Yes... True we have some issues on the road and are inconsistent on defense... I wouldn't say we were completely horrible on defense however, we just need to play with the same defensive intensity for 4 quarters instead of just a couple...
Say what you want... But the Spurs have always had our number and were 11-2 on the road going into that game... It was a big win... Not to mention, it speaks volumes about how our offense has improved as we got down early to this team and were able to come back... That is something we were unable to do to the Spurs last year... Usually when we got down to this team, we were unable to come back...
The difference: Shooters.
This is why Haywierd is so damn frustrating. Sap this season also to a lesser extent. If those two were consistent then this team would be pretty scrappy & one that nobody would want in the playoffs like Memphis a couple seasons ago.
But they're not, the Jazz are not, & I'm not getting my hopes up for a second round bust.
Im staring to believe in this team more due to the last few wins and our depth.... Memphis will be a huge test and if we win that one then i will be starting to get on the 2nd round of the playoffs bandwagon.
I will be going to the memphis game (and will be sitting as close i ever have, except for one other time) and i usually only go to games that i think we will win, cause i hate spending lots of money and then leaving unhappy, so i must be starting to believe if im going to a game against such a good team like memphis.
There is a clear difference in how this team is playing now, then they were in the beginning. They are not as bad as a lot people made them out to be earlier. I think a lot of people just dont want to admit they were wrong. Well they werent exactly wrong. It was bad basketball. But wrong in the sense that Corbin is stupid and the team wouldnt go anywhere. I agree with Brown Notes about Al too. He tried harder to defend the pnr against the spurs. Its was definitely noticeable.
That all we really want right? We want to see effort and good understanding how to play. Its coming around. Im excited about it.
Its ok Jazzfanz. Let your guard down. We got a pretty good team. I think its enough to do way better in the playoffs than we did last year. We are about to go on a pretty roll here. I can feel it.
....let's see if they can get past the Suns tonight.
KOC finally has an assistant. Most teams around the NBA have assistant GM's, but Utah never has. Why? Because there are traditionally very few player personnel issues to deal with each season. Jazz usually have all but a few roster spots filled. This off-season, the Jazz only have a handful of guaranteed contracts. Guys like Jefferson, Millsap, Foye, etc. might be offered new contracts or the Jazz could bring in a lot of FA's to audition for roster spots. Between contract negotiations, FA workouts, the draft, etc., there's no way KOC could handle all of that. Also factor in that Sloan was very involved in personnel decisions. I doubt the Jazz want Corbin to have much input. So another personnel guy was necessary.
So why did they give KOC a new title and bring in a new "GM?" Well, they wanted Lindsey, but he was an assistant GM already. SA could have denied Utah an interview if the job was a lateral move. However, by kicking KOC "upstairs" and bringing in Lindsey as the new GM, it was a promotion and SA couldn't deny Lindsey the opportunity (unless they promoted him).
Make no mistake. This is still KOC's team. He'll work on the big picture items. He'll decide on whether to re-sign Jefferson, Millsap,etc. or to trade one at the deadline. He'll make the final call on the Jazz' draft picks. Lindsey will work on the little stuff and grind out all the contracts with the various agents. Not to say Lindsey won't contribute on evaluating players; he will. But KOC is still in charge.
When one door closes, another doesn't open....instead, I find myself being locked in a room with padded walls and no windows.