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Jazz Player “Power Rankings” 11/22/10
Posted by: Landon J on November 22nd, 2010
The author's views are entirely his or her own and may not reflect the views of the Utah Jazz.The Jazz have been playing extremely interesting this year. It’s been strange for us Jazz fans, obviously, because we are so used to a team that makes winning often look easy, especially at home! While watching the past few games, I was comparing this year’s players to last years team. During this, I thought up the idea of ranking the players by how much they are currently benefiting the team. Remember, this is not based on statistics. It is a list of how much of an affect the players have on the team, fans, and themselves. (If that makes any sense…) Like Paul Millsap said, “When it rains, it pours.” When a player’s hot, they’re hot, and the impact they make can determine whether a winning streak is built or a shooting slump drags out longer. I will do my best to update this list frequently. So without further explanation of what I’m getting at, here are my Jazz Player Power Rankings as of November, 22, 2010:
1. Deron Williams
It is obvious why Deron would be sitting at the top. He’s been in a shooting slump for these past few games. But it wasn’t long ago that he was draining three’s when the Thunder were in town. Deron is still the one leading the team, and when he has a point to make, he usually does. It lifts the team and helps keep them going strong. I can’t wait to see him play Chris Paul. I think most of us “true” Jazz fans know that Deron is the league’s best point guard. And when they play each other, it’s usually a great magic show!
2. Paul Millsap
This is another obvious placement. Ever since that road trip, Paul Millsap has been producing ridiculous numbers. When I found out he wasn’t placed on the All-Star ballot, I was not in a good mood. But remember what happened when Carlos Boozer and Deron weren’t selected? I think that Millsap will continue to put up impressive numbers and show the coaches who they’ve underestimated all these years. Plus, who knew he was a three-point shooter!?
3. CJ Miles
I’m sorry. I’m not a big CJ Miles fan. I think he gets cocky and takes way too many bad shots. But right now I’m going to admit I feel pretty stupid. CJ played incredible against the Blazers. Making 7 of 10 three point shots was great, and he may have been the reason we came back. He also played well against the Kings, and we could really use what he’s given us for these next games against the Hornets and Lakers. If he keeps these numbers up, I just might have to take back some of the thing’s I’ve yelled to my TV screen.
4. Al Jefferson
Jefferson hasn’t really been shooting great, but his rebounding and blocks are really helping the Jazz out! There’s a lot of Jazz fans giving him crap, and there are a few times where I can see why. But this guy wants to be here, he wants to win, and he’ll learn the Jazz offense more and more as he goes. Hey, Carlos Boozer’s best year in Utah wasn’t his first, at least I don’t think so. Plus, keep in mind that Jefferson is playing with Deron Williams, who will make him better almost automatically.
5. Andrei Kirilenko
In several of our road-trip games, Kirilenko made huge, clutch three point shots. They were all from the same spot, and he was pretty much open for every one. I used to freak out when he put up big three’s, but now I’m extremely comfortable watching him try to give the team a boost. He’s been playing a LOT better! Maybe it’s the hair…
6. Raja Bell
This guy brings back the tough attitude that we haven’t seen since Matt Harpring was on the court. He plays good defense, is not a bad shooter at all, and he’s experienced. Sure, he picks up some technicals, but so did Harpring. And look how much we miss him!
7. Ronnie Price & 7. Earl Watson
I miss Sundiata Gaines. He had a great story, and I’ll never forget his game-winning, LeBron-angering shot. And as strange as it feels to say it, I think the Jazz management really knew what they were doing when they released him. I would’ve loved to see him and Jeffers play for the Flash and get called back up to the Jazz, but Gaines signed with Minnesota and I’m happy for him. I liked Watson before he was brought to Utah, and now that he’s here I think he’s even better. Along with Price, I think these two guards are the best in the league for backing up D-Will. They set the tempo perfectly and are extremely unselfish. These guys are great!
9. Kyrylo Fesenko
Fesenko is halarious. I sometimes never know what’s going through that guys head. It’s not that he thinks he’s better than he really is, it’s that he wants to be. He is getting better and better. He is also great at taking up space in the post. But I think that the Jazz scouted him out great, and after all these years, he’s really paying off, as well as keeping things entertaining!
10. Fransisco Elson
This guy has really impressed me. When they picked him up, I was expecting somebody like Kosta Koufos. But this guy is much more than that (sorry, Koufos). Elson has got a surprisingly good jump shot from about where Boozer used to shoot. And he’s not half bad at defense.
11. Gordon Hayward
I hate to put rookies so low on the list. But we really haven’t gotten to see them play very much. I wish the Jazz would hurry up and get consistent so they could start experimenting with rookies! I think Gordon Hayward is an awesome fit for the Jazz. I know he’s better than what we’ve seen. His first dunk was great, but there’s much more energy in this kid that will fuel the Jazz like nothing we’ve seen since Kyle Korver. That’s a big expectation, right? But I feel it. This kid will be very successful.
12. Jeremy Evans
Evans is also a great rookie. We haven’t seen much of him either. But I think that when he comes out of his shell and gets more playing time, he’ll be even greater.
I also can’t wait for Memo to come back. The only fear I have is that he will upset the current flow of things, but I think that the chance of that is smaller than the chance that he will increase the flow and propel the Jazz even more.
So what are your thoughts on breaking down the team? Try to keep away from listing players in order of “favorites” and think about the impact that the player is making as of lately…
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My take would be ranking the players on how important I think they will be to a playoff run.
Deron is clearly the guy in Utah, no question. D-Will is the engine of the team, without him the Jaz just aren’t a contender.
Jefferson has to become more of a bully defensively and a much more aggressive rebounder in order for Utah to compete with L.A. It’s great to see more improvement from Fes and the surprising energy and good shooting we get with Elson, but the load is going to be carried by Al Jefferson when the chips are down. He’s gotta be #2 for me.
#3 Kirilenko. I know, I know, St. Paul has been very productive. But AK provides the X factor in Utah with his ability to defend inside or out, help D, shot blocking, and passing skill, particularly on inbound plays. It is my hope that If Jefferson becomes the solid inside defender and shot blocker we have missed, AK will become a very effective and disruptive force outside the paint. He’s been much better this year. Crash those boards, AK, and I will be fully justified in this ranking.
#4 Milsap. It has been shown pretty clearly that the team hasn’t really lost anything with Boozer leaving. Milsap does everything Booze can do besides that fadeaway J. His durability and overflowing competitive energy clearly makes up for that. I almost hope he does get snubbed for the all-star team. Coming back rested and with an even bigger chip on his shoulder could be a good thing.
#5 Bell. Sorry CJ, he’s going to keep you on the bench with his defense and ability to draw fouls in key situations. I loved this acquisition, Bell is the veteran leadership in the back court the team needed. He will be a force in the playoffs, and Williams will learn to rely on him as a late option.
#6 Memo. Remember him? With Okur back the rotations with the bigs start to look very deep considering AK can play the 4. I don’t think he is going to be at 100% this year but optimistically can hope for some good bench minutes in our playoff run. At best he becomes 6th man.
#7 CJ. He’s been looking very confident and I really liked the defensive effort so far. He’s not as quick with his shot off of curls as Korver, but the slashing ability makes up for that. Great bench player.
#8 Fes. This guy is starting to look like he deserves to be on the court. Hustlin’ and bangin’ in there. Learn to shoot Free throws and I’ll like you a lot more Big F.
#9. Price/Watson. Ronnie is a fantastic energy guy but can’t seem to stay within the offense. Watson runs the offense well but is mediocre in every other way. These guys are complimentary bench players and I don’t know how that is going to play out with playoff minutes.
#10 Elson. He’s not a replacement for Memo but is about as good a defender and has a decent mid range shot. Not good with the ball in his hands, so he either shoots or the offense needs to reset. I really like his hustle defensively, he’s way better than Koufos.
#11/12 Hayward/Evans. I don’t think these guys are going to contribute in a significant way in a playoff situation this year. At most I’m hoping they can learn to defend NBA players competently and learn how they fit into the offense. These guys both need to work on their bodies and games to be relevant although there is plenty of potential. It is great to be able to shove Hayward all the way down here, it means the rest of the team is made up of good players.