Reader comments
Utah Jazz brass are ready to play ball
31 comments | Read story
i guess that this offseason | 12:09 a.m. June 29, 2009
will actually be THE most interesting in utah jazz history since half the team
could possibly be gone. the very last time that this happened was the very same
offseason that the utah jazz foundation was shaken by the earthquake known as
stokton to malone saying adios and farewell. at least d-will is the only
stability that the utah jazz currently have at the moment. we'll see next
offseason if AK47 stays or goes as well. it kills me that booz only decides that
he is healthy for the playoffs every yr and that the regular season seems a bit
much for him (and to think that us fans had it bad with ostertag,
'tag' is nothing compared to carlos boozer, my goodness)
Anonymous | 1:22 a.m. June 29, 2009
we the Jazz fans expect that Boozer will not wear a Jazz uniform again, whether
he opts out, whether a sign and trade happens, what's important is we get
rid of Boozer, that is if we want a successful season ahead of us.. I expect
also that Memo will sign an extension contract, that is if his agent is not too
greedy,.. how about Korver? I'm not impressed with the way Korver plays
last season although I'm giving him benefit of a doubt because of the
surgery that he undergone, but for me it will depend on his decision, if he opts
out then I think we better let him go, I think Miles will have a break-out this
coming season
The Jazz are in much better | 1:50 a.m. June 29, 2009
shape than KOC is admitting. As long as they do not do something really stupid
like over pay Okur and Boozer they will be fine.
If you adjust Koufos's numbers for last year they are about the same as Okur's but Koufos has twice as many blocks and he has no 3s.
There are 5 free agent Cs the Jazz could go after if Okur walks and most of them can be had for a lot less than 9 Mill (Wallace, Anderson, Gortat, Pachulia, and Nesterovic).
There are several PFs who are worth looking at. Odom, Gooden, Bass, Varejao, McDyess, and maybe Joe Smith. With the exception of Odom all of these would cost a lot less than Boozer and should put up decent numbers in the Jazz system. Many of these players could be signed to a one year contract.
The Jazz could also trade Harp for a PF or C. Or they could sign Collins, Price etc. to a one year contract and bundle additional expiring contracts in a mid year trade for a good player. They would get by until mid year with Koufos/Suton.
If you adjust Koufos's numbers for last year they are about the same as Okur's but Koufos has twice as many blocks and he has no 3s.
There are 5 free agent Cs the Jazz could go after if Okur walks and most of them can be had for a lot less than 9 Mill (Wallace, Anderson, Gortat, Pachulia, and Nesterovic).
There are several PFs who are worth looking at. Odom, Gooden, Bass, Varejao, McDyess, and maybe Joe Smith. With the exception of Odom all of these would cost a lot less than Boozer and should put up decent numbers in the Jazz system. Many of these players could be signed to a one year contract.
The Jazz could also trade Harp for a PF or C. Or they could sign Collins, Price etc. to a one year contract and bundle additional expiring contracts in a mid year trade for a good player. They would get by until mid year with Koufos/Suton.
Comments continue below
K O B E | 6:19 a.m. June 29, 2009
Who cares about the Jazz? They will always be an ok team in a small market that
will NEVER REACH THE FINALS AGAIN let alone win the whole thing.
LAKERS 15 CHAMPIONSHIPS
Kobe is my hero.
LAKERS 15 CHAMPIONSHIPS
Kobe is my hero.
shocking? | 7:22 a.m. June 29, 2009
What I find humurous with Boozer is that Utah fans are upset with his work
ethics and non-loyalty. Hello McFly. Did Boozer not stab Cleveland in the back
for more money? Why would Jazz fans not think he would do the same thing in Utah
when the time came? A leopard does not change its spots.
o help us | 7:53 a.m. June 29, 2009
How about some fans with ability to really see things.
We listen to Mr. Anonymous who won't give his name but thinks Boozer is bad. The thing bad Boozer forgets to play the humble role and talks like a man offending some shallow Jazz fans. Doesn't matter that he is one of 5 NBA players to put up the 20 / 10 numbers we want him gone. Grow up, use your real name..Boozer does.
Another suggestion is play Koufous and a second round draft choice in the NBA. Hello!! did anyone see Koufous in even a backup role against Pao Gasol or Odom during the playoffs? do you think there is a reason for that?
Mark Stein says Korver cannot guard a cheerleader but we are going to keep him due to his offseason surgery, that iis really kind of you. that might change his stats from a passer to shooter in the pressure situations. Keep dreaming.
We want to compete in the league then we have to surround our stars, Dwill and Boozer with some help. Trade Andre for Magette, trade Okur for Gortat, buy someone to help us out.
We listen to Mr. Anonymous who won't give his name but thinks Boozer is bad. The thing bad Boozer forgets to play the humble role and talks like a man offending some shallow Jazz fans. Doesn't matter that he is one of 5 NBA players to put up the 20 / 10 numbers we want him gone. Grow up, use your real name..Boozer does.
Another suggestion is play Koufous and a second round draft choice in the NBA. Hello!! did anyone see Koufous in even a backup role against Pao Gasol or Odom during the playoffs? do you think there is a reason for that?
Mark Stein says Korver cannot guard a cheerleader but we are going to keep him due to his offseason surgery, that iis really kind of you. that might change his stats from a passer to shooter in the pressure situations. Keep dreaming.
We want to compete in the league then we have to surround our stars, Dwill and Boozer with some help. Trade Andre for Magette, trade Okur for Gortat, buy someone to help us out.
Coach | 8:01 a.m. June 29, 2009
Outside the shadows of the Wasatch front, the Jazz are considered a 2nd rate
team and market...similar to the Timberwolves! The Jazz are the "Mini
Me" version of the Lakers!!! Stats don't lie
Jazz Player | 8:11 a.m. June 29, 2009
If you look at the stats for a moment, what do the Jazz have on their roster for
next year:
D-Will - 36 MPG 19.4 PPG 10.7 APG - Great
R Brewer - 32 MPG 13.7 PPG Dunking 50%FG%
P Millsap - 30 MPG 13.5 PPG 8.6 RPG
A Kirilenko - 27 MPG 11.6 PPG
If Okur and Boozer are lost the Jazz loose 33.2 points per game and the rest of the team can only score just better than that. Granted Millsap will pick up but he cannot do it all. The Jazz need 33 PPG either in one or two players.
If you think that Miles or Korver will make up the Difference you are crazy. Unless the Jazz find two Great to Good players the 2009/2010 season will be a lottery year.
My guess the Jazz will fold to the pressure and sign both Okur and Boozer. Then for the next 3 years will be a first or second round team. Then D-Will will Opt out and go where he can win.
D-Will - 36 MPG 19.4 PPG 10.7 APG - Great
R Brewer - 32 MPG 13.7 PPG Dunking 50%FG%
P Millsap - 30 MPG 13.5 PPG 8.6 RPG
A Kirilenko - 27 MPG 11.6 PPG
If Okur and Boozer are lost the Jazz loose 33.2 points per game and the rest of the team can only score just better than that. Granted Millsap will pick up but he cannot do it all. The Jazz need 33 PPG either in one or two players.
If you think that Miles or Korver will make up the Difference you are crazy. Unless the Jazz find two Great to Good players the 2009/2010 season will be a lottery year.
My guess the Jazz will fold to the pressure and sign both Okur and Boozer. Then for the next 3 years will be a first or second round team. Then D-Will will Opt out and go where he can win.
Who cares | 8:15 a.m. June 29, 2009
about the Jazz? I do. I don't pretend to know much about how to run an NBA
team, as do so many of the poseurs on here; I just like basketball and the Jazz
are consistently in the mix. Maybe I should jump on the Lakers bandwagon; that
would be the easy thing to do. But I'd rather pick the hometown team and
hang in there with them...
But I must admit Coach Sloans courtside rantings are getting to be a little much. He's an embarrassment and might even be overrated at this point.
But I must admit Coach Sloans courtside rantings are getting to be a little much. He's an embarrassment and might even be overrated at this point.
Korver Fan | 8:40 a.m. June 29, 2009
Korver will have a break out season this year! Let's hope it is with the
Jazz!
HOTSEAT | 8:52 a.m. June 29, 2009
Kevin O Connor is on the hot seat heading into these coming weeks. The Jazz need
change on this roster, and there will be a lot of angry Jazz fans if we just
decide to bring back 2 of the 3 current players. We need some action;
sign-and-trades, FA splash, etc. We are tired and bored with the current roster,
and we want a new running mate for Deron Williams.
Ralph | 8:56 a.m. June 29, 2009
Re: Who Cares 8:15, A lot of the posters on this thread are very knowledgable
die hard fans who keep track of stats,records and rosters, and this is good, as
we can use their expertise gain info we would otherwise not take the time to
ferret out. But many of us are just fans who love the game win or loose.
Thanks "Who cares" for writing a post that probably describes most of
the Jazz fans feelings.
Can You Just Imagine? | 9:02 a.m. June 29, 2009
With the economy we are all in today these Primma-Donnas want raises and long
term contracts? Give myself and all NBA fans a break! Just why under what
justification do these spoiled rotten jerks think they can hold up their
organizations and the people that really pay the tab for their inconsiderate,
outrageous attitudes? Send them all packing! Lets get some reality in sports
just like every where else.
Hollywood | 9:13 a.m. June 29, 2009
Boozer leaving will have NO effect on the overall record.
Yeah, he averages 20/10. But how can Boozer lovers ignore his non-existent defense? It's not hard to score 20 when the offense is run through you. And the rebounds? Just watch him play. He doesn't try to defend his man or get over on help defense. He just turns around and positions himself for a possible rebound.
During the winning streak last season (with Boozer out), the five starters all had better stats, especially Okur, who was on fire when he was running the pick and pop with Williams.
Boozer is not a championship-level player. He's overpaid and is completely unreliable. You can't pay $12M+ to a guy with the pain tolerance of a 3-yr old who misses 1/3 of the games.
No one is rushing to try to obtain him. That says a lot about his value. I predict he'll opt in and have a great year. He has to. If he gets hurt, his market value will be non-existent.
Fortunately, KOC and Miller won't be fooled. They're not going to re-sign him.
Sayonara Carlos!
Yeah, he averages 20/10. But how can Boozer lovers ignore his non-existent defense? It's not hard to score 20 when the offense is run through you. And the rebounds? Just watch him play. He doesn't try to defend his man or get over on help defense. He just turns around and positions himself for a possible rebound.
During the winning streak last season (with Boozer out), the five starters all had better stats, especially Okur, who was on fire when he was running the pick and pop with Williams.
Boozer is not a championship-level player. He's overpaid and is completely unreliable. You can't pay $12M+ to a guy with the pain tolerance of a 3-yr old who misses 1/3 of the games.
No one is rushing to try to obtain him. That says a lot about his value. I predict he'll opt in and have a great year. He has to. If he gets hurt, his market value will be non-existent.
Fortunately, KOC and Miller won't be fooled. They're not going to re-sign him.
Sayonara Carlos!
Eskimo | 9:21 a.m. June 29, 2009
"...and perhaps even Jarron Collins." Give me a break. This bum is the
biggest theif in Jazz history. His only contribution last year was telling other
players to dress up for Obama. This scrub should have been playing in Greece
years ago.
@O Help | 9:21 a.m. June 29, 2009
Boozer is a great offensive talent when he plays. He is a defensive liability
and he only plays 65 % of his games. You can't build a team around him. If
you give him the raise he wants there is no money for role players.
Boozer is very replaceable with a very good PF who will play defense and most of the games. The Jazz need to be patient and position for the right mid season trade and they will get the right player.
If Korver opts in the Jazz are stuck with him. However, his expiring contract can be traded (with Harps) for a better PF than Boozer.
Had Sloan played Koufos instead of Collins in the regular season, Koufos would have been playing in the playoffs and done much better than Collins. If you are going to lose at least develop the cheap young talent so they are ready when they are needed.
One reason the Jazz are in this situation is Sloan's Vet bias. Vet's are more expensive and he will not develop the young talent fast enough.
The Jazz can replace Korver's outside shooting cheaply this year.
Boozer is very replaceable with a very good PF who will play defense and most of the games. The Jazz need to be patient and position for the right mid season trade and they will get the right player.
If Korver opts in the Jazz are stuck with him. However, his expiring contract can be traded (with Harps) for a better PF than Boozer.
Had Sloan played Koufos instead of Collins in the regular season, Koufos would have been playing in the playoffs and done much better than Collins. If you are going to lose at least develop the cheap young talent so they are ready when they are needed.
One reason the Jazz are in this situation is Sloan's Vet bias. Vet's are more expensive and he will not develop the young talent fast enough.
The Jazz can replace Korver's outside shooting cheaply this year.
Go Aggies | 9:29 a.m. June 29, 2009
A tasty alternative to inflated nba ticket prices and nba players with over
inflated salaries would be tickets to watch the Aggies play in the Spectrum.
A coach and players that play with heart. Go Big Blue!
A coach and players that play with heart. Go Big Blue!
@Eskimo | 9:43 a.m. June 29, 2009
I have always said that Collins should not be on the floor. However, I mentioned
him for 2 reasons.
1. Sloan will insist on Collins if there is any way to get him.
2. This year his only value would be as a traded expiring contract.
I should have suggested the Jazz actually get a one year contract with a player who had trade value.
Both Price and Collins have little trade value outside of their expiration dates. I was thinking in terms of what the Jazz were likely to do instead of what they really should do.
It was my mistake. Thanks for pointing out that it would be much smarter to get 2 better players for cheap and then use them in trades.
1. Sloan will insist on Collins if there is any way to get him.
2. This year his only value would be as a traded expiring contract.
I should have suggested the Jazz actually get a one year contract with a player who had trade value.
Both Price and Collins have little trade value outside of their expiration dates. I was thinking in terms of what the Jazz were likely to do instead of what they really should do.
It was my mistake. Thanks for pointing out that it would be much smarter to get 2 better players for cheap and then use them in trades.
KOC can do this | 9:58 a.m. June 29, 2009
He should be able to sign Millsap for 6+ Mill. He should be able to resign Okur
for 9 Mill. If not he should be able to replace him for a lot less money and get
the same or better numbers.
Gortat comes to mind. Gortat plays defence and is a rebounding machine. Birdman comes to mind. The Jazz can improve at C for less than 9 Mill. If all else fails Koufos can play C this year and put up the same numbers as Okur (adjusted for 33 minutes) and he only costs about 1 Mill.
Boozer can be replaced with someone who plays most of the games and plays defense for less than 10 Mill.
Boozer and Okur's offensive numbers are replaceable. Fortunately their bad defense will be fixed at the same time.
KOC can make the team better on defense and the offensive system can adjust and put of nearly the same offensive numbers for under the lux tax.
Gortat comes to mind. Gortat plays defence and is a rebounding machine. Birdman comes to mind. The Jazz can improve at C for less than 9 Mill. If all else fails Koufos can play C this year and put up the same numbers as Okur (adjusted for 33 minutes) and he only costs about 1 Mill.
Boozer can be replaced with someone who plays most of the games and plays defense for less than 10 Mill.
Boozer and Okur's offensive numbers are replaceable. Fortunately their bad defense will be fixed at the same time.
KOC can make the team better on defense and the offensive system can adjust and put of nearly the same offensive numbers for under the lux tax.
Coach Sloan said | 10:02 a.m. June 29, 2009
late last year that keeping a team together "is good for another four or
five wins." Where would that have left us last year? Right up there where
Denver was - in 2nd place at the end. I think keeping the nucleus the Jazz have
but (finally!) getting DWill some decent back-ups (Brevin Knight - nice guy but
that's not the point; we needed a leader) in Ronnie Price (proved he
deserves some playing time) and "old school" Eric Maynor will put the
Jazz back in contention come playoff time.
Anonymous | 10:14 a.m. June 29, 2009
RE: Eskimo
Don't blame Collins for cashing the checks the Jazz keep giving him!!!! You are probably robbing your employer by commenting on company time!!
re: HOTSEAT | 10:17 a.m. June 29, 2009
How can you say KOC is on the hotseat and not even mention jerry sloan. Sloan
is the one who should be on the hotseat not KOC.
John Charity Spring | 10:43 a.m. June 29, 2009
The Jazz will be much better off if the team refuses to give in to the selfish
demands of Carlos Boozer and any other player who demands to be overpaid for
playing in 1/3 of all possible games. If the Jazz truly want to succeed, they
must return to signing only players who demonstrate old fashioned values such as
dedication, hard work, and selflessness.
RE: Coach | 11:23 a.m. June 29, 2009
"Outside the shadows of the Wasatch front, the Jazz are considered a 2nd
rate team and market...similar to the Timberwolves! The Jazz are the "Mini
Me" version of the Lakers!!! Stats don't lie"
That just isn't true. They may not be elite snobby Lakers, but they are certainly taken more seriously than more than half the teams out there. Laker fans don't really watch games to know that. They just show up to be seen anyway.
That just isn't true. They may not be elite snobby Lakers, but they are certainly taken more seriously than more than half the teams out there. Laker fans don't really watch games to know that. They just show up to be seen anyway.
Beidrins | 11:26 a.m. June 29, 2009
makes 9 mill. He is a better C than Okur overall.
Sloan has veto power of KOC so any player decision is really Sloan's responsibility.
I think that Greg is still learning as he goes and is relying heavily on Sloan and KOC. Any moves that are made now will be Sloan/KOC moves and lack L Miller input and have limited input from Greg.
If the Jazz do nothing else except avoid over paying they will in the long run make improvements to the team.
Greg seems willing to spend, the fan base is supportive as long as the franchise is trying to improve and not acting stupid, and this is a great market for making improvements.
Boozer can be replaced in the next 2 years with a PF who plays defense and puts up numbers. Okur can be replaced if to greedy.
The Jazz can play without Boozer if they have Millsap and a good back up.
Sloan has veto power of KOC so any player decision is really Sloan's responsibility.
I think that Greg is still learning as he goes and is relying heavily on Sloan and KOC. Any moves that are made now will be Sloan/KOC moves and lack L Miller input and have limited input from Greg.
If the Jazz do nothing else except avoid over paying they will in the long run make improvements to the team.
Greg seems willing to spend, the fan base is supportive as long as the franchise is trying to improve and not acting stupid, and this is a great market for making improvements.
Boozer can be replaced in the next 2 years with a PF who plays defense and puts up numbers. Okur can be replaced if to greedy.
The Jazz can play without Boozer if they have Millsap and a good back up.
Anonymous | 11:33 a.m. June 29, 2009
Spent more money. Support the Jazz even if they are losers. When they loose
blame others. There's always next season. If the Jazz won, would Utah be
less cold in the winter? Will gays leave Happy Valley?
todd from santa ana | 11:38 a.m. June 29, 2009
when the Lakers did not win in the mid 90s crowds at the forum were as low 9,000
a game, rarely over 14, 15k
front runners
front runners
common sense | 11:55 a.m. June 29, 2009
Several points that keep being over looked.
1. You can't just adjust a players points for minutes played and expect a rational comparison. Koufos can not just fill in for Okur. He does not have a shot outside of 12 feet, so unless you want to watch opponents play the zone all year the Jazz need an outside threat.
2. When Hornacheck came to Utah his scoring dropped dramatically, but the Jazz Started winning more. When Korver came to Utah, his scoring dropped, but the Jazz started winning more. Korver played with a wrist injury most of the season, he didn't stay on the bench resting up for a good playoff showing so he could land a big contract. Sounds like the kind of player any team should try to hold on to.
3. The Jazz draft picks are consistently in the 2o's. Most players taken in the 20's do not stay in the NBA, so don't expect any Coach to give them significant playing time their first year. Sloan is working with mid major talent out of the draft, give him a few years to develop the players
1. You can't just adjust a players points for minutes played and expect a rational comparison. Koufos can not just fill in for Okur. He does not have a shot outside of 12 feet, so unless you want to watch opponents play the zone all year the Jazz need an outside threat.
2. When Hornacheck came to Utah his scoring dropped dramatically, but the Jazz Started winning more. When Korver came to Utah, his scoring dropped, but the Jazz started winning more. Korver played with a wrist injury most of the season, he didn't stay on the bench resting up for a good playoff showing so he could land a big contract. Sounds like the kind of player any team should try to hold on to.
3. The Jazz draft picks are consistently in the 2o's. Most players taken in the 20's do not stay in the NBA, so don't expect any Coach to give them significant playing time their first year. Sloan is working with mid major talent out of the draft, give him a few years to develop the players
@common sense | 1:43 p.m. June 29, 2009
Yes, I know that adjusting Koufos's numbers to 33 minutes has limitations.
However, he played well enought to indicate that he is capable if he gets the
playing time this year to develop his potential.
Koufos had range in College. He does not dare shoot out more than 12 feet for fear of Sloan benching him (So much for Sloan's development). His shooting should be better this year and his inside moves should improve. He needs to work on his left hand a lot.
He is not a perfect replacement for Okur but he is good enough to get by until Okur signs or until the Jazz trade for a replacement.
Koufos had range in College. He does not dare shoot out more than 12 feet for fear of Sloan benching him (So much for Sloan's development). His shooting should be better this year and his inside moves should improve. He needs to work on his left hand a lot.
He is not a perfect replacement for Okur but he is good enough to get by until Okur signs or until the Jazz trade for a replacement.
Charlie Villanueva | 3:30 p.m. June 29, 2009
in now an unrestricted FA. Maybe a good cheap replacement. Young and capable
6'11", big enough to guard LA.
Anonymous | 5:18 p.m. June 29, 2009
Please get rid of Brevin Knight (he's awful). We drafted a point guard who
could not possibly be as bad as Knight, so let him go.
Add your comment
Comments are monitored. Any comments found to be abusive, offensive, off-topic, misrepresentative, more than 200 words or containing URLs will not be posted.
Words Remaining
E-mail address: For internal use only. We may want to contact you to publish your comment (not your e-mail address) in the newspaper or for a separate story idea.
Related content
- Will state consider gay rights law? 7:11 a.m.
- Tiger opens with a 66 in Australia 1:18 a.m.
- Crash kills Utah County man 1:12 a.m.
- UCAT cheaper education option 1:12 a.m.
- Post office to be named for Rex Lee 1:11 a.m.
- Police probe synagogue vandalism 1:09 a.m.
- New charges added in fraud case 1:09 a.m.
- Mom takes plea deal in girl's beating 1:08 a.m.
- Drug trafficking operation busted 1:07 a.m.
- News yule writing contest starting up 12:59 a.m.
- SLC council OKs gay rights policies
- BYU football recruit turning heads
- 'Love story' of crash victim ends
- Alta's Ohai is Ms. Soccer 2009
- Utah Jazz have a problem at point
- Prep football: Felt's Facts Week
- 12 Utes return to Texas
- Crash kills Utah County man
- Long days for BYU interns
- Will state consider gay rights law?
- House passes health care bill
287 - SLC council OKs gay rights policies247
- TCU showdown has big implications194
- Senators want food tax restored157
- Cougars crush hapless Cowboys155
- Utah Jazz fall apart against Kings131
- TCU 4th in AP poll; U. 16th, Y. 22nd119
- S.L. vote pending on gay protections109
- Pratt pleads not guilty to sex charges101
- Letters: Strange breed in Utah94
 |
Basketball Final | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | T |
| Celtics | 28 | 26 | 30 | 21 | 105 | |
| Jazz | 23 | 21 | 18 | 24 | 86 |
Utah State hoops coach Stew Morrill took a few minutes to talk about Weber
Advertisement
Latest comments
TCU does not have to. All the works have been done by Utah. If TCU manage...
Your not that good either. Wynn has only played 5 quarters.
You gotta love the conservative mind. Why did George Will wait to write...
I see the uties are out in force. They are jealous that the Courgars keep...
I don't get all the cry and fuss over whether you see emotion or not. Are we...
It's reallllly difficult to think of Ernest Wilkinson, Dallin Oaks, Jeffrey...
There are about 15 million people without health insurance in this country....
I should have learned from last year never to count the Utes out even when...
Crush 'em, TCU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Yewts are worthless.
LOL Just like your boys were going to be National Champs this year as a...
Advertisements