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Steve Nash in Utah? (part one)
Posted by: David J. Smith on May 12th, 2012
The author's views are entirely his or her own and may not reflect the views of the Utah Jazz.After last month’s dramatic Utah Jazz victory over the rivaling Phoenix Suns, the game that clinched a surprising postseason berth for the young Jazz squad, ESPN reporter Michael Wilbon suggested that free agent guard Steve Nash might be wise to consider the Utah Jazz. On Pardon the Interruption, Wilbon went as far to say that Utah could be a 55-win team (as we go back to the regular 82 game grind) with Nash at the helm.
Last night, in ESPN’s pre-game coverage prior to the exciting Grizzlies/Clippers game six, Chris Broussard took the opportunity to say that Nash might indeed have interest in joining up with the Utah Jazz (I caught most of this secondhand; if anyone heard him say this, or better yet, can post video of it, that would be stellar).
How realistic a notion this is, I do not know. It could very well be a long-shot. Rumors emerge daily, almost hourly, most with very little validity to them. But if you are like me, I like a good rumor every now and then, especially when it involves our Utah Jazz.
So, there I’ve made my disclaimer. This post does not mean that I think Nash will be committing to Kevin O’Connor and Tyrone Corbin on July 1st. Far from it. I simply wish to lay out some reasons why a Nash-Jazz pairing might make sense. Follow me here:
- Even during his MVP seasons, has there been a more humble, self-effacing superstar in recent history (perhaps going back to David Robinson and our own John Stockton)? Steve Nash is devoid of ego. He wants to play for a winner and would go to a good situation rather than get sucked into the allure of a big market or glitzy hype.
- Most teams would kill to have Nash. But as you analyze the rosters, you can see which situations might make sense for him and which wouldn’t. First, there are teams that already have stellar point guards: Boston, Chicago, Cleveland, Denver (Ty Lawson), Golden State (maybe, with Stephon Curry), Houston (with either Kyle Lowry or Goran Dragic), LA Clippers, Memphis (I think they’re high on Mike Conley), Minnesota, Philadelphia (depending on what happens with Jrue Holliday), San Antonio, Washington. Next you can look at teams that are mired in mediocrity or worse. Chances are, these teams may not be of interest to Nash: Atlanta, Charlotte, Detroit, Milwaukee, New Jersey, New Orleans, Sacramento. That is 20 teams right there)
- So 10 teams that might make sense: Dallas, Indiana, LA Lakers, Miami, New York, Orlando, Phoenix, Portland, Toronto (being a Canadian), and Utah. It’s no secret that Dallas is targeting Deron Williams, but if they miss out on him, Nash might be up for a reunion with best friend Dirk Nowitzki. I really cannot see him joining forces with Kobe in LA or Miami with LeBron and D-Wade–the stars there each need to dominate the ball to be most effective. Given the happenings this season, it’s hard to see the Knicks passing on the media juggernaut that was Linsanity. Broussard also said that Nash would be leery to play with Melo (what does that say about Anthony?). Toronto’s just bad. Everything surrounding the Magic centers around the Dwight Howard drama. If he stays, Orlando might make sense.
- So, that would leave Indiana, Phoenix, Portland, and Utah (and again, this is just one man’s opinion). The Pacers are very appealing. Great team with a very underrated, young coach. Portland also has been linked with Steve Nash over the years and he would greatly boost a team that has a lot of cap room and two Lottery draft picks. And Utah, with $36 million in expiring contracts (Al Jefferson, Paul Millsap, Devin Harris, Raja Bell, Earl Watson, and presumably DeMarre Carroll after his option is picked up), veterans who are very capable, and the potential of our core four (Gordon Hayward, Derrick Favors, Alec Burks, Enes Kanter), makes a lot of basketball sense for a guy who wants to go to a winning situation. Utah is very much on the up-and-up and have the flexibility to make some impact moves to bring in some impact players (not to mention the fact that the Jazz could still have the #8 pick should someone rightfully leap-frog the ubertanking Warriors). And of course, given his fierce loyalty, resigning is the Valley of the Sun is possible, but I think he moves on.
- Nash appreciates the fans. I believe the Phoenix fans were a big reason he resigned after much of his strong supporting cast moved locales. Utah’s fanbase is among the league’s most passionate and rabid.
- The Utah system could fit his style. He’d be surrounded by guys who can run the fast break, tantalizing bigs who would thrive with a distributor like Nash, and there is still a great deal of structure in the Jazz system post-Jerry (although we still need to implement the 3-point shot into things).
- His defensive liabilities can be offset a bit by one Derrick Favors (and hopefully more concerted effort by the whole team).
Okay, so am I saying that this will happen or that it is the absolute, number one move to make? No. Not at all. Just sharing some reasons why this seemingly implausible idea might make sense. Sorry if this is a bit scattered. I simply wanted to get some thoughts out there this morning.
Part two: how Nash, if for some stroke of great fortune, did decide to come to SLC, would affect things now and in the future.
Replies: 27
Views: 2616
27 Responses
so much win.
_______________________________ ___________________________________
Greg Miller, CEO Steve Nash, MVP
those are signature lines. Make it happen!!
obviously the formatting didn’t work out like i had anticipated…heh
Nice post David. we’ve discussed this a lot, you know I agree with you. I’d love Nash here and I’ve been advocating his coming here for a long time. One thing you didn’t mention is the fact that the Jazz have quite a bit of cap room as well, nearly $11 million if i’m right? Not sure but I know its a lot.so we could probably give Nash more money than anyone except Phoenix.
New York is out because of lin, and Mike Woodson is actually the head coach there now.
better be looking for a backup point guard. Nash rests alot, and probably gonna get worse. Maybe a Harris restructured contract. Currently we have mediocre backups point guards. with that being said, if nash can give us 2 solid years put him at the top of the list.
Good post as usual David. I would concure..I would bet KOC has it in his things to do already. Pull the trigger..
I’ve always liked Nash and, like many, would be beside ourselves if he came to Salt Lake. He would impact our team immediately. His play style would blend well with our system. He brings more drive-n-dish and at least some better perimeter shooting.
The ups I think outweigh the downs of bringing him here. The issue I have with this situation is: he’s old. I know he seems to be defying his age with his play lately. But Father Time bats 1,000 and its only a matter of time before he just gets too tired or hurt to be effective. Would you want that for our team? Also, he’s at the end of his career. He may only give us 1 or 2 seasons.
Like David said, this is pure speculation. The benefits would be huge, but lets not get ahead of ourselves.
@Ben: YES!!
Jazz still have Okurs trade exception, which numerically is about where Nash would be. Doesny count against the cap. Jazz could still sign Dragic. Reunite Nash and Dragic. Lat time they were 1-2 punch they made West finals. Jazz will have more talent than tjat Suns team.
I really like this post. I’ve discussed this with other for a while. It probably isn’t realistic but there is a chance. And I think there is more of a chance than there was two months ago. From a pure basketball standpoint, the Jazz would be in the top 3 with Portland and Indiana. All 3 are young teams with talent and money to spend. We’ll see how it all shakes out. But landing Nash would absolutely be the best case scenario. For all the reasons you mentioned, plus if we obtain a young PG somehow, who better to mentor him.
One note though, D’Antoni is no longer with the Knicks. So that hurts their chances I think. However, there was a rumor the other day that the magic would be interested in him. If that is true, that would increase their chances of landing Nash. But with Howard’s future uncertain I don’t see Nash wanting to get into that mess.
We need to implement the pick & roll. Our iso in the post is not really how Nash rolls.
I would love to sign him for 3 years with a team option of a 4th. Say what you will about his age but he is still a very effective player. He could be a draw for some other old vets out there:
• Bring in Nash
• Sign Ray Allen to a 2yr contract
• Trade for or Sign a good 3
• Sign Steve Novak
Of course we would have to find the end of the rainbow first…
I think the only one going to offer him a ton of money is Phoenix. No one else has that as far as the star teams. Portland is going to make a huge play at Dragic. Indiana has George Hill who they love and Collison. I do not see a ton of players going to Dallas right now considering they are old and just got swept I do not think people are viewing that as win now. I think Utah makes perfect sense!! BUT:
1) We do not have 11 mil in cap we have about 8 mil once Bell is gone. 5-6 million for Nash that leaves us with 3 mil to fill in another 4-5 positions.
2) Nash loves to prove and keep his dribble going. This will not be very effective with Mr. Big Al. He clogs the paint, so if we are going to get Nash Al has to go. This would also fill some other options and believe it or not we would not need one of Houston PG so we could get Martin and a 1st round pick from them maybe Parsons. Martin would be perfect with Nash to kick it out and shoot the three. Then with the first round pick we pick up our PG of the future.
Martin makes less then Al so we would get some cap space. I would not mind Budinger or Parsons who make the same amount.
@Dallan I assume we may trade Harris, Millsap, or Al. We still will have the mid level exception as an option don’t we? If the Jazz go for someone like Nash the organization would have to go all out for a couple years and should. Go over the cap if you have to but don’t endanger your ability to sign Favors.
But of course we are a pretty conservative organization…
By the way David I can’t wait for part Two..
Steve only wants a 3 year deal. This would not work for he jazz. Also, nobody has mentioned his awful defense. I would not mind Nash here but he should not be our front offices first choice.
The only reason to bring in Nash is if Jazz management feels we have a realistic chance to win the championship in the next two years, with him aboard. If not, we are better off sticking with Harris, or finding a younger point guard to groom for the future.
I think the Jazz might pursue Nash this summer, but I don’t see him coming here, anymore then I see Deron Williams coming back. Fun to talk about though.
This would be awesome!
I agree if we go for Nash we need to go all out but I do not want to lose one of our young players because we have t get rid of someone on our bench. Just like we lost Maynor who we could use right now by the way
I love my man David Smith
And you KNOW he started to drool the second this was insinuated.
I would take Nash in a SECOND. Especially if we kept Devin as a backup (to give Nash plenty of rest) and can turn Al’s $15 mil into a 5 and a wing. Gortat and Dudley, anyone? lol
Anyway, when you’ve got a chance to play with a guy like Nash and your future PG is not already on the roster, you DO IT.
Regarding his defense, did anyone see us getting great D out of the PG spot this year? No…
Nash is exactly what we need. A leader, a pg and a decent 3 pointer.
At his age I think that he wants a great money deal (We have), a young team to lead and make it grown (We have), a great proyect (We have), a quite city (we have) and dreat fans (we are)
I hope see him wearing Jazz jersey.
ANyone who says signing Nash would NOT be a good idea is an idiot. Steve Nash is the closest thing to John Stockton that the NBA will ever see.
He makes good players great, and he makes mediocre players good. Keep Devin Harris as a shooting guard, who can play the point when Nash needs rest.
Nash is the best 3 throw shooter in the NBA. He just doesn’t miss. And he doesn’t miss 3 pointers either. Those our two things our team needs desperately. More than that, Nash brings poise, leadership, intelligence and maturity (There’s a big difference between experience and MATURITY, Corbin. This is why Bell, Howard, and Miles suck).
I would give my left nut for Nash. JMC is right though, we need to start grooming a young point guard.
But still. Steve Nash.
*FREE throw* not 3 three throw shooter lol
The Jazz’ Memo TPE, or other type trade won’t work, because is an UFA, so he signs for the most money and best situation.
He’s currently at $11,689,062. Who knows what he’ll settle for. He’s a quirky sort of a guy, who might accept a minimum or $10m/year x3 years.
Jazzaholic
I appreciate all the excellent comments! First, thanks for the D’Antoni correction–I knew he had left NYK and Woodson was there (but obviously not when I put this up yesterday morning
.
Second, so many good thoughts. Yes, of course his age and defense would be concerns, but as has been mentioned, it’s not like our PGs were huge on that end of the court (although Earl always gave his all on D).
Third, yes, having a young PG to groom would also be huge. Should the Jazz get the Golden State pick, perhaps a PG would be their target. Someone who can play right away, but not be forced into doing too much too early.
Stay tuned for part two…I’ll try to have it up sometime tonight. In the meantime, Happy Mother’s Day to all the mothers out there!
this would make me happy, it would be so fun to see him run with our young guys. I am trying to picture a Jazz team with Steve Nash at the helm, and AK as the 6th man of the bench.
Listen up guys!! We need Steve Nash for two years, three if he can make it. If we can get him to manage the point, he’ll be kick butt good. Not only that, but if we could somehow trade into the lottery and draft Kendall Marshall, or make a draft day trade for him, we have a great back up point guard who is young and is honestly the same style as Nash. When Nash needs a rest, send in mini-Nash to gain experience. Nash commands the floor at least half of the game and Marshall gets quality minutes behind an All-Star, MVP guard. If we could get both of these to fall, who needs Harris? He’d just be clogging up the plan. We could trade Jefferson, Millsap, or Harris for a draft pick and a reserve big man! Then we can go out and use the extra cap room to allure a REAL shooter to Utah. We gotta drop Raja Bell, Josh Howard, C.J. Miles, and Earl Watson along the way. Look at how this would look:
PG: Steve Nash, Kendall Marshall
SG: Gordon Hayward, Alec Burks
SF: (The shooter/scorer we need), DeMarre Carroll
PF: Derrick Favors, Enes Kanter
C: Al Jefferson, (Back up C)
Note: All of this is speculation and the “dream plan.” I’m not suggesting that this will happen or even that we should do this. It’s just fun to talk about our dreams and interesting combinations that make relevant sense to our situation.
First time I have ever seen a disclosure on a comment..
@L.K. Anderson. I can’t people thinking I actually believe that it would happen, right? Haha!