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SALT LAKE CITY — Tom Chambers knows Utah basketball.
The Ogden native, University of Utah alum and current Phoenix Suns broadcaster played three seasons of his 16-year NBA career with the Utah Jazz, so his opinion is highly respected.
I caught up with Chambers during a Jazz alumni event Thursday at the Huntsman Center during this year’s Utah Jazz Summer League to talk about the club’s recent roster improvements, the new draft picks and a host of other topics.
Rod Zundel: Let’s get right to it. George Hill; your thoughts.
Tom Chambers: It’s awesome. To have a veteran leader that the Jazz lacked in consistency in the backcourt is awesome. Shelvin Mack was their best player at the point guard position, and he will solidify the backcourt and make them better.
RZ: Joe Johnson. He’s 35 years old, but he’s still got game. You know him.
TC: He was with us in Phoenix, and I love Joe. He is maybe the biggest clutch shooter in the NBA; he made some shots at the end of games that are just unbelievable. He’ll really help Gordon Hayward, and it will solidify and make it so the Jazz don’t have so many ups and downs. They’ll be a lot more consistent with these experienced guys.
RZ: Is he that kind of leader that really helps Gordon Hayward move to an All-Star level?
TC: He’s never been really vocal, but he’s a leader. He’ll lead on the court, and show people what to do, like how to guard people … I guarantee Gordon and him will strike out a really tight relationship, and Gordon will learn a lot from him.
RZ: The Jazz lost a lot of close games coming down to the final shot. Now they’ve got a guy who will take that shot?
TC: He’ll draw a crowd, and when he draws a crowd, he’s a willing passer, as well. Joe’s not just going to put his head down and try to win a basketball game for you — if somebody comes to help, he’s going to hit the open person. He’s a good one, and he’s tall.
RZ: Boris Diaw?
TC: I love Boris. We had him in Phoenix, and the only frustrating part about Boris is when he drives to the basket, has a layup and then passes it back out to the 3-point line. He’s so unselfish, but he’s so fun. Rudy Gobert is going to love him; they’ve known each other from France for a long time. He’ll come in looking like a butterball, but he is so savvy … and they’ll play him in the front a little, too.
RZ: Can these three acquisitions put the Jazz into the playoffs, all things being considered with health and everything?
TC: I’d be shooting for the seventh or eighth spot right now. Your goal is to get into the playoffs, and then if things get on a roll, that’s tremendous. These three guys have been there, they’ve done that, and they know what to do … I believe that the young talent will play as good as they’ve played or better than they have in the past.
