Deseret News | Reader comments: Chemistry more vital than talent

Reader comments
Chemistry more vital than talent

sskankey | 12:30 a.m. June 1, 2009

Great article Mike!! I couldn't agree more. Lets get rid of Boozer and anyone else who is bringing this team down. We have much more talent then our record shows and I'm worried that if we don't make a serious move soon our man D-Will wont want to be here either.

Nailed it. | 8:10 a.m. June 1, 2009

There are numerous examples in team sports where a team is better off without a "star" that does not contribute to the team chemistry. When a player simply cares more about self that those playing with him he immediately takes away from the team rather than adding to it.

Miles | 8:42 a.m. June 1, 2009

I think what Mike was trying to say is get rid of Boozer and AK. They play for themselves and not the team. They may say all the right things to the press but they could care-a-less about their teammates or the winning. Memo he is a ? mark. Not too sure what goes on in his head.

Comments continue below

agree completely | 8:43 a.m. June 1, 2009

excellent article - thanks. greg in washington

Hypothetically speaking. . . | 9:26 a.m. June 1, 2009

. . . of course, not trying to specify who "CB" and "AK" might be, and strictly for discussion purposes only, the Jazz would be much better off without either Carlos Boozer and Andrei Kirilenko. But of course, that's only hypothetical.

Jenny | 9:27 a.m. June 1, 2009

Coach Slone is the best NBA coach EVER. He took the Jazz to the finals with no bench but the team did have good chemistry. The only reason the Jazz ever missed the playoffs was the rebuilding year and the only reason they haven't won it was a lack of team chemistry or no support for a young team. Phil Jackson on the other hand has never proved he could win without Jordan or Shaq and Kobe. Jordan made the team great and only Shaq and Kobe fighting could stop Shaq and Kobe in their prime. This Jazz team now has a lot of chemistry but I agree lets get rid of Boozer and give D-Will someone who can mesh with this team. Stoudemire? LeBron? I don't know how to get either of those players to come to Utah but its fun to think of the possibilities. The Grizzlies gave Gasol to the Lakers. Why couldn't the Cavs give LeBron to the Jazz?

STEVE-O | 9:28 a.m. June 1, 2009

KSL news had a little news on Boozer last night that said he's hinting towards leaving Utah. Not a HUGE suprise, but I'll be uneasy until I see him officially sign with another team.
The options for Boozer are:
1- Opt out and sign with the Detroit Pistons because they've got money to spend and have shown interest.
2- Sign and trade with the New Jersey Nets who work a deal with Toronto which means............. CHRIS BOSH IN UTAH!!!!

Obviously I'm praying for option #2!

RE: Jenny | 9:51 a.m. June 1, 2009

LeBron in Utah??? NO THANKS! Why would we want a player that tries to do it all himself? Didn't you watch the Cavs-Magic series? How many times did you see Lebron at the top of the key waiting for the shot clock to wind down before he drove out of control into the lane only to have it stolen or miss the shot? Yea he scores a ton of points...but his teammates stand around the key waiting for him to do something. Pretty hard to get a rebound when he misses.

The article was about chemistry and Lebron would bring ZERO chemstry to the Jazz.

Go Booz, Go | 10:15 a.m. June 1, 2009

Go anywhere but Utah.

skk | 10:58 a.m. June 1, 2009

reminds me of that golden state game towards the end of the season. gs only had 7 players available, mostly rookies and undrafted, and scrapped their way to a victory. you need players who are willing to scrap, and value the team over themselves. for pf, i'd say, hand the starting job to millsap (who isn't going anywhere), trade up to get dejaun blair as his backup, let boozer go where he wants and get rid of ak.

jp | 10:58 a.m. June 1, 2009

Sloan doesn't exactly inspire team chemistry either, but I see no one calling for his head. He's the most grouchy, childish, perpetually perturbed coach in the NBA, I certainly wouldn't want him as a boss, it would be unpleasant to say the least.

Mr Perez | 11:13 a.m. June 1, 2009

Chemistry is all... Remember Argentina winning against the USA team

STEVE-O | 11:26 a.m. June 1, 2009

@ RE: Jenny

I realize the Lebron James in Utah is a laughable subject but you saying you wouldn't want Lebron on your team is more laughable.
His 34 pts 8 assists & 8 rebounds a game just wasn't getting it done was it. Bottom line was Lebron's team choked and they were scared to do anything so he had to take over. His coach isn't even a real coach! He just sits there and calls every play for James.
Mo Williams couldn't shoot, Illgauskus couldn't gaurd me, and where was the defense? The Cavs were outmatched but your complaint of Lebron doing it all himself is absurd!

PurplePeopleEater | 12:21 p.m. June 1, 2009

The Jazz will be a very different team next year. Not so much in personnel changes, although I expect to see at least 4 players come and go. More likely 6.

The Jazz next year will be trying to come together with their new lineup and different first-off-the-bench guys. They won't contend next year for the title, but probably will make the playoffs and bomb out in the first or second round.

UNLESS, Bosh ends up here. That could make up for not having a real PF after Boozer leaves. Then, there's hope.

Can you imagine two shot blockers on the floor at the same time (maybe most of the time), for the Jazz? Bosh, AK, Koufos, and Fez can all block shots. It'd be nice if Koufos comes through next year the way Brewer did in his second year.

John Wicks | 12:49 p.m. June 1, 2009

Boozer leaving can't happen fast enough. It will free up much needed money for the others. I can't believe Boozer took all that money from the Jazz. He should have returned at least half of it back to LHM. I will drive him to the airport if needed.

Matt | 12:52 p.m. June 1, 2009

Also, you talk about CB not getting along with is teammates...Where does this come from? I know you admitted to not really following the Jazz, but do you remember who was their to publicly support AK after he broke down crying in the Rockets series 2 years ago. In a TNT interview he didn't mock AK for crying he just said "He's been going through a rough time, but we know how good he is" He later went to his wifes failing store to purchase some clothes and give them business.

CB is the man and he's a great competitor and great teammate. He's been unfortunate to have injuries early on in his career but you really want to get rid of the potential Williams Booze combination after 10 years of playing together? Millsap can hardly run the pick and roll...

Chadders | 1:03 p.m. June 1, 2009

Boozer is a great guy, but an incredibly selfish basketball player/businessman. I wish Boozer nothing but the best in life maybe not so much on the basketball court though. If we pass on a chance to trade Boozer for Bosh then the Jazz organization is as dumb as Memphis'

Chadders 1:03 | 2:39 p.m. June 1, 2009

"If we pass on a chance to trade Boozer for Bosh then the Jazz organization is as dumb as Memphis." What makes you think that the Jazz organization is bright. From 1974 through 1980 the Jazz did not pick anyone the is memorable. Lately the Jazz picks have been less that memorable.

Solution, Greg, time to decide what you want from this team.

THEeyepatch | 3:06 p.m. June 1, 2009

RE: Jenny. "Jerry Sloan the best coach ever?" I agree with you about Jackson. The coach from San Antonio might beg to differ. Sloan may be the best coach to never win a title, but far from being the best coach ever. You actually have to win a title before you can be mentioned with the greats. 20+ years, with two Finals appearences, no wins and 10 years since, is a pretty mediocre resume. He has to thank his lucky stars that he coaches for UTAH, because anywhere else he would have been fired long ago. Sometimes the dice roll funny. Switch Sloan and Jackson and we would be talking about Jackson having a mediocre resume.

Chadders | 3:10 p.m. June 1, 2009

Lately the Jazz have been making some of their best draft picks; D-Will, Brewer (you have to consider when he was drafted), Millsap, and Kofus. Though I was talking about getting rid of our cancer player (nothing against him as a person though) Boozer. Short of trading Deron we should do whatever it takes to get rid of Boozer and get Bosh. The Knicks pick will never be worth more than it is right now. Mike Di'Antoni (sp?) may not be a great coach but in the leastern conference he should be able to win about 35-40 games next year. The odds for getting #1 go down with every Knicks win next year. Besides who is so great that is coming out next year? Bosh is our best shot at a title.

Miles | 3:28 p.m. June 1, 2009

Why all the Bosh or bust talk? What has Bosh done to make Toronto a playoff team or a contender? He is not going to take us anywhere. Amare is a different story. When he is motivated, he dominates on both ends and can run the floor. Amare is available. The Suns don't want him. Trade CJ and AK for Amare then I will become a Suns fan!!

west coast fan | 4:56 p.m. June 1, 2009

i think some of the players had their vacation & tickets planed before the last game ?????????

Chadders | 4:58 p.m. June 1, 2009

Re: Miles
Have you watched Bosh play? Have you watched Amare take off 3 out of 4 games? Bosh was the best big during the olympics, on the US team. He is Boozer and Karl Malone mixed in a perfect blend. You're right Toronto hasn't exactly been a powerhouse but there is a reason every major player they have ever had went somewhere else. It's a very poorly run organization, that is more of the reason why Bosh hasn't done much. Bosh in Utah would be one of the top 5 players in the NBA. The fact that Toronto is considering taking Boozer should tell you what kind of team and organization they are.

Eric | 5:08 p.m. June 1, 2009

You related your team winning a 3 on 3 tournament to 5 on 5 high school basketball? That's sad. 3 on 3 you can get an open shot in 2 seconds. It wasn't chemistry that your high school team lacked. It was talent. Oh and the Jazz made it to the conference finals already. So they didn't in an injury plagued year. So what?

There is definitly a lack | 5:12 p.m. June 1, 2009

of both chemistry and talent.

It is a bad economy, lets just see how this all plays out. I have real doubts about the Jazz getting anyone like Bosh. They are more to likely get someone like Boozer (a few years ago).

Further, the NBA is not high school. Chemistry will only take you so far. It takes enough talent in the right positions plus the right role players.

Right now LA has the most talent. They also have a huge salary. They don't need chemistry they just need everyone to show up and play at least average.
If a player is off, another can sub in and cover. Sloan would never do that.

It takes coaching not robotics to win a championship.

The Jazz can win with or without Boozer. Just do not pay him too much.

The Jazz learned to play without Boozer. Then he returned (not at full speed) and that disrupted the chemistry. That may not be Boozer's fault.

Boozer is a great offensive talent but the Jazz can't build around him. He only plays 2/3s of the games and can't beat LA.

The whole team needs to be rethought.

BigJazzFan | 5:58 p.m. June 1, 2009

I disagree, YOU MUST HAVE TALENT.

while they may have made the finals based on experince and chemistry (and league was WAY down)

they lost the finals due to lack of talent.

The Jazz never could win a championship with or WITHOUT jordon in the league.

They NEVER had that that lead the team and take over the game when they needed it.

but then again why would that kind of player want to play in sloan system, and stand at the three point line, waiting for something to do, as the fourth option?

STEVE-O | 5:59 p.m. June 1, 2009

The reason I like the bosh idea is two-fold.
1- He and Williams are already somewhat familiar with each other. The experience they got on the USA team will help them mesh quicker.
2- Miles is right... which is weird. But Bosh is on a horrible horrible team. The good news is he never packs it in. That guy gives 100% no matter what the teams record is! And we need guys like THAT on our team.

Miles | 7:07 p.m. June 1, 2009

Sorry but in the NBA you need talent just as much as chemistry. Yes when you have talent, the talent needs to give 100% unlike CB and AK and even Memo. We have the talent to win, it's just our talent doesn't want to win. It's not a chemistry thing, its a "I don't care" thing. Chemistry has nothing to do with the Jazz's problems unless you consider Jerry as bad chemistry. I will buy that one!!

Why Lebron? | 7:09 p.m. June 1, 2009

If we are going to dream the dream its got to be Dwight Howard, giving the glory to god after the big win , no tats he is the man to have. Unfortunately that's never going to happen, but as good as Booze can be ,the Jazz played better with him on the bench. I have said it before Kaman,Artest,and Rip
get rid of: BOOZ,AK,FES or Koufos,this years pick and 2010 pick.

jimbo | 7:09 p.m. June 1, 2009

I am excited about the Bosh prospect but I really should not get my hopes up. Really I just want to see the jazz do something--anything. I would even like to see the jazz trade up in the draft and get Thabeet--anything.

Bosh or Amare are both upgrades. Jazz would match up much better against Lakers or Spurs.

At the very least I would love to see the jazz be rid of AK. The guy was an all-star and if he filled up the box score like he did 3-4 years ago I would insist on paying him max money but no longer. Do you remember the 5x5's? Today AK is a totally different animal. Still people get on here and talk about his D? That is gone too. The only think he can do is help defense/kind of. One on one he gets schooled every time. Matter of fact the only part I like about AK's game is moving with out the ball to basket. HE SHOULD NEVER DRIBBLE THROUGH TRAFFIC! Yet I see it every game along with his jumpers. That my dear sloahaholics is bad coaching.

Jimbo | 7:19 p.m. June 1, 2009

Seriously, did Sloan tell AK to go dribbling into the lane/call plays for it? You have to play to your Players strengths, not their weaknesses. Are these plays called because of Sloan's Idealist need to have an inside-out offense? Sounds good in practice but is really not that great of a philosophy. Think about the lakers series. The Lakers new the jazz were going to take it inside every play. They just crowded the paint and scored off the resulting turnovers.

RJ | 8:46 p.m. June 1, 2009

RE: Miles
You question Bosh because he is on a bad team, just how did Pau Gasol play before he went to LA. His team was terrible, but he had potential. Look at him now. Bosh would be a great fit with D Will and the Jazz. Bosh was good enough even coming from a bad team to play in the Olympics, and did a fantastic job. Love to see him in Utah!

Re: Steve-O | 9:21 p.m. June 1, 2009

I absolutley stand by my comment that I wouldn't want Lebron on my team. Why do you think his team mates choked? Cuz they all sat around waiting for him to do it. I didn't say he wasn't a great player...I just wouldn't want him on my team. You would get the same result you just got in the last series. Same with Kobe...only he is finally learning he can't do it by himself...and his team mates are learning he will share the ball if they work their offense. You said his coach was bad...well he is coaching like any coach would with a player like Lebron on his team. You don't want a superstar player like that on your team until he has matured into an all around team player. MJ did it..Kobe is learning...and Lebron will learn it eventually....just not yet.

David | 9:33 p.m. June 1, 2009

This Article is what I hate about some Utah sports fans. They think that their intramural success translates to a multi-million dollar league where MATCHUPS are everything.

I'm sorry but talent is the most important aspect. I will agree that chemistry is important as well, but only after having talent. Stockton, Malone, and Hornacek were all All-star level players at some point in their careers, and the Jazz had a deep bench with former and future NBA starters. that is the reason they won along with the chemistry.

Think of the Jazz team with Kirelinko, Raja Bell, et al. they had more cheistry than almost any other team I have seen but they lacked talent and therefore missed the playoffs. They overachieved and still missed the playoffs.

Finally, look at the teams who have won rings in the last Twenty years... What do they have in common? Jordam, Pippen, Kobe, Shaq, Duncan, Parker, Ginobli, Hakeem, Drexler.. Need I say more? Stars win Championships, you just have to get the right ones.

Even Detroit, had a team of 5 allstars (though less bright stars than the ones I mentioned)

Talent wins! Trade Matt Harpring!!!

Miles | 9:36 p.m. June 1, 2009

@RJ: Gasol used to own the Jazz when he was with Memphis. He would put up 25 - 30 points every time we played them. They would beat us on the road with Pau. Pau maximized that talent (which their was little of) while in Memphis.

@Steve-O: What do you mean? LeBron would not change our team offense. Right now they all stand around while Dwill and Boozer run the pick-n-roll. I would rather watch everyone stand around with the ball in LeBron's hands than Boozers. LeBron averaged 8 assists in the last series. Plus he does block shots. Nothing would change with LeBron here except Lebron would never see the ball in Jerry's system!

todd from santa ana | 9:40 p.m. June 1, 2009

Bosh is by far the best option to make the Jazz a better team. Simple as that...He is a competitor who is tired of losing, his demeanor is not one of sulking but frustration. My opinion.

Jenny If SLoan is a great coach I got some cheap land for you...I still stick with GREG DOES NOTHING

Jazz Cop | 10:07 p.m. June 1, 2009

It would be a miracle if the jazz landed bosh, miracles happen, and the knicks pick and this years pick, are a little leverage, and I'd do it, even though bosh only has a year left on his contract, but only if there's a garuantee of him signing an extension, otherwise, that's giving up alot to rent a player for a year, the knicks pick could be top 10, the jazz should trade this years pick for a first rounder next year, maybe they'll be able to pull a similar manuevuer to the one that landed dwill. CB, Ak, and Memo, all need to go, the one that makes me cringe the most when he's on the floor is memo, one of the worst defenders in the league, i have no clue why some people want him back, he's a nice guy, sure, but remember that game when the jazz played in gs, they killed the jazz by at least 20, and memo was like -20, or more, it was memo at his worst, but it's also fairly typical of his defense.

chemistry? | 10:11 p.m. June 1, 2009

yeah right chemistry is important, actually the Jazz already have that, the real problem is on the defensive end, we need new "defensive minded" type of players, that's it period..and one more we need to shoot the ball well, we can't hit open shots, ooops! sorry R. Brewer!.. Bench AK give him 15 to 20 minutes, lets see who's gonna gamble acquiring him when his contract end's

Observer | 3:29 a.m. June 2, 2009

It is going to be a fascinating off season for one main reason: fans and sportswriters have already printed up their "scapegoat" sign, placed it around Boozer's neck, and are set to run him out of town. Yet there is no way the Jazz are a better team without him, and the Jazz front office must know that. Will they give in to the fans, scapegoat him, and build a weaker team? Or will they bring him back and try to win? Do they care about winning? Or public opinion? It will be interesting to see.

Out With | 8:39 a.m. June 2, 2009

Boozer, A.K., Miles, Collins, Knight, Harpring and Fess. In with whoever they can get that has athletism, heart, determination and a willingness to do whatever it takes to WIN!

dream on Polyannas | 2:17 p.m. June 2, 2009

The NBA isn't high school. Effort can only get you so far. Talent is clearly more important than coaching and chemistry. But there are different kinds of talent: size, athleticism, defensive ability, and skills like shooting, passing, and ball handling.

At this point the Jazz have a bad mix of players mostly geared around fitting into Sloan's half-court offense. In terms of skills and production Boozer, Okur, and AK are all basically power forwards. They can grab rebounds but most of all they want to want to get the ball and score. At the same time they're not very good at going one-on-one to create their own shot.

The Jazz could really use a real center and a solid athletic shooting guard who can defend the perimeter, shoot, AND dribble (2 out of 3 is bad). It's the same story almost every single year: the Jazz always seem to be 1-2 players away from greatness. For all the haters ripping on Ostertag, he was the center when they beat Shaq, Olajuwon, and Duncan on the way to the Finals.

Anonymous | 9:02 a.m. June 3, 2009

Curtis Borchard and Adam Keefe never did anything to you Sorenson - leave them alone.

My Thoughts | 10:01 a.m. June 3, 2009

Everyone: The Toronto, Utah and New Jersey trade has Little Chance. Jazz Gets Bosh, NJ gets Boozer and Toronto gets what? Toronto is not taking back Vince Carter. If Toronto planning to tank it this year get a couple of picks and cap space to rebuild 2010.

New Jeresy: 18.5 Million
The Jazz send Boozer in a sign and trade to New Jersey (14 million), and Toronto sends Marcus Banks to New Jersey (4.5 million)

Utah: 18.9 million
Toronto sends Bosh to Utah (15.7 million)and New Jeresy send Nejera to Utah (3.1 Million).

Toronto (19.25 million)
New Jeresy sends Lopez (2.25 million) Bobby Simmons (10.5 million expiring contract), Utah Send Harpring (6.5 expriring) and the New York Pick 2010.

That cuts 18 million of their 2010 salary. 2010 they will have Lopez, Bargnani, Calderon, 9th pick in this year draft, 2 lottery picks in 2010 and be 25 million under the cap.

The Jazz can only do this if they let Korver and Memo opt out without going in Luxury Tax.

Bosh, Koufas, Fess
Millsap, Draft Pick (Hansburo)
AK, Najera
Brewer, Miles
Williams, Price

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