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Utah Jazz: Stronger Brewer vows to improve defense
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Old Port | 2:04 a.m. Oct. 2, 2008
Brewer is so humble, the consumate teamate. This year could be the potent mix of
peaking players and others coming into their own to make quite the monster.
Calgary Jazz | 7:40 a.m. Oct. 2, 2008
How anybodys body fat% can be lower then AK on this team?
Jazz Fan | 7:46 a.m. Oct. 2, 2008
What good is Brewer to the Jazz if he cant shoot? True his defense is good but
he brings no threat to the offense we need to start Miles and develop Miles
Comments continue below
sparks24 | 8:10 a.m. Oct. 2, 2008
Brew I love ya man but if you cant shoot you have gots to go!!!!!
Hollywood | 8:32 a.m. Oct. 2, 2008
Well, Calgary, there's something covering AK's skeleton but it
ain't muscle. I'd put Andrei at about 7%. Anywhere under 5% and
you'll see very good definition. Almond and Brewer definitely have the
lowest body fat; Boozer is probably right around 5%.
As for Brewer's shooting, hopefully he's improved that some, but it's less important. A team needs 2 perimeter guys. The Jazz have that in Okur and Williams. Even AK takes a few 3's every game. Brewer's strength is cutting to the basket. He's extremely talented around the hoop. And that should be his game. Get open underneath and Deron will find him.
But I laugh when he said he'll try to funnel his guy towards the interior defense. Huh? The Jazz have interior defense? Ronnie...you better shut down your man off the dribble. If he gets by you, it's a clear path past the matadors named Boozer and Okur.
As for Brewer's shooting, hopefully he's improved that some, but it's less important. A team needs 2 perimeter guys. The Jazz have that in Okur and Williams. Even AK takes a few 3's every game. Brewer's strength is cutting to the basket. He's extremely talented around the hoop. And that should be his game. Get open underneath and Deron will find him.
But I laugh when he said he'll try to funnel his guy towards the interior defense. Huh? The Jazz have interior defense? Ronnie...you better shut down your man off the dribble. If he gets by you, it's a clear path past the matadors named Boozer and Okur.
BrewFan | 8:58 a.m. Oct. 2, 2008
The Jazz don't have trouble scoring points--they have trouble defending.
You do not need your 2 to be a great shooter when you have Mehmet Okur. In
fact, it works better to have a 2 who can post up and chase offensive boards
when you have an outside-shooting 4/5.
In the past three years, they have been consistently killed by opposing 2s. Last year Brew began to change that, but he was not given much help by the guys in stripes. With his performance last year, the refs will start to give him more benefit of the doubt this year. By next year he will be the Kobe-stopper that we have been lacking. Almond can come in when Okur is off the court.
In the past three years, they have been consistently killed by opposing 2s. Last year Brew began to change that, but he was not given much help by the guys in stripes. With his performance last year, the refs will start to give him more benefit of the doubt this year. By next year he will be the Kobe-stopper that we have been lacking. Almond can come in when Okur is off the court.
I am lost continued | 9:27 a.m. Oct. 2, 2008
How many 3 point shooters do we need? We have an overload of them already and I
think that is one of the problems. A 3 is huge when it goes in but if you live
by the 3 you die by the 3. DWill lost the National Championship his last year at
Illinois because his team couldn't hit the 3 that day. I like the 3 but I
do believe that palyers use it too much. UNC beat Illinois because they pounded
it inside and got hit percentage shots. If DWill drives and Booz gets shots
underneath then the 3 will be open but you need to play inside out and not
outside in and now a days it seems that so many fans want see it played outside
in. Let DWill drive and if it isn't open and Booz isn't open then he
can kick it out for a 3 but I hate the mentality of 3 first and it seems that
many fans want all 3 point shooters even if they can't play defense(Almond,
Miles)
Tommy k | 11:01 a.m. Oct. 2, 2008
yea for spark24 & jazzfan, we don't need our 2 spot shoot at a high
level, we need him to stop the other 2 spot from the other team. brewer doing
find, i rather have him defend, then have korver not play defense and then would
have to double team leaving too many open three's. brewer your the man and
I hope you step up your game and for CJ miles, i rather him come off bench,
getting harping minutes!
byron | 10:59 a.m. Oct. 2, 2008
Brewer definitely needs to work on his three point shot and I'm sure he has
and I'd put money on his 3 point % going up from last year, but what the
jazz really need is defense. That is why Brewer plays and CJ sits. If this team
can buy into playing team defense all game long all year long we could be
cutting down the nets, seriously. Who has a better starting five than Utah?
Maybe the Lakers and Celtics.
Sokol | 11:21 a.m. Oct. 2, 2008
The NBA needs more players like Brewer and Millsap.
Jazzaholic | 11:25 a.m. Oct. 2, 2008
The best move the Jazz made last year was allowing Fisher to leave. You can see
how improved the two Ronnies are in his absence and increased opportunity.
Brewer's mid-range shot has been money last year and will get even better, despite his unorthodox release. He was nervous during the playoffs and his shooting suffered a little, but that shouldn't be the case with more experience.
Thanks Kevin for letting Fish go, drafting Brewer, signing Ronnie Price and opening up the roster spot and playing time for them to develop.
Brewer's mid-range shot has been money last year and will get even better, despite his unorthodox release. He was nervous during the playoffs and his shooting suffered a little, but that shouldn't be the case with more experience.
Thanks Kevin for letting Fish go, drafting Brewer, signing Ronnie Price and opening up the roster spot and playing time for them to develop.
What? | 11:46 a.m. Oct. 2, 2008
Brewer averages over 12 points a game as the 5 option on offense. Stop the
whining that Brewer can't shoot. He doesn't need to shoot. He needs
to stop McGrady, Kobe and anyone else who lights the Jazz up year in and year
out. And the Miles stuff needs to stop. CJ hasn't done a thing since they
drafted him except to con Kevin into giving him a big contract. And you AK
haters need to go away.
PurplePeopleEater | 12:38 p.m. Oct. 2, 2008
Now, if Boozer could only get Ronnie's mind-set. It'd be a scoop for
the Jazz. Boozer needs to be more impressive with his defense and less impressed
with politicians. Get focused, Booz!
Sure glad to have a player of the caliber and desire to improve that Ronnie's shown is few years with the Jazz. You can bet D-Will will reward him with more easy baskets.
Sure glad to have a player of the caliber and desire to improve that Ronnie's shown is few years with the Jazz. You can bet D-Will will reward him with more easy baskets.
Re:I am Lost Cont | 1:18 p.m. Oct. 2, 2008
I like your points. I will argue one thing though. Morris Almond may not be a
good defender (yet), but CJ is. In fact, if you'll remember the LA series,
CJ did a decent job on Kobe in limited minutes. He probably only guarded him 5-8
possessions the whole series, but I remember one of them that was a block shot
on one of Kobe's turnarounds. I like Brewer, but I really think CJ will
have a largely expanded role this year. I will be very surprised if he
doesn't average at least 8 points per game, and I think fans will be
surprised at how good of a defender he is. With Sloans comments about putting AK
at 5 sometimes, I wouldn't be shocked to see Ronnie and CJ on the court at
the same time a LOT! Imagine how athletic that lineup would be. Deron, RonnieB,
CJ, Andrei and PMillsap. I think we may see some very unique lineups this year
due to the emmergence of our three really good 23 and under shooting guards.
Don't be surprised if Almond is gone. I REALLY like him, but I like Ronnie
and CJ a lot more!
Sloan Lover | 1:32 p.m. Oct. 2, 2008
Brewer is doing what you expect a lottery pick to do.....start and keep getting
better. Athletically this guy is off the charts and his shot,although goofy,
should be solid enough to keep him on the floor for major minutes. He matches up
due to his athleticism with NBA 2 guards better than anyone else we
have...except maybe A.K. CJ has below average defense, Mo and Korver, forget
about it. If the Jazz are to improve into title contenders, the young guys,
D-will,Brewer,Milsap and maybe Koufos, in that order, are going to have to lead
the way. Fess is headed no where.. A.K. can improve his shooting,Booze maybe
defense, same with Memo, but those guys are what they are at this point. I
don't see major improvements that could put us over the top except for the
young guns having even more of a break out year! looking forward to watching the
young guys have break out years!
RE: What? | 1:36 p.m. Oct. 2, 2008
CJ has played very well when he's been given the chance, and the jazz are
undefeated with him in the starting line up. So stop hatin on CJ
Bad CJ Defense? | 2:01 p.m. Oct. 2, 2008
Why is everyone hating on Miles' D? He's an excellent defender.
He's longer than either of the other two three's and he's
extremely athletic (allbeit, not as athletic as Brewer). I must have been
watching a different CJ Miles than all of you were last year because I thought
that in the limited minutes he had he was very good. I'll check out a
couple of websites and see how they rank him.
BJ Jazzy Rasta | 3:03 p.m. Oct. 2, 2008
Defense wins championships. I think they needed last season in order to learn
the importance of defense...especiallly when it comes to winning on the road.
We have a lot of weapons and this could be the year we surprise a lot of people
and win our first championship...IF defense really is our commitment!!
magnus | 3:20 p.m. Oct. 2, 2008
Some very good points being made here.
I actually think that the SF position may be a better spot for Brewer given his skill set and added bulk. I think that is one of the reasons why Sloan is talking about playing him there and I like the idea.
I predict that Harprings minutes will be down to about 10 a game this year, if he is healthy enough to play. This will open up more time for CJ to play both at SF and SG.
I like Jerrys idea of playing a little more small ball, I think it is a great thing in small doses. But if the Jazz want to be a serious contender come playoff time they really need better team defense with less fouls. They also really need another serviceable big, someone who can guard a Tim Duncan/Shaq/Bynum type for 10-15 minutes a game when called upon. Hopefully another year with the same group will help with the team D and Kosta or Fes can step up in the middle, if that happens I think this Jazz team will have all the pieces they need fot a title run.
but if not....
I actually think that the SF position may be a better spot for Brewer given his skill set and added bulk. I think that is one of the reasons why Sloan is talking about playing him there and I like the idea.
I predict that Harprings minutes will be down to about 10 a game this year, if he is healthy enough to play. This will open up more time for CJ to play both at SF and SG.
I like Jerrys idea of playing a little more small ball, I think it is a great thing in small doses. But if the Jazz want to be a serious contender come playoff time they really need better team defense with less fouls. They also really need another serviceable big, someone who can guard a Tim Duncan/Shaq/Bynum type for 10-15 minutes a game when called upon. Hopefully another year with the same group will help with the team D and Kosta or Fes can step up in the middle, if that happens I think this Jazz team will have all the pieces they need fot a title run.
but if not....
3's underrated | 3:34 p.m. Oct. 2, 2008
The 3 point shot is under rated and under utilized. A good overall shooting
percentage for a team is north of 50% and a good average for a player on
3's is what? 40%, 45%?
Break it down and shooting 33% from 3 point range is the same as shooting 50% from 2-pt range. If we shoot 18 shots - make half on 2-point range we have 18 points. If we shoot 18 3 pt shots and make only 6 (33%) we still scored 18 points.
I suspect we will see a surge of long-range shooters like jaycee Carroll and McNamara as the future of the NBA.
Break it down and shooting 33% from 3 point range is the same as shooting 50% from 2-pt range. If we shoot 18 shots - make half on 2-point range we have 18 points. If we shoot 18 3 pt shots and make only 6 (33%) we still scored 18 points.
I suspect we will see a surge of long-range shooters like jaycee Carroll and McNamara as the future of the NBA.
to 3's underrated | 4:48 p.m. Oct. 2, 2008
I have been around many coaches and players that were involved in basketball
before the 3 point line was put into the game and nearly 3/4's of them say
that the 3 point line has ruined the game of basketball. I do not fully agree
with what they say but I do think that there are far too many 3's shot each
game and that the importance given to the 3 point shot has damaged the game.
There are players who take 3 point shots for 80% of their attempts. I do not
think there should be as much importance on the 3 as there is and by no means is
the 3 underrated and under utilized. It is exactly the opposite. Over rated and
over utilized
Moto X | 6:08 p.m. Oct. 2, 2008
to 3's underrated...again
Another problem with your theory, a MISSED 3 point shot often leads to long rebounds, fastbreaks, and layups (high % shots) for the opposing team. So when you have players on the floor like Booz and Okur who are not quick and already struggle with defense, do you really want to be giving the other team MORE opportunites to score with our BIG's out of position?
If it only were just a matter of your math and launching up more 3's. Perhaps you should check in with Denver and Golden State to see how "your" theory holds up in reality. Both teams live by your philosphy and they are generally regarded as entertaining but guaranteed losing teams.
I can't believe people are nitpicking SLOAN's offensive decisions. THE JAZZ WERE #1 IN OFFENSIVE EFFICIENCY THE LAST HALF OF LAST SEASON!! They were close to one of the most efficient in NBA history.
Personally I will take Sloan's offensive results considering we mop the floor with all these 3 point bombing teams.
Defense is the only thing preventing a championship right now.
Another problem with your theory, a MISSED 3 point shot often leads to long rebounds, fastbreaks, and layups (high % shots) for the opposing team. So when you have players on the floor like Booz and Okur who are not quick and already struggle with defense, do you really want to be giving the other team MORE opportunites to score with our BIG's out of position?
If it only were just a matter of your math and launching up more 3's. Perhaps you should check in with Denver and Golden State to see how "your" theory holds up in reality. Both teams live by your philosphy and they are generally regarded as entertaining but guaranteed losing teams.
I can't believe people are nitpicking SLOAN's offensive decisions. THE JAZZ WERE #1 IN OFFENSIVE EFFICIENCY THE LAST HALF OF LAST SEASON!! They were close to one of the most efficient in NBA history.
Personally I will take Sloan's offensive results considering we mop the floor with all these 3 point bombing teams.
Defense is the only thing preventing a championship right now.
Re: magnus | 8:05 p.m. Oct. 2, 2008
To magnus, I hope you are right, and I like your points.
Brewer is a better fit as a SF. He can't hit the NBA 3 with any consistency, but he doesn't have to; he's an energetic slasher who gets to the basket for easy layups and dunks and is capable of playing quality defense. Let's hope his D has bulked up with his frame.
Harpring is slowly wasting away. Whenever he steps on the court he plays his heart out, but he's not the player the Jazz signed for $8 million a year. His NBA days are numbered, and his minutes, will diminish. For that reason, I think that Brewer should in fact take more of his minutes, and Harpy can put in a quality 10 minutes a game.
People seem to be high on CJ, and I like him as well. He has the outside shooting that Brewer doesn't, but CJ prefers to spot up instead of drive. That is why CJ is a good fit to play more at the 2, and sliding Brew to the 3 would be wise.
Brewer is a better fit as a SF. He can't hit the NBA 3 with any consistency, but he doesn't have to; he's an energetic slasher who gets to the basket for easy layups and dunks and is capable of playing quality defense. Let's hope his D has bulked up with his frame.
Harpring is slowly wasting away. Whenever he steps on the court he plays his heart out, but he's not the player the Jazz signed for $8 million a year. His NBA days are numbered, and his minutes, will diminish. For that reason, I think that Brewer should in fact take more of his minutes, and Harpy can put in a quality 10 minutes a game.
People seem to be high on CJ, and I like him as well. He has the outside shooting that Brewer doesn't, but CJ prefers to spot up instead of drive. That is why CJ is a good fit to play more at the 2, and sliding Brew to the 3 would be wise.
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