Really?
So let's rehash this.
- Thread starter Beantown
- Start date
Really?
Stifle Tower
Punch Bowl Re-Filler
Hey, that's a real danger where I live. The Santa Anas can be very strong...our 15-ft trampoline blew into our neighbor's yard last year. And on garbage day, it's often quite fun to try to find your trash containers after you come home from work.
But yes, I agree. Both CJ and Howard don't need to be replaced. All Utah needs is one more wing. Then Burks, Hayward and "Player X" each get 30-35 mins. Perhaps if we get a rookie via the draft, then the Jazz need another veteran for 1-2 yrs. to play 15 mins or so. But that player is NOT AK. The Euro league is NOT the NBA. AK is still going to be a skinny PF or a poor-shooting, below average SF. He excels in Russia because he can play "big." He can't do that in the NBA.
friendsinmyhead
Member
The Jazz front office rarely speaks ill of current and former players preferring to keep that stuff "in-house". So I think it speaks volumes that coach Johnson basically said AK dogged it. AK has been hugely successful in Russian and Euroleague play before it did not translate into success for the Jazz (after years 1-3).
AK would not and should not return.
AK would not and should not return.
The Thriller
Well-Known Member
Saying AK isn't a head case is like saying that Ron Artest isn't crazy.... Or that tiger Woods hasn't lost a step... Or that Carlos Boozer isn't a pansie.
You AK haters exaggerate like a lot of guys on here like comparing Kanter to Haffa. And you only talk about the bad instead of the good and feed off accusations that were never really confirmed about his being the first out the door and reading comics book which have nothing really to do with his play on the court -- you're just reading into that. Your hatred blinds you to the facts. The only valid point is his fragility, but that can be mitigated by moderating his minutes.
Ok, well then how about the fact that, despite being praised for it, he's a lousy defender?
Stifle Tower
Punch Bowl Re-Filler
I agree re: the exaggeration. But saying the only valid point is his fragility is also inaccurate. AK himself said that he needed touches on offense to play hard on defense. He also complained about coming off the bench. So do you make him the #1 or #2 option as a starter? Do you hope he doesn't complain again if he's asked to head up the 2nd unit?
And what position does he play? He's too small for a PF and not quick enough for a SF. AK WAS a great help defender. And with his long arms, he was very good at jumping the passing lanes and getting steals. But he was never a good one-on-one defender. SF's could take a step back jumper or go around him with a fake. Most PF's could just power over him. His great leaping ability has been diminished by age and injuries. And we haven't even talked about his offense. He has ONE offensive move: what I call the "flailing octopus." He drives wildly into the lane and throws his arms up in the air, hoping the ball somehow goes in the hoop or he gets bailed out by the refs. I guess the Jazz could call a play where he launches up one of his crazy 3's and Kanter and Favors crash the offensive glass.
And do we really think offering AK $5M is going to do it? A player making 1/4 of what he was is going to put forth the same effort? Would you? I know if my ex-boss told me I could come back to work for 1/4 of the pay, but I was expected to work just as hard, but MAYBE only 40 hrs. per week instead of 50, I'd probably die laughing, especially if I already had enough $ to never have to work again.
The AK of SEVEN years ago...SURE. The AK of last season. Not a chance.
BluesRocker
Banned
Cmon Glasseater. Write 4 U makes a point about people over exaggerating some of AK flaws and you respond with more over exaggeration. Really? AK has "ONE" offensive move? The octopus? Really?
He was far from perfect but who is? Every player has his flaws. And AK didn't always look the most coordinated but be was a good player. He has a lot to offer and much more offensive game than you are giving him credit for.
Everyone likes to hate on his shot but he always shot a good percentage and would hit some big shots too.
It's all just selective memory. People are going to remember what they want about him. I really liked what he brought and would take him back.
Remember when AK hit a bunch of threes at the end of the Lakers series only to have Deron miss the one that would have put it in OT? If I remember right that happened twice in back to back Lakers series in the close out game .
theNBAnerd
Well-Known Member
just to clarify, there's no way he's coming back THIS year, so anybody who thinks he is an option as an injury replacement for CJ/bell/howard, sorry. CSKA won't play the euroleague final until mid-may, and AK's not gonna leave before that final.
he has, however, said that he would prefer to come back to the NBA while he still has a couple of years in him that he can play at a high level. that doesn't necessarily mean jazz -- but it could.
he has, however, said that he would prefer to come back to the NBA while he still has a couple of years in him that he can play at a high level. that doesn't necessarily mean jazz -- but it could.
BluesRocker
Banned
He would be great for us if we didn't have big Al. Him running with Hayward Favors and Millsap would be awesome. Him and Paul could switch back and forth at sf too.
friendsinmyhead
Member
Not a hater but a realist. AK's coach (johnson) said he dogged it and wasn't the player they thought he was going to be after signing the contract. So I think there are two confirmed valid points, his fraility and his lack of heart. Both can be mitigated by not signing him.