Deseret News | Reader comments: Utah Jazz: No Williams, Okur or Kirilenko tonight

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Utah Jazz: No Williams, Okur or Kirilenko tonight

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Who is the Idiot.... | 9:59 a.m. Nov. 14, 2008

...that brought Williams back too soon? Now his come back has been delayed even further, not to mention the long term strength of his ankle. The Jazz are a JOKE! O'Tinkle is a JOKE!

Oh MAN! | 10:04 a.m. Nov. 14, 2008

I knew it was too early for deron! now we're in a really tight spot. Playing without 3 of your best players is never good. i dont care if you are playing th bobcats... This could be a long, tough november for us Jazz fans ~

Keith Suds | 10:09 a.m. Nov. 14, 2008

Lets see what Koofus can do! Come on Sloan, if he's gettin her done don't take him out in crunch. He can help seal the paint, not to mention his scoring ability.

Comments continue below

AspiringSportsJournalist | 10:10 a.m. Nov. 14, 2008

Seriously...THE HUMAN TOOTHPICK (Kirilenko) can't play because of a the tip of his finger is jammed! C'mon man! I am so sick of his overpaid whining fragile body. Get some heart man...I am the first to despise the Lakers...but Kobe Bryant played with torn ligaments in his thumb all season (AND still is w/ no surgery)! Maybe if AK stopped worrying about how gelled his hair was before the game and learned how to dribble the ball with some kind of accuracy I would be a little more supportive. However he won't gain any real heart and I can't wait to see his overpaid behind get shipped out of SLC. "I can't catch the ball," hold the presses AK, you are out because of a playground injury again. Get a bandaid and grow up! I honestly am astounded you even put up blocks in a game, you'd think you would avoid contact at all costs looking at your history of injuries! I didn't agree w extending CJ but Deron gets what Deron wants. Maybe we should give AK the Starbury treatment...bench him forever.

Utah Valley Jazz Fan | 10:11 a.m. Nov. 14, 2008

Hey I've got sprained eyelash! Can I be excused from playing for awhile? This is unbelievable! Obviously the days are long gone when players play with broken bones, etc., as in John Stockton and Karl Malone. What a bunch of wus players. And players now given time off for personal reasons. So, we can now kiss off the regular season, and not have a homecourt advantage....so let's forget about any chance to compete for a championship. I don't understand what it is about the current generation of players in the professional games to get time off (with pay of course) for a variety of reasons, whether the reasons are actually legitimate or not. I can understand why Jerry Sloan, Phil Johnson and the other coaches are frustrated with the state of the team. This team has no real stars in the true sense of the word, but relies on the team concept to win games. Taking any part of the team away leads to disastrous results. They become just an ordinary collection of players, who basically have little chance of winning against even the hapless teams as the Knicks and Wizards. This state of affairs is just frustrating by fans.

Way to go O'Drool | 10:13 a.m. Nov. 14, 2008

Now Williams may be out longer and won't be 100% for the playoffs.

oops | 10:17 a.m. Nov. 14, 2008

2 and 3 would be great for this trip

too bad d-will pushed it

will now be out longer

weather the storm

Toughen Up Boys | 10:20 a.m. Nov. 14, 2008

This doesn't hurt a thing. Now lets see the Brewers, Price, Knight, Miles, Korver, Milsap, Koufus, Harpring and Fess step it up against another bottom feeding team. Show some guts and effort now that it is your stage.

Boy | 10:24 a.m. Nov. 14, 2008

2 good things about this story

1) The Utah Jazz are incredibly deep. Most teams would be screwed losing 3 of their 5 best players

2) Thank goodness for the powder puff schedule Utah's playing. They should still be able to handle Charlotte.

magnus | 10:26 a.m. Nov. 14, 2008

Wow, if we can split today and tomorrow without those three it would be great. Everybody is going to need to step and show some fire and we will need some better play out of CJ and Korver if we are even going to have a chance.

It's pretty clear Williams came back to soon, He needs to think about the whole season and take the time to get healthy.

# 1 jazz fan | 10:27 a.m. Nov. 14, 2008

Rest up Deron and get ready for your home season debut against phoenix! we need you down the stretch all though we would love to have you now.

Phew! | 10:33 a.m. Nov. 14, 2008

Thank goodness it's only the Bobcats!

Sammy sez | 10:38 a.m. Nov. 14, 2008

This season is reminding me of 2004-05 when the Jazz started 6-1 and then the season went into the tank. This season feels the same way, but for different reasons. Jazz fans prepare yourselves for a long season in Utah.

Re: UV Jazz Fan | 11:04 a.m. Nov. 14, 2008

I don't think the Jazz have any right to make somebody play if their father is have a world away and in serious condition.

There is no reason in the world to risk Williams against the Bobcats or any other team if his injury is ligit. Why would you play injured all year if you could get better and only miss three games?

Great Road Team | 11:08 a.m. Nov. 14, 2008

Someone said in their comments "thank goodness its only the Bobcats that they are playing tonight." What did you say before they gave the Wizards their first victory of the season?

RE: Utah Valley Jazz Fan | 11:13 a.m. Nov. 14, 2008

Wow, what a putz! Since when have players gone from being humans to just abstract entertainers? Are you telling me that even if you made millions at your job you wouldn't take time off to rush to your fathers bedside as he is passing away? Okur is human and deserves to take time to deal with his personal business. As for Williams and Kirilenko, I would rather them sit out and heal at the beginning of the season rather than continue playing and injure themselves further. Having them play while in pain is futile anyway. If Kirilenko isn't able to catch a ball with his injured hand, keep him on the bench. He'll do no good on the court.

Also, perhaps this is a blessing in disguise. The bench players are getting a lot of playing time. This will help with their maturation and our bench will be more ready to compete when playoff time arrives.

Good luck tonight team! Go Jazz!

L.A. Jazz Fan | 11:18 a.m. Nov. 14, 2008

EASY; EASY FELLAS. What the heck? The Jazz are 6-2. Those of you who are freaking out take a chill pill. This is unbelievable. Okur's reasons for leaving the team are absolutely legit. Basketball is a game! Okur's dad is seriously ill. Do you even read the article before you spew your hate? Championships don't matter to Okur at this moment in time. I for one am glad the Jazz are classy enough to allow for Okur to go be with his family.

As for this doom gloom attitude about where this leaves the Jazz: Even if they lose these two games the Jazz will be in good shape. Championships are not won in November. These are good opportunities for guys like Koufos, Price, Miles, and company to get some much-needed experience.

Remember the Rockets championship team that went 45 and 37 in the regular season. They were the 6th seed in the west and won the whole thing. If you are a good enough team you'll win the title. Seeding is not that important. The Jazz have been #1 out west (and overall) before but didn't win. Hang in there fans and don't give up soooooo early.

Go Jazz!!!

Dapper2k | 11:22 a.m. Nov. 14, 2008

Wow, you all need to step off the ledge a little there. We're only 7 games into the season, Dwill will be okay, AK will get better, Okur will come back. We should still make the playoffs.

That being said there is nothing that can ruin a season faster than injuries. The good thing is that none of these injuries are serious or career threatening and the Jazz have the deapest bench in the league. Okur is missing time as any of us would in the same situation.

O'Conner had nothing to do with Dwill coming back. Dwill didn't reagrivate the injury, and shouldn't miss any more time because he played on it. It stiffened up and is sore which is part of the healing process. Playing on it, unless he injures it again, will actually strengthen it faster and facilitate a quicker recovery. (No I'm not a Doctor I just play one in over reacting blogs online. But I have had many basketball sprained ankles, even broken my ankle landing on anothers foot like dwill did and have been trhough it many many times.)

I will be at the game tonight cheering for a victory. GO JAZZ!!!

Stephanie | 11:25 a.m. Nov. 14, 2008

Ok so a couple of things..
1. I am glad D Will is sitting out I could tell he was not at 100% and if he is not 100 he should not be playing
2.I miss Okur but Koufus is going a great job picking up Okurs spot
3.I love Kirilenko as the 6th man I always feel better about the game once he comes off the bench.. Who is going to bring that energy now?
4. As for the game tonight.. I am not so sure the Jazz play not so great teams and let the other team beat them!!! I am glad the Jazz are so deep on the bench but they seem to be losing alot of players (some of a good reason and others because they are babies)
The Jazz better win tonight or it is going to be a not so happy night tonight

Anonymous | 11:38 a.m. Nov. 14, 2008

its the damn bobcats, chill out. most of the people blogging today sound more whiney than AK ever has. Deron will be back in time, AK is still a hell of a player the jazz are still looking just fine.

RE: AspiringSportsJournalist | 11:46 a.m. Nov. 14, 2008

Just make sure that when you become a sports journalist that you check your facts before writing. (Unlike Dick Harmon). He tore his pinky finger, not his thumb. "Kobe Bryant has been diagnosed with a complete tear of the radial collateral ligament, an avulsion fracture, and a volar plate injury at the MCP joint of the small finger of this right hand, it was announced today. The damage occurred when Bryant dislocated the finger in the Lakersï¿½ game at New Jersey on February 5"

Dang People!!!! | 11:53 a.m. Nov. 14, 2008

Thank You LA Jazz fan! My goodness people, after reading the first couple of comments you would of thought we we're in a re-building state!

I guess it shows what kind of fans there are writing off the entire season in the first 10 games of the season! Okur has a valid excusable reason to be on leave. For those that think Deron had no say in coming back, and it was the Jazz's coaching and GM's decision for him to be playing right now are ignorant! I'm absolutely fine with Price, and Knight at the point! This is not they're first rodeo.. I'm fine with Harpring, Millsap, Booze, Koufos, Miles, Brewer, Korver! If anything it makes everyone have to step there game up that much more!

Relax peeps! Remember just last season when Houston won 20+ games without Ming, and some of those were without Tmac!

Keith Suds | 12:10 p.m. Nov. 14, 2008

If miles wants to prove himself, now is the time!

BJ Jazzy Rasta | 12:17 p.m. Nov. 14, 2008

Get well Deron. Make sure you're 98% before you come back next time ok? Props for trying to help your team!

Our bench players are getting some valuable minutes..albeit by starters getting injured...this immediate negative CAN and WILL be a positive down the stretch.

Where this does hurt us the most is that we will probably not get 60 wins this year which is what we'll need to do to get home-court in the playoffs.

We are OK! Its a very long season, and these types of challenges occur for every team that has ever won a championship.

Sloan- Put guys out there who will hustle and play defense.

Starting line-up should be:

Knight, Brewer, Millsap, Boozer, Koufos

2nd team should be:

Price, Miles/Korver, Harpring, Boozer, Fes (Max 10 mins)

Beat Charlotte!

PurplePeopleEater | 12:27 p.m. Nov. 14, 2008

Where do some of these negative posters come from? They're certainly not true Jazz fans.

Deron did come back too early, but I think he just wanted to get a better feel for how long he might be out. Not playing didn't tell him much. Playing showed him where he's at without risk of injuring his ankle any further.

Our hearts are there for Memo. Anyone who's lost a parent slowly knows what he's going through.

These next two road games should be great for the development of some players. They'd not have gotten it this early and this meaningful if it weren't for the strange coincidences that are keeping several starters and backups out.

Can't wait for tonight's game!

chris | 1:15 p.m. Nov. 14, 2008

Deron Williams Wait till your like 150% before playing but not before that

goofy Jazz. | 1:17 p.m. Nov. 14, 2008

Let's see.....Beat Philly, loose to NY and Wash. does that mean we loose to Charlotte and beat Clevland?? last year we beat Boston and Detroit on the road but lost to some serious cupcakes!!! go Brewer!! we need 20+ from you tonight!! P.S. we might have a chance if Knight plays starter minutes as well, however, AK being out will hurt.....Booz must be licking his chops at all the shots he is going to take....forget the D......

Casual Fan | 1:39 p.m. Nov. 14, 2008

I know high school players who play through worse injuries than sprained fingertips. I can't believe Andre is sitting out. I can see Deron and Memo, but not Andre. I don't think they realize that this is their job. If I get sick or something, I still do everything I can to be at work. This is why the ESA is half empty most of the time. We can't relate to the players.

JazzFanInHouston | 2:09 p.m. Nov. 14, 2008

This gives CJ, Koufos and Fez a chance to step up. CJ can really help this team tonight. I hope he comes through and Sloan gives him the chance. Harp is not 100 % and I do not expect much.

DWill brought himself back to soon and will be okay in a few days. Memo will return and AK will be fine (get off of his back, the Jazz collapsed when he left in the Washington game).

In the long run the Jazz will be much stronger, deeper and better in the playoffs for having to play the subs in prime time now.

We need Fez to really step up. He is needed in certain games over the season. We need a big banger once in a while.

Koufos has shown that he can play at this level. He is still green but he is good enough for many teams right now. CJ is at least an average player and can be much more. Bring it tonight if you want playin time.

Jazz woes | 2:20 p.m. Nov. 14, 2008

Korver is not the same like he was last year. He's talking like he wishes he were back in Philly. He's playing like crap and missing shots. The guy plays no defense, so when he's out there missing shots he's a total liability on the floor and shouldn't even be out there. I'm in agreement with those who say it's going to be a long season for the Jazz. Even if they have a full and healthy team at the end of the season and make the playoffs, they will lose. The overall team defense is weak especially at the center position, they made no moves in the offseason to address that problem. Kosta Koufos was a wasted draft pick. Millsap is the only gritty player on the team who's not afraid of contact and plays defense. Kirilenko likes to block shots, that doesn't mean he's a good defender. The others like to put the ball in the basket but when it comes to defense they don't make an effort. They don't guard the paint area well and they don't guard the three point line either. It's atrocious. Williams and Boozer are low rent versions of Stockton and Malone.

Utah Valley Jazz Fan | 2:39 p.m. Nov. 14, 2008

Re: L.A. Jazz Fan
I beg to differ with you. Championships are won in November, December, January, February, March, and April. Otherwise, why have a regular season at all? Just start the season after an exhibition series of games, and go to the playoffs. Put everyone in the playoffs with a 7 game series. You people with your heads in the clouds are part of the attitude problem in general. The game is about winning, not just getting to the playoffs every year. I can't believe what I'm reading in these postings. If a team doesn't have homecourt advantage, the chances are severly diminished of winning a given series. You think Sloan and Johnson have this attitude about winning and losing? Give me a major break? They just have to grit their teeth and try to compete with fewer weapons. In Okur's case, why didn't he just stay in Europe and play for those nowhere teams, and take personal time off? Why don't the Jazz just go out and hire six or seven more Derek Fishers? The Jazz will be losing Boozer, and a host of players over the next few seasons, so why even try.

Sell the franchise!!!!

Reality | 2:40 p.m. Nov. 14, 2008

Kobe played through injury because the Lakers are nothing without him. The Jazz are deep. The healthy reserves are better than injured starters. So why risk further injury to Deron and AK?

And for those who think Memo shouldn't have been allowed to visit his ill father in Turkey: get real.

Ozgur Ozbay | 2:48 p.m. Nov. 14, 2008

I can't think of Utah Jazz without Mehmet Okur. I hope that his father will get better as soon as possible and he'll return back to his team. Love you Jazz..

rvalens2 | 2:49 p.m. Nov. 14, 2008

Re: AspiringSportsJournalist

If Kirilenko says he can't catch the ball, then I for one believe him. While many NBA players like to feign being hurt, I don't believe Kirilenko is one of them. After the injury, I paid close attention to him while he was sitting on the bench. He was winching in pain so badly, I thought he might have broken his finger. Jammed fingers and messed up ligaments can screw you up worse than a broken finger. Don't be surprised if he's out for two or three games.

Everyone's cutting Deron some slack because of his ankle. I think we should do the same for AK. Forcing him to play when he can't catch or hold on to the ball would be a mistake.

I'd much rather have everyone healthy in a few weeks than have Deron or AK re-injure themselves by playing when they shouldn't.

Besides, I see this as an opportunity to develop other players. As we all know, Sloan doesn't like to play rookies. Koufos is getting valuable experience. And Miles shows flashes of why the Jazz decided to keep him around.

Jazz singin the blues | 3:12 p.m. Nov. 14, 2008

This Jazz season will end just like all the others, in defeat. And this is especially true as long as Sloan is still the coach. Sloan is lucky to be in Utah where they are afraid to make a coaching change. 1,000 wins coaching the team means nothing without league championships to show for it. Sloan does not have the heart of a champion, and the Jazz will never be NBA champs as long as he is the coach.

Re: Jazz Woes | 3:12 p.m. Nov. 14, 2008

I think the problem with Korver is his wrist. I think that it is still borthering him. As far as Koufus goes I think that he has great potential and he is doing very well for a rookie being thrown into the starting line up.
Defense? I think when our defense is on point our offense is off point. The Jazz cant seem to put the two together. But its also the first of the season, they will pull it together like they always do. Williams and Boozer have and will be a great combo. While they might not be everything that Malone and Stockton were they are still a key asset to the Jazz team...
Other than that being a Jazz fan is a love hate thing but in the end I will always be a fan of them. If you are having "woes" about them dont watch the games no one is forcing you to watch or read about the Jazz. Either you are a fan or your not nuff said!

David Bolton | 3:22 p.m. Nov. 14, 2008

about koufas, he isn't good. we keep getting these foreign players like we think they can help. okur and kirilenko are exceptions, but when you got someone like deandre jordan who got drafted way low because of a bad camp, then thats dumb.
Koufas is better then fes though

John H | 3:24 p.m. Nov. 14, 2008

This is a response to all the other comments. First of all, if any of you have ever played basketball and tried to shoot or pass or catch the ball with a sprained index finger (on the shooting hand), you would not be critizing AK's absence. Secondly, of course I am too worried about DW's ankle injury but it is way to early to worry about it. To say that he will not get back to 100% with the ankle is hogwash, especially by playoff time! Thirdly, we could be in much worse shape like Dallas and San Antonio. How would you like to be 2-6 right now? Considering all of the "minor" problems we have had to endure so far this season I would have to say that 6-2 is pretty solid!

THE JAZZ ROCK | 3:26 p.m. Nov. 14, 2008

OK HERE IS THE THING, williams is going to be perfectly fine, for all those weirdos out there that think the freaking season is already over, look we have only played 8 games.

now compare that to just some of those east teams that make the playoffs with a losing record, yes we are in the west but we are so deep it will be perfectly fine, ANYONE want to bet money we will still be in the top 5 easily? leave me a message we can do that.... as for the toothpick that does piss me off what a wuss, anyways the jazz will be deep into the playoffs easily and again i will put money on that for sure, i beleive we are going to be taking on the lakers in the playoffs and will win in 7 games. Yes I said 7 games and the jazz will win and go on to take the finals its our season and I cant wait, so if you think the season is over for utah then you need to move to l.a. mabey you would have funner rooting for kobe

GO JAZZ WE ROCK #1 #1 #1 !@!@!@!@!@!@!@

Ing | 3:30 p.m. Nov. 14, 2008

No doubt Stockton or Malone would have played through a sprained finger...but they're rarities. Most people wouldn't. Bottom line is that Kirilenko is the only one who can judge whether it's too painful to deal with on the court.

Look at the bright side--the early-season injury bug is giving the bench (Price, Knight, Koufos, Millsap, Miles, etc.) some playing time and responsibility that they otherwise wouldn't have had. So far they've responded very well. Injuries might cost us a couple of games now, but the team could actually be better in the long run as a result.

WE WILL WIN IT ALL | 3:36 p.m. Nov. 14, 2008

WE WILL OWN ALL YOU GUYS IN THE PLAYOFFS OHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH YA GO JAZZ WE WILL OWN ALL OF YOU

ddddd | 3:37 p.m. Nov. 14, 2008

You all were so spoiled during the Stockton/Malone era that you expect that type of perfection with this era. Injuries and personal things happen. Give the bench some playing time... If they win, great!! if they lose still great because of the fact that the younger ones got the experience. Don't measure this month by wins and losses even though the Jazz are doing awesome considering.... Measure this month by healthy players and experience on the floor.

The B.I.V. | 3:55 p.m. Nov. 14, 2008

The Jazz don't need to win 60 games to get home court this year. The West isn't nearly as strong as last year. Dallas and San Antonio have completely fallen off. The nuggets will repeat last year's performance, Portland is decent but not near a powerhouse, yet. Golden State is worse. I don't expect the race for playoff seeding to be nearly as interesting as last years was...

Chet | 4:17 p.m. Nov. 14, 2008

David

Kosta was born and raised in Ohio, he is not from greece or any other country. The problem is he is 19 years old and with everyone out they can't bring him around slowly. He plays pretty well for a guy with only one year of college ball. The biggest problem is the jazz 35 million dollars worth of players out.

Opinion | 4:54 p.m. Nov. 14, 2008

Just watching the pre-game with the Bobcats on FSN. This David James makes me sick. What a wanna-be. Go Jazz with what you have, just please give us some effort.

J-dizzle | 5:08 p.m. Nov. 14, 2008

So here's the thing peeps. The jazz are going to rock the Bobcats tonight. They will win by at least 10 probably closer to twenty. The bobcats don't have very many good one on one guys. Richardson is there best one. He's out for a couple weeks from minor knee surgery. Gerald Wallace could tips the scales if he's on fire, but he's a very streaky shooter, so if he's on tonight the game could be close. Don't despair good always wins in the end. My prediction if jazz win the title the end is near!!!

J-dizzle | 5:51 p.m. Nov. 14, 2008

Well peeps, I needs be working on me spelling and grammer. Even if the Jazz done go and rock the bobcats, I will still be taking remedial english at Stevens-Hennegar. I loves the Jazz.

It's Halftime | 6:12 p.m. Nov. 14, 2008

Where is our most experienced player not hurt and not dressed BOOZER? A no show when we need him AGAIN.

GO JAZZ GO! | 7:19 p.m. Nov. 14, 2008

Hmmm...three starters out due to injury and illness of a family member. That means we get to watch those who jump in and see how well they do and see those rookies get more experience. Great!

Gonna be interesting to watch them and see the results indeed. I don't care about the money...all that matters is that good games are played and enjoyable and there IS stil a LONG season ahead of us so cheer up guys and just simply have fun with the games whether a game is lost or not.

Rio Tiento | 7:44 p.m. Nov. 14, 2008

I'm done with the Jazz!!! They are done. End the season now

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