Jackpotting Around Podcast: Episode 49 - Walker Kessler Injury Fallout and Listener Mailbag

[Handlogten's Heros]

I don't like bigs that can't defend at a high level. I think it's very difficult to have a good team defense without a good defensive big.

I could be wrong, but this is my general gut reaction whenever there is talk about acquiring a poor defensive big. Maybe I've been emotionally scarred by the Boozer/Okur duo.

I think Zion has a chance at least of being a superstar type when he is on the court. Sabonis was basically the perfect King when they had Fox and a competent coach. He can help you get to 40 wins with his play style.

 

[Handlogten's Heros]

Im just tired of not being happy for wins. I just want to be a playoff team that has flexibility to build the team as time goes on.

If we can get one high level prospect this year a middle build strategy can be a good balance since we have a bunch of other picks we can use to get lucky. I'd almost rather shoot for a guy like Zion who if healthy is an all-nba guy. If he isn't healthy and you end up late lotto again... well maybe you get lucky.

I'd steer clear of Trae/Ja/Sabonis... KAT... pass. I'd say Zion (if price is low) or look for the next Deni, Aaron Gordon, Pascal type guy that comes available. Maybe something in the tier of Fox, Ingram, type of big addition. Otherwise make moves around the fringes with cap space and let it grow.

I think we make the play in next year and may even sneak into the playoffs health permitting. Would have our own pick, the Lakers pick, and the more favorable of Cavs/Wolves... so plenty of bites at the apple to land something in the draft too.

 

[Handlogten's Heros]

I think the Orlando situation is one to watch for the summer. The salary gets really steep with Paolo's deal kicks in next year and if the team is disappointing I could see Bane/Suggs being available. I'd say there is the smallest of chances it Banchero or Wagner but I would be some budget cuts are on the way. Maybe they go smaller than that with a WCJ or Black move to get a little more flexibility.

 

[KqWIN]

I think the Orlando situation is one to watch for the summer. The salary gets really steep with Paolo's deal kicks in next year and if the team is disappointing I could see Bane/Suggs being available. I'd say there is the smallest of chances it Banchero or Wagner but I would be some budget cuts are on the way. Maybe they go smaller than that with a WCJ or Black move to get a little more flexibility.

I think they’ve got to trade Suggs. It would be so soon to trade Bane, and Franz+Banchero are actually relatively cheap still. If I knew Suggs could stay healthy I’d be all for it.

 

[Handlogten's Heros]

I think they’ve got to trade Suggs. It would be so soon to trade Bane, and Franz+Banchero are actually relatively cheap still. If I knew Suggs could stay healthy I’d be all for it.

I could see them saying Bane didn't make the impact we hoped and cutting bait this summer. Getting less than what they acquired him for obviously. Suggs is one of those "heart and soul" types that I think they will be really reluctant to part with. He's also cheaper.

 

[KqWIN]

I could see them saying Bane didn't make the impact we hoped and cutting bait this summer. Getting less than what they acquired him for obviously. Suggs is one of those "heart and soul" types that I think they will be really reluctant to part with. He's also cheaper.

Maybe if the GM gets fired, but the coach will probably take the blame first. Then new coach gets a chance with Bane etc....and if it still doesn't work they still need a player just like Bane in theory. With Suggs they have Black waiting in the wings, and Corey Joseph is still available.

 

[fishonjazz]

Obviously I hope for more, but I guess my point is that after this year I'm done waiting for lotto balls to get us the guy. I want to see the team start acquiring guys that can defend and put together a defensive identity. If that team ends up falling short, I would be ok with it.

I'm with ya. I love watching the jazz play on playoff games. Even when I know we ain't winning it all

 

[Saint Cy of JFC]

Actually listening now.

Jazz have the 3rd hardest SOS left, so that hides well for tanking.

Honestly think the biggest (at least the biggest move that doesn't require a core player to be traded) tank lever to pull is trading Nurkic and letting Filipowski start.

 

[Saint Cy of JFC]

The Jazz actually have a better defensive rating with Nurkic on the court than Kessler

 

[Saint Cy of JFC]

Nurkic sucks at some things, but he's also really good at other things.

He can't defend very well, but he's still a massive presence in the paint just by being there and he rebounds everything around the rim on both ends. Offensively he misses a ton of easy ***** and takes some impossible shots he has no chance of making, but he's been a really nice passer and creates a ton of extra possessions with rebound.

I also expect Svi to actually regress at some point. If he continues his play he might have some value to a playoff team who needs an extra playable body. Not that he would get anything more than a 2nd rounder at best.

 

[LogGrad98]

bro, your standards are suffering. I need a team that's clearly in the top-4 seeds in the conference.

Agreed on the defense. We were so ****ing spoiled with peak-Gobert

Ahhh, the good old days when we had hope. Miss those days.

 

[KqWIN]

Nurk's winning value is tough to peg. He helps win in subtle ways that address key areas for this team. He also helps you lose in very salient ways that are in your face. Traditionally he's been a +/- star, but this year and last this has flipped on him. He's one of the worst in the league and second worst on the team. I think the bigger tank move is simply to cut Svi's minutes and give more to the young guys.