SB Nation User Blog: UtesFan89

Mo Almond On Knicks Summer League Squad

UtesFan89 — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 18:29:39 -0000

Mo Almond On Knicks Summer League Squad

The title says it all.

Korver Opts In... Locke's Twitter

UtesFan89 — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 22:33:56 -0000

Korver Opts In... Locke's Twitter

Lockedonsports 1 down three to go -- Korver opts in and makes 5+ million next year. Jazz now have serious luxury tax issues.

After weeks of reporting on the subject, I'm drawing the conclusion that Carlos Boozer and Mehmet...

UtesFan89 — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 03:02:42 -0000

After weeks of reporting on the subject, I'm drawing the conclusion that Carlos Boozer and Mehmet Okur will opt out and Kyle Korver will not. Maybe something changes, but I'd be surprised if the scorecard didn't read as such Tuesday.

Siler

Okur, 'Sap, Booze... Who You Got?

UtesFan89 — Sun, 28 Jun 2009 01:58:42 -0000

I'm not certain how relevant this will be a couple days from now. But I figure it's worth asking, just to see what the feeling is around here, if nothing else. As we stand right now, the Jazz have 7 guys under contract... assuming everyone that can opt out does... and another 2 waiting in the wings. A quick depth chart of the 9 guys...

There are obvious needs at the wings (Harpring is done, and the team doesn't have a shooter there), at power-forward (AK can't play all 48 minutes) and maybe at center (can The Koof, Fesenko and Suton hold down the fort?). Interior defense might be at a better position than where it was last year, but there is a ton of inexperience at the 2-3-4 spots. Which makes it obvious the Jazz are going to need to dip into FA.

So now, let's assume that 'Sap, Booze and Okur all opt out (I'm ignoring Korver in all of this, because truthfully, the other 3 guys play a much bigger role on the team). Given the needs, and the fact the Jazz probably don't want to go over the luxury tax (by way of "expiring contracts," the Jazz only have Harpring, Fesenko & Brewer... who'll be a RFA like 'Sap this season... assuming Okur, Booze & Korver all opt out), the Jazz aren't exactly overflowing in cash with which to fill needs. Assuming Suton sticks, the Jazz still need to find 4 more players to reach the NBA's required roster limit... I'm seeing 2 bigs, a wing and a PG (maybe 2 wings, depending on how ready Maynor is for the back-up spot). I'll go into contracts in another post if need be, but for now, let's just assume the Jazz are as cash strapped as it seems. So the Jazz get to FA, and can only afford one of their 3 guys ('Sap, Booze, Okur). Which one do you keep?

There are obviously pros & cons to all 3 guys.

Carlos Boozer (aka Booze)... Age: 27

Pros: The biggest offensive threat of the 3, especially down in the post. He's a 20-10 guy when healthy, and really fits well in Sloan's 'pick-and-roll' scheme. He's a good rebounder, and averages 1.0 spg & 2.5 apg, which aren't bad numbers for him. He also shoots 73% from the line for his career, which isn't bad for a big. And when he's on, he's able to draw double teams, leaving other guys open. Has a nice low-post game, but can also step out and drain the jumper.

Cons: He's not healthy all that often. He's played in 276 regular season games (of a possible 410) since joining the Jazz, including playing just 37 this season (after the previous 2 seasons were his best in 5 with the Jazz... playing 74 & 81 games). Defense is not a strength for him... bigs seems to have little trouble getting good position down low, and Booze doesn't exactly intimidate guards that drive in (unless his yelling surprises them). And for his career, he averages 0.4 blocks/game, which is just pathetic. He has disappeared when the Jazz have needed him most in the playoffs the last 2 seasons (despite the fact that his scoring numbers are higher in the playoffs).

Money & Competition: He wants money. A lot of it. Detroit was rumored to be interested, but the latest news is that they don't want to put so much of their cap space into 1 player. The rumblings coming out of New Jersey are the same. Miami had interest last year, but have since turned their attention to Chris Bosh. Oklahoma City & Memphis have cap space, but I'm not sure if they're interested. If Phoenix decides against rebuilding, they could take a run... provided they clear some cap space first.

Mehmet Okur (aka The Money Man)... Age: 30

Pros: One of the better shooting big-men in the league (he shot a career best 44.6% from beyond the arc this past season... 38% for his career). He's not quite a double-double threat, but he's averaged 16 ppg since arriving in Utah and has averaged 7.8 rpg in the same span. He shoots 80% from the FT line, and 46% from the floor (career best 48.5% this past season). He's played in at least 72 games every season since joining the Jazz, and at least 71 every season he's been in the league. He's been working (it seems) on developing a drive-to-the-hoop and low-post game, and it's nice to see him break it out occasionally when his shot isn't falling. He's hit a lot of big shots for the Jazz, becoming a fan favorite along the way. He could probably play 2 positions (PF, C) with his height (6'11), something that might be a bit harder for the Booze or 'Sap.

Cons: He's not your typical big man, which hurts when you're playing against guys like Yao Ming or Shaquille O'Neal or something. He averages 0.7 bpg which, while more than Booze, still isn't what you'd like from your center. He struggles blocking off the paint from the incoming pass and can get burnt inside as a result. He needs to work on passing the ball a bit more... there are times where he'll take a difficult shot despite being double teamed.

Money & Competition: Like Booze, he wants money. He has offered to give the Jazz a discount ($3-$5 million over the life of the contract), but the team and the player are far enough apart to make him opt out and see what's there for him on the market. As for competition... I'm not sure. If his demands are too high, teams will fall out. If not, Detroit could be interested in having him back. His ability to play the 4 and the 5 could interest some teams as well.

Paul Millsap (aka 'Sap)... Age: 24

Pros: The youngest of the 3 guys, he's still developing offensively. He's shown an ability to start, getting 38 starts this past season with Boozer out, and contribute. He averaged over 13 points/game, and also threw in almost 9 rebounds/game. He set career highs in almost every statistical category this season, and looks to be able to do it again if he gets a full-time starting job. He's active defensively, averaging 1 steal/game and 1 block/game. And he shot a blistering 53.4% from the floor this past season. His numbers in the playoffs also took a huge jump this season (up to 11 PPG and 8 RPG). He's been working on developing a low post game and a jumper, and both seem to be coming along well. He plays with a lot of energy, works hard, and has been a fan favorite pretty much since he showed up.

Cons: He tends to get into a lot of foul trouble, which brings to question whether or not he'll be able to give you starter minutes game-in/game-out. While his offensive game is still improving, it might not be to the point where you want it to be for a full time starter on a playoff team. His FT shooting is mediocre (sub-70%). His increase in minutes this past season saw a fairly big spike in turnovers/game as well (by 0.6 TO/game), which is never good for a guy that'll be facing double teams in the post. Not sure if it was after-effects of an injury, fatigue or just struggling to re-adapt after going back to the bench, but his game dropped off a bit after January this season, and fell a bit more when he went back to the bench upon Booze's return from the injured list. And that has to worry some teams... especially if it was the fatigue factor. On the other hand, his minutes increased by almost 600 from season 2 to season 3, so maybe it was to be expected.

Money & Competition: According to his agent, he's searching for David Lee type money (or more). Lee, also a RFA this season, is looking for about $10 million/season, so I guess that's what he means. As a plus for the Jazz, he is a RFA, so they can match any offer he gets. The price tag might scare some teams off, but his age could make him a better target for teams than Boozer, who is 3 years older than him, or Okur, who is 6 years older than him. Detroit is rumored to have him high on the list (though we've heard the same about Boozer, and there is no way they are targeting both guys). OKC makes some sense here, if they decide that Jeff Green is better suited coming off of the bench (unlikely, I must admit). Memphis made a play for Amar'e Stoudemire, and could turn to 'Sap to play alongside Hasheem Thabeet. New Jersey could be looking for a PF (after trading Ryan Anderson, all they have left is a disappointing Yi Jianlian and a disappointing Sean Williams). Phoenix might make some sense if they trade Amar'e, as they could use a big alongside whoever they get in return and in front of the Robin Lopez/Earl Clark duo.

All 3 guys have been huge for the Jazz. All 3 guys could be looking for big money this off-season (we know 'Sap is, we'll know about the other 2 soon)... money the Jazz don't have. Which puts the Jazz somewhere between a rock and a hard spot. Assuming they can only keep 1 of the 3 guys (and still have money to fill out the rest of the roster), what do they do? Do they go for upside ('Sap)? Do they go for the 20-10 threat when healthy (Booze)? Do they go for the unconventional big than can shoot (Okur)?

What do you think?

Poll

If you can only keep 1 of the 3, who do you keep around?

Shaq Traded... Not To Utah

UtesFan89 — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 04:40:01 -0000

Shaq Traded... Not To Utah

Sorry MTN.

Shaq to Cleveland for Ben Wallace, Sasha Pavlovic (remember him?), #46 pick, and cash. Yet another potential Jazz target gone.

Shaq to Cleveland

UtesFan89 — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 04:31:50 -0000

Shaq to Cleveland

Shaq for Wallace, Pavlovic, pick #46 & cash.

NBA Draft Rumors: A Round Up

UtesFan89 — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 22:29:11 -0000

Promoted to the Front Page because I asked him to do it. Great stuff, CONTINUED IN THE COMMENTS -- Scott

The NBA draft, as you all know, is getting closer. Much closer. And, as a result, rumors are flying in every which direction. Some out there are started by teams hoping the guy the want falls to them, even if they have to mention injuries. Others are started with the hopes that some team ahead of them catches on and drafts a guy too high... letting a better player fall.

And some of the rumors are serious and have a good shot of happening. These are the ones that are rare... and these are the ones we're trying to find. I've been "collecting" rumors as of late (by collecting, I mean posting them on twitter) and will post them on here for everyone to read/contemplate/comment on/whatever else you do with rumors. By the way... the draft rumors can be found here... and it's nice that I'm the only one that seems to be using the tag. And if you want NBA rumors, this is your link. Both are to Twitter Search pages, where I seem to be using the tags the most.

I don't have the exact links, but most of these have come from RealGM.com, DraftExpress.com, NBAdraft.net or InsideHoops.com.

Players in the draft...

Jordan Hill: One rumor has it that Don Nelson has told him that he's not falling past #7... If he does though, there is thought that the Knicks would take him (even over Stephen Curry)... The Mavs like him too.

Omri Casspi: Might the Nets trade down for him? They're rumored to be really interested...

Johnny Flynn: Despite all my wishing that he'd fall to the Jazz, he's pretty much a lock to go between #4 (Kings) and #10 (Bucks). In fact, there is thought now that the Kings have soured on Rubio enough to take Flynn over him...

Ty Lawson: Unlikely, but he could go #10 to the Bucks. It seems likely that he'll go a bit after that though (#13 to the Pacers?), though he could potentially fall till about #19 or so (obviously, right before the Jazz)...

BJ Mullens: Reportedly, he has a guarantee from the Pistons at #15... That said, he's still been working out with teams picking below #15, maybe in case the Pistons end up trading down/out... He's working out with Chicago (#16) and Philly (#17) this week, which doesn't make sense with a guarantee at #15.

Tyler Hansbrough: If the Nets are somehow able to trade down to #16 (there was talk of a #16 + #26 to the Nets with #11 going to the Bulls deal), they could snag Hansbrough. I think he has another workout with them tomorrow (though I could be mentioning the wrong team)... He really impressed the Hawks in a workout today.

Toney Douglas: If the Pistons are able to get a later 1st round pick, this might be their guy.

Ricky Rubio: Ah, the overhyped PG (sorry, I just don't get it). He's not going #1... He reportedly doesn't want to play for the Grizzlies (#2) or the Wizards (#5)... His workout with the Kings (#4) didn't happen due to an injury or the flu or something... Could he realistically fall to #6 (or even beyond?)... The Knicks like him and could try to trade up. In fact, they're optimistic about their chances... The Thunder might take him simply because he'll be the best player on the board... The T-Wolves could be after him, which would explain why they're trying to get a 2nd round pick.

Wayne Ellington: There was talk of his stock falling a bit due to workouts... There's rumors that the Hawks like him at #19, and the Sixers are also considering him at #17.

Austin Daye: When he decided to stay in the draft, there was talk that he had a promise in the top-20. Could that be at #18 with the Timberwovles?

Earl Clark: Did he get a promise from the Suns at #14?

Jodie Meeks: It's being mentioned that he might have a early 2nd round guarantee from the Nuggets. (Is that the end of the Sonny Weems era?)

Jon Brockman: He seems to have an early 2nd round guaratnee from 1 of the Blazers/Spurs/Pistons.

Darren Collison: Fearful of not getting many minutes, Collison (a late-1st/early-2nd rounder) decided against working out for the Jazz because they have Deron Williams.

DeJuan Blair: Maybe his knees are okay after all. He is being strongly considered by the Pacers (#13) and the Bulls (#16). He has another workout with the Bulls tomorrow, and worked out with the Jazz today... If he falls to the Bulls, he could be their guy... The Blazers seem interested as they make their calls in hopes to trade up.

Taj Gibson: Could the Jazz throw a curve into the draft by taking him at #20?

Stephen Curry: He seems confident that he'll go in the top 5, and thinks he'll end up with the Knicks. We'll have to see how that goes... He could go as high as #3 to the Thunder... Curry seems to be the top guy on the Warriors board (which goes against what they've supposedly told Ellis & Hill).

Hasheem Thabeet: He has refused to workout for the Grizzlies, and seems to be trying to convince the Thunder that he's their guy.

Terrence Williams: There was talk earlier that if the Nets stuck at #11, he'd be their guy (providing he wasn't gone)... He's been working out with many teams though.

Jrue Holiday: His agent (Dan Fegan) doesn't want the Wizards taking him. He has the same agent as Rubio, and Fegan also spoke out about not wanting Rubio playing for the Wizards (or the Grizzlies. Man, Fegan just seems like an a**)... He has had 2 workouts with the Knicks, for what it's worth.

Brandon Jennings: He might feel that Rubio is overhyped, but others would disagree. Rubio will be a top-5 pick (barring a huge surprise), while Jennings might end up falling out of the lottery.

Players in the NBA at the moment...

Kevin Love: Rumors were that he was offered by the T-Wolves to the Grizzlies for the #2 pick (the Wolves would then take Rubio #2, and also have pick #6). This has since been debunked (I think).

Monta Ellis: The Warriors might've confirmed to him that he will be their starting PG next year and that they won't be drafting a "play-making guard" at #7.

David Lee: We've all heard the talk about him being traded. It would be a lot easier for the Knicks if Jordan Hill fell to them.

Wilson Chandler: There was talk that he was being offered to the Wizards for the #5 pick. Since then though, I've been reading that the Wizards like Larry Hughes or Jared Jeffries. I don't see how any of this matches up to the #5 pick though.

Mike Miller: The T-Wolves are making him available. There was the rumor of Foye/Miller/Cardinal/Madsen/late 1st rounder for #5... They offered Miller for Chris Kaman, but were shot down. The Clippers countered by offering Marcus Camby for Miller.

Raja Bell: The Warriors want to add some defense, and have been offered Bell. The Bobcats want Kelenna Azubuike and Marco Belinelli in return. The Warriors are mulling over this (and Azubuike would have to agree to the trade unless it happens after July 24th).

Shaquille O'Neal: We've all heard the trade talk. Including the Shaq for Ben Wallace & Sasha Pavlovic deal. This deal has been shelved for now, because the Suns want young players or picks coming their way as well... There was also talk (though I haven't heard anything since) of an O'Neal for Luol Deng deal.

Ben Gordon: It's technically not legal, I don't think, and he's shot it down, but there are rumors that Gordon has a $11 million guarantee from the Pistons once FA starts.

Vince Carter: Yep, he (like Shaq & Antawn Jamison) has been mentioned in potentially getting dealt for Ben Wallace & Sasha Pavlovic.

Rajon Rondo: There were some Rondo rumors out there. I don't remember them, partially because I thought it sounded stupid and ignored them.

Team rumors...

Nets: If they can't trade down, Terrence Williams could be their guy. Or they could reach for Tyler Hansbrough... If they do trade down, Hansbrough could be their guy.

Cavaliers: If they are able to trade up, it'll be for Sam Young, Ty Lawson or Earl Clark.

Thunder: If they keep the pick, the Thunder could look to take the best available PG at #25. Of course, that's dependent on them not taking Rubio #3... At least one 'NBA source' thinks that if Thabeet falls to #3, the chances of him going to OKC are at 100%.

Grizzlies: Ricky Rubio has refused to workout for them. So has Hasheem Thabeet. James Harden didn't impress in workouts, but could still be their guy simply because he's willing to play for them... Recent workout: Marcus Thornton impressed, Danny Green not so much... Consensus seems to be that the Grizzlies don't have putting a winning team on the floor as the #1 priority, and players/agents are trying to stay away as a result.

T-Wolves: They are desperately trying to move into the top-2 (maybe 3). The question is, is it for Rubio? Or Thabeet? Rubio makes more sense, but if they end up giving up Love, Thabeet would fit in well too... They're working out DeMar DeRozan this week. They tried to bring Curry in, but he refused... If they're not able to get #5, they might set their sights on #3... There were rumors of a Foye/Miller/Gomes for Ray Allen deal, but the Wolves quickly shot that rumor down.

Wizards: They continue to try to deal #5. Most recent rumor has it being packaged with Etan Thomas in a trade to the Mavs. Not sure who the Mavs would give up in return... There was the talk of Amar'e for #5, though that's died down... There were also rumors earlier of Antawn Jamison & Mike James for Sasha Pavlovic & Ben Wallace, but likewise, I haven't heard much since... If nothing happens, they could take Rubio (whether he has to stay overseas or not); they seem to be the highest on his potential

Hawks: They have put a combo package (Speedy Claxton + #19) on the market... They're also trying to land Amar'e.

Pistons: They seem ready to start over. Who's atop their FA shopping list? Hearing Gordon, Boozer, Millsap, Ariza... They also seem open to dealing (or at least listening to offers for) Rip Hamilton and/or Tayshaun Prince... BJ Mullens? Or Earl Clark?... They could potentially "give" Amir Johnson & #15 to the Thunder, which would clear space for them to chase Gordon and Boozer/'Sap (whichever one they prefer)... For what it's worth, Dumars is denying just about everything. He's not trading his pick. He hasn't made a promise. He's not looking at acquiring more picks. He's not looking to trade Prince/Hamilton. On and on... There top choices are Clark or Daye?

Nets: There were rumors that they were offering Devin Harris for the #2 pick, but that just sounds dumb. Though I guess that fits with some of the other rumors as well.

Blazers: Is this where David Lee ends up?... What about Hedo Turkoglu?... Will they sell their draft pick?...They're getting offers for Batum, Fernandez & Outlaw, but balking at dealing any of them... If Rubio seems likely to fall, the Blazers could get involved. Of course, trading up to #5 would probably cost them at least Bayless + Outlaw/Batum, and net them Etan Thomas as well... They really want Kirk Hinrich.

Kings: Talk about being in a hard spot. Earlier, there was talk that they'd even consider Rubio over Griffin (if they had landed the #1 spot). Now they're picking number 4, but might end up taking Flynn or Tyreke Evans over Rubio. It seems to be down to those 3 though... There was talk that the 5 voices that have a say were all saying different names. They're going to need to agree on someone soon.

Suns: If they're serious about dealing Shaq &/or Amar'e, do they consider Hansbrough or Mullens at #14?... Could be down to Clark & James Johnson (and Austin Daye?), unless a top player falls.

Mavericks: About the talk for trading up for #5, there is some history. In 2004, they traded Antawn Jamison to the Wizards in exchange for the #5 pick, Devin Harris.

Pacers: Larry Bird would prefer drafting a guy with a couple of seasons of college experience... They'd like to trade up to #5, but it's not likely... They see their needs as bigs, a wing and a PG... They seem to be down to a list of 4 players, at least 3 of whom should be available at their pick.

That's it for now. If I come across more, they'll be posted on my twitter page, probably on the twitter search ones (unless I forget or it's too long) and maybe in the comments here. Feel free to join and post rumors or opinions on the rumors. (If it's too long, I'm sorry. My posts always tend to be longer than I'd like...)

Warriors/Hawks Trade

UtesFan89 — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 20:00:50 -0000

Warriors/Hawks Trade

Seems like Acie Law/Speedy Claxton for Jamal Crawford. That means the Jazz won't be able to trade AK to the Warriors for Crawford, as had been mentioned before.

Hawks/Warriors Nearing Trade

UtesFan89 — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 19:53:58 -0000

Hawks/Warriors Nearing Trade

Story at the link. Details as of now... Jamal Crawford for Acie Law & Speedy Claxton.

Terrence won't get past Cha, might go to NJ. Hear he already has a promise from Cha. Teague/Sam...

UtesFan89 — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 20:21:05 -0000

Terrence won't get past Cha, might go to NJ. Hear he already has a promise from Cha. Teague/Sam Young are atop Utah board.

Ric Bucher's tweet response to me