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Utah Jazz: Quest for answers

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Laynerr | 1:25 a.m. Oct. 24, 2008
Nuff said-good article
Five Observations | 4:40 a.m. Oct. 24, 2008
This was a great article. Here are my own five observations after watching the preseason.

1. Brewer and Korver are amazing and have really stepped up on both ends of the floor.

2. Boozer still isn't committed to playing defense. Sad...

3. Miles and Almond have been very disappointing. I agree with the decision to start Miles and still hope for the best, but the results thus far are less than stellar. Unfortunately, Almond is still not ready.

4. Surprisingly, Fesenko has made the race for the backup big man a little more interesting. Good job, Fesenko & Koufos.

5. Kirilenko will do a good job coming off the bench.
CJ Supporter | 6:16 a.m. Oct. 24, 2008
In your no.3 piece: To suggest Korver starting is unrealistic. He currently 'lacks' lateral quickness and overall game stamina. Once he's lost his wind by being out on the court for any length or duration, his game begins to suffer, his legs always seem to lose their spring considerably--and consequently so goes his incredible dead-eye shooting. If he continues to strengthen himself and his stamina, your suggestion certainly could work.
CJ just needs to continue to buckle down even more, i.e. acquire Brewer's MONSTER work ethic in order to gain more in-game "confidence". Look what that same ethic has done for Brewer. Hard[er] work ethic will likewise breed more mental toughness, confidence and ultimately will give CJ more end-of-game experience as his on-court skills solidify and his value gives reason to keep him on the floor, more. This kid's got talent and just begs refining via the crucibles of game experience and pushing himself to higher levels in his personal work ethic.
Comments continue below
Ute Fan | 6:40 a.m. Oct. 24, 2008
Please don't use the term "quest" in any headlines about the Jazz, we don't want to set them up to lose like that team down south!
philly | 7:02 a.m. Oct. 24, 2008
can we be done with the word "quest", please?
It was old a while ago.
Almond? | 7:11 a.m. Oct. 24, 2008
Interesting - disapointing about Almond. Didn't see the preseason but last year as a minor leauge he made a lot of points. I know he may be a shooter but what about Defense? Sloan not happy about his progress or no progress? I know how important about Sloan Style.
Tommyk | 8:05 a.m. Oct. 24, 2008
Great game, I thought brewer was a beast out there, man those days in the gym do show on the floor. and brevin knight I thought was Fantastic, so much better then hart. Korver did great too!
RE: Ute Fan | 8:31 a.m. Oct. 24, 2008
This is a Jazz comment board. Please take your petty high school stuff over to the BYU hate boards and continue to wear it out over there.
Jazz Fan THE ORIGINAL | 8:34 a.m. Oct. 24, 2008
Been a fan since they stepped off the plane from naw-lins...This may indeed be the best team my boys have ever assembled,no dissrespect to Stock/Mailman/Hornyman,...now it`s time to go win it all,no excuses,all the pieces are there,no doubt,do they have the heart and really want to win it all?
Anonymous | 8:38 a.m. Oct. 24, 2008
Almond is fine - He just got drafted by a team that is loaded with talent ahead of him in that position. The Jazz wing players in order AK, Brewer, Harpring, Korver, Miles, Almond.
Miles | 8:40 a.m. Oct. 24, 2008
See I am not the only CJ fan. He has great upside if he would just stay better focused on his career and what he needs to do to get better. I think Sloan needs to start him regardless of how bad or good he plays for at least the first month. Give him a chance to play and gain confidence. Korver is not starting material. He is a come off the bench player. AK is much better off the bench as he gets more involved in the offense and that flows over to his defense. But with AK out of the starting lineup, Boozer and Okur need to work harder on the defensive end.
Yeah | 9:12 a.m. Oct. 24, 2008
Koufous is better then Fesenko and CJ isn't any good, and the potential that he has, has been there since he got on the team, exactly when is this potential going to show up?
J-Dizzle | 9:57 a.m. Oct. 24, 2008
Regardless if CJ plays well or not, the choice to put him in the starting lineup will make the jazz a more versatile team. One thing I think CJ brings to the table that is highly underrated is his length. He is a solid rebounder, and he may not block to many shots but he alters them. In a few more years I could see him being the second coming of AK. With AK coming off the bench, it adds considerable depth to this team, and I don't think we really lose to much with CJ in there, in fact it will probably spread the floor more, and open things up for Booz, D-will, and Brewer inside, and even get more open looks for Okur.
Miles | 10:03 a.m. Oct. 24, 2008
CJ is the age that Dwill was when he was a rookie. How much love did Dwill get that year? Don't forget that CJ is barely old enough to drink legally. He will only get better. He is much better than Deshawn and look he's a starter out East now. The Jazz never let there youngsters mature and get playing time. Maybe this is the start of developing their talent and keeping it.
D League | 10:06 a.m. Oct. 24, 2008
I didn't see alot improvement in Almond and Feez from last year which causes me to question the value of the developmental league. It appears to me to be like the summer league being just one big pick-up game. In the D-League Almond is "the man" so there is no one to bench him when he does not play defense. I wonder if sending them to a good european league would be more benefical?
BJ Jazzy Rasta | 11:09 a.m. Oct. 24, 2008
My Top 10 Observations in no particular order:

1)D-Will will be fine. In the meantime, I love what Ronnie Price and Brevin Knight bring in his absence. Against Portland, both guys played very solid.

2)Kosta Koufos has a ton of potential. I'd rather watch him on the court than Fes...and much more than Collins. He'll have a chance, since he works hard.

3)CJ Miles is still miles away from tapping his potential, but at least he finally knocked down a few shots last night.

4)AK coming off the bench with the right attitude, will help us win more games on the road. Hands down.

5)Boozer is no Malone. He is a great talker though...

6)Memo will have a strong season if he works on defense and takes the ball to the hoop and opens up his outside game.

7)Korver will win us 5 or 6 games with his free-throw shooting ability, his presence that spreads the defense, and his mental toughness.

8)Ronnie Brewer has all-star potential and will have another break-out season! Dunkathon!

9)Millsap is a stud.

10)Almond is the team's biggest question mark...too bad we're so stacked at the 2.

11) Jazz win 60 games this year!
FDR | 11:19 a.m. Oct. 24, 2008
Koufos is the best backup to all the bigs, period. Not only his work ethic, but he runs better, is more passionate, and seems to get better the more he plays. If he goes any time to the d-league, we are making a huge mistake. No comparison of him to Fes, or Collins even. We need Koufos. Use him!
My thoughts | 11:51 a.m. Oct. 24, 2008
3 observations

Brewers improvement in driving to the hole with the ball is much more important than his improvement in his outside shooting. Some other than Williams needs to take it to the hole for the playoffs.

The Jazz will play a lot more motion offense -similar to the offense that they played in 2004 - (not the pick and roll offense) We played 4 minutes against Portland with AK, Brewer, CJ, Okur and Boozer - not one pick and roll was set - it did not look good. This is the main reason to put AK on the bench because he thrives in this offense - He was an All-Star that year. It will also help the Jazz in the Post Season. The Lakers were very good at stopping the Pick and roll. The Jazz must develop another offense set that is successful.

Millsap will be backing both AK and Okur (meaning Koufos and Fess will be sitting on the pine) Millsap has slimmed down in weight - so we will see who guards the big line ups when it is Millsap Boozer and AK. AK guards Gasol, Millsap guards Odom and Boozer guards Bynum.

miles | 12:05 p.m. Oct. 24, 2008
you guys bag on miles so bad but he does what the coach asks him too. c.j never gets very many shots during the game so to say he is not doing good is just stupid. If sloan gave him 10-12 shots a game like some other guys he would score 15-20 points every night.
J-Dizzle | 12:09 p.m. Oct. 24, 2008
I afgree with the reincarnation of FDR. We need Koufos, but while I do like him better than Fes. I'm still holding out hope with him. He's a little taller and more athletic, he just needs to grow up, and he might be a solid cog for us at center, and I think Koufos is more suited to play the four, but it might depend on how quick the four is he would have to guard. All in all I'm friggin excited for this season, and to see what the NBA western conference race will bring this year.
So Jo Sixty Fo | 12:16 p.m. Oct. 24, 2008
Ok here you go J Dizzle haha
The count down has offically began five days people five days until season opener.
Here are my issues/happy things!
1. D Will man I really need him to come back and freaking PLAY ASAP
2. Boozer is still a little baby! I know he can play better than what I have seen as of late!
3.AK MUCH better!!!! I must say I am impressed with him coming off the bench
4.I am so so so happy with Korver! I dont think I have ever seen his shooting/defense this good!
5.Okur man you can defend you know it I know it so start acting like it! ALL THE TIME!
6. Ronnie B You are awesome!! Thats all I have to say about him!
FIVE FREAKING DAYS!
Moto X | 12:39 p.m. Oct. 24, 2008
It is pretty apparent Boozer is not a big fan of the preseason and is not playing both ends of the floor--mostly just offense. If the regular season comes and we continue to see the lame defense then we ought to try to trade and get something for him. Not sure it can be done but they ought to try.

I will not start harping on his defense because it is preseason but he knew his glarng weakness after last season and he better demonstrate this year that he has done something to address otherwise he simply is not a player that can get you to a championship despite his offensive skillset.

I would love to think AK could come off the bench lon-term but if the overall team defense does not improve on the starting lineup then Sloan will be forced to bring AK back to the starting linuep to stop the nonstop parade to the basket.

CJ simply is no AK defensively. AK would get alot more opportunities offensively coming off the bench so I hope it works but I'll believe it when I see it as far as the starts succeeding defensively without the presence of AK.
Re: Miles | 12:56 p.m. Oct. 24, 2008
I'm glad that there is someone else out there that can see a diamond in the rough. I've liked C.J. from the start and believe he will have a break out year this year.The ones that don't like him had better get used to him cause he's here to stay for awhile. The youngster does a good job at the point as well, making him even more valuable to the team. We have three guys on this team that are pure, pure shooters: C.J. Miles, Kyle Korver, and Kosta Koufos. I am very impressed with Koufos, (bye Collins),and I haven't given up Fess. I loved it when we had Price, Miles, and Brewer out there to start the second half.(after their but chewing)Talk about athleticism. I believe the pieces are in place and that this the year of the Jazz.
Get to the hole, CJ | 1:09 p.m. Oct. 24, 2008
Getting the ball to the hole is how Brewer ended up a starter. Not getting to the whole is what hurt AK's game. If CJ would drive (he is very athletic and long), he would see more minutes and open shots. When you have the physical prowess and determination to get to the whole, your defender has to back off and that would free CJ up to shoot more. Don't blame if lack of shots on Sloan, if he watch Brewer, AK, Millsap and Deron; he would know how to better his game and get more shots on the floor.
J-Dizzle | 1:38 p.m. Oct. 24, 2008
Get to the hole, CJ...AGREED 100 %
IDJazz | 1:54 p.m. Oct. 24, 2008
I will admit I was one of the ones wanting the Jazz to resign CJ. I like the potential of his game as well as he is the perfect NBA height and weight. I want nothing more than to see him succeed on this team. That being said the guy posting as Miles and CJ supporter really needs to think with your head and not your feelings.
First of all trying to say Korver sucks wind so CJ is better player is ludacris. Again I will take proven over potential. CJ has not done anything yet to say he is proven and even at last nights games he was burned three times not paying attention as he was back doored. For the first time this season he hit his outside shots because he took what was given to him instead of forcing it. Its simple to win the spot he has to show he can out play the other person. Plain and simple he has not done that and no one is to blame but himself. Again he has the potential to do it but does he have the brains. Remains to be seen yet.
Bob Marley | 2:08 p.m. Oct. 24, 2008
I wish the Jazz had another creator like D-Will. Preferably one of the small forwards. AK does alright, but his drives have a high probability of ending up into turnovers. The same goes for Boozer. I would like to see Brewer or Miles step up and take the ball to the hole. Brewer did great last night driving on a few guys. Hope we see more of that.
The coach | 2:10 p.m. Oct. 24, 2008
Listen CJ and Morris are both very soft players in
my book. I dont know if either is the man. I like
Korvers shooting ability, but last year in the final
game against LA Korver gave up a 3 and passed to Okur.In my mind I have been thinking of that missed
opportunity all summer. So get rid of all 3 of these
guys and lets find a tough tough guy that can replace
all three. The starting lineup in my book is BREWER(who i think is playing the best of any Jazz player)
Williams, Boozer,OKUR, and Andrei. Coming off the bench should be Korver(the first guy off the bench)
Then Millsap, Price, and Harpring. That is the best 8
i think.
page | 2:13 p.m. Oct. 24, 2008
i was very impressed with knight he is a true point guard ronnie isn't a true point so i hope he plays to his strength and not worry about being just a point guard. go to the hole play great D and play your game.
Big Al | 2:27 p.m. Oct. 24, 2008
It's too early to get too high or too low on the Jazz or on any player on the team. It is a long season which will undoubtably have injuries, trades or other issues. If you remember in December of last year, everyone had given up on the Jazz, then came the Korver for Gira trade and it made all the difference.

I am encouraged and excited, but it is way too early to say it's the Jazz's year or to hope they win it all. Let's just see how they play things out game by game for a while. I do know that the 'experts' are all picking the Lakers. I'd love to beat LA.
Miles | 2:38 p.m. Oct. 24, 2008
The real "Miles" hasn't posted since 10 this morning. Everyone wants to be me.
CJ Miles = overrated | 2:48 p.m. Oct. 24, 2008
and will lose the starting job within the first month.
Miles | 3:07 p.m. Oct. 24, 2008
And who is going to replace him?
Jazzsmack | 3:51 p.m. Oct. 24, 2008
Heres the true predication:

The Jazz will make the playoffs and lose, as usual, in the playoffs.

Anyone true Jazz fan who takes their blinders or goggles or whatever headwear they are wearing that does not allow then see things as they really are,

Then you can see that without one or both these things they can not posssibly hope to win a championship (anyone willing look at and study championship teams will be able to see this):


1) Quality scorers/players/stars at the guard and small forward positions

Jazz have only one: deron, brewer can't shoot, and no small forward to speak of

2} Dominant center or 7 footer

again the Jazz have none although Okur is pretty good when he chooses to play.

And there is a third thing which is MUST and typically it is player in one of the two categoies mentioned above:

3) You MUST have player that was named to first team at the end the previous/current season (this includes first team defense)

Again the Jazz come up bupkis.

And all you have to do is study what makes a championship team a championhip team.

So, enjoy another winning season and NO championship, AGAIN!
So Jo | 5:12 p.m. Oct. 24, 2008
Re: Jazzsmack
BOOOOOO
Now why do you have to go and say something like that?
I think the Jazz have a way good chance of taking it all the way this year. It may be our only "window" of opportunity! So before you go off telling everyone that its never going to happen. Let them play and we will have this disscussion when the Jazz are playing in the playoffs! Its only pre season and we have yet to see the full potential of the team this year!
If We Get Anxious about Boozer.. | 5:34 p.m. Oct. 24, 2008
I say if Boozer starts to look like he's gonna bail like he did in Cleveland, we trade him for Odum come mid-season. Odom is not happy with the lakers and until they do something about him, he's gonna be a locker room nuissance like Giricek was with us. The lakers get boozer to finish the season, and then at the end, they can try to bribe him to stay or if he leaves they'll have more money to pay their young guys. Odom will be so happy to be off their team he'll have a monster 1/2 season with us. he can shoot, defend, post-up, and show up when it counts.

Only if Boozer looks like he's gonna bail though...
RE: Jazzman and nay-sayers | 5:40 p.m. Oct. 24, 2008
Who cares if we don't win a championship this year. If we lose in the playoffs, what do you get out of it? Nothing. If we win the whole thing this year what is your prize? Nothing! If we are out of the playoffs your life won't be over, you'll go to work the next day like you usually do. You'll do the same thing if we win it all. Bottom line, it doesnt affect your life, its just a game and nobody here wants to hear you whine about how you already have it all figured out. So just shut up and enjoy the season.
William K | 6:49 p.m. Oct. 24, 2008
Get to the hole C.J. is right on the money.
Could | 8:18 p.m. Oct. 24, 2008
The Jazz could win it all this year but it would take 4 things besides no injuries.

1. Better defense. That probably comes (mostly) from Brewer, Korver and CJ. Okur and Boozer know the system well and are not likely to improve much on defense. They are very good players but not likely to change as much as the newer younger players. The biggest weakness seems to be at the SG position which hurts the bigs on defense.

2. Better rebounding. If Koufos and Fez can get to the point where they can be inserted against bigger line ups for meaningful minutes that would really make a difference. At least one of them may be ready late in the season.

3. 3 point shooting. If the Jazz can consistently hit from outside it opens up the inside game.

4. Win 60% of the road games.

The formula outlined by Jazzsmack is one that can win a championship but it is not the only formula that can be made to work. The Jazz have the offense to win. They need road poise, defense, rebounding, steals etc. to win it all.
magnus | 1:20 a.m. Oct. 25, 2008
I just love these Jazz message boards, after every article regaurdless of the point of the article

miles sez...

"CJ needs more minutes"

Random "anonymous" posters say...

"miles is an idiot"

Then someone apparently pretends to be miles

Moto X sez something intelligent and well thought out but altogether too ambiguous and dry

Jazzsmack sez...

"here's list of reasons why the Jazz will NEVER win a championship"

and Sloan hater sez...

...Wait a minute, I haven't heard much from Sloan Hater this season, is there less to hate, or is he just waiting for the regular season to chime in.

Now quick, somebody do me.

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Utah forward Andrei Kirilenko is expected to move to the bench where his multidimensional game will give the Jazz versatility on its second team. Jazz point guard Deron Williams sprained his ankle last week, and his value to Utah has been apparent in missed games.

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