The defense

[NAOS]

It’s kinda startling how much better Mike has been on D this year. I hope it’s not just a contract-year phenomenon. Like, maybe he just got nagged by that hammy for most of last year? And/or some other injury?

We need him at this level all season.

 

[framer]

It’s kinda startling how much better Mike has been on D this year. I hope it’s not just a contract-year phenomenon. Like, maybe he just got nagged by that hammy for most of last year? And/or some other injury?

We need him at this level all season.

That's kind of who he has been his entire career. Last year, in a new defense, was the outlier.

 

[infection]

It’s kinda startling how much better Mike has been on D this year. I hope it’s not just a contract-year phenomenon. Like, maybe he just got nagged by that hammy for most of last year? And/or some other injury?

We need him at this level all season.

Yeah. I had expectation of him being an adequate defender last year and I'm not entirely sure what happened. He looked much smaller on the floor, seemed like he was pushed around a lot, targeted, and shot over all the time. I'm not sure I've even seen that once this year. He's handled switches/mismatches fine.

 

[NUMBERICA]

I was going to correct you but Favs used to be a starter and was the backup center... then Udoh... then TB. Why couldn't we have just drafted Bane? Sad face.

Or Maledon.

It’s like the Jazz have no interest in the exact types of guards Donovan should ideally be playing with and acquiring.

The Conley thing is going great currently and so is Clarkson. But we don’t know what happens with Conley after this year and there’s no compelling economic argument about the feasibility of keeping him. That’s without considering the contract year or age considerations.

I’m the worst and I monitor both of their game logs most of the time.

 

[NAOS]

That's kind of who he has been his entire career. Last year, in a new defense, was the outlier.

There’s also a precedent for someone with his physical profile to fall off a cliff at this age/stage of career. So, those worries were justified. And I think that version of Conley could return before the season is over, too.

 

[Handlogten's Heros]

Or Maledon.

It’s like the Jazz have no interest in the exact types of guards Donovan should ideally be playing with and acquiring.

The Conley thing is going great currently and so is Clarkson. But we don’t know what happens with Conley after this year and there’s no compelling economic argument about the feasibility of keeping him. That’s without considering the contract year or age considerations.

I’m the worst and I monitor both of their game logs most of the time.

And none would get playing time yet, but you'd feel good that they might have a chance at being ready when the time comes. The Udoka pick was dumb at the time and continues to look dumber. Even Xavier Tillman (another guy I loved) gives you the switchy rotation center that could give the defense a change of pace.

The team is so good that I shouldn't complain... just hoping we can find a way to keep the group healthy and together for a solid run. Maybe Oni gets good or we find another diamond to replace what Joe/Mike bring. Favs might need to be shipped off to make the budget work next year... maybe Udoka steps into the backup role then. Just a puzzling string of moves there.