Deseret News | Will Utah join those clamoring for Kobe Bryant?

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Jazz notes: Will Utah join those clamoring for Kobe Bryant?

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The Nooger | 12:52 a.m. Oct. 14, 2007

Larry H is anything but a risk taker when it comes to the Jazz. What is the biggest risk he has ever taken? Going out on the edge to trade away DeShawn for Gira? Drafting Eric Leckner? The day the Jazz are in a huge headline trade is the day Shaq hits all his free-throws.

ron | 5:53 a.m. Oct. 14, 2007

if kobe came to utah I would discontinue being a fan.

No Way | 9:03 a.m. Oct. 14, 2007

There is no way Kobe would come to Utah. He wants the limelight and would never come to the smaller Utah market, no matter what he got paid or who he's playing with. We can all keep dreaming if we think (or even want)this could happen.

Comments continue below

Seth | 9:42 a.m. Oct. 14, 2007

What is with Utah fans that whenever Kobe steps on the court even a court that the jazz arent playing on the insist on booing him? If he were to come to UTah he would in so many ways help this franchise! If there were a way to get him boozer and Deron in the same starting five the JAzz would be a major contender. Guarantee it! Wow get over it!

Dreamer | 10:30 a.m. Oct. 14, 2007

Good try T Buck. I admire your coverage of the Jazz but the DesNews must really have been desperate for stories because this really is a good one- Jazz entering in the Kobe sweepstakes? That is hilarious. It isn't that the Jazz couldn't be a good fit for him and it isn't a matter of being a small-market team. I think Kobe could potentially like it here- that's true. But there is no WAY Larry H would or Kevin OConnell would have grow the stones to pull off a trade like this one. Jazz have never pulled a blockbuster. Signing Kirilenko, Boozer and Okur for way more than they should be making does not a risk taker make. Good try T Buck. Go Jazz!

dre | 1:10 p.m. Oct. 14, 2007

Ron, I am sure they would find a fan to take your place.

Jarob | 1:22 p.m. Oct. 14, 2007

With Kobe Bryant the Jazz would go all the way.

My Name | 3:43 p.m. Oct. 14, 2007

Dreamer, it's Kevin O'Connor...

So I'd really like to talk to Buckley to see if this article has any basis, or if it's just conjecture. Tim, if you read these comments at all, it would be nice to know that this is more than just a rumor you're starting. Is this nothing more than you "seeing through the smokescreen", or is this based on something more substantial? I, for one, would be thrilled at the idea of the Jazz pursuing Bryant. I think he would come at the cost of some combination of Okur, Kirilenko, Brewer and/or Millsap, but man... him, Boozer and Williams in the starting five would be just ridiculous.

JAZZfan | 5:18 p.m. Oct. 14, 2007

I agree with Ron. KObe should never come to Utah. He, like others said is only in it for the limelight and would not work under the Jazz system. HE is NOT a team player!!!!!!!!!!!

PCboy | 6:06 p.m. Oct. 14, 2007

ummmm, no. That is truly a situation where no one would win (lakers, jazz, lakers fans, jazz fans, kobe), but "what if?" can still be fun.

Anonymous | 8:08 p.m. Oct. 14, 2007

JAZZfan, your an idiot. The only reason kobe would never come to Utah is because Sloan doesn't want a thug on his roster

I know | 9:35 p.m. Oct. 14, 2007

If Kobe were to come to Utah Im sure he would have enough respect for Jerry Sloan to play within the offense. Jerry would love his defense and it would give the Jazz a legitimate shot at the title......something the Jazz fans who don't want Kobe on the team dream for..........oh well, playoff team at best, unless a star comes in to compliment Williams and Boozer. I actually see Malone and Stockton in Williams and Boozer.....looks familiar doesnt it?

Laker Fan | 12:29 a.m. Oct. 15, 2007

This article is hilarious!!!! Dont have any idea what you all are thinking out there in Utah... I would say that Kobe has a better chance of being traded to the Atlanta Falcans for Michael Vick....

b | 1:27 a.m. Oct. 15, 2007

perhaps it would need to be a multi-team trade, and the jazz would be wise to pursue being on the inside of at least knowing what's out there. i don't think they believe they could get or would want kobe.

Re: Laker | 1:39 a.m. Oct. 15, 2007

The Laker's seem more interested in criminals anyway. Vick would be a good fit.

odogtriever | 5:43 a.m. Oct. 15, 2007

Laker Fan is just upset that he will eventually loose his favorite player to some other fan.

Yeah Right | 7:07 a.m. Oct. 15, 2007

Ask any ten people on the planet what the most unlikely trade in the NBA would be. They'd answer anything involving Kobe Bryant ending up in Utah. Putting a major NFL team in the REAL SALT LAKE's fake REAL SANDY SOCKER STADIUM would be a more likely event.

Most Ridiculous Award | 8:05 a.m. Oct. 15, 2007

This article wins the "Most Ridiculous Unfounded Trade Rumor Award". Not only would Kobe sit on his hands until they turned purple before playing one half court set with the Jazz, there's no way that our trade bait would bring him here.

Let's also ignore the fact that we would have to completely re-tool the offense to make Kobe the primary scorer. Since Sloan is barely deciding to incorperate AK into the offense, I'm thinking that a complete re-draft of the offense would be a bit more daunting.

Of course, this is a moot point, because Kobe would sooner try out for a Canadian football team before he would ever wear a Jazz uniform and play at the "Energy Disposal Center".

TrueFan | 8:50 a.m. Oct. 15, 2007

It would be really difficult for me to support the Jazz if Kobe was here and so I am happy that is such a far-fetched idea. He stands for all that is wrong with the NBA. If we doesn't want to play a team sport let him take up tennis!

Moot is right | 9:09 a.m. Oct. 15, 2007

I think we'd see Kobe in an army uniform before he would put on Jazz blue or black or white. Unfounded rumors abate and this is obviously jsut that. I don't think Kobe would go anywhere except possibly New York. Or maybe the Clippers.

Dumb da dumb dumb | 9:15 a.m. Oct. 15, 2007

Why is Bryant going to come to Utah? There are no reasons. Why does the DN roll out articles like these, I guess it is to see how effected the comment board works. What is in it for Kobe "the me" Bryant? Nothing. Larry Miller is dumb enough to trade away what has the potential to be an NBA contender in order to get a guy who will be a disruptive influence in Sloan's system.

Thanks for the Monday morning laugh!

Anonymous | 9:40 a.m. Oct. 15, 2007

Kobe will only go to Chicago or New York. Jazz can't afford him either.

koda | 10:06 a.m. Oct. 15, 2007

with kobe the jazz would have got past the spurs and went all the way!

who wants Kobe? | 10:12 a.m. Oct. 15, 2007

I hope that the Jazz don't go for Kobe. He is the one player in the NBA that I absolutly detest. Kobe is all about Kobe, he doesn't share the ball or make anyone around him better. Let him go anywhere else (except Pheonix).

Ha Ha | 10:21 a.m. Oct. 15, 2007

And in other news... A-Rod goes to the Colorado Rockies at a pay cut and I'm considered a "serious suitor" for Jennifer Anniston

Tom | 10:21 a.m. Oct. 15, 2007

Anyone who says Kobe Bryant is not a team player may as well have the word "PARROT" tattooed across his forehead.

Holy cow, did you guys see ANY Team USA games this summer?! Do you think Kobe's TeamUSA teammate, Deron Williams, thinks Kobe is selfish? Do you really think you are in a position to know more about it than Deron?

I used to dislike Kobe too, but I love basketball (and reality) more than my pride, and now have to admit that Kobe really is great.

For all the comparisons to Jordan, Kobe has played more of a Pippen-like role most of his career, deferring to Shaq, and doing whatever it took to win. And now that Kobe is once again on a team with talent, TeamUSA, he's showing again that he is about winning, not scoring.

Without a doubt, Kobe has screwed up big time in his life, but he has appeared to earn back the trust of his wife. That's more than can be said for many Utahans, judging by the divorce rate here.

Besides, with Utah's infamously bad sportsmanship at all sporting events from professional, to college, to CHURCH, who are we to cast stones?

Jazz Fan | 10:26 a.m. Oct. 15, 2007

It is highly unlikely that Kobe will come to Utah so Jazz Fans don't be alarmed.Besides he has a no trade clause in his contract he would have to o.k. any trade deals.

LA Man | 10:29 a.m. Oct. 15, 2007

I live in LA and know some of Kobe's close friends who tell me that he IS interested in the Jazz because they have a solid base of good players who will make the playoffs and contend for a championship for the next few years.

Shows what you all know.

Kobe hater | 10:44 a.m. Oct. 15, 2007

Even though I hate Kobe since the day he joined the league I know I'm not alone that if he brought a Championship dynasty I would be all for it. I don't care if OJ Simpson is on the team if he brings a Championship.
PS. I can read through the smoke that if the Kobe deal doesn't work out we'll try to get RonRon for AK47. LMAO

I hate Kobe | 10:45 a.m. Oct. 15, 2007

But then I hated Karl.

You're all dreaming | 11:07 a.m. Oct. 15, 2007

NOBODY WANTS TO LIVE IN UTAH!!!!!!!!!!!!!

That's why you don't sign big free agents unless they're foreign or offering ridiculous money to an unproven guy. The reason the Shawn Marion trade didn't go down was because he wouldn't live in Utah. Same story in Utah, different day.

Reality Check | 11:10 a.m. Oct. 15, 2007

I would give up Andrei Kirilenko and Mehmet Okur to get Bryant. A core of Carlos Boozers, Deron Williams and Kobe Bryant, with stud role players such as Paul Milsap, Matt Harpring, Kyrylo Fesenko, etc. would REALLY shake up the West for a long time to come.

And as for the nonsense people are spewing here about Kobe Bryant, here is a partial list of people who say Kobe is a fantastic team player:

o Mike Krzyzewski
o Mike D'Antoni
o Phil Jackson
o Greg Popovich
o Larry Bird
o Jason Kidd
o Deron Williams
o Derek Fischer
o Shawn Marion
o LeBron James
o Carmelo Anthony
o Magic Johnson
o Dwane Wade
o Steve Kerr
o John Paxson
o Luke Walton
o Lamar Odom

People who say Kobe is selfish, disruptive, etc.:

o Rabid, irrational haters
o People delusional (or proud) enough to think they know more than the first list!

Offensively in an open court or in grinding half court sets, or defensively, if you were to put Bryant, Boozer and Williams in Sloan's system and suddenly Steve Nash's window of opportunity for a championship ring would be slammed shut.

Ah, if only.... :-D

JAZZFAN | 11:19 a.m. Oct. 15, 2007

LA MAN what are you smoking? you do not have friends that are close with kobe. Anyways, utah doesnt need anyone, their gonna take the title this year!!!

Kobe is coming!!! | 11:46 a.m. Oct. 15, 2007

Just spoke with my friend, he has a brother that works at the bookstore on the USC campus. His girlfriend knows Kobe's wife's sister - they said they'd love to come to Utah and win them Utah's first ever NBA Title!!!

It's guaranteed - score it!!!

CHAMPIONSHIP

mykejm | 11:53 a.m. Oct. 15, 2007

This trade would never happen, here a few reasons why:

- Kobe wouldn't want to be the biggest star in the state of Utah -- not with all his baggage. Fans here haven't exactly shown him much love (compare him to someone like LeBron, for whom the Jazz fans actually cheered).

- Kobe wouldn't fit in Sloan's system and I just can't see Sloan adapting his system to make Kobe happy; he might try, but I'm not sure he's capable of making it work.

- I really doubt Larry Miller would OK such a move. Justified or not, I think he probably made up his mind a few years ago about Kobe's character and wouldn't want him as the face of his franchise.

NOTaKoBeFan | 12:05 p.m. Oct. 15, 2007

The Jazz got to the championship last year because they played as a team. Which effectively means Kobe can't fit their formula.

Plus Kobe lacks respect for anyone who could help him improve. Look at what Kobe did to the coach who MADE Michael Jordan? Who taught Michael Jordan it takes more than a superstar to win a championship? And Michael Jordan was a good enough player to be teachable.

Kobe is not teachable. He is a star in his own eyes. And therefore doesn't fit the Jazz formula at all. You think Andre has a hard time with Sloan - try Kobe's issues. He'll make Andre look like a raving Sloan FAN!

Begging | 12:36 p.m. Oct. 15, 2007

Please don't make me burn all my 5 year old sons jazz gear. I've been a fan tool long and I am too old to find a team to cheer for. Just because the king of selfish cheating husbands whines his way out of LA after running shaq out of town does not mean he needs to land here.

Maggie | 12:37 p.m. Oct. 15, 2007

PLEASE - NO!!

Utah Co Jazz Fan | 12:45 p.m. Oct. 15, 2007

As a life long Jazz Fan who has watched them from the early years up until now I do not want to see Kobe Bryant in Utah. Yes Kobe can score 60pts a game on any given night but he isn't a team player. Kobe has a lot of athletic talent, however he is selfish and wants all the glory. Kobe doesn't fit a Jerry Sloan type offense which relies on playing as a team and doesn't allow someone's ego to control the game. No Utah hasn't won a championship yet but they will and then it will show that a small-market team playing basketball team can beat a big market team with a selfish player who thinks he is all that and a bag of chips. Go Jazz!!!

dh | 1:02 p.m. Oct. 15, 2007

dinasours will return to Utah before the Jazz land somebody of Kobe Bryant's stature. Kobe will only play in LA, Chicago or NY. No other city is big enough for him.

Suns Fan | 1:16 p.m. Oct. 15, 2007

FYI - Suns turned down the AK47 for Marion deal. No way anyone would do that from the Suns side straight up. Deal got killed because Suns would not do it without have at least bad contract of Banks included.

R U Listening? | 1:25 p.m. Oct. 15, 2007

It's a moot point discussing the possibility because he has a no trade clause. What makes you people think that people actually want to play in Utah? Why would any black person vlountarily live in Utah?

It's sad to see such delusion. It's not going to change, EVER. You better draft well.

Ty | 1:45 p.m. Oct. 15, 2007

What is the big problem with Jazz fans? Why is it that everybody in Utah hates Kobe Bryant?! Kobe Bryant is the best basketball player on the planet right now! Just because you can't get over the whole "situation" Kobe had in Colorado! Get over it! Millions of people do that and just because he gets caught and because he's famous, people hate him!
The fact is that Kobe would be a fantastic fit in Utah, as well as anywhere else, because Kobe makes his players better! I want him on my team!

LOL | 2:23 p.m. Oct. 15, 2007

If more Utah people Would get over Utah sports and Utah Teams.. we would have more pro teams in Utah.

Slow news day... | 2:32 p.m. Oct. 15, 2007

It was a slow news day. There is no truth to the idea Utah would want this guy. He would not "fit in". He is not worth it. He is not a team player. He would not like Utah. This is the same story that a bunch of other newspapers are running in other NBA cities. So they ran it here also. Nothing to it. Next....

Matt | 3:01 p.m. Oct. 15, 2007

Why wouldn't Utah want someone like Kobe Bryant. I agree that there is no way we could get Kobe into Utah but if there was a chance i would love to see Kobe in Utah. He would change our offense and what is the problem with that. You people just can't imagine how good we would be with him on the team. I don't believe we can go all the way without a better 2-guard. He is the best in the league

realist | 4:17 p.m. Oct. 15, 2007

NO-O-O-O-O-O! Kobe is good, but he knows it, too much methinketh, and is too selfish because of it. He wouldn't fit in Utah ... not that he would allow himself to come here anyway.

The Jazz have a good chemistry with what we have now ... don't mess with it.

Fred's Combat Boots | 4:27 p.m. Oct. 15, 2007

Fred thinks Kobe is a me-first player, not a team player like we all want .. like wins championships. Fred thinks Kobe is a distraction the Jazz don't need. Fred thinks Kobe is selfish with a capitol S.

Lock up your women and children if the should-be felon Kobe comes to Utah to stay.

You Kidding? | 4:48 p.m. Oct. 15, 2007

There is NO WAY the Lakers would trade Kobe to the Jazz without Booz or D-Will included in the trade. AK was an end of the bench all-star in 2004--a trade package revolving around him would not be enough to make the Lakers even consider doing it. Nice try Buckley.

Fred Jr | 5:16 p.m. Oct. 15, 2007

Yes, I agree that Kobe wouldn't be a good fit. Chemistry from last year would be hampered by Kobe if he is headed to Utah. I can see some positive things but in long term, or in other word, the spirit of hard work, teamwork and unity wouldn't be there with Kobe. He will have to sacrifice and change in order to continue in Utah's system and to fit into Utah Jazz's traditional spirit.

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