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Utah Jazz: Milestone moment — Sloan at 20 years as coach

Really dumb guy | 12:44 a.m. Dec. 9, 2008

Miles is a phenominal athlete, but he should be on the bench.

Now Korver, there's a baller

NBA fan | 3:01 a.m. Dec. 9, 2008

Sloan is one of the greatest coaches the NBA has ever had, for all the right reasons. His humility is unrivaled, has perhaps the strongest work ethic, gains respect from great NBA players, and really is a like-able guy, contrary to some people's opinion.

The Jazz would be nowhere near they are today if it weren't for Sloan. I'm not even sure the Jazz would be in Utah if it weren't for their success they've had, largely due to Sloan's incredible commitment.

I would never want Sloan to read this, only because he abhors flattery so much. NBA players come and go, even the great ones at some time will be forgotten, but I will never forget Jerry Sloan. I hope he coaches the Jazz a few more seasons, because they're so close to giving him his first NBA title.

Great job | 8:13 a.m. Dec. 9, 2008

It's pleasing to read of stable work environments and of people with great work ethics. We all benefit from stability and consistency, and nowhere is that more evident than in team sports. Thanks, Coach, for 20 years of good examples!

Comments continue below

CJ is a Phenominal | 8:18 a.m. Dec. 9, 2008

Athlete. Right! But he should not have the balls in his hands down the stretch!

J.C. | 8:27 a.m. Dec. 9, 2008

Sloan needs to go,,his time in Utah is up, he will never bring this team a championship...so sloan needs to go..not retire just leave Utah and win a championship with another team..

The Virginian | 8:47 a.m. Dec. 9, 2008

Sloan would get even more wins if Boozer would take Korver with him to Miami. It's obvious this team needs to get more Defensive and I am sure Jerry and Phil know it. Korvy is taking valuable mins away from young athletic talent. (Miles, Almond, and Brewer) Korver is a wonderful good guy but his lack of athleticism hurts us on the defensive end of the floor. Coupled with the fact that he usually gets more turnovers than assists makes his value to the team a mirage.

Lame | 8:53 a.m. Dec. 9, 2008

Quit wasting space with articles like these. No one cares.

Miles | 9:15 a.m. Dec. 9, 2008

Jerry has gotten better as a coach in the past few years but he still makes dumb moves during the games. It just drives me crazy how he preaches defense in the newspaper but never teaches it to the players. A great coach gets his players to buy into a system that makes them successful. Jerry can't get Boozer or Okur to buy into any defensive system. Maybe Jerry doesn't have a system?

Henry Drummond | 9:22 a.m. Dec. 9, 2008

The Virginian obviously doesn't understand the game. Any coach at any level (High school on) would recognize Korvers basketball mind. He knows the game from all facets. His brain is bigger than his vertical leap. Athletism alone does not a Champion make!

The "A" | 9:27 a.m. Dec. 9, 2008

Hey J.C. Why is it you think Jerry could win a championship with another team but not here. You are so stupid!

Virginian; You don't get rid of 20/10 players because they don't play great 'D'. You don't get rid of great 3 point shooters who keep the floor spaced for D. Will, Brewer, AK, Millsap etc. Idiot!

Lame. You didn't like the article because you probably can't read. Worse than stupid!

If you know anything about basketball you would realize that Sloan and Johnson are both great coaches. How may coaches of the year are still winning games in the NBA? Sam Mitchell, Avery Johnson and the list goes on.

Why don't you clowns just "put a sock in it, shut up and 'you' just move on!!! I feel much better now.

Now I can read the rest of the paper.

Or maybe. . . | 9:43 a.m. Dec. 9, 2008

Booz and Okur are just lazy overpaid offensive-minded players who refuse to sacrifice their bodies on defense. The Jazz are just what the ailing Trailblazers need in tonight's game -- they will crush the Jazz who still haven't demonstrated any grit on the road to date. Prove me wrong Jazzmen.

Hey Virginian | 9:53 a.m. Dec. 9, 2008

You are an idiot! Get back on the meds man! Get rid of our best post player and our best 3 point shooter. That would be real bright. Go back to your play station man! Don't waste the space here.

@ The Virginian | 10:03 a.m. Dec. 9, 2008

You have to be at least this tall to post on here. Try coloring in your coloring books. You don't get rid of your best shooter and your best scorer/rebounder for Bruce Bowen or Ben Wallace.

SJ Bobkins | 10:19 a.m. Dec. 9, 2008

hey 8:47 Is Sloan winning so much right now because Boozer is out? He is a double double machine one of the best in the league!

GoodGuyGary | 10:24 a.m. Dec. 9, 2008

Hey, don't get your panties all twisted up Virginian. Keep Boozer and Korver, then let Kosta defend the middle. Even Fess could help at times. Boozer will score and rebound in the post. Korver will spread the floor so Boozer can operate.

Jimmy Z says | 10:37 a.m. Dec. 9, 2008

Get rid of the coach and get a new guy at the helm
that knows how to coach defense and to show positive
behavior all the time, and one that knows how to
motivate the young pros on how to win on the road

magnus says | 10:51 a.m. Dec. 9, 2008

there's no more positive message than that of ownership and personal resposibility. I think most of us could use a little of Jerry Sloans tough love.

And last time I checked CJ and Almond and Koufos and Williams and Millsap and Brewer all seem extremely motivated...but hey, maybe all of that diving for loose balls and giving 100% every time they step on the court and developing well rounded skill sets has nothing to do with Sloan, if they got a new coach I'm sure he could properly motivate those young men.

BJ Jazzy Rasta | 11:33 a.m. Dec. 9, 2008

Why would someone want to get rid of Boozer and Korver? They are 2 of our best players, especially Boozer. They are heady players that have skills. And they both rebound. Boozer is one of the league leaders. Korver gets way more rebounds than most backup gaurds in the NBA.

still have hope | 11:38 a.m. Dec. 9, 2008

We Love You Coach Sloan!!! Thanks for all these great years of basketball. I know we're off to a rough start with all the injuries this year, but I still believe you can bring the Championship home to Utah this year!

GO JAZZ

Jimmy's Sneakers | 11:41 a.m. Dec. 9, 2008

Jimmy thinks that The Virginian needs his head looked at. Boozer is an ALL STAR & OLYMPIC CHAMPION!

L.A. Jazz Fan | 11:56 a.m. Dec. 9, 2008

To: "Or Maybe..." What schedule are you looking at? I cannot believe that as a Portland Trailblazers fan you do not know that the Jazz play them on Thursday (comes two days after Tuesday). The Jazz play Minnesota tonight. Don't show up to the ESA. There is no Jazz vs. Blazers tonight. And be careful of all the trash talking. Last time I checked Portland is only a couple games ahead of the Jazz in the standings. Easy, easy. Wait a while before spewing your trash talking; the season is still really young. The Blazers are a good team; but they will have to fight the Jazz and the Nuggets to win the division. Don't get too excited yet.

Also, last time I checked the Blazers have lost seven games; perhaps you have some criticism to lob at Portland's players/personnel. After all they did lose seven games; I'm sure they have a couple of players you might want to trade.

Go Jazz!!!

MEJ | 12:10 p.m. Dec. 9, 2008

Jerry, I told someone 47 years ago to stick with you, basketball was your thing. You would make $100,000.00 per year at baksetball,"mark my words".:-) (inflation) Have you made it? I think So! Congradulations!!!

MEJ is....... | 12:18 p.m. Dec. 9, 2008

.....Right! We love you Jerry. You are a legend before our eyes. Most people feel this way. Not the Knuckle heads that waste their time blogging on here. They do not represent the masses.

JimmY Z says | 12:24 p.m. Dec. 9, 2008

All I can say is go back to the midwest Jerry

Alex Trebek | 1:18 p.m. Dec. 9, 2008

Jerry you are an icon here in Utah professional sports. Thanks for the 20 years you've coached here. I hope you don't retire. Those of us who really know what it's about (hard work and character, not championships) know that you have done it, are doing it, and will continue to do it the right way. With class and distinction. Keep it up, Jerry. When your time comes we'll hire someone else, but you'll still always be our coach.

magnus | 1:47 p.m. Dec. 9, 2008

I'm bored of arguing about Sloan with Jazz fans who only see the world through their narrow critical view. You may dissagree with his coaching style and some of his methods but the results speak for themselves....

Let me lay down som more facts and then I am going to let this topic go.

#1 Sloan is a hall of fame Coach.

#2 Sloan is still coaching winning teams and getting better every year.

#3 In the last two years Sloan has won 3 playoff series and lost 2.

#4 Almost every person who makes a living talking/thinking about NBA basketball will tell you that the Jazz are currently one of maybe 5 or 6 teams who could conceivably win a title this year.

You do not fire Hall of fame Coaches who are still at the top of their game, you just don't. If the Jazz organization set that precedent it would probably destroy the franchise, which is the opposite of winning a championship.

Moreover, as a fan, you don't disrespect the coach that has made your team one of the most respected and successful in the league by saying things like "Go back to the midwest".

Cap'n Parrotdead | 2:28 p.m. Dec. 9, 2008

You Sloan haters are redundant morons. What part of "seven division titles, 17 playoff appearances and two NBA Finals trips" don't you get?

The best thing about Jerry is that he doesn't read this drivel and could care less what you kiddies think if he did.

RE magnus | 2:34 p.m. Dec. 9, 2008

very well said.

Thanks for everything coach Sloan

Miles | 3:13 p.m. Dec. 9, 2008

Darn it.....I thought Jerry read all my comments. Are you sure he doesn't? Since I jumped on CJ's bandwagon, Jerry has been right there with me!!

miles | 3:35 p.m. Dec. 9, 2008

I can't believe Sat. nite that C.J. was even in the game the last 2 minutes firing up three's. He should be at the end of the bench let alone start. Where was Korver at the end?????????????

Re LA Jazz Fan | 3:49 p.m. Dec. 9, 2008

Will you do me a favor and just keep posting? Out of all the garbage on this message board, yours I either find insightful or funny.
First, JSloan.... he's awesome. As in, mindblowingly humble, get the most out of his players, go-to-war with awesome. He's simply a great individual. I was telling my wife about him, and I realized how unique of a guy he is. Name another millionaire whose two greatest hobbies are riding his tractor and going to yard sales.
Second, tonight will be really tough. Not only do we usually have a tough time against the wolves, but this time they have a bunch of players who are going to try to impress their new coach. I'd be shocked if the Jazz pulled one out tonight.
Third, I freaking love Paul Millsap. He's a 6-8 Jerry Sloan. Seriously. But he is not Carlos Boozer and I don't think he ever will be. He doesn't have the offensive talent that Booz does--I know that he's played great, but he isn't a go-to guy. Booz has freakish skill for a big man.
Fourth, I'ved been saying it since last year... CJ's an allstar in four years.

RE: Capn parrotdead | 4:55 p.m. Dec. 9, 2008

How many rings has Sloan brought to Utah?....how many rings has Poppovich brought to San Antonio how many has Jackson brought to L.A. or or Riley for that matter..for the record all them coaches have a combined 18 titles and once again Sloan a big fat ZERO!!!.....so he should just move on he will do nothing for YOUR Utah Spazz....hahahahahaha

Sokol | 4:59 p.m. Dec. 9, 2008

Sloan is the old reliable sneakers you wear when you
cannot jump, the Mailman of Coaches, the Yogi Berra
of the NBA, the barista of corn, the ref's favorite
cussing sailor/coach, the walleye pike in the world
of minnows....and the grittiest, farmer to lace'em
up or coach'em.

RE magnus | 6:40 p.m. Dec. 9, 2008

Your fooling your self if you think this team can win a championship,

IF the stockton /malone teams couldn't win, then what makes you think this team can?

Sloans longitivity is solely based on owner loyalty, and nothing more.

More than half the teams make the playoffs, it is not really that big of an accomplishment.

Sloan game time coaching is horrible
and rigidm from the use timouts to substitions

He make changes at the speed of a glacier.

Hs system is bad bad bad, it allows for only two people to be involved in the offense the point and the power-foward, there are no plays for other positions, it ignores the three pointer both offensively and defensively,

What team did not win the championship that did not get tons points an runs tons plays for the other positions?

It's no wonder he hasn't won any coaching awards.

You just got to talk those rose colored jazz glasses and see things the way they really are.

Most of sloans success is based discipline and fear,

and getting lucky inheriting a team that had two of the supposedly fifty greatest,

and management getting enough good-but-not-great players,

but mostly fear and discipline.

D Powell | 9:44 p.m. Dec. 9, 2008

Thank you Jerry for all of your 20 wonderful years. You are truly a "Hall of Fame" Coach. Your personal sacrifice and hard work have not gone un-noticed nor unappreciated.

magnus | 11:22 p.m. Dec. 9, 2008

If my glasses are rose colored then yours are black my freind.

If you're such a genius then how come not a single person who actually knows the game of basketball shares your opinion?

Go ahead, name one respectable basketball mind, former player, current player, owner or GM who share your opinion.

Go on...I'll wait.

Would The President.... | 11:43 p.m. Dec. 9, 2008

.....of Kyle Korvers fan club quit wasting our time posting as several different people, in a way so emotionally attached to the situation that rational thought is as fleeing as the defense!

RE mafnus | 5:34 p.m. Dec. 10, 2008

Sloan hasn't won a coaching award, so apparently many actually do agree with me.

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