Utah Jazz vs OKC

[Ferguson_Mellochill]

What do you feel about the fact that, statistically, Harden and Hayward are identical players after two years?

Hayward isn't a natural scorer at this point. He doesn't have the nose for the basket and the release that Harden has. Hayward needs his feet and his shoulders set in order to shoot a high percentage, and my guess is that he's not that great off the dribble. Harden has a swagger, a confidence and a killer instinct that Hayward doesn't have yet. Hayward isn't a guy who looks for his shot that often.

I honestly think Burks could become something more like Harden.

 

[green]

Hayward isn't a natural scorer at this point. He doesn't have the nose for the basket and the release that Harden has. Hayward needs his feet and his shoulders set in order to shoot a high percentage, and my guess is that he's not that great off the dribble. Harden has a swagger, a confidence and a killer instinct that Hayward doesn't have yet. Hayward isn't a guy who looks for his shot that often.

I honestly think Burks could become something more like Harden.

Thanks. I haven't seen a lot of Harden, so I was curious.

My next question, Hayward, in college, dominated the ball and was a terrific scorer and led his team to 3 inches from a championship. Do you think Hayward lacks the ability to do what Harden does, or is he being held back by Al Jefferson's ball stopping ways?

 

[Ferguson_Mellochill]

Hayward looks like he plays better with Favors than Jefferson, although I'm not sure if there are stats to back that up. Hayward is a good facilitator, a good system player and a guy that has a bit of a size/strength advantage when he plays SG. He's a guy who can get on a roll, but he doesn't have the clutch scoring mentality of a player like Paul Pierce. It seems like Hayward needs to be in certain spots or situations in order to score. He's got a good baseline jumper and a 3-pt. shot from the elbow. He's okay from just above the foul line. He doesn't finish at the rim as well as he should. It seems like he's a bit tentative and wants to pass off.

 

[green]

Hayward looks like he plays better with Favors than Jefferson, although I'm not sure if there are stats to back that up. Hayward is a good facilitator, a good system player and a guy that has a bit of a size/strength advantage when he plays SG. He's a guy who can get on a roll, but he doesn't have the clutch scoring mentality of a player like Paul Pierce. It seems like Hayward needs to be in certain spots or situations in order to score. He's got a good baseline jumper and a 3-pt. shot from the elbow. He's okay from just above the foul line. He doesn't finish at the rim as well as he should. It seems like he's a bit tentative and wants to pass off.

For the most part we are on the same page. Thanks.

 

[vj_74]

BTW, the Thunder are up in their series with the Spurs and the Celtics are up on the Heat because the Thunder and Celtics have better interior defense and rebounding. The Jazz are building around strong interior defense and rebounding, which will make the rest of the game easier for everyone else. Having two 2-way bigs over 6'10" is a real plus.

It is not just about bigs. It is also about players who have the cajones to take over agame and make big shots or create for someone else. You need players like that. Pierce hit that big 3 over Lebron whcih killed Miami in the last game. Durant just like that takes over because of his ridiculous talent. Finding a player like that wont be easy. I am not sure if any of the current 4 picks the Jazz have may become like that.
In the playoffs your options 1,2,3 are usually taken away the opposing team. It often comes down to a star player trying to create something on the fly or making a big shot here or there, especially when the two teams competing are closely matched.
Other than your PG, a wing player with an ability to playmake/shoot/defend is almost a must. I am not sure if Hayward or Burks are good enough to be that player. We'll have to see next season. If Hayward plateaus then he is a good bench player at best. For Burks, the jury is still out and he can make a big jump next season.