Since it's something we are all discussing with the direction of AA, what would it actually take (both internally and externally) for the Jazz to make the playoffs next season?
What Would it Take to Make the Playoffs?
- Thread starter Saint Cy of JFC
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Sabonis is not a 16 game player, but he is one of the best 82 game players in the league. I think he would be gettable if that's what you're aiming for. Trae Young in a similar boat. You get Trae, Lauri, and Sabonis together and you've got an elite regular season offense that could be good enough to make the playoffs.
Tremendous Upside
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The 22-23 team would have easily made the playoffs if they had been given a few ok-level reinforcements at the deadline. Maybe even without them.
Instead, Ainge kneecapped that group, and now we're here – wondering what it would take to make the playoffs.
Go figure.
Instead, Ainge kneecapped that group, and now we're here – wondering what it would take to make the playoffs.
Go figure.
Handlogten's Heros
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Playoffs or play in?
Here would be my list:
- Multiple high level/difference making defenders that can shoot
- An offensive engine
We have a plethora of guys that can give you some offense/shooting off the bench. We have a top tier rim protector. We have a borderline all star level play finisher.
- Multiple high level/difference making defenders that can shoot
- An offensive engine
We have a plethora of guys that can give you some offense/shooting off the bench. We have a top tier rim protector. We have a borderline all star level play finisher.
I think it's pretty simple--and doable if we wanted to go the "mid" route--: (1) resign Collins, (2) trade for Jrue Holiday, (3) stay healthy for a full 82. I think with Holiday's veteran leadership and Hardy's skill at getting the most out of players who are actually engaged, we could win a couple of play-in games and end up in the playoffs.
homeytennis
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Resign Collins, keep Lauri, trade for or sign a journeyman point guard, go shopping for veteran free agents either here or overseas. Resign Oscar.
Play in
Jazz would need to add an on-ball initiator, a primary scorer, and a veteran 3D type while Keeping Lauri, Walker, Keyonte and Brice in tact.
Teams in the West:
- OKC
- MIN
- DEN
- LAL
- HOU
- LAC
__________
- DAL
- MEM
- GSW
We would need to beat Golden State, Memphis and either Dallas or LA Clippers just to make the playoffs. Then there's San Antonio lurking. Seems like a longshot.
Teams in the West:
- OKC
- MIN
- DEN
- LAL
- HOU
- LAC
__________
- DAL
- MEM
- GSW
We would need to beat Golden State, Memphis and either Dallas or LA Clippers just to make the playoffs. Then there's San Antonio lurking. Seems like a longshot.
Ok, here is some buy low/opportunistic trades to make a playoff team.
Jazz would be:
Collier/Keyonte/Harkless
Holiday/Clarkson/Juzang
Johnson/Sensabaugh/Dadiet
Lauri/Filipowski
Towns/Yang
Then use the 5th pick to take Tre Johnson and use the 21st pick to take Yang. Sign a good vet to the MLE (maybe bring back NAW?)
I'm not sure what the exact temperature is on Towns. I think you would have to include a future pick, but nothing crazy high value.
Same with the Holiday deal. Maybe have to include a future pick, but nothing crazy.
I know most will hate this (rightfully so probably) but I would enjoy seeing this team. Having the two best shooting bigs next to Collier would be fun if Collier somehow manages to take a significant leap. Holiday gives us a defensive presence (would be a great mentor to Collier/Keyonte as well).
But more importantly, I dont think getting Towns/Holiday would actually cost all that much in terms of pick capital. Both NYC/Boston will want to save money and get younger, and both these deals do that for those teams.
Included Dadiet because I still love him and people need to be reminded of my most recent draft proclamation fail.
I would very much enjoy watching that team, even if KAT would drive me nuts sometimes.
Also, another idea for this would be to trade down from 5 for more picks to fill out the roster.
So maybe trade 5 for 8 and 19 from Brooklyn so they can take Fears. Then maybe you take someone like CMB/Essengue/Demin at 8 to add some size/defensive presence to your roster over the scoring of a guy like Tre Johnson. Then you can use 19 and 21 to move up, or you can use 19 and/or 21 to grab another rotation player for your roster.
If I was ever a GM it would be really tough for me to avoid just building the dumbest teams possible based off "What if we do something that has never been done", something like putting the two best shooting 7'ers on one team.
I wonder if players would get into it too -- like "Yo, this is pretty messed up but we're gonna have fun and just see what we can do".
Not that much, actually. The frontcourt (Kessler, Collins, Lauri, Hendricks, Flip) is pretty solid. What we need is to add two competent guards who can play defense and pass. And one of them can be even homegrown if Collier develops a better jump shot over the summer. Or if, say the Jazz draft Edgecombe and he proves to be a fast learner. The Jazz have enough future picks to bring in two quality guards if they want to go that road.
In general, building a fringe playoff team is not that difficult.
In general, building a fringe playoff team is not that difficult.
Udidthizz
Well-Known Member
Perhaps just sign Chris Paul to shore up the backcourt and we wouldn't be too far off the play-ins.
LogGrad98
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The Mormons already got him and it didn't help. Can he play both ends of the court and shoot the 3? Maybe put him in the g League for a while, see what we got.