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Utah Jazz: Team drafts big Buckeye
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Jimmy's Sneakers | 12:40 a.m. June 27, 2008
Jimmy thinks this guy will be the next Karl Malone in the city of Utah.
Steve | 1:05 a.m. June 27, 2008
I approve.
Chris | 1:47 a.m. June 27, 2008
I wish I could be as content as most Jazz fans are, but with what the Jazz
actually NEEDED was defense, not a Memo 2.0. In Koufous, they get another
lumbering softy center who can supposedly hit jumpers.
It's criminal the Jazz didn't pick up a athletic, DEFENSIVE-minded big. Robin Lopez, 2nd all-time in blocks at Stanford? Gone at 15, certainly coulda' been obtainable. DeAndre Jordan? People question his maturity level, but the dude can jump out of the gym and has a tremendous wingspan.
But as always, the Jazz picked three dudes, who coincidentally look identical and who we won't see for a couple years--if not ever.
Wow.
It's criminal the Jazz didn't pick up a athletic, DEFENSIVE-minded big. Robin Lopez, 2nd all-time in blocks at Stanford? Gone at 15, certainly coulda' been obtainable. DeAndre Jordan? People question his maturity level, but the dude can jump out of the gym and has a tremendous wingspan.
But as always, the Jazz picked three dudes, who coincidentally look identical and who we won't see for a couple years--if not ever.
Wow.
Comments continue below
rvalens2 | 3:50 a.m. June 27, 2008
Koufos another Karl Malone? Not likely, but if he eventually develops into a
player similar to Okur I won't be disappointed.
Still ... Koufos wasn't the player I hoped the Jazz would end up with.
Still ... Koufos wasn't the player I hoped the Jazz would end up with.
Ute Buckeye | 4:23 a.m. June 27, 2008
Unfortunately, I have seen Koufos play, and he does not have the demeanor for
Coach Sloan. He is slow and a bit lazy on defense, hence, the poor shot
blocking.
I personally would have rather seen Plaistead than Koufos in this particular case. At least plaisted works hard.
Just my humble Ohio opinion.
I personally would have rather seen Plaistead than Koufos in this particular case. At least plaisted works hard.
Just my humble Ohio opinion.
phatT | 4:22 a.m. June 27, 2008
"A red-blooded McDonald's All-American."
funny how you say that.. as if being from another nationality is somehow inferior.
if you have any sense of decency you will clarify or retract that remark.
funny how you say that.. as if being from another nationality is somehow inferior.
if you have any sense of decency you will clarify or retract that remark.
phatT | 4:26 a.m. June 27, 2008
especially the "Red-blooded" part.
Agent man | 4:48 a.m. June 27, 2008
Drafting a player you've only seen once, and whose agent would not even let
come to UT to work out for the Jazz despite being invited is pretty much a leap
of faith. I'm not sure I would want to pick a player who wouldn't
even come to work out for the team pre-draft. I don't care that everyone
thought he would be selected higher. We've all seen players slip in drafts
and go to teams they never imagined (Brady Quinn). If you get invited by a
perennial playoff team with three all-star caliber players and the NBA's
best coach, you politely accept and work out for that team. Left unsaid is
whether the agent didn't want his client going to the "black
hole" of UT, like Derek Harper and others who just hate the state.
I hope this kid works hard and contributes. He has more skills than Collins and achieved more in college than COllins, so at the very least he is an improvement at that position. I suspect he will surprise us with his progress and will turn out to be a good pick. But it was a leap of faith for O'Connor.
I hope this kid works hard and contributes. He has more skills than Collins and achieved more in college than COllins, so at the very least he is an improvement at that position. I suspect he will surprise us with his progress and will turn out to be a good pick. But it was a leap of faith for O'Connor.
Jazzaholic | 5:30 a.m. June 27, 2008
Jimmy:
You may have put your sneakers on the wrong feet.
However, the next 'Memo' would be just fine!
Jazzaholic
You may have put your sneakers on the wrong feet.
However, the next 'Memo' would be just fine!
Jazzaholic
VegasJazzFan | 5:38 a.m. June 27, 2008
Between Koufos & Tomic from this draft, and Fesenko from last year's...
PLEASE one of them end up being an effective center for the Jazz, to back up
Okur and maybe provide some interesting situational lineups. Koufos is probably
most ready to make an impact fairly soon, but maybe Fes will surprise us with
his level of progress. I reckon they would be two quite different centers, and
assuming Collins will be gone after his last year under contract, maybe both
will end up "sticking". As for Tomic... after he develops more
overseas, who knows, but it sounds like he's done well so far for being so
young. Only time will tell.
Jimmy's Socks | 6:11 a.m. June 27, 2008
Jimmy thinks he needs to stop talking about jimmy. Cause jimmy can see jimmy
soon.
lamonte | 6:19 a.m. June 27, 2008
So he's not a shotblocker YET. He's 7'1 and he's 19 years
old. Can't he LEARN to be a shot blocker with those statistics? What are
coaches for? Why can't he turn out to be a shotblocker AND a scorer? Lets
look at the glass as half full.
Jimmy's Sneakers | 6:38 a.m. June 27, 2008
Jimmy thinks that the Jazz need to take a lesson in drafting from Portland and
learn how to move up and down in order to get the player you truly covet.
Jimmy likens this selection to the Curtis Borchardt pick a few picks back. While Doufus may not have the injury problems that Borchardt did, the fact remains that several teams passed on him for other big men, for a reason. Jimmy thinks that Doufus will be hard pressed to earn a second contract in Utah and will be angling to return home to Greece after year 2 in a Jazz uniform.
Jimmy likens this selection to the Curtis Borchardt pick a few picks back. While Doufus may not have the injury problems that Borchardt did, the fact remains that several teams passed on him for other big men, for a reason. Jimmy thinks that Doufus will be hard pressed to earn a second contract in Utah and will be angling to return home to Greece after year 2 in a Jazz uniform.
Jazz Fan (The Original) | 6:37 a.m. June 27, 2008
They try to tell me that people born in America are Americans. What is this
dual Greek and American citizenship stuff? I hope this player lays off of the
body adornments and grifitti. And what's up with all the drafting of
alphabet players from across the pond? Why don't we call this league the
International Basketball Association instead of the National Basketball
Association? There are enough players (not skilled) but enough to have at least
50 teams worldwide. Let's do it now and have them play year round. For
pete's sake, for all intents and purposes we have nearly year round play
now. Let's just continue the playoffs and play right up to training camp.
Then there is the Olympics; that's just a great concept for playing more
basketball and burning out all the NBA players before the next season.
And how about cleaning up the, what do they call it? officiating in the league. It is atrosious. Many of the games smell to me....as in Las Vegas.
This will be another year of one or two rounds in the playoffs for the Jazz...no question. Too many games, too many injuries, and lack of focus. How about Jazz conditioning?
And how about cleaning up the, what do they call it? officiating in the league. It is atrosious. Many of the games smell to me....as in Las Vegas.
This will be another year of one or two rounds in the playoffs for the Jazz...no question. Too many games, too many injuries, and lack of focus. How about Jazz conditioning?
Jimmy's Sneakers | 6:42 a.m. June 27, 2008
Jimmy would also like to add that Jimmy is really tired of writing in the third
person. Jimmy also recognizes that everyone else it tired of this third person
smelly shoe speaking act.
Buckeye | 7:03 a.m. June 27, 2008
Koufos will be a highly skilled center. His problem will be going inside. He has
highly developed offensive skills, weak defense(by NBA standards). He is a
fairly bright guy from what I've seen. Should be coachable. Needs to hit
the weight room.
Probably won't get arrested.
I think you got a good player at 23 in draft. Good luck.
Buck Fan
Probably won't get arrested.
I think you got a good player at 23 in draft. Good luck.
Buck Fan
JazzFan | 7:29 a.m. June 27, 2008
More of the same in the Jazz picks. It won't lift them out of their current
defensive funk. Look for the Jazz to excell in mediocrity. Oh and BTW,
Jimmy's comments are a welcome change from the smash mouth dribble of most
bloggers.
Jimmy's Sneakers | 7:29 a.m. June 27, 2008
Jimmy realizes the Jimmy is moron. Jimmy finally realizes that there are only
players with holes in their games at pick 23. Jimmy and his stinky shoes also
finally have realized that it takes someone to trade with to make a trade.
Get Real | 7:34 a.m. June 27, 2008
The Jazz needed to get quicker and tougher in the middle, but these picks make
us even slower and weaker (at least for the next 3 years).
I hope we'll be more aggresive about filling this need through free agency or some kind of trade, because clearly we didn't address it in the draft.
I hope we'll be more aggresive about filling this need through free agency or some kind of trade, because clearly we didn't address it in the draft.
ac | 7:38 a.m. June 27, 2008
I want to bid farewell to Jimmy's Sneakers, who has done very little to
advance the intellect of the sport of basketball.
Hefty Smurf | 7:42 a.m. June 27, 2008
Wow, a Ute (although Buckeye) that would prefer a cougar...
Ohio Jazz Fan | 7:48 a.m. June 27, 2008
Kuofos has a nice perimeter game for a big man. The reason why he has developed
that game is that he has no heart or guts to go inside and get banged around.
Sloan will eat him up.
f.day | 7:49 a.m. June 27, 2008
An ESPN wag said Koufus is a reincarnation of Osterbag, sent especially for
coach Sloan. Why they
passed up hard working great talent D.J.White for
this stick figure is beyond imagination. If we make
the playoff next year we need a designated player
to replace boozer in the lineup.
passed up hard working great talent D.J.White for
this stick figure is beyond imagination. If we make
the playoff next year we need a designated player
to replace boozer in the lineup.
What do we expect | 7:51 a.m. June 27, 2008
We can keep winning and sit with one of the final 7 picks in the 1st round, or
we can loose to get good draft picks. What do you prefer??? If he pans out he
pans out if not you do what you can
JazzFanInHouston | 7:51 a.m. June 27, 2008
The Jazz have enough options now that they can trade for a shot blocker when the
right opportunity opens up. They have 4 young bigs developing. One (or more)of
them should develop into value.
kosta | 7:57 a.m. June 27, 2008
for all of you who think kosta can't block, he can. He averages 1.8 blocks
as a freshman at ohio state a large school in a big conference!
biggestjazzfan | 7:58 a.m. June 27, 2008
Just what the Jazz need: another soft European center. We already have two of
those, so the the Jazz draft two more? What the hell?
Okur is a better than average shooter for a big guy, but his interior defense is terrible. He let Lamar Odom walk all over him in the playoffs. Koufos is the reincarnation of Okur. It reminds me of that Seinfeld episode when Elaine has "bizarro" friends that are just like her regular friends. When they meet each other, George wants to go with the new group and Elaine says, "sorry, we already have a George". Well the Jazz already have an Okur, in fact they have two. So, another Okur isn't going to get the job done. The Jazz need a Hibbert.
Okur is a better than average shooter for a big guy, but his interior defense is terrible. He let Lamar Odom walk all over him in the playoffs. Koufos is the reincarnation of Okur. It reminds me of that Seinfeld episode when Elaine has "bizarro" friends that are just like her regular friends. When they meet each other, George wants to go with the new group and Elaine says, "sorry, we already have a George". Well the Jazz already have an Okur, in fact they have two. So, another Okur isn't going to get the job done. The Jazz need a Hibbert.
NewJimmyFan | 8:00 a.m. June 27, 2008
Most entertaining thread in weeks....!
JA | 8:02 a.m. June 27, 2008
To phatT
Get a freakin life man! wah wah wah somebody said something that hurt my feelings wah wah wah wah wah wah wah wah what did they mean "red blooded" wah wah wah wah wah
Get a freakin life man! wah wah wah somebody said something that hurt my feelings wah wah wah wah wah wah wah wah what did they mean "red blooded" wah wah wah wah wah
Elk dawg | 8:08 a.m. June 27, 2008
Tell Jimmy to shut and give other people a chance!!!! dawg
Everything Is O.K. | 8:15 a.m. June 27, 2008
No we didn't break the bank in the draft, but what do you expect with a 23?
There are and will be many trades in the near futre so don't cry yet. We
only need one player to make a big difference anyway. So keep the faith Jazz
fans, we will be just fine. Most of you seem to feel like we were in the
lottery. No we actually have a very good team and had the best home record in
the NBA this past season. Lots of youth to work with in fact. I could accept
another competitive finish like this year again, maybe higher if we get some
decent referees.
TicketHolder | 8:23 a.m. June 27, 2008
It is too bad the NBA just doesn't allow you to pass on your pick. I would
love to see David Stern arrive at the podium and say "with the 23rd pick
the Utah Jazz have opted not to pick due to poor player selection". It
doesn't make sense to force a team to pay 1-4 million dollars in guaranteed
money and use a roster spot for someone that isn't going to contribute. I
hope this kid starts programming the points of interest of Orem into his Garmin
GPS now. At least the other 2 picks will be buried in Eastern Europe for years
to come. We need to trade now! What happened to the Boozer, our pick for
Marion and Beasley deal? It is hard to fathom that our best first round picks
were Ostertag, Kirelenko, and Williams. 11 years and 3 players one of which is
now retired. The rest are some where else or not even on the league Shame on
you Kevin! YOU SHOULD BE FIRED!
annoying | 8:21 a.m. June 27, 2008
yeah, stop with this third person crap. you are freakin annoying
Wow! | 8:28 a.m. June 27, 2008
I agree with Jazz Fan. If you don't like Jimmy, than don't read Jimmy.
Simmy's Jneakers | 8:29 a.m. June 27, 2008
It depends on how hard this 19 year old wants to work. Slone is truly a genius
as a coach however his luck with big men we have drafted is spotty at best.
Jose Ortize, Walter Palmer, Luther Write, Brochard, any others I may have
forgot? These guys didn't even stay for a cup of coffee. Is Fez the
answer, probably not or the Jazz may have gone a different route. Lots of big
men don't love the game and won't work hard.
Wondering | 8:35 a.m. June 27, 2008
why the Jazz have not been more involved in trades. Who have they got to trade?
Lets see Boozer who fades when things get tough. Oh! I know those great
players C.J. Miles, Jarron Collins, and Jason Hart. I imagine most teams would
really be excited to make a trade for these "All Stars."
The Jazz have one player, Deron Williams beyond that nothing. Odds to win it all with this group 1000 to 1.
The Jazz have one player, Deron Williams beyond that nothing. Odds to win it all with this group 1000 to 1.
Basketkase | 8:37 a.m. June 27, 2008
Ahh, the ignorance displayed here makes me laugh. My prediction: After two
seasons of grooming (the kid is 19, come on) Kosta Koufos will emerge as a mildy
inconsistent offensive threat, good for at least 16 points and 8 boards a game.
With a 23rd pick, I'll be more than happy to take that kind of output.
How many other high school All-Americans do the Jazz have, or have ever had? When you look at the top players in the league, the Lebron James types, they were all McDonald's All-Americans. That says something. Koufos also averaged 15 points a game as a true freshman playing against some of best college teams in the country. Add three points to his average every season, and by the time he was a senior, he would have been a 24 ppg, 10 rebounds per game college All-American who would have gone in the top five of the lottery.
The Jazz got a steal here. Koufos was ranked at number 13 overall on ESPN's board. Getting him at 23 is a freaking bargain. Trust me. This guy will be a cornerstone for the Jazz in a few years.
How many other high school All-Americans do the Jazz have, or have ever had? When you look at the top players in the league, the Lebron James types, they were all McDonald's All-Americans. That says something. Koufos also averaged 15 points a game as a true freshman playing against some of best college teams in the country. Add three points to his average every season, and by the time he was a senior, he would have been a 24 ppg, 10 rebounds per game college All-American who would have gone in the top five of the lottery.
The Jazz got a steal here. Koufos was ranked at number 13 overall on ESPN's board. Getting him at 23 is a freaking bargain. Trust me. This guy will be a cornerstone for the Jazz in a few years.
@biggestjazzfan | 8:42 a.m. June 27, 2008
He's not European. US born and raised. Don't let the greek name fool
you.
tom's spleen | 8:47 a.m. June 27, 2008
sheesh, it's dark in here! GO JAZZ!!!
robert | 8:46 a.m. June 27, 2008
hey guys i am an osu fan and koufus is a good shot blocker(much better late in
the year)the kid is a good shooter and has a good low post game.
his biggest weakness is his passing ability(he is a black hole down low)
bottom line if he came back to osu probably is a top 5 pick next year
his biggest weakness is his passing ability(he is a black hole down low)
bottom line if he came back to osu probably is a top 5 pick next year
pizzaman | 8:47 a.m. June 27, 2008
Its amazing how many jazz fans don't have a clue how lucky they are to have
an ownership that gives them high quality ball all year and gets them into the
playoffs almost every year... get a clue all, I think if all those "better
players" than who we got were available O'Conner would have done what
he could..pull your heads out and enjoy what you have. There are alot of teams
and fans out there that would love to trade you places. ;)
We have two KKs now | 9:02 a.m. June 27, 2008
If it's defense you're worried about, then trading for someone or
picking up a free agent is probably the best way to go. I don't think there
is a 19 or 20-year old in the world who could be a significant post defender.
And besides, if a better post defender was available, O'Connor would have
taken him. Like it's been said, his game is not set in stone yet, he's
only 19, and he's going to have Jerry's size 11 1/2 lodged up his
behind in the next few years. He's a developing player with upside, typical
of a late first round pick.
Sheriff Polynice | 9:04 a.m. June 27, 2008
Come now everyone. Aren't the Jazz famous for picking slow, unathletic big
men in the draft? Luther Wright says "hi" by the way. I do agree
that the Jazz are not far off from being in the NBA finals...they need an
athletic center that can block a few shots.
Dwill can score, as can Boozer when he shows up. I believe that we are close...
Dwill can score, as can Boozer when he shows up. I believe that we are close...
How bout that Jazz | 9:22 a.m. June 27, 2008
Interesting how critical people are about the draft picks even though
O'Conner has rapidly rebuilt the Jazz into a contender. Drafting at 23
isn't like drafting at the top 5 and look at Williams, he was a top five
pick and still took two seasons to take off.
The boys know what they are doing and I think Jazz fans will be happy and surprised with what the Jazz got at 23.
The boys know what they are doing and I think Jazz fans will be happy and surprised with what the Jazz got at 23.
Clarifications | 9:25 a.m. June 27, 2008
First off: posting on a message board doesn't make you a
"blogger" as JazzFan previously stated; it makes you a poster on a
message board.
Secondly, who was the last Jazz draftee that ended up being a game changer? Yes, D. Williams. What pick was he? Yes, he went number three. You're not getting exactly what you need at 23. Especially if that need is strong, defensive-minded big.
Someone mentioned DeAndre Jordan. If there are questions about his work ethic and effort in college, what makes you think he'll suddenly be motivated in the NBA when he has millions guaranteed?
Robin Lopez was probably the one "defense first" center in the draft. He went 15th. Say all you want about moving up, but it takes TWO teams to make a trade. Who exactly do the Jazz have, other than Williams and Boozer, that other teams are excited about?
Next year is the Jazz's best hope for a decent pick is in two years. The Knicks owe the Jazz a pick which is protected through the 22nd pick next year and unprotected in 2010.
Here's to hoping the Knicks bomb for two more years!
Secondly, who was the last Jazz draftee that ended up being a game changer? Yes, D. Williams. What pick was he? Yes, he went number three. You're not getting exactly what you need at 23. Especially if that need is strong, defensive-minded big.
Someone mentioned DeAndre Jordan. If there are questions about his work ethic and effort in college, what makes you think he'll suddenly be motivated in the NBA when he has millions guaranteed?
Robin Lopez was probably the one "defense first" center in the draft. He went 15th. Say all you want about moving up, but it takes TWO teams to make a trade. Who exactly do the Jazz have, other than Williams and Boozer, that other teams are excited about?
Next year is the Jazz's best hope for a decent pick is in two years. The Knicks owe the Jazz a pick which is protected through the 22nd pick next year and unprotected in 2010.
Here's to hoping the Knicks bomb for two more years!
Jimmy's Sneakers (the real one) | 9:33 a.m. June 27, 2008
Jimmy is sick and tired of people claiming to be Jimmy. The one and only Jimmy
will not stand for this. Jimmy's draft opinions are much more insightful
than this mindless "dribble".
Shot Blocker | 9:42 a.m. June 27, 2008
I read a scouting report that stated his offensive game needed work but he was a
decent defender, rebounder, and shot blocker. I wonder who we beleive?
bob carlisle | 9:43 a.m. June 27, 2008
at first i was skeptical, but it will work out, get rid of collins and hart
maybee pick up another guard. see how fesenko and almond mature and we should
have a couple of euro players start playing for us in a couple of years when
memo and ak are getting older. i just hope we dont end up with anymore giras,
bob carlisle | 9:52 a.m. June 27, 2008
maybe add damon stodamire, sam casell for leadership and maybee someone like
earl boykins or chris duhon.
Chris | 10:10 a.m. June 27, 2008
As a life-long Buckeye fan, I can tell you guys that Koufos will be a better NBA
player than a college player. He was playing out of position all year. Koufos is
naturally a "4", but Matta had him playing "5" all year
long. Koufos can shoot the three and has a great perimeter shot. HE is better
facing the basket and the guy can run the court. On defense, he will match up
well against other "4"s.
He really matured as the year went on and played his best basketball in the Big Ten tourney and the NIT.
He really matured as the year went on and played his best basketball in the Big Ten tourney and the NIT.
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Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News
Utah Jazz intern Logan Millard records the franchise's choice of Ohio State center Kostas Koufos in the first round (23rd overall) of Thursday's NBA draft.
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