Mr. 6th Man

I like this idea!

Jerry Sloan is contemplating having Andrei Kirilenko as the team's 6th Man this year. Against LA, in the preseason Tuesday night, Kirilenko played the '6th Man' role for the Jazz, and tonight, he may come off the bench again. The DesNews is reporting this potential change, as a possible permanent fixture.

Most of us know that the '6th Man' role is an important position to provide the 2nd unit with energy and scoring. Matt Harpring has fulfilled this role in the past remarkably well. Here are the reasons why I like having AK47 come off the bench:

1. Kirilenko loves the opportunity to be "the Man". In past seasons, he's languished over the fact that he doesn't get enough touches. As the captain of the 2nd unit, he'll be the focal point of our offense.

2. The 1st Unit is already loaded. Let's be honest, with a starting unit of Deron Williams, Carlos Boozer, Mehmet Okur, AK, and Ronnie Brewer, Kirilenko can only be considered the 4th offensive option from that star-studded contingent. Deron, Carlos and Memo are sufficient offensive talents to carry the 1st unit to high scoring outputs. Now, with AK coming off the bench, he doesn't have to acquiesce to our better Jazz scorers.

3. The 2nd unit becomes tough! Millsap, Korver, AK47, Ronnie Price and Harpring/Almond give this unit defense, scoring, toughness, rebounding and shooting. This group could soon be considered one of the best 2nd units in the NBA. Kirilenko could be allowed to play multiple positions with this group from power forward, to small forward or center.

4. Energy off the bench. Bench players ought to specialize in this department, giving the starters a 'breather' while boosting the team's lead. Kirilenko specializes in energy!

5. It doesn't mean that Kirilenko won't finish the game. Andrei could easily come off the bench and finish off games by playing with the starting unit. He'd be fresh and energetic, playing parts of the 3rd and most of the 4th quarter. This could potentially benefit the Jazz immensely.

The only downside of playing AK47 as the 6th Man is (in my estimation):

A 6th Man will be getting paid more than any one of our starters, netting MAX-money dollars to come off the bench. That's an expensive 6th Man!

Preseason Game Day: POOL PARTY!!!!!!!!!!!1!!

The Jazz will try to keep their preseason record unblemished (a very important goal) against these cool guys. Well, at least the one guy in the picture that doesn't shave his chest.

Boozer is a game time decision (why would they play him?) as are Kofous and Larry H. Miller. My fearless prediction for tonight's game: Fesenko will get more minutes than Kevin Lyde, something he did not accomplish in Game 1.

Player Efficiency Ratings

That's right, check out Hollinger's Player Efficiency Ratings released today. What a surprise! Jarron Collins has the lowest PER on the Jazz squad. But what is better is that he is also ranked 318th out 321 current NBA players. Hmmmmmm. At least he is ranked higher than his twin brother Jason, who is rated as the most inefficient player in the NBA.

The Collins parents must be proud.

Ode to McNamara

I knew I had to get this post out while Gerry McNamara was still on the Jazz roster, which judging by what I witnessed in last night's pre-season contest, will not be too long. G-Mac looked slow, small and untalented last night, but things were not always so...

It was Spring 2004, and Rising Stock, Draft Guru and I were rocking Caesar's Palace during The Madness. One year previously, G-Mac and Carmelo were NCAA champions. Now, Carmelo had moved on to the Nuggets and more reefer while G-Mac carried the Orangemen of Syracuse. Their first-round tourney match-up was with a certain team from Provo that hadn't won a NCAA tournament game since 1988.  With such a scenario, the heuristic of not betting with your heart was thrown out the window: Rising Stock and I put our money on the Orangemen to cover with a 4 point spread (and by our money, I mean $20). After placing the bet, we sashayed into Caesar's VIP area for sports betting, doing so by simply acting like we belonged there. 

The game was an epic, seesaw battle, and we were going nuts the entire game in support of the Orange. Gerry McNamara was a cold-blooded assassin, filling up the rim with 43 points, including a 3-pointer with 5 seconds left to put Syracuse up by six. We were dancing in the aisles - we were making money, and the Cougars were making another 1st round exit. After a timeout, the ball was inbounded and some Orangeman commits a silly, needless foul - two meaningless free throws with our moolah in the balance. The first one goes down, but the second one clanks and Stock and I go nuts.

After we calm down and stop yelling, the guys seated behind us say, "Congratulations. How much did you win?" Stock proudly proclaims "$20! Did you guys have money on the game?" They answer affirmatively. When Stock follows up "Who for?", they reply "BYU, ten grand."

The moral of the story is never bet on the Cougars (who still haven't won a tourney game since '88). And a heart-felt thank you from your's truly to Mr. Gerry McNamara.

The Next Jarron Collins

As this blog has relentlessly chronicled over the past few months, this season represents the last hurrah of Jarron Collins. After a storied seven year NBA career, Jarron is going to hang up the sneakers this year. No word yet on whether there will be ceremonies in visiting arenas as Jarron makes his last visit, but I'm sure the Jazz crowd will give him a warm reception as he leaves the court for the last time.

If you were to listen only to Booner, Pasty Gangster, and Golden Griff, you would come away with the impression that the Jazz would win an NBA championship, if only we would buy-out Collins' contract. Well, I've got news for you Collins naysayers: we need him. Why, you may ask, do we need an undersized center that averages .2 blocks per game? One word: citizenship.

Look, I know of what I speak; I have my citizenship merit badge. If you don't have citizenship you are screwed. And no team loves citizenship like our Utah Jazz. So when Collins retires this year there will be a huge void to fill in the lineup. Who is going to replace him as Citizen Number 1? Some initial thoughts:

• Lance Allred: Before the web gave birth to this blog, Pasty Gangster claimed that adding the former Leopard/Ute/Wildcat/Stampede/Cavalier in place of Collins would improve the Jazz. Others (myself included) were doubtful of that proposition. Lance's stats with the Cavs suggest that I was right. But what about citizenship? Well, Lance is writing a science fiction novel, and dudes that are into that stuff are normally confined to their basement. There's not a lot of time for community activism and voter registration when you have to come up with names for made-up galaxies and space plants. But, the good news is, he's available. Lance was cut by the Cavs this afternoon.



• Brevin Knight: the newest Jazzman is a class act with an impressive citizenship resume. He graduated from Stanford, he has foundations that benefit youth education and multiple schlerosis, and he golfs. The only negative is that he was an all-star for two years with Memphis, and as Jarron Collins has proven time and again, you can't be a good citizen and a good basketball player simultaneously; it's one or the other. So, Brevin is out....Oh, wait, I guess Brevin was a member of the "All-Star Reading team," not the NBA All-Star team. Much better.



• Kosta Koufos: I'm sure this guy's admissions essay at Ohio State was filled with his exploits as a volunteer at soup kitchens and homeless shelters. The DesNews describes him as "preppy and polite," with a dash of goofy. He addresses the media and referees as "sir." In fact, Sloan has already commented on his admiration of Koufos. Why does Jerry like him so much? Because he "doesn't say anything." Ladies and Gentleman, I think we have our winner!

Preseason Gameday

Now that the Angels are out of the MLB playoffs, Anaheim California's rabid sports fanatics need something to keep them from going crazy. They hit the jackpot tonight as they get to watch the opening of the NBA preseason: Jazz-Lakers. And if we're lucky, this guy will be patrolling the sidelines:

Tonight is the night that the Jazz can prove once and for all that the series last June was a fluke, and that the true test of a great team is not the playoffs, but the preseason. Not much has changed between the two teams since the battle last summer: CJ Miles can now regularly eat out at TGI Fridays and leave a nice tip, Ronnie Turiaf is gone as the Laker's designated Jarron Collins-stopper, and the Jazz swapped washed-up third string point guards with the Clippers.

Two people that will not be prominently involved in tonight's game? First, there is Stacy Elizabeth Beshear, aka Luke Walton's Fatal Attraction. Second, the Jazz will be without one of their Olympians tonight against the Los Angeles Lakers of Anaheim. Senor Boozer isn't playing. Because of an injury. A hamstring injury.

CHUN-CHUN-CHUN!!!

Jazz Players' Intros to Get Darker

In what is definitely a must read article, today's D News details what player introductions are going to look like at EnergySolutions Arena this year.  To sum up in a word, things are going to get. . . darker.  Unfortunately not in a metaphorical sense, however.  I was hoping to see Memo and AK come out dressed like members of the Trenchcoat Mafia, or Korver to go Gothic.  Nope.  They're just going to be turning the lights out.  

Deron Williams, for one, has been been pushing for this for awhile.  A few actual quotes from him:

• "I've been trying to get that since we got here."
•  "It was kind of weird when I came here and I'm like, 'Well, what's wrong with the lights?'"
• Now that the lights are going to be turned off for introductions, the Jazz players will feel like they're playing in a "real game"!     

Preach on brother!  It is now obvious why D Will is a captain and stayed in Utah this summer. . . it's to take care of details like this.

Other interesting tidbits gleaned from this article: Jerry Sloan swears a lot during games and Keith McLeod has a bad hamstring.  

Editor's Note: Keith McLeod hasn't played for the Jazz for two years.  

Can Kosta?

Everybody knows about the incredible gap that remains unplugged for the Jazz at backup center. In the front court, there's Memo Okur, Carlos Boozer, Paul Millsap and... ?????. Who knows? Jarron Collins has played fewer minutes each of the past couple seasons due to his lack of production. Hafa Araujo had his opportunities to contribute a couple years back but never fulfilled on his promise (was there any?).

The Jazz really haven't had a solid back-up center since...ohh...maybe, Greg Ostertag. Yikes! We all know that Double-0 Tag had his issues, but at least he filled the paint! That hasn't happened since John Stockton was still lacing up the shoes.

Our frontcourt is in desperate need of a shake-up. Memo and Boozer can provide the offensive firepower, but can they overcome their defensive deficiencies? Paul Millsap is excellent coming off the bench as a sparkplug, but let's not kid ourselves, Paul doesn't play center! Can we masquerade Kirilenko in the line-up and play small-ball? Not against Tim Duncan or Pau Gasol or Yao Ming or Shaq or Baby Shaq (Andrew Bynum). Poor Memo! He has to man-up all by himself.

Can Kosta Koufos provide some stability and playing time? What about Fess? Can he give us some bruising minutes, over sideshow goofiness? The D-News reports that maybe Koufos might actually give the Jazz a boost. Kosta Koufos played well in the Jazz's Saturday scrimmage and scored 11 points which included an alley-oop dunk from CJ Miles. Perhaps with a solid core of veterans around him, Koufos might actually play some decent basketball as a rookie. Will he get time over Jarron Collins though? If it's up to Jerry Sloan and his penchant for never playing rookies, then... NO.

My Wish List

In the 1939 movie classic, the Wizard of Oz, Dorothy and the fellows (the Scarecrow, Tinman, and Lion) make their way to Oz to see the Wizard (who apparently is so powerful that he can grant you any wish that you desire). As we all know, the Scarecrow desires to be given a brain, the Tinman wishes for a heart and the Lion pleads for a dose of courage. Each discovers that their own personal gifts were found along the way, because of the cunning words and wise mentoring of the Wizard.

If the Jazz were able to visit the Wizard of Oz before this season, what would they wish for? Or better yet, what would we wish for them? As is well-understood and realized after last season and the others prior, the Jazz have plenty of room for improvement this season if they wish to bring home the NBA Championship. If I were the Wizard, this is what I would grant our Jazz players:


A Jumper:

Kirilenko and Brewer

Can you imagine how good these guys could be with a consistent jumper? Andrei naturally likes to play closer to the rim and doesn’t always feel comfortable outside launching 3-balls. Brewer has that ugly hitch in his shot, with an elbow extended. Brew could honestly turn into an all-star if he developed a deadly outside shot.

Defensive Intensity:

Boozer and Memo

One, or perhaps both of these guys must improve defensively if the Jazz wish to make any progress as a team. We can’t have slow-footed, low intensity post-men in the paint. Otherwise, we’ll get abused by the Lakers again (or other teams like them). This request might be a lot to ask for since Boozer is naturally slow (laterally) and Memo is relatively soft. If only Memo could become more like Bill Laimbeer and Boozer like Karl “the Mailman” Malone, then we’d be in business!

Floor-Time (A Breakout):

CJ Miles and Morris Almond

Each player has shown glimpses of potential and stellar play. Can we get these guys some minutes? It seems like CJ has the tools to be successful, he just needs some favor and Jerry-love from the coaching staff.

A Clean Bill of Health:

Matt Harpring

For the love of knees, ankles and feet! Can we get this guy a clean-bill of health for once?... if not for basketball reasons, just for his own personal well-being? I guess if Matt were fully healthy, it would screw up our wish (above) for extended playing time for CJ and Almond.

A Heart, and B-Ball IQ:

Fess

His legs are like tree trunks, his arms like Big Mark, and he moves down the floor with fluidity. Now, why doesn’t he perform well? By all accounts, and from what I’ve witnessed, Fesenko has all the ability and physical tools in the world to be a force inside for the Jazz. He just needs to put it together and make it happen.

Pine-Time:

Jarron Collins

Sorry… I just don’t have much faith that the Good, Elder Statesman of the team will make any sort of positive contribution. His time on the Jazz has run its course. Can we trade Collins for a shot-blocker? I believe that would require one powerful Wizard!

A Defensive Stopper:

Brewer, Price, or AK47?

Someone needs to step up for us and provide some defensive pressure on the wing. I think it could easily become Brewer if he decides to apply himself. He’s got the athleticism and natural quickness.

Quick Development:

Kosta Koufos

We need a back-up center in the worst way, preferably one that can block some shots. If it’s not going to be Collins (which I can ascertain you, it won’t be) and Fess doesn’t show his stuff, then Koufos needs to develop quickly. Otherwise, we’ll be short-handed in the paint.

Stunning Good Looks & A City-wide Following of Swooning Ladies:

Kyle Korver

Oh wait, he’s already got that.

Resting the Stars

Further greetings from the city ranked 10th on the list of U.S. Cities most vulnerable to a terrorist attack, Boise, Idaho. This evening, to divert ourselves from the serious business of NBA blogging, Golden Griff and I are checking out the Boise St. v. Louisiana Tech football game on the truly awful smurf turf. Here's a picture of Griff having a super time.



Not much new to report, basketball-wise, from Boise today. Sloan has decided (wisely) to let Boozer, Kirilenko, and Deron skip the second-half of two-a-days to reinvigorate their Olympic bones. Which means that there have been some epic Ronnie Price vs. Brevin Knight pickup duels.

Of interest on the world interwideweb today: ESPN's John Hollinger ranks the Jazz as the #1 team in the West! To help out our readers that don't like reading (most), here's the gist of his article: the Jazz foul more than any team in the league, but if they stopped doing that they would win 6 more games a year, which would result in a #1 seed instead of a #5 seed. My response is that the reason the Jazz foul a lot (particularly the second unit, as Hollinger notes) is because they are mostly terrible defenders, so not fouling would probably lead to even more points allowed. Anyway, suffice it to say that the expectations for next year have been set extremely high.