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Utah Jazz: Okur's offseason workouts are paying off

Second most valuable player on Jazz. Rebounds, defends, spreads the floor, hits the money 3, goes to the rack.

He looks like a rock star.

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.

Memo's contract must be up at the end of the year.

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.

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.

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

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!

Why do we always have to obsess about next year? Yeah yeah yeah, We know everybody's contract is up.

:)

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

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.

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.

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 $$ was right. Say what you will about Boozer, Memo's just as bad. Like you can't live on 8 million a year??? with a winner of a ball club?? Go Ja$$

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.

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.

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!

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

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.

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.