley, Ja Morant, Devin Booker, Chris Paul, CJ McCollum, DeMar DeRozan, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, De’Aaron Fox, Brandon Ingram[/I]
[/QUOTE]
:facepalm
Rod Boone: [URL="https://*********.com/social/"]Terry Rozier (right ankle sprain) is probable and PJ Washington (right foot sprain) is doubtful for tomorrow’s game vs. Utah, James Borrego said[/URL].
– via [URL="https://twitter.com/rodboone"]Twitter rodboone[/URL]
Rick Bonnell: [URL="https://*********.com/social/"]Hornets coach James Borrego wouldn’t speculate whether Terry Rozier goes back into the starting lineup if he’s available vs. Jazz. LaMelo Ball has started the last two games in Rozier’s absence[/URL].
– via [URL="https://twitter.com/rick_bonnell"]Twitter rick_bonnell[/URL]
Rod Boone: James Borrego was non-committal about the starting lineup for tomorrow vs. Utah. Wouldn’t say whether he would keep LaMelo there or put Terry back in. [URL="https://*********.com/social/"]“I’m going to work through that,” he said. “I’m going to get clarity on Terry and I don’t want to speculate right now.”[/URL]
– via [URL="https://twitter.com/rodboone"]Twitter rodboone[/URL]
[url]https://www.slcdunk.com/2021/2/4/22267612/jazz-defense-paves-path-to-17th-win-of-the-season-over-hawks[/url]
[QUOTE][h=4]Bogey MVP[/h]
Clarkson a very close 2nd. Gobert, Mitchell and Conley were meh or average or below average.
Posted by [URL="https://www.sbnation.com/users/rubar4"]rubar4[/URL] on [URL="https://www.slcdunk.com/2021/2/4/22267612/jazz-defense-paves-path-to-17th-win-of-the-season-over-hawks#536207647"]Feb 4, 2021 | 9:16 PM[/URL]
[/QUOTE]
Rudy shut them down. One of his best performances. :roll:
[url]https://kslsports.com/452693/jazz-prepare-for-healthy-hayward-hornets/[/url]
[QUOTE]O’Neale is averaging career-highs in points (7.9), rebounds (7.0), and three-point shooting percentage (45 percent). The forward has been tasked with defending the opposing team’s best wing player, and will likely draw the matchup against Hayward for long stretches in Charlotte.
[/QUOTE]
best player usually as long as it's not the center
[url]https://kslsports.com/452717/jazz-at-hornets-game-night/[/url]
[QUOTE]This is the entire crux of the Jazz season. They will win the majority of their games throughout the year because teams have to pick one or the other. What happens in the playoffs when they run into a team (The Lakers) that theoretically can do both?
[/QUOTE]
the bigger problem against the Lakers will be how do you match up. Gobert on Davis. O'Neale on Lebron. Conley on Schroeder. Good luck hiding the others?
[url]https://www.slcdunk.com/2021/2/5/22264870/5-things-we-learned-about-the-utah-jazz-this-week-donovan-mitchell-rudy-gobert-royce-oneale-nba[/url]
[QUOTE]Some will say that it’s continuity of the roster that has created more chemistry between the players on the floor, and there is some truth to that, but it is more their style of play that is creating huge advantages on the floor. Utah is the #3 team in 3-point attempts at 42.4 per game. They’re also #3 in the league at 3-point percentage at 39.8%. Those two things combined have the Jazz as the #1 team in the league at 3-pointers made at 16.9 per game.
[/QUOTE]
defense especially from Conley
[QUOTE][h=1]Donovan Mitchell is key to taking this team over the top in the playoffs[/h]
[/QUOTE]
they're in trouble than
[QUOTE]Royce O’Neale is doing things we’ve never seen him do before. He’s showing up in a big way in multiple categories this year. He’s posting career highs in points (8.8), rebounds (6.9) and 3-point percentage (45%). He’s been the answer Utah has been looking for at the 4 for so many years.
[/QUOTE]
Conley is. O'Neale is certainly key
[QUOTE]This is the version of Bogdanovic that the Jazz were missing in the playoffs and if he continues to put up these numbers, the Jazz offense will continue to be one of the tops in the league.
[/QUOTE]
but the D?
[url]https://kslsports.com/452699/which-jazz-players-will-make-the-all-star-team-and-more-mailbag-answers/[/url]
[QUOTE]Second, I think Mitchell is probably more deserving of the All-Star game this year, though again, with the West’s loaded guard rotation, Gobert probably has an easier pathway.
[/QUOTE]
Mitchell is better than last year but again not a star
[CENTER][/CENTER]
Ball shot 14-of-27 from the field with four 3-pointers, one block and zero turnovers. His 34 points are the most by a Hornets rookie since Alonzo Mourning in 1993. Ball remained a starter in Friday’s game despite the return of Terry Rozier, whom the 19-year-old had replaced in the starting lineup the past two games. Ball began the season off the bench but has now started in Charlotte’s past three games. [URL="https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/30843819/charlotte-hornets-rookie-lemelo-ball-career-high-34-points-loss-utah-jazz"]Jazz star Donovan Mitchell called Ball “the real deal” after the game. “I’m not going to lie, I’m very impressed,” said Mitchell,[/URL] who helped lead the Jazz to their 14th victory in 15 games. “Not just his playmaking ability and his competitiveness, but his joy. I don’t think I have ever not seen him smile throughout the game.”
– via [URL="https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/30843819/charlotte-hornets-rookie-lemelo-ball-career-high-34-points-loss-utah-jazz"]ESPN News Services @ ESPN[/URL]
[IMG]https://*********.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/92/2021/02/i_67_86_0a_bojan-bogdanovic.png?w=190[/IMG][URL="https://www.nba.com/jazz/news/utah-jazz-break-another-franchise-record-win-over-charlotte-hornets"]The Jazz did it in a familiar fashion: pushing the pace, pressuring the rim, and then burying the Hornets under the weight of a franchise-record 26 3-pointers.[/URL] The Jazz shot 52 percent from deep, and eight different players knocked down at least one shot from downtown. Bojan Bogdanovic scored a game-high 31 points (7-of-10 from beyond the arc) and Donovan Mitchell scored 30 (5-of-9 from deep). “We are playing great team basketball,” Bogdanovic said after. “Let’s keep going.”
– via [URL="https://www.nba.com/jazz/news/utah-jazz-break-another-franchise-record-win-over-charlotte-hornets"]NBA.com[/URL]