AK's resurgence

[write4u]

What is curious to me was how AK was repeatedly getting open for wide open dunks against Detroit and getting the ball. Why wasn't this happening with Deron? Most of the time, AK just stood outside the perimeter and watched Deron, or took a pass from Deron and either made an entry pass or passed it back to Deron. The other irony is that Devin is more of a shoot first point than Deron as well, so you wouldn't expect AK to get as many touches with Devin.

I pointed this out back in 2006 that Deron was ignoring AK but no one would accept this; I guess we are seeing the evidence of this now.

 

[zman1527]

The evidence is getting stronger with every game in the post-D-Will era that AK and D-Will could not or would not coexist. Who knows what happened. But AK is looking 2004ish on offense again. Especially against Detroit - he was just everywhere. He and Devin seem to have excellent chemistry.

It started before Deron was traded so your theory is bogus.

 

[VINYLONE]

The evidence is getting stronger with every game in the post-D-Will era that AK and D-Will could not or would not coexist. Who knows what happened. But AK is looking 2004ish on offense again. Especially against Detroit - he was just everywhere. He and Devin seem to have excellent chemistry.

Ahhhhh, the memory of a Jazz fan. AK also played out of his mind a few months back, when Williams was still here, and then went back to being the AK we know and love.

 

[franklin]

Love?

 

[VINYLONE]

Ok. Hate.

 

[Stifle Tower]

I was probably the biggest AK critic on the old board. Had we had a rep system back when I first suggested a trade a few years ago, I probably would have been at -100 within a few days. But even I am encouraged by the AK I've seen the last couple of games. Not just his game...he just looks happier and more energetic. Maybe it's Sloan being gone, maybe it's the Deron trade - most likely a little of both.

Deron was on record as saying he ignored AK on offense. Now that was also said because AK couldn't hit a jumper and didn't lool like he had worked on his game during the off-season. So there were valid points being made. IF and that's a HUGE IF, AK can be content with slashing to the basket, and he doesn't fall back into his pattern of taking ill-advised 3's and 18-ft bricks (that's CJ's role), then I'd say re-sign him for a fair price.

What I do know is that he'll probably have little interest now in accepting Prokhorov's money. From his end, why would you want to play with a PG who doesn't trust you or feed you the ball. And from NJ's end, if you want to re-sign Williams, there's no chance you offer AK a contract. Deron would object to that.

Unlucky, notdeadyet and write4u have all made valid points. The defense Corbin seems to be implementing is a better fit for AK. Offensively, there is more ball movement and less emphasis on the PG getting all the assists. AK is a very good passer, he's a very good help defender.

I also understand the cautionary words being voiced (and I have reservations myself). AK has shown flashes before, playing 5-6 great games and then disappearing for a month.

Ideally, the Jazz would draft a quality SF to develop and trade for a veteran SG (the draft has absolutely ZERO SG's of note). In this scenario, I think AK would still fit in as a starter. CJ is not the answer and Hayward is still extremely raw. AK could go back to averaging 12 pts on drives/cuts, get 4 assists, a few weakside blocks and a couple of steals. Give him a 2-3 yr deal while the NJ pick (or Hayward) develops into a starter.

 

[franklin]

I wouldn't offer AK much more than the minimum. Team chemistry is killed by all his injuries. I'd rather go after a consistent player who you feel comfortable playing 82 games. AK can be a difference maker, then pops an ankle, and the team is at risk losing that glue. He's not my guy next season.

 

[Marty McFly]

Ahhhhh, the memory of a Jazz fan. AK also played out of his mind a few months back, when Williams was still here, and then went back to being the AK we know and love.

In the past two or three games he's been more active than he has all year. He had some big games earlier this year because he was hitting his jumpshots but nothing like this.

 

[LogGrad98]

Ahhhhh, the memory of a Jazz fan. AK also played out of his mind a few months back, when Williams was still here, and then went back to being the AK we know and tolerate because the front office refuses to use him as trade bait.

Here I just fixed it for you.

 

[JazzPoobah]

I agree with the previous two posters.

If AK does something special that helps this team get to the second round of the playoffs then we can talk about "resurgence". Until then, he remains the overpaid role player whose contract killed the franchise's hopes of contending for a championship the past decade and ultimately cost the city a HOF coach and an all star.

vj_74 has given the most correct, succinct, best summary of the state of Utah Jazz basketball during most of the 21st century.

 

[gomretat]

As I have posted earlier, AK will get at least 7-8 mil. And he has always played better with Booz and/or Deron out of the lineup. Skills have not meshed. It is very nice to see the Jazz cutting again. AK will keep being up and down but his game will definitely be better with Deron gone.

 

[LogGrad98]

While by and large I agree with vj's assessment, I think in all fairness to AK it is reasonable to note that he does perform much better in a Lamar Odom-esque role. As point forward/power forward AK shines. That is what he was during his miracle year (remember the 5x5's...awesome). Ever since signing him to the new contract they kind if ignored what he contributed and how and proceeded to simply build another Stockton to Malone rather than perhaps building with AK as an important part of the franchise. Instead they gave him lots of money so he wouldn't leave then tried to pound that square peg into that round hole.

Now that said, I wish AK was not such a freaking *****. He needs to man up and play what the organization needed him to play and earn his millions, whether he feels all loved and mushy **** or not. Sure he had some injuries but the rest of the time he vacillated between trying hard and occasionally having a string of great games, and cry-baby mentally weak gangly uncoordinated pouty..um..guy.

If we could sign him to a more reasonable contract and if he could and would really play within Ty's offense then sure bring him back. If not, cut our losses and try to sign and trade for something.