The Jazz

[Ted]

First off, I'm wondering if I'm now the only Jazz fan left. Joe, have you moved on? I hope not. I'd like to think this Jazz team will appeal you again.

Anyway, the Jazz had picks 14, 16, 21. Rumor has it that the Jazz had been trying for a long time to move up so they could pick Rafael Araujo of BYU. They weren't able to pull it off, and Araujo went a lot earlier than many thought he would. Personally, I'm glad the Jazz didn't get him. Don't get me wrong, he's a pretty good player who's still learning the game. He's big, and he's frickin' mean. (I've watched him quite a bit since I'm currently attending his alma mater.)

But I really like how things ended up for the Jazz. I was worried that they were going to take Sergey Monya at 14 like everyone said they would, especially with Kirk Snyder on the board. But they got Humphries, who looks like a good strong forward, and Snyder who I absolutely love.

Snyder was one of my favorite guys in the entire draft, and I had him going in the top eight in my mock drafts. I watched quite a bit of him this year, since he's in the region. And he is one tough SOB. When he's down in the paint, he plays like a PF, but he is still athletic an fast enough to take just about anyone off the dribble. And he can finish like a freaking monster. I can't believe he lasted as long as he did.

Picking Podkolzine with the 21st was a disappointment for me. I was hoping they'd pick up a big man or another good foreigner (Monya) who could stay in Europe for another year. But when they traded him, it was no big deal to me. They guy averaged less than four points per game in Europe. The only bad part about trading him is that the pick they get from Dallas most likely won't be any better than 21. That part seemed strange to me.

Anyway, Joe or anyone else with an interest in the Jazz. What did you think? I think Snyder will be starting before the end of the year, and Humphries will get some good minutes.

With Kirilenko and Harpring back healthy, and hopefully Jerry back coaching (condolences), the Jazz could have another surprising season.

Did you guys realize, last season the Jazz lost Karl Malone and John Stockton with nothing in return and only won four fewer games?

[westkoast]

Did you guys realize, last season the Jazz lost Karl Malone and John Stockton with nothing in return and only won four fewer games?

Very impressive.  I didnt know that.  They would have made the playoffs too if the west wasnt so stacked this past season.

[Ted]

Yeah, it was impressive.

In fact, for the organization as a whole, last season was probably one of the most important seasons in the franchise's history. There is now an unprecedented faith in Jerry Sloan and Kevin O'Connor. Season tickets are selling out. Luxury boxes are completely gone. The Jazz sold out more home games last season than they did the previous season, without the $28 million the Jazz were paying John and Karl. And the fans loved this team's attitude and work ethic. I was at present for what was probably the pinnacle of the Jazz' season. The victory over the Lakers at the Delta Center. Shaq got jobbed, kicked out of the game, and we won. I have never heard the place louder than it was that night, I was present at a few playoff games in the past. It was a great season all around.

[jn]

I've been meaning to talk about Humphries with you and Joe.  I have seen plenty of him and heard plenty more about him.

Kris and his Dad have pursued an NBA career with incredible focus.  His dad was a lineman at the University of MN and has become a succesful businessman and a leading U of MN booster. Thus Kris has had the advantage of the best training and connections.  

Included in that is the good fortune of living down the street from Trent Tucker who became an adviser.  Later Tucker introduced Hump to Chris Carr, who got Kris into high level games starting when Hump was a 9th grader.  He also transferred schools to play for a power program.   The access to top flight training is most noticable in his physique.  He is absolutely ripped!!

Now the possible downside.  His dad is not a total psycho who attacks refs or anything but he did ask for and get preferential treatment by being allowed into the locker room at halftime of MN games.  That did not sit well with the other players and a lot of fans.   In addition Kris commited to Duke, then transferred home, ostensibly for unspecified "family reasons" however rumors were heavy that his dad tried to strong arm coach K into guaranteeing heavy minutes and that he decided his individual stock would rise by playing at MN, where he would be the undisputed star and able to shoot as much as he wanted.  

The positives on his game:  Very strong, solid hops and a legit 6'9".  Good ability to finish and good hands.  Okay short jumper.  Very dedicated in his training.

Downside: Flat shot from outside, though that's correctible, will need to learn his place as a rook after being total golden boy, shaky free through shooter, ball handling needs work, and hasn't shown ability to keep ball movement going.  I can't tell you the number of times he took bad shots facing triple teams.  

 

[Ted]

Thanks jn! That's some great info.

He sounds like a solid pick overall. I would love to see his dad try to strong-arm Jerry Sloan or Larry H. Miller!  :rofl:

From what I saw of him, he does look like he has an NBA body. It'll be interesting to see how he works with the Jazz organization. His dad won't have much pull around there. Hopefully he'll be able to make it on his own.

He will definitely have to learn how to keep ball movement going if he wants to be on the floor.

[Joe Vancil]

I'll have to reply later;  meeting in a few minutes.

Quick summary:  great job by the Jazz, although I wanted Monia as well.