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Jazz Nation
Posted by: Kris Edwards on October 13th, 2010
The author's views are entirely his or her own and may not reflect the views of the Utah Jazz.Jazz Nation!!!
I join with all of you in my excitement about the upcoming season. The Jazz have had a great off season and there are a lot of questions heading into his new season.
Usually this is the time of year when the statistical projections start to flood in from around the world. I admit, they are fun to read and examine, but they don’t really hold a lot of credence with me. Why should we care about some lousy numbers that are gathered by a bunch of super-nerds and ran through a super-computer? Seriously, how many times will these projections pick the Blazers to win the Northwest Division? Or the Clippers to make the playoffs? Or the Jazz to not make the playoffs for that matter. For example, I just saw a recent statistical update that projected the Lakers finishing 8th in the Western Conference, and the Jazz failing to reach the playoffs at all. That’s about as accurate at Big Fes’ free throw percentage.
What I’m saying is, projections are fun and exciting, but these statistical ones can be ridiculous. But have patience my friends, there is one accurate, fun, and exciting medium that can help us see how well our team may perform during the upcoming season. Of course, that medium is………………..VIDEO GAMES!!!
Before you scoff at my naivety, let me say that I don’t really believe that video games will determine the results of this season, but if you want to see a projection of what might happen during this season, why not have it be in a video game? I recently picked up my copy of NBA 2k11, and I must say, it is the best basketball game ever. Not only is the gameplay the best it’s ever been, but you can also play as classic teams (including the 1997-98 Jazz). In short, it’s a must have for any basketball fan.
2k Sports assigns overall team ratings, and also player specific ratings. The game assigns each of the 29 NBA teams an overall ranking, and the Jazz placed 10th overall. Keep in mind that this is 10th in the whole league, since there are two conferences, that puts us about 5th in the West. This isn’t where I think we’ll end up, but it’s better pre-season love than the Jazz usually get.
Further, the games assigns an individual player ranking on a scale of 1-100 (100 being the best). Here are the player ratings for the Jazz projected starting lineup:
Deron Williams – 92
Raja Bell – 70
Andrei Kirilenko – 74
Paul Millsap – 74
Al Jefferson – 80
Not too bad. To put things into perspective, D-Will’s ranking of 92 places him in the top 10 in the league and ranks him as the best point guard. I started a season with the Jazz and have loved playing with this current roster. They run a great offense and Big Al has been a beast down low. I currently hold the best record in the league, D-Will and Jefferson have been named All-Stars, and D-Will will probably win the MVP award. Oh if only life were like it was in video games…
I guess what I’m trying to say is that the projections, in any case, will probably not be accurate, and only time will tell how the season will actually play out. But if you’re dying to get a glimpse of how the team will look, watch some preseason games and then pick yourselves up a copy of 2k11 and see for yourself. Also, if any of you would like to teach me some lessons on how to play the game, look me up on XBOX 360 (gamer tag: kman delux).
That’s all for now Jazz fans. I hope you’ve enjoyed the post and that I you’ll hear more from me in the future. I have a lot more topics in mind to blog about. Here’s a quick teaser…Do you remember the man in the nosebleeds that would bring the cow bell and ring it after every good Raja Bell play? I spotted him at the open scrimmage a couple of weeks ago–with the legendary cowbell. I talked to him and would like to tell you more about our conversation…
Replies: 12
Views: 502
12 Responses
LOL. Nice post. 2k11’s a sweet game, I’ll take you on anytime
I like it. He’d be a good Jazz bot
Agree w/ Jeremy.
I like it! Well written but with good personality. This one has my vote!
I would def read more from him.
Can’t wait to hear about the cow bell fan. I will enjoy reading this blog!
While I’m not a fan of video games this man seems to know what he’s talking about and has great ideas. I really enjoyed reading this!
I love the Jazz and this writing is well done. Really fun to read. I’d better hear more in the future! He’d be an awesome Jazz bot. That’s my vote!
Hey, it’s well written AND about video games! 5 stars!
I wonder what the 2k staff base their ratings on? they do usually get them right. Nice post. I see a new jazz bot here
Thanks for the great comments! I must say tho, that there are 30 NBA teams, and not 29. I always forget that the T-Wolves are actually an NBA team…
I wanted to hear more about the guy with the bell