How did Exum look last night?

[SoUjazzfan]

What are the odds we sign one of these players? Who, within reason can we really get to replace Favors? He has been an integral part of this team on both ends. Losing him would be a major blow. I don't think the Jazz should overpay Exum, but they need to estimate what their dollars can actually buy in the alternative. Letting Exum get away over a few million or not pushing to keep Favors (he may be gone regardless) will hurt. Having an extra few million to spend on players we can't get doesn't sound great to me. The Jazz need to take a step forward, not another step back.

Look at 2018 free agents (RFA and UFA) and tell me who you would take over Favors? Gordon? Parker? The offer would need to be high to avoid a match. Gobert is likely going to miss a decent number of games each season, and he and Favors are looking good together on the court, but even more important, Favors has looked great with Gobert off the floor. This team needs a player that can anchor the paint with Gobert off the court. Favors numbers are good this year, and his usage rate is the lowest of his time in Utah. I've never been a huge fan of Favors, I still feel like he doesn't have enough fire, but he is better than any realistic alternative available.

Exum is a wildcard. I see a young and still somewhat inexperienced player with some great physical attributes. I also notice how his passes are right on the money. I think he hits the shooting pocket on passes better than anyone on the team. And as he has shown in the past, his D can be really good. If he can develop a consistent jumper like he had in summer league, it could push this team to the next level. In my estimation, gambling on Exum is one of the best options this team has, and his is exceeding my expectations during this short period back on the court. If the Jazz let him go, they will probably regret it.

These are pretty close to my feelings also, but I don't see Favors wanting to stay and basically play back up. It would be the best possible thing for his career imo. With fewer minutes played he will have a longer career and be able to play at a higher level when he does play. I'm not sure his ego allows this to happen (as would be the case with most nba players) however. I also agree, much to my chagrin that Rudy will miss multiple games each season. He's just too long. And wouldn't it be fantastic to put together a team where his usage could subside a little to help with his longevity.
On Exum, he not only has a quick first step but covers so much ground with it that he is tough to stop one on one. The down side is it makes one hold their breath every time he drives as it looks as if any time he will come crashing to the floor. With time I think he will develop a little more finesse, just hope it's sooner than later or he'll be banged up again. He also has to hit at close to 30% clip from three so defenders won't sag off, but I believe with the proper coaching that happens this off season.

 

[tleikheen]

e does have a super quick first step or two but still looks awkward af and does this weird ballet like layup thing that would make Freddie Mercury (who I love mind you) proud.

SMH ,does a blowby and makes a silky smoothe layup and now it's called a ballet move but still called awkward AF in the same sentence........
It won't matter much as Exum as a PG goes to the corner when him and DM are playing at the same time. Mitchell brings the ball up exclusively as Exum is relegated elsewhere ....this won't work at all. Exum has to be able to initiate the offense just as well as Mitchell or you might as well say Good Bye because it's obvious Exum will NEVER reach his ceiling in Utah.

 

[NUMBERICA]

What are the odds we sign one of these players? Who, within reason can we really get to replace Favors?

It's like you didn't read the part you bolded. He (and I) doesn't think either player make or break the Jazz's success (because they haven't!).

I don't think the Jazz necessarily have to find guys to replace either. The Jazz already have a stable of small-ball 4s and have an ample amount of ballhandlers (that are better than Exum, by the way). That's the worst-case scenario.

 

[SoUjazzfan]

SMH ,does a blowby and makes a silky smoothe layup and now it's called a ballet move but still called awkward AF in the same sentence........
It won't matter much as Exum as a PG goes to the corner when him and DM are playing at the same time. Mitchell brings the ball up exclusively as Exum is relegated elsewhere ....this won't work at all. Exum has to be able to initiate the offense just as well as Mitchell or you might as well say Good Bye because it's obvious Exum will NEVER reach his ceiling in Utah.

While I agree with the point Exum will never reach his ceiling if thing continue as they have these last six games, I don't see it being the case as Exum gets into game shape. I think he will be integrated into the system and they mix up who brings the ball up and initiates when both are on the floor. It would add a new wrinkle and give Mitchell a little break now and again. I would love to be privy to the conversations between Exum, his agent and the front office as far as their plan going forward. "IF" they intend to keep him, I'm sure they are intending to provide an opportunity for him to become an important piece of the team.

 

[Ellipse]

SMH ,does a blowby and makes a silky smoothe layup and now it's called a ballet move but still called awkward AF in the same sentence........
It won't matter much as Exum as a PG goes to the corner when him and DM are playing at the same time. Mitchell brings the ball up exclusively as Exum is relegated elsewhere ....this won't work at all. Exum has to be able to initiate the offense just as well as Mitchell or you might as well say Good Bye because it's obvious Exum will NEVER reach his ceiling in Utah.

Are you Dante's mother or his agent? You have to be one or the other.

 

[SCS]

He looked good. I loved how aggressive he was going to rim. That's his strength offensively so it's good to see him taking advantage of his strengths. He seemed confident and under control doing it too which is good. Defensively he was solid as well.

 

[Quin's Murderface]

Anyone thinking that Dante is going to replace Rubio, Mitchell, or Ingles in the starting lineup next year is delusional, but yeah, there is plenty of opportunity for him to work himself into a bigger role. DL stated that one of the reasons for trading Hood was to create minutes for Exum.

I could see him replacing Rubio at some point next season. I'm not saying it's incredibly likely but for instance if Rubio comes back next year and really struggles early and Exum is playing great and is on a 4 year deal then I could definitely see a situation develop where he starts. If Rubio gets injured and Exum plays great in relief same thing. The more likely scenario if Exum takes a big step would be that the team just doesn't re-sign Rubio once his contract is up and then lets him take over the following season. I don't think Rubio has been a good enough player to be an unquestioned starter no matter what. I'm kind of excited to see if Rubio can get better as well. His shooting since the beginning of the year has been much better and I'd like to see what else he can develop with some better offseason work on his game and body. I'm all for just letting their play determine how we move forward.

 

[fishonjazz]

What are the odds we sign one of these players? Who, within reason can we really get to replace Favors? He has been an integral part of this team on both ends. Losing him would be a major blow. I don't think the Jazz should overpay Exum, but they need to estimate what their dollars can actually buy in the alternative. Letting Exum get away over a few million or not pushing to keep Favors (he may be gone regardless) will hurt. Having an extra few million to spend on players we can't get doesn't sound great to me. The Jazz need to take a step forward, not another step back.

Look at 2018 free agents (RFA and UFA) and tell me who you would take over Favors? Gordon? Parker? The offer would need to be high to avoid a match. Gobert is likely going to miss a decent number of games each season, and he and Favors are looking good together on the court, but even more important, Favors has looked great with Gobert off the floor. This team needs a player that can anchor the paint with Gobert off the court. Favors numbers are good this year, and his usage rate is the lowest of his time in Utah. I've never been a huge fan of Favors, I still feel like he doesn't have enough fire, but he is better than any realistic alternative available.

Exum is a wildcard. I see a young and still somewhat inexperienced player with some great physical attributes. I also notice how his passes are right on the money. I think he hits the shooting pocket on passes better than anyone on the team. And as he has shown in the past, his D can be really good. If he can develop a consistent jumper like he had in summer league, it could push this team to the next level. In my estimation, gambling on Exum is one of the best options this team has, and his is exceeding my expectations during this short period back on the court. If the Jazz let him go, they will probably regret it.

I disagree. Mitchell willl only get better. Gobert is still improving. Ricky will get better with the jazz. Crowder too. We could lose favors and not even replace him and be just as good next year just with improvement of other players. We will also have a draft pick and we could definitely find a nice stretch 4 and get even better. We won like 22 of 25 games or something with no exum. I think that is a pretty decent win percentage.

 

[Joe Bagadonuts]

John was happy to play in SLC, but I seriously doubt he was afraid to play in a larger market. He never struck me as being afraid of any challenge.

Afraid? Who said anything about that? The quote I replied to said, "I don't think there is such a thing as an NBA player who doesn't want to play in a large market." Have you ever seen any indication whatsoever that Stockton wanted to play in a larger market?

 

[JAZZGASM]

I disagree. Mitchell willl only get better. Gobert is still improving. Ricky will get better with the jazz. Crowder too. We could lose favors and not even replace him and be just as good next year just with improvement of other players. We will also have a draft pick and we could definitely find a nice stretch 4 and get even better. We won like 22 of 25 games or something with no exum. I think that is a pretty decent win percentage.

I agree that a few of the current players can improve their games. Ultimately, the issue is whether the Jazz are better without Favors and Exum/replacing them with a player(s) they can actually get on the open market. And who will cover when Gobert is hurt or even on the bench? Udoh is a stop-gap at best.

So if we let them go, who would you want to pick up that would be better (again, that we can actually get)?

 

[fishonjazz]

I agree that a few of the current players can improve their games. Ultimately, the issue is whether the Jazz are better without Favors and Exum/replacing them with a player(s) they can actually get on the open market. And who will cover when Gobert is hurt or even on the bench? Udoh is a stop-gap at best.

So if we let them go, who would you want to pick up that would be better (again, that we can actually get)?

I think mirotic would look fabulous next to gobert.

We have looked better in the last few months than I have seen in like 20 years with no exum so I’m definitely not worried about that.

 

[JAZZGASM]

It's like you didn't read the part you bolded. He (and I) doesn't think either player make or break the Jazz's success (because they haven't!).

I don't think the Jazz necessarily have to find guys to replace either. The Jazz already have a stable of small-ball 4s and have an ample amount of ballhandlers (that are better than Exum, by the way). That's the worst-case scenario.

Fish said if we lose them we just replace them. I don't think there is a player we can reasonably acquire this offseason that is better at PF. The best thing about Favors, is he does his thing without requiring the ball. A good team needs players like that. Again, his usage is at an all time low in Utah, and his #s are on the rise. The jury is still out on Exum. Anyone who can't see he still has upside is wearing blinders. Hey may not pan out, but he definitely has some top tier attributes. There are a lot of "ifs" with Exum, but to me, the risk is worth keeping him around. Time will tell.

 

[NUMBERICA]

Fish said if we lose them we just replace them. I don't think there is a player we can reasonably acquire this offseason that is better at PF. The best thing about Favors, is he does his thing without requiring the ball. A good team needs players like that. Again, his usage is at an all time low in Utah, and his #s are on the rise. The jury is still out on Exum. Anyone who can't see he still has upside is wearing blinders. Hey may not pan out, but he definitely has some top tier attributes. There are a lot of "ifs" with Exum, but to me, the risk is worth keeping him around. Time will tell.

Yeah, like I said, I think they're already mostly replaced.

 

[Ellipse]

Afraid? Who said anything about that? The quote I replied to said, "I don't think there is such a thing as an NBA player who doesn't want to play in a large market." Have you ever seen any indication whatsoever that Stockton wanted to play in a larger market?

"And I can't see him wanting to play in a large market where the media would be critical of him."

I responded to the above quote and you threw Stockton at me. I stand by my original post.

 

[Handlogten's Heros]

He looked pretty good. Clean shaven, was wearing number 11 jersey, and had some shoes on.

I can confirm that they were lace up shoes not Velcro... also a very firm double knot he tied himself.

 

[Handlogten's Heros]

Exum has been passing better than he has ever in his career thus far, so that's the best thing. Exum is fast/big enough that he can probably learn how to punish people if they sag off him too much.

Zactly... plus you give him a running start if you back off.

It would be great if he became a 38-40% catch and shoot guy so he can provide spacing off ball. Not sure his mechanics will allow him to ever be great off the dribble.

 

[Douchebag K]

I think mirotic would look fabulous next to gobert.

We have looked better in the last few months than I have seen in like 20 years with no exum so I’m definitely not worried about that.

If Exum develops it's just a bonus that will push us to another level. Favors on the other hand i see as much harder to replace. He does way too many things really really well for this team and i will spew if we don't retain him. I just can't see any mysterious stretch 4 out there who then won't cause too much of a downgrade defensively or around the rim to be worth it. And if Derrick keeps hitting one of three from deep that's all we really need.

 

[JAZZGASM]

I think mirotic would look fabulous next to gobert.

We have looked better in the last few months than I have seen in like 20 years with no exum so I’m definitely not worried about that.

I have mixed feelings about Mirotic.

Pros: I do think with our ball movement, he could get a lot of open looks and free up the paint for the pick and roll. His D is better than most people give him credit for, at least one on one.

Cons:
Slow laterally, and is awful w pick and roll D. His D since the trade has looked worse to me via the eye test.

One of the streakiest shooters I have ever seen. Last year he was awful the first part of the year and looked great in the second half. I've watched him play in probably 30-40 games over the last couple seasons (I usually have 3 screens on in the evening). He can be aggravating how inconsistent he is on both sides of the floor. I watched the Bulls try to use him as a focal point moving him into the starting lineup, and watched him wilt and the offense slowly move away from him relegating him to spot up shooting, which again, has been inconsistent.

Low BBIQ. He takes bad shots. Lots of 3s way beyond the line, etc. Can't figure out defensive schemes. Gets beat by the same thing over and over...

Under contract for another year. Either give up assets or wait to get him.



If the Jazz can get him to shoot consistently (big if) he could be great sort of like Memo. The thing I've noticed about Favors, is how well he guards smaller players on the pick and roll. Not elite by any means, but he gets slow and stays in front of guys, and contests on shots. Mirotic definitely can't do that.

 

[cowhide]

So Gobert, DM and Rubio can improve and Dante can't. Since this thread was about how Dante looked in this game, I thought he looked great. He was aggressive and put up solid numbers especially considering the minutes he played.

I don't know if people have been watching but the Jazz bench has really struggled lately so losing Dante makes our bench weaker. Jazz need him to play well in the playoffs to advance. I think many Jazz fans expectations were too high when Dante was drafted and he probably gets criticized more because of these expectations. Getting hurt hasn't helped his development and is another reason why some Jazz fans have soured on him. I am still hopeful that he can be a key part of the Jazz in the future and I hope he considers how the Jazz have stuck with him and supported him. Quinn is still positive about him so I will be patient and believe Quinn knows what he is talking about.

I still think that he is one of the keys of the Jazz going farther in the playoffs. Jazz have played well without him but if he can come off the bench in put up similar numbers he did at GS then this only helps the Jazz. Right?

 

[Handlogten's Heros]

I have mixed feelings about Mirotic.

Pros: I do think with our ball movement, he could get a lot of open looks and free up the paint for the pick and roll. His D is better than most people give him credit for, at least one on one.

Cons:
Slow laterally, and is awful w pick and roll D. His D since the trade has looked worse to me via the eye test.

One of the streakiest shooters I have ever seen. Last year he was awful the first part of the year and looked great in the second half. I've watched him play in probably 30-40 games over the last couple seasons (I usually have 3 screens on in the evening). He can be aggravating how inconsistent he is on both sides of the floor. I watched the Bulls try to use him as a focal point moving him into the starting lineup, and watched him wilt and the offense slowly move away from him relegating him to spot up shooting, which again, has been inconsistent.

Low BBIQ. He takes bad shots. Lots of 3s way beyond the line, etc. Can't figure out defensive schemes. Gets beat by the same thing over and over...

Under contract for another year. Either give up assets or wait to get him.



If the Jazz can get him to shoot consistently (big if) he could be great sort of like Memo. The thing I've noticed about Favors, is how well he guards smaller players on the pick and roll. Not elite by any means, but he gets slow and stays in front of guys, and contests on shots. Mirotic definitely can't do that.

I'm a fan of acquiring him... I think if he is engaged he can flourish. But the real reason I'd go get him is I think he can be had basically for free at the draft. I think we send our unguaranteed players and a second for him and NO bites. They ain't paying LT to keep him... especially when Boogie is back.

If they wait until after the draft they have to unload him for cap space... I don't see a cap space team that would take him. Maybe Atlanta or Dallas, but I think both would want an asset.

Get him in see if it works and if it does we have cap space to re-sign him and still max space (or close to it) to try and do something big.