The Downbeat - 11 May 2010 - #226 - The Beat Goes On Edition
by Basketball John on May 11, 2010 5:43 AM MDT
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As promised we're heading into the offseason with the Downbeat still going on. There is still plenty to talk about. There might be days where the #DB has a few more frivolous offerings that might now be discussed during the regular season, but it will be here.
Since we're looking ahead, let' take a look at the major stories for the Jazz this off-season. We'll have plenty more on each of these subjects later, but we'll get things going.
Right off the bat we start with #5, a Mr. Carlos Boozer. After last night's loss, he was asked the inevitable, "What are your chances of being back in Utah next season?" To which he replied, "I hope it's good. Hopefully it's a good chance."
He then went on to say that he's not even thinking/talking about that right now. Even though it's Boozer, he's not going to say anything last night about his free agency.
Fortunately, or unfortunately, depending on your point of view, Boozer has likely played his last game for the Jazz. The reasons are spelled out pretty clearly in clark's post yesterday. If the Jazz had more financial flexibility, I think they would end up re-signing him.
As it is, putting the team over the luxury tax, and well over the limit, doesn't seem likely. Last season we heard how they wanted to see how the team played when everyone was healthy and together. Well, they haven't had that luxury for the past couple of seasons and I don't think they can gamble on that again.
The Jazz like to make as few moves as possible, keeping the core guys together and tweaking around the edges. This may finally be the season where they're hand is forced and there will be significant changes. Most notable among those changes will be losing Boozer when they likely would have re-signed him in other years.
Next on the list is the NBA draft. The time for the Knicks pick has finally arrived after sitting on it for six years. You know, we call it the Knicks pick because it originated with them but the Suns should be in there somewhere as well for giving it up.
Neither the Knicks, the Suns, nor the Jazz could have known at the time that it would turn into a lottery pick but I think one or two seasons after that trade the Jazz FO could tell what was going to happen in NY.
The pick couldn't come at a more perfect time for the Jazz. They have a high payroll and are likely losing their starting PF. Now while we do have Millsap that will step in, it does make us a bit thin, and small up front.
We'll be breaking down the players that could be drafted later, but unless they win the lottery, the Jazz are going to draft a big man. Hopefully it's a long, athletic, shot-blocker that can compliment either Millsap or Memo. Whoever they draft should have more talent than Fesenko and Koufos and step in.
This has potential to be a franchise-changer fort the Jazz.
The Jazz also have free agents to worry about. The Jazz only have 7 players under contract next season. The league minimum to have signed is 13. They're going to bring back most of the the existing players but we're still going to have some new faces.
Korver is unrestricted but I could see him coming back. I would put his return at about 85%. The Jazz will do what it takes to bring back Wesley Matthews. That leaves Fesenko, Gaines, and Jeffers.
Fesenko is going to be a tough call for the Jazz. He's definitely made strides this season and I think he'll make a good backup. I think he'll be back. The Jazz could decide they want to go with a vet though. I'm not sure who's out there, but that's possible.
I see Gaines coming back as well. He's shown in the limited time that he has been given that not only he can run the offense, but that he can score and handle the team effectively. He would also be groomed to replace Ronnie Price the following season if the Jazz don't bring Ronnie P back.
That leaves Jeffers. He's been the last man on the bench but from what Sloan and the players have shared, he works hard in practice. We haven't seen too much of him on the court, but what we have seen, we know he hustles and plays some solid D. He also looks very explosive in the open court.
He's going to play in the summer league and could earn a spot back with the team.
I'll have a post on last night's game up tonight, but in the meantime, here's a good memory to leave the season on. And may we never hear Derek Fisher's name mentioned ever again after this,
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holy crap
anyone else notice the freaky lakers fan behind the lakers bench? he pretty much scared the crap out of me
diving right into the offseason...
8. i don’t know anything about draft prospects…but someone tell me, which are the likely lottery bigs that are in the mold of ostertag/fes (i.e. solid body 7-footers without a great deal of agility) and which are the anthony randolph-type bigs (6’10-7’, agile, athletic)?
4. i asked this in yesterday’s game thread, but what are the odds some team decides to pull a portland for omsw? he’s not spectacular, but he’s spectacular solid for a rookie.
6. careful. you’re spoiling me with all these early morning downbeats.
I would like in this order, Ekpe Udoh, Greg Monroe, or Larry Sanders.
If we draft Aldrich…ick.
by i_am_pure_barbarian on May 11, 2010 9:18 AM MDT up reply actions
If you ever saw Aldrich play this season...
You would know that he’s not the big white stiff that we’re accustomed to seeing. He’s a tough-nosed center who can defend and rebound, and he’s got a high basketball IQ. He’s also decent offensively. There’s a reason why Aldrich was Bobby Knight’s favorite player in college basketball this last year. It’s easy for us to get nervous because he’s white and he’s from Kansas and think that he’s the 2nd coming of Ostertag. But I think he’s better than most think.
Are there other big men that I would rather have? Yes of course. But I think Aldrich is different than the long line of unskilled white stiffs that have littered the Jazz’s roster over the years, and he would bring a combination of length and toughness that is sorely lacking down low.
Whitewater In The Morning
I agree that Aldrich would be a nice pick up. At least we could do much worse.
And I don’t know why guys are so against the second coming of Greg Ostertag. He really helped push our franchise from the second round contenders to NBA finalists. After he got a big contract, he stopped working as hard and sort of fizzled out, but if we had Ostertag in his prime this season, we are a much better team.
The more you try to erase me, the more that I appear.
Im not opposed,
If i’m one of the people you’re refering to. I just think there are better prospects out there.
I’m kind of tired of the tall white guys…. I want to go for athleticism. We did that with Milsap and look how that worked out. That’s all.
For the Love of the Game
MonSTARZ forever!
Wes
I don’t think the Jazz will sit on him like they did Sap and CJ. I think the first day they can they will make him an offer. I think he’ll accept he seems to have a lot of respect for the Jazz orginization and appreciates the opportunity he’s had here.
Also agree.
And I expect it to be something like 3 years 8 million or 4 years, 10 million.
The more you try to erase me, the more that I appear.
I'd kill to get Wesley at 4 yrs/10M.
That’s a steal.
Uh, do you think you could draw me like a ninja?
SLCDunk.com: Bringing you ninjas, The KOOFs and anti-jinxes since 2008.
I don't think we get him for less than $3mill/yr.
Probably closer to $4mill. If it takes slightly more than the mid-level though, say $6mill, because of another teams offer, we should pay him immediately. I am not kidding. He is our starting 2 for the next 5 years.
i think that's about right
considering cj’s contract. i know wesley is/was a rookie, but some could argue that in many ways, wesley has already exceeded cj on the court.
The Blazers
Are loaded with bigs. How do we feel about Przybilla?
I like him a lot. He’s not exactly a force on the offensive end, but competent and corrals a ton of rebounds. And he could be had for reasonable $ if nothing else.
I've always liked Przybilla...
If the Jazz could get him for the right $$$, they should.
Whitewater In The Morning
Also agree, but I think he has an Okur-like recovery in front of him. some have hinted it may be a career threatening injury.
I think he still has one more year at about 6 million left also, right?
The more you try to erase me, the more that I appear.
1. Hope springs eternal, BBJ.
2. There is only one question for the off-season, which is “How do we beat the Lakers?” I think we’re in exactly the same condition as Orlando and Cavs last two years trying to tool their squads with the sole purpose of beating the C’s. Same happened with the Pistons in the late 80’s trying to get past the C’s. The only moves that make any sense are the ones that put us in a position to beat the Lakers next year. We can beat any other team in the league TODAY (except, perhaps the T-Wolves in February). So the question about Booze is: is he helping us beat the Lakers next year? And I think the answer to that is “Will he have to match up against Gasol because of our perennial hole at the 5?”
8. see my answer to #2 above. Same same same.
4. Ditto same same….except I have a question for Clark, ATJ, and others who know about caps and contracts: Why aren’t we talking about going after Bosh or Amare? I know they have their deficiencies too, but they are both longer and more explosive than Boozer. Both would cause more problems for the Lakers’ big three. Also, neither are a total solution to beating the Lakers. But I think both would have fared better offensively and defensively against Gasol, Bynum, Odom. Calling all contract specialists… tell me why!
5. CJ is getting better. He played tough. He’s maturing. He is Deron’s wingman. We need him. It feels so good to say that after waiting for so long. And OMSW is the Raja Bell we needed two years ago. I loved his D and 3 game. There are reasons to be optimistic. But it all hinges on solving the problem at the 5. The four-headed monster of Okur, Boozer, Sap, AK doesn’t cut it….especially when there’s never been ten minutes when all four are available.
- Who do I root for now? I think the Suns (especially Nash) are smug. I have no feelings for Orlando. I suppose I’d be happy if LeBron won, especially if he’s beating the Lakers………. go Dodgers? They suck right now. OH OH I KNOW!!! WORLD CUP!!! YES. BRASIL!!! USA!!! OH good, I can get out of my Jazz funk quickly.
I'll make it coach.
I love the Suns and I don't think Nash is smug. I think he is one of the nicest, most loyal athletes in the league. Root for the Suns and Magic.
As far as your question about the Jazz’s cap space ramifications, I will try to write up a post on it. It’s sort of hard to explain it in a comment. Or else I will get Kris to do it, because I know that he is planning on writing up something about it.
The more you try to erase me, the more that I appear.
to me, the suns (and particularly nash) are easy to root for
if you’re not going to root for someone bc of smugness (like me), it’s lbj.
I left you a present in the fanshots.
And Maybe it will get Kris247 out of the woodworks to join us. He is the true capologist of the group.
The more you try to erase me, the more that I appear.
I am not as disappointed as I was last year. I feel like this year, they atleast tried to compete. Can’t wait for next season. Where is Adam Sandler’s remote when I need one?
In my other sports, Arsenal sucked this year.
Am rooting for Orlando / Cleveland (am guessing they’ll beat Boston). Rooting for USA in the world cup this year for the first time.
by iLoveBooks100per on May 11, 2010 11:46 AM MDT reply actions
I resent france for beating Brasil in 1998
But I love Zidane for head-butting that italian. I wish Millsap would have done that to somebody last night…. except that somebody here has the tag “Basketball doesn’t build character, it reveals it,” and ultimately I’m glad Millsap didn’t head-butt anyone.
I'll make it coach.
Brazil
Brazil and Portugal have no sportsmanship. Crybabies. Never liked them.
by iLoveBooks100per on May 11, 2010 12:35 PM MDT up reply actions
Portugal have no crybabies???
Dude. Christina Ronaldo. Biggest crybaby in football. I detest Portugal just because of him. Viva Espania and watch out for Los Ableceleste! (and the Socceroos!)
Possibly the southernmost Jazz fan in the world!
Twitter: @Texas
by TazzJazzFan on May 11, 2010 3:45 PM MDT via mobile up reply actions
Ah, just reread your comment
You and I were saying the same thing
Possibly the southernmost Jazz fan in the world!
Twitter: @Texas
by TazzJazzFan on May 11, 2010 3:48 PM MDT via mobile up reply actions
didn't know you were a fellow Gooner.
And yes, disappointing season there.
Uh, do you think you could draw me like a ninja?
SLCDunk.com: Bringing you ninjas, The KOOFs and anti-jinxes since 2008.
The problem I see with the Jazz right now is the FO doesn’t want to do much to change things. We will not have a chance to get a good/great player until AK’s contract is up. He will still be here for less money. If the Jazz are going to win it and keep Williams happy they have to pay the Tax next year. Bring somebody or somebodies in to keep us very competitive but understand we will pay the tax. If we wait until the 2011/2012 season our star may be fed up and leave at the end of his contract.
Is there any logic to the notion that the tax will pay for itself
in terms of selling more jerseys, selling out more games, playing deeper into the playoffs… isn’t it an investment (with risks and rewards)?
I'll make it coach.
AK's Contract
It’s a big one and will be sought after as an expiring. This may be where the Jazz find their big man in the middle.
by Clintonite33 on May 11, 2010 12:42 PM MDT up reply actions
I don't
Think AK is going anywhere. That would be extremely disappointing if he does. It would save the Jazz a ton of money but it would make our front court alot thinner than it already is.
No Boozer and a question mark on resigning Fes. That leaves our frontcourt with an injured Okur, Koof, and Milsap…..
I think AK stays, we need his length and his depth.
For the Love of the Game
MonSTARZ forever!
We don't have to pay the tax next year.
Smart teams build for the future. Suffering one down year so that you can have lots of success the next 4-5 years is what smart franchises do. If we can stay under the cap in 2010, stay somewhat competitive and make the playoffs I’ll be happy. As longa s we are in a positiont o make major moves in 2011.
What makes me think we will try to stay under the cap next season is the fact that we have the lottery pick this year. We can try to get an impact player there and give him lots more playing time if we DON"T throw money at a Vet. It’s better for the organization if we can develop that player and then go get a major contributer in 2011.
My 2 cents.
For the Love of the Game
MonSTARZ forever!
There isn't going to be a 2011 season
It’s either going to be a strike or a lock out.
Draft
I kinda like Hassan Whiteside from Marshall. What do you guys think of him?
by iLoveBooks100per on May 11, 2010 12:10 PM MDT reply actions
Kind of guy that makes you look like an idiot or a genius...
While Greg Monroe and Cole Aldrich don’t have the freakish athleticism and eye-popping 5+ blocks a game, they are more NBA ready (IQ and physique) and you have a better idea of what you are getting. Right now Whiteside is a rail and will likely get slapped around in the post. What makes him interesting though is his freakish athleticism and good frame. Whiteside’s dad was a 6’4" 270 lb defensive end for the Buccaneers so Hassan’s body will likely fill in. Best case scenario: Marcus Camby. Worst case: Andray Blatche’s first four frustrating seasons. Seems like the Jazz FO has backed off this sort of blackbox draft prospect since we took Deshawn Stevenson.
I’m kind of drawn toward Monroe or Aldrich. I think they would pick up the system quickly and are big enough to give us the length we need. However, playing it safe may be what has kept the Jazz in the middle of the pack.
"We were sitting like snipers in waiting." - AK47. Um, AK will save/snipe us all?
by Alexandria VA on May 11, 2010 2:05 PM MDT up reply actions
I think they have to play it safe with this pick. I trust the front office when they draft this high though.
They were spot on with Deron. Knew what would fit the system the best.
The more you try to erase me, the more that I appear.
"All hope is Lost"
Lots of noise was made of this front page headline. Ross Siler addressed the issue this morning on his blog:
Imagine waking up in the morning and being completely horrified by a headline that you didn’t write in your paper and worrying that it could jeopardize relationships that you’ve worked for months and years to build.
Now imagine that TNT decides to shove that headline in front of every player and coach on your team, seemingly taking great delight in exacerbating a regrettable situation. That’s not enough, though, because Craig Sager also has to hold up the paper during the game.
Now imagine having to apologize to the players and coaches on your team for something that wasn’t your fault in the first place. Now imagine getting home from tonight’s game at 1 a.m. and finding an inbox full of hate mail from Jazz fans.
Much thanks to the headline writer and Sager for tag-teaming to make this by far the worst day of my three years on the Jazz beat. I am grateful to Boozer, Williams and others for being understanding about the situation because they didn’t have to be.
Pretty interesting.
Sager did clarify though, that it wasn't the writer's name Boozer should be asking for, it was the headline writer
The headline writer (I’m assuming the editor) is lucky Utah fans don’t know his name …
"This is not a game for boys. This is a game for men." - Phil Jackson
Totally threw siler under the bus there
I think Siler does an awesome job covering the Jazz and really to put a headline like that on his article without his consent is total bs.
He sounder super pissed. Maybe he follows Boozer and signs somewhere else as a free agent.
The more you try to erase me, the more that I appear.
Really? Why? He takes a super professional and unbiased stance on almost everything. He gives fans tons of information.
He is young and has a fresh perspective on the league. I don’t have any quarrels with him at all. I think he’s great.
The only thing you could argue about him is that he used to write for the Lakers and might have old feelings there. But other than that, I don’t see what isn’t to like.
The more you try to erase me, the more that I appear.
He is not an awful writer.
To say so is going too far. I find his articles very non-insightful or imaginative for someone with his access to the team. I am a finicky reader though.
Boozer
Was funny as hell in the press conference about it, smirking about “who would write something like that?!” and shooting glances at Monson.
by Clintonite33 on May 11, 2010 8:56 PM MDT up reply actions
'Scuse
Siler. Get their stuff mixed up all the time. Similar attitudes.
by Clintonite33 on May 11, 2010 8:59 PM MDT up reply actions
Siler and Monson are nothing alike.
At all.
Uh, do you think you could draw me like a ninja?
SLCDunk.com: Bringing you ninjas, The KOOFs and anti-jinxes since 2008.
I'm giving Clintonite the benefit of the doubt and hoping that he mistyped.
The more you try to erase me, the more that I appear.
I really enjoyed watching this team play this season
The ending was disappointing, but when this team was playing well, it was fun to watch. Deron is a stud. I love Wesley Mathews. I never thought I would say this, but I don’t want Boozer to leave either. But, that seems inevitable at this point. Lastly, I hope Jerry Sloan never stops coaching the Jazz. No one could have gotten more out of this team this year. Nobody.
Me too
Definitely in my top Jazz season list. So many moments of Amazing in it!
by Clintonite33 on May 11, 2010 8:55 PM MDT up reply actions
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