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.