HOOPLOG: Utah Jazz

Hornets Pay Tribute to Oklahoma City Fans

Sat, 15 Apr 2006 16:47:07 -0800

John Reid of THE NEW ORLEANS TIMES-PICAYUNE writes, "Hornets coach Byron Scott acknowledged that some fans in New Orleans might not have taken kindly to his team's wearing 'Oklahoma City' across their jerseys in Friday's regular-season finale against the Utah Jazz at the Ford Center. ... To thank fans in Oklahoma City for their support, the Hornets wore the specially designed jerseys against the Utah Jazz, which included a 'NOLA' patch over the right shoulder to represent New Orleans. After the game, the Hornets had planned to auction the jerseys to raise money for their 'Hoops for Homes' program in New Orleans."

Carlos Boozer interview

Mon, 10 Apr 2006 17:40:36 -0800

Utah's Carlos Boozer talks about his season and trying to replace Karl Malone.

NBA Mock Draft-College players only 1. Noah 2 Morrison 3. Thomas

Wed, 05 Apr 2006 19:16:17 -0800

Here is my mock draft, usually when a player does well in the tournament, their stock goes up in the draft. Teams are gonna pass on Sheldon Williams, due to poor tournament performance. He’ll be the next Elton Brand and will help that Hornets go to the playoffs next year. I put Reddick with the Jazz, looking at the Jazz's draft history they pick over hyped white dudes, who can’t play in the NBA. Hopefully the Sonics get Brandon Roy, he and Ridnouer will form the best back court in the league circa 2110. I only did college players that I have seen play and one Eurotrash dude that Espn ranked high. I guessed the teams that will end up with the highest lottery picks.

1. Bulls from knicks- joekim Noah. Had a good tournment, he could really develop

2. Portland Trailblazers- Adam Morrison. Keep him local.

3. Charlotte Bobcats- Tyrus Thomas

4. Atlanta Hawks-Lemarcus Aldridge

5. Toronto Raptors- Randy foye

6. Orlando Magic- Josh Mcroberts

7. Golden state- Andrea Bargani. The bay area better have ample olive oil and garlic.

8. Boston Celtics- Dee Brown

9. Timerwolves- Rodney Carney

10. Supersonics- Brandon Roy

11. Rockets- Al Hortford

12. Bulls- Ronnie Brewer

13.Utah jazz- J.J reddick. Another white person playing basketball in Utah, I don’t understand.

14 Hornets- Sheldon Williams. Every team will regret passing on him

15. 76ers- Maurice Ager

16 Indiana- Jordan Farmar.

17. Sacramento-leon powe

Rudy Gay was going pretty high but he will end up a second rounder, due to poor performance in the tournement

No comments

Playoff Race Reset

Tue, 04 Apr 2006 09:43:00 -0800

Alright, since everyone in the league was off last night, it's time to reset the playoff race.

I'm going to break down the remaining win probabilities for each of the four teams in the hunt - the Lakers, Kings, Hornets and Jazz. (My previous posts on win probability are here and here.)

The formula used to predict the win probability for games was borrowed from Ed Kupfer, an illustrious poster at the APBRmetric forum. Specifically in this thread, Kupfer lays out the statistical basis for the WinProb formula, which calculates the probability of a home team winning given winning percentages, location of the game and days of rest for each team.

Let's start with the Lakers, who have seven games left:

(Let's do some explaining: date, home and away should be obvious. H-Win% and A-Win% are the home and away teams' current winning percentages, respectively. H-Rest is days since the last game for the home team; A-Rest is the same for the away team. H-Prob is the calculated probability of the home team winning. T-Prob is the calculated WinProb for the team in question - in this case, the Lakers.)

After the road back-to-back this week, it's almost smooth sailing for the Lakers with their last five games coming at home.

The toughest of those five is against Phoenix, who with three days left in the season might take to resting semi-frail Steve Nash and overworked Shawn Marion. Even if the Suns play like they have all season, the Lakers still have a 48% probability of winning. The game is essentially a toss-up.

L.A.'s two road games should be losses, with the Lakers having only a 44.8% probability of winning one of them and a 4.8% likelihood of winning both. There's a 60% likelihood the Lakers lose them both.

The most likely scenario for the five home games is sadly 4-1, with the loss coming to either the Clippers (who aren't really the away team) or the Suns.

So, couple with L.A.'s current record, that would have the Lakers ending the season at 44-38, and easily in the playoffs.

Let's move on to our eighth place Kings:

As we all know, this week is going to be tough. The likelihood of winning one of the next three is 55.9%. The likelihood of winning two is 43.2%. All three? 0.5%. Yikes. Losing all three? 53.3%. Uhh...

So the most likely scenario is to go 1-2 this week. The second most likely scenario is to go 0-3. The third is 2-1, and there is an absolutely miniscule chance to 3-0.

It looks the best bet is to pray for a split in Texas and hope the dominance of the Clippers continues.

But let's assume the worst: 0-3. The Kings close out with 4 of 5 in ARCO. Three of those home games leave the Kings with a strong probability of winning, and the other is Phoenix. The road game is Denver, always a difficult task.

So, let's imagine 3-2 in the last five - a near worst-case scenario - coupled with this week's 0-3 worst case scenario. That's finishing 3-5, and leaving the Kings with a 2005-06 regular season record of 41-41.

If the Kings can pull out either one game on the current road swing or one of the games against Denver or Phoenix, they'd sit at 42-40, still probably two games behind L.A. for the coveted seventh spot. If they manage to steal one from the Clippers and hold court against Phoenix, they'd be 43-39, still likely a game back.

But if the Lakers manage to lose on the home floor to Phoenix and the Clippers - which is very possible - while the Kings hit their likely best-case scenario, then it's gravy. The teams would tie for the seventh position, and (should the scenarios play out) the Kings would hold the tiebreaker advantage. (Since the teams split their four matchups, the next tiebreaker in conference record. If those were even, it'd go to division record. Luckily, because the Kings lost to a wealth of Eastern teams this season, they hold a sturdy advantage in both categories. Of course, had they not lost so many games against Eastern teams, they might not be in this predicament.)

So, the Kings really need to go 5-3 to have a shot at seventh place, with the Lakers going 4-3. And yes, that scenario is plausible, if hopeful. And I'm hopeful. So I'm predicting it. There. Happy?

Don't sleep on the Hornets, though:

Actually, you might be able to sleep on the Hornets. They have 10 games left, with four likely wins (hosting Golden State, Toronto, Seattle and Utah), one toss-up (versus Cleveland) and five likely losses (at Detroit, Dallas, Sacramento, Phoenix and the Lakers). The Utah game will be tough, and I would guess that the Hornets could steal one at the end of the season from Phoenix or L.A. So, 5-5 seems real reasonable. (For the record, the sum of probabilities is 4.6 - that means the Hornets are expected to win 4.6 of these games. Five seems right.)

Going 5-5 would put the Hornets at 40-42. The Kings would have to go 2-6 to fall back to the Hornets at that pace, something very unlikely to happen.

But remember that worst-case scenario for the Kings up there? It was 3-5, with losses at Dallas, San Antonio, the Clippers and Denver and a home loss to Phoenix. It didn't count a home loss to the Hornets.

What if it was the Hornets instead of the Suns who beat the Kings in ARCO? Then, you'd likely have the Hornets going 6-4 and finishing 41-41. The 3-5 finish would put the Kings at 41-41. The Hornets, having taken two of three from Sacramento already, would have the tiebreaker and make the playoffs.

Damn.

So, um, like I said: Don't sleep on the Hornets. All they have to do is take care of business at home and beat the Kings in ARCO (and hope the Kings can't win in Texas or SoCal).

There's one last team in the hunt - the Utah Jazz:

It's actually pretty grim for the Jazz, who still have San Antonio twice and Dallas once. That's like three sure losses. Let's start with that. 0-3.

Utah's other road games are in Minnesota and New Orleans. We've assumed New Orleans will hold serve against Utah in Oklahoma City, but I can imagine the Jazz beating the Wolves. That's 1-4.

The other four home games for Utah (besides San Antonio's visit tonight) are Portland, Houston, Denver and Golden State. 4-0 in those isn't impossible, but it's unlikely at a 24.1% probability. 3-1 is more likely at 43.4%. So let's go with 3-1.

That makes 4-5 total, and a 39-43 record - not even sniffing the playoffs.

So the Jazz would have to beat the Hornets (40-42), sweep the non-Spurs home games (41-41) and steal one in their Dallas-San Antonio back-to-back (42-40) to pass a Kings team that finishes 3-5 (which was a worst-case scenario, not counting a Hornets loss). The Jazz, by not having a shot at the tiebreaker with the Kings, need a miracle, really.

All theoryball aside, here's what it looks like will happen (through my royal purple tinged glasses):

The Kings will go 5-3, finishing 44-38 and in seventh place.
The Lakers will go 4-3, finishing 44-38 and in eighth place due to tiebreakers.
The Hornets will go 5-5, finishing 40-42 and in ninth place.
The Jazz will go 4-5, finishing 39-43 and in tenth place.

Bank on it! (Actually, don't.)

For the new school: meet the “Prince of Darkness”

Thu, 30 Mar 2006 17:50:46 -0800

I'm always struck by how many young Piston fans there are nowadays as a result of the team's continued success. And in light of this being a relatively slow news day, I'd like to take some time out to provide the kee-ids a brief bit of Piston history. Specifically, I'm speaking to all of you born into the late 80s and early 90s, those only able to remember back to the days of Terry Mills in teal (shiver).

Now I may not be able to wax poetic about the days of Dave Bing and Bob Lanier (I'll leave that to the gen before me), but I can spin a yarn or two over the Bad Boys, circa 1988-1990. But rather than listen to me preach, I'll let the below list of quotes — and one famous poster shot — begin to tell the tale of the baddest of the Bad. [And please note: as usual, I'm showing a considerable bias towards #40, Bill Laimbeer. But Detroit Bad Boys would be forever grateful for any additional memories/stories/links/etc. that you could provide on any Piston player or era that you hold near and dear. We all share a common love for the Boys in Blue; therefore, if you feel so moved, hit us up in the comments section.]

Without further ado, enjoy.

Henry Schulman, sportswriter, "If you laid Bill Laimbeer, Dennis Rodman, and the rest of the Detroit Pistons end to end in the Mojave Desert, it would be a good idea to leave them there."

Bob Costas and Pat Riley, covering a game with the Pistons, at halftime had this exchange:
Bob Costas: "Well, one look at our Cheap Shot Scoreboard shows the Pistons up 8-1. Rodman is having a fine half with five, and Laimbeer is running second with two. What do you think, Pat?"
Pat Riley: "Well, every time Chicago has the ball, five Pistons are committing fouls. It's as if to say, 'Well, the officials can only call one at a time, so we get away with four.' You know, Michael Jordan said before the game, 'People want to push this kind of basketball out.' The Bulls are 24 minutes away from doing just that."

Former Laker, Kurt Rambis, on Laimbeer: "I assume his parents like him. But you'd have to verify that."

Former Utah Jazz GM, Frank Layden, on Charles Barkley: "I would gladly chip in and pay part of his fines every time he smacks Bill Laimbeer."

Sportswriter Tim Sullivan, writing about the NBA moving the Finals to pay-per-view: "The NBA Finals is worth about $10 per game unless it involves Michael Jordan ($20) or Bill Laimbeer ($2)."

Sportswriter Jan Hubbard: "Detroit center Bill Laimbeer was considering seeking an injuction against the Olympic selection process because he was deprived of a chance to make the team. Laimbeer said that as a tax-paying citizen, he should have had the opportunity to try out for the team. It would have been great if he could have tried out for the team, because then he would have been excluded on merit rather than logic."

Ted Davis, longtime announcer for the Milwaukee Bucks, on Laimbeer: "Dirtiest player: Bill Laimbeer. The dirtiest of the dirty. Actually tried to hurt his opponent. Actually tried to hurt his teammates in practice. Was WWF before WWF was cool."

Davis, again: "Set the best screens: Two. Laimbeer would hit you with elbows and knees. Rick Mahorn, the size of a Winnebago."

Legendary Piston coach, Chuck Daly, on Laimbeer."He would drive people insane and then just walk away. He was like Gandhi."

We've posted this one before, but it merits repeating:

Letter from Charles Barkley to Bill Laimbeer, I think in 1989:
Dear Bill,
F*ck You.
Charles

Quotes above are courtesy of:
Basketball quotes [Block 37]
Bucks' voice Davis has seen it all [Milwaukee Journal Sentinel]
NBA Daily Humor
Charles Barkley Quotes, 6.0 [Clintcam]

Previously on Detroit Bad Boys:
Keep your hands off my hair-band

West out with sprained ankle

Tue, 28 Mar 2006 12:49:42 -0800

Leading scorer David West wasn't with the Hornets on Monday at Utah because of a sprained left ankle.

Brian Hill Fined $25,000 for Criticizing Officials

Thu, 09 Mar 2006 08:33:15 -0800

Tim Povtak of the ORLANDO SENTINEL reports, Magic Coach Brian Hill fully expected a call and a fine from the NBA office Wednesday, but he didn't expect it to be quite so painful. Hill was fined $25,000 for "publicly criticizing officials,'' after Monday night's loss to the Jazz in Utah. He became just the second coach this season to be fined for such an offense. Although he declined comment on the size of the fine, the look on his face said more than enough. He was surprised. As the Magic coach during the 1994-95 season, he was fined $3,500 for a similar offense. "Coaches are no different than players,'' he said after the Magic practiced and he spoke with Stu Jackson, the NBA's senior vice president of basketball operations. "When you're going through situations like this, and you're losing and bad things are happening, you are going to get frustrated.''

Nothing fits forever

Wed, 08 Mar 2006 21:49:48 -0800

It would seem that last night’s infernal burst of Gilbertology might truly need no comment from ours truly. As in, we live in heaven, he lives alone, our souls are intertwined and the moment need not be soiled by explanation. The more and more I gazed upon that fascinating still—one as destined for iconic status as Tiger with the fist pump or Yao’s scream of antiquity—the more brutally apparent it becomes to me that Arenas, far from being an oddball, is the living, breathing god of my favorite kind of NBA player: the kind you watch, instead of just view. What Iverson, Kobe, Nash, and a handful of others I go out of my way to see play have in common is this ability to not merely produce on any given night, but to casually redefine themselves through masterstrokes of basketball impressionism.

Let me put briefly put aside the strained fire and brimstone that guides this site long enough to admit, as I did last week, that this is by and large a league of consistency. Unlike baseball and football, where one can be violently up and down from one game to the next but still get recognized overall as a fantastic contributor, to be a credible contributor a guy’s got to come with steady output. Freaks and streaks can be profound, but no player’s a recognizable force (or definite failure) in this league until he can be counted on; to scrape the ridges of Mount Dunkmore, he’d better be guaranteed to account for a serious percentage of his team’s production, both in the box score and as a reliable force when the ball hits his hands. Until then, he will always get saddled with the p-word, no matter how impressive he is in spurts.

When you reach the rarified air of superlative hoops accomplishment, there are at least three kind of consistency. Most obviously, there are the rock-solid bequeathers, under-appreciated and often big men like Duncan, Brand, Bosh, Dirk, Jamison, Kidd, Ray Ray and Redd. These folks give it their all with frightening regularity, churning it out from the opening bell and expected to operate as if to a rhythmic tick. I want to stop short of saying that you can intuit them from looking at a box score, but by and large there is no dramatic arc to their in-game performances. Professional, workmanlike, whatever you want to call them, these are consummate anchors of an offense, the given you pencil in at most moments during the season’s onslaught.

In the next category, you find explosive players with a tendency toward predictable outcomes, who ebb and flow over the course of a game, occasionally make you doubt, and ultimately bring you right back to who you always knew they were. I’m talking about Garnett, Pierce, Wade, Vince, Billups, Bibby, Gasol, Melo, Richardson, Jefferson, Sheed, Marion, and Artest himself—unquestioned experts who sometimes lull, sometimes soar, but never have to redeem themselves and are constantly working within their own limits and images. This isn’t a knock on any of these fine, hurling turtles; merely to point out that if you turn on the television to see them play, you know what you’re getting and will be accordingly excited. Each game reinforces their , with ups and downs that end in a pointed reminder of yeah, that’s him.

Gilbert and his gang, as I will now aptly dub them, rest upon their own set of shaggy shoulders. To return to last week’s trope of half-assed existentialism, All-American and yet bleakly Continental, they are players constantly exceeding themselves, or at least engaging in what feels for all the world like a motherfucking statement game. It can LeBron or Amare exerting and expanding their dominance, Kirilenko or Gerald Wallace twisting up the parameters of a box score, Nash working his conductor-ly magic, or Kobe, Iverson or McGrady scoring not only at will, but as if it’s unnatural for them to miss—or even repeat themselves out on the floor. Arenas is a must-see, not only because he’s likely to put on a show, but for what each and every game can do to your sense of him as a player and personality. If Wade proves with each big game that he’s still Wade, still proud, then Gilbert does it up in a way that’s not only unpredictable; with each of these self-transcending events, he also manages to seem unlikely all anew. As does Kobe, Bron, et al. In the crucible of the game, their legend is broken down and created anew, surprising you not only with this most recent installment but, in its reconstitution of the player’s most basic essence, shock you yet again they exist at all, that anything they do has ever happened in the glare of man’s senses.

This may seem like two-bit metaphysics for those of you not in tune with my lifelong education on this planet (or anyone merely taking issue with my late night sloppiness). But next time you find yourself up past bedtime watching one of these aforementioned idols, think about whether or not you feel you’re seeing them for the first time, whether you’re transfixed partly out of the fear that you’re witnessing a once-in-a-lifetime occurrence. Not just a good game from your favorite NBA player, or one of those “instant classics” this blog will reference two years from now; I mean one of those performances where, in some ways, you feel like you’re discovering the sport again for the very first time.

Whaley says knee 100

Mon, 06 Mar 2006 13:09:22 -0800

When doctors told Robert Whaley in late January that surgery was the only was to get rid of the nagging pain in his right knee the rookie center was devastated. I didn't want it he said. I thought I would be out for months. Instead after just five weeks of constant rehabilitation the Jazz's second-round draft pick suited up Sunday declaring his repaired knee 100 percent healthy. I thought it was a miracle Whaley said. The doctors trainer Gary Briggs everybody was just wonderful. I'm surprised how quick it got better. There's no nagging pain in there anymore.

Daily Roundup Mar 6 ‘06

Mon, 06 Mar 2006 13:09:06 -0800

What a difference a day makes!

I’ve written before in this space about my irrational hatred for the Utah Jazz and last night was a splendid reward for me. The Sonics did to the Jazz what Crash did to Brokeback Mountain in the Oscar race last night. Newest Sonic Noel Felix had the loudest 2 point 1 rebound game I think I’ve ever witnessed. Earl “Bugs” Watson chipped in 10 pts, 7 dimes and 5 boards in the effort as well as some tiiight alley oops to Chris Wilcox, who is rapidly relegating Radmanovic to milk-carton status …

I can’t say enough about Wilcox’s ability to run the floor, set picks and play above the rim. After far too many years of watching countless worthless frontcourt players it’s about damn time the Supes started playing above the rim. I was sturck last night about how closely the Jazz are to Nate McMillan’s ideal team, low possession, highly efficient but with a plodding frontcourt. Utah simply had no answer for Seattle’s 7 footers … any of them, and when the Sonics can bring 7 ft Mikki Moore off the bench to counter Ostertag, I say if we give this team time to gel and retain Bob Hill going into next year they will surprise people. The attitude is not only different but the actual talent core they’re building from is much, MUCH better than it was earlier in the year.

Bacardi and Cola stat line o’ the night: 38 minutes, 12 pts, 13 rebs, 2 stls and 4 blocks. Niice

Did I mention I got a speeding ticket this morning? $91 …stay away from Shoreline boys and girls…

On that note, I want to say that I can’t think of a more perfect jersey for Flip to wear than #2. Think about it.

The honeymoon’s over between Paul Allen and Portland. For every poster who used to crow about Allen’s genius in hiring Bob Whitsett and holding him up as some paragon of NBA owner virtue, I suggest you read the following story and see just how ugly it can get.

Hornets' Smith Expects to Be Dealt

Thu, 23 Feb 2006 09:08:19 -0800

In THE OKLAHOMAN, Andrew Gilman writes that "Hornets coach Byron Scott spent a good, long while in general manager Jeff Bower's office before Wednesday's game against Utah. Guard J.R. Smith spent a good, long while talking. Both Scott and Smith said they expect a trade to happen."

Head-to-Head's Up (2/20-2/26): Trade Deadline Edition

Fri, 17 Feb 2006 09:54:14 -0800

Well I’m glad the NBA (David Stern) came to its senses and invited Gilbert Arenas to play in Houston this weekend after all. Too bad Gil had to go and finish the first half of the season with a 4-for-22 effort and 6 turnovers at Dallas. Ouch.
So we have All-Star festivities to get through this weekend and then we’re back to the real games and hopefully an exciting week full of blockbuster trades. Here’s looking at you, week 2/20-2/26.

Four Games: Atlanta, Boston, Cleveland, Detroit, Indiana, LAL, Memphis, Milwaukee, New Jersey, New Orleans, Orlando, Portland, Seattle.
Three Games: Charlotte, Chicago, Dallas, Golden State, Houston, LAC, Minnesota, New York, Philadelphia, San Antonio, Utah, Washington.
Two Games: Denver, Miami, Phoenix, Sacramento, Toronto.

Season-long trade rumors are finally coming to fruition this week. Darko is moving to Disney World, former Terrapin Chris Wilcox swapped area codes with Vlad Rad, and Stevie Franchise just may get another ‘change of scenery’ if Isaiah Thomas continues his quest to bury the Knicks six-feet-under. Keep a close eye on pending trades as several players are sure to find themselves in new situations that could really boost their second half value.

Plug ‘em in, Plug ‘em in:
Josh Smith/Childress, G/F – The reigning Slam-Dunk champ just put up career-highs of 21 points and 15 boards, while fellow swingman Josh Childress also scored a season-high 21 in a win over the Lakers Wednesday. We’re keeping our fingers crossed that Al Harrington will be asked to pack his bags before the Feb. 23rd deadline. Josh & Josh would immediately reap the benefits should Harrington (and his 37 mpg) depart. Smith averages an incredible 2.3 blks in only 27.5 mpg, and Childress contributes across the board but especially in steals with 1.2 spg in 28.4 minutes. Hopefully both will see 30-35 minutes a night the rest of the way and improve on their already respectable numbers. The youngsters have four games next week so get them in your lineups.

Delonte West, PG – LeBron (43/12/11) and Paul Pierce (50/7/8) may have stolen the show in an overtime thriller the other night, but Delonte also filled his stat line with 15/10/8 and 3 blocks. One of the best waiver wire pickups of the year, the versatile guard just keeps on truckin’. Jefferson, Perkins, and Wally are banged up, so West should have plenty of scoring chances in four contests next week.

Anthony Johnson, PG – Jamaal Tinsley is starting to make Marcus Camby and Fred Taylor look like iron men. He’s only appeared in 23 games this season and hasn’t been healthy for a full year since his rookie campaign. Veteran point guard Anthony Johnson has been handed the reins and asked to do what he can to help salvage Indiana’s season. A.J. has been a member of the Pacers’ starting five since the end of December and averages nearly 30 mpg as a starter. Usually just a borderline fantasy starter in deep leagues, Johnson’s hot hand (19/4/5 with 2 threes and 1.3spg in last 3 outings) makes a decent plug-and-play for four games next week.

Darko Milicic, F/C – If there ever was an ideal situation for the young 7-footer, Orlando is it. Darko’s playing time was so limited in Detroit that analyzing his stats does not really give you an indication of his potential. He’s shooting an impressive 51.5% from the floor, yet a miserable 37.5% from the charity stripe this season. But of course, his 17-of-33 FGs and 3-of-8 from the line are such small samples that they are essentially rendered meaningless. If one were to ascertain anything from his stats it would have to be his impressive 15 blocks in only 140 minutes of play this season. He’s sure to see plenty of playing time on his new team, and starting alongside league-leading rebounder Dwight Howard (12.6 rpg) seems to be a perfect fit for the Serbian big man. If you’re feelin’ Darko, get him in your lineups right away. Let's just hope for the best.

Chris Wilcox, F/C – Assuming Evans/Fortson get shipped out of town sometime before next Thursday, Wilcox will have a great opportunity to excel as the new starting PF in Seattle. Now that he lives in Starbucks capital, USA, maybe some grande caramel macchiatos can help Chris wake up and get his head in the game. The former Terp has immense talent and this appears to be a good situation for him. The Sonics frontcourt has lacked athleticism and been clogged up with the likes of Evans/Swift/Collison/Petro/Fortson for too long. Wilcox brings much needed explosiveness up front and could average 15 and 10 if he's focused and motivated. Think of him as a younger/healthier Kenyon Martin, with center eligibility to boot.

Stash ‘em or at least keep on your radar:
Antoine Walker – He was back in the SLU for a couple games before the break (scored 26 pts and hit six treys on 2/15). Employee #8 needs a starting gig to be a consistent fantasy contributor, and he may just land one if traded to the right team.
Shaun Livingston – Prep-to-pro point guard struggling in his second season, "the next Magic Johnson" has started three of the Clips last five games, averaging 6.7 assists in those contests. The potential is there for a monster second half if 36-year-old Cassell were to go down with an injury.
Earl Watson – Incessant trade rumors surrounding Denver’s reserve PG are making me nauseous. He could have some value if given a starting job somewhere (New York?)
Nazr Mohammed – The big man averaged 11 pts and 8 rebounds for the Knicks last season. He has been stuck on the Spurs’ bench all year, but exploded for 18 pts and 20 boards Wednesday night at Philly. He could make some noise if he were to take the starting spot from Rasho, or perhaps filling in for an injured Duncan.

Forget about ‘em and move on:
Larry Hughes – just went under the knife again and will be lucky to return for the playoffs.
Emeka Okafor – they’ve been saying he’ll be back in 3-5 weeks for over a month now. Word out of Charlotte is that he’ll likely sit for the rest of the season.
Jameer Nelson – Specialists can’t figure out what is wrong with his foot, and he is out for at least another three weeks. Even if he returns, he’ll have to fight for playing time with a crowded Orlando backcourt.
Sebastian Telfair – Stephon Marbury’s little cousin was benched in favor of the Blake/Dixon combo. Bassy needs to learn the pro game and improve on his "Dick Cheney-esque" shooting (36.6%FG) before he can be a reliable fantasy force. Maybe next year.
Marko Jaric – Yes, he may be traded, but he is just stinkin’ it up this season.
Deron Williams – Did they really draft him ahead of Chris Paul? Williams is simply not a good fit for the Jazz and Jerry Sloan is not a good fit for fantasy owners.

Also… the Knicks/Magic exchanging Jamal Crawford and Steve Francis would help all parties involved (especially their fantasy owners).
Enjoy the All-Star festivities and be ready to pounce once those trades are announced.

The “Other” Lakers Beat Us?!

Wed, 15 Feb 2006 09:32:56 -0800

Some of these losses lately are mystifying. The Rockets? The Cavaliers?! No way the Jazz should lose to those teams. Now we can add the LA Lakers to the list. It’s not so bad that Utah lost to them–better teams than the Jazz have done that this season–but that we lost to them on a [...]

Boozer back to practice

Thu, 09 Feb 2006 12:40:53 -0800

It was covered by neoprene wrapped with athletic tape and supported by an Ace bandage as well.All that was missing Carlos Boozer jokingly agreed was duct tape and staples. So it goes for the most scrutinized strained left hamstring in Jazz history one that has sidelined Boozer since the first week of training camp back in early October and one that after several setbacks finally is close enough to being fully healed that the Jazz forward may actually be ready to play for the first time in nearly one year. My leg feels really good Boozer who also missed last season's final 31 games with a foot injury sustained last Feb. 14 said after taking part Wednesday in his first full-contact practice since hurting the hamstring. It's felt the best it's felt since I pulled it and to be honest I wasn't hesitant or worried about anything added Boozer the Jazz's highest-paid player at 11 million-plus this season and their top scorer and rebounder last season. I warmed up real well. Did everything a little slower pace to warm up but once I got going I felt great.

Revenge of the Jazz

Fri, 03 Feb 2006 09:11:30 -0800

“Coach said it best earlier at the shootaround today,” said Milt Palacio. “It’s like a little kid getting bullied every day and one day you’re going to have to stand up and fight.” The Nuggets have certainly bullied the Jazz this last couple of weeks, beating them both in Denver and Salt Lake–not just stealing their [...]