Are we improved from last year

[zman1527]

A little better - very little - on the interior and worse at the 2 spot. I say it is a wash. We are still a 4-5 seed in the West.

Agreed: exchanged pieces for pieces, no big upgrades. I guess the two unknowns that could provide a lift would be if Fes and/or Hayward can contribute significantly more than expected. Looks like another respectable team that does little playoff damage.

 

[cowhide]

Boozer ---> Millsap = Slightly weaker
Okur ----> Jefferson = great improvement
Hayward -----> Matthews = too early to tell, but I'm guessing Hayward will be at least as good by the end of the season

Additionally, our rotation is better now with AK getting more minutes at 4, and Bell giving us toughness when needed.

I'm guessing the Jazz is better, and will end up with around 55 wins.

We are better at center and pf because we have Jefferson but Okur is still a question mark.
Hayward is a question mark until he actually plays. However, I like the kid a lot. I think he will be better than Korver so I think it will be an improvement.
Raja Bell brings fake toughness. He gets frustrated and then smacks someone. Wes was tough as nails and didn't back down to anyone. The Jazz are worse off in this deal.
Overall unless the Jazz make a few more deals I would say if Okur is healthy and Jefferson, Hayward as good as I think the jazz will be slightly better. I really wish that the Jazz could find a better backup PG. Perhaps the Jazz think Hayward can help bring the ball up. I do not know but Price and Gaines are below average PG.
Koufos no loss at all.

 

[cowhide]

I added some more,>, to the Durant/Ak matchup for you.

yet OKC beat us 3-1 last year and the one win was a gift. Even though the Jazz improved they will struggle beating the Thunder because they have Durrant, Westbrook and Green. The Jazz have DW and now Jefferson.

 

[cowhide]

It might not solve their big man problem on OFFENSE, but it helps out DEFENSIVELY.

Dallas did not lose haywood they re-signed him.

 

[slipperysalee]

If last year, the board was asked: "If Boozer was a few inches taller and longer, and Wesley Matthews was replaced by a veteran defender who shoots the 3-ball at a much higher clip, would we be a better team?"

I think anyone who said "no" would be insane.

Good point. I think we are better.