End of season report card

[sendai91]

Here's how I see the individual and team performance.

Players:

Deron: B

Has established himself as one of the top 3 pg's in the game, and one of the top 15 players in the NBA. Has to improve on perimeter defense and FT shooting, and it seems occasionally like he doesn't distribute to certain players when they are on the court, almost as if he is punishing them for bone-headed plays.

Memo: C

Still a threat from deep, one of the 10 best from range. Still no particular defensive mobility, and an absolute liability when he and Boozer are on the floor defensively.

Ronnie: B -

Despite the size and extra muscle, he didn't have a banner year in shutting wing players down defensively. Still, he should be good for 30 minutes a game for the next several years, and his jumper actually seemed a little more reliable this year.

Boozer: D

At least two or three times a game, I find myself yelling at the TV or in the arena because of a dumb play. He hasn't been healthy, but outside of the one playoff series in Houston, there haven't been a lot of highlights from his tenure with the Jazz. I think that nearly everyone hopes he opts out.

AK: C-

Time to find anything of value for him, or commit to giving him 30 mins a night. This in-between, bench role doesn't suit his strength or maximize the investment of his salary.

CJ: C- Expendable. I hope that we can package him and our #1 for something decent in the draft. Seems to epitomize the team, talented offensively, limited commitment to defense and rebounding.

Korver: B - Has hustled more on d and on the boards, but can't create his own shot, and seems to put his head down when his shot isn't falling

Milsap: B+ Hustle, hustle, hustle. If only he was a couple of inches taller.

Harpring: B- See Milsap, substitute taller for younger.

Knight, Price, Koufos, Collins, Fesenko: Nothing particularly special here. Would have liked to have seen better decision making from Knight and more time for Kosta. Bench grade: C

Coaching: C+ Sloan won more games than he should have with all of the injuries this year, but the continued road losses, unwillingness to guard the 3 and the inexplicable homes losses this year were indefensible.

Overall: C+, lucky to make the playoffs, some hope for the next few years.

[JDubJazz]

This ain't gonna be pretty, but we'll start with the good and go from there:

PG Deron Williams A-
The start to the season was rough due to a freak injury, but he came back and became one of the leagues dominant players again. This is a 25 win team without him.

SG Ronnie Brewer B+
If it wasn't for Ronnie's slow start he could have been the Jazz's other "A." He solidified himself as a 30 mpg starter and his jumper was much more consistant.

PF Paul Milsap B+
He proved that he's is a quality player in the league, but wore down as the season progressed. He is likely to get a a handsomely overpaid contract from a team other than the Jazz this offseason.

C Kosta Koufous B
He did everything the Jazz asked of him and contributed when he was on the floor. He needs more playing time.

C Mehmet Okur B-
Memo did what Memo does. He can't guard anybody with any type of quickness, but he opens up the floor better than anyone else on the team.

SG Kyle Korver B-
He fought through a rough injury to his shooting arm and really gave great effort on defense, despite his limitations.

SF/Enforcer Matt Harpring C
His body is worn out, but in short spurts can be more aggravating to the other team than any other player on the roster. This alone justifies his roster spot.

SF Andrei Kirilenko C
Another Jekyl and Hyde season for AK47. Nobody follows up amazing performances with utterly mediocre ones as like Andrei.

PG Brevin Knight C
He was who we thought he was (and he still can't shoot a lick).

C Jarron Collins C-
...Injured to start the year and a non factor the rest of the season, so pretty much what we've come to expect from him.

C Kyrylo Fesenko C-
His spot in the league is in question, but he's tall and funny, so the Jazz should probably keep him around one more year.

SG/SF CJ Miles D
He wasn't ready for the minutes he was given and really didn't improve over the course of the season.

???/PG Ronnie Price D
He lost the backup PG spot to Brevin Knight and was never heard from again. Too bad, because I miss his dunks (or at least the crazy dunk attempts).

SG Morris Almond FAIL
Winner of the annual Jerry Sloan's doghouse award. He'd better brush up on his eastern European language skills.

COACH Jerry Sloan FAIL
Its hard for me to give coach this grade, because at midterm he was a solid A-. Despite the injuries, he kept the team in the thick of things. The problem is, for the first time I can remember, he genuinely lost a team. They were completely ignoring him at the end. Thats the equivalent of aceing the term paper but not showing up for the final. Sorry Jerry, its a FAIL.

PF Carlos Boozer EPIC FAIL
Its tough to play effectively with your foot in your mouth. From his infamous "opt-out 'cause I'm getting a raise" comment, to his utter lack of effort on defense, Carlos Boozer has become the posterboy for every Jazz-fans' frustrations. How many multiple time ALL-STARS in the prime of their careers are other teams hoping opt out of their contracts? That is an EPIC FAIL.

[idajazz]

This ain't gonna be pretty, but we'll start with the good and go from there:

PG Deron Williams A-
The start to the season was rough due to a freak injury, but he came back and became one of the leagues dominant players again. This is a 25 win team without him.

SG Ronnie Brewer B+
If it wasn't for Ronnie's slow start he could have been the Jazz's other "A." He solidified himself as a 30 mpg starter and his jumper was much more consistant.

PF Paul Milsap B+
He proved that he's is a quality player in the league, but wore down as the season progressed. He's likely to get a a handsomely overpaid contract from a team other than the Jazz this offseason.

C Kosta Koufous B
He did everything the Jazz asked of him and contributed when he was on the floor. He needs more playing time.

C Mehmet Okur B-
Memo did what Memo does. He can't guard anybody with any type of quickness, but he opens up the floor better than anyone else on the team.

SG Kyle Korver B-
He fought through a rough injury to his shooting arm and really gave great effort on defense, despite his limitations.

SF/Enforcer Matt Harpring C
His body is worn out, but in short spurts can be more aggravating to the other team than any other player on the roster. This alone justifies his roster spot.

SF Andrei Kirilenko C
Another Jekyl and Hyde season for AK47. Nobody follows up amazing performances with utterly mediocre ones as like Andrei.

PG Brevin Knight C
He was who we thoght he was (and he still can't shoot a lick).

C Jarron Collins C-
Injured to start the year and a non factor the rest of the season, so pretty much what we've come to expect from him.

C Kyrylo Fesenko C-
His spot in the league is in question, but he's tall and funny, so the Jazz should probably keep him around one more year.

SG/SF CJ Miles D
Wasn't ready for the minutes he was given and really didn't improve over the course of the season.

???/PG Ronnie Price D
lost the backup PG spot to Brevin Knight and was never heard from again. Too bad, because I miss his dunks (or at least the crazy dunk attempts).

SG Morris Almond FAIL
Winner of the annual Jerry Sloan's doghouse award. He'd better brush up on his eastern European language skills.

COACH Jerry Sloan FAIL
Its hard for me to give coach this grade, because at midterm he was a solid A-. Despite the injuries, he kept the team in the thick of things. The problem is, for the first time I can remember, he genuinely lost a team. They were completely ignoroning him at the end. Thats the equivalent of acing the term paper but not showing up for the final. Sorry Jerry, its a FAIL.

PF Carlos Boozer EPIC FAIL
Its tough to play effectively with your foot in your mouth. From his infamous "opt-out cause I'm getting a raise" comment, to his utter lack of effort on defense, Carlos Boozer has become the posterboy for every Jazz fans frustrations. How many multiple time ALL-STARS in the prime of their careers are other teams hoping opt out of their contracts? That is an EPIC FAIL.

Pretty much nailed it.
The only one I would change is AK, I think you were to kind.

AK.........D

[seejaydeja]

Read this over at SLC Dunk. This season Booz has played 1196 minutes...Guess how many blocks he has in that time....7.

http://www.slcdunk.com/2009/4/15/838351 ... blocker-is

Wow.

[jazzfan1971]

A Deron Williams. I thought he showed a lot of heart. Coming back before he was ready, willing the team to several wins, and just showing a lot of determination. FT% was improved from last year. Must learn to exploit slower/taller defenders.

A Ronnie Brewer. Brewer does a lot of the small things on this team. I thought he did everything that was asked of him. Showed an improved jumper over last season. More incremental improvements in FG% and FT% would be welcome.

A Paul Millsap. Paul is our best PF right now. He's still a below average starting PF, but, not by much. Paul has played though a variety of nagging injuries and done everything asked of him.


B Kyle Korver. Korver has improved his all around game this year over last. Showing better defense, better blocks, better rebounds, and just a better fit with the team. Unfortunately, he's also regressed as a shooter. I'm always comfortable with Korver on the court though. I can't wait for him to get on the court and I'm always disappointed when he comes out. Needs to regain shooting excellence.

B Memo Okur. Memo does a good job for this team most nights. He does everything some nights. But, some nights you can't even tell he's out there. He'll never be the shotblocker this team needs, but, when he's bringing his A game the Jazz are very hard to beat. Memo usually steps it up during the Post Season, lets hope this year is no different. Needs to bring more consistant effort night to night.


C Andrei Kirilenko. AK looked terrific when he first took over the 6th man role on the team. But, by my eye, he's just worn down. I don't think his body is holding up to the NBA as he looks a little more run down every year. I think as much as anything, AK's diminished minutes are an effort to rest AK, maybe let him heal up a bit. I hope he's ready to go at full strength for the playoffs, but, it doesn't look like he's there yet to me. I think he needs some extended time off and then limited minutes during the season.

C Matt Harpring. Harp gives you pretty good play in limited minutes. I think he gives 100% every moment on the floor. I should give him a higher grade, but, he's just not on the floor enough to make much difference.

C Brevin Knight. Brevin has been average. I expected more. I've seen him dominate games with his passing before, but, barely a flash of that this year. Maybe he's not able to do that anymore, maybe our system won't allow his strengths to shine. Whatever the reason he isn't helping the Jazz or hurting the Jazz much while he's out there.


D CJ Miles. CJ just can't find a way to fit with this team. He does show flashes of talent. Whether canning a 3 or doing a nice dribble penetration. But, he doesn't seem to know his role, or can't seem to fill it. He's OFTEN out of position defensively. There have been many close games I've seen this year where it was CJ's man either scoring the winning bucket or picking up a game changing offensive rebound. To be honest, I don't know if it's CJ's fault or if someone else just failed to rotate, but, it seems odd that it always looks like CJ is standing in no-mans land while the winning bucket for the other team is in flight.


F Carlos Boozer. Boozer is susposed to be this teams leading scorer. It's All-Star. It's best player. Boozer has been horrific. I know he's been battling injuries, but, with expectations soo high and performance so low, it's hard to give him anything but an F. I'm hoping he shakes off the rust and is the guy we all expected for the playoffs, but, I just don't see it.

[gojazzgo]

Read this over at SLC Dunk. This season Booz has played 1196 minutes...Guess how many blocks he has in that time....7.

http://www.slcdunk.com/2009/4/15/838351 ... blocker-is

Wow.

Interesting. Here's another one:
There is only 2 other players that are 6'11" tall or taller that have played at least 2000 minutes this year and average less blocks a game than Okur(.7 p/g). Brad Miller and Troy Murphy.

I believe Okur has the lowest B/g out of any starting center on a playoff team.

I don't think anyone is real worried when driving in against he jazz.

Here is the query I ran which is limited to 2000 minutes or more and at least 6'10". Okur is 22 out of 29, but everyone besides Miller is listed as a Forward below him.

[JDubJazz]

Read this over at SLC Dunk. This season Booz has played 1196 minutes...Guess how many blocks he has in that time....7.

http://www.slcdunk.com/2009/4/15/838351 ... blocker-is

Wow.

Interesting. Here's another one:
There is only 2 other players that are 6'11" tall or taller that have played at least 2000 minutes this year and average less blocks a game than Okur(.7 p/g). Brad Miller and Troy Murphy.

I believe Okur has the lowest B/g out of any starting center on a playoff team.

I don't think anyone is real worried when driving in against he jazz.

Here is the query I ran which is limited to 2000 minutes or more and at least 6'10". Okur is 22 out of 29, but everyone besides Miller is listed as a Forward below him.

Yes, but I would argue that Memo isn't really a center, either. He's a PF being forced to play center on defense. That being said, he's still a really poor shot blocker for his size.

[kebutah]

PG Deron Williams B
Too many stupid turnovers, but he is only a 3rd year player

SG Ronnie Brewer B-
Needs more confidence in his shot and more defensive concentration

PF Paul Milsap c+
Needs to work on his stamina

C Kosta Koufous Inc
Not enough PT

C Mehmet Okur B-
Needs more offensive consistency

SG Kyle Korver B-
Started slow but his defense has been getting better

SF/Enforcer Matt Harpring Inc
Too much injured time

SF Andrei Kirilenko C-
Has no clue about what he does best, still thinks he is a shooter

PG Brevin Knight C
horrible shot decent team running

C Jarron Collins D-
non factor

C Kyrylo Fesenko D-
non factor and no real progress

SG/SF CJ Miles D
Doesn't seem to concentrate on the floor at all times

PG Ronnie Price Inc
not enough minutes

SG Morris Almond F
good bye

COACH Jerry Sloan F
lost the quick yank skill that made guys play, doesn't seemed focused and he admits that he cannot motivate anybody

PF Carlos Boozer F
spent time in the news for all the wrong reasons and still has not come back from injury

[ColdBlue]

Ok, here are my grades:

DW = A

He struggled after the injury a bit, but I really can't take anything away from his game. He is the franchise, and the man who COULD lead this team to a championship. I do wonder though if he is a source of the discontent we see with the team though.

Brew = B

Slowly improving his game. Outside jumpshot is getting pretty damned good and I don't mind him taking it. Defense has been pretty good, but it's hard to rate because he is always defending a top scorer it seems. A little too tentative, but that's the only way a SG can survive on this team.

CJ = D

Bigtime defensive liability, plays with a certain apathy that reminds me of an adolescent front of indifference to protect a fragile ego. Beautiful shot and nice controlled moves to the basket... Still has potential but needs some guidance and a little more testosterone.

Booze = D

Bigger time defensive liability and is not providing the flip side with rebounding and offense that would counter his absolutely worthless defense. He disrupted this team's chemistry as he one dimmensionally forced himself into the offense with that fade away high post jumpshot... and it's not hitting.

Memo = C

Another defensive seive on this team and when paired with Booze our only hope is to outscore. If either has an off night, we lose. His 3's are big though, and always seem to spark us out of a lull.

Knight = C

Can't shoot, can't create but he is better than Hart.

AK = C

Has fallen in love with a low percentage jumpshot. Also, isn't playing with a 'spark'. I think there are other factors coming into play. What's up with the weight loss?

KK = B

Can we add one more defensive liability to the list? I thought he would be a prima donna, but has shown that he is scrappy and will hustle. The main improvement is his incorporating the free throw line off the screen jumper to his quiver.

Harp = B

Yes, I'm giving Harp a B. He stumbles around, get's beaten badly off the dribble, can't hit a layup... but his attitude is like the secret ingredient that is missing from this team. It's the salt on french fries or the horseradish with prime rib. It's the crusty underwear in Josef's pants after the 5 minutes Harp plays. With that said... it's still time for him to retire.

Sap = B

I wanted to give Paul an A, but he has way too many deficiencies that he needs to figure out before he can take a starting job. As a backup definitely an A. He's tough and isn't afraid to get into the mud, but he does need to polish his game somewhat.

Collins = C

Collins is Collins. I'm glad he was injured so Kosta had an opportunity.

Kosta = B

I liked what I saw from the teenager.

Fes = D

Other than the one shining game against Yao... nothing. Good for 6 fouls in the Laker series though. Who knows.. maybe he could stop or slow down Gasol/Bynum?

Price = Incomplete

Should have been given an opportunity to win the backup from Knight.

Almond = Incomplete

Good kid... has offensive talent... might find a roster spot somewhere.

Sloan = Fail

Time to relax on a John Deere with a glass of lemonade. Unless he somehow get's this team together by the weekend, this season is a typical meltdown that might have been prevented with a well timed TIMEOUT.

[gojazzgo]

Yes, but I would argue that Memo isn't really a center, either. He's a PF being forced to play center on defense. That being said, he's still a really poor shot blocker for his size.

Center or not, he's still tied for 3rd worst 6'11" or taller shot blocker in the league. I don't care who we pick up or get rid of, but we NEED at least someone in the middle that will challenge a shot. It's not just about blocks, it's about making guys adjust their shot. I don't think anyone is real worried about Boozer or Okur challenging them in the paint.

[OC Jazzfan]

I grade on a curve according to my expectations.

D-Will = B+
Definitely "The Man" on this team, but still too careless with the ball and his defense could be better. When he turns it on though, he's a joy to watch.

Brewer = B
Big improvement, fairly solid all around. On this team if you don't stick out by being soft/heartless/lazy/dumb, you get a decent grade.

C.J. = C-
My expectations weren't very high so my lack of disappointment means he's just below average. Frustrates by showing potential once in awhile and then going on a binge of suckiness.

Boozer = F
No heart. It's not that he can't play defense, it's that he doesn't care enough to do it. Claims to be a warrior and makes lots of noise on the court, that's about it.

Memo = C
One night he gets an "A" the next night he gets an "F". Average that out and you get a "C". If he's not draining shots in a particular game he's a huge liability.

Knight = C-
Meh, just another in a long line of failed Jazz backup PGs. I wasn't expecting much though.

Kiriklinko = D+
Where to start? The guy is a headcase with an ego as sensitive as a small child. Plays so far below his potential and his pay scale that it's ridiculous.

Pretty Boy Korver = C+
Plays hard but not quite as reliable a shooter as I expected. Slow on defense and sort've a sissy on D as well.

Harp = A
Let's see. Slow as cold tar, misses layups and has the vertical leap of a tree sloth. But I'm giving him an "A" simply because he owns one of only three sets of testicles on this entire team. When Harp comes in he makes the rest of the team (especially Boozer and Memo) look like girl scouts. No wait, girl scouts are tougher than Boozer and Memo.

Mansap = B+
Needs work, but is the proud owner of this teams' third set of testicles. Plays hard. I can't see the Jazz letting him go.

Collins = C+
He sucks and he wears argyle sweater vests, but at least he plays hard when he's out there.

Fes = D+
What a lurp. He's big, he's fairly coordinated but still a lurp. I'm not sure he has what it takes upstairs to make it. If he were mean as hell, I could see him having a spot on this team, but he doesn't seem very mean.

Price = D+
He's a hucker and that's why he's not getting any burn. When you get in the game for 5 or 6 minutes for Sloan you'd better run the offense and not try and jack up as many shots as you can in that limited span.

Koufos = Incomplete

Almond = Incomplete

Sloan = D
He insists on treating his players like they're old school and they're not. He expects them to come ready to play which they don't. These guys are from a different generation than guys like Stockton, Malone, Hornacek etc... They need to be patted on the head when they do well, they need to be scolded firmly yet politely when they play poorly, in short they need to be treated like eight year olds. I don't think he has this capability, but nonetheless as the head coach it's his responsibility.

[HammerDunk]

I don't feel like writing a novel, so it will be simple for me.

A- - DWill. Needs to work on D and team leadership, the other flaws are fine. There are a small handful of players that deserved an A this year to me, and Deron fell just short.

B - Brew, Korver and Sap.

C - Memo and Harp

D - AK, Knight and CJ

F - Boozer (though he had an A before his injury... how sad...)

Sloan, I am torn on. I realize the guy has probably had one of the hardest years of his life. He is getting old and tired, and I respect him immensely for what he does and has done for this team. I wish so bad the guy could get his champ ring, he deserves it more than anyone in the league.

Having said that, I don't know how many more years I can stand having to see him coach a team like this. I just don't think he knows what to do with them. I don't think he understands the mindset of someone like Boozer, who just doesn't seem to give a single damn. Life might suck, but at least give your best "beast"...

The rest don't matter, but I would like to see more PT for RP, Fess, and KK.

[jazzed77]

just a quick question for those ranking Fes so low, with his limited playing time how can you really make any ranking? I've liked what I've seen effort-wise the few min he does get and altho he doesn't seem to always know what to do in the offense, I think that may have something to do with him never getting game minutes.

[UTJazzFan_Echo1]

Players:

Deron: B+
Despite being injured Williams has shown that he is the leader of this team. He was inconsistent coming back from the injury but has pulled things together over the course of the season. Turnovers are still a bit high at times but the man cant be perfect. Needs to set the tone for the team and call out the players who don't follow his lead. Needs to learn to lead verbally not just by example cause its not working for this team. Showed glimpses of it (getting on Booze for not going for a loose ball) but needs to bring that intensity to every game. Also needs to stop complaining to the refs so much. Super clutch.

Memo: C+
Very inconsistent but has won quite a few games for us. Still mediocre on defense but has continued to improve his inside game. Needs to improve on defense and toughness.

Ronnie Brewer: A-
Terrific slasher and improvements on the defensive end, outside shot is mediocre but has been the spark for this team all year. Had some big games, won us a few games. Very impressed

Boozer: D-
Injuries, lack of heart, lack of defense. Was solid till his knee injury and is a detriment to the team now that he is back.

AK: C-
Improved from last year but still isn't playing with enough confidence or toughness. Lacking on the blocked shots this year is hurting the team, bad basketball plays in crucial moments of the game but has been solid for the most part. Needs lots of improvement.

CJ: C-
Surprised to see he started for most of the season, shown improvement but is still lacking on defense, consistent outside shot and consistency all around. Needs improvement but has shown some hope.

Korver: B+
Poor shooting for the first half of the year but improvements on defense, rebounding and passing. Needs to be a bit more consistent and not so streaky but it happens to shooters.

Milsap: A-
What more could you ask from him? Stepped up when he needed to and filled in for Boozer. Plays with heart and hustles his guts out. Solid on defense, great rebounding, improved offensive capabilities. Still has problems with fouls.

Harpring: B
Solid Vet that has dealt with injuries and low playing time. Brings toughness and hustle onto the floor. Solid all around.

Knight, Price, Koufos, Collins, Almond, Fesenko: Bench grade: C
Solid for the most part, Koufos showed some talent, Price should be getting Knights minutes, Knight has been solid, Collins is Collins, Almond is lost and Fess is still lazy. Need our young guys to improve into solid backups.

Coaching: C-
Great coaching for the first half of the season, terrible coming down the stretch towards the playoffs. CJ should have lost his job by now and Price should have been playing all season along with Harpring. Need to learn how to motivate the players and be more diverse.

Overall: C-
Pretty solid for the first half of the season, just horrible at the end. Need better team chemistry and need more heart/toughness. Overall the season is very disappointing but I cant give them a grade lower then C with all the injuries they have had to deal with.