Yesterday the Jazz signed a new hot shot to a one day contract hoping that he could come in and challenge Dante Exum and Trey Burke for the starting point guard position. His name is JP Gibson. Beyond the immense basketball talent stored in his little 3 foot 4 inch frame, JP is diagnosed with leukemia. His favorite team is the Utah Jazz. This was a dream come true for JP Gibson to be signed by his favorite team, something he's waited all his life, 5 years, to do. Here was the press conference of his signing.
Speaking of a great press conference, check out this stud's suit. Top notch. He came prepared. Does anybody know who he was wearing? Must have been some big time designer.
This story could have ended right there and been a fairy tale, but it gets better.
HOW DO YOU NOT TEAR UP AND FEEL ALIVE WATCHING THIS VIDEO? This moment made me proud to be Jazz fan. What a top notch move by the organization. In addition, the kid has some serious skills. The trust that he has from his teammates. Incredible. Today we are all JP Gibson.
Superstar! RT @JoshMiner4: Mcdonalds. Post game meal for champions. JP Gibson killed it out there. Go get 'em kid. pic.twitter.com/W0vhqHYq9M
— Jody Genessy (@DJJazzyJody) October 7, 2014
Beyond the warm fuzzies there was news yesterday. The Utah Jazz changed their logo. IT'S ALL NEW. COMPLETELY DIFFERENT. HOW CAN I EVER GO BACK TO THE WAY IT WAS???
Jazz PR let us know tonight that the organization changed its J-note logo. The two circles are new, for instance. pic.twitter.com/dfabiM1oRz
— Jody Genessy (@DJJazzyJody) October 7, 2014
Okay, maybe it's just a subtle difference. Fellow Utah Jazz blogger and recent SLC Dunk alum/traitor (jk), Andy Larsen had this to say about the new changes.
Okay, it's not much. But the Jazz have changed the interior obtuse angles in the Jazz note: once rounded, they are now hard angles. It's about a 113 degree angle, in case you were curious. I actually really like the changes, as it more closely fits a more modern, flat design aesthetic.
As we all know, the Rookie Dance-Off is a tradition. Unfortunately, since it's meteoric heights of FESENKO v KOOF: THE BOOM B**** STRIKES BACK, the competition hasn't been the same.
Gordon Hayward did have one trick up his sleeve. Jody Genessy of the Deseret News reports:
The controversy happened early in the night when grizzled veteran Gordon Hayward grabbed the microphone after player introductions to let NBA newcomers Dante Exum and Rodney Hood know they had to participate in the traditional rookie dance-off.
Hayward then tried (unsuccessfully) to get Snyder to join in on the dancing fun.
"That was very kind of him. I had to politely decline," the Jazz coach said in his postgame interview. "I appreciate him thinking of me."
Hayward, who called the performance by Hood and Exum "the weakest dance-off I think I've ever seen," was a bit worried about possible repercussions of his spurned request.
"Hopefully that doesn't turn into sprints tomorrow," Hayward said, smiling. "I tried. He didn't want to do it. You should call him out, too."
Consider Snyder called out.
We here at SLC Dunk issue a challenge to Quin Snyder. WE WANT DANCING. WE CHALLENGE QUIN SNYDER TO A DANCE OFF. YOU BEST WATCH THE THRONE, SNYDER. WE'VE UPPED OUR GAME. GET ON OUR LEVEL. WE'VE DONE NOTHING BUT DRINK MOUNTAIN DEW AND STUDY THE GREATS OF JAZZ DANCE OFFS, FESENKO AND KOOF. WE'RE READY TO ROLL, SON!
As everyone thought, the Aussie did impress. Yes, Brock Motum. The hype on Brock Motum has been tremendous. Actually, it hasn't. At all. In fact, before the game Brock Motum was asked more about Dante Exum than himself. That didn't stop Brock Motum from putting up 7 points in the scrimmage. He's got Derrick Favors' attention.
"Brock, he's a better player than I thought he was," Favors said of the 6-10 power forward who's hoping to secure a roster spot this month. "I seen him during the summer league (and thought), ‘OK, he's a good player.' During training camp and especially tonight, he showed another level, I thought."
via Jody Genessy of the Deseret News: Jazz scrimmage includes fun look at new players, bad dancing
Before the preseason I thought Brock Motum would end up on the Jazz's D-League team. While I still think he will spend some nights in Boise, Idaho, I think he's going to make the active roster. The skills he showed last night were spectacular for a 6'10 power forward, but the Jazz need another big man like they need more youth. Even so, I still believe Brock Motum squeaks onto the roster.
Tonight the Utah Jazz will face off against the Portland Trailblazers. This game will serve as a great measuring stick as to how much the Jazz have improved this season. Judging from the scrimmage last night the Utah Jazz have a lot to clean up. They're just as young if not more, and there's going to be mistakes. Their offense is fast paced and with the right personnel playing together it will be a quick paced offense. This should be a fun team to watch irregardless* of the outcome.
*See the comment thread to see my reckless use of the non-existent word: irregardless. (h/t JuMu)