Game 48: Denver Nuggets (26-21) @ Utah Jazz (25-22)

[Ming Kong!]

It's still hard to believe that NJ gave up so much in exchange for Deron Williams. I know it was a big risk with a HUGE reward if Howard came along, but the Nets had more leverage IMO. I'm sure they didn't have to give up all these pieces. Utah came out like bandits and we have a bright as future.

It was easy for them, they had almost no value for Harris (justifiably) and Favors (rather inexplicably, they gave up on him before training camp even started), but the first was a bit over the top. I look at it as an act of desperation to show Howard and others that they are willing to do whatever it takes to get good pieces. Their trade for Wallace seemed to undo that though.

That trade was just so dumb. How do you trade a high lottery pick for a rental? Wallace is a free agent this summer or did he pick up his option for next season?

[d-will8]

Before the year started, I figured our starting wing combination would be Hayward and C.J. After Raja's struggles last season, it seemed obvious that he shouldn't be starting. Though Raja's played better this year (or at least did play better for a stretch), it's just crazy how much more dynamic our offense is with Hayward and C.J. out there. Say what you will about C.J., but he's a much more dynamic and dangerous offensive player than Raja (not to mention an equally good defender and a better rebounder). With Harris, Hayward and C.J. (or Burks), we have three guys who can put the ball on the floor and make plays. We don't have that with Raja. Considering that Hayward, C.J. and Burks are all at least as good (if not better) than Raja on D, I feel like he should be getting the least minutes out of the four, but we'll see what happens.

Also, Harris has been awesome lately. With him playing like this and Favors, Hayward and Burks playing with the confidence and effectiveness they've played with lately, we're a pretty dangerous team.

[Ming Kong!]

Before the year started, I figured our starting wing combination would be Hayward and C.J. After Raja's struggles last season, it seemed obvious that he shouldn't be starting. Though Raja's played better this year (or at least did play better for a stretch), it's just crazy how much more dynamic our offense is with Hayward and C.J. out there. Say what you will about C.J., but he's a much more dynamic and dangerous offensive player than Raja (not to mention an equally good defender and a better rebounder). With Harris, Hayward and C.J. (or Burks), we have three guys who can put the ball on the floor and make plays. We don't have that with Raja. Considering that Hayward, C.J. and Burks are all at least as good (if not better) than Raja on D, I feel like he should be getting the least minutes out of the four, but we'll see what happens.

Also, Harris has been awesome lately. With him playing like this and Favors, Hayward and Burks playing with the confidence and effectiveness they've played with lately, we're a pretty dangerous team.

I remember people, including myself who wanted to package Al Jefferson and Miles for the likes of Monta Ellis! Am I glad that KOC doesn't listen to our often foolish proposals. I know the Bucks are winnnig and all, but have you see Ellis' numbers lately? Pretty terrible if you ask me.

[d-will8]

Before the year started, I figured our starting wing combination would be Hayward and C.J. After Raja's struggles last season, it seemed obvious that he shouldn't be starting. Though Raja's played better this year (or at least did play better for a stretch), it's just crazy how much more dynamic our offense is with Hayward and C.J. out there. Say what you will about C.J., but he's a much more dynamic and dangerous offensive player than Raja (not to mention an equally good defender and a better rebounder). With Harris, Hayward and C.J. (or Burks), we have three guys who can put the ball on the floor and make plays. We don't have that with Raja. Considering that Hayward, C.J. and Burks are all at least as good (if not better) than Raja on D, I feel like he should be getting the least minutes out of the four, but we'll see what happens.

Also, Harris has been awesome lately. With him playing like this and Favors, Hayward and Burks playing with the confidence and effectiveness they've played with lately, we're a pretty dangerous team.

I remember people, including myself who wanted to package Al Jefferson and Miles for the likes of Monta Ellis! Am I glad that KOC doesn't listen to our often foolish proposals. I know the Bucks are winnnig and all, but have you see Ellis' numbers lately? Pretty terrible if you ask me.

Yeah, I wanted Al and C.J. (or Raja) to be traded too. Now that that's no longer an option this season, I have to admit that I'm grudgingly starting to get behind (or at least understand) the Jazz's approach to this season. I've been on the rebuilding bandwagon all year, but Favors, Hayward, Burks and (to a lesser extent) Kanter are playing significant minutes on a team competing for a playoff spot. Not many lottery picks get to say that.

If the young guys' minutes go back down or we start dropping out of the playoff race, my outlook will change pretty quickly, but, as long as those guys keep getting the minutes they've been getting recently and we keep winning, I'll be a happy camper. The Jazz's vision didn't make sense when we were the 11th seed, Favors was playing 15 minutes a night and Burks was getting DNP's, but it makes a lot more sense now that those guys are getting 20+ minutes a night. I'd still like to see Favors play a little more (I feel like it's pretty goddamn clear that he's ready for more), but I suppose I can live with him getting 20-25 minutes a night for now.