SLC Dunk: FanPosts

The length of Williams' next contract will tell us a lot about the Jazz ownership

clarkpojo — Fri, 04 Jul 2008 00:38:17 -0000

The fact that Deron Williams hasn't left Utah since the end of the season has shown that he has taken "ownership of the team" as the front office has labeled it and given Jazz fans hope that he will sign a five year maximum deal. I don't believe there is any doubt that Deron will sign a maximum contract, but the amount of years on his contract could tell all Jazz fans a lot about the Jazz management.

In the several articles that have been done on Williams in the last few days, there are two quotes that have really shown me what D-Will is thinking:

"If we're on the verge of winning a championship," says Williams, "I have no problem staying here my whole career."

"I like it here, but, as a player, you want to see the direction the franchise is going."

Deron Williams likes playing in Utah. He likes being the leader of the team, he likes competing in the playoffs, and he seems to like the environment. But he is going to have some questions for Jazz management next week when he meets to discuss a deal. The questions will come along the lines of "What are your plans for keeping Boozer around?" or "Would you be wiling to go a couple million dollars into the luxury tax if we could become a sure fire championship team?" or basically "What are you willing to do the bring a banner to Energy Solutions Arena?"

I believe the answers to these types of questions will determine the length of Williams contract. If there is one thing that is true about Williams, it is that he wants to win more than anything. The money is nice, no doubt, but he is so competitive and tenacious. All Jazz fans have seen that "no way we are going to lose" look on his face when he drives hard to the rim about six straight possessions for dunks and lay-ins.

As good as I think the Jazz are, they are one piece away from being legitimate favorites to win a title. It may take some financially risky moves, not risky to the future of the team, but financially risky moves to give the Jazz the best shot of winning it all. If there is one thing that will happen as an effect of the "go for broke" celtics winning it all, it is that teams will start trying to do the same and a lot of teams are going to be willing to spend to vie for the title. What's an extra 5 or 10 million dollars if it makes you so special? And the Jazz are going to have to convince Deron Williams that they are willing to take risks to help him out. That is the bottom line.

In years past it has frustrated Jazz fans to see possible trades or signings go by the wayside due to some conservatism on management's part. In their defense, sometimes the player has just spurned the idea of coming to Utah. But the Jazz are so close right now that standing pat and hoping something good happens, probably isn't the best move. And Deron Williams knows that too.

So next week when Slick Williams signs his contract, the whole Jazz fanbase will either take a big sigh of relief or else wonder what kind of anwers the front office gave the future of the franchise

On Boozer, trades, and loyalty

Shums — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 09:31:39 -0000

Carlos Boozer is a beast.

He's a two-time All-Star, a beautiful high- and low-post scorer and rebounder who, since returning from injury, has given nothing but his best effort. I really think that's true. I seriously can't believe all the anti-Boozer invective flying around these days (and given my position with a certain member of the mainstream media, I see a lot of it). Some Jazz fans are acting like they're SURPRISED Carlos can't defend. If you're one of those fans, well, welcome to 2008, Mr. or Mrs. Coma Patient. Please discard your pagers and cancel your dial-up internet service on your way out.

Anyway, I still like this Jazz team a whole lot, Carlos included. But I also don't want Boozer to pull a Cleveland on us. A friend of mine, an rabid Cavaliers fan, will never forgive him for stabbing blind owner Gordon Gund in the back, leaving LeBron in the lurch, and taking the fat stack of green to wear Jazz blue. Such a history is hard to ignore. Couple that with Carlos' decidedly un-clutch performance in this year's playoffs, and the Utah faithful are working overtime on ESPN's Trade Machine. But will Kevin O'Connor pull the trigger? Should he? And if so, when?

The Jazz's position on trades (at least publicly) has always been "We'll listen to anything at any time." The problem with that is it doesn't jive with the franchise's dedication to loyalty, longevity and solidarity. I think that sometimes fewer deals go down in SLC-town because of this apparent contradiction. I just hope the front office realizes that, as much as I like Carlos (and I do), he's got his own bottom line at heart, maybe even more so than a shot at a ring.

Then again, the dude lives in Miami in the offseason. There's a lot to be said for wanting to work where your family lives. I think that, more than anything, was behind Derek Fisher's departure. NBA players are regular people, too, especially when they have solid families. Why wouldn't you want to be able to see your family, and extended family, in a familiar environment, any time you're not on the road? Sometimes we as fans lose sight of the fact that OUR priorities (the greater good of the Utah Jazz) are not always 100% the same as our players' priorities. We'd like them to be, but it's just not gonna happen sometimes, any more than you or I would be willing to make huge sacrifices on behalf of the companies we work for.

The counterargument there is that ten million dollars a year should darn well demand a player's loyalty. But that's really no different from saying your salary, or mine, should demand my loyalty. We've all signed contracts to do the work for which we are paid. Does that mean the company owns us, body and soul, desire and spirit? Is my loyalty contained in my paycheck? It's the same thing, just on a much larger scale. Boozer's work just happens to be, let's say, much more specialized than yours or mine.

I guess I'm not trying to defend Carlos for wanting to take the benjamins, if that is what he wants. I sincerely hope he doesn't, because I still believe we have a championship roster here when everyone is clicking. But I can see how, if you're just treating basketball as a job -- just punching the clock, day in and day out -- you would do all you can to get the cushiest, best-paid, most comfortable gig possible. You'd want the job that would let you spend the greatest amount of time with your family and friends, in the place you want to live. And I guess I can't hate on anyone for that, because I'd do the same.

But if you want a title -- if that's really the thing, above all else, that you're living for -- then it's not just a job. It's a lot more. And it takes a team to get there. And that takes loyalty to something greater than your own best interests.

And that makes me wonder where the loyalties of Carlos Boozer lie. I guess we'll find out soon enough.

Robin Lopez is yours if you want him

Ben Q Rock — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 22:40:56 -0000

Rejoice, Jazz fans!

The Orlando Magic, represented by yours truly, selected center Kosta Koufos with the 22nd pick in the 2008 SB Nation Mock Draft. The Jazz, with the 23rd pick and a need at center, are now free to draft Robin Lopez. Stiff, lesser twins from Stanford: a Utah Jazz tradition.

And yes, I know the post to which I linked is missing the explanatory text. I'm sure Matt will fix it soon. Cheers.

Donaghy betting on a Jazz game?

basketballjohn — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 22:44:59 -0000

Sure looks like it according to Henry Abbott's interview with a professional NBA gambler .

In a game played against the Orlando Magic on March 6, 2006, the line opened for the Jazz at -6. With 5 seconds to go in the game, the Jazz are leading by 4, 89-85. The Magic take a timeout to set up a play. DeShawn Stevenson's three is blocked out of bounds with 2.5 left.

And then suddenly both Stevenson and Jameer Nelson are given Ts by Donaghy . That gave the Jazz two free throws. It didn't affect the outcome of the winner of the game, but it put Memo at the line for two that would have pushed the margin of victory to 6. Kind of convenient for him, isn't it? The line at the time though was 5. So either he just barely missed out on the Jazz covering or he got a push.

Reading the recap is amazing . You hear the same thing in a lot of game. Then coach Brian Hill stated ,

"We gave ourselves more than a chance, and I was disappointed that the game wasn't decided by the players, that it was decided by the officials"

And with Donaghy's new allegations concerning the 2002 Lakers/Kings series and other games, is there anyone that has any confidence in the league any more?

Get your John Stockton short shorts

basketballjohn — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 22:14:37 -0000

All right, so maybe these aren't Stockton's shorts (seller states that there's no identifiable marks), but these would be great for pickup games, wouldn't they?

I would love to see a retro game where the players have to wear these. But not if it produced the same results as the Lakers had. You know the ladies would like to see Korver in a pair of those.

And who's bidding on Jarron Collins' warm ups ? Granted, they are pretty cool, but you know someone was googling for Jarron Collins' warm ups.

Um, guys.....

DaniellelovesKK — Fri, 06 Jun 2008 05:33:25 -0000

These are the kinds of things that y'all are supposed to be reading on all of the sports site and posting on here. My beloved KK had surgery yesterday and I didn't even know. haha.

So, I must admit that I watched the 4th quarter of Game 1. KG had a pretty cool dunk, Kobe didn't get the calls he waned, Gasol is still an ugly s.o.b. and the Lakers crumbled down the stretch. My opinion is that it will go all the way to 7 games and that the Celtics will win in a dramatic game at home.

Overall, really boring. And, Paul Pierce should consider acting when he's retired from playing because he's the biggest joke when he's 'recovering' from a call.

"Lakers-Celtics Final is no guarantee" Right......

DaniellelovesKK — Mon, 26 May 2008 22:35:42 -0000

So, I just saw this article on Fox Sports saying that after the 'surprising' game 3 wins it's unclear who will wind-up in the playoffs. I thought it was a rather interesting analysis, but does anybody really think David Stern would let this happen. This is what he has been planning all season long. In my opinion it is definitely a stretch of imagination.

http://msn.foxsports.com/nba/story/8177820?MSNHPHMA

As we approach the midway point of the 2008 NBA Conference finals, the good news is both series are still up for grabs.

No offense to what the New Orleans Hornets accomplished this season, finishing with the second seed in the West, but there is no doubt the top four teams have made it to the dance and there are four very different possible combinations for the Finals, with each of them interesting in their own right.

Sure, the Los Angeles Lakers jumped out to a 2-1 lead on the defending champion San Antonio Spurs, but is anybody crazy enough to rule out the Spurs — winners of three of the last five titles? But the Spurs surely need to win Game 4 or the Lakers go home for Game 5 with a chance to clinch.

And yes, the Boston Celtics finally won on the road after a record-tying six straight losses until Saturday at the Palace of Auburn Hills, taking a 2-1 lead over the Detroit Pistons. But you all know the Pistons ... bad game, good game, bad game, good game. In this case, like the Spurs, the Pistons have to win Game 4 or the Celtics go home with the opportunity to wrap up the series.

So that sets all the utensils out on the table, with four possible combinations for the Finals. If majority rules, the Celtics and Lakers will meet, rekindling a historic Finals rivalry that has occurred nine times, dating back to 1959, when the Lakers still played in Minneapolis. And let's not forget the Lakers' Phil Jackson, he of nine NBA titles as coach (six in Chicago and three in L.A.), in a tie with Celtics legend Red Auerbach for the most rings in coaching history. One thing to consider is Jackson's teams have never lost a playoff series (40-0) when they win Game 1, as they did against the Spurs. With MVP Kobe Bryant leading the way and the home court, they are favored.

But that's not a guarantee.

The Spurs have the opportunity to win their fourth title in six years, something that nobody has done since the Celtics had their spectacular run of 11 titles in 13 years from 1957-69 . There is no trio in the league that has won as consistently as Tim Duncan, Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili. You can knock them down, but knocking them out is an entirely different circumstance.

The Celtics triumvirate of Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce and Ray Allen has had more than their share of success during their respective careers. And during the regular season, they put together the best record in the NBA. It's different now, though, considering this is the first season the three All-Stars have played together on the Celtics.

Meanwhile, the hard-to-figure Pistons have shown the ability to come back in any series and have been to the Conference finals six years in a row, so they have the experience to bounce back against the Celtics. It's just always hard to figure what we will see from the Pistons, who have greatness but too often inexplicably lapse into a lifeless bunch during select games in the postseason.

So as we consider all of the above, let's look at the matchups to decide which one we'd like to see going forward:

Spurs vs. Pistons

The good: These two teams already had a great series in 2005, with the Spurs barely winning in seven games, thwarting the Pistons' attempt to repeat after taking out the Lakers in five the year before. Both teams are predicated by defense and consistent team execution at both ends of the floor.

The bad: When these two teams meet, the scores tend to look more like college games than the NBA. In this fast-paced basketball frenzy of the 21st century, they'll still slow it down. In 2005, the Pistons were the only team to score 100 points in the series, and it happened in a 102-71 blowout in Game 4. On the other hand, the Pistons also lost, 84-69, in Game 1. A thing of beauty, it was not.

Conclusion: These two teams have garnered an enormous amount of respect this decade and rightfully so. They have been consistently solid year in and year out, which is why this matchup would be no surprise and intense. The only problem is that nobody but the fans of the two teams has any interest in seeing them slug it out again.

Lakers vs. Pistons

The good: There is history here, too, with the 2004 Finals the most recent — signaling the end of the Shaquille O'Neal-Kobe Bryant-Phil Jackson era for the Lake Show. All three proved to be amazingly selfish in the end, with Shaq getting dealt to Miami, Phil taking a year off for a "tell-all" book and Kobe suffering the brunt of the blame, when in retrospect it seems to be equal parts of blame to go around. There also were the 1988 and 1989 meetings that began with Magic Johnson and Isiah Thomas exchanging kisses on the cheek and ended with their public friendship becoming a personal feud. The Lakers won in 1988, but the Pistons won in 1989 when Johnson and Byron Scott both suffered hamstring injuries that made it impossible for the Lakers to compete.

The bad: Chauncey Billups has the hamstring in question for the Pistons. The way he looked in Games 1 and 3, it's hard to fathom the Pistons getting there now. Sure, rookie Rodney Stuckey has been surprisingly stellar and growing in confidence in his place. But if they can't get more dependable play from Rasheed Wallace and Tayshaun Prince, it won't matter. They won't get there.

Conclusion: All things being equal health-wise, this would be an excellent matchup, with Wallace and Antonio McDyess going against Lamar Odom and Pau Gasol up front and with Rip Hamilton and Bryant locking horns in the backcourt. But unless the Pistons rally quickly, it's not going to happen.

Spurs vs. Celtics

The good: There is the tradition of the Spurs now and the Celtics then that makes it intriguing. Even more special would be the matchup of Duncan and Garnett, Western Conference rivals for so many years, meeting in the Finals for the first time. Watching Bruce Bowen check Paul Pierce would be fun and the Ray Allen-Manu Ginobili lockup would also be great theater in so many ways. And that's not to mention the quickness of the Celtics young Rajon Rondo against the race car known as Tony Parker.

The bad: The scores will be in the 80's and low 90's featuring a bump-and-grind mode for both teams. These games could be excruciating to watch until the fourth quarter, which would finally offer some great basketball. In other words, the desire would be to see a best-of-seven, one quarter each. Otherwise, the non-diehards would find it to be unwatchable.

Conclusion: As a die-hard NBA fan, this would be a fabulous series. The matchups are terrific, even if Duncan and Garnett aren't head-to-head all the time. The alteration of defenses from the Spurs Gregg Popovich and Pistons coach Flip Saunders are continual, with the two having faced each other innumerable times in the Western Conference during Saunders' nine-plus seasons as coach of the Minnesota Timberwolves. This is the second choice because of the possibilities.

Lakers vs. Celtics

The good: Unless you resent both franchises, there is nothing to dislike about this. Bryant making his first playoff appearance in Boston is reason enough to get excited. Even more so, there is the prospect of Jackson in search of his 10th title with the ghost of Auerbach looming overhead the Garden. There also is the desire to see Garnett, Pierce and Allen have a shot at their first title after all three superstars never having made it to the Finals before.

The bad: There will be the conspiracy theories if this happens. The NBA has been waiting for a return to the golden era ever since the lockout of 1998-99, when it lost a large chunk of audience and got lost in the hip hop, tattoo-infested youth of the 21st century. But in reality, if the worst matchup is the Spurs vs. the Pistons, there is no way the NBA can lose this time around.

Conclusion: Again, unless you just hate the NBA or the two franchises, how can you not want this to happen? This would be the greatest matchup, mostly because of the legacy of the Celtics and Auerbach vs. Bryant and Jackson. Just imagine if the Lakers were to clinch the series in Boston and Jackson gets to light up a stogie in the Garden to celebrate. Those would certainly be ingredients of his choice.

Draft thoughts...

rxmike12 — Tue, 20 May 2008 03:15:10 -0000

Hello all,

As a rabid Jazz fan in Las Vegas, I'd like to throw my $0.02 in there about the draft coming this year. Yes, yes, I'm still vomiting on a semi-regular pace after the way the team got back in the game and fell just short, but it's time to move on, or get left behind.

So, who to draft? The pick is late in the first round (23rd, I believe), and obviously we're not getting a Beasley/Brook Lopez/DeAndre Jordan type. But who could slip? NBAdraft.net currently has the Jazz taking plodding center Roy Hibbert (Ostertag, anyone?), and I'm not sure this is the way to go. They have C Robin Lopez (an Anderson Varajeo type) in the same range, and this would be an interesting pick. An active rebounder, shot blocker, defender who lacks on offense, but can wreak havoc inside. I think big has to be the way to go, but if Fesenko develops, then what?

Backup point guard is always an option, but do you want to spend a first rounder on a 12 minute/game guy for the next 10 years (hopefully)? Maybe a small forward type like Brandon Rush? He's long, can get his own shot, and could make a difference if a certain Russian is traded in the near future. Hopefully they don't see a tall white guy from BYU (Plaisted) and think he can play. I saw him play a couple times and thought he was awful.

What do I think will happen? Probably some overseas guy we've never heard of. What do I hope will happen? Joe Alexander slips... Donte Greene slips and stays in the D-league long enough for Sloan to retire because I know they wouldn't get along. :)

Draft lottery tomorrow which will get the pieces in motion. Stay tuned!

JA Adande on Game 5 Officials

Lake Powell Fan — Fri, 16 May 2008 05:37:56 -0000

Here is J.A. Adande of ESPN on last night's officials:

"When the Jazz got close to the basket, there was more contact than in a rush-hour crowd shoving into the subway, but rarely a blown whistle. Meanwhile, at the other end, Lamar Odom breezed past Carlos Boozer for a layup and got a gift and-one. And Utah players and coaches are still wondering how Mehmet Okur could wind up sprawling toward the baseline, leaving Pau Gasol alone under the basket for an easy offensive rebound and dunk to put the Lakers ahead by five points with 20.5 seconds remaining."

Considering Adande's former employment with the LA Times, this is quite a profound indictment of the officiating.

Bias

AK47Jazz — Thu, 15 May 2008 05:42:31 -0000

The refs are beyond fixed. It’s the entire league. I just watched a poor excuse of a fair game 5. Anything but. The NBA wants their MVP in the finals. It is sad. The announcers are in agreement with this. I am watching the bias TNT broadcast, and they did not mention once that they missed a call on the Jazz. Boozer and Williams were hammered all night and we did not get one call. Odom goes to the basket and Boozer touches him, he touches him so lightly you couldn't see it with the naked eye. TNT had to slow it down and explain to the zombies at home how it was a foul. And Pau, do not get me started. Crying because he knows he pushed Okur at the end to get the game winning rebound. Wow. Thanks NBA for making everything happen the way you want it too. I hope the finals are the lowest rated in history, thanks David Stern

AK47Jazz

love the new blog

MagicHasAids — Thu, 08 May 2008 08:26:59 -0000

I loved the old blog and now I cant wait to link to your new site. I love the idea of SB nation to unite all these blogs, Its a great idea.

connell( founder of magichasaids.com )

PS I've also launched my jazz / utah sports blog recently and you can go to by clicking here Magic Has Aids where we talk about the utes the cougs, the jazz, real salt lake and even Utah State up north ( go aggies!)

SLC Dunk inaugural giveaway contest

basketballjohn — Wed, 07 May 2008 14:10:12 -0000

Once you've added SLC Dunk to your blog list, leave a comment here to let me know. The contest will go through the end of May. The winner will be randomly selected and win a Jazz prize. It will at least be something equivalent to a Jazz hat. If a non-Jazz fan wins, well, we'll work something out.

So if you haven't signed up already, get to it . And if you have, then click on the add SLC Dunk button underneath the logo on the main page. If you have any problems, email me .

I have no way to enforce this as part of the contest, but I would like to see the winner an active member. And please only sign up once per person.

Thanks.

What's Dee Brown been up to?

basketballjohn — Wed, 07 May 2008 05:41:56 -0000

Dee's not anxious to get home at all. From his blog ,

Thanks for stopping by showing me love means a lot to me for real. I'm coming home real soon, the date is unknown I hope its early June with a big trophy in my possession.

Looks like he'll be home just in time to prepare for the summer leagues. Any bets on who he'll play for in the summer? Answer in the poll and comments.

Poll