New York Times article on Donovan/Jazz
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TheStormofWar
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fishonjazz
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Awesome article.
A few selected quotes:
"Mitchell has begun a six-week course of higher learning under Popovich."
“[Quinn Snyder said] “Both Donovan and I have been excited for this opportunity, not just the chance to compete for his country but to play for Pop. I think he has an appreciation for the fact that he’s playing for the greatest coach that’s ever coached... Just try to throw yourself completely into it and try to communicate with Coach as much as you can. Be a sponge.””
"Mitchell announced this week that his primary individual aim with the national team is “to improve defensively.... It wasn’t like I want to do this to help make myself better. I want to play for my country and win a gold medal.”"
Also gets into Snyder a bit more--his relationship with Pop and his development as a coach.
Quote from Lloyd Pierce, one of the assistant coaches: “I think, right off the bat, [Mitchell] is a stud. He’s taken on a leadership role right from the start. He’s very vocal in our meetings. We’re playing him some at point guard and he’s defending some on the ball. He’s just a confident, vocal, natural leader.”
"Mitchell has begun a six-week course of higher learning under Popovich."
“[Quinn Snyder said] “Both Donovan and I have been excited for this opportunity, not just the chance to compete for his country but to play for Pop. I think he has an appreciation for the fact that he’s playing for the greatest coach that’s ever coached... Just try to throw yourself completely into it and try to communicate with Coach as much as you can. Be a sponge.””
"Mitchell announced this week that his primary individual aim with the national team is “to improve defensively.... It wasn’t like I want to do this to help make myself better. I want to play for my country and win a gold medal.”"
Also gets into Snyder a bit more--his relationship with Pop and his development as a coach.
Quote from Lloyd Pierce, one of the assistant coaches: “I think, right off the bat, [Mitchell] is a stud. He’s taken on a leadership role right from the start. He’s very vocal in our meetings. We’re playing him some at point guard and he’s defending some on the ball. He’s just a confident, vocal, natural leader.”
spycam1
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Good to hear he's aiming to improve on defense. That was his calling card in college. With more offensive help, he should have more energy to expend on defense this year, helping us to maintain elite status on that end of the court, despite losing Favors.
Sent from my SM-G973U using JazzFanz mobile app
Sent from my SM-G973U using JazzFanz mobile app
fishonjazz
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Yesterday thurl bailey was on the radio saying that he thinks the jazz will be better defensively this year. Thinks the jazz will have the #1 defense in the nba. He is probably a big time homer so maybe take it with a grain of salt. It was a fun listen though cause he is really really high on the jazz and thinks that they have the best shot at a title of any team in the league. It was nice to hear.
I think Bailey is pretty knowledgeable. And he has insider info on how the team was built and probably has been privy to the game planning and practices. There is definitely some homerism going on there, but imo that's a pretty small grain of salt.
I’m one who does not believe we took any steps back. I think it’s conceivably possible that we are actually better defensively. I’m not sure if that could be said from homerism, as my track record on opinions span a pretty large spectrum that wouldn’t be very consistent from homerism. I believe the largest effect of homerism with evaluating us defensively this year hinges more on our view of Favors. While I absolutely love Favors, I don’t believe he made as large of an impact for us defensively as we’re believing. I know some people will show some stats saying otherwise, but I think the type of defense played by the others replacing him at the 4 will make us better, despite not being as good. Regarding his time as a backup 5, I think this last year was among his best defensively, but I really haven’t seen him as much as a rim protector. Don’t get me wrong, that’s not to say he’s bad, but I don’t think what he provides is in such a high upper echelon that it’s having a significant impact.
Regarding Ricky, he’s bigger but I think the numbers will show Conley having a larger impact for us next year.
So those are the two areas where we’ve arguable lost something. Now we have guys who, while not being better “overall” defenders than Favors, are going to be better on the perimeter (Green, Bojan). I suppose you could throw Crowder in there, too, but he was more about toughness than defense.
And, finally, there’s the “ZOMG Exum defensive prowess!!!111” angle, if you’re so inclined. If he’s as “special” as the FO, TJ, and a sizable contingent here suggest, it’s gotta account for a large effect defensively if he plays 60+ games, no?
fishonjazz
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I love that i keep forgetting about Exum. There will likely be many times this season when he is exactly what we need for a particular game/matchup and will get us some wins we wouldn't get without him.
I have been drinking the kool aid, so screw it. Exum is finally going to have a healthy breakout year right at the perfect time for it. Im dead serious. This will happen. The year of Exum being a real contributor to a championship team.
Ellipse
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Well … yeah,
maybe,
if...
Yet I find it hard to believe that his braces will suddenly fall off and he grows into an ocean-to-ocean marathon runner.
First we had #TakeNote. Then we had #TeamIsEverything (when Dennis kept the team in limbo for two weeks at the deadline). This year will we have #RunExumRun?
JazzyFresh
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#StayHealthy
David Hume
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It will be #Run Joe Run. Not only does this honor Jingles, but it makes reference to classic 1970s TV show that should be as important as the Rally Churro.
Douchebag K
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lol wtf dude are you feeling ok ?
NAOS
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I read the article from start to finish. I gave the appropriate pauses at each punctuation mark. I re-read certain sections for clarity. I don’t see anything about Mitchell’s fakeness. Where are you seeing it? Tia.
Nice to meet you!
NAOS
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Bish pls.