HighlandHomie
Well-Known Member
The stuff that was hammered into our heads as fans during the preseason was that as soon as Snyder took over our offensive identity would include pace and juice among other things. The pace obviously being a more important factor is something young guys on our team who were used to Corbin's system have to adjust too, not to mention their still adjusting to the league in general and figuring out where their respective skill sets fit in.
But one thing we haven't seen much of since the preseason ended is the juice Snyder wants. It's what we all want even though we may call it different words. Our guys need to have that bounce in their step, that ability to start woofing at an opponent in the midst of busting their *** or getting their teammates going during a comeback. Perhaps Hayward leaves his follow through up running back on D after swishing a shot, talking that **** to the opposing fan base.
There's a distinct line between playing with juice and being a cocky ******* (like chest thumping after a great play even though your team is down 20). Obviously I don't expect, or want, the Jazz to play with that attitude considering there have been several lopsided losses this year. Our players are humble to the point where they don't want to ruffle any feathers. They're all "nice" guys.
HOWEVER
Hayward is 10000000x improved this year, specifically in not being a mopey, whiny, pouty chick when things aren't going his way on the court. The added strength/muscle mass obviously is a huge boost for him in that regard because it's given him more confidence.
There was a stretch last night when we were putting the final nail in the coffin, and Hayward had just hit a dagger three over a big guy. Hayward ran a pick-and-roll with Favs, who then made the extra pass to an open Burks for a gorgeous corner-pocket three. Spo called a TO after it ripped through the nets, and Burks and co. were hootin and hollerin and showing that juice on their way down the court. THAT'S WHAT THE **** WE'VE BEEN MISSING THIS SEASON.
If you remember that Blazers team that beat us in the playoffs with Jr Rider, Rasheed, Bonzi, etc... They played with that same passion. I think we were the "better team" but they had more raw talent, but they were playing with their confidence and juice level necessary for a young, scrappy squad. Some fans might think this is all unquantifiable ********, but it's not. It's unquantifiable, but it's definitely got credence. Anyone who's played knows this.
I'm not asserting we're a playoff team this year, or we get on some massive run, if the Jazz all start playing with that "**** the world, come at us" attitude collectively - because we're not. But we wont' be getting blown out much more if we play with the same juice we did last night.
Even though Booker's production has been up and down for our liking, he's a welcome asset solely because he can be a role model for Dante and Rudy in that "lets see who's the chief with the bigger nuts" attitude against opponents.
There are countless things we can nitpick about each player's deficiencies on the court, but this is something they can all control now. For example, even though Rudy's hands aren't remotely close to where they need to be yet he can still request to defenders they "get that weak **** out my house, boa" as he blocks their shot into the first row! Or Dante, despite not having any moves going to his left, can still say to his defender "yah keep leaving the rookie open" after he hits an uncontested spot-up three-pointer.
It's been a difficult start to the season, especially since many of us were like HOLY **** ARE WE IN HEAVEN during the preseason, but I'm still all in with coach Snyder and this group! Let's ****ing go Jazz!!!!
Keep it rolling in Orlando!
But one thing we haven't seen much of since the preseason ended is the juice Snyder wants. It's what we all want even though we may call it different words. Our guys need to have that bounce in their step, that ability to start woofing at an opponent in the midst of busting their *** or getting their teammates going during a comeback. Perhaps Hayward leaves his follow through up running back on D after swishing a shot, talking that **** to the opposing fan base.
There's a distinct line between playing with juice and being a cocky ******* (like chest thumping after a great play even though your team is down 20). Obviously I don't expect, or want, the Jazz to play with that attitude considering there have been several lopsided losses this year. Our players are humble to the point where they don't want to ruffle any feathers. They're all "nice" guys.
HOWEVER
Hayward is 10000000x improved this year, specifically in not being a mopey, whiny, pouty chick when things aren't going his way on the court. The added strength/muscle mass obviously is a huge boost for him in that regard because it's given him more confidence.
There was a stretch last night when we were putting the final nail in the coffin, and Hayward had just hit a dagger three over a big guy. Hayward ran a pick-and-roll with Favs, who then made the extra pass to an open Burks for a gorgeous corner-pocket three. Spo called a TO after it ripped through the nets, and Burks and co. were hootin and hollerin and showing that juice on their way down the court. THAT'S WHAT THE **** WE'VE BEEN MISSING THIS SEASON.
If you remember that Blazers team that beat us in the playoffs with Jr Rider, Rasheed, Bonzi, etc... They played with that same passion. I think we were the "better team" but they had more raw talent, but they were playing with their confidence and juice level necessary for a young, scrappy squad. Some fans might think this is all unquantifiable ********, but it's not. It's unquantifiable, but it's definitely got credence. Anyone who's played knows this.
I'm not asserting we're a playoff team this year, or we get on some massive run, if the Jazz all start playing with that "**** the world, come at us" attitude collectively - because we're not. But we wont' be getting blown out much more if we play with the same juice we did last night.
Even though Booker's production has been up and down for our liking, he's a welcome asset solely because he can be a role model for Dante and Rudy in that "lets see who's the chief with the bigger nuts" attitude against opponents.
There are countless things we can nitpick about each player's deficiencies on the court, but this is something they can all control now. For example, even though Rudy's hands aren't remotely close to where they need to be yet he can still request to defenders they "get that weak **** out my house, boa" as he blocks their shot into the first row! Or Dante, despite not having any moves going to his left, can still say to his defender "yah keep leaving the rookie open" after he hits an uncontested spot-up three-pointer.
It's been a difficult start to the season, especially since many of us were like HOLY **** ARE WE IN HEAVEN during the preseason, but I'm still all in with coach Snyder and this group! Let's ****ing go Jazz!!!!
Keep it rolling in Orlando!
