Ryan's Thoughts

I've been thinking about what type of content I would like this blog to have. Originally, I had planned on having game previews as well as recaps. However, that requires a lot of work and there are multiple other sites that offer previews and recaps. I want unique content.

Periodically I will post my analysis of the play of the Jazz. If you don't like my analysis, then why are you reading this?

Today, I will share my thoughts on the play of Millsap and Jefferson and explain why I think this combination might prove to be better than the combo of Millsap and Boozer.

First, let's review the Jazz' offense with Boozer. I for one, was a big fan of Boozer. I felt that he needed to take a class on public relations, but his production on the court as well as his overall passion for the game more than made up for his PR shortcomings. When the Jazz' offense ran through Boozer it was nearly unstoppable. Boozer is a terrific high post player. He makes great decisions when he gets the ball at the elbow. Here are some reasons why the Jazz played really well with Boozer:

• Boozer is strong and can finish with either hand. When he drives to the hole from the top of the key he is very difficult to defend.
• Boozer has a good mid-range jumper. I always thought his shot looked awkward, but it went in a lot.
• He is a terrific interior passer. The Jazz' offense is predicated on screens and constant motion. Boozer did an excellent job reading the play and hitting cutters going to the basket.
• Essentially, Boozer became a triple threat from the top of the key with his ability to shoot, drive and pass.

Despite the tremendous success the Jazz had with Boozer, there were some weaknesses to his game:

• He is not a great ball handler. He was prone to have the ball stripped as he drove to the hoop.
• His lack of ball handling made him one dimensional once he made his decision from the elbow. He did not have the ability to dribble out of a drive if it was defended well.
• His shooting range maxed out at around 17-18 feet. He couldn't hit 20 footers with consistency.

This year, Millsap is filling the role Boozer had last year. How does he stack up against Boozer?

• Millsap has really worked on his jump shot. His shot is pretty and he has added some range. It appears he can knock down 20 footers with ease.
• After 5 years in Sloan's system, Millsap is great at reading the play and throwing the correct pass. I think after 5 years in Sloan's system, almost anyone can become an effective passer.

Millsap isn't as strong as Boozer and also gives up about an inch. Also, he is not as good at finishing with either hand around the rim. However, I think there are things that Millsap can do when putting the ball on the floor which might make him even more effective than Boozer when he drives.

• Millsap has some nifty ball handling skills. Yesterday, I saw him cross-over his defender and hit a jump shot over him. What other power forward does that?
• He can pull up and shoot.
• He can pass off the dribble
• He can hit off-balanced, whacky shots

In addition to Millsap's improved skill sets, there is one other aspect of the Jazz which might make him more effective than Boozer. That is Al Jefferson. Jefferson is a true low post player who demands respect. Millsap is going to get a lot of room to operate with Jefferson. Last night I saw multiple occasions when Millsap's defender was sagging down to keep an eye on Jefferson which gave Millsap a lot of room to work with. Millsap punished his defenders by knocking down jump shot after jump shot. Millsap, Boozer, and Memo are all high post (in Memo's case, perimiter) players. While playing alongside Boozer, Millsap was forced to the low post where I believe he is not as effective.

I don't think it's inconceivable to have both Millsap and Jefferson average nearly 20 and 10 a piece this season.

Do you have any additional thoughts? Feel free to comment.

What to watch for: Blazers v Jazz

It has been a long off-season. The dull days of summer, inspired by a lack of intriguing sports options, afforded me to experiment with new ways of passing time. Reading became an important part of my daily routines. Hunger Games provided much of the excitement. To fill the void left by the painful second round sweep of the Jazz by the Lakers, I found myself spending much of my time getting to know soccer. But like most who experiment with new lifestyles, hair styles, and soda flavors, I find myself ready to drop the experiment and revert to what I know best. The NBA season could not come at a better time.

Tonight, an old friend we barely knew, will be making his return to Salt Lake City. Will fans cheer him for his hard work and no-excuse attitude that we grew to love during his one year in Utah, or will they boo the diamond in the rough who abandoned those who gave him his lucky break? I know how this fan will react. I will cheer loud and proud for the kid whose tenacity and big heart provided a breath of fresh air amid the continual drama of his power forward teammate. The return of Wesley Matthews is just one of many aspects of tonight's pre-season opener against the Blazers that I will watch for. The others include:

The play of Al Jefferson on both ends of the court:

How will Jefferson fit in this offense? Will he be an improvement or downgrade on the defensive end as he replaces Boozer? I do not expect to be amazed by Jefferson's offensive prowess tonight. Jerry Sloan runs one of the most intricate offenses in basketball. The answer to the first question may not come until November. Jefferson's defensive fundamentals should be on display tonight, however. Does he have the lateral quickness to stay in front of his man on the high post? When he shows on the pick and roll, does he have the ability to recover and defend the paint? Will Jefferson body up his opponents in the lane and prevent them from getting off easy shots?

The play of Millsap and AK at the power forward spot:

Millsap has paid his dues, but will Kirilenko prove to be a more effective power forward? Coaches and players are pretty high on Kirilenko playing the 4. I went to the open scrimmage last week and felt both players played well.

Gordon Hayward:

He is a top 10 pick. Will that show? I do not doubt Hayward's athleticism or his smarts. I do wonder how much he will be rattled by more physical opponents than what he is used to.

Jeremy Evans:

Is he the next free-agent target of Portland? He might be if he plays the way Sloan says he can. Williams said that if he can add 20 pounds he will be a beast.

This year's Matthews:

Will one of the Jazz' undrafted rookies make us forget Matthews? It's not likely, since Matthews himself will be playing in the game for the enemy.

The overall effectiveness of the offense:

By mid-season last season, the offense returned to its form as the most effective offense in the league. Boozer's injury had derailed it a bit. I hope the offense can reach those same heights this season, but I don't know how practical that is. Both teams' offenses looked sloppy during the scrimmage. I don't read into what I saw at the scrimmage too much, but it did put a seed of doubt in me.

Welcome all!

This is my first ever blog post. I don't expect anyone to be reading this. That is perfectly fine by me. Since I was young I have dreamed of writing about sports. This blog provides me an outlet. If you do happen to read this, I appreciate any contributions.

Thanks,

Ryan Hess