Jazz Preseason Analysis

Posted by J R Stewart on October 27, 2008

‘It’s all about Momentum’ (NBAE/Getty Images)

The preseason is in the books, and the Jazz ended up 4 and 3.

The season is ready to begin.

So, what have we learned?

1. It’s going to be a dogfight, which would make Michael Vick proud. Just because the Jazz is usually a playoff team, no one cares! In fact, it’s worse, because all the non-playoff teams lust for the chance to knock off a top team. Nothing is going to be given to them. They, and we, are going to have some disappointments this year. Let’s hope they are few.

2. The Jazz had troubles with defending the Lakers starters, in the first half, of the first game, allowing 70+% shooting. The 3 point defense continued to be a problem through the last game, where Portland shot, 8 of 11, uncontested triples, at will, in the first half. Players are too good now to allow them to go unmolested at the 3-point line. They can’t keep defending by hoping they will miss, without a hand in their face. If they are going to “help and rotate”, they are going to have to actually help and rotate, with purpose and vigor, not just go through the motions. The Jazz can’t allow 63 points in a half, against a bunch of second stringers and expect to win many games.

3. Defending the pick and roll is still a problem area, as it is for most teams. How well they will do depends, to a great extent, on how well the Jazz big men step out and get back. Boozer is slow and Memo is awkward. Will they be able to step up to the level of Millsap and AK? Can Kosta and Fess contribute some much needed defense?

4. Mostly, on the pick and roll, but also one-on-one, the Jazz guards have a hard time keeping their man in front of them and away from the hoop. They all have the ability, but will they put forth the determination and concentration to stop “the penetrate and kick?” (and the open 3-pointer!)

5. Despite the loss of D-Wil, the offense looks potent. They’ve got 7 players near, or above, 50% shooting. Kyle is blistering the nets with 57% from downtown. Who can forget Kosta’s last minute 30 footer in the Denver game? Even Ronnie Brewer is corkscrewing in 40% from beyond the arc. Any percentage above 33% is a “money maker.” The Jazz was 36.4%, on 3’s, for the preseason.

6. With 15 players and only 12 able to play, 3 will be behind the bench in snappy suits or flying coach with the Flash. Mo, Fess and Kosta are the only Flash eligible players. Almond is at the back of the line and will probably end up in Orem again. If Fess or Kosta can play well enough to displace Jarron to the coat and tie section, or there are other injuries, allowing them some active roster time, one or both will probably stay.

7. Matty and D-Wil appear to be making some progress. They are sorely missed.

8. AK as a sixth man is working, so far. He sparks the second unit defense and is more involved in the offense. He gets to play some Point Forward, and some Power Forward, with the second unit. He looks happy, and Jerry looks happy (well, as happy as Jerry ever looks). Could this be the beginning of a beautiful love affair?

9. Except for Kyle and D-Wil, the free throw shooting has been poor. It’s like the Jazz opponents 3-point shots, it’s basically an unguarded shot, and they should be making much better than 70%. Only 5 of the 15 players are exceeding 70% in the preseason. Perhaps the Jazz need a (free throw) “Shot Doctor”, part time, assistant coach, along with Horny?

Every list needs 10 items.

10. Kosta looks like a dream for the Jazz. He’s dedicated, listens, is polite, works hard, is a gym rat, and did I mention… he can shoot! Can he shoot? I’ll bet Memo wasn’t shooting this well at 19 years old. He’ll have to gain more strength, play better defense and learn where to take his shots in the offense, but his upside is unlimited. He’s ONLY 19! I’m excited to watch his development!

Jazzaholic

9 Comments

justalars on October 27, 2008 said:

AK as the 6th man was a genius move. Thats why Jerry has been doing it so long and will continue to do it till he decides he’s done.

Boondock Saint on October 27, 2008 said:

I love AK off the bench and I think you are right….KOSTA IS MONEY!

J R Stewart on October 27, 2008 said:

No, Memo is “Money” (can’t be changing nicknames now), but Kosta could turn into “Ka-Ching”, like an old fashioned cash register, with Dan Roberts starting Kaaaaa (as the shot goes up) and Chingggg (as the cow hide globe hits home)? Of course the Jazz will need the sound effect to go along with the shot.

Jazzaholic

Dallin T on October 28, 2008 said:

Woah, we’re already coming up with nicknames just becuase of one shot? Let’s give him some time.

Henry on October 28, 2008 said:

The game changer this year on the Jazz is Ronnie Brower. How many people agree with me here?

Boondock Saing on October 28, 2008 said:

Touche J.R. touche. Dallin, I’m not coming up with nicknames yet (although J.R. might be onto something) and I think you are absolutely right that he needs time but I think he has the desire, work ethic and fundamentals in place to become a solid piece of the Jazz puzzle. Henry, I think Brewer will be a huge piece to the puzzle and will put up a few more points but what I am mosted interested in seeing is whether or not his increased size will add even more to his defensive stopping power. The Jazz need D and Brewer could be the big defensive play maker for the Jazz starters with Kirilenko coming off the bench and making those big plays with the secondary.

Jared Conger on October 28, 2008 said:

i’ve been all about ronnie brewer since we’ve picked him. and that is why i bought a brewer jersey.

prediction: he will sneak into that third scorer slot on a regular basis with 20 pts becoming more and more a regularity.

J R Stewart on October 28, 2008 said:

20 points and no called plays. That would be a definite plus.
THE defensive stopper. THE Kobe killer. THE steals leader.
Wait a second, I gotta reload the next alley oop for Ronnie.

Jazzaholic

Linda McFarland on October 28, 2008 said:

All the blogs sound great. I am so excited for the the season!!. Had tickets for two pre season games but they just aren’t the same. It was good to see what the new players had to offer and didn’t have. I was a little disappointed in the regular players at times but they played like they didn’t have anything to prove and it was very different without DWill. I didn’t like to see how much he was limping but I think he is smart enough to do what he is suppose to do to heal up. We are pretty fortunate and will be in SLC to see the Portland game soon. Let’s get our collective “blogger mental tellepathy” together and think, Win Jazz, win!!