It is only early December but 25% of the season is already over for the Jazz. After 20 games we have learned some things that we didn't know before the season started and some things are still up in the air.
What we have learned:
CJ Miles is an NBA rotation player.
While he hasn't put up amazing numbers, you couldn't have expected much more from a 21 yr old that hasn't played much. 20 games, 19 starts, 22 minutes a game, 10.7 ppg, 2.5 rpg, 2.1 apg and two 20+ point games. It is strange watching the Jazz with some many guys that can catch an alley oop. There are tons of players that show flashes of brilliance for one play or one quarter but what is more impressive is his confidence. He is staying in the Sloan offense and takes that shots that present themselves. Miles looks to pass to the right player and he is confident enough to pass up a shot. I wish he played with a little bit more energy, like Morris Almond, but Almond is a desperate man playing for a contract so there is a different level of urgency. I can see CJ taking all of Harpring's minutes as instant offense off the bench. He has the potential to be a solid starter if he learns to do something other than score. You have to love how effortless that lefty jump shot looks.
Kosta Koufos, back up center of the future.
The Jazz haven't had a big man that can block shots since Ostertag and nobody wants to go back to the days of Ostertag. He probably lost more assists for Stockton than actually scoring off his passes. I'm not projecting Koufos to be a starer in the league anytime soon but he has done some nice things in limited playing time. He plays with a lot of energy. He moves pretty well for a 7 footer and shows a decent jumper. He doesn't have rocks for hands. That's it, that all someone has to do prove he is better than Collins. I don't see why Sloan wouldn't play him 10 minutes a game to get him some experience and hopefully block a couple of shots. As I am writing this, I am stunned by how stubborn coach Sloan is. The fact that Collins is still on this team and up till last year was getting 10+ mintues a game is amazing. It is 4 on 5 when he is on the floor. I would much prefer Koufos or Fesenko taking all of his minutes.
Sloan's system is more important than players
The Jazz have had a ton of injuries and different players getting minutes every night but the Jazz continue to get their wins and even without Williams or Boozer, this would be a .500 team. It shows the strength of an offensive system that enhances the abilities of the players. Really talented teams can win running and gunning but as the Olympics this past summer showed, a good team offensive can compete with an ultra-talented team. Half of Brewer's points are lay ups off of back cuts and dives to the basket that are system driven. Harpring did a lot of the same things but took more jumpers than slashing to the basket. Miles will eventually learn the same things. Shandon Anderson and Bryon Russell used to do the same things 10 years ago. Jerry Sloan has his faults but having an offensive system that works is what keeps him employed as an NBA head coach. Sloan would do wonders with a young talented team that needs discipline.
Still waiting for answers
Morris Almond's future
He didn't get his contract extended but has been getting some playing time these last couple of games and even played most of the fourth quarter the other night. Almond has been playing well with the limited minutes that he gets and it sounds like he works hard in practice. He plays with good energy and is a natural offensive player. The problem is that Brewer and Miles are in front of him. Brewer is a better athlete and defender. Miles has more potential as an all around player. I see Almond becoming an Eddie House type gunner in a few years. I hope they deal him and get a 1st round pick in return.
AK fully loaded or shooting blanks?
AK has played pretty well as the sixth man and his numbers have inched back towards his production from a couple of years ago. Overall, everyone is very happy with what he has provided off the bench and how he has handled the perceived demotion. There are a couple of things that make me wonder if the joy will last throughout the season. AK needs touches to be involved in the offense and for that, he needs minutes. His minutes are already tailing off a little as they did as the season progressed last year. When the team is at full strength, his minutes might get cut even more. I think it has to do with Sloan being harder on him than other players on the team. It puzzles me how much Sloan complains about his play when AK does more of the little things that don't show up in the box score than anyone else. He leads the team in deflections and hustle plays. In the end, it will depend on Sloan's ability to adapt and let AK play his game. If he can't do it and limits his minutes, AK will be unhappy and his production will tail off. At some point AK needs to be in Golden State playing for Don Nelson and with his taller twin brother Andres Biedrins. Also, Deron Williams doesn't like passing to AK. Just watch, he hates to pass him the ball.
Team Defense
So I mentioned in the season preview that the biggest issue with the Jazz is their lack of good team defense and that still holds true. The Jazz have get a lot of steals but there is a huge difference between stealing the ball and playing good defense. If you watch the team down the stretch of a close game, the Jazz might force the occasional turnover but they don't get regular stops. You don't see the defense tighten up and force tough shots. Steals means jumping in passing lanes. Stops means good team defense. This I think, falls on the coach. Good team defense is system oriented and Sloan's unwillingness to experiment with more zone defenses, double teams and different switching schemes is what keeps the Jazz from being better.
Just a playoff team or contender
The Jazz are definitely a playoff team but there are few title contenders. The definite contenders so far are Boston, LA and the Cleveland. The possible contenders are Houston, New Orleans, San Antonio and Utah. That's it. Portland is still too young and Denver will be a nice regular season team but without enough talent to win it all. The Jazz defense and road record will tell you if they are better than last year.
Friday, December 5, 2008
Sunday, November 30, 2008
College Football: Good wins, bad wins, good losses, bad losses.
The college football regular season ended yesterday with some big upsets and some real confusion on the top of the BCS picture. Although I would like to write about the relative merits of each of top 5 team and why they belong or don't belong in the title game, ESPN and CNNSI will do that for me x 10 for the rest of the week. There are still the SEC and Big 12 title games to be played but we will have to wait for them to add to the confusion. The biggest problem in polling is that there is no standard for what wins and losses are worth. What is the difference in the value of a win against a Top 10 team vs a bottom 40 team? Between a win against a weak opponent vs a loss to the number one team? Between a loss to a really bad team vs a loss to a good team? Why does a loss at the beginning of the season mean less than a loss at the end of the season? Computer numbers try to do this but then you see crazy things like a 5-7 Virginia team being ranked ahead of a 10-2 Tulsa team last week. At some point wins are wins and losses are losses and no human would rank a 5-7 team over a 10-2 team.
I stated in a previous post that the BYU has no incentive to play tough games and I think that holds true for all schools. The difference between a good win vs a easy win is not great enough to risk a possible loss. The penalty for losing a tough game is enormous, virtual elimination from BCS consideration and millions of dollars lost in payouts, exposure and recruiting. Why risk it? Alabama is the only undefeated among the top 5 and it is most likely due to playing the weakest schedule. Its best wins are against Georgia and LSU, which don't look so good now. Compare that with Texas that had to play Oklahoma, Missouri, Oklahoma State and Texas Tech on consecutive weeks, there is no question as to who played the tougher schedule. Even if Alabama beats Florida it would have played only 2 teams in the top 25 at the time of bowl season. If you were the head coach, which schedule would you pick if boosters are demanding a championship?
There are going to be a lot of Boise State fans out there that want a BCS bid but nothing on their schedule justifies it. Utah and Boise State is another good example of why teams should schedule bad teams. The difference between them in the polls is just 3 spots but Utah played a much tougher schedule. Boise State's best win was vs. Oregon at Oregon and then the rest of the schedule were pretty much automatic Ws. So what did Utah get for beating BYU and TCU this year? three measly spots (and a BCS bid.) If Utah had the choice to switch those teams and play Nevada and Hawaii instead, you get a much easier schedule and still a higher ranking than Boise State.
Despite the confusion, I am still against non-BCS power teams playing each other during the regular season. While Utah and Boise State playing a non-conference game would clarify the who is best argument, it just eliminates non-BCS teams from rankings and media attention. How else will anyone know about Boise State unless it is undefeated? Do you think anyone at ESPN would care about a one loss Bronco team? The non-BCS are the uncool kids that the cool kids don't want anything to do with. The only way to make them pay attention is to be good enough to beat them and not beat up on each other. BYU and Boise State will start playing in a couple of years and I think it will just eliminate the loser from the national spotlight. Sure it makes for entertaining football but that isn't looking at the big picture. Anyway, how much credit is BYU going to get for beating a team that no one thinks is really that good. They will say that BYU got a win vs an overrated team and that Boise State was exposed as the weak team that they are. The rosier alternative would be not playing each other and playing terrible teams, winning and having more teams that go undefeated for the season.
MWC fans would like to add Boise state to the mix to add credibility to the conference but I don't see the benefits. This year all four non-BCS powers are in the top 25 but what would have happened if Boise State was in the MWC? It would have been very difficult for all of them to still be there as it would tack another tough game on each other their schedules, and 3 on to Boise State's. The Bronco's might be 9-3 this year and not ranked at all. Other issues are that that Boise State has not had historically had strong basketball program and its non-revenue sports also aren't as competitive as the MWC's. Finally, Academically the MWC aren't all Harvard's but are at a different level than Boise State. If I were to have a say, I would have TCU move to the Sun Belt and Utah move to the MAC so that everyone can go dominate their own little conferences and be players in BCS race. Lets petition to have BYU change their contract with Boise State to Bowling Green.
This is why people want a playoff but these same questions will have to be answered to determine who will get in to the playoff. College Basketball doesn't have national champion controversy but there is a lot of controversy about who gets invited to the tournament. In basketball it isn't that big of a deal because the confusion is over the final spots between 64 teams. The last team invited rarely makes any real noise during March Madness. The largest a college football tourney could be is only 16 teams. It wouldn't be crazy to see the number one team lose to the 16th ranked team so getting the right teams would be very important. Even acknowledging the problems, it might be better to have controversy surrounding who gets in to be the champion, and not who the champion is.
I stated in a previous post that the BYU has no incentive to play tough games and I think that holds true for all schools. The difference between a good win vs a easy win is not great enough to risk a possible loss. The penalty for losing a tough game is enormous, virtual elimination from BCS consideration and millions of dollars lost in payouts, exposure and recruiting. Why risk it? Alabama is the only undefeated among the top 5 and it is most likely due to playing the weakest schedule. Its best wins are against Georgia and LSU, which don't look so good now. Compare that with Texas that had to play Oklahoma, Missouri, Oklahoma State and Texas Tech on consecutive weeks, there is no question as to who played the tougher schedule. Even if Alabama beats Florida it would have played only 2 teams in the top 25 at the time of bowl season. If you were the head coach, which schedule would you pick if boosters are demanding a championship?
There are going to be a lot of Boise State fans out there that want a BCS bid but nothing on their schedule justifies it. Utah and Boise State is another good example of why teams should schedule bad teams. The difference between them in the polls is just 3 spots but Utah played a much tougher schedule. Boise State's best win was vs. Oregon at Oregon and then the rest of the schedule were pretty much automatic Ws. So what did Utah get for beating BYU and TCU this year? three measly spots (and a BCS bid.) If Utah had the choice to switch those teams and play Nevada and Hawaii instead, you get a much easier schedule and still a higher ranking than Boise State.
Despite the confusion, I am still against non-BCS power teams playing each other during the regular season. While Utah and Boise State playing a non-conference game would clarify the who is best argument, it just eliminates non-BCS teams from rankings and media attention. How else will anyone know about Boise State unless it is undefeated? Do you think anyone at ESPN would care about a one loss Bronco team? The non-BCS are the uncool kids that the cool kids don't want anything to do with. The only way to make them pay attention is to be good enough to beat them and not beat up on each other. BYU and Boise State will start playing in a couple of years and I think it will just eliminate the loser from the national spotlight. Sure it makes for entertaining football but that isn't looking at the big picture. Anyway, how much credit is BYU going to get for beating a team that no one thinks is really that good. They will say that BYU got a win vs an overrated team and that Boise State was exposed as the weak team that they are. The rosier alternative would be not playing each other and playing terrible teams, winning and having more teams that go undefeated for the season.
MWC fans would like to add Boise state to the mix to add credibility to the conference but I don't see the benefits. This year all four non-BCS powers are in the top 25 but what would have happened if Boise State was in the MWC? It would have been very difficult for all of them to still be there as it would tack another tough game on each other their schedules, and 3 on to Boise State's. The Bronco's might be 9-3 this year and not ranked at all. Other issues are that that Boise State has not had historically had strong basketball program and its non-revenue sports also aren't as competitive as the MWC's. Finally, Academically the MWC aren't all Harvard's but are at a different level than Boise State. If I were to have a say, I would have TCU move to the Sun Belt and Utah move to the MAC so that everyone can go dominate their own little conferences and be players in BCS race. Lets petition to have BYU change their contract with Boise State to Bowling Green.
This is why people want a playoff but these same questions will have to be answered to determine who will get in to the playoff. College Basketball doesn't have national champion controversy but there is a lot of controversy about who gets invited to the tournament. In basketball it isn't that big of a deal because the confusion is over the final spots between 64 teams. The last team invited rarely makes any real noise during March Madness. The largest a college football tourney could be is only 16 teams. It wouldn't be crazy to see the number one team lose to the 16th ranked team so getting the right teams would be very important. Even acknowledging the problems, it might be better to have controversy surrounding who gets in to be the champion, and not who the champion is.
Friday, November 28, 2008
Disgruntled Players
Perhaps it is because I've always been somewhat of a head case, I'm loathe to criticize disgruntled players like the average fan. Players are seen as overpaid egomaniacs that cry as soon as they don't get their way but I try not to see them that way. I see them as people that are trying to find happiness just like everyone else. Sure, making 20 million dollars a year can warp anybody's perspective but I don't think an exorbitant salary gives fans and media a free pass at unbridled critisim. We as fans say that if we were making that kind of money, we would go out there and give it our all every night and never complain. What I say is that fans should get off the internet at work and do their job well before we talk about others. What it really comes down to is that NBA players are human and some humans work hard every night and some need extra motivation to give it their all.
Stephon Marbury is probably one of the top five guards in terms of overall talent and athletic ability. He has speed, size, and leaping ability that few point guards have. He even looks chiseled even though he doesn't seem the type to spend endless hours in the gym. A 20 million dollar contract and a new coach later, his career is now more known for the trouble he is causing off the court than on the court. If you haven't been following, it appears that coach Dantoni asked him to play the other night and Marbury refused or channeling his inner Bartleby, that he would prefer not to. Reactions have ranged from Dantoni's utter disbelief to teammate Quentin Richardson saying he doesn't support Marbury to fans thinking this is more of his selfish antics. The one thing I don't read is support. Granted, he is not the most likable guy but I think he is doing the only thing he knows to maintain his dignity.
The Knicks at the start of the season were clearly going a different direction and Marbury was not going with them. Marbury played sparingly in the preseason and has not had a regular season minute - despite having career numbers of nearly 20 points and 8 assists. The Knicks brought in Chris Duhon who has played decently but isn't a NBA level starting point guard. They gave Nate Robinson all of the back up minutes and the message was very clear - Marbury wasn't wanted on the team and they were looking to get rid of him.
So if you were Stephon Marbury, how would you feel about being told that lesser players were going to get your minutes. That your hometown Knicks feel that you are so destructive of a presence they don't even want you to practice with the team or play during garbage time. This is often talked about in terms of a messy divorce and that is exactly what it is, a very messy divorce. Their love has turned into hate and there is so much hate that one partner is acting illogically and spitefully to advance it own way forward. I'm talking about the Knicks of course. The divorce was a long time in the making with Marbury the current fall guy for Isiah Thomas' reckless antics. Marbury's only choice was to accept their plans and sit on the bench and use his leverage, a 20 million dollar contract that the Knicks are obligated to pay but didn't want to pay. What would you do in a divorce, just let the other side humiliate you and then take your money too?
Where was Quentin Richardson at the start of the season when Marbury wasn't playing? I didn't hear him sticking up for Marbury saying that he should get playing time because it would be best for the team. Why is best for the team now and wasn't best for the team then? The Knicks didn't trade a point guard. Jamal Crawford isn't a saint either. He is someone you hate playing with. He is the guy on the playground that thinks he is the best player on the court and shoots every time he touches the ball. He is sitting in the corner yelling for the ball and you pass him the ball to shut him up. Then he does some crazy dribble move and takes a fall away jumper with 2 guys on him and makes it. Now he thinks he can take any shot he wants except he misses the next six shots.
So you are still living in the same house as your ex wife and she makes some deals that put her in a situation where she needs your help. She comes to you and begs you for help and even says that maybe that you can work things out for the next year or so. At this point, Marbury has been beyond insulted by the Knicks. This isn't some fight between two friends, this is now war between two enemies and reconciliation is not possible. Why would Marbury put himself out there and help his former partner when she went and told the rest of the world that he was useless. That players half as talented were better than him. That he is the cause of the team's problems. That he is being selfish. That they were better off without him, all in front of his friends and family. Crawling back and playing for the Knicks would look desperate and there is no way that if I was in that situation would now go back and get abused. Divorces happend for a reason and the reasons in this one are clearer than most. Marbury should stick to his guns and force the Knicks into doing something that helps Marbury and not just themselves.
Why didn't Dantoni and Walsh think of needing Marbury before they traded Crawford? I doubt that they just thought of moving Crawford. They were looking for a buyer since the beginning of the season and had been showcasing him to increase his value. They did a good job with that. Very smart to also showcase Randolph when no one wanted him before the season started. Marbury isn't exactly a character guy but the Knicks have been unfaithful to their fans and players for many years now and Marbury should hold out for every dollar that he is owed and make the Knicks pay for every mistake they have made.
Stephon Marbury is probably one of the top five guards in terms of overall talent and athletic ability. He has speed, size, and leaping ability that few point guards have. He even looks chiseled even though he doesn't seem the type to spend endless hours in the gym. A 20 million dollar contract and a new coach later, his career is now more known for the trouble he is causing off the court than on the court. If you haven't been following, it appears that coach Dantoni asked him to play the other night and Marbury refused or channeling his inner Bartleby, that he would prefer not to. Reactions have ranged from Dantoni's utter disbelief to teammate Quentin Richardson saying he doesn't support Marbury to fans thinking this is more of his selfish antics. The one thing I don't read is support. Granted, he is not the most likable guy but I think he is doing the only thing he knows to maintain his dignity.
The Knicks at the start of the season were clearly going a different direction and Marbury was not going with them. Marbury played sparingly in the preseason and has not had a regular season minute - despite having career numbers of nearly 20 points and 8 assists. The Knicks brought in Chris Duhon who has played decently but isn't a NBA level starting point guard. They gave Nate Robinson all of the back up minutes and the message was very clear - Marbury wasn't wanted on the team and they were looking to get rid of him.
So if you were Stephon Marbury, how would you feel about being told that lesser players were going to get your minutes. That your hometown Knicks feel that you are so destructive of a presence they don't even want you to practice with the team or play during garbage time. This is often talked about in terms of a messy divorce and that is exactly what it is, a very messy divorce. Their love has turned into hate and there is so much hate that one partner is acting illogically and spitefully to advance it own way forward. I'm talking about the Knicks of course. The divorce was a long time in the making with Marbury the current fall guy for Isiah Thomas' reckless antics. Marbury's only choice was to accept their plans and sit on the bench and use his leverage, a 20 million dollar contract that the Knicks are obligated to pay but didn't want to pay. What would you do in a divorce, just let the other side humiliate you and then take your money too?
Where was Quentin Richardson at the start of the season when Marbury wasn't playing? I didn't hear him sticking up for Marbury saying that he should get playing time because it would be best for the team. Why is best for the team now and wasn't best for the team then? The Knicks didn't trade a point guard. Jamal Crawford isn't a saint either. He is someone you hate playing with. He is the guy on the playground that thinks he is the best player on the court and shoots every time he touches the ball. He is sitting in the corner yelling for the ball and you pass him the ball to shut him up. Then he does some crazy dribble move and takes a fall away jumper with 2 guys on him and makes it. Now he thinks he can take any shot he wants except he misses the next six shots.
So you are still living in the same house as your ex wife and she makes some deals that put her in a situation where she needs your help. She comes to you and begs you for help and even says that maybe that you can work things out for the next year or so. At this point, Marbury has been beyond insulted by the Knicks. This isn't some fight between two friends, this is now war between two enemies and reconciliation is not possible. Why would Marbury put himself out there and help his former partner when she went and told the rest of the world that he was useless. That players half as talented were better than him. That he is the cause of the team's problems. That he is being selfish. That they were better off without him, all in front of his friends and family. Crawling back and playing for the Knicks would look desperate and there is no way that if I was in that situation would now go back and get abused. Divorces happend for a reason and the reasons in this one are clearer than most. Marbury should stick to his guns and force the Knicks into doing something that helps Marbury and not just themselves.
Why didn't Dantoni and Walsh think of needing Marbury before they traded Crawford? I doubt that they just thought of moving Crawford. They were looking for a buyer since the beginning of the season and had been showcasing him to increase his value. They did a good job with that. Very smart to also showcase Randolph when no one wanted him before the season started. Marbury isn't exactly a character guy but the Knicks have been unfaithful to their fans and players for many years now and Marbury should hold out for every dollar that he is owed and make the Knicks pay for every mistake they have made.
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
The Derrick Rose Bulls
The Jazz lost a tough game last night to the Bulls on a last second shot by Larry Hughes but it felt like the Bulls were quicker all night. The score was only 101-100 despite the whole game being fast break after fast break. At first the Jazz tried to match them at the running game and they did a pretty decent job but the Bulls were just slightly more athletic. Watching the entertaining first half, I was reminded of how different this Jazz team is from the ones of the past. Brewer is a great finisher and that alley-oop that he caught was the first one like that from a Jazz player since David Benoit. Miles and Price can both dunk the ball and Milsap runs the break really well too. This team is not lacking for speed and leaping ability but it isn't the style of play that they can maintain all game. They still play best using their break as a secondary weapon and relying on their half court offense to build their leads. Other teams, like the Bulls can run with the Jazz and can out sprint them in a track meet. No team, except for the Spurs, can out execute them in the half court.
Derrick Rose was really impressive last night. He is as tall as Deron Williams but looks a bit quicker and with better hops. There were some plays last night where defenders underestimated his speed and he just blew right by them. What was very nice to see was his mid range jumper which most youngsters don't like to take. We'll see if he will turn out to be a point guard but he could be a great combo guard. He looks like a very strong rookie of the year candidate.
The Bulls are a good example of a talented team that is not well assembled. Almost every position has someone that could be near all star caliber but they don't play well as a team. The Bulls signed Deng to a huge long term deal and he comes off the bench yesterday to score 2 points. Tyrus Thomas is immensely athletic and he comes off the bench to score 2 points. Andreas Nocioni would be a fantastic sixth man on another team. Ben Gordon can score but he is an undersized 2 guard that doesn't deserve a huge contract. I think Gordon should have taken the offer from last summer because I don't think he is going to see that kind of money again. There are a lot of scorers in this league and most are more versatile than he is. Is he much better than Catino Mobley? He could be a nice compliment to Rose if Rose learns to play more of natural point but I doubt he will be in Chicago long enough to find out. If someone gives him 10 million a year, they are going to be regretting it for the life of the contract. I bet the Bulls wish they didn't give Deng so much money right now either.
Derrick Rose was really impressive last night. He is as tall as Deron Williams but looks a bit quicker and with better hops. There were some plays last night where defenders underestimated his speed and he just blew right by them. What was very nice to see was his mid range jumper which most youngsters don't like to take. We'll see if he will turn out to be a point guard but he could be a great combo guard. He looks like a very strong rookie of the year candidate.
The Bulls are a good example of a talented team that is not well assembled. Almost every position has someone that could be near all star caliber but they don't play well as a team. The Bulls signed Deng to a huge long term deal and he comes off the bench yesterday to score 2 points. Tyrus Thomas is immensely athletic and he comes off the bench to score 2 points. Andreas Nocioni would be a fantastic sixth man on another team. Ben Gordon can score but he is an undersized 2 guard that doesn't deserve a huge contract. I think Gordon should have taken the offer from last summer because I don't think he is going to see that kind of money again. There are a lot of scorers in this league and most are more versatile than he is. Is he much better than Catino Mobley? He could be a nice compliment to Rose if Rose learns to play more of natural point but I doubt he will be in Chicago long enough to find out. If someone gives him 10 million a year, they are going to be regretting it for the life of the contract. I bet the Bulls wish they didn't give Deng so much money right now either.
The Jazz lost but I am still optimistic about their play. CJ Miles is making regular contributions and is doing it in an efficient manner. Okur has had 2 good shooting games in a row and is looking like he is in end of last season form. Overall I think the team is in good shape. A starting five of D. Williams, Boozer, Okur, Brewer and an improved CJ Miles and Kirilenko, Milsap, Price and Korver off the bench is very formidable. The Jazz have a lot of players who need minutes and I wonder if it would benefit them to trade Boozer by the deadline so that they don't lose him for free when he opts out of the contract. Korver and Okur will want to stay in Utah but I even if Boozer publicilly said that he was staying in Utah I wouldn't believe him. Packaging him with Almond might net the Jazz a defensive presence that they sorely need. With all of the steps that the Jazz are taking with their young guys, it is still all on the offensive end. The Jazz need their 2d best player to make a commitment to the defensive end or I can' t see this team being much better than contenders and not title holders.
Monday, November 24, 2008
NBA notes Thanksgiving week
Happy Thanksgiving week! The NBA season is already almost a month old and this past weekend the Knicks made a splash by moving two huge contracts. Kudos to the Knicks for trading two guys that had almost no value at the beginning of the season.
If you watch Jamal Crawford play, you are amazed at some of the shots he makes and more amazed by how wild the rest of the misses are. He is an undisciplined scorer with no conscious that would be best coming off the bench for a good team for 25 minutes. He shoots a low percentage and doesn't pass the ball well either. Between Marbury and Crawford, it looks like Crawford was the better teammate but that isn't really a ringing endorsement. He will fit into Don Nelson's style of play well, just like he fit into Dantoni's style well because of the lack of emphasis on defense, or shot selection, or anything other jacking up crazy shots.
No one has ever doubted Al Harrington's talent. He can score, handle, rebound and shoot so he shouldn't have a problem on the Knicks. His biggest problem is that he thinks he is the best player on the team and he should be the focus of the offense. That is probably the biggest problem among talented NBA players, the lack of acceptance of their place in the pecking order. On a bad team, Harrington could average 20 points a game but his team would lose 50 games. On a good team Harrington is the third option, rebounds and defends the other teams best player. He's been in the league long enough to know where his place is and if he doesn't, then you don't want him on your team of he destroys the team's chemistry.
The Zach Randolph deal was just unloading a large contract for two guys that have no future with the Knicks. Tim Thomas is one of my least favorite players. He plays when he wants to but he usually doesn't, unless it is contract year and then he plays well. Classic guy who is running to the bank to cash his paycheck and never looks back. Catino Mobley is an undersized shooting guard that definitely can score but is overmatched by taller guards. Again, he is a good back up playing too many minutes as a starter. I'm not sure how Randolph fits with Kaman as they both really dominate the ball but the Clipper's season was over before it began. As long as they don't give away players to the Lakers, who cares what they do.
The Knicks are basically throwing away this year and next year so that they can have the CHANCE to get Lebron James. Two whole seasons thrown in the trash just for the opportunity to give a guy a max contract. Lebron James is Lebron James but does that make any sense? I guess you could say that this season was going to be a lottery year and that next year was hopeless as well but how can you do that to your fans? How can you expect fans to care about your team for the next two years if the management had said that they aren't going to care. If you have season tickets this year can you get a full refund? I would be really upset having to watch a starting lineup of Chris Duhon, Wilson Chandler, Quentin Richardson, David lee and Catino Mobley. Is that exciting? One of the most expensive tickets in the league and this the team they are going to put out for the next two years. Even worse is that they gave their number one pick to Utah a while ago that is protected this next year, but is unprotected the following year. That means that if they stay bad for two years like they plan to, the Jazz are going to own their 2010 lottery pick. Hope it ends up being number one.
There are a lot of free agents going to be available in 2010 but there a couple of issues that I have an issue with this forward thinking. When was the last time that a free agent turned the fortunes of a team around? Trades can turn change things for a team but I can't remember the last time that a major free agent signing changed the future of a franchise. Most free agent signings are too long and too high priced and end up backfiring on the team. I'll have to look up recent free agent signings and how many of them justify their contract. Actually, the Jazz signed Carlos Boozer and Okur the same summer, then got Williams and two years later really reaped the benefits. Those were reasonable signings for guys that were competitively priced. That rarely happens in the free agent market.
If you watch Jamal Crawford play, you are amazed at some of the shots he makes and more amazed by how wild the rest of the misses are. He is an undisciplined scorer with no conscious that would be best coming off the bench for a good team for 25 minutes. He shoots a low percentage and doesn't pass the ball well either. Between Marbury and Crawford, it looks like Crawford was the better teammate but that isn't really a ringing endorsement. He will fit into Don Nelson's style of play well, just like he fit into Dantoni's style well because of the lack of emphasis on defense, or shot selection, or anything other jacking up crazy shots.
No one has ever doubted Al Harrington's talent. He can score, handle, rebound and shoot so he shouldn't have a problem on the Knicks. His biggest problem is that he thinks he is the best player on the team and he should be the focus of the offense. That is probably the biggest problem among talented NBA players, the lack of acceptance of their place in the pecking order. On a bad team, Harrington could average 20 points a game but his team would lose 50 games. On a good team Harrington is the third option, rebounds and defends the other teams best player. He's been in the league long enough to know where his place is and if he doesn't, then you don't want him on your team of he destroys the team's chemistry.
The Zach Randolph deal was just unloading a large contract for two guys that have no future with the Knicks. Tim Thomas is one of my least favorite players. He plays when he wants to but he usually doesn't, unless it is contract year and then he plays well. Classic guy who is running to the bank to cash his paycheck and never looks back. Catino Mobley is an undersized shooting guard that definitely can score but is overmatched by taller guards. Again, he is a good back up playing too many minutes as a starter. I'm not sure how Randolph fits with Kaman as they both really dominate the ball but the Clipper's season was over before it began. As long as they don't give away players to the Lakers, who cares what they do.
The Knicks are basically throwing away this year and next year so that they can have the CHANCE to get Lebron James. Two whole seasons thrown in the trash just for the opportunity to give a guy a max contract. Lebron James is Lebron James but does that make any sense? I guess you could say that this season was going to be a lottery year and that next year was hopeless as well but how can you do that to your fans? How can you expect fans to care about your team for the next two years if the management had said that they aren't going to care. If you have season tickets this year can you get a full refund? I would be really upset having to watch a starting lineup of Chris Duhon, Wilson Chandler, Quentin Richardson, David lee and Catino Mobley. Is that exciting? One of the most expensive tickets in the league and this the team they are going to put out for the next two years. Even worse is that they gave their number one pick to Utah a while ago that is protected this next year, but is unprotected the following year. That means that if they stay bad for two years like they plan to, the Jazz are going to own their 2010 lottery pick. Hope it ends up being number one.
There are a lot of free agents going to be available in 2010 but there a couple of issues that I have an issue with this forward thinking. When was the last time that a free agent turned the fortunes of a team around? Trades can turn change things for a team but I can't remember the last time that a major free agent signing changed the future of a franchise. Most free agent signings are too long and too high priced and end up backfiring on the team. I'll have to look up recent free agent signings and how many of them justify their contract. Actually, the Jazz signed Carlos Boozer and Okur the same summer, then got Williams and two years later really reaped the benefits. Those were reasonable signings for guys that were competitively priced. That rarely happens in the free agent market.
Sunday, November 23, 2008
Role players learning their roles
In a previous post, I mentioned that championship teams have role players that know their roles. Everybody has to be comfortable with the contributions that they are making. They have to come in and be energetic and defer to the stars when the stars are in. A malcontent can disrupt even the most talented of teams. Gordon Giracek was only a bit player last year but I couldn't think of a worse role player. He thought too much of himself. He demanded the ball and shot whenever he touched it. He wanted minutes when he didn't deserve them. He even thought he was a good defender which pointed towards his inflated ego. Statistically, Korver hasn't been much of an upgrade but Korver knows his role on this team and that is is much more important than talent. Oh, and he is a better shooter too.
I'm just going to forget the San Antonio loss even happened. It seems like Utah hasn't won there since Adrian Dantley was on this team and when you have George Hill and Rober Mason turning in video game like performances, you just chalk it up as one of those crazy losses.
The Suns, the Bucks and the Memphis games were good examples of how the team is developing. Two years ago with Boozer and Williams out, this team would never have had a chance to get a win. Just not enough offense. Now, the bench guys know how to run Sloan's offense. CJ Miles with 2 back to back 20 point games was impressive, but more impressive was that it wasn't on forced shots. He did it when the shots were there for him to take. Same with Brewer last night, It wasn't a case of Brewer being hot and just taking crazy shots that go in. Anyone can have a hot night and take nutty shots that fall but different guys are playing well every night within the concept of the team. One night it is Milsap, another it is Miles.
I've never been a big CJ Miles fan as he looks like he is running half speed most of the time but his play of late has been phenomenal. I'm hoping that all of Harpring's minutes go to him and that CJ learns to play a little tougher defense. Brewer's numbers are not much different than last year but you can see a huge difference in his confidence. Now he comes around screens looking to shoot and as awkward as his shot looks, its falling. I don't cringe when he pulls up for a 15 foot jumper. I just hope that it doesn't mean he stops going to basket because that is still where he makes his money.
This little stretch of injuries is going to help the Jazz tremendously by the end of the year. Williams and Boozer will be consistent and Okur is going to do what he does. Milsap looks like his offensive game has improved with some nifty little post moves. His defense is what really sets him apart and I bet he averages 2 blocks a game if he got more minutes. Kirilenko is playing better than last year but I'm still waiting to see if he can improve his defensive numbers. Part of the problem is minutes. He just isn't getting enough. He is the most versatile player on the team and deserves to play 35+ minutes, especially when the key players are hurt. It makes me crazy to watch Sloan stick with his rotation and limit him to 30-31 minutes. Winning without their stars is going to pay dividends in the long run.
I'm just going to forget the San Antonio loss even happened. It seems like Utah hasn't won there since Adrian Dantley was on this team and when you have George Hill and Rober Mason turning in video game like performances, you just chalk it up as one of those crazy losses.
The Suns, the Bucks and the Memphis games were good examples of how the team is developing. Two years ago with Boozer and Williams out, this team would never have had a chance to get a win. Just not enough offense. Now, the bench guys know how to run Sloan's offense. CJ Miles with 2 back to back 20 point games was impressive, but more impressive was that it wasn't on forced shots. He did it when the shots were there for him to take. Same with Brewer last night, It wasn't a case of Brewer being hot and just taking crazy shots that go in. Anyone can have a hot night and take nutty shots that fall but different guys are playing well every night within the concept of the team. One night it is Milsap, another it is Miles.
I've never been a big CJ Miles fan as he looks like he is running half speed most of the time but his play of late has been phenomenal. I'm hoping that all of Harpring's minutes go to him and that CJ learns to play a little tougher defense. Brewer's numbers are not much different than last year but you can see a huge difference in his confidence. Now he comes around screens looking to shoot and as awkward as his shot looks, its falling. I don't cringe when he pulls up for a 15 foot jumper. I just hope that it doesn't mean he stops going to basket because that is still where he makes his money.
This little stretch of injuries is going to help the Jazz tremendously by the end of the year. Williams and Boozer will be consistent and Okur is going to do what he does. Milsap looks like his offensive game has improved with some nifty little post moves. His defense is what really sets him apart and I bet he averages 2 blocks a game if he got more minutes. Kirilenko is playing better than last year but I'm still waiting to see if he can improve his defensive numbers. Part of the problem is minutes. He just isn't getting enough. He is the most versatile player on the team and deserves to play 35+ minutes, especially when the key players are hurt. It makes me crazy to watch Sloan stick with his rotation and limit him to 30-31 minutes. Winning without their stars is going to pay dividends in the long run.
10-2 Disappointing year for BYU
Expectations were so high this year you wonder if in the end that it worked against BYU. A high preseason ranking, dreams of a perfect season and secret aspirations for a second national title might have been too much pressure for even the most talented team to bear. Last night's Utah vs BYU game was close until the fourth quarter and then the pressure got to Max Hall. He uncharacteristically threw five interceptions, practically his tally for the entire season. Can you blame it all on Hall? I think some of the blame falls on the coaches. The differences in the outcomes for the two different teams are as disparate as their philosophies in self-promotion.
I'm sure that Bronco Mendenhall's slogan "quest for perfection" was conceived with the best of intentions. Every school in their heart of hearts is hoping that they go undefeated and have a chance at the national championship. It is a part of sports to aim for the best, to strive for something that is realistically out of reach. The fans and media sure did buy into the idea that BYU had the potential to go undefeated but football isn't golf. It isn't an individual pursuit with a stagnant competitor. It is an undulating team sport with dynamic opponents that you can't predict. Utah finished strongly last year and privately they felt that they could win the MWC. Some even mentioned that both teams could meet undefeated but BYU was the team that won most of the attention. Utah quietly went about their business. Even with BYU's loss to TCU, they could have salvaged the season against their hated rivals. The problem is that BYU didn't plan for an opponent that was stronger, faster and in the end, more perfect than they were.
The polls don't matter at this point for Utah as they have won the automatic qualifier for the non-BCS. Boise State also won in a close game so it was good for the MWC that Utah won or Boise State would have won the bid. You have to wonder about a conference where a team can go undefeated in 04, 06 and so far in 08. Even as dominant as USC has been over the last five years, with some serious NFL talent, they manage to slip up to a conference rival most seasons. Some will say that it proves that Boise State is a great team but I think it says a lot more about the quality of their schedule and the weakness of the conference. I had written that Boise State would have posted the same record as BYU if they had played BYU's schedule. Well, I think BYU goes undefeated if they play Boise State's schedule. TCU too. Same with another 20 teams in other conferences. You can't blame Boise State for their conference and they did beat their lone ranked foe on the road in Oregon, but I don't feel their team is cheated out of a BCS spot, they simply didn't deserve it. What more could they have done? Nothing really but the same could be asked for Utah. What more could Utah have done to have a chance at the national title? Nothing, but no one feels bad that they won't even be considered.
So it looks like BYU is going to the Las Vegas Bowl to play some awful Pac-10 team. It would be nice to have another chance at a decent school in a bowl game but I'm afraid that they would lose, thus going 0-3 vs good schools. Its better that they play a mediocre team like Arizona so that they can eek out a victory and preserve some of their dignity. There is always next year. Hopefully they have learned their lesson and will start the year humble instead of having it force fed to them by better teams.
I'm sure that Bronco Mendenhall's slogan "quest for perfection" was conceived with the best of intentions. Every school in their heart of hearts is hoping that they go undefeated and have a chance at the national championship. It is a part of sports to aim for the best, to strive for something that is realistically out of reach. The fans and media sure did buy into the idea that BYU had the potential to go undefeated but football isn't golf. It isn't an individual pursuit with a stagnant competitor. It is an undulating team sport with dynamic opponents that you can't predict. Utah finished strongly last year and privately they felt that they could win the MWC. Some even mentioned that both teams could meet undefeated but BYU was the team that won most of the attention. Utah quietly went about their business. Even with BYU's loss to TCU, they could have salvaged the season against their hated rivals. The problem is that BYU didn't plan for an opponent that was stronger, faster and in the end, more perfect than they were.
The polls don't matter at this point for Utah as they have won the automatic qualifier for the non-BCS. Boise State also won in a close game so it was good for the MWC that Utah won or Boise State would have won the bid. You have to wonder about a conference where a team can go undefeated in 04, 06 and so far in 08. Even as dominant as USC has been over the last five years, with some serious NFL talent, they manage to slip up to a conference rival most seasons. Some will say that it proves that Boise State is a great team but I think it says a lot more about the quality of their schedule and the weakness of the conference. I had written that Boise State would have posted the same record as BYU if they had played BYU's schedule. Well, I think BYU goes undefeated if they play Boise State's schedule. TCU too. Same with another 20 teams in other conferences. You can't blame Boise State for their conference and they did beat their lone ranked foe on the road in Oregon, but I don't feel their team is cheated out of a BCS spot, they simply didn't deserve it. What more could they have done? Nothing really but the same could be asked for Utah. What more could Utah have done to have a chance at the national title? Nothing, but no one feels bad that they won't even be considered.
So it looks like BYU is going to the Las Vegas Bowl to play some awful Pac-10 team. It would be nice to have another chance at a decent school in a bowl game but I'm afraid that they would lose, thus going 0-3 vs good schools. Its better that they play a mediocre team like Arizona so that they can eek out a victory and preserve some of their dignity. There is always next year. Hopefully they have learned their lesson and will start the year humble instead of having it force fed to them by better teams.
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