Mind Games

[blackham9258]

The recent interview with KOC where he is quoted as saying that the Jazz have to prepare as if Memo will never play again, is a great mind game he is playing with Minnesota and any other team who wants to trade with the Jazz.

I will focus on Minnesota.... Many have supposed that Minnesota may in fact be better off going after Kanter instead of Williams, but that they would like to extract something from Utah for the chance to get Williams (perhaps a #12 and #20 swap and Raja or something akin to this). The perception is that if Williams can play SF he would be the best fit for Utah, and Kanter for Minny. Surely if Kahn believes that Kanter is best for them but that Williams has the highest value, he will try to get something from Utah.

By stating that the Jazz have to move forward without believing that Memo will be in their future, they are saying to Minnesota and everyone else that they are perfectly fine with Kanter (who is widely expected to be the 3rd pick), and that he is their priority. This way the Jazz play necessary mind games with Minnesota such that if they call and want something to swap for their #2 to get Williams, the Jazz just simply say that they are sticking and don't have to give anything up. Then Kahn is left to decide, do I take Kanter who I prefer, or do I take Williams and hope that I can call Utah's bluff for the player he thinks we really want. If we really want Williams, and Minny really wants Kanter this little mind game may be the way to not have to give up anything.

Don't be surprised if Utah comes away from the work out with Kanter saying some very public things about how impressed they are etc. All mind games....

Either way, we win. Cleveland can't play games by taking Knight and thinking a swap will come cheaply as well as with Minnesota.

[gonzo]

You're reading my mind. That's the perfect snip to put out there.

And really, this is the first time I can say that I don't really care if we move up, move down, or just stand pat.

Whatever falls to us will be fine.

[DelaneyRudd]

Or maybe he was just being truthful about why he is considering drafting a center/pf.

[blackham9258]

Personally I would prefer to get Williams. I am just excited about his upside and star power. He seems to have that "it" factor and swagger that is needed on any team. Kanter will be good as well though so I think we are in a good spot.

KOC actually has some cover... if he takes Kanter at 3 and Irving and Williams turn out far superior well there is nothing he could do. If Williams slips to him and Kanter ends up better same thing. He has the best spot. If either of these players ends up a bust, and it the #2 pick that GM is going to be in trouble if the #3 pick ends up better.

[gonzo]

Yup. Hangin' is okay.

I mean stand pat.

[blackham9258]

I would really like to see us get Williams and then hope that Biyombo drops to us. Everytime I watch the guy I think he will be the stud shot blocker we have needed for years.

[StocktonShorts]

This quote was one tiny part of a long interview. I really doubt it's anything intentional. It seems like an enormous reach to suggest Okur is going to factor into any team's draft strategy, including the Jazz's.

You don't draft only for next year. By the time a guy drafted this summer is in his prime the whole makeup of the team could be very different.

[gonzo]

Okay. If it was me, hey, we actually need third bpa. ( according to KOC ).

There's no honest/dishonest spin.

C'mon, if Williams falls to us, fine. If not, Kanter.

[Xsy]

Williams, Irving, and Kanter all have that 'special' feel that none of the other players seem to have this season.

I really don't care which we take, as long as it's one of the three.

[carrottop12]

I agree. Top three in this draft is just fine, I'm content if we don't move up.

[Getjazz]

I wish we could get Knight and Kante some how. Maybe trade our 12 and next yrs first rounder. Not GS pick.

[carrottop12]

Our pick next year is far more valuable than the gsw pick IMO. Especially if you are talking unprotected. My guess is we're a bottom 10 team again next season, so we could wind up anywhere, the best gsw can turn into is the 7th pick.

[Xsy]

I will be so sad if Warriors make it to the top 6.