Game Thread Utah Jazz vs New Zealand Breakers - Oct 4th 7:00 PM (MT) (Preseason)

[SoberasHotRod]

Reading through the thread its pretty clear that Kessler is going to be the whipping boy again.
25 minutes, 9 rebounds, 8 points, 2 assists, 1 block, 4-6 shooting. Almost a double double in 25 minutes. Only glaring negative was the horrible 0-4 from the line but thats a pretty good stat line.

Kessler was both our best option at center last night and incredibly disappointing, both things can be true. Kessler has the skillset of a traditional big, but seemingly wants to play a finesse game instead. I am hoping that Kessler solidifies himself as a key piece of our future, and will be disappointed if he continues to look as replaceable as he did this game.

I was very patient with Kessler last season. I anticipated a Sophomore slump, so I was not surprised by his play last year. We don't have the luxury of being eternally patient with our young guys. If Kessler doesn't improve he won't be part of our future, which would be a shame with the tools he has.

 

[slc]

Jazz need a big body jumbo center to battle Zach Edey
Every team will need one to battle a jumbo center

 

[fishonjazz]

Kessler was both our best option at center last night and incredibly disappointing, both things can be true. Kessler has the skillset of a traditional big, but seemingly wants to play a finesse game instead. I am hoping that Kessler solidifies himself as a key piece of our future, and will be disappointed if he continues to look as replaceable as he did this game.

I was very patient with Kessler last season. I anticipated a Sophomore slump, so I was not surprised by his play last year. We don't have the luxury of being eternally patient with our young guys. If Kessler doesn't improve he won't be part of our future, which would be a shame with the tools he has.

And i get it. I watched. I saw the soft attempts. But all I truly care about is production. If he averages a double double on 70% shooting and plays 1st team all nba defense but 100% of his field goal attempts are "soft" then I dont really care.

Last year everyone said he sucked. You yourself said he had a sophmore slump. I agree. Well almost no one on the jazz was a positive in BPM last season. Sexton, Markennan, KO (not on the team) and Kessler were the only rotational players who were positives. He looks bad but plays good apparently.

 

[fishonjazz]

Jazz need a big body jumbo center to battle Zach Edey
Every team will need one to battle a jumbo center

Thankfully when Kessler played against Edey in their only matchup Kessler played him ok. Kessler had 5 blocks that game to go along with 10 points (3-5), 2 assists, 2 steals, 6 rebounds and plus minus of +4 (second on the team) and the jazz won.

Edey did play well too though. But did have 6 fouls and didn't get to the line at all.

 

[Saint Cy of JFC]

I was hoping Flip would get more on-ball reps but he was mostly a spectator. That one coast-to-coast finish was sweet though.

That's the negative with this team. There's so many players we want to see what they can do with the ball. You could tell some guys got antsy for their own shot last night. Sexton took a bad 3 off the dribble when he Lauri posted up calling for it. Collier took a stupid the 3 for no reason and clanked it off the backboard.

That's where Juzang is kind of nice because he isnt trying to make his own play, he's going to play off other guys. Nearly everyone else on the team seems like a guy who wants to make their own play.

 

[Saint Cy of JFC]

Also, Cody hasnt played an actual NBA game yet and I think he is clearly our best perimeter defender. He looked like the only guy who could kind of stay in front of Cartwright last night.

 

[homeytennis]

Kessler was both our best option at center last night and incredibly disappointing, both things can be true. Kessler has the skillset of a traditional big, but seemingly wants to play a finesse game instead. I am hoping that Kessler solidifies himself as a key piece of our future, and will be disappointed if he continues to look as replaceable as he did this game.

I was very patient with Kessler last season. I anticipated a Sophomore slump, so I was not surprised by his play last year. We don't have the luxury of being eternally patient with our young guys. If Kessler doesn't improve he won't be part of our future, which would be a shame with the tools he has.

Yurt7 and Luka S say hi.

 

[Saint Cy of JFC]

I really hope the Jazz whoop the **** out of the Rockets on Monday. STill think they have the most overrated team when it comes to dudes slobbing over their young players.

 

[outerspacefan]

Jazz are better when Keyonte doesn't dominate the ball.

Yes. We've seen this before with.. well... you know who.

 

[whatthe]

If we are capturing the flag this season then I want Kessler to be Kessler and not drastically improve. Sounds awful but him and Sexton could get us unexpected wins and I want them to flounder for the first half of the season.

 

[fishonjazz]

Also, Cody hasnt played an actual NBA game yet and I think he is clearly our best perimeter defender. He looked like the only guy who could kind of stay in front of Cartwright last night.

I was surprised by his effort and ability to fight through screens. Figured since he is so skinny that he would get blown up on screens but he did great navigating them.

 

[SoberasHotRod]

It's really nice to be able to talk about actual basketball.