Not another mid-season report card - part 2
This next bunch could probably be argued in any which way. You could put the names in a lottery drum and pull them out in any order and have it make sense.
I hope these rankings aren't influencing the voting.
Here's #10-#6
10 - Ronnie Price
Ronnie P isn't cut out to be a full-time floor general. But he was forced into that role when Derrick Rose did his best Bowen impersonation on Deron. I actually had planned on writing up this whole thing on Price about how he was better as a backup then as a starter. Well, the numbers don't back that up at all. In fact, the past two years as a backup have been horrendous. I have no logical explanation for it. It always seemed like he was decent. He brings more some quickness and can dunk like Brevin Knight can only dream, but that's about it. So the only reason I have him cut here is because I think we need the other players above him more.
9 - CJ Miles
Just a maddening, maddening player. There is no questioning his athleticism and and sweet stroke. Is there a streakier player though? He has the wrong type of shooter mentality. Instead of moving without the ball and trying to get his shot in the system, he daydreams when he can cradle that sweet, sweet rock in his hands, line up the seams, and catch the whiff of leather as the ball launches to the basket. Here's a tip though. You can also get that intoxicating aroma by rebounding and working in the system to get touches. There's no need to go one-on-five. Stop trying to do too much.
8 - Kosta Koufos
Let me say, I love the Kouf. I need the Kouf. I have a fever and the only cure is more Kouf. Not much to say here about the guy other than keep it up. He still makes some rookie mistakes, but he's improving every game. He's also the anti-Fess when it comes to interviews. He has four answers that he rotates: 1. We're just trying to win games. 2. I'm just trying to work hard. 3. We're taking things one game at a time. 4. Yes, sir.
7 - Kyle Korver
Kyle is this high because of his three-point shooting (or at least the threat) and his free-throws (although Deron has almost passed him in %). And there would be a lot of girls crying if he were gone before now. He's not a lockdown defender by any means but he can still surprise you with his D at times.
6 - Ronnie Brewer
Ronnie B is in the starting 5 but doesn't quite crack the top 5. Ronnie's shooting percentage is way down this year (56-49%). The main reason for that is because he took Sloan's advice and has tried to add a more consistent jump shot, including more threes. He took 50 shots all of last year from behind the arc and already has 48 attempts so far this year. 49% as more of a jump shooter though isn't too bad. He still gets his dunks and layups on cuts, but the jumper is coming along. Will he hone it enough though over the rest of the season to make defenders pay for doubling?
Coming up tomorrow, the top 5. Coming up next, the Spurs game thread.
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if we're talking long-term
I would switch spots for the Korver and the Koof. More upside with Kosta. But as of right now, given the other players on the roster, I’d say you’ve got it right.
Uh, do you think you could draw me like a ninja?
Definitely
Yeah, it was more geared towards this year, right now. But in the long term, there’s no question KK2 over KK
by Basketball John on Jan 27, 2009 4:59 PM MST up reply actions
Two biggest disappointments this year have been Korver and CJ Miles. I was one of those guys this summer that was screaming, “Match the Offer” when CJ was headed to OKC. I was excited about having a long guy who could play above the rim, create his own shot, and nail the three. I even went so far as to tell a friend that CJ has the potential to be an All Star someday. Well, obviously these predictions have been wrong (although I think the potential is still there). It is unfortunate, because his chance came during a season when the Jazz have been decimated by injuries, putting more pressure and focus on CJ and making things much more difficult for him on the offensive end. Hopefully, he can break out of this, but I just don’t see it happening this year.
Korver, Korver, Korver. Man, where has Korver been? His 3% has been dropping and he is just looking frustrated out there. His TOs have to be up, cause everytime I turn around he is throwing it away or getting stuffed. The Jazz really need him to find his spots and start making some shots, or we’re not going anywhere.
Not been a great year for Korver, but I think he’ll bounce back late this year or next season.
You’ve got to remember that he had a wrist injury early on that clearly affected his shooting, and not having Boozer playing means less open shots for Korver. He’ll be back
As I posted in part I
I don’t think I agree with you here. You have Korver too high (low?)… especially with his play this year.
And I really think Harding should still be on the board… as much as I hate him, he’s still trying a lot harder than many other guys (it seems).
Agreed
I don’t want to post my thoughts again (I posted them in part 1 yesterday)… mostly because I don’t remember them… but if I remember correctly, I had Tonya over both Price & Knight… at least. Maybe more than that too.
CJ really is a maddening player
At times he seems like he can really take over games, and he has the athleticism that can make him a huge weapon, but it seems like there’s a switch in his head that doesn’t get flipped too often
CJ Miles
can someone in their 4th year hit a rookie wall?
at the beginning of the year he was rad, now i don’t know what to call him but it isn’t “rad”

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