KOC Interview from Locked on Sports today

[Hopper]

I also thought it was interesting, and insightful, that KOC put special emphasis on (1) Jefferson's age (25) and (2) his work ethic (which Kevin McHale reaffirms in the NBA video in the other thread).

When ya think about it, Deron is just now reachin his prime. He aint a kid no more, and his "older brother" (Booza) aint around to assert rank on him no more. CJ, Paperboy, Deron, Jefferson, they're all about the same age, which is neither "young" nor "old." They have a real shot at growing together without age differences creating some "distance" between them. They are "mature" but not tired, jaded, or at the point where they are "resting on their laurels" (AK, anyone?). Deron is now set to really assert his leadership, and set the tone for competitiveness and commitment for this young group. Let's hope he does it well.

 

[Jazz4ever]

KOC seemed pretty disinterested when talking about Matthews, always a tell with him. He is defenitely gone I think, but we alrady knew that.

 

[vj_74]

B) "Deron is a part of this organization" and he provides input on a lot of players. Explains why Deron was pretty diplomatic about what was happening. Not too much reaction to Boozer and Korver leaving, outside of wishing them well. He knew the Jefferson deal was on the front burner.

Is that why he said that our FO did'nt look that busy(half-jokingly) and that the only guys who were busy this offseason were his ex-teammates? He also expressed mild frustration and also mentioned that he was missing the Worlds championships because he figured he might have to shoulder a bigger load this season. I am not sure you can call that "diplomatic" even if he knew what was going on.He clearly was putting some pressureon the FO to make something happen.

 

[David Stern]

KOC seemed pretty disinterested when talking about Matthews, always a tell with him. He is defenitely gone I think, but we alrady knew that.

He could be trying to make people (Portland) think that...

 

[Beantown]

Also KOC said he talked to Jefferson today. He said that Jefferson was excited to come to Utah and be with alot of other players in the prime of their career. Im sure he is stoked to play with Dwill. Im betting he has a great season and this change will give him a big spark going into the season.

 

[Borat]

Is that why he said that our FO did'nt look that busy(half-jokingly) and that the only guys who were busy this offseason were his ex-teammates? He also expressed mild frustration and also mentioned that he was missing the Worlds championships because he figured he might have to shoulder a bigger load this season. I am not sure you can call that "diplomatic" even if he knew what was going on.He clearly was putting some pressureon the FO to make something happen.

Doesn't matter now, does it VJ? I was as frustrated as anyone else, but this one move turned entire off-season around.

 

[Hopper]

I am not sure you can call that "diplomatic" even if he knew what was going on.He clearly was putting some pressureon the FO to make something happen.

You left out the most important thing he said, eh, VJ? He said, dead serious, that Miami wanted him, and obviously he plans to force a trade, one way or another.

 

[bluenote]

When ya think about it, Deron is just now reachin his prime. He aint a kid no more, and his "older brother" (Booza) aint around to assert rank on him no more. CJ, Paperboy, Deron, Jefferson, they're all about the same age, which is neither "young" nor "old." They have a real shot at growing together without age differences creating some "distance" between them. They are "mature" but not tired, jaded, or at the point where they are "resting on their laurels" (AK, anyone?). Deron is now set to really assert his leadership, and set the tone for competitiveness and commitment for this young group. Let's hope he does it well.

I like your take Hopper. Well said.

 

[Borat]

He knew the Jefferson deal was on the front burner.

He could not have known that. Dallas was just as interested and may have very well ended up with him. But, like I said before, it's a moot point now.

 

[vj_74]

Doesn't matter now, does it VJ? I was as frustrated as anyone else, but this one move turned entire off-season around.

It sure does'nt matter now, but I was just responding to the other poster who said Deron was all diplomatic and poker-faced. Not quite. He was'nt joking about missing the Worlds so that he can rest up and shoulder the extra load for this season. He certainly sounded a bit frustrated.

 

[billyshelby]

This was also good. CJ has been working as hard as last season and feels very confident coming into training camp. I'm tellin ya, I saw CJ in preseason and he looked sharp. The thumb really ruined my excitement for him that season. He mentioned how the thumb was a blessing in disguise. He said that even though he couldn't lift and work his upper body as much as he would've liked to, the injury made him mentally tougher. He had high expectations for himself last year, and he wasn't physically able to bring it. He also talked about how he built confidence to drive more and get to the hoop cause he couldn't shoot.

I'm once again very excited to see what CJ can do this year.

The other thing he said in the interview was interesting. He admitted shooting was difficult for him because he basically had a "glove" on his shooting hand. He downplayed it during the season like he was supposed to, but it obviously affected him.

 

[vj_74]

And BTW, I dont think this move by itself makes us a better team yet. Right now we are at best, as same as last year. If we get a solid 4th wing, then maybe we'll be slightly better. The fact that 3 of the guys making big bucks on this team -AK, Okur and Jefferson, are either coming off serious past injuries or have a history of missing 10-15 games every season(like AK), still makes me nervous. It is injuries that has been a big negative factor in the playoffs last 2 years, lets not forget that.
We still don't know how we would have fared vs Lakers, at full strength.