Burks a SG? Maybe not..................

[orangello]

So that leaves Big Al and DHar to fit in somehow... or not...

I love that!!! Someone else that gets why Millsap should stay and Jefferson go.

 

[cowhide]

I'm sorry to reference UK in this, really. But our greatest defender we've had in years was Deandre Liggins and he is 6'6 215lbs. Also, his combine athletic numbers weren't flattering. However, he was always asked to be the one to defend the fastest little shi* PG's. His combination his length and defensive attitude was very problematic and he was named all SEC defensive guy. Liggins always gave Wall and Knight some problems in practices. I think Burks can be very similar.

The first time I saw Burks, I remember saying wow this kid could play PG. I have liked him for a while and was very happy the Jazz had an opportunity to pick him. I liked Leonard and Singleton but Burks was a better fit due to the fact I think he can play PG. My first impressions of Liggins were very positive. I thought he had a nice 3 pt shot and his defense was impressive. Watching Kentucky in the tournament, I actually liked him better than T. Jones. I am saying he is better than Jones, but I just liked his BB IQ. I think Orlando got a steal. I think it is nice to have a longer player that is quick enough to guard some of these star PGs. I remember a few teams putting bigger guys on DW and it bother him a little.

 

[cowhide]

If Burks can be a backup at PG and has the length of a SF then I've definitely changed my mind about this pick. Jazz, IMO, have always had too many guys they try to work into the rotation. Utah needs to have a core 7 or 8 and then a specialist or two (such as an extra 3-pt shooter, match-up defender at SG/SF or an extra big who can mete out hard fouls when necessary). If you have 6 main guys averaging 34 mins. each, that leaves 36 mins for another two players.

Jazz have generally gone with traditional PG's, but maybe that changes with this pick. Perhaps Burks is a 6th-man combo guard who gets all his mins as the backup behind Hayward and Harris. That allows the Jazz to look or trade (Millsap at some point?) for a starting SF and add a developmental PG. Or the size of Burks might mean he or Hayward can start at SF and the Jazz would just need a specialist to match up against any bigger, stronger SF's.

During the regular season more guys play, as the playoffs start the core guys play the most. However it never hurts to have a full bench. Look at Dallas they worn down the Heat with their deep bench. I bet 10 guys played in the Finals. Most of them contributed to the team winning. I think the Jazz are going more towards a two guard system with players like Burks and Hayward.

 

[cowhide]

If Burks can be a backup at PG and has the length of a SF then I've definitely changed my mind about this pick. Jazz, IMO, have always had too many guys they try to work into the rotation. Utah needs to have a core 7 or 8 and then a specialist or two (such as an extra 3-pt shooter, match-up defender at SG/SF or an extra big who can mete out hard fouls when necessary). If you have 6 main guys averaging 34 mins. each, that leaves 36 mins for another two players.

Jazz have generally gone with traditional PG's, but maybe that changes with this pick. Perhaps Burks is a 6th-man combo guard who gets all his mins as the backup behind Hayward and Harris. That allows the Jazz to look or trade (Millsap at some point?) for a starting SF and add a developmental PG. Or the size of Burks might mean he or Hayward can start at SF and the Jazz would just need a specialist to match up against any bigger, stronger SF's.

During the regular season more guys play, as the playoffs start the core guys play the most. However it never hurts to have a full bench. Look at Dallas they worn down the Heat with their deep bench. I bet 10 guys played in the Finals. Most of them contributed to the team winning. I think the Jazz are going more towards a two guard system with players like Burks and Hayward.

 

[Jeffrey32]

I thought it was odd that they took Burks instead of a true SF. Obvioulsy in Utah's system the 2 and 3 are fairly interchangeable, but with Gordon showing his best skills at 2, Miles' option not being picked up yet, and Kirilenko a free agent, I would have thought they would go for a long athletic small forward at the 12 spot like Chris Singleton or Kawhi Leonard.

 

[Harcher]

I thought it was odd that they took Burks instead of a true SF. Obvioulsy in Utah's system the 2 and 3 are fairly interchangeable, but with Gordon showing his best skills at 2, Miles' option not being picked up yet, and Kirilenko a free agent, I would have thought they would go for a long athletic small forward at the 12 spot like Chris Singleton or Kawhi Leonard.

I think the Jazz took the BPA, but with a reasonable fit as you note 2 and 3 are same. It is almost as if the Jazz have 3 positions. PG, Wing, Forward. I say this based off the assumption that the Jazz will focus on the HighPost offense. It seems more that the distinctions that are 1,2,3,4,5 are more defensive. and needing someone to match up iwth Kobe "taller athletic SG." JJ Berea "short, lightning PG", etc.

With this pick the Jazz are eyeing next year (not something i'm versed in but many here say there is SF-like wings available in next years draft.) So it is a long term process.

 

[Harcher]

I love that!!! Someone else that gets why Millsap should stay and Jefferson go.

The hard part with Big Al is that from a "gimme the ball and i'll do the rest" perspective he is significantly better than Milsap. Actually, he's on a resonably short list in the NBA for that skill. That is why i feel some level of blaspheme to suggest moving him. However, i suggest it by the FIT of the system we are (seemingly, hopingly, message-board fodderly) able to put together.

I'm still on board with giving him another year (or half year... ) to see if he can convert into a system guy. (Obviously, examine how 'the plan' is unfolding over the next year for that decision to be made.)

 

[Harcher]

So what are the different skills of a 2 vs 3 offensively for the Jazz?

What about differences defensively?

 

[GVC]

The hard part with Big Al is that from a "gimme the ball and i'll do the rest" perspective he is significantly better than Milsap.

Significantly better than Millsap, sure, but good enough to carry a team to a championship?

Recent NBA champions have all had excellent team players who buy into and fit into a system (the Miami Heat in 2005 the possible exception). Perimeter play is increasingly important, especially since big guys don't get the calls guards get. Millsap has shown an ability and willingness to fit in, and be effective in many roles. And all at a great cost. Invaluable.

 

[AlaskanAssassin]

As posted in another thread, Burks also has a 6'10'' wing span and 8'7.5'' standing reach. That is, he has the length of a 3. He also tested out as faster and quicker than Chris Paul. I try not to put too much stock in the measurements, but the dude has the length/quickness to play 1-3 if he gains a little weight.

Had no idea his wingspan was that long. Impressive!

 

[Harcher]

Significantly better than Millsap, sure, but good enough to carry a team to a championship?

Recent NBA champions have all had excellent team players who buy into and fit into a system (the Miami Heat in 2005 the possible exception). Perimeter play is increasingly important, especially since big guys don't get the calls guards get. Millsap has shown an ability and willingness to fit in, and be effective in many roles. And all at a great cost. Invaluable.

Agree.

I should have noted that the "hard part" is to see past or through this when the discussions come up.

 

[Harcher]

Significantly better than Millsap, sure, but good enough to carry a team to a championship?

Recent NBA champions have all had excellent team players who buy into and fit into a system (the Miami Heat in 2005 the possible exception). Perimeter play is increasingly important, especially since big guys don't get the calls guards get. Millsap has shown an ability and willingness to fit in, and be effective in many roles. And all at a great cost. Invaluable.

Or Big Al is the right guy in the right system. That is he could be the Hakeem in a 1post + 4 3pt shooter model. (Calm down everyone he's not as good as Hakeem.) But the point is that SEEMS to be his game. Not high pick and roll stuff. Also, we all were hopeful that he could be the Karl in the 'low post cross screen' offense. If that become our offense, then Big Al becomes more keepable. I've just made the assumption his game is different than the other bigs we have.