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Minutes played so far by player

I agree that AK will get a lot of burn at PF this season early on. Once Okur comes back I think he'll still see some action there because of his quickness. I will actually be surprised if Evans gets much PT, really. He seems more physically gifted than Matthews, but Matthews certainly knew where to be on the floor at all times. I'm amazed at how many players we've had come through who don't seem to get that if they want PT with Jerry they need to run the plays. Evan's attitude seems great, but I guess it'll remain to be seen how much he picks up how quickly. Thompson, I'd guess, is on pretty thin ice with his play thus far. I doubt, unless he really shows something in practice, that the Jazz would worry too much about someone else signing him, though.
 
Yep; I know Sloan prefers guys who play within the offensive system and give the effort he wants on defense. That can greatly reduce a players numbers on his stat-line. I'm cutting Thompson some slack early-on since he wasn't with our coaches this summer, as he was in Sacramento. Everything I've read says he is buying into our system and "getting it" by working at it after practice and such, so my fingers stay crossed. He's got more offensive talent than Matthews at this stage, who also started slow, in large part 'cause he also worked on staying in the framework of the offense. Thompson seems to be giving that effort on D in games so far, so that helps him too.
I like Raja a lot, but he is 34 and won't be playing major minutes too many years, and Miles seems better suited at SF. With all that, I think we are kinda thin at SG...
 
Good exchanges, Doc and NDY.

This is probably the first year that I look at the TC roster and say that I wish we could keep every guy. Even Nichols contributed last night. Sloan is really talking up the new guys in regards to their effort and basketball IQ. Is he getting soft in his old age?

The final roster decisions are probably determined by what happens in practice more than what we see in the games.

Gotta agree with Doc on the final roster. I see Gaines and Nichols as the most likely cuts. Evans is clearly a better option at SF over Nichols and Price is good enough as the 3rd point and garbage time SG. With the way Gaines has played (and Watson has not), it's almost a shame we signed Earl. But Watson will probably improve as the season progresses and he becomes more comfortable with the Jazz plays.

Jeffers has done everything Sloan wants: fighting for rebounds, playing tough defense. I think he'll earn the 14th roster spot. And I think Thompson will stick with the team until January at least. If the Jazz aren't going to dump AK's salary, then keeping an undrafted rookie doesn't add all that much, even if you're effectively paying 2x his salary.
 
I dont think that sloan has gotten softer this year, but that the guys that pretty much "have not chance" saw what happened last year with a guys that "had no chance". I think that same guy worked his tail off and ended up a starter and got a nice contract. It kind of increases motivation if you dont just hear that everyone has a chance and you have actually seen it happen.

As for rotations:

If Fes can show consistency and Al can get in shape, then big Al may be the back up PF. Sap sits and Al moves to the PF and Fes goes center. Then Milsap can come back in for Al. I have a feeling that Ak will not be called on as much at the PF spot if we can get more production out of the backup center. I actually like Ak at the 3.
It will be an interesting first half of the year as far as rotations go. Might get even better when Okur comes back.
 
I'm just hoping Fes gets at least 8-10 minutes of burn per game during the regular season before Okur comes back and show some consistency.
 
From what I'm hearing on KFAN, all the young guys are in fact doing well in the games and deserve Sloan's praise. No senility there :cool:
The word on Wes Matthews and his ascension thru the NBA ranks is likely known to every FA's agent out there. At least those players on the Jazz were paying attention and showing it on the court!
Watson has been known from past history to shoot a little quick, and is likely trying to tone that down under Sloan's watchful eye. He has been playing tough D, pushing the ball upcourt and getting assists, which is what I like to see from my b/u PG.
TBH, I liked every FA signing, trade, and draft choice KoC made this off-season; trust me, that is a FIRST in my experience in my 50 years of following all my Pro Sports teams...
 
Things are starting to flesh out a bit with each game.

I really like AK starting, then subbing in CJ, then having AK back in for Sap. I have a feeling CJ will be the scoring 6th man, it's a perfect role for him.

Watson is definitely an upgrade at the backup PG. He get the team in their sets and runs the offense. Finally.
 
The way Gaines keeps drawing praise from Coach, we may end up with 4 PG's on the final 15, with Price as a combo-guard. Williams would be better at it, but openly dislikes that role... Two point guard lineups have been on the rise in the NBA anyway.
Thompson may end up in the D-league. We may be able to slip him thru, as he han't done enough, IMO, to draw a lot of interest from other teams...
 
After 7 games, the minutes on the floor by player are:

PG Williams (126), Watson (105), Gaines (45), Price (87)
SG Bell (133), Thompson (44), Jeffers (44)
SF Miles (166), Hayward (160), Evans (104), Nichols (44)
PF Millsap (174), Kirilenko (146)
C Jefferson (184), Fesenko (109), Elson (11)
 
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