karpasov
Well-Known Member
Hello everybody. I'm a veteran fan of the Jazz, since i was a little boy and watched Stockton & Malone clash magic, Clide and Jordan in 4 A.M Israel time. This forum means a lot to me. In Israel, a small country, there ar very few Jazz fans, to say the least. Since I discovered this forum I feel "belong"...
Excited toward the new season, I decided to translate one of Israel's best NBA magazines - Walla NBA, Jazz prediction, and post it here. It took me a while, and my English is not 100%,but i thought it might be interesting for everyone to hear what is being said about the Jazz here in the middle east. I really hope you will enjoy it and that the "Optimistic scenario" will come true.
So here it is:
"
Utah Jazz prediction: The song remains the same
Friday, 8 October 2010, 16: 00
Utah has strong defence and players who want to prove themselves, but it won't be enough when again Kobe is waiting in the Playoffs
Previous chapter summary
2009-10 season: 29 53
Finished the last season: swept. 4-0 against the Lakers semi-finals of the WC
The last season started with 14:18 balance until the end of December and with no positive line on the horizon: Mehmet okur experienced a decline in his abilities, Paul Millsap didn't evolve due to the decision of Carlos Boozer o stay for another season, Eric minor sent to OKC for savings reasons only.
But in January and throughout the rest of the season came a different tune: Okur started to block (averaged 1.5 game, more than double compared to his career Blk average); C. j. Miles made 1.3 Threes a game ; increasing Minutes to Millsap raised his productivity accordingly; Of course When Ronnie Brewer was sent for a future draft pick, irritated Deron Williams--but undrafted rooky Wesley Matthews filled successfully the place of Brewer, he also provided long distance shooting outside the arc. Utah has finished the last three months and a half of the season fifth with a 15:35 run.
In the first round of the playoffs, the Jazz have dealt with lack of home court advantage, and with Okur and Kirilenko wounded. Utah surprised with a six games win over the Nuggets and was running for a third consecutive matchup with the Lakers. Kirilenko returned for 12-17 minutes on two home games, but this did not prevent a sweep and a negative balance of 12: 3 against the lakers in the playoffs in the recent years. Utah has finished the season with a summer of uncertainty around Boozer and with thoughts concerning its potential to be a relevant contender.
I know what you've done last summer
Came: Al Jefferson (from Minnesota), Gordon Heyward (Rooky, selected 9th), Raja Bell (, golden State), Earl Watson (, Indiana), Francisco Elson, Jeremy Evans (Rooky, selected 55), Ryan Thompson (Rooky, undrafted)
Left: Carlos Boozer Kyle Corver ( Chicago), Wesley Matthews (Portland), Costa Coufos (Minnesota)
Utah fans have prepared themselves mentally to the leave of Boozer already two summers consecutively, but did not imagined he will go the Chicago jazz together with Kyle Corver and Brewer. They did not imagine that for two consecutive summers, Portland will submit a proposal to a Utah limited free agent (Wesley Matthews, Paul Millsap last year). Also the 9th draft selection was not used for the big man that Utah fans hoped to receive. Instead the pick went for SF forward Gordon Heyward.
But tidings soon came. Boozer decided to bonus Utah, and moved to Chicago in a "trade and sign" deal (at the same time he bonused himself as well with an upgraded contract). The jazz have used the trade exception, and the enthusiasm of Minnesota's GM to get rid of Al Jefferson to sign him. For the price of two future draft picks and the rights on Costas Coufus, Utah has immediately found a replacement for Boozer: younger (25) and cheaper (42 million in three years; Boozer signed the 80 million to five years).
With proven experience and as a "Kobe stopper", Raja Bell took the place of Matthews. also with much cheaper contract. Also came veteran Earl Watson, who came as the backup for Williams who will cause pain for defenders all throughout the WC.
What about Rooky Gordon Heyward? He is pure shooter with excellent ball control, delivery capability, and above all the game wisdom which fit the Jerry Sloan method.
What who why
Starting Line-up: Deron Williams, Raja Bell, Andrei Kirilenko, Paul Milsap, Al Jefferson
Bench: Earl Watson, Ronnie price, C. J. miles, Gordon Heyward, Jeremy Evans, Kirilo Fesenko, Francisco Elson, Mehmet Okur
Coach: Jerry Sloan
Applicant intrusions:
This is what Millsap did during the 2009 season, when Boozer was out for a long period: 16 consecutive games double-doubles in points and Rebounds, longest sequence since Kevin Garnett somewhere during 2004; Averaged 16 points, 54.5% from the field, 10.3 rebounds (4.1 of them offensive), with average 1.2 Blks. All of this in 38 games he was a starter. The next season, Boozer presence denied the flourish of Millsap, first, his statistics took a step backward, but still he actually had the ability to hold his own playing great in the playoffs and even more against LA (19 on average). So although Jefferson came as the replacement of Boozer, Millsap is expected to start - also because Okur is wounded currently and that Jefferson can play Center. We'll wait and see how Sloan and Williams will use this combination on offense, but at least on the defensive end, they are pair that can provide together 3 blocks a game, which is 2.5 times what Boozer and Okur could obtain.
Some other comments:
Okur tore the tendon Achilles at the beginning of the first round against Denver, and slow recovery rate is predicted. Okur is due back in December or January for the role of forward-Center replacement unless Sloan sees that "Millsap-Jefferson" simply does not work. In any case, the mixture of advanced age (31), and that recovering from injuries is difficult and perpetrators, make it obvious decline to Utah's status in the WC.
X-factor:
Did we mention that young C. J. Miles (23) has enhanced his 3-pts shot last season? Also, in the last 10 games of playoffs, Miles had 14.4 points. Now, miles is in the role of Kyle Corver, i.e. power fire from the bench, but he is able to do much more. If he succeed to function as the scorer and leader of the jazz 2nd unit and improve his D capabilities ( Raja Bell already took him "under his wing") – Utah becomes a team with present and future promise.
Crystal ball
Optimistic scenario:
Sloan's method works. Jefferson provides 25 points with higher percentage than ever. He maintains his health and maintains the role – the new big man taking care of business in Utah. Countless stops in D thanks to Jefferson, Millsap and Kirilenko, blocks and rebounds. Kirilenko healthy and stable more than ever (well, it's a contract year) and with Bell, miles, Watson & Deron, jazz becomes one of the leading defenses in the League that keep rivals on a very low shooting percentage. Okur returns to get in the game and plays the vetern role come playoff time. Heyward demonstrates sparks of genius; Utah finishes second in the West and Sloan, finally wins the coach of the year title .Jazz meet LA in WCF and lose it only on the seventh game. But finally, the combined treatment of Bell, miles and Kirilanko prevent Kobe Bryant, to kill them with ease.
The pessimistic scenario:
The method that is based on Jefferson isolations on the low post , does not work. the offence is stuck.. Millsap again, stuck between Jefferson, that blocs the paint, and the seat. Kirilenko repeatedly give the same games sequences - one good, one bad and one outside because of injury. Miles takes a step back, and Heyward's softness causes Sloan to mention the name "Keith Van Horne", to describe his impression. Utah finishes 8th in the West, Bryant is happy to have a good shooting practice already in the first round and the balance vs. LA falls to 16: 3.
Forecast:
Things that work good usually continue to do so. The bench is a little thin and the talking about trading Kirilenko with Boris Diaw, continue to harm the chimestry. Nevertheless, Utah looks great on paper, and can take the Northwest division. In Denver and Portland there is a lot of uncertainty, Oklahoma is still very young and this season with the burden of expectations.
Prediction: WC 3rd-4th place. Playoffs – WC SF or even WCF.
All this will end as soon as the jazz encounter the Lakers again. "
Excited toward the new season, I decided to translate one of Israel's best NBA magazines - Walla NBA, Jazz prediction, and post it here. It took me a while, and my English is not 100%,but i thought it might be interesting for everyone to hear what is being said about the Jazz here in the middle east. I really hope you will enjoy it and that the "Optimistic scenario" will come true.
So here it is:
"
Utah Jazz prediction: The song remains the same
Friday, 8 October 2010, 16: 00
Utah has strong defence and players who want to prove themselves, but it won't be enough when again Kobe is waiting in the Playoffs
Previous chapter summary
2009-10 season: 29 53
Finished the last season: swept. 4-0 against the Lakers semi-finals of the WC
The last season started with 14:18 balance until the end of December and with no positive line on the horizon: Mehmet okur experienced a decline in his abilities, Paul Millsap didn't evolve due to the decision of Carlos Boozer o stay for another season, Eric minor sent to OKC for savings reasons only.
But in January and throughout the rest of the season came a different tune: Okur started to block (averaged 1.5 game, more than double compared to his career Blk average); C. j. Miles made 1.3 Threes a game ; increasing Minutes to Millsap raised his productivity accordingly; Of course When Ronnie Brewer was sent for a future draft pick, irritated Deron Williams--but undrafted rooky Wesley Matthews filled successfully the place of Brewer, he also provided long distance shooting outside the arc. Utah has finished the last three months and a half of the season fifth with a 15:35 run.
In the first round of the playoffs, the Jazz have dealt with lack of home court advantage, and with Okur and Kirilenko wounded. Utah surprised with a six games win over the Nuggets and was running for a third consecutive matchup with the Lakers. Kirilenko returned for 12-17 minutes on two home games, but this did not prevent a sweep and a negative balance of 12: 3 against the lakers in the playoffs in the recent years. Utah has finished the season with a summer of uncertainty around Boozer and with thoughts concerning its potential to be a relevant contender.
I know what you've done last summer
Came: Al Jefferson (from Minnesota), Gordon Heyward (Rooky, selected 9th), Raja Bell (, golden State), Earl Watson (, Indiana), Francisco Elson, Jeremy Evans (Rooky, selected 55), Ryan Thompson (Rooky, undrafted)
Left: Carlos Boozer Kyle Corver ( Chicago), Wesley Matthews (Portland), Costa Coufos (Minnesota)
Utah fans have prepared themselves mentally to the leave of Boozer already two summers consecutively, but did not imagined he will go the Chicago jazz together with Kyle Corver and Brewer. They did not imagine that for two consecutive summers, Portland will submit a proposal to a Utah limited free agent (Wesley Matthews, Paul Millsap last year). Also the 9th draft selection was not used for the big man that Utah fans hoped to receive. Instead the pick went for SF forward Gordon Heyward.
But tidings soon came. Boozer decided to bonus Utah, and moved to Chicago in a "trade and sign" deal (at the same time he bonused himself as well with an upgraded contract). The jazz have used the trade exception, and the enthusiasm of Minnesota's GM to get rid of Al Jefferson to sign him. For the price of two future draft picks and the rights on Costas Coufus, Utah has immediately found a replacement for Boozer: younger (25) and cheaper (42 million in three years; Boozer signed the 80 million to five years).
With proven experience and as a "Kobe stopper", Raja Bell took the place of Matthews. also with much cheaper contract. Also came veteran Earl Watson, who came as the backup for Williams who will cause pain for defenders all throughout the WC.
What about Rooky Gordon Heyward? He is pure shooter with excellent ball control, delivery capability, and above all the game wisdom which fit the Jerry Sloan method.
What who why
Starting Line-up: Deron Williams, Raja Bell, Andrei Kirilenko, Paul Milsap, Al Jefferson
Bench: Earl Watson, Ronnie price, C. J. miles, Gordon Heyward, Jeremy Evans, Kirilo Fesenko, Francisco Elson, Mehmet Okur
Coach: Jerry Sloan
Applicant intrusions:
This is what Millsap did during the 2009 season, when Boozer was out for a long period: 16 consecutive games double-doubles in points and Rebounds, longest sequence since Kevin Garnett somewhere during 2004; Averaged 16 points, 54.5% from the field, 10.3 rebounds (4.1 of them offensive), with average 1.2 Blks. All of this in 38 games he was a starter. The next season, Boozer presence denied the flourish of Millsap, first, his statistics took a step backward, but still he actually had the ability to hold his own playing great in the playoffs and even more against LA (19 on average). So although Jefferson came as the replacement of Boozer, Millsap is expected to start - also because Okur is wounded currently and that Jefferson can play Center. We'll wait and see how Sloan and Williams will use this combination on offense, but at least on the defensive end, they are pair that can provide together 3 blocks a game, which is 2.5 times what Boozer and Okur could obtain.
Some other comments:
Okur tore the tendon Achilles at the beginning of the first round against Denver, and slow recovery rate is predicted. Okur is due back in December or January for the role of forward-Center replacement unless Sloan sees that "Millsap-Jefferson" simply does not work. In any case, the mixture of advanced age (31), and that recovering from injuries is difficult and perpetrators, make it obvious decline to Utah's status in the WC.
X-factor:
Did we mention that young C. J. Miles (23) has enhanced his 3-pts shot last season? Also, in the last 10 games of playoffs, Miles had 14.4 points. Now, miles is in the role of Kyle Corver, i.e. power fire from the bench, but he is able to do much more. If he succeed to function as the scorer and leader of the jazz 2nd unit and improve his D capabilities ( Raja Bell already took him "under his wing") – Utah becomes a team with present and future promise.
Crystal ball
Optimistic scenario:
Sloan's method works. Jefferson provides 25 points with higher percentage than ever. He maintains his health and maintains the role – the new big man taking care of business in Utah. Countless stops in D thanks to Jefferson, Millsap and Kirilenko, blocks and rebounds. Kirilenko healthy and stable more than ever (well, it's a contract year) and with Bell, miles, Watson & Deron, jazz becomes one of the leading defenses in the League that keep rivals on a very low shooting percentage. Okur returns to get in the game and plays the vetern role come playoff time. Heyward demonstrates sparks of genius; Utah finishes second in the West and Sloan, finally wins the coach of the year title .Jazz meet LA in WCF and lose it only on the seventh game. But finally, the combined treatment of Bell, miles and Kirilanko prevent Kobe Bryant, to kill them with ease.
The pessimistic scenario:
The method that is based on Jefferson isolations on the low post , does not work. the offence is stuck.. Millsap again, stuck between Jefferson, that blocs the paint, and the seat. Kirilenko repeatedly give the same games sequences - one good, one bad and one outside because of injury. Miles takes a step back, and Heyward's softness causes Sloan to mention the name "Keith Van Horne", to describe his impression. Utah finishes 8th in the West, Bryant is happy to have a good shooting practice already in the first round and the balance vs. LA falls to 16: 3.
Forecast:
Things that work good usually continue to do so. The bench is a little thin and the talking about trading Kirilenko with Boris Diaw, continue to harm the chimestry. Nevertheless, Utah looks great on paper, and can take the Northwest division. In Denver and Portland there is a lot of uncertainty, Oklahoma is still very young and this season with the burden of expectations.
Prediction: WC 3rd-4th place. Playoffs – WC SF or even WCF.
All this will end as soon as the jazz encounter the Lakers again. "
