2012-13: More Miles on the Treadmill?

[StocktonShorts]

Are we doomed to log more meaningless miles on the mediocrity treadmill this season? Or will we finally see some sort of plan come together for the future of this franchise?

[Fido]

You don't see their plan for the future of the franchise? Here's a hint: Look at the salaries that are extending beyond this season. That is the core. They will have the cap room to chase free agents or add salary should people be available of interest. This year is what it looks like to be building for the future.

[countrybama24]

It's the Jazz M.O. Things will play themselves out over the next few years, but we're not going to accelerate the process by giving the young guys more minutes.

[Inigo Montoya]

There are practically NO free agents worth chasing this summer. NONE (realistically):

http://espn.go.com/nba/story/_/page/FreeAgents-12-13/nba-free-agents-2012-2013

I used to think the Jazz had a really good plan, and that aligning all the salaries like that was a great move and really smart. I still do, but after looking at the FA list, I think it ultimately won't matter because there is no one to chase.

So what will likely happen is that we won't get a significant free agent, the extensions for Favors and Hayward (and later Burks and Kanter) will eat all our cap space, along with the new contract to either Big Al or Milsap, and we will stay about the same, with no real way to improve.

The only way the Jazz will take a step forward (outside improvement of players) is via trades, and that must start before this season ends, otherwise the Jazz will lose a lot of potential return they will not have again.

[StocktonShorts]

So what will likely happen is that we won't get a significant free agent, the extensions for Favors and Hayward (and later Burks and Kanter) will eat all our cap space, along with the new contract to either Big Al or Milsap, and we will stay about the same, with no real way to improve.

The only way the Jazz will take a step forward (outside improvement of players) is via trades, and that must start before this season ends, otherwise the Jazz will lose a lot of potential return they will not have again.

I agree with all of this, unfortunately. I'm really hoping for some kind of mid-season deal. I really wish the Jazz had found a way of outbidding Houston for Harden, even if it meant including Favors or Kanter.

On a positive note, at least it's not CJ Miles on the treadmill. amirite?

[Inigo Montoya]

So what will likely happen is that we won't get a significant free agent, the extensions for Favors and Hayward (and later Burks and Kanter) will eat all our cap space, along with the new contract to either Big Al or Milsap, and we will stay about the same, with no real way to improve.

The only way the Jazz will take a step forward (outside improvement of players) is via trades, and that must start before this season ends, otherwise the Jazz will lose a lot of potential return they will not have again.

I agree with all of this, unfortunately. I'm really hoping for some kind of mid-season deal. I really wish the Jazz had found a way of outbidding Houston for Harden, even if it meant including Favors or Kanter.

On a positive note, at least it's not CJ Miles on the treadmill. amirite?

I don't buy into the Harden thing just yet, as good as he is. Houston finished last year outside the playoffs, but close, and without a max deal star player. They will likely end this season outside the playoffs, but close, with a max deal star player. This means that they actually didn't improve, but stayed just where they were in the end. I love Harden, but he is not worth the max (very few players do, something GMs will do well to remember). So no, I wouldn't give Kanter or Favors in a deal for him. That's 15M of cap space gone, and means that either Burks, Hayward or Marvin Williams will also have to go, so you basically trade them for Harden indirectly.

But yes, CJ Miles is not here anymore. Rejoice!

[The59Sound]

I would've traded Kanter and another of the players mentioned for Harden in a second. But alas, the dream is dead.

[Spottieottie]

We look bad again

[roll]

There are practically NO free agents worth chasing this summer. NONE (realistically):

http://espn.go.com/nba/story/_/page/Fre ... -2012-2013

Brandon Jennings.. With Hayward, Favors and Kanter it will be great young balanced team.

[Inigo Montoya]

I HATE Jennings. Don't want him near the Jazz. Same goes for Tyreke Evans or Monta Ellis.

[roll]

I guess he is not the same player he was 2 years ago. He is young and talented. And he is good fit for young core. I saw Bledsoe thread. I like him but he has no range for now. That's critical.

Tyreke, Monta...agreed, no questions.

[Inigo Montoya]

I'm not on the Bledsoe bandwagon either. I really don't want him as a starting point guard. He may be a good player, but he is not a PG, and he can't really shoot (and he is a turnover machine). There is a place for him in many teams but how far do you see a team go with Bledsoe as a starting PG?

[roll]

Lowry was nobody who couldn't shoot the ball 4 years ago. But he was talented basketball player. We are talking about young players. Bledsoe has potential. He is not best case scenario obvious. Lawson or Holiday are much better but.. =)

[StocktonShorts]

Bledsoe, Monta, Tyreke, Jennings? Those guys aren't franchise players. This team desperately needs a franchise player. How are they going to get him? Free agency? No one there. Trading for a star or potential star in a bad situation seems the most likely now but that's not saying much.

[Neon Black]

I've absolutely never been much of a Jennings fan but he's beasting so far this season. If he played like he has been all the time, count me in. He's shooting a high % and getting everyone involved.

[Charlie_S]

I never liked Jennings too much, but if the Jazz are actually going to keep that much cap room open this summer they pretty much will have to throw a max offer his way. They desperately need a young PG and really, who else are they going to spend that on? Jennings is only 23, is already a productive player and still has untapped potential.

I, too, still hope that some kind of deal goes through before the deadline, though. Even if it's just Big Al or Millsap for some contract fodder and picks. Keeping the team like this makes no sense for the future.

[Inigo Montoya]

Jennings already had quotes in the past about how this is all a business and that he wants to play in a big market - something to that effect. Utah is not on his radar most likely, and I'm happy if that's the case. Also, he is in his fourth year now, Bledsoe is in his third, Tyreke is in his forth, and so on. By now we already know what kind of players they are or are likely to develop into, and what is their ceiling. And by the way they play, I don't want them on the Jazz. Sorry. I'd much rather gamble on someone in the draft (Nate Wolters should be relatively easy to get and he's a nice gamble on a low draft pick probably), or try and trade for someone better. I'm also cool with doing what Morey did and gather assets\draft picks\players on rookie contract and then make a move. But I don't want someone like those mentioned.

*edit
I'm sure the Bucks are thrilled with these comments:
http://basketball.realgm.com/wiretap/218921/Jennings_To_Consider_Bigger_Markets
http://www.journaltimes.com/sports/basketball/bucks-beat-jennings-is-open-to-contract-extension/article_1e147fd6-bdae-11e1-ab4a-001a4bcf887a.html
http://basketball.realgm.com/wiretap/219647/Bucks_Could_Make_Brandon_Jennings_Available

[roll]

I think Utah has franchise players There is no need for guys like Harden, imho. Batum type players I like for the team. Mo Will as player is great fit for example but he's 30.

[StocktonShorts]

I think Utah has franchise players

We do? Who are they and why isn't Corbin playing them?

[roll]

It's question to Corbin. Favors is franchise player but he is raw for now.