So do we still need a star?

[framer]

I think Hayward could come back stronger and more explosive but I don't know how much more that will help him. I think at this point, it's his skillset and decision making that needs to improve and I faith he can figure it out.

I definitely expect Gobert to get stronger AND bigger AND to have stronger hands. He seems like a cerebral player to me that is quite aware of his limitations and what he needs to do in order to overcome them. I think Exum will gain weight just as a consequence of age. He will definitely get stronger but at this point it's his mechanics as well as approach to the game that need the most work.

At some point the refs will need to stop swallowing their whistles when Hayward drives the hoop. Harden would likely be DEAD if the refs allowed other teams to play HIM like they do Heyward. . .

 

[VINYLONE]

At some point the refs will need to stop swallowing their whistles when Hayward drives the hoop. Harden would likely be DEAD if the refs allowed other teams to play HIM like they do Heyward. . .

Absolutely. This is incredibly hard to argue with. Hayward rarely gets the benefit of the doubt when it comes to the refs whistle.

 

[The Fresh Prince]

We need someone who can drop 30 for us on any given night. Hopefully AB can do that with the extra time to work on his game in the lab.

 

[MilesDeep]

Really? He can't create offense for himself or others, and he's a good, not great, defender. Gordo all day over Favs.

Agreed! Favors has drastically improved offensively, but he is NOT more important than Gordon on either end.

I think the Jazz have a well balanced team that just needs a little more time to mature, and to work in their best creator and finisher at the rim; Burks. Hood was a steal, but I probably start Burks over him, simply because defense is strongly needed in the second unit because Hello, Burke is there. Hood fits nicely in any lineup, and should be able to score 16-17 points nightly.

Dante has the tools, but is simply overwhelmed at this point. After puberty, I predict he becomes at the very least, a borderline All-star talent, despite not having any facet of his offensive game that is currently above D-League level. Course, he went from playing high schoolers to the top 30 pgs in the world in a matter of days, takes a while to acclimate. In reality, a heavy dose of Koolaid and blind optimism are required if you currently watch him and think someday he'll be able to score consistently, I have both.

Utah does need a stretch four, but Booker may be able to work on that aspect of his game to tolerably fill that role. Ingles fills the need of a bright guy that's a good team player with only one iota of athletic talent, but has the special skill of getting under the skin of the opposition.

Gordon is easily Utah's best and most well rounded player, a fact that would be lost on no one if he didn't look like he just stepped out of choir. This also contributes to his lack of respect from the officials, but that will get better. He is worth every penny of his contract before the cap change, and is an absolute steal after the fact (I admit I thought they well overpaid).

I believe both Gobert and Exum will come back unrecognizable on offense, in a good way, and they both need to for the Jazz to become something more than playoff fodder. It would be nice to get someone really good in the draft or in free agency, but not a requirement. The greatest improvement needs to come from within.

 

[VINYLONE]

Agreed! Favors has drastically improved offensively, but he is NOT more important than Gordon on either end.

I think the Jazz have a well balanced team that just needs a little more time to mature, and to work in their best creator and finisher at the rim; Burks. Hood was a steal, but I probably start Burks over him, simply because defense is strongly needed in the second unit because Hello, Burke is there. Hood fits nicely in any lineup, and should be able to score 16-17 points nightly.

Dante has the tools, but is simply overwhelmed at this point. After puberty, I predict he becomes at the very least, a borderline All-star talent, despite not having any facet of his offensive game that is currently above D-League level. Course, he went from playing high schoolers to the top 30 pgs in the world in a matter of days, takes a while to acclimate. In reality, a heavy dose of Koolaid and blind optimism are required if you currently watch him and think someday he'll be able to score consistently, I have both.

Utah does need a stretch four, but Booker may be able to work on that aspect of his game to tolerably fill that role. Ingles fills the need of a bright guy that's a good team player with only one iota of athletic talent, but has the special skill of getting under the skin of the opposition.

Gordon is easily Utah's best and most well rounded player, a fact that would be lost on no one if he didn't look like he just stepped out of choir. This also contributes to his lack of respect from the officials, but that will get better. He is worth every penny of his contract before the cap change, and is an absolute steal after the fact (I admit I thought they well overpaid).

I believe both Gobert and Exum will come back unrecognizable on offense, in a good way, and they both need to for the Jazz to become something more than playoff fodder. It would be nice to get someone really good in the draft or in free agency, but not a requirement. The greatest improvement needs to come from within.

Great post. Adds excitement to my night...

 

[Elizah Huge]

So basically you guys are saying we have the 2nd best prospect in the league with Gobert behind AD.

 

[green]

I would trade Favors or Gobert for Steph Curry.

I don't know. I thought about Curry, but he has had a history of injuries. That is why he is so cheap now. In two years he will be 30 and maxed out big time...

I think I'd rather keep Favors and Gobert. It's easier to find scorers than it is to find such amazing interior defenders. Those two guarantee us 45 wins a year. Maybe more. Throw in a little offense....man, we could be better than GS.

 

[sgjazzfan]

Agreed! Favors has drastically improved offensively, but he is NOT more important than Gordon on either end.

I think the Jazz have a well balanced team that just needs a little more time to mature, and to work in their best creator and finisher at the rim; Burks. Hood was a steal, but I probably start Burks over him, simply because defense is strongly needed in the second unit because Hello, Burke is there. Hood fits nicely in any lineup, and should be able to score 16-17 points nightly.

Dante has the tools, but is simply overwhelmed at this point. After puberty, I predict he becomes at the very least, a borderline All-star talent, despite not having any facet of his offensive game that is currently above D-League level. Course, he went from playing high schoolers to the top 30 pgs in the world in a matter of days, takes a while to acclimate. In reality, a heavy dose of Koolaid and blind optimism are required if you currently watch him and think someday he'll be able to score consistently, I have both.

Utah does need a stretch four, but Booker may be able to work on that aspect of his game to tolerably fill that role. Ingles fills the need of a bright guy that's a good team player with only one iota of athletic talent, but has the special skill of getting under the skin of the opposition.

Gordon is easily Utah's best and most well rounded player, a fact that would be lost on no one if he didn't look like he just stepped out of choir. This also contributes to his lack of respect from the officials, but that will get better. He is worth every penny of his contract before the cap change, and is an absolute steal after the fact (I admit I thought they well overpaid).

I believe both Gobert and Exum will come back unrecognizable on offense, in a good way, and they both need to for the Jazz to become something more than playoff fodder. It would be nice to get someone really good in the draft or in free agency, but not a requirement. The greatest improvement needs to come from within.

Yeah, I think we just need to have patients and let the ingredients simmer so to speak. Exum's defense will only improve with strength that he is bound to get just by getting older, but especially with specialized training over the summer. Gobert will get better offensively, as he seems to REALLY want to be the best. Favors is improving every year, no reason to think that doesn't continue. Hood is a rookie who has missed a lot of time with injury, and will only get more consistent. If Hayward plays at this level for the next 3 years, I'll be more than satisfied but I think he'll be more efficient as the rest of the team improves. Burks seemed to be improving as well, will be a huge boost to this team. Burke I have my questions about, but he has his moments (like last night against the Lakers), he just needs to do that more consistently, and not have any off nights where he is 0-8 or 1-11. The rest of the guys are place holders as far as I'm concerned. I think they will end up as depth that gets no more than a few minutes per game if Jazz are playing at championship level.

 

[green]

Right now this year that is debatable. I'd lean towards giving the nod to Hayward but it's close. I think Gobert has the chance to surpass them both ina season or two.

I love Gobert. LOVE Gobert. But, I'm not sure his offense ever gets good enough for multiple All Stars. Favors is there right now. He is a shot or two from All Star numbers. I think Hayward will stay at the numbers he is at right now, but will become more efficient (take less shots). I think Favors continues to improve and scores 23 or so a night next year. Add in his defense, PER, Jazz being in the playoff hunt, etc, Favors will be an All Star next year IMO.

 

[TheStormofWar]

This is a playoff caliber team now. We're just waiting for a full season at this point. To get over the hump, they either need someone to step up, do a hell of a deal, or add that extra wrinkle to be special.

But hey, I'll settle with the playoffs for now.

 

[Handlogten's Heros]

All three of them will be Co-MVPs next year... Get on the damn bus!

 

[VINYLONE]

So basically you guys are saying we have the 2nd best prospect in the league with Gobert behind AD.

I don't know where Gobert ranks and to be frank, I don't care. So much of how a player succeeds is based on his age, the coach, his teammates, timing, etc. Currently, we have something special with Gobert and I think it can only get better.

 

[framer]

I love Gobert. LOVE Gobert. But, I'm not sure his offense ever gets good enough for multiple All Stars. Favors is there right now. He is a shot or two from All Star numbers. I think Hayward will stay at the numbers he is at right now, but will become more efficient (take less shots). I think Favors continues to improve and scores 23 or so a night next year. Add in his defense, PER, Jazz being in the playoff hunt, etc, Favors will be an All Star next year IMO.

Actually, I think Gobert has a chance to get voted in by the fans. Which center in the west has the combination of talent and likability that Gobert has? Marc Gasol won last year, and I can see Gobert being far more popular than him. It is much more fun to watch Gobert play in this type of game. We just need to get on TV next year.