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Utah Jazz-Los Angeles Lakers Instant Analysis
Posted by: David J. Smith on October 17th, 2012
The author's views are entirely his or her own and may not reflect the views of the Utah Jazz.For those who may not know, this will be my second season helping with the Deseret News’ Utah Jazz coverage. After each game, I file an Instant Analysis for the online edition. I will try to post these here, along with some additional thoughts that may not have made the final article.
Here is my instant analysis for last night’s tilt with the LA Lakers. Hopefully this is the first of 95-100 articles–meaning a deep Playoff run!
Some additional thoughts:
- I try not to place too much stock in the early preseason, but as you get further along, you can start to see things materialize for the coaching staff and players. These next four games will be telling in some ways.
- With that in mind, I try not to pour accolades too much on those who are performing well or get into a depressed state regarding those struggling. It is the preseason. The rotations are bizarre, the competition subpar at times.
- Kevin Murphy looks like a player. He may need some time in the D-League, but it appears that the Jazz knew what they were doing when they plucked him in the second-round. I like his positioning, his moving without the ball. Seems to be an intelligent player who will play within the offense.
- In case you’ve not seen this, here is Murphy’s 50-point game:
- It would appear that fans are already down on Randy Foye. I honestly feel that is premature. As he showed last night, he can do a lot of positive things for the team. His ability to hit shots from outside will be huge. I also feel his playmaking skills, while not his greatest strengths, are underrated.
- The odds are against them, but Chris Quinn and Darnell Jackson are the invitees who seem to be getting the best looks by the coaches. Perhaps they don’t make the initial roster, but could be insurance additions as the season moves forward and injuries factor into the equation. Quinn has been heady. With his five years of experience, he could be a quality third point guard, should the need arise. And by all accounts from Kings bloggers and fans, Jackson is a great bench player. High energy, great attitude, and solid teammate.
- It would not surprise me to see some cuts following tonight’s bout with the Clippers. Brian Butch and Trey Gilder may be the victims.
Let’s the fun begin! If you are not on Twitter, I encourage you to do so. There are passionate Jazz fans who are talking about our team at anytime in the day. Feel free to follow me at @davidjsmith1232
Replies: 8
Views: 860
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8 Responses
30 Fast Break Points…… i think it’s probably a Franchise Record
Jazz played well, BUT no Howard, no Gasol. I’m liking the tempo increase, love Kanter and the williams, Hayward looked good last night and it’s good to have Millsap back.
Also good to see these great posts starting up again. Looking forward to many more !
and 3 of the 4 core @ +20 or better. LOVE IT!! GO JAZZ!!!
It is good to see the Jazz play hard no matter. Fakers will find out the hard way that Howard will miss many games due to his back. I would like to see them have a very rough season.
I too like Quinn and Jackson. But with so many that play the point I don’t see Quinn making the team. If the Bell situation is solve Jackson might be a keeper. The last two seasons the Jazz played a few games with only nine players. Sounds like a good reason to keep fifteen players. I wonder too how Watson will fit in..
Its hard to get excited about preseason games when teams are just going through the motion but at the same time its hard not to get excited about the movement of this Jazz side. If that can be translated to the full season it should be a fun few months.
Its been nice to see Kanter come on to a game, his confidence and demeanor have changed dramatically in the last year. He’s impressed me more than Favors. We all know what Favors can do defensively but Kanter’s offensive game has been the pleasant surprise of this off season.
I hope that over the coming weeks Murphy gets a chance to play some minutes and comes to the NBA with an attitude that he shouldn’t have been picked as low as 47. At one stage he was talked about being a low lottery pick. If he comes with the right chip on the shoulder and works on the elements of his game that saw his stock fall then the Jazz could be the beneficiaries.
Thoughts
1) I am going to watch tonight whether it was Jamaal being in the lineup or if it is the Millsap Jefferson combo but combined they just did not move the ball like we saw in the OKC and first L.A game, I suspect though that it is the Millsap Jefferson combo because we have had problems with every PG inserted in there. They have to change or the lineup needs to change.
2) Al and Paul still really do not want to pass. There was a time where Hayward was just chillin in the corner Al ignores him gets caught under neath the basket triple teamed and then reluctantly passes it out. They had about 5 possesions in a row in the 3rd quarter where they each got the ball and just did there thing. They have to get out of this mind set, hopefully it happens. I do not think it will though. Locke made a statement how Paul gets pissed if he does not get his touches. That is not good especially for this year..
As soon as BELL’s is officially out, I would like to see WATSON to continue to rehab – be place under Injury List ‘perhaps’ for the rest of the year (and, eventually join our Coaching/Training Staff). In that way, we can keep a solide 3rd PG in Chris Quinn – unless the Jazz are waiting to bring in that Israeli PG by start of the season;} And, YES – I like for us to keep Darnell JACKSON. A smooth Banger and Enforcer he can be for the Jazz – kinda’ remind me much of Antoinne CARR.
I read somewhere that FAVORS was sked to work out with MALONE – do you have any update on that. Yes, if he can learn from the MAILMAN – he can become an awesome player for a long time. Go Jazz!