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

[Xiao Yao You]

So Hughes and Forman Wright as the two ways? Need a vet center to back up Rudy maybe one that can start at the 4 not named Favors spotting up in the corner

[Xiao Yao You]

https://www.slcdunk.com/nba-draft/20...-202-nba-draft

It appears that Utah is sending a future pick for Hughes. We’ll see what those picks end up being but for now it appears the Jazz have improved their scoring ability.

I think you mean the Stars

he can come in and contribute right away if needed.
He is automatically better than several of our GLeague bench guys.

Posted by Matt_Grbac on Nov 18, 2020 | 10:19 PM

and better than Niang

Posted by statpower on Nov 18, 2020 | 10:23 PM

I doubt a 34 % 3 shooter with average length will make an impact right away or be better than the gleague guys who have great length

Niang is one of the best shooters in the league. Great offensive player

[Xiao Yao You]

https://www.slcdunk.com/nba-draft/20...2020-nba-draft

This pick also tells you a lot about how the Jazz view next season. They’re looking to pick players that help now and by moving Bradley and replacing him with Azubuike, the Jazz likely feel that their team make up is solid and they’re going to make another run next season with this same core.

not sure they think he will help them now. I'm sure they will have mostly the same team. It's the Jazz. Why make changes just because you need to?

There are also a lot of great undrafted players so I expect and hope we see Rayjon Tucker or Juwan Morgan like players come to us from out of nowhere

Posted by JJDrizzle on Nov 18, 2020 | 10:32 PM

how many more of those players do they need though? They need a starting pf and and a backup center now

[Xiao Yao You]

https://www.slcdunk.com/nba-draft/20...etroit-pistons

Azubuike looks like an immediate upgrade over Bradley and should fill a big hole for Utah with an immediate defensive upgrade at backup center.

He does? Potentially maybe. Bradley has played in the system for 3 years. Great in pick and roll, best offensive rebounder in league. Stretch ability. Getting better

Here’s the thing, I don’t even know what future considerations are but this definitely feels like a roster move to get some cash and move Tony Bradley to keep the roster to re-sign Jordan Clarkson.

which if true sucks big time

The Jazz have honestly put a lot of trust in Azubuike to be an immediate impact player. If he’s not, they will have passed on some good players in the draft and will have seen a three-year project go out the door for not much. But Utah has done well with their scouting before so this all may work out very well.

why do you think they expect him to make an immediate impact?

Bradley was nothing and didn’t have a ton of room left to grow. Also cost $3.5M. We got rid of his entire salary – that’s a win. Azubuike? Could be a huge bust, but definitely has both more long term potential and better helps the Jazz address their needs this current year. That exchange at face value is a win

Posted by J-Note on Nov 18, 2020 | 10:18 PM

He is 22 and had little room to grow? They hadn't even let him loose on the perimeter yet

I think Azubuike will be the 3rd string center at a rookie salary of $1,977,000.

Hopefully, the Jazz will be able to off load Ed Davis and his $5 mil. salary. If not, I imagine the Jazz will most likely waive him on the stretch provision.

Posted by Fesenko for President on Nov 18, 2020 | 10:35 PM

4th string. He needs to be with the Stars if there is a Stars. Doubt they waive Davis until after trade deadline

If Gobert goes down for any time and it’s Azubuike or Ed Davis? Or… Morgan? that could be a problem.

Posted by ThatFilthyApe on Nov 18, 2020 | 10:39 PM

or Brantley. I imagine they will go after a vet as has been said for months now. Just hope it's not Favors from the corner again

[Xiao Yao You]

https://www.deseret.com/sports/2020/...leans-pelicans

future pick

[Xiao Yao You]

https://www.deseret.com/2020/11/18/2...2020-nba-draft

Baynes could have been an answer for the Jazz at the backup center position, but with him seemingly on his way to the Pelicans the Jazz might have felt the need to get someone who could play now and reliably defend the rim when Rudy Gobert is resting, which is exactly the case with Azubuike.

need a vet 5 and a starting 4. Clarkson needs to go. Sign Brantley and maybe Mudiay and Wright Forman

[Xiao Yao You]

https://www.deseret.com/sports/2020/...s-tony-bradley

Though many, including myself, thought the Jazz would target a guard or forward in the first round on Wednesday, perimeter defense was not the only thing that the Jazz needed to address this offseason. The Jazz’s interior defense was a major problem, especially in the playoffs whenever Rudy Gobert was not on the floor.

Their 3 centers were free agents after the year. It's already been rumored they were after a replacement for Bradley in free agency or trade which meant Bradley was out. Of their 6 rookies none were a center. This was the guy! The other pick I don't get so much with Oni, Tucker and Brantley not to mention Wright Forman and Goss

With Azubuike, the Jazz get a 7-foot player with a 7-foot-7 wingspan who is known for being a bullying post player with an incredible knack for protecting the rim, grabbing rebounds, slapping out offensive boards that he can’t quite get both hands on, and is immensely efficient scoring on the inside.

sounds like Bradley just younger and longer

“He’s the NCAA leader in field goal percentage, all time,” Jazz general manager Justin Zanik said via Zoom on Wednesday night. “He has strength and ability to finish through contact, his lob radius, potential to be a very good roll man, and in our opinion, the most impactful defensive player in the draft.”

most impactful defensive player and the vertical spacing!

It was theorized that the Jazz could target someone in free agency to fit the role of backup center, with Phoenix’s Aron Baynes looking like the most promising option. After Ed Davis didn’t work out for the Jazz as substitute for Gobert and Bradley looked like he was going to take a lot longer to develop, it was clear that the answer was going to have to come from outside the team.

seems more likely now. Need a starting 4 more though

Though Azubuike doesn’t offer a perimeter game, fitting the mold of a more traditional post player, he is probably the most developed center in this year’s draft class after playing four seasons at Kansas, and he looks to be ready to come in be a part of the Jazz’s immediate rotation.

like no Jazz man under Snyder has been ready to do?

“The decision-making process is finding something that is enough for what you want to get done, at the time you want to get it done,” Zanik said. “We valued knowing we would have those two picks going into the draft that allows us to accomplish the things, not only that we can comment about tonight, but also the plans that we have as it’s tied to the rest of the draft and free agency.”

hope that doesn't mean Clarkson

As for what the Jazz got in return for Bradley, who Azubuike said was the player on the Jazz that he has the closest relationship with, the Jazz now have a little more flexibility in the cap to work with and try to re-sign Jordan Clarkson and use the exceptions available to them, while possibly staying under the luxury tax threshold.

**** Clarkson!!!

[Xiao Yao You]

https://saltcityhoops.com/active-jaz...aft-day-deals/

For fans hoping for the return of Derrick Favors, this may put those hopes to rest as this is a much cheaper option for a backup big and provides an opportunity to develop the young rookie into something great.

still need a vet. This guy should start with the Stars

Hughes took a huge leap as he joined the Orange and became a dominant scorer. During his senior year he averaged 19 points per game, 3.4 assists, 4.9 rebounds, shot 34% from three-point range and 42% from the field. His most notable performance was against Georgia Tech where he scored 33 points on 10 of 15 attempts, recorded 4 assists, and hit six threes on the night.

assists look pretty good. Might be a fit if he can improve his shot and defend with his not great length

With the NBA draft behind them, the Jazz’s attention now turns to free agency. Teams can officially begin negotiating with free agents on on Friday, Nov. 20 at 6 p.m. ET, and sign deals the following Sunday. The Jazz currently have some $111 million committed to eight players with guaranteed contracts, giving them roughly $21 million to spend before they trigger the NBA’s luxury tax. Offloading Bradley helps increase the chances that they can re-sign bench scoer Jordan Clarkson and also use free agent exceptions, such as the $9.3 million “mid-level.” They may no longer be needing the services of former Jazz man Favors, but there are plenty of other interesting free agent targets for a team looking to upgrade the back half of its rotation.

21 million. Need to trade Bojan for a starting 4 and forget Clarkson. Use the exceptions on a backup 5 if the starting 4 can't do both. Possibly some other vets for the end of the bench depending on what happens with Davis, Niang and mudiay

[Xiao Yao You]

Analysis: I think we all know Clarkson’s strengths and weaknesses, having seen them up close and personal. He fits the Jazz bench better than you’d think as a possession eater and bucket getter. His defense leaves something to be desired, but doesn’t kill the team as much as other sixth man types. Clarkson is also a great teammate and fun guy to have represent the team. The Jazz want him back, but at some point his asking price becomes prohibitive. I suspect the Jazz will offer a 2-3 year deal in the $12-14 million a year price range, and if Clarkson prefers that over a Mid-Level offer with one of the California teams, he stays in Utah.

California here he comes!!!

11. Alec Burks

see Neto

Analysis: Baynes would provide better than average defense and average shooting at the backup center spot. Much like with Favors, if the Jazz paid $5-7 million to Baynes in Free Agency, they would need to clear some money from either Davis or Bradley or both to justify this move. The Jazz could always use more Australians on their team, though.

like him

Analysis: Markieff is not the player that his brother is, but he is a little bit better at defense and rebounding and passing. Markieff will probably cost a third of what Marcus garners on the open market and would be a decent fit for the Jazz at the Bi-Annual Exception, should they use it. He would increase the size and defense of the Jazz from day 1.

not their type of character

Analysis: Like Wes Matthews, Green is an average catch and shoot 3 point shooter, but he is absolutely willing to let it fly. He’s a surprisingly effective interior defender who provides some rim protection. The only downside is that Green has a player option for $5 million with the Clippers this season so the Jazz would have to match or exceed that value in a contract. The Jazz could certainly offer a bigger role than either of the LA teams and a possible starting job. He would be a nice fit in Utah.

passed on him before

Analysis: Millsap would give a needed boost to the overall defense of the Jazz and while his 3 point percentages are pretty good, his timidity from distance would record scratch the offense on occasion. He’s like the anti-Jae Crowder in this regard. In all likelihood the Jazz just witnessed up close and personal, the end of Paul Millsap as a playoff starter. It’s also unclear how Millsap’s departure from the Jazz would affect his willingness to return. I’d welcome Paul back in Utah with the MLE, but there are probably better fits out there as well.

Jazz have no starting 4. He'd start

Analysis: With his elite spot up and pull up 3 point shooting (41% and 39% respectively), Marcus Morris is a nearly perfect offensive fit with the Jazz. His unwillingness to pass is his major offensive weakness in Jazz terms, although it has worked for Clarkson. Defensively, Morris offers very little, other than having a proper power forward sized body. He is a terrible rebounder and offers little in terms of perimeter or interior defense. Morris will likely garner a full mid level from someone as a low point, unless he wants to play for less for a tax paying championship team. Marcus Morris would allow Bogdanovic to slide to the 3 which would be ideal, but I’m not convinced the Jazz’s defense would improve enough with Morris as it needs to.

Bojan is already the 3. O'Neale needs to be at the 2 and 3 not the 4. They don't want either Morris

Analysis: Plumlee is one of the best backup centers in the league. He brings high energy, high defense and especially high offensive rebounding. He isn’t highly skilled offensively, but rolls hard to the rim and is a decent passer and playmaker. He makes very little sense for the Jazz, since he can’t play even a minute with Rudy in the modern NBA, but I’d expect a team like the Blazers, Hawks, or Hornets to use some or all of their Mid-Level type money on Plumlee. (Plumlee is destined to play in a Jazz uniform, but it will most likely be when he is well passed contributing at an NBA level. But admit it, he belongs in Utah at some point.)

he'd be welcome

[Xiao Yao You]

https://saltcityhoops.com/a-breakdow...the-utah-jazz/

Robin Lopez- Would be a great backup for the Jazz, but maybe next summer. He should pick up his $5 million option (Surprise! He did not. He should be on this list somewhere right around 11.)

I'd love him!

Analysis: The mutual interest between Favors and the Jazz is very real and Favors is an ideal fit with the organization and community. However, even though the shooting is much improved throughout the roster since Favors was last on the Jazz, there is little proof that the Jazz would be able to navigate a Favors/Gobert pairing offensively and that may relegate him to 16 backup minutes a night. That’s not an ideal use of free agent capital. Defensively he would boost the Jazz back among the elite teams. If the Jazz have to pay Favors $8-10 million a year, they would need to shed Davis and Bradley’s money to justify the move. If the Jazz can get Favors for $5 or $6 million, he simply becomes one of the best possible offseason signings for the Jazz.

As a backup great but you know he'll end up starting again

Analysis: Harrison brings three things the Jazz need: elite defense, athleticism, and relative affordability. He will no longer be a restrcted free agent, as the Bulls declined to extend him a qualifying offer. Harrison brings most of the defensive chops of his teammate Dunn, while also having more offensive game worth exploring. It’s hard to believe his 38% from 3 point land on only 1 attempt a game last season, but there’s something there. Harrison might just need an opportunity to become a defense-first spot up shooter for a playoff team. Plus he is in the upper upper echelon of athletes in the NBA. Jazz need some guys like that.

looks like a fit but have bigger needs

Analysis: Other than Kris Dunn, Justin Holiday is probably the best defensive fit the Jazz could ask for this offseason. Holiday has a long wingspan which he uses to disrupt passing lanes and defend the rim. Offensively, his elite spot up 3 point shooting fits the Jazz offense as well, although his ability to put the ball on the court and create for himself and others appears to be very low. He is almost like a Royce O’Neale that is better at defending guards. That would be a pretty slick fit with the Jazz. It’s hard to see the Jazz convincing him to sign, however, because there will be multiple teams trying to get Holiday to sign for their Mid-Level Exception. And while $8-10 million/year feels like the right price range for a player of his ability, I do wonder if he would live up to that contract over 3 or 4 years. He could feel like Tony Snell in a season or two. Jazz had Holiday on their summer league team in 2013 and it’s hard to know if that would help or hurt the Jazz’s chances of signing him back this summer.

wasn't he with them in the regular season at one point?

4. Raul Neto

Wasn't appreciated why come back?

Analysis: Temple is a solid veteran who has been linked to the Jazz in offseasons past. What he lacks in spot up and off the dribble 3 point shooting, he makes up with better than average playmaking. And although he’s an average wing defender, his age also means he can’t be relied on to guard the opponents best players. Temple is likely going to the team of his choice at the vet minimum and I wouldn’t be surprised to see him in a Jazz uniform next season. He wouldn’t be the difference between winning a championship, but he would be a good 8th or 9th man.

looks like end of the bench depth

Analysis: Jae Crowder would be welcomed back to Utah with open arms and although he doesn’t make a high percentage of his three pointers, his willingness to shoot creates space for offenses. Even as a slightly overrated defender, he does compete and guards multiple positions effectively. He’d cost the full Mid-Level Exception, but if Miami wants to bring him back for 1 year at $15ish million, his availability is probably zero.

afraid he's start and play big minutes

Analysis: It was probably a bit of an outlier season, but Ibaka shot 40% from 3 point land last year. His perimeter defense isn’t terrific for a big man, but he could play alongside Rudy for some of the game and would make for a defensive nightmare for opponents at the rim both as a 4 and a backup center. He will most likely stay with Toronto for a one year $15-20 million deal, but if he hits the open market, I think he jumps up to one of the most 3 desirable players for the Jazz in the offseason. He’s the type of guy that could change championship outcomes for somebody this offseason.

starting 4 and backup 5!

[Xiao Yao You]

https://www.sltrib.com/sports/jazz/2...n-monson-holy/

The Jazz had needs to fill heading into the 2020 draft, needs to draw them closer to the best teams in the West now, not later. They had made modest progress over the past couple of seasons, inching closer to their stated goal of real NBA contention, but, heading in, were still far away from making that intention real.

not any closer and they won't be if they don't fix the roster

They need size in the backcourt, particularly since their two main cogs there — Donovan Mitchell and Mike Conley — are diminutive. It was Jerry Sloan who always believed in having a rugged, rebounding 2-guard/wing on the floor, and as much as the game has changed, he was and remains right about that.

more about having versatility. One big and 4 guards and wings with no other options won't cut it.

They need immediate polish, not a project, a body and mind that are ready to go, not players who will require a couple of seasons in the G League to gain their footing, to sharpen their focus, to help a team that is in need now.

you need both. Have to develop guys and have vets. Too many guys developing last year

Hughes can shoot it. He’s somewhat athletic, but how good an NBA defender he is, nobody’s sure.

34% from 3 doesn't scream shooter

They already have a whole slew of young players jumping back and forth from the G League to their own roster who are more advanced than who they just drafted.

someone gets it

If they want to keep Mitchell and Gobert together, and depending on how extreme/expensive Gobert’s demands will be for his next contract, that desire hangs in foggier-than-you-might-expect abeyance, they will have to either re-sign Jordan Clarkson or find someone who can deliver what he delivers off their bench. Or maybe both, adding more perimeter D.

need someone that fits. Clarkson doesn't

They’ll have to get the most out of Conley, more than they got out of him a season ago, and maybe all along they expected a better return on their investment the second time around, or trade away him and his heavy contract for something more helpful.

bring him off the bench

They’ll have to get Bojan Bogdanovic healthy.

better yet trade him for a starting 4!

[Xiao Yao You]

https://www.nba.com/jazz/news/utah-j...uike-27th-pick

Jazz officials believe Azubuikie has the physical tools to play in the NBA immediately, but said it will take all rookies time to adjust to the league after nine months without competitive games, and an offseason without a summer league.
“It’s a unique year for these guys,” Zanik said.

That applies any year. Moreso this year. Looks like the Jazz know they need a vet still. Hopefully they know they need a starting 4 as well

[Xiao Yao You]

Rudy/vet/Udoka/Davis
vet/Niang/Morgan/Brantley
Bojan/Ingles/Oni
O'Neale/Tucker/Wright Forman/Hughes
Mitchell/Conley

Not very balanced. Ideally the vet 4 and/or 5 could replace Davis somehow. Need Mudiay or someone to fill out the end of the bench. Hughes and Wright Forman on two ways. Udoka and the odd 2 year man out to the Stars. Still have too many young guys! Not sure how Clarkson fits even if he actually did fit. Goss can be a camp body. Need a couple more. Trevon Bluiett from the Stars appears to be available. He's good. Might even be able to fill the end of the bench vet spot? Willie Reed is signed overseas. Just cycle the different guys through that you want with the Stars on Exhibit 10 contracts I guess with the last spot. Need a pg since they drafted another 2 guard instead of one. We'll know in a week and a half!

[Xiao Yao You]

Shams Charania: Florida State point guard Trent Forrest is signing a two-way contract with the Utah Jazz, sources tell @The Athletic @Stadium.
– via Twitter ShamsCharania

Here's the pg. Can't shoot. Defends. Decent length. Probably not looking good for Wright Forman? Maybe bring him to camp on non guaranteed deal and let him fight it out? He has 6th potential. Rather have him and Mudiay than Clarkson. The youngest of their 2nd year men

[Xiao Yao You]

Rudy/vet/Udoka/Davis
vet/Niang/Morgan/Brantley
Bojan/Ingles/Oni
O'Neale/Tucker/Hughes
Mitchell/Conley/Forrest