The Kirilenko fallout
In case you missed it, Andrei Kirilenko has a contract worth $63 million that makes him difficult, if not impossible, to trade. Larry Miller admitted as much Thursday on the radio. Yet Sloan and Miller have each taken their shots at Kirilenko this week - - a player who most likely is going to wind up back with the Jazz next season.
And so the Kirilenko fallout continues. Miller gave Kirilenko a big push toward the door during a radio interview Thursday, saying that the Jazz will entertain offers for Kirilenko but aren't about to give away a player in whom they have made a six-year investment.
How the relationship can be repaired is beyond me. Miller's upset at the return he's getting on Kirilenko's contract. Sloan is tired of being ripped in the Russian newspapers. And Kirilenko feels like he has zero role in the offense.
These stories sound more appropriate for a team that went 31-51, not the other way around. Will we see Kirilenko demand a trade in the coming days? It wouldn't surprise me.
Miller compared Kirilenko to his own oldest son, of whom he always has expected more than his other children. He said he likes him personally and always has regarded Kirilenko as the player who should inherit the mantle of John Stockton and Karl Malone.
Yet it sure didn't sound like Miller expects to see Kirilenko here opening night. The owner also shared some thoughts on re-signing Dee Brown, Rafael Araujo and C.J. Miles when the free-agent negotiating period opens July 1. In fact, Miller wants all three players back.
Miller said Brown would be asked back for the primary reason that no other free-agent point guard wants to come and scrounge for minutes behind Deron Williams.
"Almost any player in the NBA worth his salt is going to want more playing time than that," Miller said, "and he's going to be smart enough to see the writing on the wall and therefore not come to us."
Miller was encouraged about Brown's development but suggested off-the-court issues were discussed during the Jazz's organizational meeting Wednesday. One was that Brown was late for practice once and late for the team bus once. The other was the value of his friendship with Deron Williams, with whom Brown has played since their years at Illinois.
"Now Deron's married and Dee's not," Miller said, "and so if Dee is going out, who's he going to go with, and is that good for Deron?"
The Jazz are committed to keeping three point guards on the roster and five guards overall. The final verdict on Brown, according to Miller: "All in all, my guess is that he'll wind up here, and we'll want to sign him."
Miles received the most praise, although Miller said he is convinced the 20-year-old guard wears a "woe-is-me" look on his face sometimes. But Miles apparently has strong support within the organization.
"I was a little surprised and really pleased at how much positive support there was for him around the table," Miller said. "And so we definitely want to get him back. We think that he's got talent and he'll be good in the future. And we've just got to remember how young these kids are coming out [of high school]."
Araujo was the player who seemingly left the front office and coaching staff the most divided. Miller described opinion on Araujo as "mixed" while acknowledging that the center has had few opportunities to develop his game during his years in Toronto and Utah.
Miller said Araujo is one of the Jazz's all-time hardest workers and grouped Araujo, Matt Harpring and Derek Fisher the team's only three truly tough players.
Of Araujo, Miller said, "Let's just say when he's out there on defense, the person he's guarding knows it. And I think we need some of that."
We'll see what kind of deals all three players are offered and whether the draft changes any of these thoughts. I'd love to hear what you think of bringing back any (or all) of the three plus whether Kirilenko is still in Utah come the start of training camp in October.
--Ross Siler
And so the Kirilenko fallout continues. Miller gave Kirilenko a big push toward the door during a radio interview Thursday, saying that the Jazz will entertain offers for Kirilenko but aren't about to give away a player in whom they have made a six-year investment.
How the relationship can be repaired is beyond me. Miller's upset at the return he's getting on Kirilenko's contract. Sloan is tired of being ripped in the Russian newspapers. And Kirilenko feels like he has zero role in the offense.
These stories sound more appropriate for a team that went 31-51, not the other way around. Will we see Kirilenko demand a trade in the coming days? It wouldn't surprise me.
Miller compared Kirilenko to his own oldest son, of whom he always has expected more than his other children. He said he likes him personally and always has regarded Kirilenko as the player who should inherit the mantle of John Stockton and Karl Malone.
Yet it sure didn't sound like Miller expects to see Kirilenko here opening night. The owner also shared some thoughts on re-signing Dee Brown, Rafael Araujo and C.J. Miles when the free-agent negotiating period opens July 1. In fact, Miller wants all three players back.
Miller said Brown would be asked back for the primary reason that no other free-agent point guard wants to come and scrounge for minutes behind Deron Williams.
"Almost any player in the NBA worth his salt is going to want more playing time than that," Miller said, "and he's going to be smart enough to see the writing on the wall and therefore not come to us."
Miller was encouraged about Brown's development but suggested off-the-court issues were discussed during the Jazz's organizational meeting Wednesday. One was that Brown was late for practice once and late for the team bus once. The other was the value of his friendship with Deron Williams, with whom Brown has played since their years at Illinois.
"Now Deron's married and Dee's not," Miller said, "and so if Dee is going out, who's he going to go with, and is that good for Deron?"
The Jazz are committed to keeping three point guards on the roster and five guards overall. The final verdict on Brown, according to Miller: "All in all, my guess is that he'll wind up here, and we'll want to sign him."
Miles received the most praise, although Miller said he is convinced the 20-year-old guard wears a "woe-is-me" look on his face sometimes. But Miles apparently has strong support within the organization.
"I was a little surprised and really pleased at how much positive support there was for him around the table," Miller said. "And so we definitely want to get him back. We think that he's got talent and he'll be good in the future. And we've just got to remember how young these kids are coming out [of high school]."
Araujo was the player who seemingly left the front office and coaching staff the most divided. Miller described opinion on Araujo as "mixed" while acknowledging that the center has had few opportunities to develop his game during his years in Toronto and Utah.
Miller said Araujo is one of the Jazz's all-time hardest workers and grouped Araujo, Matt Harpring and Derek Fisher the team's only three truly tough players.
Of Araujo, Miller said, "Let's just say when he's out there on defense, the person he's guarding knows it. And I think we need some of that."
We'll see what kind of deals all three players are offered and whether the draft changes any of these thoughts. I'd love to hear what you think of bringing back any (or all) of the three plus whether Kirilenko is still in Utah come the start of training camp in October.
--Ross Siler
9:43 PM
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15 Comments:
I would really support the resigning of Brown and Hoffa, but I'm more ambivalent about Miles. C.J. could develop into a fine player, but I'm not sure it's worth wasting that roster spot while waiting for it to happen. Dee Brown played better than expected in the playoffs and he seems to bring a great spark to the team. Hoffa is a big body who is a Jerry Sloan type player. I'd love to see him move into Jaron Collins' spot as the Jazz phase him out. The thing I like most about Brown and Hoffa is that they really seem to be good teammates. The kind of teammate support they seem to provide is rare in the NBA.
While I really like Larry Miller, I wish he'd keep some things unsaid. I can't imagine that players like their dirty laundry aired in public, even if it's something small like his comments about Dee Brown. Larry has done a terrific job as the Jazz owner but he could use a nice helping of discretion.
The same can be said for Andrei. Seriously, what happened to the cheerful, free-wheeling AK47? I want him to come back, but I don't want to relive the drama of last season. Unfortunately he is quickly becoming a case study on why a team shouldn't overpay players.
Has anyone thought about working some kind of trade for Derek Fisher and his inflated contract?
Derek is a great guy and leader, but he's a way undersized 2 guard and can't run the offense as well as Dee Brown at point. His shooting has been less than spectacular and he tends to dribble out the clock, trying to get us in the offensive set, frequently hoisting up a poorly timed, contested shot to try to beat the clock.
He might be more difficult to trade than AK-47. Thoughts?
Jazzaholic
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At this point I would trade AK-47 straight up for Corey Brewer who I think is going to be a better one-on-one perimeter defender that can guard 3 positions; and who is obviously a better offensive threat and a team player having played under the radar a bit on a great Florida team without whining about his role as AK has done. That is why I think it just makes good sense to deal AK to Boston for Ratliff and the #5 pick. You are able get two good defensive players, one literally replacing Andrei and the other solving a glaring weakness in the middle. Boston gets a big name veteran to play alongside Pierce. They could probably go up-tempo with Jefferson at the 5, AK 4, Pierce 3, Szczerbiak 2 and Rondo 1. The deal could always be expanded a bit as well to include Giricek or Collins' expiring deals if that is what it takes to get it done, maybe Boston giving up Delonte West. I do agree with James that Hoffa should take on Collins' role next year for the team.
I am a Sacramento Kings' fan and I think there is a AK47 trade that makes sense for both teams. Ron Artest and Shareef Abdul-Raheem for Kirilenko. Artest was a problem with the Kings because Musselman was a weak coach who the players didn't respect the opposite of Sloan.
It is a low risk trade for Utah because Artest has 2 more years on his deal and can opt-out after next season. Shareef has 3 more years at about $5M.
For the record, Hoffa had plenty of opportunities in Toronto; he was handed the starting job, and even got lots of minutes off the bench. With Araujo, what you see is what you get...not much.
I like the Kirilenko to Boston deal. I love Andrei and would love to see him stay forever, but it's not looking good and he really needs to stop whining about not being a bigger part of the offense and figure out a way to work himself into it, not the other way around, if it's going to work. The Jazz had their best season in years and they have proven they are more about winning than accommodating malcontents. If it comes to it, I'd pull the trigger on the Ratliff and #5 deal.
As for the Sacramento deal, you will never see Artest in a Jazz uniform, and including Abdur-Rahim is overkill because the real needs of the team are defensive stopper and a good shooting guard. I would love to see them shake things up just enough to upgrade in those areas.
I think you guys are crazy if you think Boston would agree to deal the #5 for AK and his enormous contract.
JR....are you for real my friend? It is absurd to think the Jazz should work some sort of deal for Fisher; have you learned nothing this year with the Jazz??? Honestly, I can't even believe that I am wasting my time responding to such an ignorant statement. The guy is a true leader with huge amounts of playoff experience that can only help the Jazz even move further than they did this year. Dude, get it together; furthermore he is worth every penny. JR I have a gut feeling that you are going to be ALL alone on this one. Fish is small in stature but an animal. He is up/down with shooting (who isn't) at times, but he is clutch when we need it and that speaks volumes my friend. Did you learn nothing from the GS vs. Jazz matchup in the second round?? Let us focus on getting a shooting guard or small forward that can tear it up and play "D". Fisher is not the problem; if anything he is a true answer/warrior in all respects. Guarantee he will be back next year, no questions asked. Let's talk about something that will make a huge impact with the Jazz organization, not Fish... Peace...........Shane (a huge Jazzman)
I think I agree with Jake about the proposed AK47-to-Boston deal.
TO take on Andrei's contract, I think Boston woudl have to send out Wally Szczerbiak rather than Ratliff, and #5 is too valuable to add, even if Utah is taking the guy with the two-year contract.
How about Wally, Gomes (who's an inexpensive replacement as a 3/4 combo forward) and a future 1st?
I agree to trade AK to Boston. I think that is a win-win trade.
Hoffa should be Jazz starting Center. Ratliff will bring shot blocking & rebounding defensively while Szczerbiak can fill the shooting needs on Jazz's SG & SF positions. DFish should be the 2nd string PG, then DBrown. It is time for Sloan to put Brewer as a starting SG. He will cure Jazz problem in defending other team's premier SG's because of his height, long arms, steal/deflections. Offensively, if he can learn/develop the same offensive pattern/skills the way Harpring/Hamilton/Miller is moving without the ball and use the screen and roll - he will be a beast to contend with. If either Gira and CJ are back, either can back up Szczerbiak or Hapring as SG or SF.
I am hoping that Jazz can get an experienced center from the draft(e.g. Mark Gasol, Tiago Splitter). Aaron Gray can be develop to become a Duncan type of a player because of his height, built, and soft hands.
Go JAZZ ! ! !
They need to give Hoffa a chance; weed Collins out if necessary. As for DFish, he is a backup PG to DWill. I am not convinced that Brewer is ready for the starting roll at #2. I like him alot but I am a little weary of his game in regards to starting at SG. He needs more time to develop and that would mean significant minutes off the bench. As for Utah/Boston deal, I just don't think it will happen. Boston at the end of day isn't going to give up the #5 pick for AK (and the huge contract). I will have to agree with a few of you on that issue. I really like AK, and I don't think he is washed up by any means; but he must step it up bigtime this upcoming season. At the end of the day I honestly believe he stays in Utah. As for Wally Szczerbiak he has proven he cannot stay healthy; and this is not what we need in Utah. The guy is a great shooter and plays hard, I just worry about his health. We need to try and find someone young and healthy that can work along with Booz, DWill, and Okur. We really need a #2; we were worked in that area last year as we all know. This is a tough one. If we get Boston's #5 and Ratliff, wow, I will eat my words. If that should happen I hope we don't regret it; but you have to take risks in this league. I still have faith in AK if he stays; at least for one more season. I am out.
I appreciate all your comments. JR I hope I was not to harsh, for this was not my intent. I just love DFish and I believe he has great value to the Jazz organization. The guy is a "true" leader and all the young bucks on the team need that badly.
Meh. The #5 and Ratliff would be beauty...but AK is not the kind of job-saving home run Ainge is looking for.
Also, I notice no-one, but NO-ONE, is considering for a moment that D-Will actually did freeze Ak out at the beginning of the season.
OR. Nobody stops to think about the kind of leadership D-Will displayed when, through the whole season, he couldn't help AK get going...not sure if this is entirely AK's fault. I mean, is he insane?? Just making stuff up?
I know nobody wants to question the savior DW, but hey...
Hey folks!
Greetings from Toronto.
Heard radio sport jocks today make jokes all day about this passage in your paper:
= = = = =
Miller said Araujo is one of the Jazz's all-time hardest workers and grouped Araujo, Matt Harpring and Derek Fisher the team's only three truly tough players.
Of Araujo, Miller said, "Let's just say when he's out there on defense, the person he's guarding knows it. And I think we need some of that.
= = = =
They had a debate which of these three comments was funnier and "And I think we need some of that." was the overall winner.
It was used all day....
Everyone loved Hoffa here when he wasnt on the court.
Worked hard, nice kid but tough defense?
This is like hearing Shawn Kemp is celibate.
Thanks for making us laugh.
Terry Lechecul
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