Why are the utah jazz always ranked so high?

[thOOdee]

I get how this might not be spurs related, but i figure it does since so many people have them ranked higher than the spurs. Why the hell year after year do people rank Utah so high!? Its not that i hate the Jazz, but it seems they always get this benefit of the doubt and always projected as a powerhouse to beat.Even charles said they were a force to be reckoned with to compete against the lakers this year and the second best in the west. I mean the proof is in the pudding, the spurs are in the second spot and all year have not received no love. Even after acquiring gooden which was a very efficient smart move. Even last year the jazz were considered a team to beat and may have given the lakers comp when in actuality got whooped with a healthy team. Maybe its just me, but it kinda pisses me off

[m33p0]

home-court advantage. besides, they've won 9 straight.

[Austin_Toros]

When healthy they have the potential to dominate. Playing without injured players and playing with injured players, they still manage to win games.

Respect.

[balli]

I don't think you'd find many people who favor the Jazz vs. the Spurs in a 7 game series. Jazz fans included. As far as the day to day ESPN rankings, etc, we're playing better than anyone in the league. Right now. (Before tonight anyway).

[balli]

Why on earth would the powers that be move this thread? At least SA gives us our due. Now this thread's just going to devolve into a collection of crying & butthurt Mavs and Rockets fans.

[Ghazi]

Jazz aren't playing better than everyone right now, they're just going through a soft stretch in the schedule with a shitload of home games.

[balli]

Ummmmmmmmm... LA? Boston? NOH? HOU?

[m33p0]

Why on earth would the powers that be move this thread? At least SA gives us our due. Now this thread's just going to devolve into a collection of crying & butthurt Mavs and Rockets fans.
:lol

[Ghazi]

Ummmmmmmmm... LA? Boston? NOH? HOU?

All home games and 3 of the teams were on a back to back. :)

Nothing personal against the Utah Hatred Jazz, I just don't think they're contenders this year. Probably in 1-2 years though, especially if they can get something outta NY's draft pick via trade.

[balli]

I just don't think they're contenders this year.
I don't either. Not even close. But I do think our recent wins were quality, regardless of scheduling or home-court (or the myth that we've never won a game the refs didn't win for us), those are still damn good teams to beat.

God, I don't know if you guys are watching ESPN right now, but Jon Barry's such a fucking dick every time he talks about us.

[tlongII]

The Jazz are good. DWill is a superstar and Boozer is now back from injury. I give them much respect.

[balli]

The Jazz are good. DWill is a superstar and Boozer is now back from injury. I give them much respect.
Now I feel bad for trashing Roy and the Blazers in your Magnificent 7 thread.

[Bob Lanier]

Jerry Sloan and their home-court advantages.

[balli]

Jerry Sloan and their home-court advantages.
When are you going to quit being a douche? Your constant shit-talking about one of the all-time great coaches is disgusting.

[balli]

As long as there's Jazz thread going on, we're in for a hell of a good fourth quarter.

[lil_penny]

Should be a good 4th qtr.. jazz should pull this out. Man everytime I watch deron I'm amazed.. dude plays so smooth...

[balli]

Wow. Anybody see that really bad call just went against Carmelo. I'd be pissed if I were a Nugs fan.

[balli]

Should be a good 4th qtr.. jazz should pull this out. Man everytime I watch deron I'm amazed.. dude plays so smooth...

Awesome block he just had. How often you see a point do that out at the 3 line?

[Brazil]

It's true it's quite weird, on the thread what is the team you don't want to see in the first round 2/3 of spurs fans answered Utah in their top 2.

[Ghazi]

Deron > CPWhistle

[balli]

http://img509.imageshack.us/img509/2518/deron.jpg

[lil_penny]

Deron is just a damn machine.. sign me up for the 8>3 fanclub.

[Bob Lanier]

When are you going to quit being a douche? Your constant shit-talking about one of the all-time great coaches is disgusting.
Perhaps you have me confused with someone else; I meant to complement Jerry Sloan here and usually have in the past. He's an excellent coach.

[Ghazi]

8>3 and 6'4 > 6'0 and 10-2 head to head > 2-10 head to head.

[m33p0]

I don't either. Not even close. But I do think our recent wins were quality, regardless of scheduling or home-court (or the myth that we've never won a game the refs didn't win for us), those are still damn good teams to beat.

God, I don't know if you guys are watching ESPN right now, but Jon Barry's such a fucking dick every time he talks about us.
Jon Barry is dick because he is a Barry. Period.

[balli]

Perhaps you have me confused with someone else; I meant to complement Jerry Sloan here and usually have in the past. He's an excellent coach.
For real? I'm really sorry man. Yeah, I did have you confused with someone else and I assumed sarcasm about Sloan coaching fouls. My bad. :depressed

[balli]

8>3 and 6'4 > 6'0 and 10-2 head to head > 2-10 head to head.

That's the argument. I mean, you can make a damn good one for Deron, mainly predicated on size, defense; basically he isn't a liability. Slightly better shooter too.

But at the same time, I don't watch a lot of Hornets games and I don't like cp3, but I look at his stats sometimes... and damn. There's an equally compelling argument for his camp. His Ast/TO ratio is unreal, I don't know how he gets his Reb numbers, but he does. I dismiss his steals as his only defensive weapon whatsoever.

At the end of the day I come down on the Deron side, obviously, but it's because even if paul is slightly more capable in a couple areas, I believe Deron will never put you in a position to get punked by an opposing pg just because he's bigger and stronger. cp3's size is a liability and it's the reason Deron's smoked him 10-2. I'll take that.

[dirk4mvp]

I think Chris Paul's actually won a game outside of his home arena before.

[mogrovejo]

Put me on the camp of the minuscule minority that prefers Williams over Paul.

In abstract, Chris Paul is more talented and productive and all that jazz. But I think it's freaking hard to win NBA championships with a pg like Paul. Too ball dominant for my taste, he needs to be surrounded with a certain kind of players that aren't that easy to find.

Williams is more versatile, offers more options on how you want to build your team.

[IronMexican]

Williams has more upside, but Paul is better.

[Pelicans78]

8>3 and 6'4 > 6'0 and 10-2 head to head > 2-10 head to head.

Figures you would post something like that after CP3 just demolished your team once again. D-williams is great. Really really great. But CP3 is a wizard on the floor. No one can do what he can does. Its funny how he still has better numbers and a better record the last two seasons yet with probably less talent. Also, CP3 came in right away playing at a high level while it took Williams most of his rookie season to make an impact. Most teams in the West have had as much injuries as the Jazz, so the injury excuse is doesn't fly. Jazz have 15 road games and only 7 precious home games left. Good luck getting home court in the first round.

[Pelicans78]

That's the argument. I mean, you can make a damn good one for Deron, mainly predicated on size, defense; basically he isn't a liability. Slightly better shooter too.

But at the same time, I don't watch a lot of Hornets games and I don't like cp3, but I look at his stats sometimes... and damn. There's an equally compelling argument for his camp. His Ast/TO ratio is unreal, I don't know how he gets his Reb numbers, but he does. I dismiss his steals as his only defensive weapon whatsoever.

At the end of the day I come down on the Deron side, obviously, but it's because even if paul is slightly more capable in a couple areas, I believe Deron will never put you in a position to get punked by an opposing pg just because he's bigger and stronger. cp3's size is a liability and it's the reason Deron's smoked him 10-2. I'll take that.

Its funny how CP3 is a better defender than Williams. And the 10-2 record has nothing to do with Williams smoking CP3. Maybe in CP3's 1st two seasons when the Hornets had a rash of injuries and a lot less talent compared to what Williams worked with his 1st two seasons. And this season head to head Paul put up just as good numbers in both games even though they had to travel to Utah the next night after playing at the Lakers. Williams has the physical gifts, but he's never going to be able to match CP3's IQ. And even with Williams size advantage, CP3 shoots a higher FG%.

[balli]

Its funny how CP3 is a better defender than Williams.

:lmaox 10,000

I'm not sure about this year, but last year, opposing pg's shot a better fg% against paul than they did against any other starting pg in the league. Including Kidd and Nash. GMAFB. Keep counting gambling for steals as good defense.

[Ghazi]

Steals are such a meaningless stat indeed

Kidd is 2nd or 3rd in the league in the category.

And as far as defending PG's is concerned, he's simply not that good.

Good against bigger guards and in the passing lanes, also a high BBALL IQ.

But not that good v PG's.

[Ghazi]

Figures you would post something like that after CP3 just demolished your team once again. D-williams is great. Really really great. But CP3 is a wizard on the floor. No one can do what he can does. Its funny how he still has better numbers and a better record the last two seasons yet with probably less talent. Also, CP3 came in right away playing at a high level while it took Williams most of his rookie season to make an impact. Most teams in the West have had as much injuries as the Jazz, so the injury excuse is doesn't fly. Jazz have 15 road games and only 7 precious home games left. Good luck getting home court in the first round.


No, most of the teams in the West have NOT had as many injuries as the Jazz.

I'm sure you count the Hornets, cause of Chandler? The guy you wanted off the team for a few scrub expiring contracts?

Only relevant injury to the Hornets this year has been 4 games of CP3, big deal.

That's not comparable to D Will missing 10+ games, Boozer missing a shitload of games, Link, and basically the entire team.


CP3 is only a wizard against bad teams. All the good teams neutralize his effect on the game, which is why he reverts to deferring to Jannero fucking Pargo in the 4th quarter of crucial game 7's.

Of course, the Mavs aren't a good team, therefore CP3 looks brilliant against them.

[j-money24]

the thing that people dont realize with the jazz is that deron williams is a superstar and a top 5 player in the league but to me it sseems that he never gets the respect hes suppose to get so for that thats why jazz are a powerhouse in the west.

[j-money24]

oh btw williams>cp3
im more worried when we face williams than cp3

[balli]

And due to Williams health, throw out the offensive statistical comparisons for this season unless you look at the trends that have emerged since he's healed up. Luckily, my favorite blog did just that.

http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/74488/williamspaulassists.PNG

http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/74491/williamspaulpoints.PNG

[Ghazi]

I cant read that shit, care to tell me what its trying to say.

[balli]

More or less that as the season's gone along Paul's offensive numbers have been in decline while Deron's have been steadily rising as he's gotten healthy, so that now we're at a point where Deron's scoring is much better (more effecient as of late, I might add), while his APG are basically the same.

[Girasuck]

And the 10-2 record has nothing to do with Williams smoking CP3. Maybe in CP3's 1st two seasons when the Hornets had a rash of injuries and a lot less talent compared to what Williams worked with his 1st two seasons.


Its funny how he still has better numbers and a better record the last two seasons yet with probably less talent.

You can't have it both ways jackass.


Also, CP3 came in right away playing at a high level while it took Williams most of his rookie season to make an impact.

Probably because CP3 runs maybe 2-3 plays a game. He was given the ball right away because there's not much to learn running a street ball offense. Meanwhile Deron had to learn our complicated offense and on top of that, everyone and their dog knows Sloan doesn't play rookies. You can't compare their rookie seasons. Completely idiotic to do so.


Most teams in the West have had as much injuries as the Jazz, so the injury excuse is doesn't fly.

Now you're talking out your ass again. This is completely false and just a bunch of useless garbage. No team in the West has lost more man games this year than the Jazz.

[Pelicans78]

7 home games left, 15 on the road. Enjoy the 7th seed when the playoffs start.

[balli]

I hope the Jazz get you guys in the playoffs so we can curbstomp/sweep your franchise into the offseason.

[Pelicans78]

I hope the Jazz get you guys in the playoffs so we can curbstomp/sweep your franchise into the offseason.

Be careful what you wish for. We won't be playing you guys the next night after playing at the Lakers once the playoff starts.

[balli]

Pffffffffffffffffffff. So you'll only lose by 10 each night instead of the usual 25?

[Indazone]

Jazz are always perennial favorites. If you want to point to a team that was and continues to be perpetual FAIL! It's the Jazzholes. Ever since the days of Stockton and Malone and the promise of a ring to the city of Salt Lake, there has ever been a overbearing air of failure. All those teams of dirty players. Who can forget that Malone used to have the crown of dirtiest player in the NBA. Cheers for the Utah Jazz continues that fine tradition today of floppers, grabbers, and holders. Fouling cheerfully into the playoffs only to be discombobulated when they meet true playoff calibur teams. Sloan will never NEVER win a championship.

[balli]

You're a fag, Indazone. Must suck to have had your franchise absolutely destroyed as of late by one so awful as the Jazz.

[Indazone]

http://blog.thekobecollection.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/05/utahjazzgonefishin.jpg

Annual Jazz Fishing Trip

[SpursPreacher]

http://blog.thekobecollection.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/05/utahjazzgonefishin.jpg

Annual Jazz Fishing Trip

But not before they send the rockets fishing as usual. lol

[Indazone]

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_RnB6zCpc18Y/SFV1s8PAcpI/AAAAAAAAAkA/-6CqbVz7zVk/s320/astros+suck.jpg

Annual Jazzfans NBA After Party

[Lars]

No doubt the Jazz are a great team and have had our number. We have a terrible time matching up with teams that have non traditional shooting centers ala Okur because Yao becomes a defensive liability in those sitautions. They aren't necesarily a better team, just a matchup nightmare for us.

They are a very good team, but the fact remains they play with questionable tactics that diminish the game the basketball imo. I can only watch so many moving screens, flops, etc. before I get so irritated I can barely watch. It isnt basketball, its cheating and for some strange reason they are able to get away with it on thier home court.

[Pelicans78]

No doubt the Jazz are a great team and have had our number. We have a terrible time matching up with teams that have non traditional shooting centers ala Okur because Yao becomes a defensive liability in those sitautions. They aren't necesarily a better team, just just a matchup nightmare for us.

They are a very good team, but the fact remains they play with questionable tactics that diminish the game the basketball imo. I can only watch so many moving screens, flops, etc. before I get so irritated I can barely watch. It isnt basketball, its cheating and for some strange reason they are able to get away with it on thier home court.

Well, lets see how they finish with only 7 home games and 15 road games. I predicted a 7th seed and I will stand by it for now.

[mogrovejo]

Since when is the use of screening bad basketball? The Jazz have the funniest and most beautiful offence in the league precisely due to their great use of screening and passing game. This has nothing to do with cheating. Yeah, they flop, but not more than other teams, including the team supported by our hosts in this fine site. And it's not like there isn't a justification for flopping, maybe refs should try to call charges even if the defender doesn't fall on the floor...

I have a feeling most fans don't really know what an illegal screen is. The refs can't call an illegal screen just because the screener is moving, that's not the rule...

To sum it up, the Jazz may not win it all, but they always play great offensive basketball.