RealGM

I'd like to see a little discussion around who we are as a team this season. Last year's team essentially relied on the post game from Jefferson and thrived on maximizing the number of possessions through limiting TOs and hitting the offensive boards. That's what we were and it got us to the playoffs. We didn't have much in the way of perimeter offense, either through the pick and roll, shot creation from our guards or kick outs to open 3 pointers. We also were a poor defensive team.


This year's team has a vastly different feel, despite the fact that most of the same key pieces are in place. The big thing that I saw last night is the ability to actually be an inside-out team. If this group of guys can solidify themselves as one that controls the paint offensively AND defensively--by dominating the boards on both ends, protecting the rim and assaulting the hoop with power, skill and athleticism--and then creates high percentage looks for open shooters by playing off of that....this could become a borderline contender relatively fast.

Of course, its a lot easier to do that against an old Elton Brand, fat Eddy Curry, old Shawn Marion and Brandan Wright than it will be against the likes of Gasol/Howard, Duncan and Co., Ibaka and Perkins, or the other contenders in the West, so it should all be taken with a big dose of perspective.

But one of the things that bad teams lack is a sense of purpose and identity. They don't know who or what they are. An essential part of becoming a contender is identifying what your strengths are and learning to play to them, and I think this team is starting to develop a sense of that.

Thoughts?

The main feature in the identity of this team is hunger I think. This team is fired up and hungry, with Mo barking orders setting the emotional pace, Kanter bleeding with a stuff-eating grin on his face, Marvin finally able to show what he can do. Don't forget a couple of guys in contract years too. There's gonna be some pep in the step of this year's team.

The inside/outside game was an exciting proposition as we acquired Mo, Marvin and Foye, each having shot around 39% from behind the 3pt line last year. Outrageous efficiency from deep during pre-season helped to raise excitement level, and now they are doing it to the NBA for reals. Utah's front court last year was formidable and deep, and this year we bring the same bunch of bruisers back with more experience and seasoning (Carlisle before the game referred to Utah's front court as a 'wrecking crew').

Without any reliable outside shooting keeping defenses honest however opposing teams were able to converge on that crew and gum up the works. Adding dangerous shooters, and the continuing development of our young backcourt players stretches the floor a great deal, making things even easier on the "Wrecking Crew".

There is an excitement in the air in Utah that wasn't there last year. To me changing the indecisiveness and ineffectiveness of Devin Harris for the grit and fire of Mo Williams was a big part of the change of direction and appeal of this team. I don't mean to undervalue what Ma Williams brings to this team- finally a SF worthy of a starting role, and one that doesn't need the ball to be very effective no less. Go Jazz!

Balanced, up-tempo offense combined with elite rebounding and inconsistent (but occasionally good) defense.

It's a great sign that Mo and Marvin led the scoring last night. That changes the scouting report on the Jazz immediately.

Carlisle came into the game talking about the dog fight that was going to happen up front. That was the Jazz' old identity, and it is still a vital aspect of the team. But to start of the year with Mo, Marvin, and Foye combining for 55 points while the 4 bigs account for 37 was likely expected by no one. The 46 rebounds weren't a surprise, but the scoring spread was.

What is beautiful about that stat is that the bigs are likely to increase their point production as they get used to the up-tempo scheme. But Mo and the wings will already have been established because that game plan suits their skills right from the opening tip.

The Jazz are easy to defend if all you have to worry about is Jefferson and Millsap. The acquisition of the Williams bros. and Foye gives other teams a lot more to worry about.

Talking Team Identity emotionally Mo, Kanter, Millsap and even Carroll are all tough guys who contest each play.

Favors sometimes has the level of fire and aggression on the court but guys mentioned above look ready to provide it each night. I think Foye is similar in his toughness level.

The toughness and pride was/is Earl Watson primary contribution to the team.

That isn't to say the rest of the team doesn't play hard. But increasing the number of guys who will grind out wins in additional to increases of shooting and overall skill level is going to make us a much better team. New all we need is a all-nba superstar to make us a contender.

That's a good question, but it's not something that you can assign to a team. One just has to wait it out to truly know the identity. BUT that's no fun!

Rebounding and 3's!!

I think we saw a very accurate picture of what the Jazz are going to do and what they are going to be from the first game. It was interesting to me that the Jazz really broke out from the game in the 3rd when they pushed, pushed and pushed the ball fast up and down the court. (love that style by the way). People say that style can't win games and I think that is why more teams haven't gone to it like the Suns have (or did). Then the Jazz played defense like "other teams" and maintained that lead and won the game convincingly. The front court of the Jazz is one of the very best in this league and they dominated on the boards. Good thing, because it worried me a bit when they took some open threes many time in a row and missed them but the rebounders kept them in the game.

Better add to that identity fast break style. Hope the Jazz keep that up to get a 20 point lead. This is what I also think lost a lot of games for the Jazz the last few years. They didn't have a mentality of we are going to push it, work hard and get the score up by 20 points to put these opponents out of the game mentally. The Jazz in previous years if they were up by 3 or more kinda relaxed too much.