Jazz Seniors: Still have the juice?

Posted by J R Stewart on October 09, 2008

‘Old School?’ (M. Majchrzak – NBAE/Getty Images)

The Jazz have 3 Senior Citizens, Brevin Knight (33), Matt Harpring (32) and Jarron Collins (29).

None of them are ancient, by NBA standards, and many would argue, that they are at the peak of their careers. However, they are the present, not the future of the Utah Jazz.

What are their values, prospects for the future and involvement in possible trades?

Brevin is the oldest, but as he’ll tell you, still the quickest. It remains to be seen if Hots will re-bestow Rickie Greens, “Fastest of them All” moniker on Brevin. His shooting and minutes have been decreasing, his 3 point shooting is nonexistent, but he still has a good assist to turnover ratio and can run the team, in event of an injury.  He has an attractive $2 million, expiring contract. However, the Jazz want to keep three point guards, and his salary is probably more attractive to the Jazz as a keeper. Unless he gets injured, or morphs into a Jason Hart, he’ll probably be here for the rest of the year and become a free agent next summer. If everything works out well, the Jazz might want him back, because of he’ll know the system, have a low salary, accept his role and provide leadership.

Mattie has two years left, at $6 and $6.5 million. Matt has been a good leader, great citizen, hard worker, great hustler and Jerry would probably adopt him, if they were both a little younger. His wheels are constantly grinding, needing constant repair, and his springs are shot. When he’s healthy, he’s been a very positive aspect of the Jazz. He remains a 50% shooter, but everything else is on the downhill slope. His time on the floor, 3-point %, FT % and rebounds are all decreasing. Matt has a lot of young talent competing for his minutes. The glut of Shooting Guards, who can also play at the 3, will probably further decrease his minutes. It would be hard to trade such a popular player, especially with all the injuries he has, and has had. If he were in his last year of his contract, teams would be eager to trade for him, as a short-term fix and for salary cap relief. As soon as he is healed, and back playing well, the Jazz may have their last opportunity showcase and get good value for Matt, just before the February trade deadline.

Jarron is intelligent, hard working and accepts his role. He’s steady, reliable and consistent. He plays great position defense on big men, draws lots of flops, errrr fouls, that is. If Kosta or Fess, hopefully both, step up and demand some playing time, Jarron will only be able to attend games in his suit, sitting behind the bench. His minutes and production have continue to slip, because Millsap demands more time on the floor. He has $2,074,302 left on his contract this year, making him attractive trade bait. But…big men are hard to find. Unless the Jazz’ other big men demand time, or a big man is involved in the trade, we may not see a trade involving Jarron.

There is nothing really wrong with any of these players. They’re not that old. They’re productive contributors and stellar citizens. However, the Jazz will need future salary cap relief and roster spot flexibility. The ideal situation, for the Jazz, would be a 2, or 3, for one trade, with a salary exchange saving for Jazz about 25%.

If Kevin can improve the team, look for a trade before February, possibly involving one of the Senior Citizens.

Jazzaholic

3 Comments

Jared Conger on October 09, 2008 said:

The one thing a lot of Jazz fans don’t understand is our 3-position – they don’t know that most of our 2’s can just as easily swap over to the SF without skipping a beat; especially with the players other teams are playing at the SF.

Jared Young on October 09, 2008 said:

I agree with the other Jared. Especially looking at how Brewer has bulked up during the off season. The guy is looking very strong. He’s definitely a mis-match vs the average SG now, and could compete with most SFs in the league.

We have a great mix of players. Most of them are young, but our older guys are an important part of the team as well.

Mr. Bytheway on October 09, 2008 said:

According to Hollinger, the only center worse in the league than Jarron is his twin brother, Jason. I’d have no problem at all with him leaving the team to make room for Koufos and Fes. The only problem is finding a team dumb enough to take him off our hands.

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