Why is RAJA still on the team

[Stifle Tower]

the short version: all hope for their improvement rests on a guy who has missed an average of 29 games per year over the last four seasons, curry and thompson replacing what they got from ellis and curry, and harrison barnes having an extraordinary rookie season. if all three of those things happen, they will be on the playoff bubble and be fighting with another 3-5 teams for the final 2 playoff spots. and if they get to that point, the fact that they spent last year teaching their team how to lose is going to hurt them.

the long version: https://www.jazzbros.com/2012/06/pick-watch-renewed/

I agree.
Had GS not traded for an injured player and then tanked, maybe they would have won 30 games. That still leaves them six games out of the playoffs. So assume they're a much improved team this year. Who do they replace in the playoffs? Utah? I hope not. Jazz are at least improved on paper. I expect Utah to move up, not down. Denver? Chandler is back after playing most of the season in China. Miller was re-signed. No other major changes, so no reason to think they'll slip appreciably. Dallas? Maybe. They're losing Terry and Kidd. Unless Deron signs with the Mavs, Dallas is on the way down. But Sacarmento (with a Cousins-Robinson duo) and New Orleans (adding David and Rivers) might not be far behind. They'd also have to jump ahead of Minnesota and Portland; both of those teams should be better. And also Houston and Phoenix (those two teams may drop).

If forced to make a wager, I'd put GS at 10-12 in the West and the draft pick in about that same range.

 

[jazz_fanatic]

Guys, if we don't pay him any attention, maybe he'll just go away.

Just like a zit.