Matt Thomas - Matty Ice

[Handlogten's Heros]

@infection: The Jazz run a Spurs-like system, where ball movement, floor spacing and knock-down shooting are of paramount importance. The Jazz launch and make the most 3s in the league. That's clearly their offensive identity. The spacing then opens up the floor for high screen/roll actions that put the defense in a quandry--either they have to leave our shooters to defend the paint, or they give up shots at the rim. This year, unlike years in the past, the Jazz are encouraging shooting 3s in transition off of misses and makes as well.

The Jazz have so many shooters taking so many 3pt shots that it has the affect of spreading their risk should one or more of their players not shoot well. Last night, Jordan Clarkson shot 1-11 from 3pt range. Joe Ingles was 1-6. Yet despite those two going 2-17, the Jazz as a collective still shot 42% on 55 3PAs (22-53). The Jazz's 3pt shooting machine is designed for some guys to be hot and some guys to be cold, while still generating a nearly insurmountable mathematical advantage. (A team that shoots 40% on 40+ 3PAs generates 1.2 points per possession on those possessions, or a TS% of 60%.)

To that end, the Jazz bring in yet another guard who can generate and knock-down 3s with volume and further de-risk the 3pt shooting juggernaut, while keeping a defender glued to him. His lack of defense may limit his minutes and make him matchup dependent. However, the Jazz's defensive strategy is Rudy Gobert, and unless the other team has a player that can pull him away from the paint, Rudy helps mitigates our perimeter players' defensive limitations.

He’s not getting on the court this year unless it’s for an injury or a rest day for one of our guys. I’m not even sure he’s in our plans for next year unless we move someone.

 

[infection]

@infection: The Jazz run a Spurs-like system, where ball movement, floor spacing and knock-down shooting are of paramount importance. The Jazz launch and make the most 3s in the league. That's clearly their offensive identity. The spacing then opens up the floor for high screen/roll actions that put the defense in a quandry--either they have to leave our shooters to defend the paint, or they give up shots at the rim. This year, unlike years in the past, the Jazz are encouraging shooting 3s in transition off of misses and makes as well.

The Jazz have so many shooters taking so many 3pt shots that it has the affect of spreading their risk should one or more of their players not shoot well. Last night, Jordan Clarkson shot 1-11 from 3pt range. Joe Ingles was 1-6. Yet despite those two going 2-17, the Jazz as a collective still shot 42% on 55 3PAs (22-53). The Jazz's 3pt shooting machine is designed for some guys to be hot and some guys to be cold, while still generating a nearly insurmountable mathematical advantage. (A team that shoots 40% on 40+ 3PAs generates 1.2 points per possession on those possessions, or a TS% of 60%.)

To that end, the Jazz bring in yet another guard who can generate and knock-down 3s with volume and further de-risk the 3pt shooting juggernaut, while keeping a defender glued to him. His lack of defense may limit his minutes and make him matchup dependent. However, the Jazz's defensive strategy is Rudy Gobert, and unless the other team has a player that can pull him away from the paint, Rudy helps mitigates our perimeter players' defensive limitations.

If our defensive strategy is Rudy Gobert, then we get 50 pt Jamal Murray. Or we get a team throwing a 5-out and then just be aggressive with us on the perimeter, like we saw in the last LAC game. What we need more is a modicum of perimeter diversity options. I have no beef with bringing this guy in. I actually kind of like it. My issue is that if we’re looking at the future hypotheticals with this guy and letting it cloud what our clear goal should be now: to win the title this year. If we’re fine waiving one of the other developmental guys to bring in a buyout guy, then it’s irrelevant. My concern is that we’re more hesitant to make that move ‘because we made our move.’

 

[gandalfe]

Here's another part of it: There are only 29 teams in the league for you to make deals with. If you can do a deal like this that doesn't really cost anything and buys you some goodwill, why not? Maybe someone will be willing to answer your call when they're at dinner instead of letting it go to voicemail, maybe they'll do you a solid some time when you need it...

 

[Gameface]

@infection: The Jazz run a Spurs-like system, where ball movement, floor spacing and knock-down shooting are of paramount importance. The Jazz launch and make the most 3s in the league. That's clearly their offensive identity. The spacing then opens up the floor for high screen/roll actions that put the defense in a quandry--either they have to leave our shooters to defend the paint, or they give up shots at the rim. This year, unlike years in the past, the Jazz are encouraging shooting 3s in transition off of misses and makes as well.

The Jazz have so many shooters taking so many 3pt shots that it has the affect of spreading their risk should one or more of their players not shoot well. Last night, Jordan Clarkson shot 1-11 from 3pt range. Joe Ingles was 1-6. Yet despite those two going 2-17, the Jazz as a collective still shot 42% on 55 3PAs (22-53). The Jazz's 3pt shooting machine is designed for some guys to be hot and some guys to be cold, while still generating a nearly insurmountable mathematical advantage. (A team that shoots 40% on 40+ 3PAs generates 1.2 points per possession on those possessions, or a TS% of 60%.)

To that end, the Jazz bring in yet another guard who can generate and knock-down 3s with volume and further de-risk the 3pt shooting juggernaut, while keeping a defender glued to him. His lack of defense may limit his minutes and make him matchup dependent. However, the Jazz's defensive strategy is Rudy Gobert, and unless the other team has a player that can pull him away from the paint, Rudy helps mitigates our perimeter players' defensive limitations, and the net result is still positive.

tl;dr HYDRA

 

[Ferguson_Mellochill]

If our defensive strategy is Rudy Gobert, then we get 50 pt Jamal Murray. Or we get a team throwing a 5-out and then just be aggressive with us on the perimeter, like we saw in the last LAC game. What we need more is a modicum of perimeter diversity options. I have no beef with bringing this guy in. I actually kind of like it. My issue is that if we’re looking at the future hypotheticals with this guy and letting it cloud what our clear goal should be now: to win the title this year. If we’re fine waiving one of the other developmental guys to bring in a buyout guy, then it’s irrelevant. My concern is that we’re more hesitant to make that move ‘because we made our move.’

If the Jazz have an opportunity to pick up a player they like and need to open a roster spot, they can waive Ilyasova or Morgan. Overall, I think Thomas might fit more than Ilyasova does.

What the Jazz could stand to add would be a big physical rebounder. The fact that Royce O'Neale is our 2nd leading rebounder shows how dependent we are on Rudy for boards. In our losses to the Clippers and Heat, we were outrebounded pretty badly.

 

[framer]

Here's another part of it: There are only 29 teams in the league for you to make deals with. If you can do a deal like this that doesn't really cost anything and buys you some goodwill, why not? Maybe someone will be willing to answer your call when they're at dinner instead of letting it go to voicemail, maybe they'll do you a solid some time when you need it...

Or sell you a Clarkson for an Exum. . .

 

[gomretat]

He’s not getting on the court this year unless it’s for an injury or a rest day for one of our guys. I’m not even sure he’s in our plans for next year unless we move someone.

Agreed on this year but I think this move was done on the cheap with future potential in mind. The Jazz knew they were not going to get anyone that would break into the rotation this year without giving up someone they were not willing to part with. I really like these kind of moves because it demonstrates the logic they have about taking shots at developing people and building for the future. The best teams dont focus solely on the hear and now - same reason I like the Udoka pick. We have players on this roster getting key minutes that we picked up because we saw a fit and potential and we developed them. It is why we have a solid team right now.

 

[kabenac]

Based on highlights he plays aggressive. It's going to be interesting to see how much playing time he receives.

 

[LogGrad98]

Sent from my SM-N960U using JazzFanz mobile app

More than half of those were not really on him as a primary defender. Broken plays and missed assignments elsewhere left him in no-man's land a few times as well. Not really an indictment. Whoever made that video does not understand defensive sets in the NBA.

I am not arguing that this guy is going to be a good defender, advance stats say no. Just that this video shows few good examples of it.

 

[TheGoldStandard]

More than half of those were not really on him as a primary defender. Broken plays and missed assignments elsewhere left him in no-man's land a few times as well. Not really an indictment. Whoever made that video does not understand defensive sets in the NBA.

I am not arguing that this guy is going to be a good defender, advance stats say no. Just that this video shows few good examples of it.

Problem is many times he is put in the game the Raps when to a zone because he simply gets blown by his man in man on man sets. Even in the zone, he misses a lot of assignments. Nurse tried him a number of times before giving up on him. Gobert may shelter his inept defense, but if he wants court time, he needs to improve on the fundamentals. Sure, faster, bigger guards will cause problems, but he can become a much better defender if he focuses. One of the best defenders I played with in college just knew where to be. Guy was slow, but was great at anticipating, and took charges like a boss. That is what Thomas needs to do. I hope he does.

 

[Saint Cy of JFC]

More than half of those were not really on him as a primary defender. Broken plays and missed assignments elsewhere left him in no-man's land a few times as well. Not really an indictment. Whoever made that video does not understand defensive sets in the NBA.

I am not arguing that this guy is going to be a good defender, advance stats say no. Just that this video shows few good examples of it.

Sure, but some of these plays are just hilariously bad awareness. Like when Adams is thundering down the lane uncontested you have to be there to force the pass to the guy shooting low 30's on 3, not give up a wide open dunk.

 

[Saint Cy of JFC]

Galaxy Brain Thought:

The Jazz signed Thomas so Niang would re-sign at a discount rather than chasing a minor pay raise from someone else.

 

[sip]

I guess we are still firmly in the giving away future 2nd rd picks like candy mode. I would be really surprised if this guy ever sees the court other than garbage minutes. He also has a really long load time on his shot where he brings it from his belly almost every time. That becomes a big issue the more you play and teams scout you. That may be one of the reasons his percentage have dropped this year. It sucks that we could have gotten Torrey Craig for a future second and he fills a defensive need or if we are going to go for an end of bench guy that can shoot them make is Sam Merrill. I'm sure the bucks would have given him up for a future 2nd and cash.

 

[Saint Cy of JFC]

I guess we are still firmly in the giving away future 2nd rd picks like candy mode. I would be really surprised if this guy ever sees the court other than garbage minutes. He also has a really long load time on his shot where he brings it from his belly almost every time. That becomes a big issue the more you play and teams scout you. That may be one of the reasons his percentage have dropped this year.

He's going to become Joe Ingles understudy. He will reach GOAT status by the time Ingles passes the baton.

 

[Saint Cy of JFC]

The Jazz FO has become emboldened because they have made Niang a good defender.

 

[Handlogten's Heros]

Agreed on this year but I think this move was done on the cheap with future potential in mind. The Jazz knew they were not going to get anyone that would break into the rotation this year without giving up someone they were not willing to part with. I really like these kind of moves because it demonstrates the logic they have about taking shots at developing people and building for the future. The best teams dont focus solely on the hear and now - same reason I like the Udoka pick. We have players on this roster getting key minutes that we picked up because we saw a fit and potential and we developed them. It is why we have a solid team right now.

The udoka pick is fine in a vacuum. Dumb when combined with the Favs signing... the favs signing is good in a vacuum... dumb when combined with the Udoka pick.

If they wanted a guy to develop that fits a potential need in the next couple years Desmond Bane was staring them right in the ****ing face. He was the guy I stated we should pick on draft night so no hindsight was used here now that Bane is one of the best shooters in the league as a rookie.

Even if Udoka is really good he will not get on the floor until Favs is either hurt or traded. He also benefitted tremendously from college rules because there is no defensive three seconds. He may be good and I think he will be a solid backup someday but Alex Len is a solid backup too and was available for the minimum. I have more hope for Udoka than I ever did for TB but we won't find anything out about him for 2-3 years which is not ideal or smart imo.

 

[Handlogten's Heros]

The Jazz FO has become emboldened because they have made Niang a good defender.

K now do DM.

 

[infection]

Galaxy Brain Thought:

The Jazz signed Thomas so Niang would re-sign at a discount rather than chasing a minor pay raise from someone else.

I wonder how much it really cost us to let Naz go.

 

[Handlogten's Heros]

Galaxy Brain Thought:

The Jazz signed Thomas so Niang would re-sign at a discount rather than chasing a minor pay raise from someone else.

the giddy quotes from Georges today lead me to believe that this galaxy brain thought may have some legs.

Next year the second unit Niang- Thomas DHO with Matty hitting threes or dumping to Niang will be the most efficient play in basketball.

 

[Handlogten's Heros]

Because basketball players are human there is an element of adding a little excitement that comes with a small addition... maybe a small boost in enthusiasm will be part of the benefit of doing this now. Hanging with Georges and Matty Ice seems like a good time.