Chris
Well-Known Member
Like many, I was initially not exactly excited about the Jazz NOT picking at #12, when we had been looking forward to the Draft for some time (I always do anyway). And because they traded away that pick and -- let's face it -- mailed this draft in potentially (we'll see in the years to come), we assumed that they were going to let the cake bake or do the same old, same old when it came to free agency.
I was of that mindset a few days ago, but now I disagree with that assessment. I think what they proved at the draft was that they DO care about focusing on free agency, rather than trying to build through the draft. They traded their first round draft pick to get a skilled veteran, who they probably can re-sign, depending on how the year goes. Even still, look for them to extend him sooner rather than later.
And they still drafted some young prospects, but ultimately know that their team is already awash in upside, and that it's the last thing they need right now. If that talent pans out, great, but it's not the focus. The core is the focus.
Regardless of whether they will be overpaying through the nose here (they will and so will everyone else) this particular summer, that's what they're doing, whether we are fans of it or not. They supposedly received some good offers for Hayward, which they rebuffed -- for better or worse. We'll find out. But what that showed was that they are in win-now mode. Finally.
I do believe they are going to be aggressive in free agency, but on a relative scale. More "active" than they were when they thought a Raja reunion was a big signing. I think they will genuinely pay some money to some important pieces this year that can add value while splitting time with the younger core. They won't get Durant, but these coming acquisitions will make the team a lot better, I believe.
Just my two cents.
I was of that mindset a few days ago, but now I disagree with that assessment. I think what they proved at the draft was that they DO care about focusing on free agency, rather than trying to build through the draft. They traded their first round draft pick to get a skilled veteran, who they probably can re-sign, depending on how the year goes. Even still, look for them to extend him sooner rather than later.
And they still drafted some young prospects, but ultimately know that their team is already awash in upside, and that it's the last thing they need right now. If that talent pans out, great, but it's not the focus. The core is the focus.
Regardless of whether they will be overpaying through the nose here (they will and so will everyone else) this particular summer, that's what they're doing, whether we are fans of it or not. They supposedly received some good offers for Hayward, which they rebuffed -- for better or worse. We'll find out. But what that showed was that they are in win-now mode. Finally.
I do believe they are going to be aggressive in free agency, but on a relative scale. More "active" than they were when they thought a Raja reunion was a big signing. I think they will genuinely pay some money to some important pieces this year that can add value while splitting time with the younger core. They won't get Durant, but these coming acquisitions will make the team a lot better, I believe.
Just my two cents.