Locker room clean out day the 2014 edition

[addictionary]

I had zero problems with RJ and Marv. In fact, RJ was the best Jazz-vet over the last 5 years (or so), and I really think that he probably left a plethora of good advice with some of the young guys.

Also, I definitely want Marv to return. I think that he feels the same, and it makes me glad.

He declared his interest in it. If only it was for the players' interest to set things. But he is the closest player since Favors to say I'm happy here. At least now that Kanter starting talking anything negative since he came.

 

[Thee Jazz Fan]

I had zero problems with RJ and Marv. In fact, RJ was the best Jazz-vet over the last 5 years (or so), and I really think that he probably left a plethora of good advice with some of the young guys.

Also, I definitely want Marv to return. I think that he feels the same, and it makes me glad.

Agree. Just think if we had both RJ and Marv on the bench of the 97-98 teams.


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[cowhide]

I agree with your timeline in terms of the coaching and draft. Yes, those come first. Jazz can't even start negotiating with FA's until July 1. As for our own FA's, those negotiations, especially with Hayward, could extend for quite some time. So you don't just put everything else on hold. And the same with Marvin. He wants to return, but maybe not at what the Jazz may offer (which has to be a pay cut). He may then decide to shop around a bit before deciding Utah is (or is not the best situation).

My second point is that I'm not entirely sure Burks and Kanter should move into the starting lineup. I like Alec coming off the bench (as long as he plays 30 mins). And Enes needs to earn his time with better defense. So if Lindsey can find vets - and I'm not talking RJ-type guys - but if he can find a vet that is starting quality (mid-20's with upside like KOC found in Boozer and Okur), then make an offer. Or maybe the vet replaces Alec as a 6th man.

Jazz need a solid core of 8-9 players for their rotation (3-4 bigs, 3 wings, 2 PG's). I think they have 6 (core-5 + Gobert) and the draft should bring one more. The #23 pick, the early 2nd and Neto may or may not pan out as backups. If they do, and if a FA is signed, then Lindsey has assets to upgrade where needed going forward. Maybe he shops Burke + assets for a better PG. Maybe one of the bigs is moved. Eventually the Jazz need to trade some of their mid-level talent + assets for a potential all-star. Otherwise, Utah treads water as a playoff team but never a contender.

You don't have to wait on your own FAs, July 1 you can make an offer or wait until your player brings you an offer sheet. The time frame for making a decision to match the offer is shorter than it use to be. I think it is about 3 days now. I could be wrong but that is how I remember it being. Why does Kanter have to prove that he is a starter and no one else does. The only way the Core is going to get better is to play together and be coached through their mistakes. All players need to be held accountable but adding a good player doesn't help the young guys get better. I know there will be growing pains but if we just bring in another vet to take away playing time then we should have just kept Millsap or AJ.

I really believe that if the Jazz get the right defensive coach the team will improve. Look at Jefferson in Charlotte as an example.

Jazz need a backup PG - This may or may not be Neto or Garrett.
Jazz need a starting SG - This is either Alec or Hayward or our draft pick.
Jazz need a starting SF - If Hayward leaves the team or he is move to SG because we drafted a SF.
Jazz have two strong candidates at PF - Kanter and Favors have it covered
Jazz have no real centers that are ready to start so Kanter and Favors are the best option to play center. This could change if we draft Embiid or if Gobert comes back and is ready to play. I think worse scenario is that Gobert is our backup.

The bench is the real issue at this point - I still believe Evans can play 15 -20 minutes a night and contribute most nights. Now if we keep Alec on the bench then he is our go to guy. Gobert goes in and replaces either Kanter or Favors depending on who needs rest. Now we need some help off the bench so either we re-sign Marvin at a reasonable price or get another shooter that can play the three or two or be a stretch four. The 23rd pick at this point we don't know what it will be and if it will be able to contribute at all.

FA is tough because the Jazz are never the priority so the Jazz tend to overpay a little which isn't what we want to do next year. We are going to have both Kanter and Alec come up for new contracts so I want to keep as much room as possible for them. I am not against bringing in a vet or re-signing Marvin but it has to be with the understanding that this vet is not going to start over one of the Core5. It is easy to say the Jazz should trade their mid-level talent for an all-star but it is harder to do. You make adjustments as your team starts to win right now the Kanter's and Burks etc don't have as much market value as they most likely will have if they keep on improving. I agree that the Jazz might have to get rid of one or two simply because they can't afford everyone but you can't just think some team is going to give you an all-star for guys with potential and little experience especially if you bring in other vets who will take time away from them.

You know how you can get rid of these "mid-level" talents not play them and they will be out of SLC as soon as their contracts expire.