Brian T. Smith: Howard said he's definitely working his way back to form but isn't there yet. Said every player's goal is to start, but fine with any role.
Brian T. Smith: Corbin says starting five of Harris, Bell, Hayward, Millsap, Jefferson is sticking for now. Could change, but no current plans to do so.
So, yes, he's aware that hitting 5 of 17 field goals through four games falls into the rough start category.
"I would like to be a shooting a higher field-goal percentage," said the 12-year veteran, who's shooting 29.4 percent. "But, ultimately, I don't think it really matters if I make or miss my three shots in a game."
Obviously, Bell wants to make those precious few shots (4.25 per game, to be precise) — if not get more looks.
Doesn't really matter?
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Scoring is just one part of his job. Considering his gritty defensive style and other Jazz weapons, oodles of offense isn't necessarily what the team needs from him.
As the starter, Bell gets the first crack at Kobe Bryant, Manu Ginobili and other top-notch scoring threats.
"He knows how to play different guys," Jazz coach Tyrone Corbin said.
Asked for an assessment of his 2011-12 start, the 35-year-old said he's making an extra effort on defense because his offensive game hasn't arrived yet.
"If something's not working, you've got to try to make a difference somewhere else," Bell said. "I think I'm doing a good job defensively."
So does Corbin, who defends Bell's defense.
That's why the second-year coach has kept him in the starting lineup even while some fans plead for rookie shooting guard Alec Burks — a more explosive scorer — to get more playing time and/or to start.
"I feel comfortable with what he's doing. He's playing his defense," Corbin said. "I thought he did a good job on Ginobili in the first quarter (Saturday), and then he had that run in the second quarter."
I'd hate to think where the Jazz would be without his stellar D.
Spurs guard Manu Ginobili
(On the three point shot falling…)
“Well Utah usually collapses the paint and they shift a lot. Its one of those games that you start with the right foot and the shot went in.
How young or tradeable he is (and I honestly doubt anyone wants Miles) should have no bearing on whether he plays or not, and it's obvious that he shouldn't. Give Gordon Howard and Bell most of his time and even Burks some if they need to. His impact is just so massively negative every time he's on the floor.
How young or tradeable he is (and I honestly doubt anyone wants Miles) should have no bearing on whether he plays or not, and it's obvious that he shouldn't.
You said he had no redeeming qualities. He's young and tradable unlike Bell. Oklahoma gave him his current deal which is relatively small and expiring so he certainly has value unlike Bell.
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Give Gordon Howard and Bell most of his time and even Burks some if they need to.
Bell shouldn't be playing. Burks deserves a shot if anything not to mention the two open roster spots they have..
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His impact is just so massively negative every time he's on the floor.
I certainly don't see that. Obviously people have had unrealistic expectations of him all along. He was a 2nd round pick. Most don't last as long as he has.
Howard continues to move forward. He's the most aggressive player off Utah's bench and doesn't hesitate once the ball touches his hands. He could crack the starting lineup during the next two weeks, but Corbin prefers having him come off the bench for now.
Could Howard soon be in the Jazz's first unit?
"Maybe, as he continue to work and learn what we want to do to be effective for us," Corbin said. "Right now, coming off the bench he's a tough matchup. He does a good job of putting pressure on the other team and getting stops. That's going to get better, man. He's not in the shape he wants to be in yet. He's doing extra stuff still to get in better shape. There's a lot of upside to what he's doing."
Scary, because Howard's already lean, fit and muscular.
Corbin said the decision not to play Miles until the 3:13 mark in the second quarter was solely based upon Alec Burks' success. Corbin said Burks has worked hard during recent practices and deserves time on the court.
"The game's slowing down for me and I'm just going. … Hard work pays off,” Burks said.
Asked about not getting in early, Miles had nothing negative to say. He's done everything from singlehandely carry the Jazz to play in the D-League. Been there, done that.
Re: Play Ball(finally)!
