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Utah Jazz feel backup point in good hands
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todd???... | 4:38 a.m. Oct. 14, 2009
Do you really watch the NBA? The Lakers and Utah can't play against each
other in the finals. they are both in the western conference. Are you resting
your hopes on Suton? Come on.
Matt | 7:35 a.m. Oct. 14, 2009
I was at the scrimmage and the things that surprised me the most is how hard
Williams went at Maynor and how hard Korver went at Price (Price and Korver
started at 2) Both saw they had a size advantage and really took it too the
other guys. Maynor couldn't stop Williams in the post, but I was really
impressed with him. It was fun to watch.
I don't think Suton looks like anything special. Neither does Koufus or Fesenko. The Jazz white team didn't play great team defense (the blue team got plenty of transition dunks and open threes) but the blue team looked good (The blue team started DWill, Price, AK, Booze and Okur. So basically the white team had no chance)
I still think Boozer should start, but Millsap outplayed Boozer. Boozer hustles, but somehow guys like Millsap and Price have an extra degree of hustle. They are fun too watch.
Price had a sick rebound dunk and Millsap had a sweet dunk on Fesenko. It was brutal.
The players really went at each other. Korver looked really good (he did last year too) hopefully he has a good year.
I don't think Suton looks like anything special. Neither does Koufus or Fesenko. The Jazz white team didn't play great team defense (the blue team got plenty of transition dunks and open threes) but the blue team looked good (The blue team started DWill, Price, AK, Booze and Okur. So basically the white team had no chance)
I still think Boozer should start, but Millsap outplayed Boozer. Boozer hustles, but somehow guys like Millsap and Price have an extra degree of hustle. They are fun too watch.
Price had a sick rebound dunk and Millsap had a sweet dunk on Fesenko. It was brutal.
The players really went at each other. Korver looked really good (he did last year too) hopefully he has a good year.
Comments continue below
Matt | 7:40 a.m. Oct. 14, 2009
It really is a talented team, definitely the best the Jazz have had for a long
time. We didn't trade for more talent (like the Spurs, Lakers and Blazers
did) but AK could have a career year, Korver looks confident and will probably
have a career year, Brewer gets better every year, everyone was saying how good
Miles looked, Boozer (if he stays healthy) is a beast and an all-star, Millsap
has worked on his game, and Williams ankle isnt gonna slow him down. The only
guy that might get slower is Okur, but he still looks good.
Could be a really fun year.
Could be a really fun year.
check this Todd | 8:12 a.m. Oct. 14, 2009
Read about this scrimmage/practice and I did not read anything about Koufos or AK in the articles. Means they are up to their old selves of wanting to play NBA ball but not skillful enough. I did read about Fes as he got dunked on.
I am happy to hear we have a backcourt that is outstanding, we have been needing that for years. I am not sure you can win with a strong backcourt and an anemic front court in the NBA. Boozer will show up and play like a man, and Okur will continue to hit the threes but as for the rest....
Nice that Korver can pick on his replacement as the rest of the NBA picks on him while he plays so he should be a master at picking on slower and weaker players by now.
Brewer continues to struggle as a shooter so we need help there, desperately!
If I were a rookie I would love to try out for the Jazz as they have some glaring holes to fill.
Bub | 8:15 a.m. Oct. 14, 2009
All the Jazz need to complete their roster are a couple of backup guards who
could step in and add some spark. I am talking about Dez Harris and Kellen McCoy
who are still available. Take a look at these home grown talents before someone
else snaps them up.
Could Be | 8:15 a.m. Oct. 14, 2009
maybe Matt. but Boozer still has to learn to play D. AK47 plays D but boozer
does not. and those are your franchise players. Okur has problems posting up vs.
the big boys but makes up in long distance shooting skills/threat. Millsap and
Brewer along with Miles will be the key to the story. should they ramp up in
ability and agility then the Jazz may be able to do something this year.
todd to 438 am? | 8:41 a.m. Oct. 14, 2009
The western conference finals. As if you could not tell that you just had to
get a dig in
Miles | 9:37 a.m. Oct. 14, 2009
I am very concerned that with the type of injury CJ has (shooting hand) that he
may be lost for the year. He may never be 100% this year.
UVU alum | 10:05 a.m. Oct. 14, 2009
Price is right!! Go Ronnie!
The Truth | 10:09 a.m. Oct. 14, 2009
Here is my take from the practice last night, Brewer hit some pull up J's
and played pretty good defense. AK shot the ball pretty well during the game and
D-will is a competitive freak. I thought Milsap brought his typical hard nose
game and hounded Booz on D. I like Price playing the energizer role off the
bench. Maynor may be a better option at running the team as a back up point
guard. Booz looks like he is going through the motions until the regular season
starts, no sense in wasting effort in the preseason? Everyone is talking about
Wes Matthews, I barely noticed him on the floor. I thought Koufos rebounded the
ball and played good D. I think Dupree has the upper hand when it comes to being
the last person to make the team although is dunk attempt, caught on the front
rim was terrible and his turn around jam on the rebound shows how athletic he
is. I would have liked to see CJ.
The Truth | 10:23 a.m. Oct. 14, 2009
I still have some of the same concerns from last year with this team. Defense is
the number one issue,the Jazz like to force players to the middle instead of the
baseline, only Booz and Memo don't scare anyone and Fess and Koufos are
still young and inexperienced. Booz still can't finish in traffic and
stuggles against taller bigs. I question whether Paul M. can score enough in the
low block to demand a double team and make Boozer disposable. Shooting is still
an issue with Brewer and AK, can you play them together? I was really hoping
Koufos would make a major jump and provide some shot blocking and inside scoring
but I haven't seen it yet. Here is my suggestion if Booz isn't in the
Jazz long term plans trade Booz for a starting 2 guard and lets give the young
bigs some time to develop. Here is to hoping at least CJ makes a big leap
otherwise, same old Jazz. Stephen Jackson anyone? Hamilton/draft pick?
re:Miles | 10:47 a.m. Oct. 14, 2009
Glad your concerned about Miles.
A couple of things:
1. Stop making excuses for CJ--Kobe played with a demolished pinky finger all season. You don't use your pinky or your thumb alot when you shoot. CJ does not do much else besides anyway.
2. Just a little help with your numbers...Miles has never been 100%.
He usually plays about 50 - 75 range. That is why his defense and rebounding are so lame.
A couple of things:
1. Stop making excuses for CJ--Kobe played with a demolished pinky finger all season. You don't use your pinky or your thumb alot when you shoot. CJ does not do much else besides anyway.
2. Just a little help with your numbers...Miles has never been 100%.
He usually plays about 50 - 75 range. That is why his defense and rebounding are so lame.
Bingnut | 10:51 a.m. Oct. 14, 2009
RE:MATT
I agree the Jazz have a lot of tallent but we don't have enough minutes for all these guys. BOOZER, MILSAP, KIRILENKO, OKUR, BREWER, MILES, WILLIAMS, KORVER can demand 30 plus minutes when are all these guys going to see time. KOC needs to move 2 or three of three of these guys for someone that is more talented. The teams that really compete for a title have consolidated their tallent into 2 or 3 guys and then surround them with low cost decent players. Maybe we do this by letting Boozer's contract expire and getting a great player with the Knicks pick but more likely we will to package some talent like the celtics did a few years ago.
I agree the Jazz have a lot of tallent but we don't have enough minutes for all these guys. BOOZER, MILSAP, KIRILENKO, OKUR, BREWER, MILES, WILLIAMS, KORVER can demand 30 plus minutes when are all these guys going to see time. KOC needs to move 2 or three of three of these guys for someone that is more talented. The teams that really compete for a title have consolidated their tallent into 2 or 3 guys and then surround them with low cost decent players. Maybe we do this by letting Boozer's contract expire and getting a great player with the Knicks pick but more likely we will to package some talent like the celtics did a few years ago.
I'll tell you | 10:52 a.m. Oct. 14, 2009
IF and that is a big IF, we truly have better PG play this year it will be 3-5
added wins.
The fact Deron had to play so much last season and get less rest and make up so much ground when our bench struggled contributed to several losses last season.
The average margin of victory in the NBA is just 3 points. That is not much and if the backup PG's can do a better job it will impact the outcome of games.
The blue and white game shows you what a difference a very good PG can do. That is just magnified during the season.
No good PG? You are basically doomed.
Obviously our backups are no where near our starter but lets be clear--that is the case on most every team in the NBA. There is a big drop off. WE just have to have guys that don't lose ground when Deron sits--closing the margin on another team would be gravy.
The fact Deron had to play so much last season and get less rest and make up so much ground when our bench struggled contributed to several losses last season.
The average margin of victory in the NBA is just 3 points. That is not much and if the backup PG's can do a better job it will impact the outcome of games.
The blue and white game shows you what a difference a very good PG can do. That is just magnified during the season.
No good PG? You are basically doomed.
Obviously our backups are no where near our starter but lets be clear--that is the case on most every team in the NBA. There is a big drop off. WE just have to have guys that don't lose ground when Deron sits--closing the margin on another team would be gravy.
js | 11:21 a.m. Oct. 14, 2009
If Price is so good this year, and D Will is so confident in his abilities, why
did he spend so much time riding pine last year. Did he start out being capable,
then become useless, and now all of a sudden he is valuable again? Why did coach
Sloan quit playing him last year? Will he still sit idle this year? Is he fixed
again? Somebody enlighten me.
Thanks.
Thanks.
todd to the truth | 11:22 a.m. Oct. 14, 2009
See magnus takes yesterday on 5 options who could be looked at in a trade, the
order he had them I am in total agreement. I have promoted Jackson. His getting
suspended again and his comments, are starting to turn me off. Sometimes, like a
Brandon Marshall you have to shut up and play. He grew up and the Broncos are
benefitting
todd to ill tell you | 11:41 a.m. Oct. 14, 2009
great great post. That is exactly the way I feel. That is when Howard Eisley
was here. In close games to keep close to equal standard with backups just
like the 5-0 start last year will go a long way to win close games at the
end-especially on the road......
re: matt | 11:50 a.m. Oct. 14, 2009
AK could have a career year??? Based upon what???
AK just might be the worst offensive player in an 8 man rotation in the ENTIRE NBA and he is average on defense if you consider his totat contribution, he blocks a few shots, but he is an awful perimeter defensive player.
Just saying someone could have a "career year" is silly.
AK just might be the worst offensive player in an 8 man rotation in the ENTIRE NBA and he is average on defense if you consider his totat contribution, he blocks a few shots, but he is an awful perimeter defensive player.
Just saying someone could have a "career year" is silly.
I was actually excited to get | 12:28 p.m. Oct. 14, 2009
Brevin Knight originally, but Ronnie Price always outplayed him. I'm glad
we kept Price. Sloan even admitted during the summer he should have played
Price more. Just a weakness Sloan has to play experience over talent.
Miles | 12:37 p.m. Oct. 14, 2009
Back in 05 or 06 milsap ruptured a ligament in his finger as well. He looks
pretty good. The real problem is not C.J's finger. It's C.J. himself.
Really Miles?! | 1:32 p.m. Oct. 14, 2009
You don't use your thumb a lot when you shoot?! you're clearly not a
shooter a shattered pinky can be annoying but you can get that out of the way
while shooting. a busted thumb on your shooting hand is a far superior problem!
if you're not using your thumb on your shooting hand you're shot will
have an incredibly slow release and will be ridiculously inconsistent and
unstable. Go pick up a basketball and shoot without using your thumb. I'd
like to see you even get a single shot off against an even average defender
Bad Stat | 1:32 p.m. Oct. 14, 2009
To: I'll tell you
The average margin of victory in the NBA is absolutely not 3 points. Take a quick look at any of last year's NBA teams and look at the average score spread. Much higher than 3. (Think about how many one or two point games would be required to average out a 15-point win.)
So while you might otherwise make some decent points, their credibility is marginalized when made-up stats are thrown around.
The average margin of victory in the NBA is absolutely not 3 points. Take a quick look at any of last year's NBA teams and look at the average score spread. Much higher than 3. (Think about how many one or two point games would be required to average out a 15-point win.)
So while you might otherwise make some decent points, their credibility is marginalized when made-up stats are thrown around.
Northstar | 1:33 p.m. Oct. 14, 2009
Questions and Observations:
I saw the scrimmage last nite. I was really encouraged. These guys seriously competed and went at each other. They are very athletic.
Ronnie Brewer played on the White team (2nd string) with Ronnie Price starting at 2 guard for Blue. Does that indicate that Brewer might have been pushed out of the starting line up? People have said you can't play AK and Brewer at the same time, cause you can't spread the floor enough. Well, if you play Price at the 2 guard, he can certainly hit the 3 pt shot, and spread the floor. With AK starting at the SF spot on Blue squad, maybe the plan is to start Price at the 2 guard?
I noted that the 1st of 2 periods ended tied at was it 34-34? The White squad played toe-to-toe with Blue squad, even got a 5 point lead at one point before D-Will called time out. They got gassed at the end with turn-overs, etc. The squad with 2 point guards (that could rotate) outlasted the team with one point guard.
I saw the scrimmage last nite. I was really encouraged. These guys seriously competed and went at each other. They are very athletic.
Ronnie Brewer played on the White team (2nd string) with Ronnie Price starting at 2 guard for Blue. Does that indicate that Brewer might have been pushed out of the starting line up? People have said you can't play AK and Brewer at the same time, cause you can't spread the floor enough. Well, if you play Price at the 2 guard, he can certainly hit the 3 pt shot, and spread the floor. With AK starting at the SF spot on Blue squad, maybe the plan is to start Price at the 2 guard?
I noted that the 1st of 2 periods ended tied at was it 34-34? The White squad played toe-to-toe with Blue squad, even got a 5 point lead at one point before D-Will called time out. They got gassed at the end with turn-overs, etc. The squad with 2 point guards (that could rotate) outlasted the team with one point guard.
Cowboy Joe | 1:41 p.m. Oct. 14, 2009
This is the best set of PG's since Stockton and Delanney Rudd. Man Rudd was
a Stud.
I hope the year goes great, but the Jazz desperately need a awesome wing. That and a defensive big are the TWO GLARING needs and neither one has been answered.
I don't think a dominant wing would ever play in Slowns system, so maybe a new coach and system would also do the trick.
I am tired of the Players and Coaches talking about defense. Show me don't tell me you're going to play defense this year.
I hope the year goes great, but the Jazz desperately need a awesome wing. That and a defensive big are the TWO GLARING needs and neither one has been answered.
I don't think a dominant wing would ever play in Slowns system, so maybe a new coach and system would also do the trick.
I am tired of the Players and Coaches talking about defense. Show me don't tell me you're going to play defense this year.
Northstar | 1:43 p.m. Oct. 14, 2009
To continue:
Yes, AK did look good, I'd say he could have a career year. His added muscle looks good, he moved strong to the basket a few times, didn't look like a pencil man. His shooting stroke off of curls, etc. looked really good. I think he got his touch back. Again, AK looked good. I think he is gonna start at the SF position.
Kofous didn't shine offensively, but I thought he did a great job matching up with Okur, played tough defense. When the White squad got burned at the end, I think Kofous was on the bench, and Okur was open at the 3-point line like 3 times in short order. And he made them pay for leaving him open.
I thought Korver looked well recovered from his surgery. His stroke looked sweet. While Korver started out matched against Price at the 2 guard, later he was matched against AK at the small forward. That was interesting to watch, a good, competitive match-up. I see Korver doing well at small forward.
I don't think Suton is gonna make the cut. I think the nod will go to Dupree.
Yes, AK did look good, I'd say he could have a career year. His added muscle looks good, he moved strong to the basket a few times, didn't look like a pencil man. His shooting stroke off of curls, etc. looked really good. I think he got his touch back. Again, AK looked good. I think he is gonna start at the SF position.
Kofous didn't shine offensively, but I thought he did a great job matching up with Okur, played tough defense. When the White squad got burned at the end, I think Kofous was on the bench, and Okur was open at the 3-point line like 3 times in short order. And he made them pay for leaving him open.
I thought Korver looked well recovered from his surgery. His stroke looked sweet. While Korver started out matched against Price at the 2 guard, later he was matched against AK at the small forward. That was interesting to watch, a good, competitive match-up. I see Korver doing well at small forward.
I don't think Suton is gonna make the cut. I think the nod will go to Dupree.
Re: Houdini | 2:06 p.m. Oct. 14, 2009
It's not C.J.'s finger I agree, it's his thumb. duh... Do you
know the difference? It takes at least four weeks after the cast comes off in
four weeks before they can play. After he comes back from this injury, then we
will talk about how he is playing.
Difference between PG's | 2:25 p.m. Oct. 14, 2009
Brevin is a true PG and could run the offensive sets better than Price last
season. Brevin could not throw it in the ocean much but he was good at steals
and did not turn the ball over alot on average.
Ronnie was a faster more athletic player and more of a scorer (when he is on). An excellent change of pace. Price has had another year under his belt trying to run the offense and for a player that is not a true PG in this system that is big for him.
There are pros and cons to both. Price struggles getting our bench players into the offensive sets and that is when our offense really stagnates because these are not a bunch of one-on-one athletes who can create much on their own. PG's getting them the ball in the best place for each player to score is crucial.
Ronnie was a faster more athletic player and more of a scorer (when he is on). An excellent change of pace. Price has had another year under his belt trying to run the offense and for a player that is not a true PG in this system that is big for him.
There are pros and cons to both. Price struggles getting our bench players into the offensive sets and that is when our offense really stagnates because these are not a bunch of one-on-one athletes who can create much on their own. PG's getting them the ball in the best place for each player to score is crucial.
Bones | 5:33 p.m. Oct. 14, 2009
Any thoughts on Price maybe seeing a few backup 2 guard minutes?
G in VA | 10:31 a.m. Oct. 15, 2009
I'm so glad that Maynor is looking good for a rookie! I'm a VCU fan --
we all loved him and are rooting for him and the Jazz. In my view, Maynor will
just keep getting better...
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Utah's Eric Maynor (left) tries to put the shot over Kyrylo Fesenko during a scrimmage.
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I have become more optimistic with the training camp and games so far. I have said and will say that this season will not be considered for me successful unless we get to the Finals vs the Lakers. Win or Lose.
There is very good versatility with this squad, I do not ever remember a year where you can mix and match so well. The key is no injuries. If Suton and Koustos continue to develop, it likely will be the best 12 players we have ever put on the court.
Yes, I think we have a good chance to at least win the Northwest Division. And that gives you the best chance for a deep at least 2 round winning playoff run...