Jazz/Northwest Review

[swanvideos]

Looking at OKC's roster on paper does not convince me they are better than the Jazz. Durant is awesome. Green and Westbrook are good. Who else do they have? Some fine role players, yes, but their team is not far and away better than Utah's. I predict the Jazz will tie or win the head-to-head series in the reg season and finish with a better record than the Thunder.

 

[KhaOZ]

I'm way too excited for this coming season. Anyone else feeling that way? Just seeing new faces is going to be so nice. I was never a proponent for change just to make change, but I did believe we needed to make changes. I honestly wasn't sure if the quality changes we needed were even possible with our situation, but somehow by luck or a skillful FO, we ended up with what could be an exciting team to watch this coming season.

 

[Hopper]

I'm witcha, KhaOZ. I'm glad Boozer is gone, but really only because I think we got a player to replace him that is much tougher. I also think the Paperboy will be almost at good (mebbe not individually, but team-wise) as Boozer to begin with. I like Bell. A lot. I also liked Matthews a lot, but won't miss him near as much with Bell here (at least I hope not). Honzward seems promising. Mainly I just think the team is not nearly as soft now as it has been in recent years, while not really being less talented.

 

[Jazz4ever]

Can't see us beating the Thunder Durant will be arguably the best player in the league next year imo.

 

[Gyp Rosetti]

I'm way too excited for this coming season. Anyone else feeling that way? Just seeing new faces is going to be so nice. I was never a proponent for change just to make change, but I did believe we needed to make changes. I honestly wasn't sure if the quality changes we needed were even possible with our situation, but somehow by luck or a skillful FO, we ended up with what could be an exciting team to watch this coming season.

This. I'm very excited to see how the Millsap-Jefferson duo works at the 4-5, to see Hayward (hopefully) get some decent burn, to see Miles take a leap this year, and watch Fes fumble around with **** as always.

 

[green]

Don't forget that OKC is a very young team. Remember the last five years with Utah? Unstoppable at home, horrible on the road? That will be your OKC team this year.

 

[Gyp Rosetti]

Don't forget that OKC is a very young team. Remember the last five years with Utah? Unstoppable at home, horrible on the road? That will be your OKC team this year.

Laughable. Just because we played neutered on the road doesn't mean OKC will. Especially considering they play excellent defense.

 

[NUMBERICA]

If Aldrich is about the same player as Joel Przybilla has been, they are contenders this year or next. They've built their team wonderfully.

 

[Marty McFly]

If Aldrich is about the same player as Joel Przybilla has been, they are contenders this year or next. They've built their team wonderfully.

Every year, Portland is supposed to be a contender.

 

[Gyp Rosetti]

Every year, Portland is supposed to be a contender.

Portland has an all-star. OKC has an all-world player.

Question: Did they re-sign Collison? He was great for them.

 

[Stifle Tower]

Lakers are the clear #1. After that, you can make a pretty good argument for about 6 teams at #2 (Jazz, Denver, OKC, Portland, San Antonio, Dallas). And I think you add Houston to that list if Yao can stay healthy. It might be another year of teams having to win 50 or more games to make the WC playoffs.

Those are the eight teams I predict make it. I see Memphis and Phoenix falling just short. But after LA, the order is a complete toss-up. Injuries will play a big part.

 

[Gyp Rosetti]

Lakers are the clear #1. After that, you can make a pretty good argument for about 6 teams at #2 (Jazz, Denver, OKC, Portland, San Antonio, Dallas). And I think you add Houston to that list if Yao can stay healthy. It might be another year of teams having to win 50 or more games to make the WC playoffs.

Those are the eight teams I predict make it. I see Memphis and Phoenix falling just short. But after LA, the order is a complete toss-up. Injuries will play a big part.

I'm not trying to be a dick but this thread's about the division, not the conference.

 

[GVC]

Especially considering they play excellent defense.

You do realize that the Thunder and Jazz were 9th and 10th respectively in per possession D last season, right? Did you consider the Jazz an excellent defensive team last season?

 

[carolinajazz]

I'm way too excited for this coming season. Anyone else feeling that way?

...we all said that last off season....and then we all became very disenchanted when the season started! But as you pointed out, we've got some new faces and we FINALLY got rid of Boozer and his pathetic defense and ridiculous salary! I suspect the Jazz will be 20-10 after the first 30 games!

 

[Gyp Rosetti]

You do realize that the Thunder and Jazz were 9th and 10th respectively in per possession D last season, right? Did you consider the Jazz an excellent defensive team last season?

Don't I feel like the ****ing *******?

 

[NCJazz]

Every year, Portland is supposed to be a contender.

In all fairness to Portland they did have a large amount of injuries last year. If Oden could ever be the dominating force he is supposed to be they could be very dangerous. The biggest thing holding them back is at the PG position.