AK must go....

[DaveMustaine]

I wonder if Chicago would consider Boozer for Hinrich and Tyrus or Noah? Chicago is a better defensive team and they could hide Booz. Hinrich could start at 2 with Deron and we'd have a killer defensiv backcourt. Brew could move to three, and CJ and KK would come off the bench.

If we had to move AK, I'm just not sure what's out there for him at his salary. We'd almost certainly have to take back a lesser player at a bad salary in order to move him. It seems to me, by moving AK to the PF slot, he can play closer to the hoop where he's more comfortable and he could protect the hoop. He's never going to be a banger like Booz, but thats not his game anyway. Its just a thought, and it has little chance of happening, but I'd be curious to see it.

thank Goodness you're not our GM. Good God...

[JDubJazz]

thank Goodness you're not our GM. Good God...

Oh, I absolutely agree, but if you think the Jazz are going to win a championship with the team as presently constituted, then you are letting your optimism blind you.

The Jazz are going to have to make deals to get to where they want to be. The key to those deals has to be getting players that fit the Jazz system. Hinrich was made to play for Jerry Sloan. I personally think that Carlos Boozer may be the most overrated player in the NBA right now. While I don't think AK would do everything Boozer does, if he were to replace him, he would come close and his defensive would be infinitely better. Adding another young piece like Noah or Tyrus and a guy like Hinrich that could anchor our backcourt for years, could well put the Jazz over the top.

I understand most Jazz fans would hate this, but I'm not sold on Carlos Boozer. I say sell while his value is high.

[HammerDunk]

Who would we be able to pick up that could fit this offense as well as Booz?

[TheRevTy]

Why don't you guys like a Hedo trade? Maybe a Hedo and resigned Dooling (he's a great defensive PG spark-plug off the bench guy) and maybe some change for AK-47?

The only reason I could see not liking that deal is you seem to look for defense at your 3 position, much like Orlando looking for defense in it's shooting guard. Hmmm, somehow we could make this work... What about Battie (assuming he comes back healthy?)

[BiggMann]

-= original quote snipped =-



but if you think the Jazz are going to win a championship with the team as presently constituted, then you are letting your optimism blind you..

Tell me why not? We've got just as much as any other team in the NBA right now. Sure we made play like azz against lesser competition but we shine against the leagues best, and I truely believe that with home court advantage we can beat ANY team in seven game series.

-= original quote snipped =-
I personally think that Carlos Boozer may be the most overrated player in the NBA right now.

Overrated?
Dude is playing great offensive basketball right now, 22ppg 11rpg and shooting 55% from the field.

All you talking Boozer trade need to shut up right now. We all know he's not going anywhere, right now AK is the most viable trade option we have. His value is much higher than it was this offseason when he demanded a trade, and i'm sure LHM and KOC got several calls for AK's services.

I agree with Dingo. CJ has a much brighter future, not to mention about 15 Million less salary hit, and seems to be finding his niche now that he's getting serious minutes. With CJ in the lineup we are just as effective on the offensive end (if not more effective), albeit we'll be hurting defensively which is why we need to use AK to get a defensive minded player. I for one would love to see someone like Emeka Okafor, might take a bit to get him, but AK, Our 2008 1st and NYK 2010 1st for him might be sufficient enough... meh just a thought

[JDubJazz]

Tell me why not? We've got just as much as any other team in the NBA right now. Sure we made play like azz against lesser competition but we shine against the leagues best, and I truely believe that with home court advantage we can beat ANY team in seven game series.

Well, for starters, it doesn't look like we are going to have home cout advantage.

Overrated?
Dude is playing great offensive basketball right now, 22ppg 11rpg and shooting 55% from the field.

All you talking Boozer trade need to shut up right now. We all know he's not going anywhere, right now AK is the most viable trade option we have. His value is much higher than it was this offseason when he demanded a trade, and i'm sure LHM and KOC got several calls for AK's services.

I agree with Dingo. CJ has a much brighter future, not to mention about 15 Million less salary hit, and seems to be finding his niche now that he's getting serious minutes. With CJ in the lineup we are just as effective on the offensive end (if not more effective), albeit we'll be hurting defensively which is why we need to use AK to get a defensive minded player. I for one would love to see someone like Emeka Okafor, might take a bit to get him, but AK, Our 2008 1st and NYK 2010 1st for him might be sufficient enough... meh just a thought

I like the Okafor idea, but he's looking for a long term deal and Charlotte has his rights. I don't think we'd be able to get him any cheaper than AK.

As far as Boozer goes, he IS playing tremendous offensive basketball. I've written several times that I think he may be the best offensive big man in the league. That being said, his defensive effort has been ATROCIOUS! Its cost us several games this year.

[BiggMann]

I wouldn't use the word attrocious... but i hear what you are saying.

... fact of the matter is Boozer is FAR more valuable to this team than AK right now. As of right now AK is our best trade option to get what we are looking for (cap relief and a player that can contribute on the defensive end).. But WHO?

Okafor might be a reach.
Dalembart gives us D, but clogs the middle on O.
Battier would be a good addition.
Gerald Wallace would be a wet dream, but far from reality.

...I am all for trading AK if we get decent value, but I dont think we are desperate to make a move. LHM will go into the luxury tax if need be, but im sure he doesn't want to.... but he's not going to make a move that will lessen this squad

[CAE15]

As far as Boozer goes, he IS playing tremendous offensive basketball. I've written several times that I think he may be the best offensive big man in the league. That being said, his defensive effort has been ATROCIOUS! Its cost us several games this year.

At least boozer has a body to body up his man, almost any PF in the league could post up Ak with ease. Ak wouldnt provide the what Boozer does, you really trust AK going with the pick and roll to pop out and knock down a 15 footer? The Jazz have sooo much talent its not even funny, I say we package AK and Almond and possibly a pick and just get that player who is missing the great defender who can also score. Wallace seems ideal although we have no idea what the bobcats are doing. who knows maybe if we wait it out with AK when his big deal expires he'll re up with us for a much lower contract. We dont really need to be discussing a AK trade with the playoffs coming up in about 3 weeks.

[Neon Black]

I wouldn't use the word attrocious... but i hear what you are saying.

I would definitely use the word "attrocious". Go look at the number of mediocre PF's scoring season/career highs vs. Boozer this season alone. It's ridiculous. I think it's like 6.

Just watch the guy carefully during a game, it's sickening...reason being because we've all seen him play defense before, it seems like he just chooses not to. Then in post-game interviews he's all about the "defensive intensity" cliches.

Even then, all things considered, I would rather move AK than Boozer. Ak has a horrible attitude, he's completely me-first and that's why he's not performing.

You can tell he's unsatisfied here, and he'll continue to find reasons not to perform until everyone is licking the dust off his shoes; and even then they will never be clean enough. If he can't perform with what he's been given, why should he be rewarded with the coveted 4 spot?

You should never reward failure. Meanwhile, CJ Miles has made the most out of almost every minute he's had at the 3. He is 21, talented, versatile, an underrated man on defender, and able to put major points up. He of all people should be given more time and attention next year, and that could be done by letting AK go.

There would be no holes left by Kirilenko's absence. Look at the games he hasn't played in, and the logjam we have at the sg/sf spots. We don't need an all-star in return, we have plenty all-stars already and a few potential one's in the making.

What we need is cap space to resign Deron, as well as players who give a d*** and who compliment the system.

[TheRevTy]

Just curious, what do you desire for Kirilenko? It seems split as to whether you want a starting quality 3, a solid defensive 4/5, future picks, etc?

What exactly is the going rate?

[sackings916]

Even though Artest on the Jazz would be impossible, I think a trade involving Artest and AK would make sense for both teams basketball wise. For the Jazz, Artest and Boozer at the forward spots would be impossible for teams to match up with in the post, in addition to Williams,Okur and Korver on the outside. He would also give the Jazz a lockdown defender and toughness. Artest efficiency probably goes up on the Jazz as well (This season he's around 46% FG and 37% 3 pt FG which I would expect to be closer to 50% and 40% respectively, although his FGA and points[20.6] probably go down)

[CAE15]

Even though Artest on the Jazz would be impossible, I think a trade involving Artest and AK would make sense for both teams basketball wise. For the Jazz, Artest and Boozer at the forward spots would be impossible for teams to match up with in the post, in addition to Williams,Okur and Korver on the outside. He would also give the Jazz a lockdown defender and toughness. Artest efficiency probably goes up on the Jazz as well (This season he's around 46% FG and 37% 3 pt FG which I would expect to be closer to 50% and 40% respectively, although his FGA and points[20.6] probably go down)

I completely agree with Artest being the player to push us over the top, but the jazz wont go for him with his character issues.

[sackings916]

Yeah I cant see Sloan taking on Artest. But its a good fit IMO. Jazz would probably have to take 1 of Thomas/SAR to match salaries though, as AK's contract is also an albatross. But I think he'd be worth it. Playing the small forward and the Jazz' system is holding him back IMO. Kings would play an uptempo style and have AK as the starting 4, and would give Salmons a bigger role. Udrih/Martin/Salmons/AK/Miller or Hawes. Jazz would go Williams/Brewer/Artest/Boozer/Okur with Korver and Milsap off the bench .

[Duiz]

I never thought about it, but AK would really suit the Sacto, but Artest in Utah... lawl.

[BiggMann]

can't argue with that.. .Artest on the court would fit. Artest in Salt Lake is asking for trouble.

[Neon Black]

Ha i would LOVE to see Artest come to Utah, for some strange reason. If by some miracle he would allow it whilst his character flaws go overlooked by the brass, he would be a mean addition to this team, give us some of that night in, night out pump you up motivation.

AK, Hart, Collins, and a bagful of that nasty candy they hand out at the Beehive House for Artest.

[raferfenix]

I think AK would be a great fit for the Bucks in the right deal. I can also see Bobby Simmons (if he can return to form...lot of reasons why he has been useless this season) or desmond mason being solid fits at SF for the Jazz.

Of course you'd need more in return than just them. Do you guys think you'd value Mo Williams much in a trade?

[aikgtd]

As a fan of AK, I do have to admit that it is time for him to leave. I still think he has potential, but to be honest I just don't think he fits in with the Jazz's offensive style of play.

[nyjazz]

So Kupchak is unsure of re-signing Odom...hmmm...what can he possibly want to do with Odom if he is not re-signing him...

I would love to see Odom with the Jazz but I would hate to face AK and Kobe with the Lakers.

Starting 5 match up:

Deron - Fish
Brew - Kobe
Odom - AK
Booz - Gasol
Okur - Bynum

Wow, the rest of the league better watch out!

[CAE15]

No Odom does not fit utah. If were going with a big guy who thinks he can shoot I want turk.

I imagine someone battling with Artest for the first part of the game only to get a breather and get matt harping. hahaha. Man teams would hate playing us.