Count me among the few that thought the Jazz would surprise the NBA this season. I really believed the young guys would compete hard and win more games than everyone expected (kinda like the suns are). I didn't expect the playoffs but I had no idea we'd suck so bad. I've watched every game and I am concerned that the Jazz are not competing better. I'm concerned that losing so bad is going to permanently damage the confidence of the young players. In my opinion this comes down to three primary issues:
1. Our point guard play is atrocious. It cannot continue or it will destroy the confidence of the young team. Tinsley and Lucas have to go as they have no business on any NBA team. Statistically they are the worst in the league. I blame Lindsey for not bringing over Neto this season and for not getting a point guard who can shoot. I blame Corbin for sticking with these guys instead of admitting complete failure and just playing Burks full time at point until Burke comes back.
2. Corbin's decision making is bizarre. Although he's got young guys he insists on limiting minutes and is stuck in rigid substitution patterns. Let the play of the players determine time on the court.
3. Selfishness of the players. When this team was constructed it had too many players who are playing for their futures in the NBA. Now that were losing everyone knows this team will be totally rebuilt next year. Everyone is trying to prove they have value not just to the Jazz but to the rest of the NBA. I can't tell you how many times I've seen guys take shots with another guy wide open. Hayward (who is by far the team's best passer) is trying to prove he is worth a huge contract and in my opinion he is failing. While his stats are improving from the beginning of the year he is also proving he is not a legitimate no. 1 or no. 2. If he was we would not be losing every game. Burks is trying to play acrobat and design highlight plays instead of making open 10 footers. Favors looks like he spent the whole offseason trying to bulk up and lost quickness. Half the time I catch Favors standing around waiting for a pass that never comes. Kanter who has played well on offense looks like he forgot how to play tight defense. It almost looks like he is trying not to foul out and is playing soft defense. Don't save yourself big guy play hard, but try to play smart. I could go on but I'm just depressed.
1. Our point guard play is atrocious. It cannot continue or it will destroy the confidence of the young team. Tinsley and Lucas have to go as they have no business on any NBA team. Statistically they are the worst in the league. I blame Lindsey for not bringing over Neto this season and for not getting a point guard who can shoot. I blame Corbin for sticking with these guys instead of admitting complete failure and just playing Burks full time at point until Burke comes back.
2. Corbin's decision making is bizarre. Although he's got young guys he insists on limiting minutes and is stuck in rigid substitution patterns. Let the play of the players determine time on the court.
3. Selfishness of the players. When this team was constructed it had too many players who are playing for their futures in the NBA. Now that were losing everyone knows this team will be totally rebuilt next year. Everyone is trying to prove they have value not just to the Jazz but to the rest of the NBA. I can't tell you how many times I've seen guys take shots with another guy wide open. Hayward (who is by far the team's best passer) is trying to prove he is worth a huge contract and in my opinion he is failing. While his stats are improving from the beginning of the year he is also proving he is not a legitimate no. 1 or no. 2. If he was we would not be losing every game. Burks is trying to play acrobat and design highlight plays instead of making open 10 footers. Favors looks like he spent the whole offseason trying to bulk up and lost quickness. Half the time I catch Favors standing around waiting for a pass that never comes. Kanter who has played well on offense looks like he forgot how to play tight defense. It almost looks like he is trying not to foul out and is playing soft defense. Don't save yourself big guy play hard, but try to play smart. I could go on but I'm just depressed.
