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!

Just some thoughts....

As a Jazz Fan....

  Over the last couple of weeks I have been asking myself a number of questions as a Jazz fan.  Somethings that left me a bit perplexed and others that down right frustrated me.  It left me wondering if I am the only one seeing and feeling these things.  So I am going to put it out there, what are your thoughts?

  Offensive concepts....the Jazz run the FLEX as much if not more than the pick and roll.  They seem to run the FLEX to exhaustion.  They don't seem to take advantage of the first good shot available.  We know how the Jazz suffer with pace of play and this could help alleviate some of that.  Versus the Warriors, there were a number of opportunities for Kanter, Favors and Evans to shoot that 17 footer, the Warriors just packed it in.  The Jazz never eve looked at the shot as an option.  You have to take it to make it and even if you don't make it the team has to honor that shot as an option and will then open up the floor.

  I think the casual fan could tell that Alec Burks is ELITE with the ball in his hands attacking the basket. Really has been since he has come in to the league. Granted there has been some development in that process, but why has it taken 2 1/2 years for this staff to put him in position to succeed or be a force?

  I think the same can be said with all of our bigs. Favors and Kanter demand double teams simply because of their size, but the Jazz are content to let guys CHUCK JUMPERS! It is the staffs responsibility to teach these young players and make the game easier for them. If you want to chuck jumpers fine, but at least make it easier for those shooting the jumpers. That starts inside out. Make teams double the bigs, teach the bigs to kick it out for the OPEN jumper.  While all of this sounds nice, I am not so sure the Jazz have the shot makers to make this happen?

  I have been watching Trey really closely in the P & R not sure why his first instinct isn't to attack the basket! WHY? If Trey attacks it puts pressure on the D, rotations need to be made, players are caught out of position and our offense gets easier. I have been so obsessed with this that I have been trying to chase down Trey's college shot chart to see where the majority of his offense came from in college. I was surprised to find out that Trey's 2pt attempts to 3 pt attempts was better than 2/1. I also found that on average Trey went to the free-throw line 4.3 times a game. If you look at these #'s (and they are an inexact science) Trey has regressed in this offense. He shoots primarily 3's (what the offense seems to give him) and he never, and I mean NEVER goes to the line! This is disconcerting.

If the Jazz continue on this path for the next X amount of time, they will be the Atlanta hawks, "always the bridesmaid, never the bride" mired in mediocrity for years to come and playoff fodder.....

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.

Can the Bigs Keep Rolling?

  Tonight the Utah Jazz taking on the Ailing Sacramento Kings.  The Jazz are coming off a big win against The Washington Wizards Saturday Night.  The Jazz played with a lot of energy and closed out the game with the young core of Burke, Burks, Hayward, Favors and Kanter.  Enes Kanter and Alec Burks had big games for the Jazz. Kanter finished with 24 pts, 5 rebs, 2 asts and only 1 turnover.  Alec Finished with 15 pts, 3 rebs, 2 asts and no turnovers.  These are the kind of games that the Jazz need from these two players.  While Alec has been consistant for the last 2 months this was another bounce back game for Kanter. 

  The best part of this game was the fact that Kanter and Favors got some extended run together.  This is exactly what the Front office is needing to see from these to young players.  While it is a small sample size, the two seemed to work well together.  This morning on David Locke's Tip off podcast, there was the discussion of playing the 2 bigs together.  David brought up the point (which I have mentioned in the past as well) that if you are going to play 2 bigs together that one of them needs to be a good passer.  Exapmles of which could be, the Spurs, the Griz, the Pacers, the Blazers, all have very good passing bigs.  While this is something that still needs to be developed by Kanter and Favors I believe it is possible.

  Tonight will be interesting to see if the Jazz attempt to play the two of them together again.  The Kings may run two bigs with the likes of Aaron Gray, Jason Thompson, Quincy Acy and Carl Landry.  If the Kings deploy one of these front lines, look for the Jazz to give it a shot.  This is what we need to find out, for the future, if Kanter and Favors can play together.  Looks like the Jazz are on the way to finding out if that is possible.  GO JAZZ! 

Jazz looking for revenge tonight!

  The Utah Jazz are coming off a 3 game road trip, having gone 1-2 with a win in Detroit.  The first game of the trip, the Jazz took the Spurs to the wire, but ultimately came up short.  Game 2 of the trip, they dominated the Detroit Pistons.  This wasn't even a game.  Game 3 the roles were reversed.  As the Minnesota Timber Wolves had their way with the Jazz.  The Wolves front court of Pekovic and Love combined for 45 points and 27 rebounds.  The Jazz had no answer.  This was the second game of a back to back and I would have guessed the Jazz would have had more energy than they did, considering the outcome in Detroit.

  Tonight the Jazz are back in the comforts of the ESA and look to return the favor.  It will be interesting to see how the Jazz come out tonight.  Gordon Hayward did practice with the team yesterday but is a game time decision for tonight's game.

  Versus the Wolves, the Jazz lost the 3 key statistical categories.  They were out rebounded 60-42, free-throws 34 attempts to the Jazz 29 and turnovers 15-16.  You can't win games if you lose all 3 of these categories.

  The Wolves were the aggressor from the tip.  They got both Trey and Alec in early foul trouble and it was all down hill from there.  The level of play dips drastically when Trey is off the court.  When Alec has to go to the bench, the Jazz lose their best penetrator and creator.  Alec's December and January have been the best 2 months of his career.  He seems to be in a great rhythm and understands his role with the team.  The best part about Alec's play has been the consistency.  He has been able to string together good games and has been effective in other facets of the game beside scoring.  Alec was the only Jazz player in double figures versus the Wolves and that was after the foul trouble.  The Jazz will need that kind of effort again tonight especially if Hayward is a no-go.

  Look for the Jazz front court to take this game personally.  Derrick Favors, Enes Kanter and Marvin Williams overwhelmed by Love and Pekovic.  Prior to the game at Minnesota, both Favors and Kanter had been using a quick offensive move that was very effective for both players.  Kanter spoke of this change in the post game at San Antonio.  He mentioned that Andres Biedrins and mentioned to him that the Spurs were loading up on him when he caught the ball in the post and advised Kanter to go early.  Make a move on the catch.  I have noticed this being used by both young bigs since the Spurs game.  Look for both Kanter and Favors to make quick moves in the post, trying to catch Pek and Love off guard.

  Lastly,  I have to give credit to Ty Corbin and the staff.  Since Trey's return to the line up the Jazz, as a collective, have really developed.  Favors offense, Alec Burks progression, Kanter coming out of his slump all this plus the kind of effort the staff has been able to get from this team every night has been remarkable.  I can't remember the last time I watched a Jazz team compete and compete for a full 48 minutes regardless of score.  This young team is headed in the right direction.  I really feel, baring a major injury or trades, the Jazz will play .500 basketball from here on out.  With that being said, the piece the Jazz get in this summers draft, regardless of position may just be the piece to get this team back to the playoffs.  Its good to be a Jazz fan!

GO JAZZ

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

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 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

"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.

Finally!!! Jazz beat the Pelicans!!!

  Hell Yeah Jazz Fans!  The Utah Jazz get the best of the New Orleans Pelicans 105-111!  That is what Jazz Fans believe this young team is capable of and have seen in small stints early in the season.  Tonight was a different story, the TEAM put together a FULL 48!  That was the key to the entire game.  48 minutes of all out effort.  Lets recap....

• Early in the game the Jazz seemed to miss some opportunities in transition.  This is something that Ron Boone has been pointing out the last few games, that the Jazz don't look to score in transition.
• John Lucas was shooting like Jamaal Tinsley.  Missed wide open shots, defense does not even guard him.
• The post game was very effective early.  Late in the first quarter the Jazz went away from it.
• I am going to continue to say it till it happens, someone needs to put the officials on notice.  Whether that is a player or the staff.  Jazz get abused and get no calls.
• Anthony Davis is a great player.  I can't give him all the credit for the boards that he gets since there is no one else on the Pelicans even rebounds.
• Diante Garrett is really long! Did a great job breaking the Pels down on the pick and roll.  Plays with excellent pace.
• It was so evident how bad the Jazz have missed a REAL POINT GUARD!
• Kanter does a great job staying vertical down low.  He may not block a lot of shots, but he is still 6'11" and will effect shots.
• Trey Burke will really help Alec Burks and his game out when he returns.
• Kanter did a good job on the defensive boards.
• TURNOVERS and FREE-THROWS!!!
• Davis gets star treatment already
• Gordon Hayward really paced himself tonight.  He had the legs needed to close.
• Tyreke Evans is overrated.  Always goes right.  Paying that guy 11 million a year.  No thanks!
• Tyreke is a player that does the least with as much as his has been given,  Not sure there is another player like that in the league, maybe DeMarcus Cousins.
• The theme of the night....ATTACK, ATTACK, ATTACK
• Loved the emotion of the Jazz tonight!
• Vets were huge tonight Marvin and Jefferson really stepped up and played big rolls tonight.

  Not sure that I am going to be able to sleep tonight.  Jazz played a great all around game tonight.  Were there some flaws?  Yes of course.  But I am not going to be to concerned about that tonight.  Going to savor this win!  GREAT WIN YOUNG JAZZ TEAM!

Utah Jazz versus Who?...oh the Pelicans???

  Tonight the 0-8 Utah Jazz take on the 3-5 new look New Orleans Pelicans at ESA.  Sticking with the glass half full theme, this will be the 2nd of a back to back for the Pelicans, who got throttled and dunked on by the Los Angles Lakers.  The Jazz need to come out with energy and jump all over these guys.  Get their first win!  Let's take a look at the game....

Defensively-This is a new look team all around.  The Pelicans added Tyreke Evans, Jrue Holiday in the off-season to go along with Eric Gordon and a vastly improved Anthony Davis.  The Jazz will have their hands full protecting the paint, as all of the Pelicans wings will attack the basket.  The bigs will be tested not only with their paint protection, but also the stretch defense as New Orleans has arguably the best stretch 4 in the game, Ryan Anderson.  For the Jazz to have success tonight, they will need a total team effort on the defensive end.  They will need to have active hands  and continue to get the deflections they have been getting the last 2 games.  I believe you will see Derrick Favors matched up against Anthony Davis.  Davis should not be able to back Favors down, but he does have excellent touch and ball handling.  Look for him to attack Favors that way.  That leaves Kanter matched up against Jason Smith or Greg Steimsma.  Both players are rebounders or hustle guys.  Kanter MUST work hard on the defensive glass.

Offensively-The Jazz need Gordon Hayward to attack offensively more than the first half.  I have been really impressed with Gordon and his ability to create his own shot as well as for his teammates.  Hayward did struggle turning the ball over against the Nuggets where he had 7.  He will need to protect the ball and continue to be as efficient scorer.  It will be interesting to see if Ty starts Richard Jefferson again tonight.  He has really struggled from the field, but has made up for that by attacking the basket.  I would not be surprised if Ty started Alec Burks.  There has been rumblings of this the past 2 games.  Look for Favors to continue to work in the post.  I'm not sure Davis can guard him on the block.  If Davis is switched to Kanter, look for the Jazz to use Kanter in the post.  Enes will need to maximize his pump and ball fakes against Davis if he wants to be successful.  The Jazz ran primarily pick and roll, screen and re-screen against the Nuggets.  They were very effective with that offense in the first half.  Guys seem to move more and are more active all around out of this offense.

  The game versus Nuggets I came out of there feeling there were more positives then negatives.  Favors offense is developing, Gobert is a bright spot as far as the bench guys go.  He as progressed so much since I watched him at the draft combine.  Kanter has been steady, Burks has been a nice spark and Hayward is doing what we all hoped he would.  Again its one of those its the best thing for the Jazz to be in the situation they are in right now.  Trey is on his way back and if you missed any of the college hoops last night, Parker, Wiggins or Randle will really help this team!  Go Jazz!

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

The battle for Wiggins tips off tonight in Boston, Jazz vs Celtics.

  The Utah Jazz take on the Boston Celtics tonight in Boston.  This game takes on the special meaning tonight as the loser is in the driver seat for the #1 pick early in the season.  The Jazz really struggled last night just making a shot.  Richard Jefferson went 1-7 from the field 0-4 from three.  Favors was 2-8 and Tinsley was 1-5.  That is just not going to cut it.  The defensive end of the court, the Jazz just had no answer for Brook Lopez and his size.  On the season, Lopez is shooting nearly 70% in the lane.  That is where he got the majority of his shots.  Jazz did not push him out and do their work early.  Overall was a tough night all-around.  Lets take a look at tonight's match-up versus the Celtics.

Defensively-The Jazz will really need to tighten up their rotations.  Last night versus the Nets, there was a play early where Richard Jefferson rotated to the player going to the basket and his man dove to the basket received the pass and scored.  Jefferson, clearly upset turns to the bench basically asking where his help was.  Guys looked tired and star struck last night.  They will need to come out with better effort and energy on the defensive end.  Boston's highest scorer is Jeff Green averaging 16.8.  Boston is not a team that is going to light it up and put up a lot of points.  This team does not have a lot of offensive weapons so the Jazz should be able to really focus on fundamentals and their team defense as a whole.  Boston does have two very good young players in Kelly Olynyk and un-drafted rookie Vitor Faverani.  Faverani is averaging 9.5 pts and 7.3 rebs.  He is a big that likes to get out and run the floor.  He has a big body and will use it inside.  The Jazz bigs will need to transition well.  Olynyk is a really good pick and pop player and a fabulous passer.  Probably the best passing big man since Greg Monroe came in to the league.  Boston runs a lot of offense through him a the high post as he looks for teammates cutting and coming off screens.

Offensively-This is really where the Jazz need to focus tonight.  The Jazz will not win games with Jefferson, Tinsley and Favors shooting the ball the way they did last night.  The Jazz did run a number of new sets last night.  Most of them seemed to come out of the "FLEX" offense.  The Jazz did not execute these plays well at all.  According to David locke, these were installed recently and the Jazz have not worked on them much.  Tonight could be a night to build on that offense, but I believe you will see the Jazz go back to a more pick and roll, pick and pop heavy offense tonight.  The key to the offense has to be the execution.  Also the Jazz did not run the floor well last night.  On occasion, I have noticed John Lucas really push the ball ahead of the defense and get all the way to the bucket.  The issue there is is his lack of size and inability to finish.  Also, there is no one else running with him in these circumstances.  Look for the Jazz to push and get some easy baskets.  I feel that Ty is also searching for someone besides Alec Burks that can come in and give this team a spark.  Last night he played Ian Clark 12 minutes.  He was 1-2, the one make he had was a 3 pt shot from the wing that he seem to get off quickly.  Look for Ty to give Clark some more time on the court tonight, especially if he is able to knock down shots and spread the floor.

  Tonight just might be the night that the Jazz get their first win of the season.  Albeit against the Boston Celtics.  But a win is a win.  It will be interesting to see how the Jazz handle all of these losses and come out tonight after getting thumped by the Nets.  I will be very interested to watch players body language to see how involved they are.  Kanter mentally seems to be a little fragile right now and he really beats himself up.  After last nights performance, which really wasn't too bad on his part, it will be interesting to see how he bounces back.  Always excited for a Jazz game even if they are really struggling.  The effort is there and these guys want to improve.  GO JAZZ!

Jazz get distracted by the bright lights on broadway, get thumped by the Nets.

  The Utah Jazz looked star struck tonight in Brooklyn as the Jazz fall to the Nets 104-88.  For one Jazz player, Ian Clarke, it was the first time he had ever been to New York.  The Jazz youth clearly looked intimidated by the names on the backs of the Nets jerseys and the number of future hall of famer's they were up against.  Here are some highlights and low-lights from tonight's game.....

• Early in the first quarter, the Jazz spacing was terrible.  Brooklyn packing the paint.
• Rush gets his first minutes in over a year at the 5 minute mark in the first quarter.
• As expected Rush is tentative and nervous.
• Jazz go small in the first quarter with JLIII, Burks, Hayward, Rush and Favors.
• Jazz closed the quarter with the ball in Burks hands, he creates a draw and kick to Hayward, misses the 3, Burks gets the rebound and is fouled on a 3. Only converts 1-3 free-throws.
• Jazz give up 28 pts in the first quarter.
• Jazz could not hit a shot. 
• Kanter looked tired.  Battling Lopez will do that to you.  Also the first time he has really logged heavy minutes.
• Rotations in the first half were poor.  Team missed a lot on the "help the helper" situations.
• Gobert gets called for 2 fouls where he appeared to be straight up.  Hard to be a rookie.
• Lopez is a really BIG MAN!
• Gordon looks to be having an internal battle, being a scorer or a facilitator.
• Burks played a lot of minutes at the point guard position.
• With 5 minutes left in the second quarter, the Nets put their starters back in and built a lead.  Jazz had cut lead to 3.
• Tough sequence, Jefferson goes for a dunk appears to get body contact from Lopez, no call. Nets take the ball in transition on the other end Favors same position/vertical and the call is made, costing Favors his 3rd foul and putting Lopez on the line.
• Andrei Kirilenko has nice hair.
• Jazz ran a lot of "FLEX" tonight.  Looked like the defense was dictating that, as the Nets packed the paint.
• Pick and Roll was used late in the shot clock.  Seem to be a last ditch effort.
• Jazz may need to run more touches in the post for Favors.  He may not be polished, but his size dictates a double team.
• Jazz turned the ball over 21 times....
• Jazz shoot 73.3% from the Free-throw line 22-30
• Ian Clarke did get some minutes tonight.  Would like to see the him get a few more minutes.  But he has to earn them.
• Richard Jefferson was 0-4 from 3pt.
• Trey is on the road trip.  Supposed to go back to the doc on the 11th.  Hopefully gets a clean bill of health.

  This was a hard game to watch tonight.  Can't say I didn't see it coming. but did not make it any easier.  Jazz just looked a bit lethargic tonight.  Kanter and Hayward both scored the ball well tonight.  No one other than Rudy Gobert had double digits in rebounds.  The Jazz need to have a short memory.  They turn around and play the other "cellar dweller" team in the Boston Celtics tomorrow night.  This team is going to have to learn to put these types of losses out of their mind as soon as possible, so they can move forward and prepare for the next game.  Not much else can be said....just hard.....

Welcome to Brooklyn, Jazz take on Nets tonight.

  First game of a 4 game road trip for the Utah Jazz kicks off in Brooklyn tonight versus the 1-2 Nets.  This is the kind of opportunity this team needs to come together and gel.  Its not an easy trip by any stretch of the imagination, with the likes of the Nets, Celtics, Bulls and Raptors on this trip.  The Jazz have started the season 0-3 and could easily be 3-0.  They were in every game and lost the first 2 by a total of 6 points.  Lets take a look at the keys to tonight's game....

Defensively-Brooklyn has a lot of star power.....Star power with "old man game" that is.  Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce are clearly on the down side of their careers as is Brooklyn's 6th man Jason Terry.  That does not mean that Jazz can take any of these players lightly.  Garnett is probably the king of "bully ball" and will try to get in the head of Kanter and Favors.  The young bigs are going to have to keep their emotions in check and tune him out as best as possible.  Garnett will not beat you in the post at this point in his career.  He is a solid pick and pop player that the Jazz will need to rotate to.  Paul Pierce will still look to use his strength and back down the likes of Jefferson and Hayward.  He is also a player that can not be left open.  If he gets hot, it could be a long night.  We have just talked about two good players and haven't even discussed Deron Williams. Joe Johnson or arguably Brooklyn's best player, Brook Lopez.  Deron is still battling through an ankle injury suffered prior to training camp.  Joe Johnson for the Nets, can create some real mismatch problems.  In the past he has been a Jazz killer.  He is a player that can play with his back to the basket some but his strength is, he can flat out shoot it.  The Jazz will need to run him off the 3pt line and make him shoot the "no mans land" long 2pt shots.  Lastly is Lopez.  He is a very skilled big man that like to play in the post, back to the basket, traditional big man style.  Kanter and Favors have had some serious match-ups already this season and have done more than hold their own.  Look for Lopez to use a variety of pump fakes to get either player off their feet.  Lopez is not a particularly strong rebounder and does not run the floor well, two things the Jazz will need to take advantage of.


Offensively-The Jazz offensively this season have been a roller coaster.  As long as the team is moving the ball and getting assists, they seem to take care of business.  They also do a great job running the floor.  The thing that has made them successful in running the floor, is the bigs getting out and running and putting pressure on the other teams transition defense.  The first half of the Houston game the Jazz ran Asik and Howard a lot.  That all changed in the second half.  Not sure if it was effort or if they were tired coming off a back to back, but the Jazz need the bigs to run and push the full 48.  Look for the Jazz to run more of the lineup of Burks, Hayward, Jefferson, Kanter and Favors.  This was an effective lineup and helped Hayward out the most by not having to have him handle the ball and create for himself and the team.  Jefferson also helps this lineup out as he has done a good job spreading the floor and knocking down 3's.  Lastly, at the end of the game, if close, look for this line up.  I would like to see the Jazz run the same sets with the ball in Burks hands rather than Gordon's.  Burks is a better creator with the ball in his hands, and Gordon is really a better shooter and spot up shooter than Burks.  It really plays in to both players strengths.  The Jazz will need to attack the basket all night as Brooklyn's only shot blockers are Lopez and AK.

Intangibles-The Jazz did a much better job against the Rockets not turning the ball over and were much better at the free-throw line.  These will be the first 2 keys for every road game on this trip.  The Jazz will also need to maintain energy for a full 48.  Against the Rockets, with just better than 5 minutes left, Chandler Parson caught the ball at the top of the key straight away, Gordon made a poor close out and Parson went right by him.  The rotation was solid from Burks how stopped the drive, but Parson kicked the ball to Lin who knocked down a wide open 3. There was no "help the helper" and that put Houston up 2 and was the beginning of the end for the Jazz.  Rotations will need to be solid, closeouts strong and players trying to make plays defensively.

  This will be another entertaining game to watch.  The "Old Men" on the block versus the Jazz youth movement.  If the Jazz can push tempo, share the ball and have solid rotations they will have a chance to win this game.  Brooklyn is trying to find their chemistry as well and the Jazz may have caught them at a good time as they have started the season 1-2.  Time to come together for this young team and get a statement win.  GO JAZZ!

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!

In the valley of the sun, Jazz fight hard but the sun goes down

  This was not the prettiest game you will ever see but the Jazz battled.  Phoenix just imposed their will a bit more in the 2nd half.  Here is some thoughts from the game...

• Hayward had a great first half.  11 pts in the first quarter.  Struggled in the 2nd half but hit a huge 3 to tie the game.
• Bledsoe hits the shot you want him to take at the end of the game.
• Defense in the first quarter was not good.  Phoenix scored 29 pts.  Second quarter was much better.
• Kanter and Favors were monsters inside.  Kanter had 10 offensive rebounds.
• Alec Burks played in rhythm and had another big second half.  
• Gordon was great on the boards tonight.  The kind of effort that he needs every night to get the contract that he feels he deserves.
• Offensively the Jazz moved the ball really well again.  20 assists as a team.
• Gordon also had the defensive play of the game with a huge block on a PJ Tucker dunk attempt.
• The Jazz really miss Trey.  The point guard situation is costing the Jazz games.
• Jazz have lost the first 2 games by a total of 6 points. 
• Turnovers and Free throws are killing this team. 20 TO and 17-27 FT for 63%
• There was no bench for the Jazz other than Alec.
• Jazz summer camper Dionte Christmas gave Phoenix a real spark.  Jazz weren't ready to match his effort.  Had 9 pts off the bench.
• Jazz had only 3 steals and 1 block, Suns 10 steals and 10 blocks
• Miles Plumlee has really bad hair.

  Not sure what can be taken from this game.  The positives have to be the bigs played well and dominated the way they should have inside.  The Jazz did not exploit the size mismatch in the back court with Hayward and Jefferson.  Not sure if you put that one on Ty and the staff or if the Jazz just chose not to go that route.  Hayward was good on the boards but did disappear in the 2nd half.  Think this loss hurts even more than opening night.  Now the have to turn around and play the Rockets and Dwight Howard tomorrow night.

Jazz vs Suns Preview

  Opening night for the Jazz was probably better than most expected (especially from so called experts) but the Jazz still left with a hard fought loss.  The Phoenix suns opened the season Wednesday night with a surprising victory over the Portland Trail Blazers.  Tonight's game should be a great one and Jazz fans get their first glimpse of fan favorite Jeff Hornacek and his uptempo coaching philosophy.  Let's take a look at some of the keys for tonight's match-up....


Defensively-Phoenix is a very uptempo,fast paced offense.  Part of coach Hornacek's philosophy is to get a good shot up in the first 7 seconds of the shot clock. Phoenix has the pieces to make this work, with the likes for Goran Dragic and Eric Bledsoe. That's right Phoenix plays 2 point guards together and they will push tempo and play heavy minutes. Luckily for the Jazz these players are both "feast or famine" type of players.  If they have it going, it could be a long night for the Jazz back court.  This will also be the first look at Kanter and Favors having to deal with true stretch 4's with the likes of Channing Frye, and the Morris twins.  Look for the Jazz to go underneath on pick and rolls with Bledsoe and make him a jump shooter.  They will have to go over the top with Dragic.  He is a 35% career 3pt shooter.  The bigs will have to work really hard as Phoenix bigs are more of Pick and Pop type players.  The Jazz defense throughout the preseason and game one as been really good, but this will be a different kind of test.

Offensively-Look for the Jazz to establish a steady post game.  Phoenix does not have a single player that can guard Favors or Kanter in the post.  Also look for the Jazz to exploit the Hayward or Jefferson match-up, as Dragic or Bledsoe will have to defend one of the two.  It could be a big night for both of these guys.  The Jazz have also done a great job of pushing tempo after made baskets.  The league is really coming down hard on the touching the ball after the made basket and it has actually played in the Jazz favor nicely.  The Jazz will need a solid night from Burks again.  He seems to be the catalyst for that second unit.  Also need to see Kanter be very assertive both on offense and the defensive boards.

Coaching-This is a match-up that Jazz fans will watch closely.  There is a large contingent that thinks the Jazz should have made Hornacek their coach when Jerry walked away.  Coach Corbin did a good job Monday night with situational offense, making the right time out calls and really riding hot hands throughout the game.  It looks to me that Ty has really worked on his craft and may be developing in to the kind of coach the front office wants and desperately needs.  The philosophy of both coaches are fairly similar so should make for a good game.

  Lastly, we can't make this post with out discussing the unfortunate situation of not being able to come to a contract agreement with Gordon Hayward.  I saw a tweet last night from ESPN's Zack Lowe stating that the contract situation was weighing on the team as a whole.  The Paul George deal really put a crack in the foundation for a deal to get done with Gordon.  Is Gordon a comparable player to George and possibly superior?  Absolutely!  But Indiana does not have any other marquee young players that they needed to shore up.  Will that deal come back to bite them, maybe especially if one of their bigs has a major injury.  But from both sides, this is ok.  If Hayward goes out and has a monster season, the Jazz pay him.  If he goes out and has an average or below average season the Jazz pay him at the appropriate market value.  Unfortunately, I have not seen a single player in a contract year not struggle some.  Dwight Howard, Carmelo Anthony are a couple of the more recent players that have dealt with this situation.  Derrick Favors made the right call and took care of his contract situation and it shows in his play on the court since the deal was completed.  I hope for Gordon's sake that he is able to go out and perform the way he wants to and thus deserve the contract he wants.  But the Jazz made the right decision by not giving in just to keep a guy in house and not losing their leverage.  There are only 3 players in the entire league that are not replaceable, Lebron James, Chris Paul and Kevin Durrant.

  Tonight's game is going to be a fun fast paced game that will be a lot of fun to watch.  Here is to hoping the Jazz go on the road and get their first win of the season and first ROAD WIN!  GO JAZZ