So do we still need a star?

[akirac73]

I don't think so. All-star nods are usually 1-2 years behind when they are deserved (just ask DWill) and there are too many talented PF in the west right now (Davis, Griffin, Aldridge, Randolph, Nowitski, Duncan, Ibaka). Also, Defense, which is where he stands out compared to other PF's, isn't as big of a consideration for all-stars. There would have to be 2-3 injuries for him to make the all-star game next year.

The exception to this is if the Jazz were to come out of the gates strong next year and have the one of the best records in the NBA (see 2014-15 Atlanta Hawks). If the Jazz have the best record in the NBA approaching the all-star game, Hayward and Favors will be all-stars.

 

[Flc]

Two years from now, Dante Sexum is going to blow the hell up. All the tools are there, so are the smarts and work ethic. Just a waiting game at this point.

 

[kabenac]

If Favors continues to develop his jumper he's going to be scary. I think he has a great attitude and he's a hard-worker. It will be interesting to see if he reaches his ceiling (I think he's going to be Aldridge-good and he has a chance to be better than Aldridge).

 

[sgjazzfan]

If Favors continues to develop his jumper he's going to be scary. I think he has a great attitude and he's a hard-worker. It will be interesting to see if he reaches his ceiling (I think he's going to be Aldridge-good and he has a chance to be better than Aldridge).

Better said, Aldridge that plays defense, and is willing to bang down low.

 

[kabenac]

Better said, Aldridge that plays defense, and is willing to bang down low.

I think Aldridge lacks the killer instinct. I think Favors has it (in much the same way Duncan has it but it's not super obvious due to their quiet demeanor). I would love for Favors to study Aldridge & Duncans moves & footwork around the basket. I also think Favors should study Elvin Hayes as they're both physically similar.

 

[VINYLONE]

Yes, I think we need a star unless Hayward turns into that guy which doesn't seem to be too much of a stretch. When Hayward is agressive good things happen.

 

[Coach Ellis]

Yes, I think we need a star unless Hayward turns into that guy which doesn't seem to be too much of a stretch. When Hayward is agressive good things happen.

So. . . interesting thought. Rudy bulked up this past offseason and we talk about how much more room for growth he has. Hayward bulked up this past offseason and it's had a HUGE impact on his game, but does anyone think that he might come back next year even stronger and more explosive. I expect Rudy and Exum to get bigger/stronger, but haven't really thought about if Hayward did as well. How would more strength impact his game?

 

[VINYLONE]

So. . . interesting thought. Rudy bulked up this past offseason and we talk about how much more room for growth he has. Hayward bulked up this past offseason and it's had a HUGE impact on his game, but does anyone think that he might come back next year even stronger and more explosive. I expect Rudy and Exum to get bigger/stronger, but haven't really thought about if Hayward did as well. How would more strength impact his game?

I think Hayward could come back stronger and more explosive but I don't know how much more that will help him. I think at this point, it's his skillset and decision making that needs to improve and I faith he can figure it out.

I definitely expect Gobert to get stronger AND bigger AND to have stronger hands. He seems like a cerebral player to me that is quite aware of his limitations and what he needs to do in order to overcome them. I think Exum will gain weight just as a consequence of age. He will definitely get stronger but at this point it's his mechanics as well as approach to the game that need the most work.

 

[framer]

I think Hayward could come back stronger and more explosive but I don't know how much more that will help him. I think at this point, it's his skillset and decision making that needs to improve and I faith he can figure it out.

I definitely expect Gobert to get stronger AND bigger AND to have stronger hands. He seems like a cerebral player to me that is quite aware of his limitations and what he needs to do in order to overcome them. I think Exum will gain weight just as a consequence of age. He will definitely get stronger but at this point it's his mechanics as well as approach to the game that need the most work.

At some point the refs will need to stop swallowing their whistles when Hayward drives the hoop. Harden would likely be DEAD if the refs allowed other teams to play HIM like they do Heyward. . .

 

[VINYLONE]

At some point the refs will need to stop swallowing their whistles when Hayward drives the hoop. Harden would likely be DEAD if the refs allowed other teams to play HIM like they do Heyward. . .

Absolutely. This is incredibly hard to argue with. Hayward rarely gets the benefit of the doubt when it comes to the refs whistle.

 

[The Fresh Prince]

We need someone who can drop 30 for us on any given night. Hopefully AB can do that with the extra time to work on his game in the lab.

 

[MilesDeep]

Really? He can't create offense for himself or others, and he's a good, not great, defender. Gordo all day over Favs.

Agreed! Favors has drastically improved offensively, but he is NOT more important than Gordon on either end.

I think the Jazz have a well balanced team that just needs a little more time to mature, and to work in their best creator and finisher at the rim; Burks. Hood was a steal, but I probably start Burks over him, simply because defense is strongly needed in the second unit because Hello, Burke is there. Hood fits nicely in any lineup, and should be able to score 16-17 points nightly.

Dante has the tools, but is simply overwhelmed at this point. After puberty, I predict he becomes at the very least, a borderline All-star talent, despite not having any facet of his offensive game that is currently above D-League level. Course, he went from playing high schoolers to the top 30 pgs in the world in a matter of days, takes a while to acclimate. In reality, a heavy dose of Koolaid and blind optimism are required if you currently watch him and think someday he'll be able to score consistently, I have both.

Utah does need a stretch four, but Booker may be able to work on that aspect of his game to tolerably fill that role. Ingles fills the need of a bright guy that's a good team player with only one iota of athletic talent, but has the special skill of getting under the skin of the opposition.

Gordon is easily Utah's best and most well rounded player, a fact that would be lost on no one if he didn't look like he just stepped out of choir. This also contributes to his lack of respect from the officials, but that will get better. He is worth every penny of his contract before the cap change, and is an absolute steal after the fact (I admit I thought they well overpaid).

I believe both Gobert and Exum will come back unrecognizable on offense, in a good way, and they both need to for the Jazz to become something more than playoff fodder. It would be nice to get someone really good in the draft or in free agency, but not a requirement. The greatest improvement needs to come from within.