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SALT LAKE CITY — After making the playoffs last year, it was supposed to be a year where the Utah Jazz took the next step. That didn't happen.
The Jazz have cleaned out their lockers, while the coaching staff and upper management are busy making preparations for next season.
Ahh, the off-season is here.
Now that the Jazz's season is over, it is time to look back at the season that was, including the highlights, lowlights and the amusing.
Now the SportsBeat crew has a chance to look back at the season and hand out awards for the second year.
Feel free to agree, disagree, laugh, cry and fall in love. Or get on Twitter and tell us how wrong we all were.
Let's introduce the cast:
(RZ) - Rod Zundel, SportsBeat Saturday Anchor (@RodZundel)
(JJ) - Jeremiah Jensen, SportsBeat Anchor/Reporter (@JJSportsBeat)
(MGA) - Mike Grant, SportsBeat Saturday Producer (@mikegrantksl)
(BS) - Ben Schroeder, SportsBeat Editor/Photographer (@borysfx)
(RJ) - Robert Jackson, ksl.com Sports Director (@rojackKSL)
(JM) - Jarom Moore, ksl.com Utah Jazz beat writer (@jarommoore)
(JF) - Josh Furlong, ksl.com Managing Editor (@JFurKSL)
(JS) - Jason Shepherd, KSL Newsradio Sports Producer (@kslshep)
(DL) - Daniel Lewis, ksl.com Content Manager (@trueDanLewis)
(MGL) - Matthew Glade, SportsBeat Producer (@matthewLaggies)
And now, the awards...
Most Valuable Player
| The Best | The Rest |
|---|---|
|  Robert Jackson: Al Jefferson - As much as Jazz fans don't want to admit it, without Al Jefferson this team wouldn't have been fighting for a playoff spot at the end of the season. With 37 double doubles this season, Jefferson was one of just a few on the roster that can create a shot. Lead team in points (17.8) and rebounds (9.2). *Close second* Mike Grant: Al Jefferson - He was the face of the franchise, the only player that could score consistently. He shot 49% from the field, 18 ppg, 9 rpg. He was the best player on the team. | JS: Al Jefferson - Defense or not, Big Al was the one offensive constant all season long. DL: Al Jefferson - Considering that he took 361 more shot attempts than the next closer player, an average of 4.5 per game, it's easy to see which player was the most important for the Jazz. JJ: Al Jefferson - He was the team's leading scorer and rebounder and had the best PER. He was also the team's go-to player in the clutch. MGL: Al Jefferson - Despite how I feel towards him as a player, you can't argue that he was the entire offense for this team. BS: Gordon Hayward - He was the most consisting and played defense, such a novelty. JF: Al Jefferson - While the offense stalls occasionally with Al Jefferson, he put forth a great effort this season and got the Jazz some extra wins. Jefferson nearly averaged a double-double and was a great asset for the team. RZ: Gordon Hayward JM: Al Jefferson - No, he didn't play the best defense but no one else played the level of offense as he did and he was the only one that was that consistent. |
For the second year in a row the MVP goes to Al Jefferson with eight votes. The other two votes go to Gordon Hayward.
Defensive Player of the Year
| The Best | The Rest |
|---|---|
|  Dan Lewis: Derrick Favors - I like measuring defensive contributions by considering more stats than just blocks and steals. With Favors on the court, the other team shot at a lower rate, didn't get as many offensive rebounds, and as a result, didn't score as often. Sounds like good defense to me. *Close second* Robert Jackson: Gordon Hayward - While Hayward didn't have eye popping statistics in 2012-13, he was frequently tasked with guarding the opponent's best player, and did just enough to disrupt the shot to hold them well under their season averages. | JS: Derrick Favors - No shot was safe near the basket as long as Favors was around--Opponents learned that very quickly. MGR: Derrick Favors - Favors is so gifted athletically and long. This has helped him become a force on the defensive side, blocking and changing shots, defending the pick-and-roll. He will get better when he learns to stay out of foul problems. JJ: Derrick Favors - It was obvious to any fan watching that Favors had an impact defensively whenever he checked into a game. The stats also back that up. He led the team in blocks and defensive rating. MGL: Derrick Favors - He blocked and altered shots better than anyone on the team. BS: Gordon Hayward - If you lack in offense make up for it with your defense, and the block on Deron Williams was fantastic. JF: Derrick Favors - Derrick Favors is a beast on defense. He has so much talent and could likely be an All-Star in the coming years. Most of his effort is just raw talent. RZ: DeMarre Carroll JM: Derrick Favors - I think Hayward could get it as well and Marvin is in the discussion more than people think, but Favors was a difference maker to the biggest degree. |
Derrick Favors wins the Defensive Player of the Year award with seven votes. Hayward comes in second again with two and DeMarre Carroll gets a lone vote.
Most Improved Player
| The Best | The Rest |
|---|---|
|  Josh Furlong: Enes Kanter - Kanter made significant improvements in his transition into the NBA this year. It all started in his epic offseason of last year. If he can continue to improve as he matures in the league, Kanter will be a force to be reckoned with. *Close second* Mike Grant: Gordon Hayward - The most significant change came from his three point shooting where he finished the year at 41%. I believe that opened up his game. The Jazz needed him to be that shooter and he became that. The next step for him is consistency. He will have 3 games in a row of 18-25 pts, then two games in a row with 5 pts. That has to get better and more consistent. | JS: Enes Kanter - He seemed to make the most of his minutes and showed the biggest jump from one year to the next. DL: Enes Kanter - His points per game increased by 50 percent, and he had some excellent games as a starter. RJ: Alec Burks - Burks' ability to drive to the basket and create contact will be a valuable asset for him and the Jazz organization. Improved consistency from three-point range and stepped up on the defensive side of the ball as well. JJ: Enes Kanter - Big Turkey came into camp slim and trim transforming himself into an athletic big man with terrific post moves and the ability to finish at the rim and run in transition. He had the 4th best PER on the team MGL: Gordon Hayward - I say this because of the way he improved throughout the season. Became a more consistent shooter throughout the season (except for the last 3 games). BS: Enes Kanter - He could have been so much better if he saw the floor more. RZ: Gordon Hayward JM: Enes Kanter - He took a big step and never had a bad game, he didn't play consistently, but seemed to always make a contribution and never hurt the team. |
Enes Kanter picks up the award for Most Improved with six votes and true to form Hayward comes in second with three votes, Alec Burks gets one.
Sixth Man of the Year
| The Best | The Rest |
|---|---|
|  Josh Furlong: Gordon Hayward - Hayward is the x-factor on the Utah Jazz. As he goes, so goes the Jazz. Hayward seems to have his hand in everything, making him a difficult opponent, but a very valuable teammate. *Close second* Robert Jackson: Derrick Favors - Struggled with foul trouble but shined every opportunity he was actually allowed to play - which was pretty rare. 9.4 points, 7.1 rebounds and 1.69 blocks per game in just 23 minutes for the Jazz's rising star. | JS: Gordon Hayward - Even though he started 27 games, Gordon showed a steadiness coming off the bench and became the go-to guy for that second unit. DL: Gordon Hayward - DeMarre Carroll certainly brought energy when he played, but Hayward brought points and seemed to develop into a role as a sixth man player. MGR: Alec Burks - Burks improved this year. He was forced into a role that he wasn't used to with the injuries to the team. Burks has never been a point guard but did a decent job. His shooting improved, 3 point shooting improved. I look for him to make a big jump in year three, more minutes, more scoring responsibility, and with the position he plays to become a shut-down defender. (that may be too much to ask of him) JJ: Gordon Hayward - We spent most of the season asking why Gordon Hayward wasn't starting. He was the team's best 3-point shooter and 3rd leading scorer. Easy choice. MGL: Jeremy Evans - Since we saw 82 different rotations this season from Ty, I don't think you can call anyone the 6th man. So I'll say Jeremy Evans because he consistently gave us exciting plays whenever he got in. BS: Enes Kanter - Kanter always brought attitude to the floor. He plays the game with purpose. RZ: Enes Kanter JM: Gordon Hayward - While he ended up starting he could have legitimately been in the running for 6th man in the whole NBA. |
Gordon Hayward gets his award by winning the Sixth Man award with five votes. Kanter got two votes. Burks, Evans and Favors each pulled one.
Game of the Year
| The Best | The Rest |
|---|---|
| Jason Shepherd: Buzzer-beater at home vs. Spurs - It's so rare for the Jazz to beat the Spurs, that when you do it and it's in dramatic fashion, it stands out. *Close second* Josh Furlong: Jan 14 against the Miami Heat - Anytime you beat the defending NBA Champions, it's a good game, especially with how well the Heat have done this season. Is there really any team that can beat them this year? | DL: Dec. 12, at home, against the Spurs. - Mo Williams draining a three to win the game was just a perfect finish to an exciting game. MGR: Beating the Heat - I don't know how that happened. RJ: 104-97 win over Miami in January The Jazz shot a scorching 67.6 percent, aided by a key Gordon Hayward 3-pointer late in the game to hold off a Miami rally. The Heat only lost four games the rest of the regular season. JJ: Jazz vs. Nuggets November 26 - The Jazz trailed by as much as 16 points in the 1st half against Denver but would charge back in the 2nd half to win the game. Al Jefferson had 28 and Derrick Favors came up big in the rally. MGL: San Antonio, December 12, 2012 - Trailing by 6 with just over 3 minutes to play, the Jazz rallied back to tie the game, setting the stage for Mo Williams buzzer beating 3. Always fun to beat the Spurs. BS: San Antonio game winner by Mo Williams. - Only because I was at the game and right under the basket when he hit the shot. RZ: Al Jefferson's 40-13-6 vs. Minnesota JM: Beating the Spurs I really wanted to go elsewhere, but it was a good game all around and the finish pushed it into the legend status. |
The Game of the Year goes to the Jazz's victory over the Spurs on Dec. 12. It got five votes. The victory over the Heat got 3. A victory over the Nuggets and Al Jefferson's big game got the remaining two.
Worst Game of the Year
| The Best | The Rest |
|---|---|
| Matt Glade: Houston, January 28 - The Jazz lost by 45 on their home floor. The Jazz lost by 45 on their home floor. The Jazz lost by 45 on their home floor. THE JAZZ LOST BE 45 ON THEIR HOME FLOOR! *Close second* Dan Lewis: Mar. 18, losing at home to the Knicks - The Knicks were without Carmelo Anthony and Tyson Chandler. Kurt Thomas held the Knicks together, sacrificing his ankle bones for glue, in his final game of the season. Did I mention the Knicks were just finishing a long road trip? | JS: 45-point home loss to Houston - Do I really need to explain this one? MGR: Tie -Losing at home to the Houston Rockets by 42 pts, or getting beat badly by a Carmelo-less Knicks team late in the season in a must win situation. RJ: 86-70 dumpster fire vs. Memphis to end the season. - The Jazz were still in playoff contention (not knowing the Lakers would win later that night) yet didn't bother coming on to the court. Jazz shot an abysmal 32%. JJ: The 45 point loss to Houston is the worst home loss in franchise history. - They had some bad performances this year but nothing comes close to that debacle. BS: @Knicks or @Grizzlies They literally gave up. JF: The Jan. 28 game against the Houston Rockets at home - You can't get any worse than losing at home 80-125. JM: Losing to half of the Knicks - The Rockets game was a team getting hot and the Jazz being ice cold, but the Knicks was a game with the lesser team willing their way to a victory over the Jazz. |
The infamous award goes to the mid-season debacle against the Rockets with four-and-a-half votes. The Knicks game had three votes and the Grizzlies loss to close the season got one-and-a-half.
Next Year's Star
| The Best | The Rest |
|---|---|
|  Jason Shepherd: Enes Kanter - My gut tells me Kanter is poised for greatness; why can't it start next season? *Close second* Jeremiah Jensen: Gordon Hayward - Entering his 4th season and with Al Jefferson and Paul Millsap likely headed elsewhere this summer its time for Gordon Hayward to emerge as the leader on this team and prove that the Jazz didn't make a mistake by passing on Paul George in the 2010 draft. | DL: Tyrone Corbin - The 2012-13 squad had a starting lineup of players with one-year contracts. Next season, the Jazz could have up to 10 players who have never worn a Jazz uniform. If the team succeeds, it will be because of the gentleman leading the team. MGR: It better be one of the "Core 4." - I believe we have seen what Hayward is, Favors better develop an offensive GO-TO move, Kanter needs to stay healthy, and Burks needs to continue to develop the elbow jumper. If he gets that shot down, that is where he could become a star. RJ: Derrick Favors - Given more playing time, Favors could develop into a dominant big man in the league. Defense is there, just needs to fine tune his offensive arsenal. MGL: Enes Kanter - We got a taste of it when he started against the Bobcats; I really think it's a preview of what's to come from him. BS: Alec BurksBurks pending on Ty not playing him: Maybe it's how he plays defense but what exactly is wrong with more Burks on the floor? JF: Derrick Favors If Favors can make the necessary progressions in the offseason, he could easily be one of the team's stars. He's got so much potential that is slowly coming to fruition. If he could get a great facilitating point guard, the sky is the limit for him. RZ: Enes Kanter JM: Gordon Hayward - I was going to go with Chris Paul, but maybe we should wait on that. Assuming the Jazz don't get a great point guard Hayward will control the ball a lot and while he won't be the team leader in anything he could be second on the team in almost every stat. |
Next Year's Star goes to Enes Kanter with three-and-a-quarter votes in a hotly contested award. Derrick Favors got two-and-a-quarter, as did Gordon Hayward. Alec Burks got one-and-a-quarter and Ty Corbin got one vote.
Needs to Improve
| The Best | The Rest |
|---|---|
|  Tie - Ben Schroeder: Derrick Favors - He has everything he needs to be a great player, but is missing the attitude of wanting to be the best. Tie - Mike Grant: This is a trick question because so many things need to get better - The Jazz organization needs to find more players that hate losing. Too many times the team appeared fine losing games. That is not okay. They need to improve their mindset. You can't beat the Heat and Thunder one night, then lose to the Kings, Cavs, Bucks, etc. | JS: Marvin Williams - He can have a huge role on this team if he can find a way to be consistent. He has the skills; he just needs to show in every night. DL: Team identity. Ask yourself, "What is the identity of this team?" and then comment below. I'm curious what the biggest strength is going into the 2013-14 season. RJ: Al Jefferson's defense. - Jefferson, while a force to be reckoned with on offense, had the worst +/- of any player on the Jazz roster. JJ: Point guard position - Thanks in part to injuries and age,the point guard position was a major disappointment offensively and defensively. The Jazz need to find a talented young point guard that can develop chemistry with guys like Favors, Kanter and Hayward. MGL: Ty Corbin - I think he's a good coach but he needs to improve on rotations. Pick one and stick with it. JF: The entire Jazz team - While the future is hopefully bright for the team, especially with the "Core Four," there needs to be some significant improvements to be a playoff-contending team. While getting to the playoffs is a great accomplishment, the team needs to find a way to win and win consistently. RZ: Derrick Favors back to basket game JM: Derrick Favors foul troubles - If the youth is going to make it to the next level he needs to score a little and provide defense, either way he needs to stay on the court and stop averaging a billion fouls per game, figuratively of course. |
This was an interesting category because it basically came down to consistency. Derrick Favors "won" as a player with three votes and the Jazz team "won" as a whole. Marvin Williams, Ty Corbin, Al Jefferon's defense and the point guard play all got one vote.
Biggest Disappointment
| The Best | The Rest |
|---|---|
|  Rod Zundel: Marvin Williams Love him but it has to be Marvin Williams. Expected much more. Jeremiah Jensen: Missing the playoffs for the 5th time in the last ten years and two out of the last three. - This franchise is mired in mediocrity. The Jazz have won 50+ games just 3 times in the last 12 years and won just 4 playoff series during that time. | JS: Marvin Williams - I had high hopes for Marv, but he was a no-show in too many games this season. DL: Not making the playoffs -The front office held onto Jefferson and Millsap so they could make a run at the playoffs. Missing the opportunity to trade one of the big men and rebuild could hurt the franchise, especially when a playoff trip was just one win away. MGR: The point guard position It is so frustrating watching a franchise that has almost always been very secure in that position not have anything. It didn't help that Mo Williams was injured a big part of the season, but the Jazz still ranked as one of the worst at that position this year. RJ: Struggling with veteran players yet refusing to invest in the youth movement MGL: Not one player, but more the fact the young players didn't get more playing time. It's what I wanted to see this season. BS: Corbins Rotation - I never could put my finger on why they young guys didn't play more. Alex Burks sums it all up. JF: Raja Bell - Yes, the guy that didn't play a single minute this season because of a dispute with the organization. A close second would be Marvin Williams. It seemed like a great acquisition, but never really materialized. JM: Paul Millsap - I wanted to make excuse after excuse for the guy, but he just wasn't what he had been. His heart and drive just wasn't there this year. |
Another interesting category. Marvin Williams was the biggest player disappointment. For the team it was either missing the playoffs or not playing the young guys. Oh and Raja Bell got his name in this one as well as a lone vote for Paul Millsap.
Biggest Gaffe
| The Best | The Rest |
|---|---|
| Jeremiah Jensen: Randy Foye and Ty Corbin's chest bump fail - I submit this as evidence Ben Schroeder: Corbin not knowing the score late in a game - This happened in post game when he said he didn't foul late in the game because they were down 4 when in reality it was 3. | JS: Standing pat at the trade deadline - Without knowing what the Jazz do in free agency, it just seems like the Jazz missed an opportunity to jump-start the off-season changes. DL: Mo Williams missing a layup to beat Cleveland - The Cavaliers were awful this year, and while the final score was 104-101, that layup would have given the Jazz a 103-101 lead with 3.9 seconds remaining. Mo said he has attempted that shot a trillion times and never missed it like that - talk about a bad time for the ball to magically not go in the hoop. MGR: Rotation - Couldn't figure out who was playing and who wasn't from night to night. RJ: That the Jazz paid Raja Bell a ridiculous amount of money to NOT play for them. MGL: Everyone's defense at the end of the Milwaukee game on March 4th. JF: Once again this has to go to Raja Bell - In a way it worked out for him — he didn't have to play a single game and still got paid. But the entire drama made it an unfortunate underlying circus event surrounding a less-than-stellar season. JM: The absurd change in rotations - I've defended Ty for most of the season, and I don't think the overall rotations were terrible, but the crazy changes with players going from 24 minutes to 3 in the space of a game was puzzling. |
Ah the biggest gaffe of the year. Where to start, well the chest bump was awful. No real winners here, Raja Bell got votes two years in a row, also Corbin's rotations were questioned.
Free Agent Jazz should bring back
| The Best | The Rest |
|---|---|
|  Jeremiah Jensen: Randy Foye -He was a bargain pick up during the offseason and set a franchise record for 3-pointers in a season. He wants to be here and the Jazz should make it happen. Big Al and Paul won't be back in my opinion. Jason Shepherd: Mo Williams - He is the team's best option at point guard right now, and he should be the perfect guy to be the bridge between the present and the future at the PG position. | DL: Al Jefferson - Yeah, Big Al. The Jazz need to keep their leading scorer. Start Kanter at the 5, Jefferson at the 4, and mix Favors into a dependable rotation. No one else has shown a consistent ability to put points on the board. If Jefferson leaves, the offense will be in the bottom third of the league. MGR: I wouldn't mind seeing Foye come back. - It was great having some real three point threats RJ: Randy Foye It is nice to have a guy on the roster that can consistently hit a three-point shot. Just sayin'. MGL: Randy Foye He was the best 3 pointer shooter on the team and they need to keep spreading the floor; especially if they want Kanter and Favors to succeed. BS: Mo Williams as a back up point guard - Lose Jefferson and or Millsap and he replace them with Kanter and Favors. JF: Wow, there is a lot of them. DeMarre Carroll needs to come back. - He'll never be the team's star, but his grit and athleticism make him a great fit for the Jazz. The price is likely right for the Jazz to get him without having to secure too much of a salary. RZ: Randy Foye JM: Randy Foye - He really wants to come back, he won't cost a lot, not that money really matters, and he will come off the bench for instant offense. DeMarre Carroll hustles and is a fan favorite, but I don't know that the Jazz need him, but I would love to have him back too. |
Randy Foye gets the most votes for this after his record-breaking 3-point shooting season. He got six votes. Mo Williams got two and Al Jefferson and DeMarre Carroll rounded out the votes.
The Best Dunk
| The Best (no such thing as a bad dunk) |
|---|
| MGR: Jeremy Evans in the preseason vs. the Clippers - Rony Turiaf is probably signing posters of that dunk he is so proud of it. MGL: Jeremy Evans - Maybe it shouldn't count, however, Jeremy Evans dunk over Ronny Turiaf in their preseason game against the Clippers was one of the best dunks I've ever seen. JM: Jeremy Evans - Touch the Heavens, over Ronny Turiaf. The whole play was just so awesome. The block and run, then deflecting the ball on the back end to stop a fast break made it so awesome. JS: Derrick Favors - There were too many Favors dunks to name just one. RJ: Derrick Favors over Matt Boner. - Posterize. JF: Derrick Favors - While Jeremy Evans would be the easy answer here (and he's easily a winning candidate), the dunk by Derrick Favors against Matt Bonner has to take the top prize. It's not the best dunk you'll ever see, but don't tell that to Bonner, who never had a chance. JJ: Jeremy Evans - There were plenty to choose from but I have to go with Jeremy Evans alley-oop finish on a lob from Uncle Jamaal Tinsley that started with Jeremy outside the 3-point line. RZ: Don't Care! DL: Every Al Jefferson dunk Sure, Derrick Favors and Jeremy Evans can take flight, but Big Al plays below the rim and outside the key. An Al Jefferson dunk is like finding an orange at the bottom of your Christmas stocking - pure magic. |
Well there it is, year two is in the books. Hopefully next year there can be some playoff awards given out. For now, let us know how we did. Let us know the good, the bad, the Big Al. Catch us on Twitter: @kslsports.
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