mikenielsen
Well-Known Member
https://insider.espn.go.com/nba/insider/columns/story?columnist=ford_chad&page=SummerGrades-West-100915
3. Utah Jazz
Key additions: Al Jefferson (trade), Raja Bell (FA), Gordon Hayward (draft)
Key subtractions: Carlos Boozer, Kyle Korver, Wesley Matthews
Perhaps the best way to sum up the Jazz's summer is to say they swapped Boozer for Jefferson. As my colleague John Hollinger pointed out this summer, the Jazz probably came out ahead on that deal. Not only is Jefferson younger than Boozer, he also can play center and makes less money.
The team also lost sharpshooters Korver and Matthews, critical swingmen for them. Bell will help, but the long-term hope is that Hayward becomes a star.
The selection of Hayward wasn't popular in Utah, but he's got enormous potential. He's a better athlete and shooter than fans give him credit for and he's wiry tough. He may not play a lot this season, but in the long term he should be a critical part of the Jazz's future.
Grade: B+