Locke Dating Game: Linas Kleiza

Posted by David Locke on May 27, 2009

Who: Linas Kleiza
Why is he available: free agent
What would it take: for Klieza to find no market and for the Jazz to still have some space under the cap
Why would they do it: the Nuggets have serious luxury tax issues as well. Kleiza has a qualifying offer of 2.75 a year so it would likely take a commitment more than that for multiple years.

Why is this a good move: the game is becoming more and more about shooting and he can shoot. He can play both the three and the four. Not a brilliant three shooter at 32% but his Locke offensive ranking is a 12.5 (10 is average) and 20 is a starter. He went to the line 11% of his possessions so he is not scared of the rim and contact. He has been at 11% both of the last two seasons. This is a good number for a three point shooter. In 07-08 his Locke offensive ranking was a 21. This would make him one of the most undervalued players in the NBA. A Physical player. He’s an average rebounder.

Why is this a bad move: The Nuggets were much better with him on the bench, should be since he often replaces Anthony. The Nugs were also better defensively when he was on the bench. A year ago the opposite was true. The Nugs were better when he was on the floor, however they were worse defensively when he was on the floor. May not be a good enough rebounder to get a lot of time at the 4.

Overall: A year ago he was the best bargain in the NBA. All of his numbers pointed toward a break out and one of the best 6th men in the NBA. However, he slipped this season or the Nugs just got better. If his price is not outrageous this could one of the best value signings in the NBA. A very efficient offensive player who was only getting 10 possessions a game and scoring 11 points a game. This could be a real find.

What do you think?

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Trent on May 27, 2009 said:

I think Linus Kleiza is a solid player and would contribute to the Jazz. After all, he did drop 40 on us last year!

Jared on May 27, 2009 said:

Kleiza? Are you serious? I was just talking to my brother who is a Nuggets fan last night, and the one argument that he couldn’t get around was that Kleiza couldn’t possibly play for a championship caliber team. If we pick up Kleize it would be a real mistake. We do not need another undersized PF. Whose minutes would he take? If we are trying to pick up a good shooter at the SF find one that can really shoot. Kleiza would be a total bust, and a step backwards. I pray that KOC doesn’t bring us Kleiza.

Tyler on May 27, 2009 said:

Yea Kleiza dropped 40 on us last year, but it seems like everyone has their good games against the poor defensive efforts of the Jazz. Instead of an undersized forward like Kleiza, we need someone like Marcus Camby who can be a presence in the paint while being able to finish around the basket.

tman11 on May 27, 2009 said:

Kleiza this guy is a jazz killer i don’t know what is was but he got up for jazz games he always went off on us. With tthat said i would love to see two guy from denver in a jazz uniform Klieza and chris anderson. kleiza can play a little deffence to but just for his ablility to get up and down the court and, have the stregth to drive and put up shots against your big men but also have a quick first step to get around your guards. He was one of my favorite players the last few year and anderson they guys crazy i love watching his game

Hier Level on June 20, 2009 said:

I would rather see Chris Anderson on the Jazz that Kleiza. I cannot stand Anderson’s look, but his post defense is awesome and a massive need on the Jazz squad.

Anderson and Kirilenko on the court at the same time, that would produce some nice 80-90 point games.

Maybe go after Raja Bell for the offensive side, plus he was a stout defender against that pain in the &*%$# player from the Lakers. At this point in his career, I would think that he would like to revisit the playoffs again.

tman11 on June 21, 2009 said:

You would get Klezia for an offensensive threat wich we don’t need. I would love to see the jazz get a guy like anderson. He fits every thing jerry wants in a player. A lot of people don’t think he would be good here or, even want to come here. I think he would be amazing in a jazz system he has to much talent and, basketball smarts not to take a look at him. I don’t want to see Raj back he put up to much of a fit when he left last time i don’t want to put up with his bs again.

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