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Business is Personal in Jazzland
Posted by: Earl-Stevens on March 19th, 2010
The author's views are entirely his or her own and may not reflect the views of the Utah Jazz.
“Nothing personal, it’s just business”
I hate that phrase. It’s typically used by arrogant people who have an inflated view of themselves, and a very narrow appreciation for the colleagues, customers, instructors, and others who’ve helped them rise to their lofty positions.
Unfortunately, this philosophy is the norm in the professional sports world. Many team executives seem to use the “fantasy ball” approach when it comes to players and coaches: If they look good on paper, sign ‘em. When they fall off a bit, dump ‘em and find another. No loyalty, no consideration for past contributions, little thought to the effect of the transaction on team chemistry. Just pull the trigger and pray it’ll all work out.
Thanks for all the memories, LaDainian Tomlinson. Don’t let the door hit you in the butt on your way out.
In the end, everybody loses. The players, knowing they could be moved at any time, are conditioned to demonstrate personal success over the success of the team. They fail to develop relationships with teammates, and are less connected with the fan base and community. Taken to the extreme, you end up with a team that looks a lot like Isaiah Thomas’ Knicks a few years back: A whole lot of players who look good on paper, but fail to gel as a team because they’re too busy looking out for number one. A flagship NBA franchise became an embarrassment. Has anybody seen Stephon Marbury or Isaiah lately?
As Jazz fans, we’ve been spoiled by management who have been very loyal to players and coaches. They understand that team chemistry and stability are more important than single-player statistics. The commitment to team chemistry has allowed the Jazz to thrive in a small market, maintain a loyal fan base, and put consistently competitive teams on the court. Some things to consider:
- How many teams would have split the Stockton/Malone tandem up in the early 90’s?
- How many teams would have fired Jerry Sloan after the 04-05 season?
- How many teams would have fired Jerry Sloan after losing the finals in ‘98?
- How many teams would have been patient enough to wait for guys like Mark Eaton, Mike Brown, Tyrone Corbin, and more recently, CJ Miles and Fes, to develop?
- How many teams would have been as patient with Malone, Kirilenko, and Boozer?
- How many teams ignored Paul Millsap, Wesley Matthews, and Sundiata Gaines?
- How many teams would have drafted Marvin Williams, Charlie Villanueva, or Raymond Felton before Deron Williams?
- What other teams share these same qualities? Yep, the good ones, most notably the Spurs and Lakers.
Sure, the Jazz management isn’t perfect and we can all point out a few mistakes (Jose Ortiz and Walter Palmer). But the Jazz aren’t playing fantasy basketball. They understand that business IS personal. That team chemistry shouldn’t take a back seat to individual stats. That loyalty builds trust and long-term relationships. That if you contribute to this organization, you will receive much in return.
Here’s to hoping that the Jazz organization continues forward with this philosophy – and that it can make a revival in the professional sports world.
Has anyone seen New York’s 2010 first round pick?
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I’ll give you the Sloan argument, but all the other things I’m supposed to consider were business decisions. We draft smart because we’re a small market team. We pick up undrafted rookies because we’re a small market team. (Also, Matthews, if you saw the interview with his mother, chose this team because he thought it would give him the best chance to make it.) We are patient with players because we’re a small market team. These things are cheaper options.
I understand your hatred of the business over the personal, but I think you need to give credit to the business that this team conducts. They’re smart businesspeople, and they deserve credit for it. They are loyal to Sloan, but they drafted D-Will because they need a solid point guard to fit into Sloan’s system. That’s not a personal thing, that’s just smart business.
Further, in the 90’s, keeping a couple of superstars together was easier than it would be today. Sports have changed, and it is more of a business. I’m not saying I like it, but I do think you’re being naive if you think most of what the Jazz do is personal. It’s business, but they do it in a very smart and professional way.
I agree with your basic premise…however, what happened to the loyalty and stabilty factors — and thoughts of team chemistry, when Ronnie Brewer was traded? He was truly a fan favorite and was an important factor to the Jazz’ winning ways. Wesley Matthews has done well, but I still miss Ronnie B.
Hey!
Walter Palmer was probably the best read player ever in the NBA, just couldn’t play basketball.
Jose Ortiz was the Puerto Rican national hero, the pride of the island, and he had the most stunning wife ever. Doesn’t that count for anything?
Brewer was a fan favorite, but Matthews is a stud! This is his rookie year!!! Who wouldn’t want a potential lottery draft pick and a someone who plays better defense and offense, as a rookie, over Brewer??? Don’t even mention potential and salary differences.
The Jazz are fiercely loyal, but choices have to be made. There are roster and salary constraints. The Jazz have done a remarkable job with the resources available.
Jazzaholic
Business is personal in Jazzland…. That’s why i will never forgive Boozer…
Once again…I agree with J.R.
John and Kathy: The Ronnie B trade – concerned me as well. I hope it’s not a sign that the Jazz are moving more toward the “nothing personal” philosophy. And I hope they put on some sort of retirement event for Harpring.
thecrippesking: I probably am naive, but I really loved the NBA in the 80’s and 90’s. Talk about team chemistry. I felt like Magic loved the Lakers, Bird loved the Celtics, and that they truly hated each other. Not so much now. It’s more business, less personal, and that bugs me.