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Posted by: Patrick Milligan on July 7th, 2012
The author's views are entirely his or her own and may not reflect the views of the Utah Jazz.I am going to start talking about the other players in future blog posts. I realize that Blake Ahearn is just going to have to work hard to win any hearts. I have tried diligently to make a case for him. He DOES have a following from Missouri because we have seen him and know what others don’t.
I’m older (46 years old). I watched Irving, Johnson, Byrd, Stockton, Jordan, Bryant, and other greats…and I have been around to see their supporting casts…I have seen talent. I understand that Blake is NOT what people initially look at and say “wow”, but the wow factor comes later after you see him play significant minutes contributing to team victories.
I moved from Springfield MO after I graduated from Missouri State. I have seen this guy play much more than any of you. I want to become a Jazz fan since I live out west now in Denver (I can’t stand the Nuggets).
I am also ready to get excited about the rest of the team as much as I am about Ahearn….I am simply trying to make a push for this team to NOT turn away good talent just because SOME people don’t know what they have.
If you got a bar of gold bullion basically for free, would you trade it a mere gold ring??
OK that being said…..no more promoting Blake from my end. You will just have to acquire a taste for his game on your own. For your sake, I hope the front office also sees what you nay sayers don’t!!
Replies: 9
Views: 588
9 Responses
First of all, WELCOME as a jazz fan. I see where you’re coming from with Ahearn. He didn’t get much playing time last year for me to properly evaluate him. I like what I saw and they sure praised what he did in the “D” league. It’s really going to be important who they keep on the team at PG. We now have 4 players on the roster at that position. I wish you luck. Again, welcome aboard.
I agree with Robert. not enough time to properly evaluate him. however I did like the way he came in as a temp and was not afraid to shoot the three ball and get up on defence. I thought he was very poised for just jumping into the team. not sure he makes the team though unless we unload one of the other pgs on our roster.
You should certainly become a jazz fan living in denver. I live near denver and love to fly my jazz flag and talk trash to all these “dingleberry” fans. esspecially at games.
One thing is for sure I saw more heart and hustle out of him input playoff series then I did out of some of our highest payed players and people getting the most minutes
Welcome to the team Patrick! We are happy to have you.
From what I saw of Blake I was not too impressed. 2 for 9 from beyond the arc is not eye popping. He certainly did not pull a Sundiata Gaines and wow anyone in his limited playing time by hitting any big shots.
That being said it was an extremely small sample size at only 7.5 minutes a game for only 4 games. His D-leauge stats and college stats show he is a prolific scorer. I think if given more minutes he could replace Watson or Tinsley as the third option off the bench. He is a better shooter and probably more athletic because he is younger. I would be all for replacing one of our older point guards with fresh legs and a knock down shooter.
At first Watson played good but came back too soon from injury and was never the same. If Watson / Bell could be moved Blake could be signed to a non-guarantee contract and see how things go. He and Murph could share shooting secrets. The “Daggar” shot can come in handy at times..
I was more impressed with his warm up shooting, than his game performance.
He didn’t get enough time to evaluate, but he seemed lost when out there.
Some time in summer league and training camp, will help, but I don’t think enough to make the team.
Jazzaholic
I would be very happy for Ahearn to be the young 3rd string PG that we should have. What’s the point in having a high IQ veteran PG like Tinsley if he is sitting on the bench not helping anyone?
Great responses! Blake may or may not make the roster, but folks should give him some time to try. I am glad to see the powers-that-be do just that. Thank you all for welcoming me. With or without Ahearn, I AM looking forward to enjoying th UTAH JAZZ! (ya just gotta love the name!!!)