Hardy Says Keyonte Has a Chance to be a Star

[Handlogten's Heros]

The value isnt going to get better after this off-season unless a series of events happens that makes an individual team really want him. Me being able to cook up fake trades to your liking doesnt change the clear signals the coaching staff is sending.

My questioning is less about the signs they are sending and more about is this the correct approach? Last year we were told Ochai was a starter next year… I just don’t like how there seems to be some predetermination and we seemingly ignore some of what is happening in the floor.

 

[bigmike]

Sexton getting benched for the Edwards matchup is as clear an admission as it gets that they dont view Sexton as the long-term two guard.

Y'all can stick your head in the sand as much as you want, but it's clear as day. If Keyonte is here and the Jazz believe in Keyonte as a main piece, that means Sexton is likely gone sooner rather than later.

Yep - the writing is on the wall about three things:

1) We don't care about winning now (and would rather not win now)
2) Sexton is not a long-term piece (makes me sad, but I get it - huge fan of his)
3) Keyonte has been given the keys

IMO, long-term, it's Keyonte and Lauri. Everyone else? Don't get too attached.

 

[Saint Cy of JFC]

My questioning is less about the signs they are sending and more about is this the correct approach? Last year we were told Ochai was a starter next year… I just don’t like how there seems to be some predetermination and we seemingly ignore some of what is happening in the floor.

I think they are just publicly talking their guys up. Like JZ saying Sexton is a top 50 guy.'

But yeah, if we trade Sexton we are going to have dudes following his career and comparing him to Keyonte for a while.

 

[Handlogten's Heros]

I think they are just publicly talking their guys up. Like JZ saying Sexton is a top 50 guy.'

But yeah, if we trade Sexton we are going to have dudes following his career and comparing him to Keyonte for a while.

What if its the opposite. Build up the hype for Key and trade him? Cuz they already know what they have in Sexton?

I also think they'd continue starting Sexton if they were building him up for a trade.

 

[Saint Cy of JFC]

What if its the opposite. Build up the hype for Key and trade him? Cuz they already know what they have in Sexton?

I also think they'd continue starting Sexton if they were building him up for a trade.

I would be pretty shocked.

 

[Handlogten's Heros]

I would be pretty shocked.

Exactly. To maximize the profits from the charade you have to be really convincing.





I don't actually thing they are pumping up the value of anyone for trade purposes. I think Sexton could be moved but I don't think that is the reason he was replaced yesterday. I think they are gathering info... so trying things. One of the options is obviously sending Sexton back to a sixth man role. If it was all about trades you start him (like they are doing with Collins) and play him more minutes so his raw stats are higher and you advertise him as a "starter". I don't think he has to be moved but will be if they get great value. I simultaneously don't think he is part of a 3-5 year plan here.

 

[SoberasHotRod]

I haven't heard Sexton complain at all about coming off the bench, and for the past two games has been really good in that role after being really good (offensively) in his starting role. His contract is fine as a high level 6th man for the next two years, so there is no need to trade him now.

I don't like, but kind of get what the front office seems to be thinking. Sexton might be a top 50 player, but Keyonte has the potential to be a top 20 player.

 

[Saint Cy of JFC]

His contract is fine as a high level 6th man for the next two years, so there is no need to trade him now.

The messaging has been the Jazz want to build a sustainable contender. The next two years dont even matter that much. I think it will take 3 years before having decent odds of getting past the first round of the playoffs.

Sexton isnt a 6th man. He's too damn good. There's no way the Jazz can re-sign him to be a 6th man. At the rate he is progressing he could be a max player on his next contract, more so if he's on a team that allows him to be higher usage than Utah does.

He's going to finish the year with close to 50/40/90 splits (he's probably too far away on the FT's unless he doesnt miss another one for the rest of the season). I find it hard to believe he wont have high trade value this off-season.

 

[Handlogten's Heros]

I haven't heard Sexton complain at all about coming off the bench, and for the past two games has been really good in that role after being really good (offensively) in his starting role. His contract is fine as a high level 6th man for the next two years, so there is no need to trade him now.

I don't like, but kind of get what the front office seems to be thinking. Sexton might be a top 50 player, but Keyonte has the potential to be a top 20 player.

I have infinity less info than they do... I just haven't seen enough to jump to thinking he has top 20 upside (thats a super high bar). I think he has a chance to be better than Sexton for sure. I get that he would be an easier player to build around if he processes the game faster.

Just feels like Collin gets treated like a top 100 player regardless of performance. He has clearly taken some steps and works his *** off. As a 25 yo I would not count him out on taking another step or two.

I think at the end of next year we will have a much clearer idea on these two. So unless a monster offer came or unless Key took several steps... just hold for a year.

 

[SoberasHotRod]

The messaging has been the Jazz want to build a sustainable contender. The next two years dont even matter that much. I think it will take 3 years before having decent odds of getting past the first round of the playoffs.

Sexton isnt a 6th man. He's too damn good. There's no way the Jazz can re-sign him to be a 6th man. At the rate he is progressing he could be a max player on his next contract, more so if he's on a team that allows him to be higher usage than Utah does.

He's going to finish the year with close to 50/40/90 splits (he's probably too far away on the FT's unless he doesnt miss another one for the rest of the season). I find it hard to believe he wont have high trade value this off-season.

Yeah, I really don't think it's even worth discussing too much since I'm pretty sure we are all kind of on the same page. If we get a great offer for Sexton that creates a more competitive team in the future, then go for it, if not, then Sexton is a really good player and we should enjoy him while he is on the team.

 

[Handlogten's Heros]

Yeah, I really don't think it's even worth discussing too much since I'm pretty sure we are all kind of on the same page. If we get a great offer for Sexton that creates a more competitive team in the future, then go for it, if not, then Sexton is a really good player and we should enjoy him while he is on the team.

Yeah I just think if their primary purpose with Collin is to raise his value and they view him as a goner he'd be getting the John Collins treatment. I think just like everything the last couple years... they will be opportunistic and if the opportunities aren't awesome... they will be patient.

 

[bigmike]

I can tell you all for certain that the notion of "raising a guy's trade value" by playing him more, boosting stats, etc. is completely overblown.

NBA scouts/FOs are extremely sophisticated when evaluating players in the trade market. Sexton starting and scoring ~25 ppg on ~35 minutes, vs. coming off the bench and averaging ~22 ppg on ~30 minutes - on similar efficiency - matters zero with respect to his trade value.

And BTW, I'll point out his MPG in March (33.3) are the highest in any month of the season thus far by a significant margin.

I love Sexton and would LOVE him as a 6th man for the long-term. But if the Jazz think Key could be the guy long-term, they're doing the right thing starting him now and giving him the chance to really come into his own.