Raw Materials: What the Utah Jazz have to work with

  A few days ago we began the discussion of building a foundation for the Utah Jazz.  Some of the "keys" that were discussed was the need for a "foundation" or principals and concepts.  We know that Dennis Lindsey has said that he wants a great defensive team, that likely being the number one principal that Lindsey is looking for.  Another principal that I believe that Lindsey is looking for is a "2 big" system.  His quotes as of the last couple games of the season and since, seem to insist on Kanter and Favors playing together.  That brings us to the "Cornerstone" Derrick Favors.  He is the key to the defensive principals and concepts that Lindsey appears to have in mind.  He is also a key figure in what appears to be a 2 big system.

  With those things in mind, lets take a look at the "Raw Materials" the Jazz have to work with in building this foundation for a successful franchise for years to come.  I wanted to look at some of the numbers for the Jazz young core coming in to the league.  I was able to pull players NBA Draft Combine numbers from Draft Express  http://www.draftexpress.com/nba-pre-draft-measurements/  It is likely that some of these numbers have actually increased for some of the players with all the work they do at P3 in the off season.  This should give us a decent baseline for some of the physical characteristics as well as some of their athleticism numbers.  These numbers should give us an idea of potential for the young core, if they are put in a system that takes advantage of these attributes and allows them to be successful.

  Trey Burke-

Wingspan 6'5"
Agility 11.20
Sprint 3.16

  I was surprised to find that Trey's wingspan was actually an inch longer than thought going in to the combine.  He shows good lateral quickness with the agility drill and his sprint time is good.  For comparison, Mike Conley Jr is often the comparison for Trey.  Conley agility time was 11.63 and his wingspan is equal at 6'5.75".  With the tools Trey has to work with he should be a better defender than he was this season.  Granted he was a rookie and is learning the pro game and the physicality of it, but Trey has all the tools to be an above average defender.  He has considerable length and could learn to play the passing lanes similar to Conley.

Alec Burks-

Wingspan 6'10"
Agility 10.96
Sprint 3.17

  To say I was surprised by Trey's wingspan, I was shocked by Alec's.  Here is a player with the tools to be an elite defender in my opinion.  He has incredible length for his size, has decent lateral quickness and has a burst that not many have at his size.  Alec's weakest point may be that lateral quickness.  It shows in game, as he struggles to get over screens.  Alec is good straight up, but when that screen comes it throws him off his game.  This is where he should be taking advantage of the great length he has and over playing to push away from the screen.  Alec has some of the best numbers but may lack some understanding to the concepts that were taught.  Given the right concept Alec should be able to wreak havoc in the passing lanes, as well as a help side shot blocker.  Not to mention his ability to stay in front of his man straight up.

Gordon Hayward-

Wingspan 6'7.75"
Agility 11.73
Sprint 3.22

  What Gordon lacks in mind-blowing numbers he makes up for with surprisingly high athletic numbers and smarts.  Gordon's no step vertical jump actually comes out at 30.5".  That is an inch less than Gerald Green of the Phoenix Suns, and we all know what type of athlete he is.  Gordon's max vertical jump is 34.5"  For comparison sake, Gordon's lateral quickness is actually better than Jimmy Butler of Chicago, who is widely consider to be a good defender.  Gordon is a good team defender and does a great job fighting over the tops of screens.  I think what really helps Gordon defensively, is he does his "homework" early.  He knows where his opponent wants to get to and fights them early and tries to push them off their spots.

Derrick Favors-

Wingspan 7'4"
Agility 11.74
Sprint 3.25

  We all know that Derrick has incredible length and athleticism.  Little needs to be discussed as far as his "tools" go.  What may be lacking from Derrick is that knowledge of defense, concepts and positioning.  I guess it could be simplified down to basketball IQ.  I believe that time on the court and in the film room will be the keys to his development.  He needs to do that "homework" that was discussed with Gordon.  He needs to understand personnel and put in the work early to push them off their spots.

Enes Kanter-

Wingspan 7'1.5"
Agility 11.30
Sprint 3.26

  This is where things get very interesting.  Enes has some unreal numbers for a guy his size and position.  The most surprising is the lateral quickness.  Enes has the foot speed that he should be able to defend a hard hedge on the pick and roll and still have the quicks to get back to his man.  As we all know all to well, that does not seem to be the case.  So why is that? The numbers say that he should be able to do that.  I think Enes has the same issue that Derrick does.  Lack of court and film time.  Defensive instincts are natural for some players like Rudy Gobert.  Others, like Enes need to be taught.  Defense is a concept that I feel can be taught to any player.  It is a concept of effort more often than the tools that a player has.  Enes has the "tools" but lacks the knowledge and understanding of the game.  The question is how long do you want to wait for those attributes to develop?

Rudy Gobert-

Wingspan 7'8.5"
Agility 12.85
Sprint 3.57

  Rudy's physical size is amazing!  He is so long and has huge hands.  Rudy does not have the lateral quickness which is a given, but that length is very effective in the pick and roll situation, forcing the guard to have to swing out wider than they would like.  It also makes the pass extremely difficult on the pick and pop.  While the lateral quickness and sprint seem a bit slow to me, I can safely say that I have seen improvement through out the season in Rudy's quickness.  As great as the physical numbers are for Rudy, you can't overstate his natural defensive instincts and his will to be a GREAT defender.  He understands where is his bread is buttered.

  These players are the "raw materials" the Jazz have to work with.  They have other pieces that are currently on the roster that will help build this team.  Guys like Jeremy Evans and Diante Garrett both have great length for their size.  Jeremy has other-worldly athleticism and Diante does a good job laterally and playing the passing lanes.  I look at these players and the numbers therein and find myself optimistic.  Given the right concepts, development and coaching I feel these players could be the core of a top 10 defensive team.

  Going  forward, I will discuss some concepts both offensively and defensively that could be used to make these players successful and continue to build upon the foundation. I will also try to touch on possible coaching candidates and how they might fit with this young group.  Again Jazz fans, there is a lot to be excited about!

GO JAZZ!

Impose your will....or not....

  Okay Jazz fans, I want you to scan your memory banks.  Look hard.  You may need to take a look in the way back machine, but here is the question, when was the last time a Jazz team imposed their will on an opponent? I am not talking about for a game or a stretch, but where a team knows that they are going to be in for a fight.  Figure it out yet?  Exactly....its been a long time, a really long time.  Dare I say back to the Jerry Sloan days?  Think about that, if I am being kind, I would say maybe the year that Jazz made a Western Conference Finals run with Deron and Booz.  But that is being generous.

  The last time the Jazz had a team that imposed their will upon an opponent would be the days of Stockton and Malone.  Those teams did what they wanted night in and night out.  You knew they were going to run the pick and roll with John and Karl.  You knew they were going to run the FLEX with Hornacek coming of a pick to hit that elbow jumper.  You knew that if you took the ball to the hoop Malone or Ostertag were going to foul you hard.  You were going to earn those points.

Fast Forward....

  For the past 5 years this Jazz team has been imposed upon.  5 years!  In a "season of discovery" and an opportunity to discover what assets, if any, the Jazz continue to play to their opponent.  We can look at this a number of ways.  From match-ups, to offensive and defensive game plans.  The Jazz never say this is who we are, or this is what we are going to do, now stop it.  Granted the Jazz can beat themselves at this with poor execution, bad personnel match-ups etc.  But this team has not said, this is who we are and we are going to battle with this win or lose.

  This can also be said of the players.  For example, both Gordon and Trey are slumping.  Their offense is lackluster and does not exhibit any confidence.  Advantage defense.  There is all this talk of "getting in the gym" or "getting shots up before and after practice".  But I think the fast way out of a so-called slump is to be the aggressor.  To IMPOSE YOUR WILL!  It would serve both these players well to come into the game and make sure that their first shots are going to the basket, being aggressive and putting the oh-nus on the officials.  Yeah its going to get you some bumps and bruises and you are not going to get calls at times, but it says to your opponent, this is what I am going to do STOP ME!

  The same can be said about the Jazz lineup decisions and rotations.  We have 3 very talented bigs, that need time and development together, not substituting for each other.  This is where we need to say, Kanter and Favors, Gobert and Favors, Gobert and Kanter, this is who and what we are going to run, STOP US!  This season is unlike any other, where the option to run these kinds of lineups and the ramifications of running them do not hurt the over all numbers.  They give the staff opportunities to teach and develop, to make these players the kind of players the front office believes they can be, for the future.

  Lastly, its the kind of mentality that needs to be developed on this young team.  That they know that the staff believes that they CAN succeed.  That they CAN impose their will on their opponent.  That the opponent has to game plan for the Utah Jazz, not the Utah Jazz game planing for the rest of the league.

So many questions....Not a lot of answers.

  The last 2 weeks have had their ups and downs for the Utah Jazz.  There have been wins, there have been losses.  Good games by Enes Kanter, Alec Burks.  Struggles for Gordon Hayward and Trey Burke, and injuries to the cornerstone Derrick Favors as well as Jeremy Evans.  The vets Richard Jefferson and Marvin Williams continue to battle through their own nicks and dings.  But one question remains, who are the Utah Jazz?

  We are better than half way through the season and I rack my brain game after game, trying to identify what this Jazz team hangs their hat on.  General Manager Dennis Lindsey stated at the first of the season and he wanted to see this young team develop, see what pieces he had to build with.  He also mentioned the need to build a top caliber defense.  At this point, can Dennis Lindsey say that the Jazz have accomplished either of these goals?  Only he can answer that question....

  As I watch the Jazz, I can't put my finger on one thing that this team is.  Are they a post team?  A transition team?  A 3pt shooting team?  A defensive team?  Night in and night out the Jazz have been any of these, but they are never consistently one.  And there in lies the problem....

  This is a young team that needs direction, guidelines and roles.  Just saying that we are going to compete every night is great, but young players need something to focus on, a role, something that the are going to focus on and execute.

  So what are those roles?  Do the players have them?  Do they know and understand what they are?  How were those roles chosen and do they put the player or players in the best position to be successful?  While I am not at practice and don't know what Coach Corbin and the staff go over with the players, watching the games leaves me wondering if the players know their roles.

  David Locke, radio voice for the Utah Jazz, made mention on his Tipoff podcast the fact that Alec Burks has an elite skill as an attacker/penatrator and score and the fact that that is a building block for a player and an offense.  This has lead me to think about the young core and their skills or things that are valuable or valued on this team.  What are they?  How can the Jazz build off of them?  Lets take a look....

  Derrick Favors, in my opinion, his elite skill would be a defender or rim protector.  Enes Kanter, would have to be an offensive rebounder.  Rudy Gobert, very similar to Favors as a defender and rim protector.  Trey Burke, his elite skill would have to be the mid-range game, a lost art in the NBA game.  Four players that have elite skills or talents.

  Are they being put in a position to use those skills and be successful?  I am not so sure.  For all the talk of Kanter and Favors can or can't play together (depends on which side of the fence you are on) I believe they can.  Both players have elite skills that offset each other.  While Kanter struggles on defense and his rotations he is a much better offensive rebounder than Favors.  Because the Jazz have change their philosophy on defense and the fact that they want to stop transition, they are missing out on second chance points and thus negating Kanters skill.  So why not play Favors and Kanter together?  Make Kanters role that of an offensive rebounder and hitting the offensive glass hard.  Make Derrick Favors the rim protector and defender.  He has the responsibility to get back in transition and protect the basket.  The same philosophy could be used with Gobert instead of Favors.  Or if you are going to play Favors and Gobert together, have Derrick crash the boards.  The options are there and they should be looked at a lot more than they are,


  So that leaves us with Gordon Hayward and Jeremy Evans.  What are their elite skills or talents?  While Jeremy Evans will never be a starter in the league and likely not a 6th man in the league, he can be a valuable contributor off the bench.  If you were to ask me what Jeremy's elite skill COULD be, I would tell you that I believe he could be an elite weak-side/help defender.  Jeremy is long and extremely athletic.  The prefect combination for a help defender.  I hate to say it but I don't think this skill has been developed very well for Jeremy.  One other aspect Jeremy's game that is over-looked is his energy/motor.  He plays hard all the time.  Sports Illustrated Seth Davis wrote a fantastic piece about talent in college basket ball and the need for a new definition for players other than just measurables.  If you haven't read it I would strongly suggest it, here is the link  http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/college-basketball/news/20140203/hoop-thoughts-talent/?eref=sihp

  So what is Gordon Hayward's elite skill?  He is a good passer, a good defender, a good shooter, good from 3pt range, an average rebounder.  What is Gordon's elite skill?  While Gordon is good in a lot of areas and valuable because of this, I am not sure he has an elite skill.  He is not a great 3pt shooter.  He is good in the pick and roll but his handle tends to be loose from time to time and can be turnover prone.  The skill that I would say would be closest to elite would be defense.  He has good lateral quickness, sneaky athletic and is long.  He has the ability to defend multiple positions as well as being a good help defender.  With that being said, is Gordon focusing too much on his offense?  Has he been put in a position to enhance that skill?

You decide...

  For the Jazz, the All-star break is just around the corner.  I would hope the Jazz get some good rest, come back healthy, refreshed and focused.  I hope they have a renewed interest and effort in finding out their elite skills and identity as a team.

MOTIVATION!....Derrick Favors snubbed by USA basketball

  Yesterday USA basketball announced their pool of players for this summers World Cup of Basketball and 2016 Summer Games.  The list has the usual suspects, but there was one name that was left off that I found very interesting, Derrick Favors.  The list looks like this...

Carmelo Anthony
Tyson Chandler
Stephen Curry
Anthony Davis
Kevin Durrant
James Harden
Dwight Howard
Andre Iguodala
Lebron James
Kevin Love
Chris Paul
Derrick Rose
Russel Westbrook
Deron Williams
LaMarcus Aldridge
Bradley Beal
DeMarcus Cousins
Andre Drummond
Kenneth Faried
Paul George
Blake Griffin
Gordon Hayward
Kyrie Irving
Kyle Korver
David Lee
Kawhi Leonard
Damian Lillard
Klay Thompson

  Taking a look at this list of players leaves me scratching my head a bit.  I know certain players like Kyle Korver are chosen for a specific purpose or skill they bring to the table.  But I think I have more questions than answers when it comes to the Favors snub.  Just looking at it, I would be happy to replace Cousins, Drummond, Faried with Favors.  Comparing Favors and Faried, Favs is shooting 52% to Faried 54%.  Favs is almost 2 rebounds more a game and a full block more.  Bur Faried got the nod.  DeMarcus Cousin, simply put is a bad teammate is put on this team.  I think if you look at the stats, Cousin are inflated due to the number of possessions the guy uses.  Drummond has had a great season, but he sure laid an egg going up against Favs last week.  Not sure if playing against a terrible eastern conference is helping his stats as well.

  I could sit here and pick a part this list and the player that I think Mr. Favors could and should easily replace, but I would be wasting my time.  So I am going to look at this from a glass half full perspective.  If the Derrick Favors that we have seen this season, is the guy who we think he is, this will motivate him.  He will feel that he has something to prove every time he goes up against another player on this list.  I believe it will fuel him to work on his craft and to become a better player.  I believe that he will be out to prove to himself and USA Basketball that they made MISTAKE!

Some things learned....

  The Utah Jazz fell hard again last night, losing to the Minnesota Timberwolves 112-97.  This one was hard to watch.  I fully expected the Jazz to come out with more intensity.  This was not the case.  The Jazz started the usual starters minus Derrick Favors who was out with a strained abductor. Enes Kanter was plugged in and was ineffective.

  Last nights game showed a couple of things.  First the value of Derrick Favors.  I think the Jazz should be extremely happy with the contract extension and the development of the young Mr. Favors.  He is a game changer in so many ways.  On defense, the other team is always conscious of where he is.  He may not block every shot in the paint but I guarantee you he effects every shot in the paint.  Offensively he demands a double team simply because of his size.  If he catches the ball deep in the post there are very few people in the league who are going to deter Favors.  Last night really shows how important Derrick is for the future of the Jazz.

  To go along with the Derrick Favors and his value to the Jazz, we need to take a close look at the value of a rim protector.  Rudy Gobert played 27 mins, went 4-5 from the field scoring 8 points, had 6 rebounds and 3 blocks.  The stats may look a little pedestrian but Rudy's effect on the game was not.  The Timberwolves were very conscious of where Rudy was at all times on the floor. At one point he made JJ Barea shot a runner earlier than he would like.  You could see that it was totally out of rhythm and was a floater a long way from the hoop (unfortunately some how it went in).  It was great to see Rudy get some extended run.

  Gordon Hayward did return to the lineup and played well.  No rust for Gordon.  He and Alec were really the only offensive bright spots for the team.  Hayward finished 10-17 from the field, 2-5 from 3pt for 27 pts.  Alec finished 6-14 from the field, 1-1 from 3pt for 18 pts.  The Jazz just did not get much else from anyone else offensively.

  One of the most frustrating parts of the game was the inconsistency in the calls by the officials.  I try not to bring the officials in to the game or anything that I write, but last night it could not be ignored.  So much so that even Coach Corbin made a comment or two about the way the game was officiated.  Looking at it, the Timberwolves shot 24 free-throws to the Jazz 12.  Its not very often that the home team is doubled up on the free-throw attempts.  Ty did mention early on that Minnesota was the aggressor, but I did not feel that it was that big of a discrepancy.  The Jazz also lost the rebound battle 42-41 and the turnover battle 9-14.  As far as the boards go, the Jazz did a much better job as a team in comparison to the previous game.  That was good to see.

  With the way this season has developed we can safely say that Trey Burke and Derrick Favors are the Jazz most important/valuable players.  This team flounders when missing one of these two players.  While I love Gordon and what he brings to the team, those things were filled by the other players on the team for the 2 weeks that Gordon was out.  If anything this may help the Jazz with their negotiations with Gordon this summer and will also help the front office decide how important he is to this team.

How much is too much?

  Been a while Jazz Fans, but I will say, I have not missed a game since the last post.  The Jazz are playing some really good basketball right now (minus Minnesota) and I have a tendency to believe the Jazz will play .500 basketball from here on out baring a major injury.  That leads me to believe the Jazz will fall somewhere between the 5th to the 8th pick in this summers draft.  Jazz Fans are going to need the ping pong balls to work in their favor if they want a top 3 pick!

  So that brings the thought, the Jazz will need to think very long an hard about keeping the assets they currently have.  Teams with a top 10 pick in this summers draft are not going to move that pick unless it returns them a star.

  So where does that leave the Jazz?  Looking at the roster the Jazz have at least one young player that could be a core player going forward.  Lets take a look....

At the Power Forward/Center positions the Jazz have Derrick Favors, Enes Kanter, Jeremy Evans, Rudy Gobert.  At the Small Forward/Shooting Guard positions the Jazz have Gordon Hayward, Alec Burks.  Point guard is clearly Trey Burke, Raul Neto....and the Jazz may bring back Diante Garrett.

  Of this list of young building blocks, only one is signed to a long term extension, that being Derrick Favors.  Favors was able to sign an extension this summer that will pay him over $11 million dollars a season for 4 years.  With Favors offensive improvement so far this season and his ability to be an anchor on the defensive end, make this a great deal for the Jazz.

  So now the question becomes, where do the rest of the puzzle pieces fit?  Of the young core is there any of them that should make more than the teams defensive corner stone?  In my opinion, I don't believe, at this point, there is a player on this roster that deserves to make more than Derrick Favors.  So let's try to put this puzzle together....

Gordon Hayward was unable to come to an agreement this summer.  The rumored number was $12 million plus.  The question you have to ask yourself is, is Gordon worth that kind of money?  Having had numerous discussions and countless references, I tend to think that number is a little high.  Market value says $8-$10 million a year.  There is also the very likely possibility that a team will offer him that $12 million plus that he is looking for, that brings the question of whether or not you match?  While Gordon is a very valuable piece to the puzzle, I think the last 5 games have shown that with or without Gordon the Jazz are capable of .500 ball.

  So that leaves us with Alec Burks and Enes Kanter next on the extension list.  I feel pretty confident in the market value for Alec Burks.  Whether starting or being that elite 6th man, Alec's market value falls in at $5.5 million a season.  His comps being Lou Williams and Jamal Crawford.  Both explosive offensive players and the type of player that every franchise want to have.  Enes Kanter is a different story.  Bigs simply get paid!  Kanter is a resource the Jazz have yet to fully tap and that may be to their favor.  But because of the lack of quality bigs, Kanter is going to get something in the range of $8-$11 million.

  That leaves the Jazz with Trey Burke and Rudy Gobert on rookie contracts for the next 3-4 season and rookie contracts are always favorable to an organization.

So quick recap....

Favors- $11.5..... DONE
Burks- $5.5.....?
Kanter- $10....?

              $26 million for those 3....add Hayward.....

Hayward- $12....$

              Puts the Jazz at $38 million for those 4 players.

This seasons salary cap is $58.69 million.  Personally I feel these are all reasonable numbers for each player according to market value.  It will be interesting to see the front office approach this summer with the contracts of Hayward, Burks and Kanter.  Not to mention the draft and all the possibilities there.  Not a better time to be a Jazz Fan.....PERIOD!

http://www.basketball-reference.com/contracts/UTA.html

Jazz fans might want to rethink their win projections....Jazz get another one!

  Wow, the Jazz tried to give that one a way!  Great game and great to see the Jazz close out games.  Something this team has not been able to do the last couple of seasons.  The Jazz beat the Bobcats 83-80.  Brings the Jazz record to 10-24 with the Jazz heading in to a soft portion of their schedule with 10 of 12 at home.  The Jazz are going to have a chance to tally some wins...depends on who you are if that is a good thing for the Jazz.  Lets recap.....

• Hayward in foul trouble early, 4 minutes in the first quarter 2 fouls.
• Richard Jefferson has been playing really well.  
• Alec Burks had 6 pts in the first quarter.  He is a much need spark off the bench.
• Game tied after the first at 21.
• Kanter was passing the ball really well tonight.  Double comes and he is making the right pass.
• Jazz offensive rebounding in the first half was great.
• Team defense was great, active hands.
• Jazz up 8 at the half.
• While I don't agree with all the minutes going to Richard Jefferson and Marvin Williams, both players are very good for this young team.  The leadership and game experience they bring has been huge in the wins.
• Too bad Jefferson and Williams aren't/weren't here after this summers draft....
• Jazz shot the 3 lights out thru 3 quarters.  Finished the night 8-21 38.1%
• Marvin Williams was a monster on the boards, finished with 10 boards.
• What is on Chris Douglas-Roberts head?
• Alec Burks is a much better player with the starters, could be the additional weapons
• Jazz really struggled the first 5 minutes of the 4th quarter.  Would like to see Trey be more assertive at times like that.
• Coaching issues....Gordon had a mismatch with Ramon Sessions guarding him.  Jazz never went to him in the post.
• 5 minutes left in the game, Trey hits a huge 3 and then follows it up with a big rebound on the defensive sequence....key plays.
• Al Jefferson really wanted to beat the Jazz tonight.
• Ty is clearly coaching to win.
• Trey Burke made all the big plays down the stretch.  The 3, the rebound and the runner as the shot clock expired, kid has swag!
• Gordon Hayward was scoreless in the second half, other than the 2 free-throws at the end.
• Derrick Favors only had 4 boards but played great defense all night.  Changed shots in the paint and made Al work.

  Great win for the Jazz!  It was a fun game to watch and this team is really developing.  Interesting point tonight from Matt Harpring.  He made comments about the Bobcats and the number of lottery picks that they have had and the fact that the players they have picked are not "difference makers".  Kidd-Gilchrist and Zeller were two of the players that he named specifically.  He made the point that they were a #2 and #4 pick respectively and that Charlotte should have done more "due diligence".  I can't agree more.  Where ever the Jazz end up in the up coming draft, the Jazz will need to do their home work and find that piece that can take this team back to the playoffs and hopefully compete for a championship.  Nice win Jazz!

http://www.nba.com/games/20131230/CHAUTA/gameinfo.html?ls=slt

Jazz taking on new look Kings and Rudy Gay tonight...

  The Utah Jazz head to "Sac town" tonight for a battle with the Sacramento Kings.  This will be a different team than the Jazz lost to on Saturday.  The Kings pulled off a 7 player trade, acquiring the rights to Rudy Gay, Aaron Gray and Quincy Acy.  Gay and Acy seem the most likely to get minutes for the Kings tonight.  This has also opened up an opportunity for BYU product Jimmer Freddett to get some increased minutes.  Jimmer was a DNP for the Kings Saturday night versus the Jazz.

  In the first game against the Kings, the Jazz were without the likes of Derrick Favors and Marvin Williams.  That stretched the Jazz thin and the did not have the size to battle with Cousins and Thompson.  Derrick Favors is said to be a game time decision.  Hopefully Favors is ready to go.  He has been a huge factor for the Jazz prior to the back spasms.  Favors offense is really developing.  He and Trey seemed to be getting into a rhythm and were playing really well.  Derrick was also showing off a nice little "pick and pop" ten footer, and we know what he brings on the defensive end.

  The last 2 games I have been impressed with Enes Kanter and his offensive game.  He is not hesitating on his 17 footer and is causing the defender to pull out on him.  Versus Portland he hit a couple of back to back jumpers, causing Lopez to close out hard.  Kanter blew by him for a dunk.  Its good to see Enes has the "green light" to shoot that shot.  He is a capable shooter with good touch.  This will pay dividends when Favors gets back in the line up.  This will help to spread the defense out some.  I would like to Enes pull the trigger on a 3pt shot or two also.  Pretty sure he does not have the go-ahead on that one yet, but I see no reason not to.  That is ultimately what the organization would like to see him develop some, so there is no better time than now to start shooting that shot.


  The back court of Trey Burke and Alec Burks have been playing fantastic.  Alec is averaging 17.4 pts over the last 6 ball games.  He has really benefited from the return of Trey, as well as, understanding his role on the team.  Alec is getting his points by doing what he does best, attacking the basket.  When he attacks he has incredible hang time and body control in the paint, allowing him to convert numerous 3pt plays.  Trey Burke has been as steady as they get.  I am not sure we expected him to be this good this early in the season.  He is getting a great feel for the offense and his teammates and putting them in a position to be successful.  Trey is learning quickly and is not turning the ball over too much.  He is playing with in the context of the offense and is being aggressive when the opportunity presents itself.

  Tonight's match-up is going to be difficult for the Jazz.  They do have an advantage with the fact that Sacramento is trying to work in a new player.  This may cause some confusion on the offensive end for the Kings.  The Jazz will need to take full advantage of the Kings lack of familiarity.  This trade make the Kings a very explosive team offensively, thus requiring a great TEAM DEFENSIVE EFFORT.  Watch the effort in the first 8 minutes.  If the Jazz are not getting after it (defensive glass, 50/50 balls etc) its going to be hard to get a victory on the road.  Time to fight and show some toughness.....GO JAZZ!

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

Jazz vs Blazers 2.0....Same result Jazz fall 105-94.

  The Jazz could not put together a full 48 tonight.  Enes Kanter and Alec Burks had big games for the Jazz, but it was not enough.  Jazz fell to the Blazers 105-94.  The Jazz just didn't have enough in the tank.  Lets take a look....

• Trey needed to be aggressive with Favors out.
• Not sure if Gordon Hayward is the one the Jazz want initiating the offense.
• Saw Ty do something with Kanter I have not seen him do all season, Kanter came out of the game late in the first quarter, instead of chewing him out and stomping around as Kanter went to the bench, Ty stopped Enes and took the time to teach and coach.
• Jazz were tied at 22-22 at the end of the first.
• Team rebounding for the Jazz was not good in the 2nd quarter.
• Thomas Robinson is really a disappointing player. 3 teams and really no results.
• Trey got the "rook" treatment from the officials in the 2nd. Driving to the basket, not getting any calls.
• Slump is really affecting all facets of Hayward's game. He has not learned how to work himself out of it.
• Jazz did not get any calls tonight. They were clearly the aggressors all night and did not get any calls.
• Alec Burks has been killing it the last 6 games.  
• Burks playing with all the heart for the team.
• Burks played a lot of 1 on 5, was not getting any help from anyone else on the floor.  Portland started to collapse hard on him.
• If the entire team played with the heart and effort that Mike Harris plays with, the Jazz would not lose many games.
• Kanter had another good game offensively.  Still not where he needs to be on the boards.

  Couple of ideas from this game.  How long does Hayward's slump last?  Does this have any effect on what the Jazz decide to do long term with Gordon?  I think we can safely say that Gordon is not a number one option.  I find it interesting that Jazz continually run or initiate the offense through Gordon.  Trey Burke is the one guy on this team that seems to have that "it" factor.  I feel the Jazz should be running more offense through Trey.  When Favors is there I would like to see the Jazz play a little more inside out.  I think these are a couple philosophies that the Jazz should look at.  Couple guys had good nights, but for the Jazz to win it has to be a team effort.

http://www.nba.com/games/20131209/PORUTA/gameinfo.html?ls=slt

Jazz take on the red hot Blazer tonight in Portland!

  The Utah Jazz travel to Portland, Oregon for a dance with the leagues hottest team the Portland Trailblazers.  The Jazz are coming of a battle with the Indiana Pacers Wednsday night at ESA.  They Jazz played a great game, but there is a reason the Pacers are currently the best team in the league.  They were able to get a few stops on the Jazz down the stretch and finish them off.  It was a great game for the Jazz Kanter had 20 pts 10 rebs and Derrick Favors finished with 22 pts and 13 rebs.  Tonight's match-up doesn't get any easier.  Lets take a look.....


Defensively-Tonight's defensive keys are 3 players, LaMarcus Aldridge, Damian Lillard and Wes Mathews.  I feel tonight's game is a mater of not letting someone else beat you.  The way these 3 players are playing currently, you are not going to stop them.  All you can hope for is to play solid defense, make things uncomfortable and difficult for them.  The Jazz will need to make sure guys like Mo Williams or Nic Batum don't have big nights.  LaMarcus Aldridge is averaging 31 points and nearly 60% from the field in the 3 games this month.  Wes Matthews is leading the league in effective field goal percentage at 66%, Burks and Hayward will have their hands full with Matthews.  The match-up I will be interested in watching will be reigning Rookie of the Year Damian Lillard vs Trey Burke.  This will be a fun one.  Trey Burke seems to be coming in to his own and seems to have an "IT" factor about him.  Lillard and Aldridge have been running the pick and roll to perfection this season.  The Jazz have struggled in the past defending the pick and roll, this will be a good test for them.

Offensively-As well as Lillard and Aldridge have been running the pick and roll, the Jazz have been have been having and equal amount of success with their pair of Burke and Favors.  Favors was fantastic versus the Pacers, going strong to the hoop when the defense dictated, but also doing a good job with a nice little 10ft pick and pop shot.  Derrick is really developing and its fun to see.  It will be interesting to see if Marvin Williams is a go for tonight.  Enes Kanter played really well starting versus the Pacers.  Granted they do run 2 bigs.  That could be the same match-up tonight for the Jazz, as Portland starts Robin Lopez and LaMarcus Aldridge.  It will be interesting to see what Ty's decision on that will be.  Gordon Hayward struggled from the field versus the Pacers.  Jazz will need a solid game from Gordon.  Look for Hayward to be aggressive early.  This seems to be a catalyst for Gordon to have a good game.  If the Jazz can win the three key stats (rebounds, Free-throws, turnovers) they will have a great shot at picking up their 2nd road win of the season.

  Looking forward to this one tonight.  I want to see the Blazers for myself.  I felt their schedule was fairly soft early on and then they went and beat Indiana and OKC back to back!  Maybe these guys are the real deal.  Lot of great match-ups across the board.  This definitely on that Jazz fans should tune in for....GO JAZZ!

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

Battered and beaten, Jazz battle but fall to the Pacers....

  The Jazz took jab after jab from the Pacers and were right there before being knocked out down the stretch 95-86.  This was a hard one to watch.  Jazz played really well the entire game and wanted to see them pull it out, but knowing a loss in the long run is probably better for the team.  This was a "best of both worlds" game for the Jazz.  Hopefully they were able to learn a bit from the Pacers, how to be a gritty hard nosed team.  Lets recap.....

• The Jazz defense and execution early was fantastic!
• Jazz had a number of deflections in the first half.  Very active in the passing lanes.
• Ty called a time out at the 2:19 mark in the first, Jazz were up 5 at the time but were slipping.  Well called timeout, gave the guys a quick breather.
• Jazz win the first quarter 23-17
• Brandon Rush checked in during the 2nd quarter, hit his first jumper from the elbow.  Good for his confidence.
• Team rebounding in the first half was really good.
• Lance Stephenson has really improved, but is still throwing up garbage that is going in???
• Rudy Gobert got some run in the 2nd and there was some definite rust.  Paired with Kanter and looked a little bit lost.
• Alec Burks had a really good first half, and a strong game over all.
• This play stood out....Jazz on defense, 5 minute mark of the 2nd quarter, ball is above the 3 pt line on the left side, Jazz over play defensively not allowing Stephenson to go right.  Tries to go right 3 times stopped every time, completely disrupts Indiana offense.  The end up with a forced shot and miss.  Fantastic team defense.
• Jazz close out the 2nd quarter rough...lead at half 48-47.
• Jazz transition offense made all the difference in the world.  Indiana is not good in transition.  Bigs don't get up and down the floor well.
• 3rd quarter the Jazz looked tired, but continued to battle.
• All the minutes that Richard Jefferson logged early in the season have taken their toll, he just doesn't have any legs right now.
• Kanter played the way he is expected to.  Had a really good game, finished with 20 pts 10 rebs.
• Derrick Favors is going to be a steal at 11 million a year.  His development is really taking off.  Played like a MAN tonight.
• Favors got "jobbed" on his 4th and 5th foul calls.  He clearly blocked Hibbert under the basket got called for his 4th.  The 5th was a box out on Hibbert, should have been a no call.

  

All together there are a lot of positives to be take from this game. The Jazz took everything the Pacers had and gave some back to them, they played tough.  Two things came to mind as I was watching this game, one: the talent disparity is not as bad as many Jazz fans think.  I think the first of the season not having a legit point guard made the talent that this team does have look really bad.  Now with Trey back its almost a completely different team.  If you look at the numbers for all the players and the efficiency numbers, they have increased remarkably.  Two, the Jazz may win a lot more games than people think or may want. The Eastern Conference is so bad. Luckily, the Jazz play in the west and will have to battle the majority of the season.  If they were in the Eastern Conference, I would say the Jazz are making the playoffs.  Jazz are back at it Friday night in Portland.  Not getting any easier...

http://www.nba.com/games/20131204/INDUTA/gameinfo.html?ls=slt

Jazz look to keep PACE tonight at ESA...

  The Utah Jazz take on the leagues best team, the Indiana Pacers tonight at Energy Solutions Arena.  Jazz are riding an unexpected 2 game winning streak and the Pacers are coming of a loss to the hottest team in the league the Portland Trailblazers.  Tonight's game is going to test the young Jazz toughness.  They will have to come prepared to battle this team all night.  The match-up of the night will be early MVP canidate Paul George versus Gordon Hayward.  In the off-season, Jazz fans were upset with the Pacers for signing Paul George to a max deal.  To be honest, I thought that deal was a mistake and felt like it hurt the Jazz opportunity to resign Hayward.  Now we can see why Indiana paid George what they did.  Lets take a look at tonight's match-up.....

Defensively- The Jazz defense the last 2 games has been better.  They seem to have made a philosophy change and seem to be switching everything on defense for the most part.  It seems to be working.  This will be a different test for the Jazz tonight.  Indiana is an "old school" hard nosed team that plays inside out.  The offense will start in the paint with Roy Hibbert and David West.  I think Favors matches up favorably to Hibbert, should be able to play position defense and bother some of his shots.  Favors will have to do his work early and push Hibbert off the block as best as he can.  David West has always been a Jazz killer.  He always torched both Boozer and Milsap.  Tonight match-up plays in his favor.  Marvin does not have the size or strength to battle West.  The Jazz will have to double hard on West.  Look for whoever is guarding Lance Stephenson to be the double man.  Stephenson is not a good shooter and he is the guy that you would want to leave open.  For the Jazz to have a chance, they will need to bring their "hard hats" tonight.

Offensively- I think the only advantage the Jazz may have here is in transition.  They will need to run to be successful tonight.  And that means our bigs need to beat their bigs down the floor.  While West may have the advantage on Marvin, he still has to guard Marvin outside.  Marvin will help spread the floor and can also beat West off the dribble.  Trey Burke will be challenged offensively as he is going up against a bigger solid defender in George Hill.  Look for Trey to put Hibbert and Hill in the pick and roll and use his speed.  I am not sure that Hibbert can defend in the pick and roll, so Indiana may switch a lot, which may cause some confusion and breakdowns.  The Jazz can take advantage of this by making good off ball cuts and motion.  Gordon looked like he came out of his shooting slump a bit last game.  He was extremely effective early, being aggressive and putting the pressure on Harden.  Paul George is a different story.  He is an elite defender and is very long.  I think Gordon will come out feeling like he has something to prove.  This is a bit of a "double edged sword".  Gordon will need to play within the context of the offense as he did against the Rockets.  If he presses and tries to do too much, he will end up turning the ball over.

  Tonight's game will show what kind of toughness and fight the Jazz have gained over the last week or so.  I have been pleased with the progress of both the team and the staff.  They both have made strides in areas they were suffering previously.  Ty is making some good time out decision and substitutions have been solid.  The Jazz have also shown more fight and toughness, not backing down from anyone.  I have also enjoyed the poise this team has developed over this 2 game win streak.  Both games had a chance to go either way and the Jazz were able to execute and not get lost in the moment.  Development!  That's what its all about.....GO JAZZ!

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

The Jazz may have found their leader....

  What a game!  The Jazz beat the Rockets 109-103 tonight at Energy Solutions Arena.  If you weren't at the game or didn't get a chance to catch the broadcast, you really missed out.  This was a total team effort across the board, both offensively and defensively.  Hopefully this recap will do it some justice....

• Dwight Howard is overrated.  The Jazz doubled and really didn't need to.
• The Jazz offense was really good.  Ball movement and player movement was excellent.
• Jazz did a good job running the Rockets off the 3 point line....
• James Harden is a great OFFENSIVE player.  Plays Jimmer-esq defense.  No wonder Houston sold out to get Howard.
• Trey Burke was killing Houston on the pick and roll
• GORDON HAYWARD....welcome back!  He was aggressive the entire game, but did so in the context of the offense.  Did not force too many shots.
• Jazz won the first quarter 36-23, and lead at the half by 5.
• 2nd quarter and the 2nd unit struggled....looked a little lost.
• Houston plays no defense.  
• I could not figure out why the Jazz don't force "lefties" to the right.  Harden goes left as much as Tyreke Evans goes right.
• Finally, the end of the 2nd quarter Alec Burks forced Harden right twice.  Harden did not handle that well.
• Richard Jefferson had nothing in the tank tonight.  Heavy minutes early may be taking a toll on the vet.
• Alec Burks played a great game.  Also played within the context of the offense and the team.  Made some really nice passes and plays down the stretch.
• Team rebounding was decent in the first half, Jazz struggled on the boards in the 3rd.
• Harden gets away with a lot of travels.  Always takes 3 steps.  Also, a habitual flopper, especially on offense.  Dude really sells it.  Wish someone would show him what a "real" foul is.
• Jazz's "help the helper" was really good tonight.  Rotations solid, only missed on a couple of plays.
• Jazz were up by 2 with 4:40 left in the game.  Ty called timeout.  I felt this was a good timeout.  Jazz come out of the timeout, execute well and end up with a good shot, a Favors offensive rebound and sent to the line.  Best part, he knocked down both free-throws.
• Trey Burke loves to close games out.  He is not afraid of the big shot or big moment.
• Marvin Williams sealed the deal with a steal for a dunk putting the Jazz up five, then knocking down a 3 pointer the next possession putting the Jazz up 8.

  This was a fantastic game.  They Jazz played the full 48 minutes and did not let the moment get to them.  This game is one example where the Jazz did not win the "big 3" categories (rebounds, free-throws, turnovers) but were close enough to give themselves a shot to win.  The difference really was the defense.  The Jazz shot 54.4% from the field compared to the Rockets 48.2%.  They also bested the Rockets from the 3 point line shooting 58.8% to Houston 32.1%.  The Jazz made life difficult for the Rockets on the offensive end.  Yeah James Harden had 37 pts, but the Rockets didn't get much else from anyone else. 

 Watching this game made me really think about the importance of defense.  The Rockets have all the offensive firepower in the world.  That being said, they couldn't stop the Washington Generals from scoring on them.  I am not sure that kind of basketball is going to get you deep in the playoffs.  The game really slows down in the playoffs and I am not sure that Houston has the horses to be a defensive ball club.  They have two players on their entire roster that can play any D, Dwight Howard and Patrick Beverly.  Not sure where this Rockets team goes from here.  

  What I do know, the Jazz are ballin' and Trey Burke is a major reason why.  Toughness, grit, effort, leadership, all qualities that this young rookie is showing and will just get better.  Jazz fans, I think we found our leader!

http://www.nba.com/games/20131202/HOUUTA/gameinfo.html?ls=slt

Jazz look to ground Rockets tonight!

  The Utah Jazz come in to tonight's game feeling good after securing their first road win of the season.  Time to temper your excitement, the Houston Rockets are in town and they are riding a 6 game winning streak!  The Rockets are hot and will be a difficult match-up for the Jazz.  The Rockets come in averaging 111.6 pts a game, 51.2% from the field and 44.1% from three, with a league leading True Shooting percentage of 59.4%.  This will be a huge test for the Jazz team defense and defensive rebounding, as the Rockets are 2nd in the league in offensive rebounding.  Lets take a look at tonight's match-up....


Defensively- Number one, is going to be the defensive glass.  This is not something that should be left to the Jazz bigs.  This will need to be a team effort.  Trey Burke has been really good on the boards, considering size and position.  Again, goes to show rebounding is about effort.  If the Jazz are getting beat on the boards early, it could be a long night. If you look at Houston's road shot chart, http://stats.nba.com/teamStats.html?TeamID=1610612745&SeasonType=Regular%20Season, they shoot two shots, the 3 or in the paint.  This team does not take any long twos, and they don't take that many corner threes. They actually have more makes from the 3 from the wings and the top of the key than they do attempts on the corner 3.  The Jazz wings must run the Rockets shooters off the 3 point line and the big's will need to stay home and clog the lane.  Easier said than done....The majority of Houston's offense comes out of the draw and kick.  They will run some pick and roll with Harden and Howard.  The Jazz bigs don't need to worry about the pick an pop game with Houston as they don't really have player that is capable or consistent enough to cause problems.  Houston is full of shooters, this one will be tough for the Jazz, although the first match-up of the season the Jazz dominated the first half and were right there in the 3rd quarter, Jazz will be looking for redemption.

Offensively- Trey Burke is really emerging as a leader and good point guard on this Jazz team.  I think the offense will go as Trey goes.  He has been playing really well the last 3 games.  He is not afraid of the big moment and is showing some toughness that the Jazz had been lacking.  I also feel that the offense is transitioning a bit with the bigs getting more post-ups and shots in the paint.  This could be do to the fact that Hayward is still struggling mightily with his shot.  I think this is a good strategy for now and the future.  Teams have to double Favors and Kanter and that is creating open shots for Marvin, Jefferson and Hayward.  Houston will be a little different as they can match-up Howard with Favors/Kanter.  Houston has been starting Terrence Jones at the power forward, so the Jazz could have an advantage there if the run 2 bigs.  Also Marvin is quicker than Jones and should be able to get to the basket.  Against Phoenix, I felt Ty did a great job with his rotations and situationals.  There will need to be more of that tonight from the staff.

  Jazz will need to win the 3 critical categories (free-throws, rebounds, turnovers) if they want to give themselves a shot at their first 2 game winning streak.  Effort and toughness are a must for tonight.  Bring it.....GO JAZZ!

http://www.nba.com/gamenotes/rockets.pdf

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

Jazz fans....#2 is in the books. Jazz down Bulls!

The Utah Jazz played a full 48 plus some tonight, beating the Chicago Bulls 89-83 in over-time.  They really needed a game like this.  It shows this young team that if they work hard and put in the effort, they can be in games and give themselves a chance to win games.  This was a total team effort.  Love the way this team fought....

• Only going to discuss the positives tonight...
• Great ball movement on the pick and roll early with Hayward and Favors, ends with Favs getting an "and 1"
• Trey Burke is going to be a good defender in the league.  
• Favors played like a man tonight!
• Great defense in the first quarter, Jazz were physical.
• Jazz won the first quarter 23-18
• Jazz cut hard and set some really good screens.
• Rudy Gobert is a game changer. Length and energy.  He runs the floor hard for a big.
• Evans and Gobert did a great job attacking the defensive glass.
• Jazz executed the offense and stuck with it.
• Balanced first half on offense for the Jazz.
• Jazz lead at half 40-32 only the 4th game this year that has happened.
• Jazz defense in the 3rd quarter was great.  Rotations were really good.
• Jazz really fought down the stretch.
• Trey Burke is not afraid of the big moment.  Hit a huge three.
• Jefferson had enough left in the tank down the stretch.
• Jeremy Evans played tough in the 4th and OT....did not let the bigger players push him around.  Was not intimidated and equal to the moment.
• Richard Jeffersons defense on Deng was fantastic!  That was the difference in the game.

  This game showed a lot of different things from a number of different players.  Again, staying as positive as possible, the Jazz tried to give it away but stuck with it.  To be honest, its really nice to be able to stick it to a guy like Boozer.  Jazz did lose the battle of the boards but it was only by 4 boards.  They did really well at the foul line shooting 16-19 84.2%.  This is the kind of game that this young team can build from.  They had to grind and fight.  They never quit!  This is was JAZZ FANS WANT!  Well done Jazz, well done!

http://www.nba.com/games/20131125/CHIUTA/gameinfo.html?ls=slt

Jazz back home tonight, going to need a lift from the fans!

  The Jazz are on the second night of a back to back.  The Jazz got blown out last nigh in Oklahoma City.  This was an all around poor effort across the board.  No reason to "beat a dead horse" time to move on.
I want to look at tonight's game from a different perspective.  Let's look at some things to watch both from a team perspective and individually.

1. Team rebounding.  This is a big deal.  Early in the season the Jazz were in the top 5 in rebounding.  Currently ranked 27th!  Getting 40.3 boards a game.  There is no reason this team should not be in the top 5.  The have size, length and athleticism to be a great rebounding team.  Simply put, rebounding is about effort and we can clearly see where the Jazz effort has been recently.
2. Gordon Haywards aggressiveness.  I think its clear that Hayward may not be a #1 option, the unfortunate thing for him is, he has been thrust in to that role.  While he may not have all the intangibles to be that #1, he is slated as that option, he needs to be as efficient as possible.  Gordon has been turning the ball over 3.5 times a game.  When the team's offense slides, Gordon starts to force the issue, driving to the basket and the defense collapses and knocks the ball away.  Last 4 games look like this...6, 5, 1, 6.  The one game he had 1 turnover was versus the Pelicans.  He let the game come to him and finished with 11 assists.  Gordon needs to be aggressive, this is a given.  He needs to pick his spots and in my opinion, needs to start his offense with aggressive drives to the basket.
3. Post/Paint presence.  The Jazz desperately need this on both ends of the court.  Favors and Kanter must be more physical and deter the opponent from getting easy buckets inside.  If they are going to foul, make it a hard foul.  Make sure the opponent feels it.  It will make the opponent think twice about driving to the basket.  On offense, the Jazz need to throw the ball in to these two more often.  Kanter has relied upon that mid-range jumper too much this year.  He needs to get back inside and bang, use those good post moves he has.  I think he is too worried about getting his shot blocked.  If he is concerned about that, he needs to be going into the body of the big every time, trying to draw as much contact as possible, putting the onus on the officials.  Favors post game has improved.  Most teams are double both Jazz big men as soon as the start to dribble.  This means that there is someone open.  Also, if the bigs go early (make a move as soon as they catch in the post) its going to take away the effectiveness of the double.  Teams will then be forced to foul Favors and Kanter.  I would also like to see more of Jeremy Evans and Rudy Gobert in the rotation.  Jeremy Evans starts fast and plays with a lot of energy.  Its hard to keep him off the court.  Gobert is constantly improving.  If you are not getting the defense at the rim like you would like, put this guy in.  He changes shots.
4. Transition/Fast break.  The Jazz are getting next to nothing from this part of the game.  When they do run the floor, they don't do it with any sort of purpose.  Where the Jazz can not shoot right now, there is not a better fix that than fast break, transition basketball.  This is another area that is dictated by effort.  You either want to or you don't.  If the Jazz choose to play uptempo and be aggressive, Ty and the staff can not get upset or frustrated with a few bad shots in transition.  I would rather have bad shots in transition as is show an effort to get some easy buckets.
5. Turnover and free-throws.  These to come down to concentration and execution.  The Jazz turnovers have come down some from the start of the season, where they were averaging 19 a game.  They have cut that down to 17 but that is still too many.  Again its not so much just the turnovers, but where they make those turnovers.  The majority of the turnovers are coming from the foul line extended, giving the defense a free run in transition for an easy basket.  This kills the Jazz, due to the fact that the only guys back are your guards.  No bigs there to protect the rim.  As for Free-throws, this is simply about reps.  The schedule has not been kind to the Jazz and has not given them much time to get in the gym and practice.  But that is no excuse.  There are plenty of stories of great players, great shooters having an off night from the the field or the line, being on the road and asking the arena to stay open or lights on for a while after the game so that player can get some reps in.  If the Jazz want to get out of the shooting slump they are in and want to reach their potential, these are the kinds of things that need to be done.

  Tonight the Chicago Bulls will be with out their MVP Derrick Rose.  He tore his meniscus in his right knee a couple of nights ago and under went surgery this morning.  His season is now over.  Sad to see such an incredible player have such bad luck.  Here's to a speedy recovery for the former MVP.  That being said, the Jazz will still need to give 48 minutes of effort.  As Jazz fans, that's all they want.  They don't expect them to win every game.  They just expect them to COMPETE EVERY GAME! 

Jazz take on the Mav's in "BIG D" tonight!

  I want to start this post off by saying that I appreciate Ty and the staff taking these kids to JFK Memorial.  I think all to often, we forget that our hero's on the basketball court are just kids.  For Ty and the staff to take these guys and interact with them and TEACH them the history of our great country is something that I can appreciate beyond basketball and being a fan.  These are the experiences that are going to stick with these players the most this season as they struggle.  So thanks to Ty and the staff, well done!


  Now lets get to hoops talk!  The 1-12 Utah Jazz take on the surprise 8-4 Dallas Mavericks.  The Mav's had two options (like the Jazz) this summer, one reload with vets or two rebuild.  The Mav's chose to do what the Jazz had done the previous 3-4 years and reload.  In the off-season the Mav's signed Jose Calderon to a pricey contract, Monta Ellis, Gal Mekel (who worked out for the Jazz last season) Dejuan Blair and Samuel Dalembert.  The Mav's also add rookies Shane Larkin and Ricky Ledo.  Larkin was worked out by the Jazz prior to the draft and was thought the Jazz may select him with one of their picks.  He has just returned to the line-up and plays a JJ Barea type role for the Mav's.  Lets take a look at tonight's match-up

Defensively-Dallas has shooters.  No big has ever shot the ball as well as Dirk does.  This will be a tough match-up for Favors.  The Mav's will also run the pick and roll with Monta Ellis and Dirk.  They don't run as much pick and roll with Calderon and Dirk, as Calderon is a much better spot up shooter than pick and roll player.  Dallas also has "energy guy" Jae Crowder.  Little known fact, he is the son of former Jazz man Corey Crowder.  Crowder has a solid mid range game and has been shooting the 3 well.  Dallas is not an uptempo team, but they do move the ball well and get open shots.  The key will be staying connected to shooters all night.  The Jazz have been really good the last few games with deflections and getting in the passing lanes.  The next step, is to turn the deflections into steals and turnovers.


Offensively-Gordon Hayward is questionable tonight with a bruised shin and knee issues.  Radio voice David Locke tweeted that Hayward is having precautionary x-rays on his knee today.  It does not appear that Trey Burke will start tonight but Ty said that he should play in every quarter and likely will finish each quarter.  The Jazz will really need to push the ball and take the opportunity to get easy buckets.  They have really struggled running "with purpose".  They have been pushing in transition and not looking to score.  The Jazz must look to score on the opportunities.  I think we need to watch Alec closely tonight.  Keep an eye on his body language and how he reacts when he makes a mistake.  Also watch how Ty and the staff react to the mistakes the team makes as a whole.  If Hayward is ruled out, look for the Jazz to get Kanter and Favors a lot of touches tonight.  I think the Jazz bigs have an advantage there in the paint.  Dalembert is a good shot blocker but he is foul prone.  The wings and bigs will need to attack the basket and put pressure on Dalembert.  The Jazz were very effective in the pick and roll with Trey and Favors.  Look for the Jazz to give Dallas a heavy dose of this and spread the Mav's out.

  I think this is the first night of a 2 week period in which Ty and the staff will be evaluated.  The organization will need to see improvement on the offensive end specifically.  They will want to see how the offense is run with its key pieces now back and getting healthy.  If Hayward is out for an extend period of time, this will delay the evaluation of the team and the staff.  I understand injuries happen throughout the season and that teams have to deal with them, but I am excited to see where they are at.  Here is to a healthy Jazz squad!

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

http://www.nba.com/gamenotes/mavericks.pdf

"Big Easy" not so easy for Burke and the Jazz.

  Mark the day, November 20th, 2013 the first NBA game for Jazz point guard Trey Burke.  Unfortunately for the Jazz they were unable to come away with a win.  Jazz 98 Pelicans 105.  Jazz fought hard the full 48, and barring a few mental lapses, had a chance to steal this one.  Lets take a look....

• Early in the game, Jazz rotations on defense were good.  Getting hands in the passing lanes, getting deflections.
• The officials clearly do not understand the "verticality" rule.  Missing on this call more than any other.
• Trey Burke checks in at the 4 minute mark in the first quarter.  Drives to the hoop on first play and gets the bucket.
• Jeremy Evans was a pleasant surprise.  Knocked down jumpers 4-4. Played solid defense
• The Jazz had 5 blocks in the first quarter.  Finished the game with 7 total...
• I think Alec Burks may be the most excited of the Jazz players to have Trey back.
• The bigs were not aggressive enough in the 2nd quarter.
• The Jazz have a hard time stringing plays together.  They can get one stop, but not multiple stops.  Or they will get a good defensive stop, but will give up the offensive rebound.
• No run of Ian Clarke tonight?
• Richard Jefferson played 41+ minutes again.  I understand that this is due to the struggles of Alec tonight, but you are burning Jefferson and his effectiveness.
• Kanter was killing the jumper tonight.
• Who was that Jazz team in the 3rd quarter?  Knocking down 3 after 3.  Lucas scored 11 in the quarter.
• New Orleans Al-Farouq Aminu plays hard, but has bad hair.
• Kanter ripped down a defensive rebound right out of the hands of Anthony Davis.
• When Lucas got hot it was in the context of the offense.  The Jazz continued to try to get him the ball, but started to force the opportunities.  Killed the offensive flow.
• Tyreke still going right....always right....
• Jazz were right were they wanted to be going in to the 4th quarter.  Still learning how to close out games.
• Trey started the 4th quarter out with a nice rip from Morrow, scored on the other end.
• Trey's command of the pick and roll was fantastic.  He runs it and resets it if he does not get anything out of it.
• Trey hit a great 3 out of the pick and roll.  He is going to make a huge improvement to the Jazz offense.
• Trey was rolling early in the 4th and, sure enough, was pulled.  I understand minute restrictions, but....
• I have a concern with the inequality between the players and the staff.  Kanter and Burks miss on any rotation or turn the ball over, they get reamed.  Hayward missed on a close out on Evans on a 3 and the reaction is different.  Then misses on back to back defensive assignments resulting in 2 fouls.  No reaction from Ty.  
• I understand that Hayward is supposed to be the man, but Sloan expected the same thing from Stockton and Malone as his did from Greg Foster.  Greg Popovich expects the same thing from Duncan and Parker as he does from Patty Mills.  Ty needs to do the same....

  There were some really costly struggles tonight for the Jazz.  Hayward shoots 1-17 and looks dejected the entire time.  Alec Burks turned the ball over 4 times and was -15 on the +/-.  The Jazz really hurt themselves not getting to the line tonight, shot 20 free-throws to the Pel's 33.  On a positive side, the Jazz were 8-24 from 3, shooting 33%.  The majority of those shots came in the context of the offense again, a major plus.

Trey Burke had 11pts 1 reb, 1 ast, 1stl.  Not a bad first night for Trey.  I love what he brings to this team.  He wants to win, has toughness, and knows what he can do.  I hate the "comparison game", but Trey reminds me of Allen Iverson a bit.  He seems to have the same bounce and swagger that Iverson had.  Trey is going to be really good for this team, and I think over the next couple of weeks we will see the kind of development that we want from this young squad.

Welcome back #3...Tonight's your night!!!

  The day that Jazz fans have been waiting all summer and fall has finally arrived!  TREY BURKE IS BACK!!!  Tonight the Jazz take on the the New Orleans Pelicans for the second time in this young season.  The Jazz got their only win of the season versus the Pelicans.  So look for the Pel's to be motivated to avenge that loss.  But the talk of the night for Jazz fans will be the return of Trey.  So instead of previewing the match-up we will preview the return of Trey Burke and the effect he has on the team and game....

FINALLY!

• Ty will use Trey in short stints tonight.  
• Trey only shot 33% in the couple of preseason games he played.  So don't expect him to light it up offensively.
• This will be the first opportunity to see what the Jazz offense is supposed to be.
• It will be interesting to see if they keep the ball in Trey's hands a lot.
• Trey is a very good pick and roll point guard.  It will be interesting to see if the Jazz run P&R as primary set.
• Defensively Trey will have his hands full with Jrue Holiday.  
• The Pel's will put Trey in the pick and roll a lot tonight.  He is going to struggle with conditioning and fighting through the pick.
• Watch Trey's handle and shot.  Watch to see how much he covers or protects that finger.
• Trey really wants to play.  The night he was cleared he wanted to get on the court, they told him no.
• Watch how his return helps the likes of Alec, Gordon and Derrick specifically.  These three players will be much better with their point guard.
• Trey will have nerves.  Being on the road may help curb that some.
• It will be interesting to see how Ty splits the minutes at the PG position.
• I had been questioning that Jazz toughness some, Trey will bring some of the toughness that is lacking.  He does not have a problem showing his emotion and how bad he wants to win.

  These are just a few things to watch for tonight from Trey and the Jazz.  The Pels did get a nice win the other night in Philly, but they still are struggling.  Ryan Anderson is back in the line-up for New Orleans and hit 6 three's the other night.  The Jazz bigs will be tested on the pick and pop.  The Jazz also get the services of Jeremy Evans back tonight, but lose Marvin Williams for tonight's game.  Marvin is having a procedure done on his broken nose but should be back with the team Friday in Dallas  Jeremy will be a nice addition, as he is a "hustle guy".  Every team really needs a "hustle guy" and that is something that Jeremy can bring to the team.  Glad to see the team getting healthy again.  Should help the players out, as they are able to slip into the roles that they are supposed to be in.  Now its really going to be on Ty and the staff to develop this young team and see improvement.  2 weeks and we will see where everyone is at......GO JAZZ!

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

http://www.nba.com/gamenotes/pelicans.pdf

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.