Off-season roster improvements

Within two weeks time, the off-season will begin for the Utah Jazz after being victimized by San Antonio Spurs. The Spurs are a championship caliber team highlighted by a dogged defense and balanced offense thanks to a great coach staff, 3 future Hall of Famers and a strong veteran bench. Playing tough D and having a balanced offense is the blue-print for any contender. Can the Jazz apply this model with their current roster. The answer is no.
On defense, Al Jefferson is inadequate due to his very slow reaction to provide weak side help and plays Boozer-like defense against penetrating guards.
On offense, the first option is to iso Jefferson causing the offense to stagnate. This happens because Harris doesn't efficiently orchestrate offense due to his shooting inconsistency, subpar passing ability and court vision. He's a shoot first PG that used to make his living off of penetration. Now that he is a step slower, he doesn't penetrate with regularity forcing the Jazz to iso Big Al on nearly every possession. In addition, neither Harris or Big Al play the pick n' roll which is a staple for every contender.

Some posters are high on Al due to his offense. I say his offense is over-rated because defense wins games. Take a look at Chicago Bulls this season. Boozer is their best offensive threat but they often time bench him in favor of a more defensive oriented Gibson. They win because of defense.

The Jazz need to strengthen their defense but they cannot do that with Jefferson in the line-up. The guys has to be traded. The question is for who? I don't know at this point.

However, OKC has 2 very intriguing restricted free agents after this season: Harden and Ibaka. OKC cannot afford to keep both. Thus, the Jazz should target one of them specifically Harden. Have you seen Harden play? The guy is Manu Ginobili-like. In crunch time of the last 2 playoff games, he is their main facilitator. With Harden on the Jazz, Utah won't need Harris.

If the jazz can't get Harden, target Ibaka. Ibaka and Favors are redundant but redundant defensive specialist. With Favors at center and Ibaka at PF, the defense is secured because both are exceptional pick n' roll defenders. No other NBA team will have this luxury. Consequently, with Ibaka on the team where is the offense coming from? From transition.
Fortify the defense now, worry about the offense later.

What are your thoughts and ideas for the off-season?

My dream roster would be well rounded. The () is for Harden after trading Jefferson and Harris if the Jazz cannot get rondo.

Rondo or (Harden) -> Tinsley/Watson (expiring contract/pick)
Hayward -> Burks
Brandon Rush -> Carroll/Evans (expiring contract)
Millsap -> Evans(expiring contract)
Favors -> Kanter

Defensively, the starters will really good. Perimeter and pick n' roll defense will be sound. Only three 3 teams can expose the Jazz's lack of size down low: Dallas, LAL, and Memphis.

Offensively, the Jazz can still focus on inside-out. Favors will have lots of room to work because Rush and Hayward will spread the floor giving Rondo/Harden penetration room and passing lanes. Millsap can do the dirty work.

The bench is a major concern on both ends but it can be fixed.

How can the Jazz acquire that starting line-up?
Rondo: Trade Jefferson+Harris+GS pic for Rondo and filler. Celtics won't do this trade because they'll be at least 26M under the cap next season so they'll just buy their free agents. But here's to dreaming.

Harden: Harden can be acquired if OKC matches Ibaka's offer from another team. I'm predicting something similar to Deandre Jordan's contract. Thus, OKC will be way over the luxury tax threshold and Harden can accept the Jazz's 5 years $55M. Harris and Jefferson must be traded for expiring contracts and draft picks so Favors, Hayward, and Millsap can resign for 2013-2014 season.

Brandon Rush: Sign him asap. Over-pay the guy if needed. He's a good defender at 6'6 with long wingspan and deadly accurate from 3s. 4 years 32M. Bad thing is he's 27 years-old.

With that roster, the Jazz will be at the 65-70M salary range. It'll be worth it because that's a championship roster.

Harden and Ibaka are on contract through next season and aren't going anywhere until then, and no way Rondo goes anywhere without a Godfather offer. This is actually a good thing. Free agency after next season is going to be madness, and unless the Jazz extend everybody they will have a boatload of cash to spend...more on this later.

I've had a lot of thoughts on this and was preparing a massive post but was waiting until the playoffs were over. Since it seems a little slow, and you got it going, I guess I'll go ahead and break it out now....

Two things: One, Im just curious what your Tribtalk name is MVP, I haven't a clue and it's killing me! hah.

Two, I'm not ready to discuss off season improvements before game 4 at a minimum. Utah could very well come out tomorrow and dominate the glass, get avg scoring games from Paul and Al and win game 2.
I'll wait.

Mutangclan wrote:

Two things: One, Im just curious what your Tribtalk name is MVP, I haven't a clue and it's killing me! hah.

Two, I'm not ready to discuss off season improvements before game 4 at a minimum. Utah could very well come out tomorrow and dominate the glass, get avg scoring games from Paul and Al and win game 2.
I'll wait.

Yeah I'm not done with this season yet. That and I really haven't even looked at what free agents are gonna be available. So I really would have nothing to add yet.

fine, I'll wait...

Mutangclan wrote:

Two things: One, Im just curious what your Tribtalk name is MVP, I haven't a clue and it's killing me! hah.

Two, I'm not ready to discuss off season improvements before game 4 at a minimum. Utah could very well come out tomorrow and dominate the glass, get avg scoring games from Paul and Al and win game 2.
I'll wait.

I think he said he was lurker over at the TT....

https://jazznation.forumotion.com/t4-so-what-do-you-think-of-the-forum#63

My guess is KOC is in a tough spot. He needs to make a big decision: Big Al or Milsap should go. There is no reason to not starting Favors, and no reason to not give Kanter 20 mpg.
I will be shocked if Jazz keep both, and I will kill myself if KOC extend both contracts.

RookieJazz wrote:

My guess is KOC is in a tough spot. He needs to make a big decision: Big Al or Milsap should go. There is no reason to not starting Favors, and no reason to not give Kanter 20 mpg.
I will be shocked if Jazz keep both, and I will kill myself if KOC extend both contracts.

Promise? Just kidding. If I had to trade one it would be Al, but I would rather keep them both next season and work on finding a upgrade at PG and SG. I think we could resign Al for the 8-9 million range when his contract is up. He wants to be here and that is more than we can say about a lot of guys.

First let me say that lets not get all depressed right now because Utah is facing the Spurs. We knew it was probably going to be like this if they made it after they lost some very winnable games at the end of March beginning of April. Look at Memphis last year to this year. Dramatic improvement. Pacers same thing. I think making the playoffs last year was huge for these two.

Now, I have said, im content with watson and tinsley as the backup PG's. However, I would like to see an improvement. No need to panic, but I think Andre Miller would be nice. (Then you trade tinsley or watson for a 2nd round pick.) Do not panic though. If he is demanding too much, fine go on.

I think Utah needs some some outside shooting. Actually, I dont think I know. They were 29th in 3 point shooting. Not saying change the identity, but open things up more. The one player that fits that mold is JJ Reddick. I think Korver is slightly better, but he was nice for Utah. Same idea. Trade the GS pick and bell for him.

That still leaves open the problem with the bigs. Now, getting a SF for one of them would be nice. Really cannot find someone who would fit that mold though. I would love to see Jefferson come off the bench. Imagine him against 2nd teamers!!! No way he agrees to that though going into a contract year.

Please stop concerning about defense. Jazzland has been doing it for quite some years now and guess what... IT'S NOT WORKING!
Go get guys that can make jumpshots and the rest will take care of itself.

outerspacefan wrote:

Please stop concerning about defense. Jazzland has been doing it for quite some years now and guess what... IT'S NOT WORKING!
Go get guys that can make jumpshots and the rest will take care of itself.

Orlando loves that philosophy. Live by the 3, die by the 3.

What I'm saying is we have enough interior game, ballhandling, smarts and even athleticism around; the missing piece is the jumpshooting (it's been this way for a bunch of seasons now...).

The very simple thing to realize is that when the jumpshots are falling the Jazz have a real chance to beat the best of them.

outerspacefan wrote:

What I'm saying is we have enough interior game, ballhandling, smarts and even athleticism around; the missing piece is the jumpshooting (it's been this way for a bunch of seasons now...).

The very simple thing to realize is that when the jumpshots are falling the Jazz have a real chance to beat the best of them.

What would you suggest? I suggest trading big Al and sign Brandon Rush.

i[m]M.V.P. wrote:

What would you suggest? I suggest trading big Al and sign Brandon Rush.

Well, that's kind of a viable way to go indeed. IMHO Favors will end up being a far better 5 than a 4, so I guess the Jazz can trade Big Al.

I really like Big Al though...

outerspacefan wrote:

i[m]M.V.P. wrote:

What would you suggest? I suggest trading big Al and sign Brandon Rush.

Well, that's kind of a viable way to go indeed. IMHO Favors will end up being a far better 5 than a 4, so I guess the Jazz can trade Big Al.

I really like Big Al though...

Unfortunately that's probably the way it is gonna have to go down. Love Al and would love to have him aboard long term. I just don't see it makes good buisness. Maybe they can extend him next season for somewhere in the 8-10 million range.

Off season roster moves.
Move Raja, let CJ go, and Howard go.

PG's- Tinsley, Watson
SF/SG's- Burks, Hayward, Carroll
PF/C's- Kanter, Favors
plus Evans

Trade bait Millsap, Big Al, Harris, draft picks.
Guys I'd like to check out- Rondo, Dragic, Ellysova, Asik, Turner, Derrick Williams, Thadeus Young, Lou Williams, Mike Conley.....

rorybreaker wrote:

Off season roster moves.
Move Raja, let CJ go, and Howard go.

PG's- Tinsley, Watson
SF/SG's- Burks, Hayward, Carroll
PF/C's- Kanter, Favors
plus Evans

Trade bait Millsap, Big Al, Harris, draft picks.
Guys I'd like to check out- Rondo, Dragic, Ellysova, Asik, Turner, Derrick Williams, Thadeus Young, Lou Williams, Mike Conley.....

Yup, I concur.
Thought Dwill, Lou and Conley not going anywhere I imagine. Would take Conley though for sure, thats a solid do everything PG. And by the way, I hope KOC is looking long and hard at Novak. Believe he's a FA.....theres a real shooter.
Gonna have to give up something to get something. Whether its Al, Paul etc. Be interesting. *edited* : what about Ryan Anderson??? He's what, UFA, RFA, I'm not sure. But theres a floor spreader for sure....man, if one of our starters go, and Ryan Anderson goes to that 6th man spot? Then playing Al in the low post to do work, Favors is the rebounding defensive shotblocking monster and Ryan Anderson out there bombs away, everybody gets room to operate??? oooooo Hmmmm

rorybreaker wrote:

Off season roster moves.
Move Raja, let CJ go, and Howard go.

PG's- Tinsley, Watson
SF/SG's- Burks, Hayward, Carroll
PF/C's- Kanter, Favors
plus Evans

Trade bait Millsap, Big Al, Harris, draft picks.
Guys I'd like to check out- Rondo, Dragic, Ellysova, Asik, Turner, Derrick Williams, Thadeus Young, Lou Williams, Mike Conley.....

I am not against trading both Jefferson and Milsap but if the Jazz do this then they are going to have to find another player that will bring the same things to the court that these two bring or they would be shooting themselves in the foot. I think the Jazz has to get bigger at the 5 position for them to become true contenders for sure but those kind of players are few and far between so finding one that is availably is not going to be easy, there are some free-agents that fits into that but most of them are restricted making it very hard to get them away from the team that owns their rights.

I would take Milsap over Jefferson if the Jazz can only keep one of them because he has an all around game that fits into what the Jazz wants to do on the court, he can hit the outside shot from midrange and at times the 3 pt line to go along with the ability to get to the basket and score. Milsap has worked hard and turned himself into a very good player and I would like to see him on the Jazz for a long time to come, he is also one of this teams leader on and off of the court making him a very important player for this team.

Hire Nate, Fire Corbin!!

Nate means he want to coach a rebuild franchise with young players.

http://basketball.realgm.com/wiretap/220930/McMillan_Would_Consider_Coaching_Rebuilding_Team

RookieJazz wrote:

Hire Nate, Fire Corbin!!

Nate means he want to coach a rebuild franchise with young players.

http://basketball.realgm.com/wiretap/220930/McMillan_Would_Consider_Coaching_Rebuilding_Team

No....Corbin is a good coach. Give him an off season to prepare and I think you'll see even more improvement. He has been very good this season even with the growing pains. Right now he is going against the best coach in the NBA. 90% of coaches will look very bad against him.

Romoholic wrote:

RookieJazz wrote:

Hire Nate, Fire Corbin!!

Nate means he want to coach a rebuild franchise with young players.

http://basketball.realgm.com/wiretap/220930/McMillan_Would_Consider_Coaching_Rebuilding_Team

No....Corbin is a good coach. Give him an off season to prepare and I think you'll see even more improvement. He has been very good this season even with the growing pains. Right now he is going against the best coach in the NBA. 90% of coaches will look very bad against him.

My friend, the question is not who is the best coach. The question is: Who will give the youngs big minutes?

RookieJazz wrote:

Romoholic wrote:

RookieJazz wrote:

Hire Nate, Fire Corbin!!

Nate means he want to coach a rebuild franchise with young players.

http://basketball.realgm.com/wiretap/220930/McMillan_Would_Consider_Coaching_Rebuilding_Team

No....Corbin is a good coach. Give him an off season to prepare and I think you'll see even more improvement. He has been very good this season even with the growing pains. Right now he is going against the best coach in the NBA. 90% of coaches will look very bad against him.

My friend, the question is not who is the best coach. The question is: Who will give the youngs big minutes?

Ty Corbin is overmatched, and has been out-coached. This playoff thing is a learning experience for him too.
I dont think it's a stretch to say that Ty did almost superb this regular season balancing the playing of the vets, the playing of the youth, and then over-achieving enough to get this "certain" lottery team, into the playoffs.
To replace a coach after the regular season he's had, would be absurd.

Corbin is a good coach. I think with this being his first season as a head coach he felt a lot of pressure to win as many games as possible.

If there had been a off season and a real training camp I think he would have played the young guys a lot more.

He is going up against the best coach in the league that has a stacked roster. I promise you Pops will not be out coached by anyone this playoffs.

Corbin is following one of the best head coaches in the history of the NBA and coaching in a city that expects to have pretty high level of success. That's a lot of pressure for anyone. especially a first time head coach.

Another off-season improvement: Josh Smith.

I know, he's been talked about before, but man I just feel like he would be the young, monster pick up we need. Atlanta can't afford to keep all of their big 3, Johnson/Smith/Horford. Smith has been talked about forever as the one to go. They love Horford there, nobody is going to take Joe Johnsons contract on. So that leaves Smith. With Horford being forced to play Center all these years, even though he's been a PF, Atlanta needs a Center.
Man....... Al Jeff for Josh Smith.....Atlanta gets their Center, gets Josh Smith out of there since they've been trying for years. We have a Starting 5 of Derrick at the 5, Paul at the 4, Josh at the 3 (his more natural position) Gordo at the 2(his best position) and Devin or whomever at the 1. Oi vey....that would be sick.

2nd choice would be to make a play for Ryan Anderson, who is a FA and big time 3pt shooter extraordinaire. Space the floor, good hustle player....yum.
3rd choice, make a play for Steve Novak.
This team needs 3pt shooting.