What PG do you want the jazz to go get?

[Red]

This. Cotton has yet to play a single play of impressive D, from my recollection. These two Cotton homers are tiresome.

My sincere apologies to all members of Jazzfanz for wanting my guy to make your roster. I think we have an exciting season upcoming. I confess, I had this idea that it would be fun to see a player I think the world of, make the Jazz roster for that upcoming season. I did not know it was considered in poor taste to be a homer, or support a guy I like. I did not know it was wrong to not only want Cotton to make the roster, but to actually support that outcome in this public venue.


I did not realize it's OK for long standing members of this board to support their favorite players. Unless said board member is a "homer". Then, said board member is apparently expected to keep his mouth shut on this board. Well, now I know! Thanks for straightening that out for me, dalamon.....

 

[Doublea]

Sorry I try your patience, but I have tempered my expectations all along, and there are more Cotton supporters on this board then just the two "homers". It's not hurting anyone if I speak up for my guy now and then. It was Snyder, not Red, who said of Cotton that "you get excited by his potential". It was the FO, not Red, who signed the guy. Furthermore, every pundent known, has talked about what to do about the pg rotation. And since that includes Cotton, he becomes part of that conversation. Two of the options in this poll include going with Burke, Neto, and Cotton. So, if you find mention of Cotton so dang tiresome, why not blame the two basketball morons, Lindsey and Snyder, one for signing him in the first place, and one for saying he likes the kid's potential. Yes, I am a homer for Cotton. But in reality you might as well say Lindsey and Snyder don't know a piece of crap player when they see one.

If you're tired of me, you must be tired of anyone that supports the idea of having the guy on the team. Believe me when I tell you, he was not signed because me or any other homer got on the horn with the FO and talked them into signing him....

I wouldn't be sad if Cotton was traded. A rotation of Burke, Neto, and Cotton is so weak and terrible.

 

[NUMBERICA]

Cotton's upside is much higher than his trade value (nearly non-existent). He's worth a look.

This is ****ty and I'm sure I'll be #burnedatthemother****ingstake for this, but the Jazz would be wise to prepare for the possibility that Exum isn't the answer. I think the likelihood that Exum takes 2016 by storm but simultaneously can't handle a little competition for minutes is much lower than the likelihood that the Jazz suffer short-term and long-term if they sit on their hands. I don't know what's out there, but I'll take the upside of having a proven NBA player in camp than trying to cobble an answer together mid-season if Burke continues to be a remorseless chucker that plays bad D but has a heart of gold.

 

[GoFriars]

This. Cotton has yet to play a single play of impressive D, from my recollection. These two Cotton homers are tiresome.

These unknowledgeable Jazz fans are tiresome.

 

[Doublea]

These unknowledgeable Jazz fans are tiresome.

So you think Cotton can play defense?

 

[Stifle Tower]

My sincere apologies to all members of Jazzfanz for wanting my guy to make your roster. I think we have an exciting season upcoming. I confess, I had this idea that it would be fun to see a player I think the world of, make the Jazz roster for that upcoming season. I did not know it was considered in poor taste to be a homer, or support a guy I like. I did not know it was wrong to not only want Cotton to make the roster, but to actually support that outcome in this public venue.

You and GoFriars are welcome to wave the pom-poms for Cotton. I take no offense to your support. Heaven knows we've had vehement followers of other players or prospective draft picks on this board. Let he who is without sin cast a stone at you two.

I have no ties to Cotton, but I'd love to see him have a breakout season. Why? Because it would make the Jazz a much better team and boost their weakest position. But I say the same thing about Burke and Neto. Please don't let a vocal few chase you away.

 

[fishonjazz]

Cotton's upside is much higher than his trade value (nearly non-existent). He's worth a look.

This is ****ty and I'm sure I'll be #burnedatthemother****ingstake for this, but the Jazz would be wise to prepare for the possibility that Exum isn't the answer. I think the likelihood that Exum takes 2016 by storm but simultaneously can't handle a little competition for minutes is much lower than the likelihood that the Jazz suffer short-term and long-term if they sit on their hands. I don't know what's out there, but I'll take the upside of having a proven NBA player in camp than trying to cobble an answer together mid-season if Burke continues to be a remorseless chucker that plays bad D but has a heart of gold.

I agree

 

[Stifle Tower]

This is ****ty and I'm sure I'll be #burnedatthemother****ingstake for this, but the Jazz would be wise to prepare for the possibility that Exum isn't the answer. I think the likelihood that Exum takes 2016 by storm but simultaneously can't handle a little competition for minutes is much lower than the likelihood that the Jazz suffer short-term and long-term if they sit on their hands. I don't know what's out there, but I'll take the upside of having a proven NBA player in camp than trying to cobble an answer together mid-season if Burke continues to be a remorseless chucker that plays bad D but has a heart of gold.

It's a valid concern. I'm not sure that Exum will be the answer, either. TBH, since we already have play makers in Hood, Hayward and Burks, what we really need from our PG is a dead-eye 3PT shooter. The 4 PG's we have on our roster all fall short of that at the present time.

I'll bet DL started making calls as soon as Exum's ACL tear was confirmed. We know Utah went after Terry as a FA. But opposing GM's are probably asking for quite a bit because they think Utah is desperate. The market will be much different at the deadline, with Utah able to take on salary and some teams likely wanting to offload veterans. Unfortunately, I don't think there are viable trade options right now.

 

[Jazz4ever]

Completely agree. Put Cotton on a team where he can play meaningful minutes and watch the magic happen. Jazz fans seem to think hes a third string at best after watching 4 NBA games and 8 summer league games, because you know 12 or so games is enough to write a player off . . .

Trust me as someone who has watched Bryce for 5 years now, you want him to play as many minutes as possible. Am I biased? Yes. Am I right? Yes.

Of course, the people on here and Twitter who are "experts" after watching those 12 or so games will write him off but I just hope there are no hard feelings when he is making highlight plays and starring on another team.

I've said this in an earlier post, your boy will never get another opportunity like this. There is a glaring hole at PG and, although Burke will start, he will get a very short leash this time around. If Cotton is as good as you think, he should be able to win the job in no time.

 

[Doublea]

It's a valid concern. I'm not sure that Exum will be the answer, either. TBH, since we already have play makers in Hood, Hayward and Burks, what we really need from our PG is a dead-eye 3PT shooter. The 4 PG's we have on our roster all fall short of that at the present time.

I'll bet DL started making calls as soon as Exum's ACL tear was confirmed. We know Utah went after Terry as a FA. But opposing GM's are probably asking for quite a bit because they think Utah is desperate. The market will be much different at the deadline, with Utah able to take on salary and some teams likely wanting to offload veterans. Unfortunately, I don't think there are viable trade options right now.

Wasn't Chalmers a pretty good 3 point shooter during the lebron era? Seems like he could be a nice guy to bring in and provide a lot of experience and knowing his role.

 

[Stifle Tower]

Wasn't Chalmers a pretty good 3 point shooter during the lebron era? Seems like he could be a nice guy to bring in and provide a lot of experience and knowing his role.

A little worrisome that his shooting percentages fell off the cliff last season (<30% on his 3's) and he's never been a guy known for assists. I guess you could attribute that to LBJ. But without Lebron, he had his worst season. He's also coming off knee surgery. A few red flags to be concerned about.

 

[NUMBERICA]

I'm more concerned with guys that don't spread the floor (Temple) than guys that aren't great defensive players (Calderon [who, by the way, is big enough to guard wings if it's better for him to be hidden and/or if the Jazz want to switch]). It's unfortunate that Burke doesn't seem to do either of these things well AND is a high usage player. I'm rooting for Burke to succeed as much or more than anyone, but let's not be foolish about this, the sample size is no longer insignificant. Burke having a more diminished role last year is probably the second-biggest reason behind the turnaround last year (behind Gobert ousting Kanter). To pin your hopes that that ship is going to sail you to success is simply foolish.

I'll take my chances with a guy that doesn't need to tax the team with his usage rate and/or can hit a 3. If they can defend, that's gravy. I'll take Hill, Chalmers, Calderon, Reddick, Hinrich, or Collison if the price isn't too steep. Is Kendall Marshall a thing?

 

[Red]

I think I might have vented a bit. Don't like to be confused with anyone else. Took something a bit too personal. All much ado about nothing, but just so I feel like I'm not confused with any other Cotton homers. I have never over hyped the guy. Not once. Stated from the start I did arrive as a homer and just wanted him to make this roster. He does that, and the rest is up to him and his coach. Never made predictions or claims. Make the roster. Never said he should start or would lead the Jazz to the promised land. I can't see the future. If he's out in Utah, sure he might play the Jazz with a chip, but I couldn't care less. Never said "you'll" regret it. I've gone out of my way to wait and see. Gave y'all what I had just to help know the guy. The video of the workout with Dunn and Shammgod likely would have been missed otherwise. So, I've pitched him, but I never over hyped him or made claims that only nail a person as nothing but a homer.

 

[Red]

Sorry for referring to Lindsey and Snyder that way. That's like the wife ticks you off enough, say something crazy about your mother-in-law. Spread the anger. Obviously, I don't see them that way at all...

 

[karl malone]

...but the Jazz would be wise to prepare for the possibility that Exum isn't the answer.

Agree completely. I personally think that Exum will still be our long-term PG, just that the injury will delay this by at least a year. That being said, ideally, you should have a (long-term) backup plan at every position & PG is the only position in which we are currently lacking one. We have 3 (current) starting caliber players (Burks, Hood, & Hayward) on the wing & 3 (potential) starting caliber players (Favors, Lyles, & Gobert) in the frontcourt. Burke was supposed to be that at PG, but it isn't looking like that's going to happen. One of Neto or Cotton could surpass expectations & become that, but I wouldn't count on it. The Exum injury was unfortunate, but it could turn out for the best as it may cause the FO to acquire a player (which it otherwise wouldn't have) capable of:

-Outperforming the production we likely would have received from Exum this year.
-Contributing beyond next year.
-Providing insurance incase Exum isn't the answer.

The attributes that I would prioritize in potential targets are:

-Defense (This would allow the team to maintain the formula that propelled them to the success that they had with Exum as the starting PG & also allow the team to transition back to Exum if/when he returns)
-Established starting caliber player (This will potentially make the team better than it would have been with Exum starting)
-Age (Someone who fits in with the timeline of our young core)
-Long-term (reasonable) contract (Someone who will be a long-term contributor)
-Plays multiple positions (This allows him to potentially contribute in more than just a backup role if Exum does turn out to be our long-term PG)

I expect the FO to enter the season with what we currently have at PG before deciding whether to make a trade, but I personally think they should put the team in a position to win right out of the gate. Obviously there aren't many players that fit the description above that are available at a reasonable price, but I would target Avery Bradley as BOS currently has an abundance of guards & could be willing to part with him for a future 1st rd pick + filler.

Bradley/(2 of Burke, Neto, & Cotton)
Hood/Burks/Millsap
Hayward/Ingles
Favors/Booker/Lyles
Gobert/Pleiss/Withey

If Exum reaches his potential, an 8 man rotation of Exum, Bradley, Burks, Hood, Hayward, Lyles, Favors, & Gobert could potentially be championship caliber. If the asking price is reasonable, I would make the trade as it would still allow us to use this year to transition into the upper echelon of the Western Conference, be playoff regulars regardless of the outcome of Exum's injury, & potentially championship caliber if Exum reaches his potential. I'd prefer this (assuming the price is reasonable) over hoping that one of Burke, Neto, or Cotton emerges & making a trade at the deadline if none do. We are at an important crossroad in our overall developmental timeline as a team, I hope we don't allow an unfortunate injury set us back a year (or more) as it could have a major impact on the long-term future of this team.

TLDR: Trade for Avery Bradley (if the asking price is reasonable)

 

[NUMBERICA]

Avery Bradley is the size of a PG, but he really isn't one... is he? Distribution/ballhandling ability is still important to me. I guess I don't know much about the guy.

 

[NUMBERICA]

Also, I'm not scared of a guy that's on the tail-end of his prime or tail-end of his career. If they give us a couple of good years, I'm not going to turn that down if I can't get more ideal production. It gives the Jazz time and options to figure out what the hell they're doing at the position and right now it looks bad.

 

[Deleted member 848]

Remember all the people who scoffed at Kanter for Avery Bradley trades here on Jazzfanz? Morons.

 

[Joe Bagadonuts]

From the same article:

"The Utah Jazz have a culture that is gaining velocity. Players staying in Salt Lake City to train together. Chatting on twitter together. Gordon Hayward inviting Jazz players to train with him in Indy. General Management making good personnel decisions and getting foreign investments to play in the United States. The coaching staff is able to have players stay on track with development in the offseason. There is tangible velocity. Adding an additional high profile player would cause disruption. Disruption is not always a bad thing, but in the current case of the Utah Jazz it is an unnecessary thing.

The Utah Jazz are trending up. They're gaining velocity. This forward momentum is not because they're young, that they have a good coach, or because they have a good general manager. Sometime during the next year, pundits will talk about how something special is happening in Utah. They'll compliment parts of the organization. But they'll be missing the mark. It'll be a result of all those elements being aligned and working for each other. The Utah Jazz will have developed a culture and that will be more valuable to the Utah Jazz and its fans than any player, coach, or general manager ever could be alone."
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This I understand. And it's the one thing that most impressed me about the Jazz when they first signed Cotton. It's the reason I wanted Cotton to stay on this team. Seeing most of the regulars at the Utah Summer League, with the stands full really told me all I needed to know that something special might happen here. As a Cotton booster, what more could I ask for was my thinking all along. Still is. Unfortunately, I'm no longer convinced Cotton is seen by Lindsey and Coach the same way I see him. As someone who will breakout and continue to surprise. But if they are looking for stop gaps I assume Burke, Neto, and Cotton might not cut it in their eyes. But I believe in the guy still. He's receded into the background of folk's thinking ever since Dante went down, but I think he can help. That's a fan's faith, though. Not an objective standard.

In questioning DL's confidence in Cotton you must be referring to info that I'm not aware of, because I've never heard him say anything bad about the guy. I'm sure DL hopes he works out. I assume he's concerned about his size and defensive ability, and maybe his shoot first mentality.

What you need to understand is that comments on this board are not objective, and those who have been around here for any length of time know that every new player attracts his share of homers to the message board. Time has proven that most of the things those fans of one player believe to be true don't turn out that way. The reason is that the NBA is a huge step up from any other league in the world. So don't be surprised when, no matter how confident you are in Cotton, others who don't know him the way you do take a wait and see approach.

Lastly, if Cotton comes out on fire like he was at the end of last season you are going to have the pleasure of driving a bandwagon that's going to load up very quickly. I hope it happens, but as a fan of the Jazz, I would be just as happy if it was Neto or Burke that blew up.

 

[karl malone]

Avery Bradley is the size of a PG, but he really isn't one... is he? Distribution/ballhandling ability is still important to me. I guess I don't know much about the guy.

Avery Bradley is definitely a SG in a PG's body. He won't provide the passing/distributing abilities of a prototypical PG (which shouldn't be a problem with Hayward facilitating the offense), but he will provide the great defense & decent shooting that will allow the team to follow the formula that made them successful with Exum as the starting PG. He's also on a 3/25(ish) contract, meaning that he either stays as our unconventional PG that allows us to maintain the league's best defense if Exum doesn't work out, or he becomes our young version of Tony Allen off of the bench if Exum regains the starting PG role. He also provides another option (along with Burks) at SG long-term (with Hood sliding to SF) if Hayward were to leave once he is able to opt-out (or PG if Exum busts), although I believe that acquiring Bradley would go a long way towards retaining Hayward as our success over the next 2 years will likely be the determining factor in whether he re-signs long-term. Of all the options, including standing pat, I believe that he makes the most sense (assuming the price is reasonable).