Post#4 » by Dr Positivity » Tue Mar 19, 2024 11:56 pm
PG: John Stockton (1997: 9.3 FGA)
SG: Jeff Hornacek (1997: 10.4 FGA)
SF: Jimmy Butler (2023: 13.9 FGA)
PF: Karl Malone (1997: 19.2 FGA)
C: Myles Turner (2023: 11.8 FGA)
PG/SG: Charlie Ward (2001: 6.1 FGA)
SG/SF: Bryon Russell (1997: 7.7 FGA)
SF/PF: Tayshaun Prince (2004: 8.8 FGA)
87.2 / 88
PG: John Stockton (36) / Charlie Ward (12)
SG: Jeff Hornacek (30) / Charlie Ward (12) / Bryon Russell (6)
SF: Jimmy Butler (38) / Bryon Russell (10)
PF: Karl Malone (20) / Tayshaun Prince (28)
C: Myles Turner (30) / Karl Malone (18)
GL Snakebites
Defensive matchups: Stockton on Cassell, Hornacek on Anunoby, Butler on Miller, Malone on KG, Turner on Camby
We improved two of the Jazz main weaknesses by giving them a closer to help Malone and a great perimeter defender. You can say a ballhandler is not the smoothest fit in the world with Stockton and Malone game, but these guys have high IQ can can play with each other and it makes them a bit less predictable, plus at least 20 minutes of the game will either be Stockton and Malone without Jimmy or Jimmy without Stockton and Malone. The Jazz may have underutilized the 3 but we trust Hornacek (2x 3pt contest winner for what it's worth), Stockton and Russell's range. I’d also point out that Cassell’s 3pt volume also suffers compared to his talent from the system he plays in.
The C spot is a good match up for us here as Camby's shotblocking strengths are nullified guarding Turner at 3pt line, and he's pretty weak imo on D at everything except jumping for blocked shots. On a team with Stockton and with Turner being credible on offense by this point, we can especially take advantage of him by putting him in pick and rolls. Turner can also have a good defensive series not having to leave the rim too much and if Camby wants to take jumpshots we'll let him.
Overall I think Stockton, Butler and Malone can play KG, Cassell and Miller close enough when considering we have a stronger 3rd guy, and then I liked the rest of our team better. In addition to the previously mentioned Turner/Camby matchup and Hornacek's offense being traded for OG's D, the difference is really the bench where Snake had to eat a few 2004 Wolves in Hassell and 36 year old Ervin no Magic Johnson, in particular with Hassell being a non 3pt shooter I don't really see his role on offense here. Our team goes 8th deep as our worst player Russell is still a credible pro as the Jazz starting SF this year and hitting 40% from 3, while Prince and Ward is a nice 3 and D combo. Prince gives us the versatility to guard PFs while Malone plays minutes at C.
F statists