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Utah Jazz: Okur's offseason workouts are paying off
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2nd | 2:00 a.m. Oct. 15, 2008
Second most valuable player on Jazz. Rebounds, defends, spreads the floor, hits
the money 3, goes to the rack.
David | 4:22 a.m. Oct. 15, 2008
He looks like a rock star.
PurplePeopleEater | 5:45 a.m. Oct. 15, 2008
Okur, like Korver (and D-Will, and sometimes Boozer), are guys any team needs to
succeed: players who can score consistently enough game-in-game-out to demand
double-teaming at times. No team can get to the finals with hot-and-cold
shooters. Consistent offense (as a team) is needed to win consistently.
If you can play decent defense (not be a liability), and can score consistently, Sloan will give you plenty of playing time. He's no dummy. He knows you have to score to win, but that you also have to defend (overall as a team) to win. He'll accept someone like Korver who isn't a top defender, because great trey shooting can make up for allowing 2-pt baskets.
If you can play decent defense (not be a liability), and can score consistently, Sloan will give you plenty of playing time. He's no dummy. He knows you have to score to win, but that you also have to defend (overall as a team) to win. He'll accept someone like Korver who isn't a top defender, because great trey shooting can make up for allowing 2-pt baskets.
Comments continue below
botchedexperiment | 6:13 a.m. Oct. 15, 2008
Memo's contract must be up at the end of the year.
Dr Jazz | 6:19 a.m. Oct. 15, 2008
Sure it wouldn't have anything to do with his ability to opt out of his
contract and become a free agent.
Jazz will win 60+ this year.
Jazz will win 60+ this year.
Tommyk | 8:07 a.m. Oct. 15, 2008
yea okur is great, but what they should mention is that his contract is up this
year, so okur must get in better shape and showcase his talent for next year,
either with the Jazz or somebody else, but more power to ya Okur, take jazz to
finals and you'll get paid.
It is not Memo...but Boozer | 8:32 a.m. Oct. 15, 2008
We need to worry about how Boozer will do. We know Memo can play, and play
D...but Boozer is the one who needs to step up
Hollywood | 8:35 a.m. Oct. 15, 2008
Yes, there is the opt out issue.
But Memo has improved every season since he arrived. After playing 10-15 mins/per game as a backup in Detroit, I don't think he really knew how much he'd need to improve his conditioning to play 25-30. He's gotten better in that regard every year.
Memo has also been a warrior, playing in all 82 games his first two seasons, then 80 in year #3. Last season he missed 10 games due to injury.
Last year I also noticed he had worked on his inside game. It's a work in progress - and sometimes his moves/drives are awkward - but at least he's been trying to add to his game.
Kind of the reverse of Malone. Karl always had a fantastic power game, but then added the fadeaway to his arsenal as the years went by.
I think the improved conditioning will really show up on the defensive end. Okur will never be a shut-down, shot-blocking center, but if he's in top shape, he can at least move his feet to get in front of his man. Jazz players do way too much reaching - and fouling.
Memo's going to have a big season!
But Memo has improved every season since he arrived. After playing 10-15 mins/per game as a backup in Detroit, I don't think he really knew how much he'd need to improve his conditioning to play 25-30. He's gotten better in that regard every year.
Memo has also been a warrior, playing in all 82 games his first two seasons, then 80 in year #3. Last season he missed 10 games due to injury.
Last year I also noticed he had worked on his inside game. It's a work in progress - and sometimes his moves/drives are awkward - but at least he's been trying to add to his game.
Kind of the reverse of Malone. Karl always had a fantastic power game, but then added the fadeaway to his arsenal as the years went by.
I think the improved conditioning will really show up on the defensive end. Okur will never be a shut-down, shot-blocking center, but if he's in top shape, he can at least move his feet to get in front of his man. Jazz players do way too much reaching - and fouling.
Memo's going to have a big season!
Jrm | 9:11 a.m. Oct. 15, 2008
Why do we always have to obsess about next year? Yeah yeah yeah, We know
everybody's contract is up.
Anonymous | 10:03 a.m. Oct. 15, 2008
:)
my thoughts | 10:53 a.m. Oct. 15, 2008
Memo is the man. He is really key to this whole winning a championship. He
makes it really hard to double on the William/Boozer pick and roll. Imagine if
Stock and Malone had Memo. Can you say multiple championships.
After he got healthy - around January - he had a 12 rebound game and in the post game comments he said I should be averaging around 10 rebounds a game. He then did that for the last 3 months of last year during which the Jazz had the best record in the NBA.
I like our chances if Memo plays to his potential
After he got healthy - around January - he had a 12 rebound game and in the post game comments he said I should be averaging around 10 rebounds a game. He then did that for the last 3 months of last year during which the Jazz had the best record in the NBA.
I like our chances if Memo plays to his potential
randyforjazz | 11:07 a.m. Oct. 15, 2008
I think Okur is a major asset to this team. Does anyone remember what it was
like to have Ostertag, Foster, and countless other terrible centers over the
years? I couldn't be prouder of Okur and I truly believe he'll have
his best season yet. Way to go Okur.
STEVE-O | 11:36 a.m. Oct. 15, 2008
I'd make out with Okur right now! He's a stud. The guy has worked on
the weak aspects of his game every year. He's worked on the inside game,
he's worked on Defense, and he's worked on conditioning. He's a
hard worker and a player that any team would love to have. I can't wait to
watch him dominate this year.
Obvious money hound | 12:36 p.m. Oct. 15, 2008
Memo's trying to earn a new moneyball from anybody who will fork over the
dough...He ain't foolin anybody. He'd jet outta SLC in a heartbeat if
the $$ was right. Say what you will about Boozer, Memo's just as bad.
Like you can't live on 8 million a year??? with a winner of a ball club??
Go Ja$$
Center Stage | 12:40 p.m. Oct. 15, 2008
With Okur starting and Fess doing the back up center role I think we're
covered at the center position. Collins should go pursue his golf game after he
passes a golf cart driving class.
center stage is an idiot | 3:32 p.m. Oct. 15, 2008
Fess will not be doing any back up. The jazz got a bad deal with him. Kosta
will prove invaluable on the defensive end, once sloan puts him in about 3 years
from now.
Jimmy Z | 4:06 p.m. Oct. 15, 2008
As I have said over and over!..! The Jazz will
be nothing but a disappointment until we get a
new guy under the helm.I have never bought into
all this talk about a coach who is so great.. Folks
we have no championship here in Utah!!!! NO CHAMPIONSHIP!!! And we have had the same guy
running the show for how long...!! Give me a break
hopefully Greg Miller can make a decision and
make some changes. Time will tell!!! I am not happy
with what 7 or 8 first round playoff losses and a couple of trips to the finals Please help. GREG!
be nothing but a disappointment until we get a
new guy under the helm.I have never bought into
all this talk about a coach who is so great.. Folks
we have no championship here in Utah!!!! NO CHAMPIONSHIP!!! And we have had the same guy
running the show for how long...!! Give me a break
hopefully Greg Miller can make a decision and
make some changes. Time will tell!!! I am not happy
with what 7 or 8 first round playoff losses and a couple of trips to the finals Please help. GREG!
Anonymous | 4:49 p.m. Oct. 15, 2008
Jimmy Z you are an Idiot - Greg Miller is not reading any of these posts. Jazz
fans stop writting to players/coaches/owners
Jerry is not leaving until he decides to leave. He is one of the top 5 coaches in the league.
Stop complaining - If you learn that your happiness is not attached on how the local sports team does, then maybe you can be happy.
Millsap is the back-up center not Fes
Jerry is not leaving until he decides to leave. He is one of the top 5 coaches in the league.
Stop complaining - If you learn that your happiness is not attached on how the local sports team does, then maybe you can be happy.
Millsap is the back-up center not Fes
Anonymous wow | 5:38 p.m. Oct. 15, 2008
That was my opinion Anonymous, I am not an idiot.
I have watched Utah Jazz basketball since 1979 and
I have been a season ticketholder since day 1.
How long have you been a dedicated season ticketholder anonymous. At least I write my name
down. I have been saying my opinion for years, I hope
the new Jazz president Mr. Greg Miller can finally
make the decision his father has failed to make.
I have watched Utah Jazz basketball since 1979 and
I have been a season ticketholder since day 1.
How long have you been a dedicated season ticketholder anonymous. At least I write my name
down. I have been saying my opinion for years, I hope
the new Jazz president Mr. Greg Miller can finally
make the decision his father has failed to make.
Laker Fan | 5:44 p.m. Oct. 15, 2008
Re:Jimmy Z
You are right! Jerry Sloan is a hateful individual with no class. Read the great book John Amechei wrote. Haters never win and neither will your Jazz.
You only hate the Lakers because they are in California a state who votes for gay marriage.
We are the champions! Gay power and pride rules.
You are right! Jerry Sloan is a hateful individual with no class. Read the great book John Amechei wrote. Haters never win and neither will your Jazz.
You only hate the Lakers because they are in California a state who votes for gay marriage.
We are the champions! Gay power and pride rules.
Re: Laker Fan | 6:29 p.m. Oct. 15, 2008
NBA Basketball is for real men. If you don't like it get out. get a hobby.
Do gymnastics, ballet, or ice skate. Or go play in the WNBA where your lover
Kobe Bryant also belongs as well as the entire lakers organisation.
Pessimists and Okur | 8:14 p.m. Oct. 15, 2008
Jimmy Z-
Don't bother watching the Jazz if you think their chances are hopeless. Do everyone a favor and don't attend a single game.
I wouldn't put all of my hopes on Greg Miller to "bring a championship to Utah". The guy's strength is selling cars and his weakness is the Jazz and how to manage them. Larry H will be the puppet master until the day he dies, which, based on the caliber of team he's put together, isn't such a bad thing. Say what you want about the man's diet, he's put together a great team.
To Okur hopefuls-
Okur's motives to get into tiptop shape are probably partly selfish (potential contract year), but I don't care. The bottom line is he is in shape, and anyone is going to want to play their best in a contract year. If Okur was always a lazy oaf, I'd be even more questioning, but he's been a great player in the past who is just deciding to fully turn the corner and be in decent shape. Now, he has to do this every offseason because now it is expected, so it's a win-win really.
Don't bother watching the Jazz if you think their chances are hopeless. Do everyone a favor and don't attend a single game.
I wouldn't put all of my hopes on Greg Miller to "bring a championship to Utah". The guy's strength is selling cars and his weakness is the Jazz and how to manage them. Larry H will be the puppet master until the day he dies, which, based on the caliber of team he's put together, isn't such a bad thing. Say what you want about the man's diet, he's put together a great team.
To Okur hopefuls-
Okur's motives to get into tiptop shape are probably partly selfish (potential contract year), but I don't care. The bottom line is he is in shape, and anyone is going to want to play their best in a contract year. If Okur was always a lazy oaf, I'd be even more questioning, but he's been a great player in the past who is just deciding to fully turn the corner and be in decent shape. Now, he has to do this every offseason because now it is expected, so it's a win-win really.
I agree with Jimmy Z | 8:47 p.m. Oct. 15, 2008
Sloan is an incredible coach, however, we're not going to be able to win a
championship playing sloan ball. I think the spurs play similar ball, and have
been the most dominant team in the nba for years, but they have parker, ginobli
and duncan...we're not going to win playing the physical half court game
sloan loves with williams, AK and boozer. Boozer's a tweener, too soft,
can't shoot over anyone taller 6'8" and CANNOT DEFEND!!!!
BigJazzfan | 8:49 p.m. Oct. 15, 2008
Okur is clearly the best big man the jazz have.
He should the one posting up not boozer.
NO team in the last forty years has won a chamionship with a post man 6'9 or smaller.
Lets see okur run the pick and roll with deron BUT NOT BOOZER.
He should the one posting up not boozer.
NO team in the last forty years has won a chamionship with a post man 6'9 or smaller.
Lets see okur run the pick and roll with deron BUT NOT BOOZER.
Moto X | 7:35 a.m. Oct. 16, 2008
Okur has made small but significant gains in his all around game each year he
has been here. He is not a big shot blocking defender but he plays decent
position defense--especially against other bigs ie. Yao.
I think Sloan realizes the value of a Memo and he will get re-signed somehow. We are paying him close to what his market value is so we have a decent chance of keeping him here I think. Okur knows alot of the offense sets him up pretty nicely here in Utah. Would Okur be nearly as successful with alot of the other teams in the league that run up and down the floor willy nilly? No. This offense works nicely for him and plays to his strengths.
Sloan has done a pretty nice job changing the style of the Jazz to accommodate their talents. Lets face it--Stock and Malone team et al. were not pouring in 100+ a game--they were lucky to hit 85 points a night.
Jazz are one of the top offenses in the NBA. The only reason we have not won it all is because we have young players who are not grasping/understanding the defensive commmittment that's required yet.
I think Sloan realizes the value of a Memo and he will get re-signed somehow. We are paying him close to what his market value is so we have a decent chance of keeping him here I think. Okur knows alot of the offense sets him up pretty nicely here in Utah. Would Okur be nearly as successful with alot of the other teams in the league that run up and down the floor willy nilly? No. This offense works nicely for him and plays to his strengths.
Sloan has done a pretty nice job changing the style of the Jazz to accommodate their talents. Lets face it--Stock and Malone team et al. were not pouring in 100+ a game--they were lucky to hit 85 points a night.
Jazz are one of the top offenses in the NBA. The only reason we have not won it all is because we have young players who are not grasping/understanding the defensive commmittment that's required yet.
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Matt Cilley, Associated Press
Utah Jazz forward Mehmet Okur says he's ready to "play hard."
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| Hawks | 22 | 22 | 37 | 15 | 96 | |
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