[BLOG] 2012-13 Season Jazz Player Grades

I'm going to work on mine. I'm interested to see how each of you feel about how the players played as a whole for the season.

Al Jefferson: 17.8 PPG, 9.2 RPG, 2.1 APG, 1.0 SPG, 1.1 BPG, 49 FG%, 77 FT%, 33 MPG
The stat line is fantastic, a fantasy basketball stud for sure. As a one on one offensive player he is elite, possibly the best post player in the league. He showed durablitly (missed only 4 games), and at times, seemed like he was getting better at kicking it out of the post. Top scorer on the team per game & per 36 minutes. When moving toward the basket, Big Al is an offensive force that can barely be contained, however, he is often inconsistent in his game & takes a lot "fade-away" shots that are not very effective. Despite how great he is some areas, defensively he is about as bad as it gets. Terrible at guarding the pick & roll, doesn't appear to put any effort into help defense opportunities, often times seems oblivious to where the ball is & how to position himself accordingly. The entire team seemed to be worse defensively due to Al's negative impact. Also, Al simply does not get to the FT line despite spending a lot of time in the paint, which is unfortunate considering his nice FT% (77%).

2012-13 Grade: B-


Paul Millsap: 14.6 PPG, 7.1 RPG, 2.6 APG, 1.3 SPG, 1.0 BPG, 49% FG%, 74% FT%, 30 MPG
Let me start by saying, I like Paul. But here's my problem... I used to know who he was. Now, I'm not sure. He used to be that hard nosed, play with energy, get every lose ball, improving every year, underrated, fan-favorite type. Now, he still is hard nosed, and he had added some range to his shot this year, but the rest of the description doesn't seem to fit. Paul does a lot of things well & I'm not even bothered by his "small size" anymore (except when a guy like Z.Randolph just pushes him around like a toddler), but a large part of what made him the guy we all gre to love, was that he seemed to want it so bad. I don't see that same fire in Paul anymore. He is an underrated defender, and worth every bit of his now-expiring contract, but I am convinced he would be best suited as a 3rd or fourth option on a good team. Good shooter, good rebounder (used to be very good), good hands, good, good, good, but nothing great.

2012-13 Grade: B


Gordon Hayward: 14.1 PPG, 3.1 RPG, 3.0 APG, 0.8 SPG, 0.5 BPG, 44 FG%, 83 FT%, 42 3%, 29 MPG
Gordon had a mediocre first half of the season, and a fantastic second half. I think he was the 2nd half MVP of the team. His shot has been increasingly more constistant as his confidence seems to grow. Per 48 minutes, he was the 2nd leading scorer on the team. Hayward played a number of different roles on the team during the year, as a testiment to his overall game & versitility. He played point-forward, SG, SF, defended the other teams best wing, thrived in a 6th man role & also started 27 games. He is an underrated defender, and is the last guy on the team to give up on a play (think of how many chase down blocks he had this year). GH still has work to do on his shot & toughness IMO, but has come leaps & bounds over the past couple years. He should be a building block for the team's future ... and that is a good thing.

2012-13 Grade: B+


Mo Williams:12.9 PPG, 2.4 RPG, 6.2 APG, 1.0 SPG, 43 FG%, 88 FT%, 38 3%, 31 MPG
Mo, Mo, Mo. Mo is a competitor, but even after a decade in the league, still hasn't figured out how to play PG effectively. He has great bursts as a shooter, but when you are the PG, you have to yeild to the other players on the team if your shot isn't on.... and too often, Mo wasn't "on" & still just kept chucking. His hero-ball antics probably cost the team at least a few games this year. He was injured and missed 36 games this year, and maybe his thumb never was right when he came back, so I'd like to give him a little wiggle-room on his performace grade, but it's hard. I do appreciate certain parts of his game; great FT shooter, an outside threat, plays hard, seems to like Utah. But he is a bad defender, and doesn't fit my idea of what a PG should provide to a team.

2012-13 Grade: C+ (missed too many games to go above a C)


Randy Foye: 10.8 PPG, 2.0 APG, 39.7 FG%, 82 FT%, 41 3%, 27 MPG
Randy Foye set the ALL TIME Jazz record for 3-point shots made! .... and did just about nothing else. He was very streaky when it came to his shooting from behind the arc, but still managed to shoot over 40%, which is exactly why the Jazz brought him into the fold. The problem is, he was grossly mis-used as a near 30 MPG starter, so I try to give him some benefit of the doubt, but like Mo, it's hard to do so. His defense got better in the later part of the year, but he was still not even average in that area. He also seemed to try & drive a little more in the last part of the season, but wasn't very effective doing so... it's just not who he is. He shot about 39% inside the arc, which is abismal to say the least. Foye has a place on this team next year IMO, but it has to be as a bench shooter, otherwise the team will be stuck having the worst overall starting SG in the league again. You'd also think that a guy who is labeled as a scorer/shooter would be better than 8th on the team in points per 48 minutes, right?

2012-13 Grade: C (but not totaly his fault)


Derrick Favors: 9.4 PPG, 7.1 RPG, 0.9 SPG, 1.7 BPG, 48 FG%, 69 FT%, 23 MPG
Flash physical dominance!..... Disappear ....Begin to show consistency .... foul out ..... ESPN Dunk! .....pull down 20 boards! ..... jack up stupid shots ..... SWAT!! ..... this is how I feel about Favors' season. So many brilliant moments, but still so much to get better at. His FT% was a noted improvement, an area where he was a liabilty until this year. He also seemed to play much better when relied on for heavy minutes (such as when Kanter or Al were out with injuries). He still has the dreaded P word (potential) written all over him though. I can't say I'm disappointed in any specific part of his game, but I was also hoping for a little more. As a non-scorer, he did score more per 36 minutes (14.6) than Randy Foye & Marvin Williams. He also lead the team in BPG, along with blocks (2.6) & rebounds (11.0)per 36 minutes. I'm really looking forward to seeing him be fully unleashed next season.

2012-13 Grade: B


Enes Kanter:7.2 PPG, 4.3 RPG, 0.5 BPG, 54.4 FG%, 79.5 FT%, 15.4 MPG
The Underkanter had to have been the biggest positive suprise of the Jazz season. Many people thought the former #3 overall pick would be good, but to show so much improvement over his rookie season couldn't have been expected. Enes showed all kinds of toughness all the way through his season ending shoulder injury. He showed his range, something that he didn't even attempt during his rookie year, and added some moves to his post repitoir. Enes was the 4th leading scorer on the team per 36 minutes (16.9) while keeping an incredible 54.4 FG%. He also knocked down FT's at a guard's %. He even lead the team in ORB per 36 minutes (4.5). He wasn't without fault though, also leading the team in TO's per 36 minutes (3.4) and struggling regularly when it came to passing out of the post. Still, Enes' slightly shortened season has to be graded a success. Unfortunately, he only played 15 MPG, which keeps me from grading him a touch higher.

2012-13 Grade: B+



Marvin Williams: 7.2 PPG, 3.6 RPG, 1.0 APG, 0.5 SPG, 0.5 BPG, 42 FG%, 78 FT%, 33 3%, 24 MPG
Did you know that Marvin Williams was on the Jazz? If you answered "no", then don't be alarmed, he did nothing to make his presence known. Truth is, there was nothing "Marvelous" about Marvin this year. Marvin, who started 51 games, was partially mis-used as a simple spot up shooter, but mostly just faded away each and every game on his own. About the best overall compliment I can think if is ....he was fine defensively. No fire, no flashes, nothing. At least he didn't turn the ball over much. Marv took his $8 million paycheck, showed up for work, and that's about it. See you next year.... if we can find you.

2012-13 Grade: C minus D+


Alec Burks: 7.0 PPG, 2.3 RPG, 1.4 APG, 0.6 SPG, 42 FG %, 71 FT%, 36 3%, 17.8 MPG
One of the three or four most underused players on the team, but at least Alec got a decent shot at showing what he can do, and he did it pretty well. Alec played both PG & SG during the season, often times (and sadly) seeming like the best PG option on the team. Alec rebounds well for a gaurd, and attacks the basket with more regularity than anyone on the team. His 3 point shot is improved, his feel for the PG position improved, and he just looks like an NBA ready player. Alec still needs to work on his jump shot, and needs to not just get to the basket, but also finish. His defense is ok, but is also something that I hope he works on in the summer.


2012-13 Grade: B- (but looking better)


DeMarre Carroll: 6.0 PPG, 2.8 RPG, 1.0 APG, 0.9 SPG, 0.4 BPG, 46 FG%, 77 FT%, 29 3%, 16.8 MPG
I'd like to add to the above mentioned stat line: and a hole bunch of hustle & other crap that doesn't show up on the stat sheet. THE most underutilized player on the team. While other wing players were stuggling through their seasons, DeMarre made "things" happen just about every time he got on the floor. But DC was more than just a simple "hustle player", he showed a respectable jump shot & the ability to stay with some of the better players in the league defensively. That doesn't mean he's without flaw. DC gambles & loses sometimes on defense and does need to sure up his outside shooting, but I have yet to hear a single argument about why Carroll did not see more PT that makes any sense to me and the majority of Jazz fans. In possibly the biggest tragedy of the season, coach Ty's benching (16 DNP's) of DC probably has Mr. Carroll already packed up & ready to head to a team that will use him & appreciate the skills that he brings to the table. See you next year in OKC, SA, or whatever lucky city you move onto DeMarre. Jazz fans will miss you.

2012-13 Grade: B+ (couldn't have done more with the time he was given... he just wasn't given enough)


Jamal Tinsley: 3.5 PPG, 4.4 APG, 1.0 SPG, 37 FG%, 69 FT%, 31 3%, 18.5 MPG
I'm not as disapointmet in Jamal as some other Jazz fans seem to be, cause I never had any kind of expectation of him in the first place. He's a servicable veteran 3rd PG that filled in for an injured Mo as best as he could. With that said ... Tinsley may want to consider retirement. He did lead the team in assists per 36 minutes (8.6), improved his 3 point shooting as the year went on, and made a couple fantastic "playground" plays during the year. I'm not going to dog on Jamal much, because I think he gave what he could .... it's just he doesn't have much left to give.

2012-13 Grade: C-


Jeremy Evans: 2.0 PPG, 1.6 RPG, 0.4 BPG, 61 FG%, 64 FT%, 5.8 MPG
The former Slam Dunk Champ didn't get much run this year. And while he, like D.Carroll, was super productive when he played... blocking shots, grabbing boards, getting put-backs, flying all over the place, and even knocking down 15 foot J's, at least I understand why Evans didn't play much. He was stuck behind 4 players (Sap, Al, Favors, Kanter) that weren't going to lend their minutes to him. Evans has a futire in the NBA as a legit bench player, capable of 15 MPG, he just needs the right roster & opportunity. Maybe next years Jazz team, which will likely be going through some serious changes, will be that opportunity. One can hope!

2012-13 Grade: B- (tough to grade such small sample size, but liked what I saw)


Earl Watson stats - not good
Remember Earl from two years ago? "The Bulldog". I liked that guy. Too bad he's gone now. I really hope to see him as a Jazz assistant coach in the near future. Seems like he's got the mind & temperment for it. On the court this year, other that some nice alley-oops, he was terrible.

2012-13 Grade: D


Kevin Murphy
I'm sure we will see Murphy back in training camp for next year, but I don't think he's an NBA player. He didn't show anything in his brief appearences to make me think otherwise, including knocking down shots, whish was supposed to be his best quality.

2012-13 Grade: I


Jerel McNeal
Obviously there is nothing to report here. See you in traning camp?

2012-13 Grade: I


Tyrone Corbin
I can't really say more than has already been said by Jazz fans on numerous message boards and by national writers/analysts, who also just don't understand what TyCo has been doing all year. Bad line-ups, bad substitution patterns, bad in game management.... just bad. Maybe I'll add more to this later, but writing the same stuff about his inept coaching choices over-and-over has become exhausting.

2012-13 Grade: D-


You may notice there are no "A" grades given, and I think that is appropriate considering the final standings of this team, but also are due to coaching issues. The guys who had the chance to be an "A" in my eyes, were never given the chance to meet their potential.... hence Ty's terrible final grade.

I think the grade on Milsap is WAY to high. I would give him a c- at best. He pouted most of the season, didn't work hard like he usually does and was a mediocre player this season. I know everyone loves Paul, but he was flat out bad this season. I hope he moves on.

I'll do mine later, but we should include a grade for Tyrone.

Mutangclan wrote:

I'll do mine later, but we should include a grade for Tyrone.

Hmm.....what grade would you give TyCo, Mu?

I think I'm seeing some grade inflation there zero...I'm playin', I mostly agree with you so far.

I want to write a ton about every player, but here's my quick and dirty report card. Grades based on expectations and comparison to past performance...

Jefferson: B-
Millsap: B
Hayward: B+
Mo Williams: C-
Randy Foye: C+
Marvin Williams: F
Derrick Favors: B
Demarre Carroll: A-
Enes Kanter: A
Alec Burks: B-
Jeremy Evans: A-
Jamaal Tinsley: C
Earl Watson: D-
Kevin Murphy: I

Ty Corbin: D


Quick hits, Millsap gets a B for basically doing what he's always done, Jefferson gets dinged for his stretches of truly horrific overall play, the Williams's were hands down my biggest dissapointments of the season, Kanter was as good as we could have hoped for, Favors was at times both brilliant and dissapointing, and while Burks improved dramaticaly he was still a bit dissapointing to me overall. Ty saves himself from an F by keeping the team together and fighting after everything had gone horribly wrong.

TheMagnus wrote:

I think I'm seeing some grade inflation there zero...

I want to write a ton about every player, but here's my quick and dirty report card. Grades based on expectations and comparison to past performance...

Jefferson: B-
Millsap: B
Hayward: B+
Mo Williams: C-
Randy Foye: C+
Marvin Williams: F
Derrick Favors: B
Demarre Carroll: A-
Enes Kanter: A
Alec Burks: B-
Jeremy Evans: A-
Jamaal Tinsley: C
Earl Watson: D-
Kevin Murphy: I

Ty Corbin: D


Quick hits, Millsap gets a B for basically doing what he's always done, Jefferson gets dinged for his stretches of truly horrific overall play, the Williams's were hands down my biggest dissapointments of the season, Kanter was as good as we could have hoped for, Favors was at times both brilliant and dissapointing, and while Burks improved dramaticaly he was still a bit dissapointing to me overall. Ty saves himself from an F by keeping the team together and fighting after everything had gone horribly wrong.

I was expecting Mo to be a huge upgrade from Harris, but he wasn't. I think Burks would have been even better if you would have been at the right position and got consistent minutes. He should have gotten at least 1/4 of the minutes given to Foye.

Alright, grades have been handed out. Check out my post above for my final grades. ^^^^^^^

The Voice of Reason wrote:

Mutangclan wrote:

I'll do mine later, but we should include a grade for Tyrone.

Hmm.....what grade would you give TyCo, Mu?

Hahahahahaha, come on!!! its coming. Huge promotion test for me personally tonight, I'm too buzzed now and tired to post.

Jefferson: B+ (offense), D- (defense)
Millsap: B- (was a B+, but his lack of interest towards the end of the season lowered his grade, sad to see the decline in his attitude...a combination of cynicism about officiating, his role on the team and his own self-image?)
Hayward: A- (love me some GH)
Mo Williams: C (bleh, Jazz need a PG upgrade)
Randy Foye: C+ (all threes, no Ds)
Marvin Williams: D (something has happened to him physically, I think)
Derrick Favors: B+ (defense coming along better than offense)
Demarre Carroll: A (considering the expectations were near zero, his performance was amazing)
Enes Kanter: A (needed more of Al J's minutes)
Alec Burks: B+ (admirable performance considering he was thrust into PG position at times)
Jeremy Evans: B (not enough info, but I liked his dunks)
Jamaal Tinsley: C+ (fun to watch, but he's not the answer, even as a backup PG)
Earl Watson: D (he should retire)
Kevin Murphy: I (who is he, again?)

Ty Corbin: C (he's on the fence)

I like Zero's grades and analysis and anything else would be mostly quibbles. And I usually like to do things like that.

Not a quibble (and I agree with the B+ grade), but a word on DCs' "non-quantifiable" contributions.

We've heard Saint point out that DC gets over-excited and follows the ball, leaving his man and breaking the defensive "scheme" (such as it was). And that's true. HOWEVER...

Carrol's effort, the effect of his SUCCESSFUL hustle plays (steals, forced turnovers, forced bad shots against the time clock, etc), the glaring contrast between his effort and that of some of his teammates on the defensive end, all contribute to making the other players raise the level of their defensive effort. And this is huge.

This resulted, sometimes, in a synergistic effect and we all saw, in those inspiring 2nd and 3rd quarter rallies (from the deficits Tys' bad starting lineup created), some (dare I say it?) championship level defense. There, I said it. Or at least "playoff winning" level defense. The lineup of Carroll/Favors/Burks/Hayward/anybody repeatedly shut down teams good and bad, took them out of their offensive game plan and made it a moot point how well the Jazz own offense worked: if the other team don't score, any garbage baskets, lucky 3s, wild drives, anything is enough offense.

And I think the key to the 20-30 times we saw the second unit erase deficits was Carroll's example. Not necessarily his perfect defense, but the effect he had on the other Jazzmen out there on the floor, including running around like an idiot missing assignments in an attempt to mess up the other team. The other guys react to that, cover for it, help him out and few offenses were able to take much advantage of it (I mean, that's a damn long and ahtletic lineup!).

There. An attempt to, if not 'quantify', at least 'explain' DCs' virtues as a bench player. Ty was only able to see the highly-complex carefully-crafted well-oiled defense (that produced a deficit, remember) being disregarded by a scrub.

I think that's the reason for the DNP-CDs.

That and the whole 'sleeping with Tyrone's wife' thing.

Just posted Zero's updated updated player grades to the blog, thought he did an excellent job on them...

http://www.utahjazznation.com/2013/05/utah-jazz-2012-13-player-grades/

TheMagnus wrote:

Just posted Zero's updated updated player grades to the blog, thought he did an excellent job on them...

http://www.utahjazznation.com/2013/05/utah-jazz-2012-13-player-grades/

Thanks mags.

I did add to them, so if you wanna check out the new & improved version, I'd be happy to hear from ya'all.