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!

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

Rockets hit orbit in the 2nd half...Jazz stay grounded....

  Utah Jazz fall to the Houston Rockets 104-93.  Jazz now 0-3 on the season.  This game was a lot closer than the final score reads.  The Jazz controlled nearly 3 quarters of the game and held a lead of 19 points at one time.  Houston had a strong second half and really took the Jazz out of what they wanted to do.  Lets take a look....

• Early in the game, the crowd was in to the game and the players really need to feed off that.
• First quarter, Favors had a great steal in the post and came out leading the break, made a pass to Jefferson and he fumble the ball.
• Defense in the first half was just about perfect.
• The Jazz may lead the league in offensive rebounding.  Great job on the offensive boards.
• Jazz are getting no respect from their opponent or the officials.
• Gordon Hayward dunked on Aaron Brooks and was clearly fouled.....no call.
• Chandler Parsons is really underrated.  Had 20 pts in the first half/
• Mike Harris is not afraid of anyone in this league.  Went right at Howard and Asik.
• Jazz were up 12 at one point gave up 2 quick buckets. Ty made a good time out call and the Jazz came out and scored the next possession.
• Jazz did run some "FLEX" offense and did so effectively.
• John Lucas really struggled from deep tonight.  Seem to only make difficult 2's.
• As a team, the Jazz were aggressive taking the ball to the hoop and challenging Houston's bigs.
• Gordon Hayward missed a close out on Parsons with 5:30 left in the fourth that lead to a Jeremy Lin 3.  The game was lost at that point.
• Burks has to be better at the Free-throw line 2-4
• As a team the Jazz were better from the line 21-27 77.8%, other than Hayward 0-2 and Burks.
• Jazz fans leaving with 3 minutes left, need to stick around and support this team better.  This was not a blow out!  Stick around!
• Jeremy Lin was really good the last 6 minutes.  Ran the pick and roll really well and kept dribble alive.
• Jazz limited their turnover tonight 15
• Houston shot 35 free-throws to the Jazz 27....no home cooking, no respect.
• Omer Asik has bad hair.

  

The Jazz battled hard.  These are the growing pains that Jazz fans knew they would have to endure.  That being said this team needs those fans to support them, not bail early.  Yeah, maybe the support may not change the outcome of the game.  But it does effect the players mentality and the kind of effort they will put out.  I guess if you want to look at something positive, the Jazz have been in every game, just haven't been able to close it out.  These games will help the team as the season progresses.  Oh and Philadelphia is 3-0.  Looks like we are in the drivers seat....

Ready for blast off, Jazz take on Rockets Tonight!

 The Utah Jazz tip off tonight at 7:00 pm versus the Houston Rockets.  The Jazz are coming of a second hard fought loss the previous night to the Phoenix Suns in Phoenix.  This is going to be every bit as big a test for the Jazz as was the Oklahoma City Thunder game.  I would have to put Houston in my top three teams in the west with the likes of OKC and the Clippers.  I think people feel that they need to gel first to get that lofty position, but the type of basketball that they play is one that does not take much time for that.  They play a lot of pick and roll, push the tempo and drive and kick basketball.  Not exactly execution heavy basket ball.  Lets take a look at the keys for tonight's game.....

Defensively-The Jazz will see two things in heavy doses, pick and roll with Harden/Lin and Howard and drive and kick.  For the Jazz to be successful against this type of offense, the rotations on the perimeter will need to be spot on.  Look for Kanter, Favors and Gobert to close the lane hard thus creating the need for the "help the helper" situation.  Currently the Rockets lead the league in NETRTG at 13.8 and an EFG% of 53.7%  The Jazz will have to be monsters on the boards again tonight.  As Houston is ranked first in rebounding and the Jazz second.  The Jazz will need Gordon to crash the boards as effectively as he did last night versus the Suns.  This should make for an interesting match-up as Hayward and Jefferson will be matched up with the likes of James Harden and Chandler Parson.  Both good 3pt shooters and Parson is a very good rebounder from the small forward position.  Houston is averaging 27 3 point attempts a game and shooting it at 37%.

Offensively-The Jazz will need to have the same first half performance they got from Gordon for the entire 48.  He can not disappear in the second half like he did in Phoenix.  Look for Gordon to continue to attack the basket and create for teammates.  Tonight is the kind of night that Jazz need the likes of a Richard Jefferson, John Lucas III or Ian Clarke to get hot from the outside.  Houston has the likes of Dwight Howard and Omer Asik down low, that will make it tough for any of the Jazz wing to be effective in the paint.  Look for Burks to take it at Houston's bigs as he seems to be the only player on the roster right now, fearless enough to go strong.  Hopefully it will play in the Jazz favor and get Howard and Asik in some foul trouble.  Favors and Kanter are going to have the toughest test they have had early in this season.  Kanter will need to be very effective with his pump fakes and pick and pop game.  I would like to see Favors go to work early in the post.  Don't wait, when he catches the ball in the post, make a move right away going to the basket.  He has been very effective when doing so and does not give the defense time to set up of double.

Secondary Stats-Really need to be primary stats tonight.  The Jazz can not turn the ball over the way they have in the first 2 games.  Luckily for the Jazz, Houston has been equally terrible in that department with 21 TO a game.  Secondly the Jazz have to be better on the free-throw line.  They are shooting 64.9% from the line.  They need to been in the 75%  range minimum to take advantage of the number of times that they get to the line.  Also the Jazz had just one block shot last night against the Suns and that came from Ian Clarke!  I think they really had 2 but they did not give Gordon the block on the PJ Tucker dunk attempt last night.  Kanter, Favors, Gobert all need to be more active at the rim tonight.  The Jazz will need to be equally effective at moving the ball as a team and pilling up assists.  As a team the Jazz are averaging just under 23 assists.

  Should be a good test for this young Jazz squad that has battled hard the first two games of the season and been right there at the end.  I think that is exactly what the front office and Jazz fans really like to see as this team develops.  GO Jazz!