Comments about ‘New Utah Jazz center Francisco Elson plays to honor late brother’

"It's just me, out there on my own, doing my own thing, and not listening to anybody." What was the Jazz thinking? Seriously! Jerry is going to love coaching this guy...(NOT)! This is a team sport Dude, why don't you show your deceased brother what you can do in the ring instead, then you can "do your own thing" without dragging down your team!

Contrary to zebedie, I know what Elson meant by his words. Great story. I'm not a Jazz fan but Francisco is another reason (Gordon Hayward is the other) I may be tuning in this year.

Zebedie - harsh comment, dude. There is a good chance that the Jazz knew what they were getting when they signed Elson, and that the words he uses to describe the fire he feels inside describe a man who doesn't need Sloan or anyone else to motivate him; the memory of his brother is enough to spur him to greater heights than he would otherwise reach. I think he will be a fan favorite in Utah, with his work ethic and fantastic personality.

The NBA needs more non-thugs like him. Tired of self-entitled prima donnas. Nice to see someone who plays out of love - even if it's not specifically a love of the game. Glad he's not motivated just by the money.

Great article! I love to know what motivates a guy. I can appreciate his game and I understand where he is coming from. I like the fact that Elson has won a Championship and spent time practicing against Tim Duncan and learning how to defend and rebound. He should be able to help the Jazz depth for sure. GO JAZZ!

Nice story. If he doesn't listen to Sloan, Sloan will bury him on the bench as he's done so many times before, simple as that. He played quite well as Duncan's backup in the 2007 playoffs. Certainly a huge upgrade from Koufos and last year's Fes.

Don't need much from him, maybe 10 solid minutes a night. 96 minutes a game for the 4 & 5, AJ & Sap about 33 each, AK/Fes/Elson divide up the other 30? AK obv going to play both 4 & 3.

May well see AJ & AK start, with Sap first off the bench sliding AK over to 3, but either Fes or Elson is going to have be able to contribute 10-15 minutes a night of non-trainwreck pivot play, or the Jazz have no shot this season.

I was expecting Elson to be mainly someone who could come in and clog the middle but after watching the scrimmage game he actually has a great looking shot so maybe he can help spread the floor like Memo.