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Random Utah Jazz and NBA Musings
Posted by: David J. Smith on September 8th, 2012
The author's views are entirely his or her own and may not reflect the views of the Utah Jazz.Without further ado, some random Utah Jazz thoughts on a Saturday morning.
- It is nice to continue to see some good things happen for some former Utah Jazz players. The Indiana Pacers signed former point guards Blake Ahearn (known to be a partially guaranteed contract) and cult hero Sundiata Gaines. I hope one or both of them stick with the Pacers, a team that is on the rise.
- Congratulations also to long-time Jazz staffer Scott Layden on the assistant GM position in San Antonio. Scott has made tremendous impacts on our team over the decades and he deserves any success that comes his way.
- Mike Sanders, last year’s development coach, moves up a row into the assistant coach position, while Brad Jones fills Sanders’ previous role. By all accounts, Jones is very well-respected for his attention to detail, dedication, and knowledge. Hopefully these two add to our coaching staff in positive ways.
- The Raja Bell situation needs to get sorted out, but as David Locke has mentioned, it would not be surprising to see this stretch into the season. Demand for his services seems non-existent, but the Jazz could hold on to him for now, in hopes that a trade could be made down the line. The one scenario that could change things: someone from training camp dazzles the socks off the coaching staff and front office, a la Wesley Matthews.
- Which leads to the next item: training camp roster. Assuming second-rounder Kevin Murphy is inked and while Bell is still on the roster, there would be no vacancies. That might make it difficult for Dennis Lindsey and Kevin O’Connor to convince agents to send their clients to Utah next month. A few guys from the Orlando summer league impressed a bit, namely center Salah Mejri and Michael Stockton. Unfortunately, I believe both have contracts overseas. Any free agents that intrigue you?
- I will feel more comfortable once Josh Howard signs with another team. No doubts he tried hard and was a solid citizen. For me, his style just does not mesh with what we have going on here.
- Less than a month until things get started up again and I cannot wait. Go Jazz!
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Replies: 9
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9 Responses
Im on an Aggie buzz after the rival game in Logan last night. I just got to say that is a very respectable rivalry and matchup. Props to both teams taking it to overtime.
But about the jazz roster and camp…
I would have loved to have signed Michael Stockton, he played such good defense in the summer league and just the sheer legacy behind it would be great. I really want to be more positive about Raja, Josh, and Earl. But the only aged Vet that I felt good about was Tinsley. Jaamal worked hard, was humble(and he was by far a better player than the other vets in his prime) and set the right example for the young guys.
So excited about our new additions!! I think we will now have a legit big three with Marvin at the SF. He is the same size as Millsap and can post up, but also a deadly 3pt shooter. Hayward, Marvin, Millsap and Favors on the court at the same would be so tough defensively.
As usual a great post David. Looks like Ronnie Brewer now of the Knicks is out with a miniscus tear. Isin’t that the injury that ended his season with the Grizz??I like him and will always be a fan of his wherever he goes.
I don’t think there will be another trade until the deadline unless there is a chance to ship Bell within the trade.That said I still think Favors will start and have a breakout season. Jazz will have a great competitive second unit.. I see where Kanter is working out with Kiki V. (Can’t come close to spelling his last name) If these kids can buy into a team effort they will be fine.
I’m excited for the start of training camp … There is a ton of work to be done before the season. Its good to see new faces on the coaching staff and in the front office, we needed a shakeup. Corbin hasn’t really had a chance after a year and a half to hold practices. Zero practice is a bizarre thing for a new coach, he will finally have a shot at running his style of play.
I must say, I have very little idea what that will actually be. For all the talk of “Jazz style of play” does anyone really know what that might be? I’m hoping its a lot more movement than last season, and hopefully some good outside shooting.
Raja Bell is a headache, shouldn’t have taken his word and just amnestied him when we had the chance. I can only hope he is not around the team. It was so frustrating watching him start last season, and play alot of minutes …and do absolutely nothing.
Josh Howard is a little different, I think he still has something to contribute to some team. It is a surprise to me that Howard remains unsigned – especially after the Spurs showed interest in trading for him last year.
I would like to see Big Al traded sooner than later … I like him, but I do feel like Kanter won’t get the PT he needs, which is insane to not play a #3 pick.
Dave I liked this post , thanx again .
@ LK Anderson I agree with you on the part of them buying into playin as a team . I also think the talent is there if they can beleive in themselves as a team and themselves personally .
This will be a good year . I think that they improve from last years squad . That bein said I am not sayin that we will win the title this year but we will definately improve even if its just a few more wins than last year . That in itself is better than stayin the same or worse .
I do hope that the Raja Bell thing will not hurt this teams potentail at all .
Go Jazz I still beleive !!!!!!!!
More musings…
I believe the Jazz has 15 players on contract this season. Presumably, teams will be able to suit up only 12 players as they return to the way it was before the shortened season.
So, which players will not suit up or be assigned to the NDBL?
• Raja Bell—not suited
• Earl Watson—still recovering from surgery
• Kevin Murphy—assigned to NDBL to get some experience
What do you think?
@Ray they can dress 13
With 13 I hope that Murphy gets the jersey ahead of Watson and Bell. The kid can shoot and wont have the pressure of other established shooters. If he gets some garbage time and knocks down a few shots it will do great for his confidence and hanging with established NBA stars won’t hurt either.
I wwould like to see murphy sent to the d league if we cant find pt for him up with the jazz. Pt is whats going to help him develope not sitting on the bench. Raja needs to go im neutral on howard he played well at times and if he signs back on with us i believe he can still contribute alot coming off the bench. I wouldb hate to see carrol loose time but, if it happens it does howard isnt a horrible player at all.
@ Jazzdependency Its one thing to ask a 19 or 20 year old to change something in their game. I think its alot harder for a coach to change. Corbin did great changing our defense to push the Bigs baseline from Sloan’s fronting style that just got our Bigs in foul trouble. I think we could expect a much better defense this year. Corbin always played tough D as a player, I dont imagine he is happy with how we did last season. Offensively who knows. It seemed like he played off what other teams were doing and then tried to counter it, instead of building off our own talent and strengths doing our own thing.