The NBA's Most Valuable Position....The Swing-Man

  For NBA fans this is time of year is the culmination of a great season.  Conference Finals have just kicked off.  In the Western Conference You have the #2 seed the Houston Rockets Versus the #1 seed Golden State Warriors.  The Eastern Conference consists of the #1 seed Atlanta Hawks versus the #2 seed Cleveland Cavaliers.  These series will be exciting and a lot of fun to watch, but they play styles of this years conference finals will be different then those in recent history and those of the great 80's and 90's. 

  Back in the 80's and 90's playoffs were dominated by big men and post play.  Names like Mchale, Parish, Jabbar, Olajuwon, Thorpe, Robinson, Malone.  More Recently Garnett, Duncan, O'neal, Gasol, Nowitzki.

  But this year is different.  Of the four teams not one of them has a 2 way dominant big man.  Names like Howard, Bogut, Horford, Mozgof all more known for their defense.  The days of the dominant 2 way big man are history.

This season and this year's playoffs will be dominated by the 6'5" to 6'8" swing-man.  The NBA game has changed.  Speed, spacing and shooting are all a premium in today's NBA.  The days of pounding the ball into the posts are gone.

  In both series, all of these teams have a plethora of 6'5" to 6'8" swing-men.

  The Cleveland Cavaliers have Lebron James, JR Smith and Iman Shumpert. These three will all play major roles and will be vital to the Cavaliers success.  The Cavs also have Shawn Marion, James Jones and Mike Miller that all fit the category but will likely play a minimal role.

  The Atlanta Hawks have Kyle Korver, Demarre Carroll, Paul Millsap, Kent Bazemore.  Mike Scott is also in this class as well as Thabo Sefelosha.  Scott will likely play a lesser role and Sefelosha is injured.

  The Golden State Warriors have Klay Thompson, Harrison Barnes, Draymond Green, Shaun Livingston and Andre Igoudala.  These five will all have major roles in the Warriors success.  The Warriors also have Justin Holiday and Brandon Rush that also fit this category.

  The Houston Rockets have James Harden, Trevor Ariza, Corey Brewer.  The Rockets have the least amount of swing-men of all four teams in the Conference finals.  This may affect the rockets chances with their lack of depth at the swing positions.

  The value of players of this size is that they can both offensively and defensively can play multiple positions.  While the size and versatility of these players is a must, all these players must be very athletic as well.  We have seen Harrison Barnes and Draymond Green defend shooting guards, small forwards, power forwards and centers.  Houston's Trevor Ariza will likely be guarding shooting guards and small forwards. But if Houston goes small will likely play some power forward.  Cleveland's LeBron James will guard all positions on the floor.
 
  Being able to do this allows teams to be very flexible.  Teams are able to play a small and play in transition with pace.  This also allows teams to slow the pace and play in half court set, as players of that size with a post skill-set stay in the game.  Players like Paul Millsap, Harrison Barnes and Draymond Green as well as LeBron James all have a very good post skill set.  Being able to play both styles is a must in today's NBA.  The ability to go from transition to a post oriented game as the playoffs tighten up is a must.

  On defense, all of these teams have multiple players of this size and skill-set on the floor at the same time.  It allows them to switch everything whether that is in the pick and roll or chasing players on off-ball screens.  Defense maybe the most valuable part of this type of player.

  The Golden State Warriors and the Atlanta Hawks are the cream of the crop of this style of basketball.  It will be interesting to see if the Houston Rockets and the Cleveland Cavaliers have the horses to be able to compete with these two teams.  The lack of depth for both Houston and Cleveland could play a major factor in their series.
 
   So what does this mean for the future of the NBA and specifically for the Utah Jazz?  Currently the Utah Jazz have Gordon Hayward, Alec Burks, Joe Ingles, Dante Exum and Rodney Hood that are all legitimate NBA talents. The Jazz also have Chris Johnson and Elijah Millsap both considered to be fringe NBA talents that fit this category.

  With the NBA Draft just around the corner and the Utah Jazz would be wise to look at players in this size with this type of athleticism.  This year's draft is full of players of this type.  Stanley Johnson, Kelly Oubre, Justin Anderson, Rondae Hollis-Jefferson, Sam Dekker, DeAngelo Russell, Emmanuel Mudiay, Mario Hezonja, Justise Winslow, Devin Booker, RJ Hunter. 

  This class of players ranges from point guards to post talented players as well as knock down shooters. There are elite athletes, great length and talented defenders.

  If you are the Utah Jazz, with the direction of the NBA, this is the type and pool of players you should be picking from for this year's draft.  Now it's time to pick your poison!

Minnesota: We lost that lovin feeling....

  This summer in the NBA is a pretty special one.  Starting Thursday we have a rematch of last years finals With the Spurs versus the Heat. Which proved to be a great series.  This will be the first time since the 97-98 season in which we have had the same two teams return to the finals.  The last teams to do so were the Utah Jazz and Chicago Bulls.  Kind of ironic, considering these two teams are fashioned similar to the Jazz and Bulls of the 90's.  Should make for another great series.

  Then in a few weeks we have the most coveted draft since Lebron James came in to the league.  A draft deep on talent with the top 3-4 players considered franchise building/cornerstone type players.  Four days following the draft, free agency begins with big names like James, Wade, Bosh, Nowitzki, Anthony all having the ability to find a new home if they so choose.

  But the biggest name being talked about is not a draft pick, not a free agent to be, but a player that is under contract next season.  A player that seemingly holds all the power in their hands due to an early out clause in his contract that could make him a free agent in the summer of 14-15, that being Kevin Love.

  Love has been been a Timberwolf  his entire career having been drafted by the Memphis Grizzlies and traded on draft day 2008 to Minnesota.  In his six years in Minnesota, the Timberwolves are yet to make the playoffs much to the dismay of Love.  So much so that there was a rumor at the beginning of last season that Love had requested to be traded.  The rumor was denied by both love and the franchise but the foundation had been laid.  Love was not happy and Minnesota need to appease him by adding quality teammates or lose him in free agency.  Minnesota chose to call Love's bluff and did not trade him before the deadline last season.

Bringing us to present day.....

  Love and his camp have officially lobbied for a trade now and are no longer denying their desire to move on.  As for Minnesota, they seem to want to believe it is all a bad dream.  They continue to hold to the fact that Love is under contract for the next season and that they fully expect him to play for the Timberwolves.  There have been hints and rumors that Minnesota is softening its stance on trading Love as they know they can not let him walk or lose him for nothing.

And that is where things get difficult.

  With Love having an early termination clause on his contract and technically only being under contract for the following season, he has all the power or control over where he gets traded.  At this point no team seems to be willing to role the dice on Love without the assurance that he will sign an extension.  The one team that might would be the Los Angles Lakers who did so with Dwight Howard who in turn left money on the table and left the lights of L.A. for greener pastures in Houston Texas.

  But this is different, as the Lakers are supposedly a preferred destination for Kevin Love.  It would be unlikely that the Lakers would need that assurance from Love, as he is a west coast guy, a southern California guy having been born in Santa Monica.   Last year Love was asked about playing for the Lakers and said that he was not sure the Lakers were a better situation than he was currently in in Minnesota.  He went as far as to say the Timberwolves were the better team.  True at the time.....

  But are we to believe that Love doesn't really want to play for the Lakers?  I believe that if he could choose and all things were equal, there is no way he turns down the Lakers.

  So what other options are there?  Cleveland did just win the #1 pick in this summers draft.  They are said to be in a "win now" situation and seem to be likely suitors for Love.  What about the Phoenix Suns?  They have multiple first round picks as well as a couple of young assets they could move.  The Suns first round picks include 14,18 and 27.  Is the combination of those picks and Gerald Green appealing?  What about the Chicago Bulls?  They have picks 16 and 19 the expiring contract of Carlos Boozer.  Maybe Jimmy Butler, Tony Snell.  Its unlikely they give up Taj Gibson....Or the Golden State Warriors.  They have no pick this year, but have young players like Klay Thompson and Harrison Barnes.  Many Jazz fans have clamored to get in the Love sweepstakes and the Jazz do have both picks and assets to do so, but I find it hard to believe the Jazz could get the assurance that Love would sign and extension.

Now we have the Flavor of the Month, the Boston Celtics.

  This weekend was a hot weekend for Love and Celtics rumors.  As Love took in a Red Sox game at Fenway.  It was also reported that Rajon Rondo happen to be at the same game.  There was also the this tweet from Red Sox DH David Ortiz, #cityofchampions.  As well as the rumored communication with Celtics legend Bill Walton.  Again, do the Celtics have the pieces to make this happen?  First off, they have a relationship with Minnesota thanks to a trade years ago in which a very similar situation was transpiring with then Timber wolf Kevin Garnett.  The Celtics also have picks 6 and 17 in this years draft.  They actually have 17 first round picks stockpiled in the next 10 years!  So picks, they have the assets.  What about players?  They have a good young small forward in Jeff Green, a young power forward in Jared Sullinger, big man Kelly Olynyk and veteran Gerald Wallace.  If the Celtics look to make the deal it is unlikely that they add Rajan Rondo, who too has been rumored to be on the trading block.  So clearly the Celtics have the assets.

  This may be the best situation for Love.  He would get the big market he so desires.  Would have the opportunity to play with a great point guard in Rajon Rondo and the Celtics will likely have picks and the flexibility to add a few other pieces to their two studs.  Personally, if Love is going to go somewhere, this is one place that I would like to see him.  One, it keeps him from the Lakers and two he is on the east coast.  I would like to see a little more balance in the conferences and this would help move towards that.

  Its only a matter of time at at this point.  Love has said he wants to be traded before the season and with the teams in play its likely that a trade gets done in the next couple of weeks.  Where ever Mr.Love ends up, I hope that he is able to get back "that loving feeling" again....

No Toughness, No Win....Jazz need more of it....

Needs to play if he is going to develop.

  This one was hard to watch.  Jazz fall 98-87.  The first quarter looked good from the Jazz, then they ran into shooting woes in the 2nd.  It was all up hill from there.  The Jazz did make a couple of pushes to get back in the game but fell short.  Lets take a look......

• Jazz shooting jumpers early.
• Team rebounding is not very good.  The wings expect Kanter and Favors to get all the boards.
• Jazz get good shots in the first quarter with post play and the draw and kick.
• Jazz shoot 33% in the first quarter.
• Jazz show very little toughness.  No hard fouls, nobody getting after anyone.
• Call me "Old School" but if a team is filling it up and rubbing it in with hand gestures and what not, I am laying a high hard one on someone.
• Favors is the catalyst for this teams heart.  \
• Jazz made a run in the 3rd, cut lead to 13 at one point then the officials saddled Hayward and Favors with their 4th fouls respectively.  Both questionable calls....
• Marvin Williams is playing really good basketball right now.  Aggressive and hitting the 3.
• Diante Garrett gave the team a nice spark the last 4 minutes of the 3rd.
• Garrett gets to the basket, drawing the defense in, causing rotation and havoc.  Sets up the Jazz for good looks and offensive rebounds.
• End of the 2nd and starting of the 3rd looked like the Jazz were done. 
• First possession of the 4th Warriors get 2 offensive rebounds. On the 3rd attempt, Warriors score.
• Heavy minutes for Jefferson taking its toll, no legs in the 4th, coming up short on jumpers.
• I  am a firm believer in the Jazz and the pick and roll.  With that being said it has to be done with the right personnel.  Not having Trey makes that offense difficult. Jazz may be better off working the post play with Favors and Kanter.
• Gordon would be well served to work on his post game.  Generally has a size advantage on whoever is guarding him
• Mark Jackson is far too smug for my taste.  Also don't care for the things he said after leaving the Jazz.
• Bogut understands how to give a hard foul.  Hammered Gordon on a semi-break.
• Kanter let Thompson split a trap and get an easy bucket.
• Curry goes out of the game in the 4th and the Jazz effort falls of at that point.
• Klay Thompson could show Gordon how to post up.
• Kanter had the opportunity to lay the same kind of foul on Barnes that Bogut did on Hayward, didn't happen.
• Jazz still don't run the break to score....missing too many opportunities in transition.
• Jazz shot better from the 3 then they did from the field.
• Jefferson shoots 2-9 and plays 31+ minutes, Burks goes 0-5 and plays only 23 minutes.
• Ty clearly still somewhat vet loyal.  If you are trying to develop young players, Burks, Clark, and Garrett are players that need to be playing.

  I guess the theme of this game for me tonight, is the Jazz just need to show some toughness and fight.  I can live with the Jazz going 1-81 on the season if they put up a fight.  These 2 games against the Warriors, there was very little of that.  I remember all the buzz about Kanter when he was drafted, that he had a nasty side to him.  Where is it?  People can blame Alec Burks for not being able to shoot, the entire starting lineup shot poorly,  I believe Alec can develop int to a capable shooter.  Tony Parker could not shoot his first 4-5 seasons in the league.  Derrick Rose could not shoot his first 2 seasons.  This is something that can be improved across the board for the team.  Its just a matter of spending time in the gym and getting up shots.  Ian Clark played 4 minutes at the end of the game and was hot.  Made Golden State put their starters back in since the Jazz closed the lead to 11.  These games are hard to watch when the effort is just not there.  Gotta be better Jazz.

Tonight's game on our terms....

  The Utah Jazz fell to the Golden State Warriors 88-102.  The Jazz had no answer for Steph Curry or Klay Thompson.  The Jazz's Derrick Favors had another really nice game.  The Jazz as a team, were killed on the boards, out rebounded 42-32.  Unfortunately, I was unable to get a recap out for the game so this will be a bit of a hybrid post.....look at a few of the things from Saturday's game and somethings to build on for tonight's match-up....

• Love the way Favors has been starting games.  Very aggressive and getting shots within the context of the offense.  
• I hate the sleeved jerseys.  That is not a good look....PERIOD.
• Ty had a really short leash, specifically on Burks and Kanter.  
• If you can't stop penetration, you will not beat anyone, let alone the Warriors.
• Jazz need to be more physical.  If they are going to take fouls, make sure the other team feels it.
• Gordon's 5-23 effort really affected him early in Golden State.
• Diante Garrett is learning what its like to play in the NBA every night....nerves got the best of him the last 2 games.
• Warriors are the epitome of tanking....ruined it for the rest of us....
• Kanter relies on his jumper too much....needs to get back in the post and use those post moves....
• Gordon Hayward has been over dribbling.  I understand a "search dribble"  but his is without a purpose.
• Tonight the Jazz need to "hedge" better on the pick and roll.  Can't just let Curry get to where he wants to every time.
• The Jazz must TEAM REBOUND tonight.  Gordon Hayward MUST get more than 2 rebounds.
• Ty needs to stick to his rotations.  He can't have such a short leash on two of the main cogs, in Burks and Kanter.  This really rattles this young team and they need to battle through it early in the season.
• Jazz did get to the line 16 times....need that effort plus some.
• DRAW and KICK.....This will help the Jazz get better shots....they have to be aggressive and attack.
• I would like to see more plays in the post from both Favors and Kanter.

  Really could have been a "copy and paste" job for tonight's game as far as a preview goes.  This one boils down to effort.  Being at home, not a back to back and the crowd behind this team gives the Jazz a shot.  GO JAZZ!

Back to back roadie for the Jazz tonight.

  The Utah Jazz gave one a way last night versus the San Antonio Spurs.  It was a rough night shooting, particularly for Gordon Hayward who went 5-23 from the field and 1-7 from 3.  The Jazz will be taking on the leagues 3rd  most efficient offense and 5th highest scoring team in the Golden State Warriors.  This will be a tough test for the offensively challenged Jazz.  The good news, the Jazz defense the last 2 games has been solid.  Lets take a look at tonight's match-up....

Defensively-The Warriors primarily run the pick and roll (as does most of the league) with Curry and Thompson both handling the ball.  They will also run both players off a lot of baseline screening action.  Klay Thompson is shooting the 3 at an unbelievable 50% clip!  Steph Curry at 46%  That is unreal shooting!  The Jazz will have to run both these players off their spots.  An idea that I feel could be effective on the pick and roll for the Jazz defense is something the Chicago Bulls do a lot on pick and roll defense.  The defender of the ball handler trails off the pick while the screeners man funnels the ball handler to the sideline or the base line.  This could be very effective against the Warriors with the length of Favors and Kanter.  It causes the ball handler to keep the ball and continue to the basket as the defender continues to trail, making it extremely difficult to pass for the pick and pop, or the roll.  If the Jazz run something like this, rotations must be quick and there must be a "help the helper" mentality.  The Warriors also have Andrew Bogut and David Lee.  Although they are not the focal point of the offense both players can be very good down low.  Both are prolific rebounders, thus making it a must for the Jazz to TEAM REBOUND!  Golden State does not shoot a lot of free-throws so the Jazz should be able to stay out of foul trouble.

Offensively-Four words...attack & pick and roll.  The Jazz MUST do these two things ad nauseum tonight.  The Jazz have been very efficient running the pick and roll lately.  They are getting great ball movement out of this action and getting whatever shot they want.  Just not making 'em. Favors is showing that the pick and roll game is a perfect fit for him and his offensive style.  I have noticed some great development in that facet of his game.  The best thing about this set, is the way the Jazz have moved the ball out of it.  They get in trouble when the rest of the team just watches the pick and roll happen.  No one flashing, everyone just spotting up.  This hurts the Jazz on two fronts.  They are forced in to tough contested shots and they have no one on the offensive boards.  The Jazz will need to move the ball, and swing it "weakside/strongside" to be efficient.  The Jazz have been pretty good in transition the last two games as well.  They will need to continue that against the Warriors.  The Warriors bigs are not particularly good in transition, a place that Kanter and Favors can take advantage of and get some easy ones.  I would also like to see the Jazz throw it inside to Favors and Kanter a bit more.  They are really developing in the post, and teams are having to double them.  This will help Gordon and Alec out, giving them more open jumpers.

  I loved the way the Jazz have played the last 2 games.  One win, one loss.  Not going to complain about that, considering the development we are seeing from this young team.  It will be interesting to watch Gordon and newcomer Diante Garrett tonight.  Both players coming off difficult games.  I had a feeling that Garrett may struggle in his second game with the Jazz, considering the first game he had no time to get nerves.  He will need to bounce back tonight as the Jazz will need him to produce and spell Alec.  I imagine that Ty will start Alec again at the point tonight.  Alec's length could make things difficult for Curry.  I would also like to see the Jazz be very physical with both Curry and Thompson as this seems to take them out of their game.  This game will be a very fast pace and up-tempo game.  Should be a lot of fun to watch for Jazz Fans!  GO JAZZ

Hate sleeved jerseys, glad hes not a Jazz Fan!

http://www.nba.com/gamenotes/warriors.pdf
http://www.nba.com/gamenotes/jazz.pdf

Jazz vs. Warriors Preview

  Tomorrow night kicks of the preseason for the Utah Jazz!  They are immediately put to the test with the Golden State Warriors.  I will try to highlight a few keys to the game.

  The first thing we need to remember is it will be the first game that our "Core 5" will play together.  There will be bumps for sure.  The coaching staff is will want to see how they react to different situations, all while evaluating everyone they have on the roster.  I do not envy the staff at all right now.

  Offensively-
  It will be interesting to see how much pick and roll is run and from what points on the floor.  I believe the Jazz will try to push the ball and let their athletes make plays.  Also look for the corner 3 from the Jazz.  I noticed that they shot a number of them in the scrimmage and they all seemed to come in the context of the offense.

Match-ups-
  There are more than a few good match-ups here.  Burke-Curry, Burks-Thompson, Hayward-Iguodala, Favors-Lee and Kanter-Bogut.  In my opinion, the match-ups to watch will be Kanter-Bogut, Burks-Thompson and one that is not on the list, Jefferson-Barnes.  I look for Kanter to try to play "bully ball' with Bogut, who is a solid defender.  If Kanter can be efficient inside it could be a good night for the Jazz. Burks-Thompson match-up needs to be looked at from a defensive stand point.  How does Alec do chasing Klay of screens all game long?  This is one of the things that Alec has struggled with in the past.  Klay has the green light, but if Alec is able to stay with him off the screen and contest shots we should be in good shape.  Lastly, Richard Jefferson has a bit of a chip on his shoulder.  He has been injured the last couple of seasons and wants to prove that he can still be an effective player in the league.  Look for Jefferson to try to teach his young protege Barnes a thing or two.

Defensively-
  This will be what the staff will evaluate the team and each player on the most.  The Jazz have changed their philosophy some, now instead of forcing an offensive player to the middle, they will force the player to the sideline or baseline.  Also, watch the bigs on the pick and roll.  Do they hedge effectively and make Curry give the ball up?  The Jazz rotations and 3 point contests will have to be solid.  Golden State will put up any open 3 they get, transition or half court.  So players will need to identify shooters early in transition.  Lastly, the defensive boards.  Are the wings crashing the boards helping Favors and Kanter out?  Golden State is a good rebounding team and the Jazz will need a team effort here.  Does Gordon get more than 3 boards?  If he has a 5-6 board night I think the Jazz will have a chance.

  Its an early measuring stick and a good one at that.  I look forward to seeing if the Jazz are starting to put it together.  The Jazz will need to play an efficient game, limit turnovers and win the battle of the boards if they look to come out on top in this one.  Good luck and Go Jazz