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Jazz Thoughts: 3OT, Rotations, etc.
Posted by: David J. Smith on November 14th, 2012
The author's views are entirely his or her own and may not reflect the views of the Utah Jazz.First, here are my articles for the Phoenix game and the exciting triple overtime road win over Toronto.
Now, to catch-up on some Jazz thoughts:
- A lot has been said about the big lineup. Coach Corbin went with Derrick Favors, Al Jefferson, and Paul Millsap for the final 18 1/2 minutes of the Toronto game and it paid “big” dividends. Perhaps with his ever improving outside marksmanship, Millsap may be able to play more small forward. Do I think it should be the regular lineup? No. But should it be used more frequently, especially in light of certain matchups? Absolutely. In this case, the Jazz had their backs against the walls and when that happened, you should always elect to go with your best players. And I believe these three to be among our best.
- Some were or still are suspicious of Mo Williams’ playmaking skills. Well, he is dishing out dimes to the tune of 7.4 per game, good for 12th in the NBA. That puts him within half an assist of guys like Deron Williams, Tony Parker, Goran Dragic, and Russell Westbrook (granted, not all these guys are known as high-volume assist players, but are viewed as better point guards than Mo) and ahead of Kyrie Irving, Mike Conley Jr., and the Jeremy Lin.
- Guess who leads our team in steals? None other than Al Jefferson at 1.50 spg.
- Speaking of Al, it appears he has broken out of the funk. The past two outings, he has produced 25.5 ppg, 15.5 rpg, 2.5 apg, 1.5 bpg, and 1.5 spg, while getting to the line 5.0 times a game (twice his season average). Not to mention his amazing three-pointer. One thing I’ve loved is how Al is stepping things up on the boards. His 11.5 rpg mark places him fifth in the NBA.
- You know, if a team ever signed Linas Kleiza, Nic Batum, Matt Bonner, and Kyle Lowry to the same team, the Jazz would never have a chance. The classic Jazz killers…
- You have to love the early-season balance we are seeing. Six players averaging double-figures (with Favors not far behind at 9.1 ppg), 10 averaging 10 or more minutes (although DeMarre Carroll is out of the rotation), and different leading scorers from game to game.
- He struggles with his shooting, but Jamaal Tinsley has been phenomenal with his passing. He ranks 3rd, just behind Rajon Rondo and Chris Paul, in assists/48 minutes: 14.0
- Shouldn’t Toronto be better than they have been the past few years? Individually, they have some very talented guys, but they cannot put it together. It’s nice to see DeMar DeRozan improving.
- With Kyle Lowry in place, and despite his gaudy assist totals, you have to imagine Jose Calderon is attainable by a team needing PG help. He has an expiring $9M contract and would help a number of teams.
- Just imagine Derrick Favors’ blocked shots potential if we played Marcin Gortat 82 games a season. By the way, Favors is fifth with 2.50 bpg.
- One thing I loved: seeing the bench’s reaction after each big shot against the Raptors. This is a team with no hidden agendas, no ulterior motives, and a lot of unity. While the road has been rocky, this feeling you can see bodes well for this season.
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Replies: 9
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9 Responses
Good thing Jazz played Raptors on the road early as two of the Jazz killers are on one team and one of them missed the game.
I think Lin was just a flash in the pan and he will only be a regular player.
I like the big lineup to finish the game. Marvin is no slouch either.Heyward still seems kind of shy. He has the ability of being a constant double double force. Good to see his defense is always there.
Seems as if Kanter has hit the sophomore wall. He is due for a breakout game.
Tinsley is ok for his dimes but I still think Burks should be getting more minutes.
David what is your opinion on what happens when Watson returns to activity??
Everytime I see Calderon I’m impressed at his assists game. I wouldn’t have him as my number one PG but if we could package Tinsley and Raja Bell in some way and get Calderon in exchange I would be happy.
I liked Tinsley as our third choice PG last year, but this season I worry that he might be our only option on some nights. Mo does get injured frequently and Tinsley does not have any shooting threat. Yes his assists ratio is high and always will be but that lack of shooting threat may well nullify the benefit of those assists on some nights. I would be happier to have Calderon though as an insurance policy for when Williams goes down, as not only can he assist but he does score too.
1.5 steals per game is nice, but he needs to make more of an effort to pick up those defensive rebounds early in games, not just when the game is on the line. I don’t expect him to be a good pick and roll defender. But I do expect him to grab rebounds throughout the game, every game. Not just at the end of the season in a a must win game scenario like the game against Dallas where he put in extra effort to give us hope of getting to the playoffs. Jefferson has to realize that with Favors demanding minutes because of his defense that relying on his shooting game to carry him and the Jazz through the games is no longer an option. Teams like Toronto should not be getting second chance points like they did the other night. A game like the other night would have been a lot easier to win had a few more rebounds been grabbed earlier.
Tinsley has dished well, but his inability to score will doom the Jazz vs. quality teams. If we make a move, I would really like to see our backup PG upgraded. We don’t have an offense that can play 4 on 5 and reliably score (not since Mark Eaton stood at midcourt and watched John and Karl go to work).
Ask any player who played with or against Eaton and they will tell you of his value.Same with Dennis Rodman how many points did he score?? Now look at his rebounds. He is in the HOF..But a point needs to be a scoreing threat. Package Bell, Tinsley, and even Watson. I think Calderon would be a great choice..
I totally agree LK. I also think with Mo being a score first PG, they could also play in tandem
Calderon is much more than Bell, Tinslay or Watson…. I repeat… TRADE BIG AL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! plus Bell for Calderon.
Trade Big Al for Calderon?? dudeisucrazee??
Al salary is why higher than Calderon. You would have to do a three way or other combinations. Wolves are in need of any player who can walk. Give them Bell for a second round pick.Getting Calderon then again you have too many point guards.How about Al to Rockets. Tinsley to Raptors.Calderon and Baragini (SP?) to Jazz. Rockets would send whatever to Raptors to equal the deal.. Let Sap have at least ten minutes at the three and Baragini plays the four and five behind Favors,Sap and Kanter.
Looks like Watson was re-activated today but will not dress for Boston game.Time for Murf to go to the D-league.