David Stern
Well-Known Member
This. All of our rooks have had encouraging moments, I’m not going to panic when they aren’t consistent NBA players yet. We still have no idea what any of them are
Game Thread Apr 09, 2024 07:00PM MT: Jazz vs. Nuggets
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Added to Calendar: 04-09-24
I don't think anyone is panicking, at least that wasn't the point Andy Larsen was bringing up or that I was making. The main point is that our rookies are further away from being winning players than what you might hope for, it doesn't mean their long term potential is any less.
I don't think you really know who a player is with any confidence until their 3rd year, and I completely agree that we should be looking at their highs and not get too concerned about their lows right now. I think it's also fair to say that after almost a full season in the NBA our rookies are below scrub level as far as their impact to winning. It doesn't have to be too concerning, but it's also not a fun or super hopeful reality.
If you look at the amount of 21 year old or younger rookies who have even a relatively high usage and positive +/- over a season, the list is very small. This year, it's basically Podz.
That said there are degrees to this.
homeytennis
Well-Known Member
Last season we were all hot to trot over Ochai and that did not turn out. The difference is that Ochai had basically had four years of college experience compared to one with our three rooks. So he was more ready made.
Thee Jazz Fan
Well-Known Member
Let’s not overreact on some 20 year old rookies. All of them have flashed potential to be good.
Brice and Taylor were both injured and missed training camp, and both have shown some good signs. Let's see how prepared they are coming into year two. I think they'll both look better. Key seems to have hit a wall. His shot is way off and confidence is down. He looks tired.
I think this is the inevitable result when everyone knows winning is not a priority. Its also what some people call "losing culture". You can only lose that much before becoming disinterested in winning. I mean how many game day mornings you wake up feeling like "this game we are gonna win" only to be let down, before you start waking up feeling like "IDGAF".
Not sure any rookies should be subjected to too much of it, but especially those types of rookies that are not blessed with the best attributes and who need the right pieces to fall into place to become good NBA players.
82 games of tanking is a much easier pill to swallow than half and half. Half and half is bound to piss fans/players off. Quitting half way through is just a different feeling than starting from the bottom. You also don’t have that expectation of a high draft pick.