So do we still need a star?

[green]

I think there is a chance we already have our star in the making in Dante. If he can become a Tony Parker with better defense I think we are set for contention.

Let me ask you guys this, and i do realize its blasphemy: the Lakers call us at draft time and offer us their pick (top 3) in exchange for Favors and Burke, do we consider it if Russell is there? And draft Myles Turner with our lottery pick?

No way. As much love as Hayward and Gobert get, Favors is our best player. Russell may be amazing or may not. Favors already is. Favors will be an All Star next year. Favors and Gobert are only traded for LeBron or Davis. That's it.

 

[Coach Ellis]

No way. As much love as Hayward and Gobert get, Favors is our best player. Russell may be amazing or may not. Favors already is. Favors will be an All Star next year. Favors and Gobert are only traded for LeBron or Davis. That's it.

I don't even think I'd do it for LeBron. I don't think he'd stay/sign in Utah, plus he's getting older and its a lot of money to invest in a guy soon to be on the wrong side of 30. Anthony Davis would stay, I believe, because of Gobert. Davis is better than Favors, so I'd consider that one. Durant would be a consideration, but his potential to leave and recent injury issues make me leary.

Other than that, the Jazz should figure out what to do with their abundance of draft picks. Any major trades should heavily lean towards picks vs. players. Keep the Core group of Gobert, Favors, Hayward, Exum, Burks and Hood intact, and then add to it.

 

[framer]

no they won't. who do they replace? west is too loaded. unless they somehow avg way more points, it's not gonna happen even with the lakers.

Bah, I think a bigger part of Favors and Hayward's problem is that nobody watches them play. Lakers had 17 nationally televised games this year. If there was room enough for a decrepit old Dirk Nowitzki, there is room enough for Favors or Hayward. And yes, I think Favors takes a large jump in points per game next year and the jazz have a playoff worthy record. . .

 

[Elizah Huge]

No way. As much love as Hayward and Gobert get, Favors is our best player. Russell may be amazing or may not. Favors already is. Favors will be an All Star next year. Favors and Gobert are only traded for LeBron or Davis. That's it.

I would trade Favors or Gobert for Steph Curry.

 

[Coach Ellis]

I would trade Favors or Gobert for Steph Curry.

I wouldn't trade Gobert for anyone. 22 year old, stand out defensive 7'2" CENTER who has made huge strides in just ONE season of consistent playing time? And who is already taking on the mantle of team leader?

Give him 3 years. . . I think he'll be on of (if not THE) best centers in the game and a legitimate All Star, All Pro player, and perennial DPotY candidate? Those guys don't come around very often, and you usually have to be sitting at #1 in the draft to find them. He's a guy you build around. Curry has had too many injury issues (even if they haven't manifested in a couple of years) for me to drop 30% of my salary cap on.

 

[GVC]

As much love as Hayward and Gobert get, Favors is our best player.

Really? He can't create offense for himself or others, and he's a good, not great, defender. Gordo all day over Favs.

 

[framer]

I would trade Favors or Gobert for Steph Curry.

Get back to us after the playoffs and see if you still feel that way. . .

 

[Stoked]

No way. As much love as Hayward and Gobert get, Favors is our best player. Russell may be amazing or may not. Favors already is. Favors will be an All Star next year. Favors and Gobert are only traded for LeBron or Davis. That's it.

Right now this year that is debatable. I'd lean towards giving the nod to Hayward but it's close. I think Gobert has the chance to surpass them both ina season or two.

 

[framer]

Right now this year that is debatable. I'd lean towards giving the nod to Hayward but it's close. I think Gobert has the chance to surpass them both ina season or two.

Sometimes I remember that Favors is just 23 and it makes me happy. He is 6 years younger than LeMarcus Aldridge. Karl Malone was a rookie at age 22. We are in a good spot.

 

[sgjazzfan]

No way. As much love as Hayward and Gobert get, Favors is our best player. Russell may be amazing or may not. Favors already is. Favors will be an All Star next year. Favors and Gobert are only traded for LeBron or Davis. That's it.

I don't think so. All-star nods are usually 1-2 years behind when they are deserved (just ask DWill) and there are too many talented PF in the west right now (Davis, Griffin, Aldridge, Randolph, Nowitski, Duncan, Ibaka). Also, Defense, which is where he stands out compared to other PF's, isn't as big of a consideration for all-stars. There would have to be 2-3 injuries for him to make the all-star game next year.

 

[framer]

I don't think so. All-star nods are usually 1-2 years behind when they are deserved (just ask DWill) and there are too many talented PF in the west right now (Davis, Griffin, Aldridge, Randolph, Nowitski, Duncan, Ibaka). Also, Defense, which is where he stands out compared to other PF's, isn't as big of a consideration for all-stars. There would have to be 2-3 injuries for him to make the all-star game next year.

If the Jazz are in playoff consideration next year they get at least one player in. I actually think Favor's biggest competition is Hayward who does have an easier path than Favors for that spot.

 

[sgjazzfan]

If the Jazz are in playoff consideration next year they get at least one player in. I actually think Favor's biggest competition is Hayward who does have an easier path than Favors for that spot.

I agree that Hayward is most likely, especially since he is a SG/SF. I wouldn't be surprised to see Gobert go while Favors doesn't though.

 

[akirac73]

I don't think so. All-star nods are usually 1-2 years behind when they are deserved (just ask DWill) and there are too many talented PF in the west right now (Davis, Griffin, Aldridge, Randolph, Nowitski, Duncan, Ibaka). Also, Defense, which is where he stands out compared to other PF's, isn't as big of a consideration for all-stars. There would have to be 2-3 injuries for him to make the all-star game next year.

The exception to this is if the Jazz were to come out of the gates strong next year and have the one of the best records in the NBA (see 2014-15 Atlanta Hawks). If the Jazz have the best record in the NBA approaching the all-star game, Hayward and Favors will be all-stars.

 

[Flc]

Two years from now, Dante Sexum is going to blow the hell up. All the tools are there, so are the smarts and work ethic. Just a waiting game at this point.

 

[kabenac]

If Favors continues to develop his jumper he's going to be scary. I think he has a great attitude and he's a hard-worker. It will be interesting to see if he reaches his ceiling (I think he's going to be Aldridge-good and he has a chance to be better than Aldridge).

 

[sgjazzfan]

If Favors continues to develop his jumper he's going to be scary. I think he has a great attitude and he's a hard-worker. It will be interesting to see if he reaches his ceiling (I think he's going to be Aldridge-good and he has a chance to be better than Aldridge).

Better said, Aldridge that plays defense, and is willing to bang down low.

 

[kabenac]

Better said, Aldridge that plays defense, and is willing to bang down low.

I think Aldridge lacks the killer instinct. I think Favors has it (in much the same way Duncan has it but it's not super obvious due to their quiet demeanor). I would love for Favors to study Aldridge & Duncans moves & footwork around the basket. I also think Favors should study Elvin Hayes as they're both physically similar.

 

[VINYLONE]

Yes, I think we need a star unless Hayward turns into that guy which doesn't seem to be too much of a stretch. When Hayward is agressive good things happen.

 

[Coach Ellis]

Yes, I think we need a star unless Hayward turns into that guy which doesn't seem to be too much of a stretch. When Hayward is agressive good things happen.

So. . . interesting thought. Rudy bulked up this past offseason and we talk about how much more room for growth he has. Hayward bulked up this past offseason and it's had a HUGE impact on his game, but does anyone think that he might come back next year even stronger and more explosive. I expect Rudy and Exum to get bigger/stronger, but haven't really thought about if Hayward did as well. How would more strength impact his game?

 

[VINYLONE]

So. . . interesting thought. Rudy bulked up this past offseason and we talk about how much more room for growth he has. Hayward bulked up this past offseason and it's had a HUGE impact on his game, but does anyone think that he might come back next year even stronger and more explosive. I expect Rudy and Exum to get bigger/stronger, but haven't really thought about if Hayward did as well. How would more strength impact his game?

I think Hayward could come back stronger and more explosive but I don't know how much more that will help him. I think at this point, it's his skillset and decision making that needs to improve and I faith he can figure it out.

I definitely expect Gobert to get stronger AND bigger AND to have stronger hands. He seems like a cerebral player to me that is quite aware of his limitations and what he needs to do in order to overcome them. I think Exum will gain weight just as a consequence of age. He will definitely get stronger but at this point it's his mechanics as well as approach to the game that need the most work.