Official Record Prediction Thread

[Deleted member 848]

One small thing - it was in 2006 ( Early in 2006, Team USA director Jerry Colangelo invited Howard to serve as one of Team USA's possible defensive specialists (the other two being Shane Battier of the Memphis Grizzlies and Bruce Bowen of the San Antonio Spurs) in the 2008 Summer Olympics. And yes it is quite prestiqious but obviously Howard did not think so and rejected that offer never showing up at any of the team US camps. 5 years ago he was good defensive player, question is how much he has left after ACL injury and getting 5 year older? I doubt he is better defender then even Hayward now.

You never said why he rejected the offer; he did it so he could run his youth camp at Winston-Salem, which is extremely respectable to say the least. I don't understand how you claim it isn't prestigious, seeing as the two other players selected are considered to be two of the best wing defenders of the decade; maybe of all-time. His defensive reputation started in college when was named to the ACC All-Defensive Team his senior year, and it's something that remained with him for the rest of his career. You raise a valid question, I guess; after all, Raja Bell was selected to a few All-Defensive teams around the same time, and he isn't nearly as good as he used to be; he's still a decent defender though despite his injuries, and I sincerely doubt that we as a team will experience a drop-off in defense from signing Howard. It simply makes no sense. AK has come back from all of his injuries, still defending very well; as far as ACL injuries go, there are way to many players to list who have returned from cruiciate ligament injuries, and returned to their old statistical production. Saying that Howard only offers a mediocre mid range game, with no defense is a bit narrow-minded.

 

[Indian]

44-22

 

[MVP]

I don't understand how you claim it isn't prestigious.

Please, read one more time, I said it is prestigious. Problem with ACL injuries it takes lots of time to regain form, look at big AL, only now he is back in his prime shape while last year he was still feeling effects of ACL repair. O'Connor said that Howard is far from being at NBA game shape... season is short and brutal, he may never regain his previous athletism, he may never be reliable to play in back to backs. One other area where ACL injuries are very alarming - lateral movement. ACL ligament is responsible for stability within knee joint and lateral movement affects it the most. Running straight might be ok, jumping might be ok, but defending elite SF in NBA... I have my doubts. Good it is only for one year and if he sucks we can safely let him go after this season.

 

[Chris-L]

44-22

how dare you ?!??1/?

 

[Lakers_Slapper]

I want to say 40-26. Hopefully the team has good chemistry with each other and they are able to learn the new plays quickly. Im staying optimistic and hoping the Jazz will come out and be the team of surprise W's.

 

[Ellipse]

D-Will was a cancer on last year's team that did more than just drive off Sloan. He isn't here to intimidate Jefferson and Hayward, and he won't stunt the development of Favors, Kanter, and Burks. Our interior defense will be greatly improved and our 3-point shooting will at least be average. The compressed season will go a long way in negating the veteran savvy most teams will have over the young Jazz team. 38-28.

 

[Stifle Tower]

D-Will was a cancer on last year's team that did more than just drive off Sloan. He isn't here to intimidate Jefferson and Hayward, and he won't stunt the development of Favors, Kanter, and Burks. Our interior defense will be greatly improved and our 3-point shooting will at least be average. The compressed season will go a long way in negating the veteran savvy most teams will have over the young Jazz team. 38-28.

I'm not quite as optimistic as you are, but I think the Jazz may surprise a lot of people. As you mentioned, the compressed schedule is going to favor teams with young legs and depth. Hayward and Jefferson did seem a LOT better after Deron was traded. Also, I think Favors is going to take a giant leap forward. I think the Jazz will be right around .500 all season; it may come down to how much impact the rookies or a guy like Howard has in terms of making the playoffs.

 

[Zulu]

Alright I'm done grading finals and the scrimmage is over, so as I promised here is my prediction.

29-37

Will be disappointed if they win less than 25 and will be ecstatic if they have a win total in the 30's!

 

[Sean]

25-41

 

[fairweather]

28-38

 

[Cope]

Funny as it seems the records have become worse, closer to the season.


33-33

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[Jerry Lundegaard]

You don't even know the roster. So many useless speculation threads.

Most of the topics discussed at the moment have been around since the regular season ended.

7 pages later, and pinned to the top. How'd that work out for you?