Doc Cherno
Well-Known Member
Good win for the Jazz after nearly imploding in the 3rd quarter. I agree with others that the last two games are step forward, but we've still got a long way to go to contend for a playoff spot lock.
Hayward doesn't worry me. I think Sloan is actually doing him a service with giving him some time but not letting stay out there too much. I like this kid, but I don't see him contributing much this year. In that sense he's a typical Sloan rookie (as opposed to Matthews). CJ won't have that many games where he's so uncontested out at the 3, but these are good confidence builders for the kid. His defense still need some improvement, but I saw flashes last night. Watson/Price seem about as consistent as we've had at back up point. Maybe one in five nights one of them will rise to the occasion, otherwise it'll probably be a 'get-what-we-can' scenario while Deron recharges on the bench.
The biggest concern for me is where I thought we'd actually improved after the off-season: Center. Elson can hit from about 15 feet away, but another player has to hand him the ball instead of passing it. Big Al and Memo can both catch a difficult pass. Elson and Fess couldn't catch herpes from Paris Hilton. I suppose I can live with their numb hands as Fes only gets his number called on plays infrequently (compounded by his lack of PT this makes it like one play every 3 weeks or so), but I've been disappointed in the defense of all 3 centers. Where are the blocked shots? Where are the rotations in the paint?
Hayward doesn't worry me. I think Sloan is actually doing him a service with giving him some time but not letting stay out there too much. I like this kid, but I don't see him contributing much this year. In that sense he's a typical Sloan rookie (as opposed to Matthews). CJ won't have that many games where he's so uncontested out at the 3, but these are good confidence builders for the kid. His defense still need some improvement, but I saw flashes last night. Watson/Price seem about as consistent as we've had at back up point. Maybe one in five nights one of them will rise to the occasion, otherwise it'll probably be a 'get-what-we-can' scenario while Deron recharges on the bench.
The biggest concern for me is where I thought we'd actually improved after the off-season: Center. Elson can hit from about 15 feet away, but another player has to hand him the ball instead of passing it. Big Al and Memo can both catch a difficult pass. Elson and Fess couldn't catch herpes from Paris Hilton. I suppose I can live with their numb hands as Fes only gets his number called on plays infrequently (compounded by his lack of PT this makes it like one play every 3 weeks or so), but I've been disappointed in the defense of all 3 centers. Where are the blocked shots? Where are the rotations in the paint?
