Cotton Making Life Difficult for Trey Burke

[GoFriars]

Perhaps you should be Cotton's agent? How silly of Cotton to accept the Jazz's offer when we brought him up from the D-League last year. If only the Jazz had left him alone, he could now be playing for the Lakers or the Suns or the Knicks or ... anywhere but here.

Not what I was saying at all. Its awesome the Jazz gave him a shot and he is now making the most of the opportunity, but with 5 PG's it clearly is not the ideal situation... pretty much all I am saying.

You keep calling him a "pass first" guy, but last Thursday night in the Jazz SL final, who did the coaches tell to take it to 'em.? Who went to the free throw 11 times in the Miami game? Who gets into the paint for his shot almost anytime he wants? You've got yourself a guard who is so quick, he might as well be a blur out on the court, and he's a good shot who knows how to get himself open, and he can get to the line like that?? You don't think that means points for the second unit?
10-11 from the line in the last game, 8-9 the game before.

I'm sure you don't really mean it, but you're just demonstrating a complete lack of faith in Bryce Cotton. Haven't you been watching him? Do you think Quin Snyder is clueless?? What do you want, 40 minutes a game? You should at least know by now that you are not going to keep Bryce Cotton off the court. Why send him to a losing team? The players here apparently feel like a family. Embrace the opportunity to be part of that.

I'll tell you this as well. Bryce won't be a starter, but he will be a leader on this team. Bryce will be one of the leaders on this team. He fires guys up. He fires the fans up. Make the roster, and before the season is out, he will be a leader, a fan favorite, and you will see him get the headlines now and then. Because you know putting him in the game at the right time will bring great results.

@GoFriars, lost on the bench, not enough minutes??
This is more like it:

https://panicbutton.sportsblog.com/...ton-lighting-vegas-summer-league-on-fire.html

"If Bryce Cotton continues his stellar play at the Las Vegas Summer League, he'll be a lock to make the Utah Jazz roster. If Bryce Cotton continues to play like he's been playing at the Summer League competition then the Utah Jazz are going to have a good problem, splitting up minutes at the PG position between Dante Exum, Trey Burke and Cotton.

Cotton ripped the Miami Heat Summer League team for 28 points in exactly 28 minutes. While the 28 points happened on 8-15 shooting, you have to be impressed that Cotton got to the free-throw line 11 times, making 10 of his attempts. Cotton also led the Jazz with four assists.

In the Jazz Las Vegas opener, Cotton scored 20 points, had five rebounds and again, led the Jazz with five assists. Again, Cotton was a monster getting to the free-throw line in a win over the Sixers, making 8-9 FT attempts.

For Cotton, this Summer-League experience has got to be a huge confidence builder for a guy that latched onto the team late in the season and contributed down the stretch.

Cotton is so athletic with that 45-inch vertical leap that it's hard not to find a reason to get him on the floor. While Dante Exum is the PG of the future, Trey Burke might find himself on the outside looking in if Cotton continues to perform at an elite level.

Cotton's ability to get in the paint and draw contact and then convert free-throws would be a solid scoring punch for the Jazz' second unit."

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I'm sorry, but play like that does not relegate a guy to 3-5 minutes a game. Quin Snyder said last season "you get excited by his potential". Bryce Cotton ain't walking into a starting position anywhere. Quin Snyder is a smart coach and then some. He is going to mentor Cotton. I admire the fact that you stick to your guns, but telling Jazz fans your guy belongs elsewhere isn't very complimentary of their franchise. A little diplomacy goes a long way. If he makes this roster, I know I am right in what I am predicting. He will be a leader on this team.

Trust me I have faith in him, I would preferably like to see him on a team with a smaller pool of competitors. I mean its just logical... even if he does get the back up spot, there's 3-4 others guys always right behind. From what I have seen, I like Quin and the Jazz organization but not so sure what is so negative/ controversial by saying he will likely get more minutes else where...

Everything you said is true, ie. he can perform and be a fan favorite, but it would also be true with any NBA team.

 

[Stoked]

Not what I was saying at all. Its awesome the Jazz gave him a shot and he is now making the most of the opportunity, but with 5 PG's it clearly is not the ideal situation... pretty much all I am saying.





Trust me I have faith in him, I would preferably like to see him on a team with a smaller pool of competitors. I mean its just logical... even if he does get the back up spot, there's 3-4 others guys always right behind. From what I have seen, I like Quin and the Jazz organization but not so sure what is so negative/ controversial by saying he will likely get more minutes else where...

Everything you said is true, ie. he can perform and be a fan favorite, but it would also be true with any NBA team.

Hanlan will not make the team so that is 4 PGs. I am thinking there will be a trade where Burke leaves and that leaves 3. Cotton will then have his chance to beat out Neto as primary back up behind Exum.

 

[Red]

Not what I was saying at all. Its awesome the Jazz gave him a shot and he is now making the most of the opportunity, but with 5 PG's it clearly is not the ideal situation... pretty much all I am saying.





Trust me I have faith in him, I would preferably like to see him on a team with a smaller pool of competitors. I mean its just logical... even if he does get the back up spot, there's 3-4 others guys always right behind. From what I have seen, I like Quin and the Jazz organization but not so sure what is so negative/ controversial by saying he will likely get more minutes else where...

Everything you said is true, ie. he can perform and be a fan favorite, but it would also be true with any NBA team.

Well then simply refer to what I said earlier. This is a team where the players act like family together and 12,000 fans turn out for a SL game. If you want the best for him, why not begin whatever legacy he does create for himself in this place? This is the start of his career. He probably won't play for Utah forever because very few players play for one team in their careers. It isn't controversial to say he gets more minutes elsewhere. I do doubt that would be the case, but you're entitled to your opinion. I think there is some illogic in saying he could be a starter elsewhere but won't be good enough to get meaningful minutes in Utah. Not logical to me. Emotional leader. Spark plug off the bench. He will make a name for himself in the NBA in the situation he will be in if he makes the roster. He can't be both good enough to walk in and start but not good enough to get meaningful minutes.

 

[Red]

@GoFriars, in reading your comments over, it really sounds like you believe there was a perfect place to be and he should be in the perfect situation. But, this is the reality. And my argument is that it is actually as close to that "perfect" reality you seem to desire anyway. Not putting words in your mouth, but would it be "best" or "perfect" to say "Let's hope Cotton goes to a bottom feeder. The stands will be half empty, but he'll be a star?". I don't think there is anyway that being on the bench in Utah would prevent him from having the career he's meant to have. Because you play your way onto a roster. And then you play your way onto the court. Nobody will prevent Cotton from giving 110% to get on the court and stay awhile once there. Maybe he gets more minutes elsewhere, I can't say. But being on this team gives him a chance to be part of turning a franchise around. And I cannot emphasize enough that that is a very, very, very good place to start!

 

[The Thriller]

Lol

You dolts.

What does Burke do better than cotton?

Cotton's defense is far superior
Cotton's athleticism is far superior
His ability to actually create off the dribble and penetrate (not merely bounce off defenders) is superior to Burke's
His ability to get to the free throw line is superior
Shooting? Neither is Steph Curry but I'd give the edge to cotton

I like cotton as a change of pace spark plug off the bench. Burke offers us nothing off the bench. Cotton? Unleash him to wreck havoc on opposing PGs, get a few steals, and nail a few shots.

Face it fools. Burke = Jacque Vaughn

He does nothing better than cotton. Playing Burke ahead of Cotton would be like playing Richard Jefferson ahead of Alec Burks...

 

[ptaz66]

Cotton is playing really well in Summer League. Unfortunately, anybody who's watched years of Summer League, knows the play here doesn't always translate to the regular season. Guys who shoot lights out in Summer League are sometimes busts in the regular season. Guys who struggle in Summer League sometimes play better in the regular season.

I think Cotton will make the Jazz roster, but talk of him being a starter is a little premature. Like a couple of others have indicated he makes a good change of pace backup PG. Will he develop into something more than this? I'd say its quite possible, because he appears to be hungry and willing to work hard. Coach Snyder is the perfect Coach to help a hungry hard working player get better.

I think all of our PGs have some glaring weaknesses. On the other hand, they all appear to be willing to listen to the Coaches and work to improve their craft. Competition makes for growth and I suspect the competition for PG minutes will be fierce on the Jazz team this year.

 

[jimmy eat jazz]

I hope the Jazz keep Cotton and carry four PGs, as, frankly, as of now, I'd prefer Cotton to Burke. This means, however, that someone else has got to go. Sadly, I think that's Cooley. We can have Pleiss backup Gobert and slide Favors over to center as needed. Cooley is who he is, an energy guy who gets boards, plays some D, and can occasionally score. There's many people like him available if we need them, plus if one of the other centers gets hurt, I suspect Cooley will still be there for us to sign to a limited contract. Cotton, on the other hand, shows potential to be a solid rotation player who may be better than both Neto and Burke, and if we don't lock him up, someone else is likely to. I would like to keep him to see what he can become. I think this could really pay off down the line. I worry that he's a kind of Wesley Matthews in the sense that if we let him go, he could blow up someone else (well, relatively speaking, I'm not saying he's Matthews) and make us regret letting him go.

 

[peakbagger1971]

I hate the ideas of giving up on Burke. He's played only 2 years in the league and we've seen a lot of great moments from him. He's going to get better. That said I love Bryce Cotton. I'm so torn.

Sent from my SM-T110 using Tapatalk

 

[Douchebag K]

I hate the ideas of giving up on Burke. He's played only 2 years in the league and we've seen a lot of great moments from him. He's going to get better. That said I love Bryce Cotton. I'm so torn.

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a lot of great moments ? I'm not quite sure what you've been watching ... Cotton's provided more highlights in a handful of games than Trey has in 2 years. Contracts aside it's a no brainer

 

[Red]

Here's another take:

https://www.nbawire.com/point-consider-jazz-cotton-burke/

"The 3 highest salaried, guaranteed deals belong to Exum, Burke and now Neto. Barring a trade those 3 are the Jazz top 3 and likely ONLY 3 point guards on the roster. Hanlon’s one of the two odd men out. Played 4 years at Boston College so he’s been around, seen a lot and scored a lot (ACC’s leading scorer in 2014-’15 season). He’d have to really standout to be considered for the NBA roster and so far he’s missed 14 of the 17 shots taken for the Jazz (missed 6 of 8 3 pointers he’s taken). Bryce Cotton would be the 2nd odd man out but also an intriguing possibility. He played 15 games for the Jazz at the end of last season, averaged close to 11 minutes a game. Shot 42% overall, 36% behind the 3pt line. Cotton isn’t a knockdown shooter but he’s about as quick as they come and he can get his own shot whenever he needs it. Clearly the Jazz are encouraging Cotton to shoot more this summer and his 28 point outing against Miami in the Jazz first Vegas Summer League game shows Cotton can score. With the arrival of Neto, with 2 years guaranteed on the Brazilian’s contract, you might think that puts extra pressure on Cotton to perform but Bryce says ‘what’s new’?

“Being in the NBA, there’s always a sense of urgency,” Cotton said. “There are thousands of people that want this job and you could lose it at any minute, so you never take it for granted.”



I expect the Jazz to bring all 5 point guards to training camp, let them all battle with a particular eye on Cotton and Burke. Cotton seems to be a better fit for what Quin Snyder wants to do with this Jazz team. Push the ball, penetrate and pressure the ball on the other end. Cotton beats Burke in all those categories. It might come down to how much the organization has invested in these 2 point guards. Big advantage Burke. Picking Cotton over Burke would carry with it huge PR ramifications. The Jazz would get ripped for blowing the first round pick in 2013 but not in Salt Lake City where the media is almost kinder, gentler than say, in the rapid northeast. Best cast scenario is they work out a trade to bring a bigger name into town, taking the attention away from the “Burke Bust” label. Should be a very interesting early Fall in Jazzland."

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So, would picking Cotton over Burke really be a PR disaster?

 

[colton]

No, not if they trade Burke and get something for him such as a mid to late first rounder. If they can't even get that, then it would be more of a disaster.

 

[gregbroncs]

Here's another take:

https://www.nbawire.com/point-consider-jazz-cotton-burke/

"The 3 highest salaried, guaranteed deals belong to Exum, Burke and now Neto. Barring a trade those 3 are the Jazz top 3 and likely ONLY 3 point guards on the roster. Hanlon’s one of the two odd men out. Played 4 years at Boston College so he’s been around, seen a lot and scored a lot (ACC’s leading scorer in 2014-’15 season). He’d have to really standout to be considered for the NBA roster and so far he’s missed 14 of the 17 shots taken for the Jazz (missed 6 of 8 3 pointers he’s taken). Bryce Cotton would be the 2nd odd man out but also an intriguing possibility. He played 15 games for the Jazz at the end of last season, averaged close to 11 minutes a game. Shot 42% overall, 36% behind the 3pt line. Cotton isn’t a knockdown shooter but he’s about as quick as they come and he can get his own shot whenever he needs it. Clearly the Jazz are encouraging Cotton to shoot more this summer and his 28 point outing against Miami in the Jazz first Vegas Summer League game shows Cotton can score. With the arrival of Neto, with 2 years guaranteed on the Brazilian’s contract, you might think that puts extra pressure on Cotton to perform but Bryce says ‘what’s new’?

“Being in the NBA, there’s always a sense of urgency,” Cotton said. “There are thousands of people that want this job and you could lose it at any minute, so you never take it for granted.”



I expect the Jazz to bring all 5 point guards to training camp, let them all battle with a particular eye on Cotton and Burke. Cotton seems to be a better fit for what Quin Snyder wants to do with this Jazz team. Push the ball, penetrate and pressure the ball on the other end. Cotton beats Burke in all those categories. It might come down to how much the organization has invested in these 2 point guards. Big advantage Burke. Picking Cotton over Burke would carry with it huge PR ramifications. The Jazz would get ripped for blowing the first round pick in 2013 but not in Salt Lake City where the media is almost kinder, gentler than say, in the rapid northeast. Best cast scenario is they work out a trade to bring a bigger name into town, taking the attention away from the “Burke Bust” label. Should be a very interesting early Fall in Jazzland."

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So, would picking Cotton over Burke really be a PR disaster?

It could be. They traded up to draft him. They used valuable picks to move up to get Burke, if they trade him for nothing, or if he gets beat out for the 2nd PG position it looks bad for the franchise. I think it's over blown though. In the end pick the best guy, the PR will blow over quickly if Cotton plays well.

 

[gregbroncs]

No, not if they trade Burke and get something for him such as a mid to late first rounder. If they can't even get that, then it would be more of a disaster.

agreed. But if they go into camp and he gets beat out by Cotton or Neto they will not get a mid 1st rounder for him. Who gives up a mid first round pick for a 3rd string PG? Even stretching to get that much with him as the backup. Even worse that he was backing up a 19 YO rookie.

 

[Stoked]

So what if it is? What do they really lose?

Fans? If a fan leaves over one draft pick that didn't pan out then they can leave with my blessing.

Team chemistry? It might just be me but Burke seems like the odd man out anyways. We see the interplay between the others but not really with him.

Wins? Team would be better off finding talented pieces that fit what they want to do.

In short no it is not a PR disaster. Picks bust or don't work out all the time. It is common. The Jazz are clearly on the rise so it will have little to no negative affect.

 

[Game6Conley]

agreed. But if they go into camp and he gets beat out by Cotton or Neto they will not get a mid 1st rounder for him. Who gives up a mid first round pick for a 3rd string PG? Even stretching to get that much with him as the backup. Even worse that he was backing up a 19 YO rookie.

Lol - sorry to de-rail but I've gotta chuckle at this, seeing as Tim Hardaway Jr. just got moved for the 19th pick.

The notion that Tim was better than Trey in that 2013 draftees thread was something I suggested. That was met with the type of responses some might characterize as conniptions. Many swore he didn't have an NBA skill!

 

[My2Cents]

Guys who shoot lights out in Summer League are sometimes busts in the regular season.

Unfortunately, that's not Cotton. He's now 21-60 (.35 FG%) in SL.

 

[Red]

Unfortunately, that's not Cotton. He's now 21-60 (.35 FG%) in SL.

Yep, that is a concern. I don't think it will last. I think he was about 45% in the D League, and I'm not sure SL is a huge jump over D League, but it concerns me alright. It's a narrow window anyway, and you have to play your way on. I thought he ran the offense well last night, but when I saw 0-5 in less then the first 6 minutes, I winced. In the long run, I think his shooting % will be good, but easy enough for me to say, and it needs to be good now, and not just something we assume will come around. That's a poor 5 game showing on shooting %. No getting around it. Hope the Jazz can get as many games in as possible in Vegas. Everyone has cold spells, but guys in Cotton's position can least afford it right now.

 

[seattlejazzfan]

Unfortunately, that's not Cotton. He's now 21-60 (.35 FG%) in SL.

So basically, playing with a bunch of scrubs, he shoots worse than Trey Burke does in actual NBA games. Or is it the 3 assists per game we like? That's almost as much as Trey gets in real games. Sign him up now!

 

[seattlejazzfan]

Yep, that is a concern. I don't think it will last. I think he was about 45% in the D League, and I'm not sure SL is a huge jump over D League, but it concerns me alright. It's a narrow window anyway, and you have to play your way on. I thought he ran the offense well last night, but when I saw 0-5 in less then the first 6 minutes, I winced. In the long run, I think his shooting % will be good, but easy enough for me to say, and it needs to be good now, and not just something we assume will come around. That's a poor 5 game showing on shooting %. No getting around it. Hope the Jazz can get as many games in as possible in Vegas. Everyone has cold spells, but guys in Cotton's position can least afford it right now.

I think the talent level in Dleague and SL is pretty close - after all it is mostly D-league guys playing summer league. The big difference and the reason D-league stats are such a joke is that there is no D being played in the D league. They play defense, or at least try to, in summer league.

 

[GVC]

So basically, playing with a bunch of scrubs, he shoots worse than Trey Burke does in actual NBA games. Or is it the 3 assists per game we like? That's almost as much as Trey gets in real games. Sign him up now!

He's also playing against a bunch of scrubs.