Jazz Progress Reports
One month into the season, while the Jazz are on a three-day midweek break, it’s time to hand out the first progress reports.
Let’s start with the team.
At 10-7, the Jazz remain a mystery. How good are they?
Partly because of injuries and largely due to inconsistency, the team has yet to find a groove. But with five months remaining, there’s plenty of time.
As we all do in sports, it’s easy and torturous to already play the “what-if” game with the Jazz. If they hadn’t have blown a huge lead against the Mavericks and woke up in time to beat the Kings, the Jazz would lead the Northwest Division. And if Andrei Kirilenko wouldn’t have lost his mind in the final minute in Cleveland, maybe the Jazz stun the Cavaliers.
Having won 6 out of 7 games, the Jazz are showing signs of living up to the expectations we’ve set. But is that merely a by-product of scheduling or is this team for real?
Either way, we’ll know soon enough. For now, my grade is: B
Following are individual grades:
Carlos Boozer
Given his recent play, those early season struggles seem like last year. Going back to the win in Philadelphia, Boozer has played the best ball of his seven-year career. And dare I say, he’s playing as well as any power forward in the league.
Hard to believe a few weeks back the majority of fans wanted him gone. As good as Deron Williams is, Boozer is this team’s MVP so far.
Can it continue? No doubt.
Whether it’s because he’s in a contract year, or simply because he cares enough, Boozer is displaying an all-around game that will lead to much interest in this off season. Granted, it’s not my money, but I say pay Boozer the going rate this summer.. For the Jazz to contend at a high level, they need the former malcontent. The foundation of stars at power forward and point guard worked before and it can work again.
Grade: A
Andre Kirilenko
Give Jeff Hornacek a raise. The part-time shooting coach must be paying off, because Kirilenko’s jump shot looks much improved and more natural this season.
The Russian is playing his best ball since making the all-star team six years ago. He remains a defensive force but finally is playing with great all-around energy again.
The key is playing time. For him to produce, Kirilenko must get close to 35 minutes a game.
Without a traditional shot blocker, the Jazz need Kirilenko to play well almost as much as they need it from Boozer and Williams.
Grade: B
Mehmet Okur
Credit the big Turk for trying. Instead of standing around at the three-point line, Okur has diversified his offensive game more than ever.
But at the same time, rumbling down the lane to put up an off balanced shot has contributed to him averaging 13 points (4 fewer than last season). For a shooter, he’s got to score more.
Instead of trying to drive to the basket through a parade of defenders, Okur would be better served to establish position on the low block or spot up.
Grade: C
Ronnie Brewer
Keep plugging away, young man.
It’s difficult to say that as Brewer goes, so go the Jazz. But his importance to the team can’t be overstated, especially with the injuries to C.J. Miles and Kyle Korver.
Of the Jazz’s 10 wins, Brewer has scored in double figures in eight games. His offense is crucial to the team’s success. While he’s never going to be the second coming of Hornacek, Brewer has to find a way to average at least 13 points a game.
Grade: B
Deron Williams
The point guard is one of the few players averaging 20 points and 10 assists and still be capable of playing much better.
It’s hard to criticize his game, but I believe Williams is still not at his peak. I expect more out a player with enough talent to make the Hall of Fame.
I’ve got to see more leadership and fewer turnovers. Twice this season he’s committed seven turnovers, which is unacceptable in this offense.
But he’s the least of this team’s worries.
Grade: B
Paul Millsap
The spark is missing.
After starting much of last season and gaining the huge contract over the summer, Millsap has not recaptured the magic. With Boozer playing so well, Millsap needs to find his niche with this team.
Grade: D
Wesley Matthews
From undrafted to starting, it’s impossible to consider anything but the highest grade. The rookie has been a real find, showing the savvy of a tenured veteran.
The key for Matthews is to find a way to contribute once the injured veterans return, although I wouldn’t necessarily banish him to the bench just because Miles and Korver suit up.
Grade: A
Eric Maynor
Move over, D-Will. Literally.
As good as Matthews has been, Maynor was been more of a surprise. And much needed, considering the Jazz have been searching for years to find a competent back-up point guard.
Maynor’s play has been good enough to allow Jerry Sloan to slide Williams over to shooting guard. In certain situations, this is a great backcourt combination.
As teams begin to adequately scout Maynor, he has to focus on shot selection. I’d rather he use that incredible speed to create shots for his teammates.
Grade: B
Kyrylo Fesenko
Compared to his prior NBA experience, Fesenko has improved immensely. But he’s still has to find consistency.
I like his effort so far, but he can’t check out mentally for long stretches. If he’s serious about improving, Fesenko can be a valuable asset.
Grade: B
