I guess my frustration with Lindsey and the Jazz FO is that they never seem to be proactive in terms of taking risks to upgrade, particularly where we need it. What's the use of having cap flexibility, or "dry powder" if they are never used?
The FO plays it safe by signing below the radar types (e.g., O'Neale, Niang) but don't make any overt moves to improve, almost all of which inevitably include some level of risk. For example, two floor spreading big men expressed an interest in the Jazz [Mirotic and Bjelica (sic)], both of whom filled a identified and real need, and the FO preferred to avoid the risk and stand pat. (Quality players expressing an interest in the Jazz doesn't happen every day.) Then, while almost every other team in the WC was working to improve itself, the Jazz FO opted for "continuity," settling for signing Niang, re-signing Exum to a contract that he's unlikely ever to live up to, and re-signing Favors, who despite the "good guy" factor, simply doesn't fit with what the team appears to want to do. IMHO, we'd be much better off having signed Bjelica and not re-signed Favors, as much as I like the guy. Who here thinks that we'd be as bad off as we are now with Bjelica (who can actually shoot) rather than Favors? (Hint: I don't.) (Sorry, Exum simply lacks any kind of "it" factor. I'm officially off Exum island.)
I'm not advocating for making some crazy *** moves/trades, but we can't rely on a near miraculous turnaround similar to last year. Plus don't sell me the schedule, or tired legs excuse. Every team battles that; 30 and 50 point losses to mediocre teams, rampant turnovers, and sh** poor shooting game in and game out are not the result of tired legs but that something is fundamentally wrong with the current team composition.
Continuity is good as far as it goes, but when it is clearly not working, it's time for something else.
(Of course, if the Jazz DO turn things around, I'll happily eat all of my words.)
