SB Nation User Blog: clarkpojo

Is Sloan keeping his defensive promises?

clarkpojo — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 19:33:25 -0000

A lot has been made thus far of the Jazz's inability to put together full defensive efforts for the entire game. After hearing a few weeks of the team preaching nothing but defense, the Jazz have been incredibly disappointing in this regard. But I had higher hopes when I heard Jerry Sloan mention that he would be benching players who didn't commit to playing defense. I believed him at the time and I think it's the only way he is going to get to some of these players. Taking away playing time is really the only way he can effect his team and get his point across. It is where he has the power to...well, motivate, as much as he doesn't think he should be the motivator.

But 7 games in, I haven't seen Sloan stick to his promise. I am not asking for taking a guy out of a game and not letting him play til two games later. I am not even advocating for him to chew out a guy on the sideline in front of everyone. But there is nothing wrong with pulling a guy after a missed defensive assignment, or just a lack of effort challenging the rim, and telling him on the sideline in one sentence that when he goes back in, Sloan needs a better defensive effort from him. It's simple. Sit the guy for a couple minutes and let him rededicate himself to defense. And no one should be immune from this treatment. Sit Boozer, sit AK, Millsap or even Deron Williams. The guy who does get this treatment is Ronnie Brewer. Often. But do it to everyone.

via feetinthepaint.files.wordpress.com

Coach Sloan has something to learn from Scott Skiles. And it isn't the angry "Popeye" face.

Here is an excerpt from John Hollinger, ESPN basketball analyst, that I found interesting. I couldn't just link it, because it from an insider piece on ESPN.com.

"Through two weeks it is not the much-lauded Celtics but the long-forgotten Bucks who lead the NBA in defensive efficiency," Hollinger writes. "Scott Skiles once again has managed to squeeze blood from a rock in leading the Bucks to a surprising 3-2 start, with the help of the league's most underrated defender and the additions of quick-handed point guard Brandon Jennings and defensive-minded wing Carlos Delfino."

"One good example of Skiles' impact is how he handled Hakim Warrick against New York on Saturday. Unlike the others, Warrick isn't exactly renowned for his D. After a couple of soft challenges on Danilo Gallinari jumpers, Skiles yanked him just two minutes into the game. Warrick came back in the second half and defended the way that Skiles demands, and Milwaukee went on to win in a rout."

Deron Williams player preview

clarkpojo — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 04:29:09 -0000

via c2.api.ning.com

TEN THINGS DERON WILLIAMS WILL DO THIS SEASON:

1. Make the All-Star team

2. Score 20 points a game

3. Dish out 12 assists a game

4. Dunk over Andrew Bynum

5. Call out a teammate during a public interview

6. Record a triple-double

7. Tweet that "Fantastic Mr. Fox was a feel-good movie."

8. Throw an alley-oop to Ronnie Brewer.

9. Receive an alley-oop from Kyrylo Fesenko.

10. Score 50 points in a game.

TEN THINGS DERON WILLIAMS WONT DO THIS SEASON

1. Defend his skills title at the All-Star game

2. Cry. Or Quit.

3. Get a DUI.

4. Punch someone in the face in public and give the cops a fake name.

5. Guest star on Entourage or House.

6. Come to my birthday party, even though I have invited him.

7. Let the Hornets beat the Jazz.

8. Play less than 40 minutes a game.

9. Hoist a championship trophy.

10. Win the MVP award. Sorry, Deron. We still love you.

Paul Millsap Player Preview- The elephant in the room

clarkpojo — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 04:36:42 -0000

via thelongslumber.files.wordpress.com

LET'S TALK ABOUT THE ELEPHANT IN THE ROOM

I could sit here and talk about Paul Millsap's career and how his numbers as a starter are comparable to Carlos Boozer's and how Millsap plays better defense and challenges shots. But one thing really matters to the Jazz season right now and that is whether or not Carlos Boozer will be traded. Millsap's season absolutely hinges on this question. It isn't like Millsap has really proven that he should be the starting power forward or anything, but at this point, it is a question of morale as well as personnel. Nobody really wants Boozer to start over Millsap other than the guy whose opinion matters: Jerry Sloan. But, and this but is almost as big as Missy Elliots', Millsap has been better than Carlos Boozer so far this year. And that is saying something because Millsap hasn't been good.

Carlos Boozer has been epically awful. He hasn't had one good game where he played well defensively or offensively. His game against the Clippers doesn't count either. Because if you shoot more shots than you score points, then you aren't being effective offensively. You are just being Tracy McGrady. But for all of the Boozer supporters over the summer, what can you say now? You used to have his offense to hang your hat on, but the guy is shooting about 40% from within 5 feet this season. He is missing gimmes consistently.

The irony of this, is that the Jazz showed that they need a change against the Rockets tonight. The Rockets are a better team without Tracy McGrady, and are better at many things without Yao Ming. Addition by subtraction has really helped the Rockets. I would like to introduce the idea of addition by subtraction to the Utah Jazz. Try it. You have to try something. But the booing in the stands when Boozer touches the ball, and the crowd chanting for Millsap to play over Carlos are not just desperate calls from desperate fans. It is what the fans really want. Not just what they think they want. The fans are right this time.

Millsap would be better if Boozer were gone. But more importantly, Andrei Kirilenko would be better if Carlos were gone. And the Jazz offense would be better if Carlos were gone. He is slowing down the ball movement on the offensive side and he is failing to recognize double teams. Is Paul Millsap ready to step in and be "the man" at the starting power forward spot? At this point it doesn't matter. He deserves the chance. And the fans deserve the chance to not have the Boozer drama hung over our heads. Boozer isn't an efficient offensive player anymore. He settles for jumpers, doesn't attack the basket and doesn't draw fouls.

This season and this preview isn't about Millsap anymore. It's about the elephant in the room. Carlos Boozer. I personally won't put up with watching him any longer. Will you?

ERIC MAYNOR PREVIEW- THE MAINTAINER

clarkpojo — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 03:23:34 -0000

via nohornets.files.wordpress.com

"The Maintainer" is what I am calling Eric Maynor from now on. Because that is what I hope he can be. When Deron Williams is on the bench, all the Jazz need is for someone to maintain the lead and run the offense. Ronnie Price, Brevin Knight, and Jason Hart are the last 3 backup point guards that the jazz have employed and none of them cut the bill. Ronnie Price struggled last year running the point and was the worst player in terms of +/- on the team over the whole season. Knight played nice defense, putting great pressure on opposing ballhandlers, but had no jumpshot to speak of. Nearly every offensive possession ended with a Brevin Knight patented brick. And as flawed as those two were at the point, they were both an upgrade over Jason Hart.

I am pretty certain at this point that Eric Maynor was the right draft pick for the Jazz at number 20. Ty Lawson was not available; we didn't pass on him. I can't tell you how many people started writing on message boards how we missed out on Lawson after he lit us up on opening night. I wish we also could have traded up for him, but we didn't. But Maynor is like a veteran in a rookie's body. At least he was during the preseason. He made good decisions, never looked rattled and show some versatility. He can get into the lane with craftiness and usually finds teammates open for good looks.

In the first 2 games of the season, he has looked really bad. So far he has two career points and two turnovers. That is all. He hasn't really made an impact in the game at this point. But I urge for Jazz fans to have patience. He is a true point guard with good instincts. My issue with his playing time is that he has only played with Ronnie Price in the backcourt thus far. They don't play well together. They are both physically mismatched and they haven't played well together. I think that for right now, Price should play with Deron in the backcourt and Maynor should play with Ronnie Brewer.

But for the season, Maynor is going to be a very, very good back up point guard for the Jazz. He played four years at VCU and made the right decisions there. He was the leader of that team that beat some very good teams in the NCAA tournament. He can penetrate, find open players, and make open jumpshots. When Miles and Korver return healthy, then the Jazz will be able to run Maynor with an outside shooter and either Brewer or Millsap who can cut to the basket and I believe the Jazz will have a very good offense off the bench. For now, we are going to see some growing pains from a rookie who hasn't played extended minutes with some of his teammates. But in the long run, Maynor will live up to being a first round pick. The fact that he has already earned Sloan's trust, says something.

So take heart Jazz fans. Don't bemoan the Jazz's draft this last season. Maynor is going to be a good player for a long time. And when this team is healthy and more deep, he will lead what I believe will be a top bench this season. And I will have to find a new nickname for him, because he will be doing more than just "maintaining" leads.

Wes Matthew Player Preview

clarkpojo — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 00:03:38 -0000

I couldn't even find a picture of Wes Matthews as a Jazzman

If you google Wesley Matthews Jr you wont find very much. He grew up in Madison, Wisconsin and was Mr Basketball of the state his senior year in high school. And he was part of the three guard rotation used at Marquette University along with Dominic James and Jerel McNeal. I have heard about those other two guys, but until about a month ago, I had never heard of Wesley Matthews in my life. And that is the best part of his story.

Wesley Matthews is as unlikely a person to make the Jazz roster as I can think of. He shot on the scene after being invited to the Jazz training camp. He is an undrafted rookie. In some ways, everything had to go right for Matthews to stay with the team. The absence of CJ Miles and Kyle Korver has made a wing a necessity for the team. And that wing has to be able to shoot. Matthews shot 4-9 from the 3 point line in the preseason and showed that he was willing to play defense. He has an NBA body at 6 foot 5, 220 pounds.

Would Matthews have made the roster if CJ Miles and Kyle Korver hadn't have gone down? Probably not. But I think Matthews is the best option at this point. First of all, he isn't going to play much. He is an insurance policy. You don't buy insurance with the idea of using it. But you want to be covered in case you need it. I was shocked when he played those couple of minutes on opening night. Secondly, he is the cheapest type of player the Jazz can pay to play. He costs the rookie minimum. Third, his contract isn't fully guaranteed until January. So the Jazz can rent him on a day by day basis until the shooters come back healthy.

That is why I don't think that there is to much to write about Wesley Matthews Jr. He won't be around after a month or two. As soon as Miles and/or Korver is back contributing, the Jazz can cut costs and cut Matthews. But all is not lost for Wesley. The Jazz will always need players who are ready to play, on the cheap. And I think if he develops his game and stays in touch with the team, he may end up being a real, contributing player for this team in a year or two.

Just don't call him Wes. He apparently hates it.

Ronnie Brewer- Free Agent?

clarkpojo — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 22:49:41 -0000

With all the hubbub in the offseason about the Jazz bringing back players that we didn't expect to see in Utah any longer, one player's contract status has been brushed somewhat under the table. I have no doubt that Ronnie Brewer's agent and the Utah Jazz organization have focused a great deal on Ronnie's future with the team, but unless a contract extension is reached in the next 4 days, Ronnie Brewer will become a restricted free agent and along with Carlos Boozer, Kyle Korver, and Kyrylo Fesenko will have started what could ultimately be his last season with the Utah Jazz.

This precious moment of Ronnie Brewer's brought to you by Olan Mills Photography.

The Jazz have played some hardball with their players lately. Instead of just making financially lucrative offers to convince their players to stay in Utah, they have taken some chances and let the market dictate contracts. With Carlos Boozer it paid off. The Jazz now have him for a decent price in a contract year. With Paul Millsap, the wait and see approach probably bit the Jazz in the behind to some degree. I can't imagine that Paul Millsap wouldn't have signed a 5 year deal worth 8 million a year if the Jazz offered it to him. I could be wrong. But by waiting for an offer, the Jazz left the door open for the conniving Trailblazers to make Millsap an offer he couldn't refuse and hit the Jazz in the pocketbooks this season with the upfront signing bonus. But I believe in Karma and I believe the Andre Miller situation is Karma's answer to Portland's legal, but still low, blow. So stew on that, Blazer fans.

And as of October 26th, I see no reason to believe that the Jazz may take the wait and see approach on Ronnie Brewer. I just can't decide if it is a smart move. If Ronnie doesn't improve this season, then I think his offers will be moderate and probably in the $3-5 million/ year range. Then the Jazz will be able to properly evaluate the situation and decide if matching the offer is a wise decision. But, and this is a big but...if Ronnie Brewer improves into even an average shooter from the outside, he will have added that needed dimension to his game that could eventual propel him to all-star status and the Jazz may not be able to afford the offers that Brewer would garner in that scenario. You may have laughed when I said that Brewer could become an All-Star, but Brewer scores 14 points a game off cuts to the basket and getting steals in the open floor. If Ronnie became respectable enough from the outside that people had to guard him, he would easily score 20 points a game. And I think that is what it would take for him to become an all-star, along with a few veterans to age and lose production.

And that is really what Ronnie Brewer's entire season, and to a degree his entire career, hinges on: his ability to develop a mid to long-range jumper. It is the difference between him being the underrated contributor that he is now, and being a perennial all-star.

We already know that Ronnie B can do this...but can he do...

This?

Brewer has started off this season by hitting his jumpshot with some consistency. Brewer shot 29-48 this preseason for better than 60% from the field By my estimation, he also shot several jumpers and had some success with them. He shot at least 40 % from shots that weren't dunks or layups. He also took 7 three pointers and made 2 of them, but that isn't anything to get excited about. Brewer's shooting has been very acceptable so far, but we have been down this road. Last season he talked about his improved jumper and how it was his goal to improve it. He even started off the season by hitting some jumpshots. But we all remember how the season ended with Kobe Bryant doubling down in the post and daring Ronnie Brewer to hit jumpers. He didn't hit very many of them. In fact, a detailed breakdown of Brewer's jumpshots from last season shows that he hit a lower percentage from 15-20 feet in 2008-2009, than in 2007-2008. Not encouraging information.

Which brings us to this year. Will Brewer develop a consistent outside jumper and take his game to the next level? I don't know. It is one of the great questions that will be answered this season. But I do know that a lot of people will be in favor of letting Brewer move on if he doesn't. Personally, I think Brewer is already more valuable to the Jazz than even the average Jazz fan realizes. He isn't a shooter yet, but I think he has the best perimeter defensive tools on the team and that he is the best in the league at cutting to the basket without the ball.

But if I need to make a prediction about this season, I think that Brewer is going to get a lot of playing time for the first two months with CJ Miles and Kyle Korver injured. And if he starts to shoot well and can be counted on to make free throws, then he is going to finish a lot more games than he has the last two seasons. And that is how you will be able to tell if Jerry Sloan thinks Ronnie Brewer's offense has improved: does Brewer play at the end of games? i don't think Brewer is going to turn into Ray Allen by any means. And I also don't think he is going to start hitting the three point shot with any consistency. But he looks more comfortable shooting jumpers than he ever has in his career and I expect him to improve and be able to hit an open jumper consistently. And if that comes true, then the Jazz better have extended Brewer's contract and not allowed him to become a free agent. We probably couldn't afford him anymore.

Carlos Boozer for Marvin Williams?

clarkpojo — Sat, 01 Aug 2009 21:50:20 -0000

Carlos Boozer for Marvin Williams?

Here is a piece I wrote about the proposal. Just wondered what some Hawk fans thought.

Blazers sign guard Andre Miller

clarkpojo — Sat, 25 Jul 2009 00:22:36 -0000

Blazers sign guard Andre Miller

Without going into detail too deeply, this is a good thing for the Jazz. Miller makes the Blazers marginally better, if at all. His strengths are already their strengths and his weaknesses are the Blazers' weaknesses. Blake is probably a better fit at PG than Miller.

Interested in Boozer for Maggette?

clarkpojo — Sun, 05 Jul 2009 05:17:23 -0000

Hey Golden State fans,

Several Jazz fans are chomping at the bit to trade newly opted-in Carlos Boozer. Mostly because they are just tired of his selfish antics and desire to get paid more money. Jazz fans can turn quickly on a player who doesn't show absolute loyalty. The hot trade idea in Jazzville is Carlos Boozer for Richard Hamilton. I am not excited about the idea and would much rather trade Boozer for Corey Maggette and one of your young power forwards like Branden Wright. Is this a trade that would interest the Golden State Warriors and their fans. My guess is yes, thank you. After all, Boozer would not only give you a low post presence, but some salary cap relief.

I am guessing at this point that the Stoudemire deal isn't going to happen after all. I don't see the Suns budging on not requesting Curry and I definitely don't see the Warriors budging on not including him. So would Boozer be a good consolation prize. It would cost you a lot less and I could see Boozer and Biedrins being a really nice complement to each other down low. So let me know what you think. I am just curious what you guys think of it and how bad of a trade it would be. And for which team.

Why the sad face, Jazz fans? The Jazz now have options

clarkpojo — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 04:13:55 -0000

Whether the Jazz take what is behind door number 2 or 3, or even 7, they have lots of options. And in the game of basketball business and "Let's Make a Deal," that is a good position to be in. In Kevin O'Connors own words "teams are really saying, 'We've got to rebuild,' or teams are saying, 'We're going to try and get to the top.' I don't see any teams staying status quo." And after Okur, Boozer and Korver all opted in, I think the scales have been tipped far towards being a team that needs to make it to the top. O' Connor is going to be hard at work figuring out how to do that, but he does have options now that we have very good players and expiring contracts. That is the best thing to have during these economic times. Financially, here is what the Jazz are looking at and what they could do.

THE EBENEZER SCROOGE APPROACH

As much money as the Jazz have tied up already to guaranteed contracts, they still could, hypothetically avoid the luxury tax or else only pay an extra one or two million dollars. The downside? They wouldn't be title contenders, most likely. And judging from O'Connor's above statement, I don't think that is really an option. Staying under the luxury tax would require the Jazz to either let Millsap go to another team or find a team under the salary cap to take Mehmet Okur or Carlos Boozer for free. Or else the Jazz could just lose Millsap and find a team to take Matt Harpring or Kyle Korver's contract for free. "Why would a team take Matt Harpring's contract for free", you ask? It would actually be a really smart move for a team like Memphis or OKC or even Toronto to make. For all the guff the Jazz get for being unable to attract big name free agents, those teams listed might be even worse destinations for a free agent. So what is the use of having cap space if people don't want to come to your team? So if one of those teams can stockpile expiring contracts, they can use them to trade for a very good player on a team who needs cap relief. So all of the sudden a player like Harpring or Korver is very valuable. Keep this in mind.

THE NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS/ BILL BELICHICK APPROACH-

Much like the Utah Jazz, the New England Patriots are a team that offer disciplined contracts and find the right players for their system. So what happens when someone gets a "me first" attitude and wants more money than they are worth? They get traded for a 2nd round pick and the Patriots do their homework to find a guy who can replace that production. So if the Jazz don't think they can afford to match Paul Millsap's offer he gets from another team, then they can find a cheap ($3-4 million/ year) replacement for Millsap and sign another minimum player and pay $3-6 million in luxury tax instead of $10-$15 they will pay for resigning Millsap. The Jazz could offer some good cash to players like Brandon Bass, Leon Powe, Hakim Warrick, or longshot Antonio McDyess and be nearly as good if not better. My prediction: This is a more plausible scenario. If Millsap gets an offer for more than $8 million a year, the Jazz may have to fold their hand. But as a backup plan, they may be able to find nice pieces. If the Jazz let Millsap walk, I think they make offers to Warrick, or else Channing Frye. It doesn't get me excited, but those are offers the Jazz tend to make. And as a side note to this comparison of the Patriots, I learned that for being over 50, Bill Belichick has a really hot girlfriend.

THE DADDY WARBUCKS APPROACH-

Daddy Warbucks is considered the wealthiest fictional character of all time and if the Jazz want to shoot for the stars this season, they may have to do their best Daddy Warbucks impression. The Good news, if the Jazz can spend the cash, they will only have to do it for one year with $22-35 coming off the books next season depending on who they do or don't trade. But make no mistake about it: if the Jazz are willing to spend for one more year, they could become serious contenders with one or two swift moves. People are talking about how they want to trade Okur or especially Boozer for a shooting guard to bolster the lineup, but the truth is that the Jazz can keep their bigs intact while still adding a big piece to the puzzle. It would probably be smarter for the Jazz to keep Boozer, Okur and Millsap down low and move some combination of CJ Miles, Matt Harpring and Kyle Korver for a $10-13 player. All the Jazz would have to find is a team who is not going to contend and who needs fast cap relief like Milwaukee did last week. For instance, Kevin O'Connor should put New Orleans' GM's phone number on speed dial. Here are some trade ideas in no particular order:

1. CJ Miles and Matt Harpring for Tyson Chandler- If the Hornets were willing to ship Chandler out for Chris Wilcox and Joe Smith and the rights to Devon Hardin, aka expiring contracts, then they would be glad to take Harpring's expiring deal and a reasonably priced Miles' contract in return for Chandler's $11 million. If the Bugs weren't excited about this trade, the Jazz could include Fesenko in the deal and make the money match almost dollar for dollar. Or else the Jazz could replace CJ Miles for Kyle Korver. It would give the Hornets cap relief and it would give the Jazz a frontcourt of Chandler, Okur, Boozer and Millsap. They would be able to match up well with the likes of the Lakers and Blazers.

2. Matt Harpring and Kyle Korver for Jason Richardson- Again, I think the Suns are going to trade good players for cap relief, so that they can re-sign and sign the players they would like to. I am not positive about Richardson's availability, but the Suns would get out from his contract and replace him with a good three point shooter. Richardson would give the Jazz a legitimate starter at the shooting guard position. He is athletic and shot 40% from the 3 point line each of the last two seasons while taking tons of them. And if we moved Brewer to the starting 3 position, we would have the greatest dunkers in the 2 and 3 position in the NBA. And that has to be worth something. This deal would have the Jazz bringing $2 million dollars back, and Richardson would cost $14 next year, but he would also be an expiring contract. In the very least, it would be a better move than trading for Richard Hamilton.

3. CJ Miles and Matt Harpring for Kirk Hinrich- I am not sure that Chicago would make this deal, but it would be a call O'Connor should make. Hinrich makes $9.5 million to be a backup in Chicago at either the point guard or shooting guard positions. If the Bulls were able to unload his contract, they may be able to make an offer and try to reconcile with Ben Gordon. At worst, they could save some long term money in order to pursue two big name stars next offseason. Hinrich would help the Jazz in a lot of areas. I would start him at shooting guard and move Brewer to small forward. Hinrich is small for a shooting guard, but he often guards the opposing teams best shooters and defends them well. He is an underrated defender in the league and he can shoot the ball. He also shot over 40% from the three point line last season. And in case of injury or Maynor not being good, he can play the backup point guard position. Did I mention that Kirk Hinrich's salary is descending? $9.5 million this year, $9 million the next and $8 million in his last season. Me likey.

4. CJ Miles, Harpring, and Fesenko for Kevin Martin- You don't think this trade is going to happen? Well, neither do I. But I am just throwing it out there in case, the Kings realize that newly drafted Tyreke Evans is a talented, ball-dominating shooting guard and not a point guard and they feel pressure to move Kevin Martin who gets disgruntled because he never touches the ball. It is a more realistic scenario than you realize. If the Kings shopped Martin, I would give them Boozer and Fesenko. I love Kevin Martin. I don't understand why the Kings drafted Evans and not Rubio. And if this scenario doesn't come to fruition, the Jazz can always wait until they get the #1 overall pick in the draft and trade it along with AK to Sacramento for Kevin Martin and their top 5 pick, since the Jazz won't want John Wall and the Kings will. You're laughing, but its going to happen. Call me Nostradamus.

5. Carlos Boozer for David West + Filler- I think this deal would take some serious sweet talking to convince the Hornets to make this trade, but they would have to consider it. I actually think that David West is similar to Carlos Boozer production wise and his contract is much, much sexier. West is scheduled to make on $9 million this next season, but the two years after that, he will make only $8.2 and $7.5 million respectively. In terms of the sexiness of contracts, David West's contract is like the Megan Fox of NBA contracts. Or the Hugh Jackman of NBA contracts depending on your persuasion. The Hornets would have to consider this deal because it allows them to be contenders this year and appease the fanbase, but also shed salary and appease the owners. The Hornets have to be focused on appeasing Chris Paul and this might give them a chance to quickly reload after next season. For the Jazz, they would get another future power forward and some future financial relief. Also, many Jazz fans don't hate David West. It would complcate things with Paul Millsap, but they could figure it out.

The Bottom line is this: The Jazz have several options to make this team better and if you believe Kevin O Connor, they will be doing what they can to make this team a title contender.