Here for the Long Run - Utah Jazz 2k14 Association

[JazzMan]

Here for the Long Run
Utah Jazz 2k14 Association

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Season Length
82 Games

Number of User-Teams
30 Teams

Quarter Length
12 Minutes

[JazzMan]

Re: Here for the Long Run - Utah Jazz 2k14 Association

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Offseason Recap

The Utah Jazz had a very busy offseason following their 2012-2013 campaign, which saw them fail to make the playoffs. As many know, the Jazz failed to make a trade that would clear up their frontcourt logjam, as stars Al Jefferson and Paul Millsap kept the young studs Enes Kanter and Derrick Favors from receiving much playing time.

Though Favors averaged 23.2 minutes per game last season, it just simply wasn't enough for the athletic big man, who was drafted 3rd overall in the 2010 draft by the New Jersey Nets. Kanter, on the other hand, was fed table scrapes for minutes last season, as he was only able to be on the court for 15.4 minutes per game last season. However, Kanter was incredibly productive, as he averaged 7.2 PPG and 4.3 RPG with 54.4% FG shooting and 79.5% FT shooting.

Favors and Kanter were hardly ever on the floor together simultaneously, due to Millsap and Jefferson's heavy minutes at the 4 and the 5. However, the Jazz were certain that these two are to be two building blocks for the future, as they let Millsap and Jefferson both walk in free agency, receiving nothing for the two borderline All-Star big men.

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Jefferson (25) and Millsap (24) will not return to Utah this season

Also departing the Jazz were guards Mo Williams and Randy Foye. Foye was a spark on offense and shot Utah into a lot of games last season with his three-point shooting, but ended up signing with the Nuggets in the offseason. Mo Williams was also allowed to walk by the Jazz. Williams' had an up-and-down year last year, as he was injured for a large portion of the season. However, his leadership, poise, and sharp-shooting will be missed by Utah.

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Starting PG Mo Williams Did Not Resign

The moves that Utah made are headlined by their trade in the draft, as they traded up to the 9th overall pick to select National Player of the Year, Trey Burke. Burke led Michigan to a Final Four finish behind his spectacular scoring and playmaking. Utah also drafted French big man Rudy Gobert with the 27th pick. Gobert is a long, lanky center with freakish physical attributes.

The Golden State Warriors also shipped a group of players to Utah for 2012 2nd round pick, Kevin Murphy. Murphy was immediately released by the Warriors, who did the trade to clear cap space for the signing of Andre Iguodala. On the other end, Utah received veterans Brandon Rush, Richard Jefferson, and Andris Biedrins. Jefferson and Biedrins' hefty contracts expire at the end of this season.

Acquired Players:
PG Trey Burke, PG John Lucas III, SG Brandon Rush, SF Richard Jefferson, C Andris Biedrins, C Rudy Gobert, SG Justin Holiday, SF Dominic McGuire, PF Brian Cook

Departing Players:
C Al Jefferson, PF Paul Millsap, PG Mo Williams, SG Randy Foye, SF Demarre Carroll, SF Kevin Murphy, PG Earl Watson, PG Jamaal Tinsley

Returning Players:
SG Gordon Hayward, SG Alec Burks, PF Derrick Favors, C Enes Kanter, SF Marvin Williams, PF Jeremy Evans

[JazzMan]

Re: Here for the Long Run - Utah Jazz 2k14 Association

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2013-2014 Season Preview

The Utah Jazz come into the season with arguably the league's youngest roster, as they have "Corbin-Proofed" the lineup. Last season, head coach Ty Corbin received much criticism for sticking with veterans, while the younger guys outplayed them. This season, he'll be all but forced to give the young guys heavy minutes. His job depends on it.

So, with the departure of Al Jefferson and Paul Millsap, as well as veteran Mo Williams, who will be the leader for the Jazz? Many expect 4th year swingman Gordon Hayward to take the leadership role for Utah. Hayward is the most experienced player for the Jazz not named Richard Jefferson, Marvin Williams, and Andris Biedrins, and he has received a fair amount of minutes the past two years. Even though his minutes decreased last year from the year before, his numbers are up, as he averaged 14 points a game last season.

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Gordon Hayward will be called upon to be the leader of the Jazz.

Meanwhile, the ultra-athletic Derrick Favors is ready to take the league by storm. Favors has yet to receive heavy minutes, but now that Millsap and Jefferson are out of town, he is looking to take the next step towards being one of the top big men in the NBA. Many consider Favors to be a player of Dwight Howard's caliber, as his athleticism and defensive prowess will affect a lot of games this season. If Favors can get to Howard's caliber, Jazz Nation will be more than happy.

Favors' running mate in the low post is 3rd year big man Enes Kanter. Kanter was having a solid season last year, despite only receiving 15 minutes a game, until he injured his shoulder, which caused him to miss the rest of the season. Some actually point to Kanter's injury as a big reason as to why the Jazz missed the playoffs, as Kanter was able to dominate opposing bigs right off the bench. With Kanter fully healthy, expect the duo of Favors and Kanter to become one of the best froncourt duos in the NBA.

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Favors (15) and Kanter (0) are ready to dominate the league.

Last season, tons of Jazz fans were disappointed in coach Ty Corbin's management of SG Alec Burks. Burks is an explosive guard with premium ball-handling skills and finishing abilities that can take over games with his athleticism and skill. He came into the NBA with a below-average jumpshot, but surprised everyone last season by shooting 36% from three-point land last season. It is uncertain as to how Corbin plans to utilize Burks, but he should receive significant playing time this season.

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Alec Burks wants to prove that he belongs in the NBA.

Former Michigan point guard Trey Burke was taken with the 9th overall pick by the Jazz, who traded up to pick him. And with Mo Williams going to Portland, Burke will undoubtedly be the starting point guard for the Jazz. Burke's scoring and playmaking abilities will allow him to become a consistent option for Utah, and he should have a solid rookie campaign.

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9th Overall Pick Trey Burke will take over as the starting PG for the Jazz.

Utah's bench so far looks pretty suspect, as it will be headed by Brandon Rush and Richard Jefferson. However, coach Corbin might end up moving Burks to the bench to allow him to become the number 1 option when he's on the court. I'd expect Rush or Jefferson to start in his place.

[LopaKa]

Re: Here for the Long Run - Utah Jazz 2k14 Association

Good luck with the Jazz sir, bring them back to their glory days of Malone and Stockton, except win a championship

[illWILL8455]

Re: Here for the Long Run - Utah Jazz 2k14 Association

Following! The Jazz are definitely one of the most exciting teams heading into this season! I'm interested to see what the young core can do together. Can Trey Burke and Derrick Favors become a deadly pick and roll tandem?

I am looking forward to updates!

[JazzMan]

Re: Here for the Long Run - Utah Jazz 2k14 Association

I probably won't start until a decent roster and draft class drops on 360. I wasn't planning on making draft classes on current-gen, but I may have to make one quick while I wait.

[Gronk4M13]

Re: Here for the Long Run - Utah Jazz 2k14 Association

Following, I like it so far.

[JazzMan]

Re: Here for the Long Run - Utah Jazz 2k14 Association

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Breaking News

The Utah Jazz have signed undrafted rookie Ian Clark to a 2-year deal. Clark played at Belmont University for 4 years and led them to the NCAA Tournament three times.

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New Jazzman Ian Clark will look to prove himself in the NBA

Ian Clark was the Summer League MVP this past Summer, where he played for Golden State and Miami. Clark's comments on being signed by Utah:

"I'm real excited, man. The Jazz are a great organization and one of the more respected teams in the league, and I'm glad to be a part of this awesome organization. I'll work my tail off to be the best player I can be here in Utah."

Clark is already a fan favorite with the die-hards in Salt Lake City, and hopefully he can provide a spark coming off the bench.