So let's rehash this.

[infection]

I go back to Coach Phil's comment on AK early in the season when he basically said AK dogged it after he signed his max deal.

If that is the way the Jazz organization feels, then why in the world would they bring him back?

Because apparently anything is desirable at the right price. Testicular cancer, for instance, could come at the right price and perhaps may be desired because of the increased mass it may add that an individual may boast of. You could see Jack Kevorkian because his services are the right price. You could eat Long John Silvers every day for lunch because it's the right price. So yes, I see the utility in getting many players here 'for the right price': Tracy McGrady, Stephon Marbury, Mark Jackson, John Amaechi, or even CJ Miles. If it's at the right price we can't go wrong.

 

[Magic Spray]

Here's an idea sign someone who won't get injured every other week.

This is why AK coming back is fool's gold: European basketball games are shorter, less frequent, and less physical. This particular NBA season would have sliced and diced his ***. His bones would be straight powder at this point and jazzfanz would have mounted several attempts on KOC's life.

Truth.

 

[write4u]

First of all, you can't gauge the true value of AK by his stats. He usually turned up his play during crunch time, especially on defense. And while he wasn't a good 3-point shooter, when it came to making a clutch three he often delivered. Did he not live up to his potential because he dogged it? There may be some truth to this, but the way he was handled by Jerry may have contributed to this -- we had so many arguments about this in the past, but there's no doubt that AK played better in Russia than for the Jazz. It's not much of a leap to say that Jerry was a factor.

AK would be great on this team; if you saw how he played during the Euro tournament this summer with the Russian team, which had many young players, you know he would be great with this team.

 

[SojoDave]

I can't believe what I am reading. Do you forget how fragile AK's body is and his constant back strains and ankle problems. Do you forget that he would rather read Russian comic books than practice his jump shots. Do you forget he was the last to practice and the first one to leave. Do you forget his go to post up move of throwing his hands in the air and hoping the refs bail him out. I saw no to AK, not even for a penny.

 

[Saint Cy of JFC]

Um, getting rid of CJ and adding back AK...? Anyone that wouldn't take that is either mildly retarded or a fan of another team in disguise.

AK's D is better
AK's O is better
AK isn't a head case, and
AK knows how to win

WTF is there to discuss?

Really?

 

[Stifle Tower]

They really need to be replaced? Howard isn't playing right now and the argument can be made that we could replace CJ with nobody and be fine. This is like having people come from across town to dump their trash in your garbage can right after garbage man comes because you're afraid of the wind blowing over an empty can.

Hey, that's a real danger where I live. The Santa Anas can be very strong...our 15-ft trampoline blew into our neighbor's yard last year. And on garbage day, it's often quite fun to try to find your trash containers after you come home from work.

But yes, I agree. Both CJ and Howard don't need to be replaced. All Utah needs is one more wing. Then Burks, Hayward and "Player X" each get 30-35 mins. Perhaps if we get a rookie via the draft, then the Jazz need another veteran for 1-2 yrs. to play 15 mins or so. But that player is NOT AK. The Euro league is NOT the NBA. AK is still going to be a skinny PF or a poor-shooting, below average SF. He excels in Russia because he can play "big." He can't do that in the NBA.

 

[friendsinmyhead]

The Jazz front office rarely speaks ill of current and former players preferring to keep that stuff "in-house". So I think it speaks volumes that coach Johnson basically said AK dogged it. AK has been hugely successful in Russian and Euroleague play before it did not translate into success for the Jazz (after years 1-3).

AK would not and should not return.

 

[Deleted member 365]

Saying AK isn't a head case is like saying that Ron Artest isn't crazy.... Or that tiger Woods hasn't lost a step... Or that Carlos Boozer isn't a pansie.

 

[write4u]

You AK haters exaggerate like a lot of guys on here like comparing Kanter to Haffa. And you only talk about the bad instead of the good and feed off accusations that were never really confirmed about his being the first out the door and reading comics book which have nothing really to do with his play on the court -- you're just reading into that. Your hatred blinds you to the facts. The only valid point is his fragility, but that can be mitigated by moderating his minutes.

 

[infection]

You AK haters exaggerate like a lot of guys on here like comparing Kanter to Haffa. And you only talk about the bad instead of the good and feed off accusations that were never really confirmed about his being the first out the door and reading comics book which have nothing really to do with his play on the court -- you're just reading into that. Your hatred blinds you to the facts. The only valid point is his fragility, but that can be mitigated by moderating his minutes.

Ok, well then how about the fact that, despite being praised for it, he's a lousy defender?

 

[Stifle Tower]

You AK haters exaggerate like a lot of guys on here like comparing Kanter to Haffa. And you only talk about the bad instead of the good and feed off accusations that were never really confirmed about his being the first out the door and reading comics book which have nothing really to do with his play on the court -- you're just reading into that. Your hatred blinds you to the facts. The only valid point is his fragility, but that can be mitigated by moderating his minutes.

I agree re: the exaggeration. But saying the only valid point is his fragility is also inaccurate. AK himself said that he needed touches on offense to play hard on defense. He also complained about coming off the bench. So do you make him the #1 or #2 option as a starter? Do you hope he doesn't complain again if he's asked to head up the 2nd unit?

And what position does he play? He's too small for a PF and not quick enough for a SF. AK WAS a great help defender. And with his long arms, he was very good at jumping the passing lanes and getting steals. But he was never a good one-on-one defender. SF's could take a step back jumper or go around him with a fake. Most PF's could just power over him. His great leaping ability has been diminished by age and injuries. And we haven't even talked about his offense. He has ONE offensive move: what I call the "flailing octopus." He drives wildly into the lane and throws his arms up in the air, hoping the ball somehow goes in the hoop or he gets bailed out by the refs. I guess the Jazz could call a play where he launches up one of his crazy 3's and Kanter and Favors crash the offensive glass.

And do we really think offering AK $5M is going to do it? A player making 1/4 of what he was is going to put forth the same effort? Would you? I know if my ex-boss told me I could come back to work for 1/4 of the pay, but I was expected to work just as hard, but MAYBE only 40 hrs. per week instead of 50, I'd probably die laughing, especially if I already had enough $ to never have to work again.

The AK of SEVEN years ago...SURE. The AK of last season. Not a chance.

 

[BluesRocker]

I agree re: the exaggeration. But saying the only valid point is his fragility is also inaccurate. AK himself said that he needed touches on offense to play hard on defense. He also complained about coming off the bench. So do you make him the #1 or #2 option as a starter? Do you hope he doesn't complain again if he's asked to head up the 2nd unit?

And what position does he play? He's too small for a PF and not quick enough for a SF. AK WAS a great help defender. And with his long arms, he was very good at jumping the passing lanes and getting steals. But he was never a good one-on-one defender. SF's could take a step back jumper or go around him with a fake. Most PF's could just power over him. His great leaping ability has been diminished by age and injuries. And we haven't even talked about his offense. He has ONE offensive move: what I call the "flailing octopus." He drives wildly into the lane and throws his arms up in the air, hoping the ball somehow goes in the hoop or he gets bailed out by the refs. I guess the Jazz could call a play where he launches up one of his crazy 3's and Kanter and Favors crash the offensive glass.

And do we really think offering AK $5M is going to do it? A player making 1/4 of what he was is going to put forth the same effort? Would you? I know if my ex-boss told me I could come back to work for 1/4 of the pay, but I was expected to work just as hard, but MAYBE only 40 hrs. per week instead of 50, I'd probably die laughing, especially if I already had enough $ to never have to work again.

The AK of SEVEN years ago...SURE. The AK of last season. Not a chance.

Cmon Glasseater. Write 4 U makes a point about people over exaggerating some of AK flaws and you respond with more over exaggeration. Really? AK has "ONE" offensive move? The octopus? Really?

He was far from perfect but who is? Every player has his flaws. And AK didn't always look the most coordinated but be was a good player. He has a lot to offer and much more offensive game than you are giving him credit for.

Everyone likes to hate on his shot but he always shot a good percentage and would hit some big shots too.

It's all just selective memory. People are going to remember what they want about him. I really liked what he brought and would take him back.

Remember when AK hit a bunch of threes at the end of the Lakers series only to have Deron miss the one that would have put it in OT? If I remember right that happened twice in back to back Lakers series in the close out game .