Reader comments: Utah Jazz: Almond, Carroll shine at Rocky Mtn. Revue

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CJ is Miles ahead..... | 1:06 a.m. July 23, 2008
of Morris who the jazz should let travel to a new club.

SIGN CJ
I would walk 5 hundred MILES.... | 1:08 a.m. July 23, 2008
I just hope that Greg Miller is ready to Walk wherever he needs to to sign CJ
O'Connley | 1:12 a.m. July 23, 2008
Come on Kavin. Don't let your future starter at small forward get away. Sign that ball player
Comments continue below
greg MILLER TIME | 1:13 a.m. July 23, 2008
come on Greg take out your pen and sign the contract. The Jazz are one good trade (AK) and two bum knee's away from having no one to play small forward. WE NEED CJ. He will do all the heavy lifting next year and in years to come.
Once Sloan forgets....... | 1:14 a.m. July 23, 2008
That CJ made a buisness decision to not come to 2 weeks of RMR last year, the youngster will develope into prime time.
C.J. insider | 1:18 a.m. July 23, 2008
My man CJ wants to play for the Jazz. He's got the contract all ready for them to sign. The only thing left is for Jerry to forgive him for not going to the review last year.
SLC'er | 2:10 a.m. July 23, 2008
I love C.J. and think he will end up being a pretty good player, however, given the salary cap restrictions, and the recent development of Almond, I think C.J. can start house shopping in Oklahoma.

Really glad to see Almond doing good and I hope that he gets a chance to prove himself this year.
ctgoode | 2:14 a.m. July 23, 2008
Fess also had two blocks and shot 50% (granted he only attempted 2 shots) so I wouldn't say necessarily that he struggled. Two blocks in 18 mins is not that bad.
Big Fess | 6:43 a.m. July 23, 2008
I watched some of the game and here are a couple of thoughts. Almond looks pretty good and I wouldn't be too dissapointed if CJ left. Fesenko really struggled and I wouldn't be surprised if he plays in the D-league the entire season. I thought Kosta koufos played alright, but it's hard to tell from the few mintues I saw him play. Carroll looked very good for NJ. I knew he was a good outside shooter, but he had some nice inside baskets as well. I think he should land a spot on some team if not NJ, just by his play in summer league.
well | 7:36 a.m. July 23, 2008
CJ and Almond are both full of potential. I say keep them both and get rid of AK and Boozer. Then sign a good defensive bigman and a journeyman forward.
huh | 7:48 a.m. July 23, 2008
"Carroll looked very good ..."

are you kidding me ? only 2 asssists and he is a PG?
that doesnt look very good to me..signed, UH-huh
ZEKE | 8:16 a.m. July 23, 2008
Jaycee showed he can score. Needs to work on his passing some. I still think he can help a NBA team that needs a good outside shooter.
Dave | 8:28 a.m. July 23, 2008
huh....you obviously didn't see the game or are as clueless as your name. Carroll was the best player on the floor last night, he would've had 8-10 assists if his teammates could've finished and was a facilitator for the team. He left the court in the 3rd with NJ up 14, it was tied when he came back in. Not only that, but when the game was on the line the coach called for a clear out for Carroll to take his man one on one four straight possessions because he knew Carroll was their best chance of winning. Just like a few idiots at the game last night who can't get over the fact that Carroll is the best player to come out of the state this year, you need to get a clue and actually watch and understand the game before making an uninformed comment like you did.
Dave | 8:31 a.m. July 23, 2008
And if the Jazz really think Almond is a good replacement for CJ they're nuts. Almond got worked on the defensive end last night and was forcing shots, missing open teammates, and looked like a ball-hog the entire game. When you're getting heckled by your own fans at a Summer league Revue game to pass the ball that should tell you something. Team first Mo, get with it.
Hopeful-n-Excited | 8:34 a.m. July 23, 2008
I can't wait for the NBA pre-season to start. The RMR wet my appetite. I hope Jaycee can find a roster spot somewhere. The Nets substituted for him defensively down the stretch but he sure can score.
I'm hopeful for Koufos as well. He seems to have better lateral movement than Fesenko and he doesn't whine at adversity.
Almond struggled offensively but could at least stay in front of his man defensively. That's encouraging although Chris Douglas-Roberts routinely drove into the paint and got his shot off with Morris guarding him. I just hope that's a show of CDRs talent.
Yaroslay Koroley has a sweet-looking shot. He looks like a toothpick. I personally would rather spend time developing YK than more time with CJ. YK looks like an earlier version of AK, only with a much better outside shot but less mature defensive skills.
In the end, Kevin O-Connor and Jerry Sloan are better judges of talent that I. I'm just excited for the season to get rolling. Go JAZZ !!!!!!
iwasthere | 8:49 a.m. July 23, 2008
Carroll played point in the first half and was able to pass the ball well. He was just laden with a team that was not shooting very well. Brazelton went to task in the second half, and Carroll couldn't shut him down. However that doesn't math the good defense carroll showed in the first half which included a steal, two points, and the foul all by himself. He needs to learn to play a better all around game rather than the defense on, offense off mentality he had. His time at USU would have been better spent playing point. His college coach really inhibited his growth by playing him at shooting guard.
Re Huh | 8:50 a.m. July 23, 2008
Your teamates need to hit their shots for you to get an assist. You apparently watched a different game than the rest of us. Oh well to each is own. It figures if J.C. wasn't from the wonderful Y or the Yewts he would get these kind of negative comments from classless, uninformed, uneducated(Re basketball) red and blue followers.
Well???? | 8:52 a.m. July 23, 2008
Get rid of AK and Boozer and Keep Almond and CJ? Nothing like getting rid of two proven players for two un proven players. You are probably the same guy that would get frustrated with the Jazz for not pulling the trigger on the Shaq for Ostertag "trade" back in the day. You need to learn something about how the NBA works before you open your mouth again.
Bobby | 8:55 a.m. July 23, 2008
Re: Well

you would rather have CJ & Almond than AK & Boozer?

And the winner for the most retarded post of the year goes to ...
re:Huh, | 8:57 a.m. July 23, 2008
you don't get basketball do you?
Problem | 8:58 a.m. July 23, 2008
The first 6 comments made on this article were very apparently made by the same person. I think you got your personal message across. You better take a math class if you think that we can keep C.J. After all there is such of a thing as a salary cap and the luxury tax invoved. Since when did a bench warmer deserve 4 mil a year? Mark my words--HE WILL NEVER BE A STAR IN THIS LEAGUE. Most high schoo; punks just don't make it. Go to school boys.
Petey | 9:10 a.m. July 23, 2008
What do people see in CJ that would make them believe he is going to get in anyones rotation. Journeyman at best, another in a long line of players that Slone, because of his genius, makes look a lot better than they are. The fools say he is mean to the boys and they can't reach their potential. They get traded and head to obscurity. CJ no heart, no desire, belongs on the playground playing winners.
Use your heads | 9:46 a.m. July 23, 2008
CJ HATES SLC & would LOVE to be traded/moved to a city where he can be the man he wants to be & have fun off the court! OPEN your eyes & see why CJ has tried since day one to market himself elsewhere...even if he got tons of playing time, he'd just be another ball hog who wants to shine so he can get a deal elsewhere. It ain't abou tthe coach it's all about the lifestyle in SLC that makes CJ yearn for a more "urban" setting.
STEVE-O | 9:55 a.m. July 23, 2008
@ WELL 7:36 AM.

It's nice to have the the G.M. of the Memphis Grizzlies here with us! Maybe you can enlighten us on your Pao Gasol trade again?
STEVE-O | 9:59 a.m. July 23, 2008
I hope they let CJ go. I just want to see what will happen with him on another team? Will he fall on his face and stink it up all year? I think so! But hey... at least he's got his money and that's all he's ever been concerned with.
wicks | 10:11 a.m. July 23, 2008
C.J. is a bum and fleeced the Jazz out of 3 years of pay. Get him to his new home fast.
Tuffy Parker | 10:17 a.m. July 23, 2008
I have no idea where all the CJ lovers are coming from... To be sure, CJ is very athletic and oozes potential. BUT he has not shown the work ethic that it takes to be a star in the NBA. If he had what it takes to really develop his talent he would have played in the RMR this year and last. The claim of concern about being injured is bogus. There is nothing but upside for him by playing in the RMR. Without a vastly improved work ethic, CJ will bounce around the league as teams are enamored with his potential but then find he expends little effort to improve his skills.

Say what you want about Sloan, but he has a proven record of getting top results from players who will work.

CJ is as good as gone. Adios, arrivederci and sayonara...
Use your own head | 10:18 a.m. July 23, 2008
Hey Use yours heads, he signed with Oklahoma City. Ya I guess your right, playing in an 'urban' city must be the most important factor.
Tuffy Parker | 10:20 a.m. July 23, 2008
@ STEVE-O 9:55 - LOL! Right on bro!
Stupid | 10:35 a.m. July 23, 2008
Most of you all are stupid as rocks. If you watched any games CJ played last year, you would know he is not a ball-hog like Morris Cashew. The dude has skills. Even last year, his third year in the league, he was one of the 15 youngest in the NBA. Mark my words.......he will be good!!
Hollywood | 10:43 a.m. July 23, 2008
NBA Math 101
Signing some scrub with marginal skills: about $1.5M.
Signing CJ, a good backup and part-time starter: $3.5M.

Roster spots on an NBA team: 15
Wasted spots on the Jazz team: Hart & Collins.
Not needed if CJ is resigned: Almond & Harpring.
Might opt out next season: Korver

Jazz are under the tax threshhold this year. To afford CJ next season, let the contracts of Hart and Collins expire. Trade Almond or decline his option after next year. If Korver gets big money elsewhere, then CJ inherits the backup SG spot (he's better than Almond).

The Jazz CAN afford CJ. As noted, we're a Harpring bad knee and an AK ankle sprain away from having no one at SF. And those two miss games every season. Let me put it another way, the Jazz can't afford NOT to resign CJ.

Jerry's just as nasty old man who invents injustices to justify his tyrannical behavior. CJ and his agent made a business decision to not play in the RMR. A great decision as it turns out. Get over it ore retire, Jerry. The kid has a lot more talent than Almond or Harpring. Play him!
OklahomaUrban | 10:47 a.m. July 23, 2008
To the genius that suggests OKC is a better fit for CJ since he craves the urban environment:

OKC is not as urban as Provo.

We are all dumber as a result of reading your post. Maybe someday you might actually travel outside the state. (wendover doesnt count)
speaking of stupid | 10:49 a.m. July 23, 2008
who said he needed a big urban area? Ok City wow thats large. Stupid, we will mark your words and you will be a prophet. Not of cj's ability but of your moniker.
Underachiever | 10:53 a.m. July 23, 2008
A tiger doesn't change its stripes. CJ has no work ethic and his talent is wasted. Miles has a sweet, soft shot and almost unlimited athletic ability. Because of his casual attitude, CJ will always underachieve.
Never Left Utah | 11:11 a.m. July 23, 2008
Wow you guys that so obviously have never left Utah think OKC isn't more urban than Salt Lake City or *laughs heartily* Provo, need to get out of your basements more often.

As for CJ, the Jazz will regret it if they don't resign him, much like Mo Williams. Matt Harpring shouldnt be getting many minutes anymore, Korver is gone next year and Morris Almond is too slow to be a significant contributer.
STEVE-O | 11:14 a.m. July 23, 2008
@ HOLLYWOOD 10:43 AM

I'm just curious how many Jazz games you typically watch in an NBA season?
First of all, the Jazz are under the tax threshold for right now. However, you may be failing to look into the future. Next year we've got some big names that could possibly test the market a bit. We've got to have enough money to be competative resigning those guys. Boozer, Milsap, Korver! Those guys are contributors.
Also you act as though Harpring and A.K are out only SF players. If they're both hurt we may have to just play 4 on 5! We've got nobody that can slide into that spot. Yea Milsap is quick but certainly he can't play the 3 for a few games (sarcasm)!
The Jazz will be fine without Miles!
Loganite | 11:15 a.m. July 23, 2008
Jaycee Rocks! I would draft him if I were a NBA coach!
The Napster | 11:28 a.m. July 23, 2008
CJ was awesome. That kid was an athlete that we never got to see the potential of. He will fit so well in the rebuild going on in Oklahoma City. Morris Almond developed so well in the D-League, proved he could score by tying the all-time scoring record and then breaking that record a few games later. His defense and quickness is better in this year's review then last. He will do well in CJ's place on the Jazz bench. Win situation for all.
Anonymous | 11:30 a.m. July 23, 2008
Caroll need to be good defender. right now, he can't stop anyone. That is big disadvantage for him.
Almond | 11:30 a.m. July 23, 2008
This is why Almond will be better then C.J.when its all said and done. C.J. has a little bit more talent but Almond will be better because of his work ethic. he has gotten playing time in the D league and now he's working hard to get better in the summer league. If he works on his defence he will find some time in Sloan's system.
Anonymous | 11:56 a.m. July 23, 2008
Of course, Jerry wants a championship before he retires. All players want a chamionship but how
many really work to get it. Talent and potential
are what most everyone has in the NBA and what most fans see but Jerry has to look beyond that. It doesn't make sense to just look at talent but how
can that talent fit in to a team concept. Fans
are pretty superficial at eyeing talent. How much
does that player want it. Jerry is not so stupid as
let a player go who can play and then he misses out
on a championship. However, we are all fallible including fans most of all since are incomes are
not dependent on are decisions
to: re huh | 12:03 p.m. July 23, 2008
FYI I am a huge BYU fan and here is my assessment of Carroll. He played great on offense, especially in the first half. He did have a few good passes, but still needs to improve. He would have had a few more assists if CDR could have finished on a couple of those freakishly athletic moves he made. However when he started to get worked in the second half his passing went downhill. Seriously, Brazelton was taking it to him. I don't know who the Jazz PG was in the first half but he was terrible. Brazelton was much better and made Carroll look BAD. So here is the bottom line, great shooter, decent driving ability, average passer, huge defensive liability.

Oh and Lopez is awful. No skills. He is a 4 inch taller less athletic slightly better shooter trent plaisted. Plays decent defense, but he is going to be a bust for a lottery pick.

I swear Almond missed more free throws than that too. He is most definitely a ball hog, and Julius Hodge went right at him every time. That said he is very talented and i hope he listens to what jerry tells him.
Bottom Line | 12:39 p.m. July 23, 2008
If Jaycee was a BYU graduate or a UTE his ability to play in the NBA would not be an issue for those from the promised land. Give the kid the credit he deserves. Those of you who don't watch USU basketball are easy to judge what the coach did or didn't do. The only time you see the Aggies is when you are playing against them as the Utah stations do not cover or believe they are a Division 1 school. The Aggies have an amazing program year after year with a coach that can make no name or throw away players into athletes with a winning tradition. Hands down Aggie or not Jaycee is the best player to come out of the state of Utah. It has been an honor to watch him over the past four years as it will in the years to come.
Lo Porto | 12:49 p.m. July 23, 2008
I'd rather have CJ for $11 million over the next 3 years (contract has team option for year 4) than AK for $50 over the next 3 years or even Harpring for $12.5 over the next 2 years. At least CJ would be playing his correct position (AK is not) and not soaking up money (like AK) needed for paying players like Boozer or Millsap...

If we kept CJ and traded Harpring for an expiring contract, I think we end up ahead both financially and on the court.
anonymous | 1:10 p.m. July 23, 2008
I felt that both teams learned a lot. The Nets first learned that Lopez is horrible, I still don't think Plaisted is better. Both of those players will not have an NBA future. I still doubt that Jaycee will have a future in the NBA, but his chances could go up if he gets in the right team. I doubt the Nets is that team. He was the best player on the court, he would have had more assists if his team could finish a 5 ft jumper. Great Job Jaycee.

The Jazz learned that Almond if stays is going to be a project. He has the skills, but I think he is to big of a ball hog. There was a least 5 times that he had an open man underneath the hoop, but instead he drove and did it all himself. If he listens to his coaches he has a chance. Fesenko looked horrible. He is not going to be in the Jazz uniform unless Boozer and Okur gets hurt for the same game like last year. Koufus should be the jazz main project. He will fit in to the Jazz, but it will take time.
ABQ Jazz Fan | 1:18 p.m. July 23, 2008
A lot of knee-jerk reactions to one game on here. Let's all remember that Morris Almond had a couple great games in the D-League last year, but he also had some bad ones. He was a high first round pick so the likelihood for him to be a star is remote. If he can be a servicable player at a low salary that is good enough.

Let's also remember that the core of the Jazz team will still be in tact next year and if they stay healthy should compete in the West again. I don't think anything that happens at the Revue will change that.

Also, those who are ridiculing Jaycee's defense and saying it will keep him out of the league need to think about all the long range shooters that have stayed in the league for years without a defensive game: Dennis Scott, Craig Hodges, Steve Kerr, Jeff Hornacek, Eric Piatkowski, Eddie House, etc. Steve Nash even won the MVP without playing defense all year. Jayce won't be a star but could fit in the same way these players have.
This is Funny | 1:51 p.m. July 23, 2008
I have been reading all of you so-called experts messages for weeks now and find most of it quite hilarious. After watching the revue for a few games I have come to the conculsion that not many of you watch the playing away from the ball, otherwise some of you might have realized that a player by the name of Korolev has been playing awfully well for the minutes he has gotten in a new system. Don't worry about losing C.J. because this kid that was a lottery pick 2 years ago will replace him QUITE nicely. Watch and see.
Arm chair prophets | 2:19 p.m. July 23, 2008
What's with all the arm chair Nostradamuses around here? Anyone who says 'mark my words' should be ignored.
Bottom line's #1 Fan | 2:51 p.m. July 23, 2008
Bottom line...

i really like how you think. I agree 110% with you and i think you are about the only person who actually know what they are thinking about.
fact man | 3:04 p.m. July 23, 2008
The jazz have lost guys like CJ before who have talent, but don't quite mesh with the team.
Like Shandon Anderson, Deshawn Stevenson, and
I like CJ but he is a little soft unlike Ronnie Brewer, and not the scorer like Almond. the jazz also have three great foreigners coming up in Fes Kostus and Korlev. Good luck CJ
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Jazz rookie Kosta Koufos has the ball stripped by the Nets' Julius Hodge in Tuesday night's game. (Tom Smart, Deseret News)
Tom Smart, Deseret News
Jazz rookie Kosta Koufos has the ball stripped by the Nets' Julius Hodge in Tuesday night's game.