As the Jazz mull possible roster upgrades this offseason, they’ll be keeping an eye out for defensive-minded players, executive VP of basketball operations Dennis Lindsey said on Wednesday, per Eric Walden of The Salt Lake Tribune.
“Anybody who has defensive integrity at their position, (who) can be an active, athletic defender will be someone that would be of interest to us,” Lindsey said. “Especially if they don’t compromise the spacing.”
While Utah’s roster features a perennial Defensive Player of the Year candidate in Rudy Gobert, the team only ranked in the middle of the pack this season in overall defensive rating, and struggled to slow down Jamal Murray and the Nuggets in the first round of the playoffs.
Here’s more on the Jazz:
- Citing NBA rules, Lindsey declined to get into specifics on Wednesday when asked about possible offseason extensions for Gobert and Donovan Mitchell. However, as Sarah Todd of The Deseret News writes, he insinuated that the Jazz will look to lock up both Gobert and Mitchell long-term, stressing that the franchise is “extremely pleased” with the character of its two All-Stars. “As I’ve mentioned before, we’re working to add players of Rudy and Donovan’s physical talent and competitive makeup and so by definition we’re going to want to keep those type of players moving forward,” Lindsey said.
- Former University of Minnesota center Daniel Oturu interviewed with the Jazz on Wednesday, according to Darren Wolfson of 5 Eyewitness News (Twitter link). Oturu, the No. 36 prospect on ESPN’s big board, may be an option for Utah at No. 23.
- While it wasn’t specifically related to the Jazz, Lindsey made another notable comment during his end-of-season presser on Wednesday, contending that the lack of travel this summer improved the quality of NBA games and suggesting that the league should do what it can to reduce travel going forward. “If we ever get to a situation like baseball where you play a team more than one time in the market — obviously, there’s some business concerns there — but that reduced travel, I definitely think the product is more compelling because of that,” Lindsey said. A previous report indicated that the NBA is mulling this idea.
I haven’t seen Utah mentioned very much as a possible destination for CP3 but I like the idea of it. I understand that Utah recently dealt a first in the Conley deal but they are in win now mode with their current roster. Dealing Conley Bradley and a future first for CP3 makes sense for both sides as OKC would accumulate yet another first rounder and still be able to compete as a playoff team.
Would be a good deal for both sides I guess but yeah never really been mentioned.
I think CP3 as a player and person is a big market dude, he’s also a big part of the Players association. I could see him in Milwaukee with Giannis or in NY with the Knicks or whatever. But I’m unsure I could see him in Utah
CP3 Mitchell and Gobert with Ingles ONeale Bogdanovic and Clarkson would be a solid team tho. Just need a couple other role players on the vets minimum.
Especially if you land like Paul Millsap (returning to his first team)
Mmmmhhh… That is a very interesting idea about reducing travel. Maybe they could do a type of “bubble” every year for the playoffs in a neutral site, with fans this time, of course. Less travel, more games & better quality… to me sounds like the recipe for success! Finally the league might be into some good idea for changes (unlike silly tourneys in, et al…)
Doesn’t work for me. The country is huge. Every fan base deserves home gms. They can make the traveling more friendly to location. Get rid of back to backs. Teams today are managing minutes better. Or they should be. You have 15 player rosters. Better management of all things.
CP3 to Jazz mmmmm. Never thought of that one. With Conley contract that definitely can work. Jazz are ready now. So gives them 2-3 yrs to go for it. Wow this is exciting. It’s amazing how most of us thought Chris was done in OKC. Ending his career there. You know, what a shame. And now Bucks, Jazz, Sixers all could use him. It’s crazy lols. In sports you always have a chance. It’s amazing really.
Ok.. So I see the rumor of giving Conley for Julius Randle and it frees up some more cap space for the Jazz.. I personally love it! And I know there are lots who knock on Randle.. But, I pause and think about how his whole career has pretty much been on poor squads or squads in tank mode! No wonder why people worry about his defense and about his shot selection, etc.. When you are with the Knicks, you no longer care much about defense or shot selection! I would LOVE to see what a GREAT coaching staff can do with him in Utah! .. I mean.. The dude is 6’8″ 250 rock solid and has a quick jump and speed for his size is pretty crazy and he really has scoring skills.. You can mold that guy into learning to play defense, learning to make the right reads and take better shots and thus shoot better, etc. You cannot teach sheer length, power, and athletic God Given ability! I say sign So I would love the deal! … He is just 25! Justin holiday as well!.. .. Rudy, the improved Randle, Bogey, Justin Holiday, & Mitchell … That is a lot more athletic and longer overall than the jazz were this year!