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Biggest revelation through 4 games

H

HighlandHomie

Well-Known Member
Obviously plenty of questions remain in regards to the talent on our roster, how they adapt to coach Snyder's system and what level of consistency they can maintain throughout the season.

But the one thing we can say for CERTAIN through the preseason and the first four games of the season is that Gordon Hayward took a major step in terms of his disposition on the court. My biggest gripe with him his first four seasons was that he was 'too nice' and moped/sulked a little too much. I used to implore him to get a technical or talk some **** to an opponent.

His added strength is obviously a major factor in his improved play on the court, as is the subsequent confidence that comes with those positive results. But the way he interacts with his teammates, opponents and refs is completely transformed from his first four seasons. He doesn't back down, I've seen him talking **** to opposing fans (against the Clippers) and getting pissed off at a ****ty call by the refs.

If he can play with that nastiness all season, he is going to be special. He already has shown time, and time again, through his first four seasons that he's got the skill/versatility to be a great weapon in the NBA and worthy of the money the Jazz gave him with the new contract. I think he's already shown through the first four games this season that he's worth that type of cash. We just need the rest of the guys to step up with him now... and I think they will sooner rather than later!!!

Anything you have seen through the preseason and first four games regarding that Jazz that has stood out to you that we didn't know prior to this season?
 
18.8 ppg, 48% FG, 37% 3s, 7.3 rpg, 5.3 apg, 1 spg, also Hayward has yet to miss a FT this season (13-13) in 36 mpg.

Plus as you mentioned his increased strength and more aggressive attitude. Big fan of what I am seeing.
 
Not to be a wet blanket, as I've been impressed with Gordo to this point, but a couple things are worth mentioning:

1. His first couple games were not good. The last two have been against teams playing the second game of a back-to-back.

2. Gordo's never shot 50% or better from 2. He's a hair under 60% right now. That's not sustainable, even with the added strength.

He's definitely looked more decisive and aggressive, and the weird head jerk on jumpers he had last season seems to be gone. He should have a solid season.
 
Stoked said:
18.8 ppg, 48% FG, 37% 3s, 7.3 rpg, 5.3 apg, 1 spg, also Hayward has yet to miss a FT this season (13-13) in 36 mpg.

Plus as you mentioned his increased strength and more aggressive attitude. Big fan of what I am seeing.
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We all know Hayward has his streaks of good games but I agree with you guys that the attitude feels a lot different.

Wouldn't be surprised with a Paul George-esque numbers season, just a question if he can be aggressive enough the whole season to flirt with 20 ppg.
 
GVC said:
Not to be a wet blanket, as I've been impressed with Gordo to this point, but a couple things are worth mentioning:

1. His first couple games were not good. The last two have been against teams playing the second game of a back-to-back.

2. Gordo's never shot 50% or better from 2. He's a hair under 60% right now. That's not sustainable, even with the added strength.

He's definitely looked more decisive and aggressive, and the weird head jerk on jumpers he had last season seems to be gone. He should have a solid season.
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Oh I agree that there is still plenty of work Hayward needs to do. But so far so good.
 
GVC said:
Not to be a wet blanket, as I've been impressed with Gordo to this point, but a couple things are worth mentioning:

1. His first couple games were not good. The last two have been against teams playing the second game of a back-to-back.
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No they weren't as good as these last 2 games but they weren't terrible. They were probably better than 1/3 of his games last year at least.
 
Burke, Favors and Burk gave Utah nothing (Burk woke up a little bit in the 4th). I think GH recognized and tried to put his team on his back - that's exactly what you want from your max player. I'm sure you'll see successes and failures as the year goes on but the attitude is what's encouraging to me.
 
GVC said:
Not to be a wet blanket, as I've been impressed with Gordo to this point, but a couple things are worth mentioning:

1. His first couple games were not good. The last two have been against teams playing the second game of a back-to-back.

2. Gordo's never shot 50% or better from 2. He's a hair under 60% right now. That's not sustainable, even with the added strength.

He's definitely looked more decisive and aggressive, and the weird head jerk on jumpers he had last season seems to be gone. He should have a solid season.
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Overall, Hayward is at 48%/37% through 4 games. I don't expect him to shoot >50%, although if he keeps taking it to the hoop like has, maybe he'll come close. But he was around 45%/37% before his terrible year last season dragged down his career averages. I think he can certainly be around that range this season. The 2-PT % is a concern as you noted. However, what I think is key is that he might be the leading scorer, but Quin's system doesn't really need a "go-to" guy. Hayward doesn't have to force the offense like he did last year. He can take his shots within the motion of the offense. So he's either driving to the hoop or taking open 3's. The key - as it is with the rest of the team - is to eliminate the long 2's.

Agree with you on the consistency. He got off to a rough start. What I like, though is his scoring average has increased 2.6 pts/per on basically the same number of FG attempts per game. Rebounding is up and his assists are the same. Gordon has definitely looked more assertive and aggressive.

As for the OP, I've also noticed a more vocal Favors with an improved offensive game - despite his struggles against the Clippers.

Loving Booker. He's young enough to be part of the core rotation, whether he's a starter or comes off the bench for major minutes.
 
My biggest takeaway from these first 4 games: The players believe in Snyder more than they ever believed in Ty. This team plays better in 2nd halves than in first halves.

Really, the Jazz have just played some good teams this year. They played Houston pretty much even. After the first 18 minutes against the Mavs, they were pretty much even. They destroyed Phoenix. They played well against the Clips.
 
Is Haywards shooting so far this season make anyone think that there is something to him being used wrong last season and thats why his %s were so bad?
 
Stoked said:
Is Haywards shooting so far this season make anyone think that there is something to him being used wrong last season and thats why his %s were so bad?
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Ya think? Duh. Ty put it all on G-man but gave him no help, in terms of an offensive scheme. I think everyone noticed how PO'd Gordon looked all last season.
 
Biggest revelation for me is a tie between Hayward's assertiveness and the job Snyder has done. I didn't think he was an NBA coach, but he seems like the perfect match for this young team.
 
Stoked said:
Is Haywards shooting so far this season make anyone think that there is something to him being used wrong last season and thats why his %s were so bad?
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I don't think we really know yet but I do know Hayward took a lot more pull-up jumpers last season.
 
Stoked said:
Is Haywards shooting so far this season make anyone think that there is something to him being used wrong last season and thats why his %s were so bad?
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I think it's still to early to tell.
 
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