Jazz Media Day/Training Camp

[jazzfan1971]

I'm hoping we can match up with the Lakers well now. Brewer stronger might help. Miles stronger might help. Gasol/Bynum is going to be a tough matchup though for Boozer/Okur.

But, on the other hand...

I like our chances with a Deron vs. Fisher matchup. Or better yet Deron vs. Farmar.

I wonder if Fisher will slow down much this year? He seemed pretty energized last season.

[edfmx86]

after reading on...

Im very excited for this season to get underway

i like our chances alot and it should be another fun season to enjoy. cant wait for the scrim tomorrow

[The Sheik]

Reserve point guard Brevin Knight returned to work this morning, when the Jazz broke training camp at Boise State University here with the last of seven sessions at the school's Taco Bell Arena.

Knight missed both sessions of two-a-day workouts Thursday, including an open-to-the-public scrimmage, because of a strained lower back sustained in Wednesday's second practice.

The veteran journeyman is battling Utah Valley State product Ronnie Price for the backup point job behind starter Deron Williams.

Absent again today was free-agent guard Gerry McNamara, who has a sore jaw and whiplash after hitting his head on the floor in Wednesday's second session.

The injuries, though, didn't do much to dampen what Jazz coach Jerry Sloan deemed to be a successful week in Boise.

"I think, for the most part, guys have worked really hard," Sloan said this morning. "They seem to be, all of 'em, in pretty good shape — probably, as a whole, as good a shape as I've had a team come in."

Sloan said the most-improved player in camp has been rookie big man Kosta Koufos, and used the Ohio State product's Rocky Mountain Revue performance as a basis of comparison.

Story continues below
"He's played pretty well for as young as he is, after seeing him in summer league," Sloan said of the 19-year-old. "He'll get embarrassed some, but I think he's worked hard. He seems to be a little bit more relaxed in what we're trying to do. That always helps."

The Jazz resume camp Saturday afternoon at EnergySolutions Arena in Salt Lake City, where they will hold a free, open-to-the-public scrimmage that starts at 3:45 p.m.

http://deseretnews.com/article/1,5143,700263895,00.html

[JStockLivesOn]

I'm hoping we can match up with the Lakers well now. Brewer stronger might help. Miles stronger might help. Gasol/Bynum is going to be a tough matchup though for Boozer/Okur.

But, on the other hand...

I like our chances with a Deron vs. Fisher matchup. Or better yet Deron vs. Farmar.

I wonder if Fisher will slow down much this year? He seemed pretty energized last season.

Deron indeed dominated Farmar. Fisher had better luck, but was still outclassed.

And I've been hard on Miles (harder than I'm inclined to be simply to balance out the punch-drunk adoration he gets from some), but I get the feeling he'll be worked into the rotation and have a solid year -- the kind Brewer had last season. Harpring will probably play 10-15 minutes, and AK may lose a few minutes to Miles also.

I have high hopes for Brewer. I think he'll continue to improve.

I don't expect much more from Millsap. I'm not sure how much more he's going to improve. He's a solid energy player with surprising offensive polish, and that's probably how he's going to stay.

[carrottop12]

I don't expect much more from Millsap. I'm not sure how much more he's going to improve. He's a solid energy player with surprising offensive polish, and that's probably how he's going to stay.

That's how I've been feeling too. But then when I think about it, he has nearly no real jump shot that the's shown, and rumor has it that he has been working on it. If he could develop a consistent 15-18 foot J, there is no reason he couldn't be a very very good player. That would completely open up his game. I would love to see him bring that weapon to the Jazz this season.

[DelaneyRudd]

Anyone know what the rules are for cutting a guy and then signing a different player? What I mean is time frame. I say this because Collins is the obvious guy out in the whole scheme of 15 guys. Fes and Almond are the Orem guys, with Koufos being possible there, but he is likely the guy with bigger upside and better current skills. So, lets say we go forward and Knight gets a bad injury. Can the Jazz cut Collins and sign a replacement within hours, or do they have to wait for a specific time frame.

[GP]

I don't expect much more from Millsap. I'm not sure how much more he's going to improve. He's a solid energy player with surprising offensive polish, and that's probably how he's going to stay.

Good point, I am a little worried that Millsap hasn't improved more, it seems he has already plateaued. I like Millsap, but he will probably be a good career backup/serviceable starter. However, this may be a good thing, in that, the jazz might not have to offer him a lot of money next offseason.

[DelaneyRudd]

Millsap will get better, just not Super-star better. With plays run through him he can get to Memo level, or even Boozer level. (remember Paul Silas set a cap on Boozer's abilities) His main issue is he isn't as big and mean as Karl Malone. He isn't quite as skilled and crafty as Charles Barkley. He can be a reasonable replacement for Boozer, BUT more will be expected from the SF and C, and someone will have to be the full time PF back up. Theoretically you could play backup by commission lioke last years C back up. AK and Brewer slide over... That's not ideal, and neither is AK playing full time PF. Jazz would almost have to consider bringing back the lil' Sexy, Mr. Kris Humphries if Boozer walks.

[xstockholmsyndromex]

The more I read, the more excited I am getting about this season. Its great to see the hard work and dedication some of these players have shown over the summer. I think this team has the skill and mentality to win it all this year. Hopefully we will see an improvement in our overall defense, if that improves then the sky is the limit.

[JStockLivesOn]

Bat, you're right that improving his jumper could still take him somewhere. He's a decent shooter, but if he could start sticking them Malone-circa-98 style, he could be a legitimate starter at some point.

And GP, that's a good point. Millsap's a must-keep, but given our cap situation, it might be for the better if his game doesn't completely blow up.

[The Sheik]

Anyone know what the rules are for cutting a guy and then signing a different player? What I mean is time frame. I say this because Collins is the obvious guy out in the whole scheme of 15 guys. Fes and Almond are the Orem guys, with Koufos being possible there, but he is likely the guy with bigger upside and better current skills. So, lets say we go forward and Knight gets a bad injury. Can the Jazz cut Collins and sign a replacement within hours, or do they have to wait for a specific time frame.

As far as I understand your situation is doable. The only thing would be letting Collins clear waivers, perhaps someone would pick him up, but that doesnt handcuff the Jazz in anyway.