Bleacher Report - Articles by Mueze Bawany

Utah Jazz: A Look Back and A Look Ahead

Mueze Bawany — Tue, 20 May 2008 18:43:02 -0400

As the last shot rimmed out and the clock reached triple zeroes, you couldn't help but be a bit defeated, because well, the Lakers did defeat the Jazz and oust them for the playoffs.

Before that last shot, there was something I took away from the game that made it a little bit easier to sleep; the almost, so close but yet so far, comeback. If there is one thing a Jerry Sloan-coached team is known for, it is the fact that they fight. The Jazz faced the best team in the NBA and put up a fight. Thanks for the great year, guys, but now comes the offseason and the look ahead.

Before I jump into what the Jazz have to address this off-season, I want to take some time and comment on the situation with the fans of Utah. By a fan's estimation, I am a recent member of the Church of Sloan, and just joined the Jazz fan base, mainly due to Deron Williams, who is formerly of the University of Illinois.

I don't know much Jazz history, but I have always admired Jerry Sloan since he was a Bull. A lot has been said about the Jazz fans and the way they act at the games, and honestly a lot of those negative things deserve warrant.

I am downright disgusted at the horrid things said to Derek Fisher, especially that resorting to his daughter, and also the treatment of the Lakers' players. I really turned away at what I heard last year from the Golden State players about the racist comments they were treated to, because it wasn't really brought forward much like the recent ordeals with the Lakers and Fisher.

I feel that this must be dealt with and must be done by Jazz personnel. I, like all Jazz fans, felt a dagger every time Derek Fisher lit up the scoreboard, but as upset as I would get, I would remind myself he is doing what he is supposed to, and his time with the Jazz was appreciated.

I always recall Game 5 against Golden State, and am thankful for the contributions he made. Maybe Larry Miller should pass some copies of that game to the fans, or show it every time before the Jazz play the Lakers, so the fans could understand.

The leadership of the team needs to step up, whether it be a public address from Deron Williams, Carlos Boozer, or Jerry Sloan someone should have said something. No player, especially one who has been through so much such as Derek Fisher, should be treated as he was by a few fans.

The Jazz head into the off-season with only one free agent, C.J. Miles, so there is relative continuity with the roster, but nonetheless, many areas need to be addressed. The Jazz have a myriad of questions to deal with in the offseason even if they have the roster intact.

Have the Jazz plateaued? Does this team need to trade Kirilenko? Is the center position due for re-evaluation? Must the defense be revised?

After reaching the Western Conference Finals last year, the Jazz have declined by only making it into the second round, so is it rational to assume this team does need some improvement? These questions will be probably be on the mind of Miller, O'Conner, and Sloan, because the goal is to win the elusive NBA title.

The Jazz possess the 23rd pick in the draft, but already will have to adjust the rosters for two players who have completed the year of learning Jerry Sloan is synonymous with in regards to rookies. Morris Almond and Krylo Fasenko will join the roster and give the Jazz help in needed areas.

Almond gives the Jazz another sharpshooter with enough athleticism to challenge Ronnie Brewer at shooting guard, and maybe even make Sloan test Brewer out at small forward. Fasenko gives the Jazz a young center who does dirty work and is developing touch around the rim.

The 23rd pick has garnered speculation around five players primarily: Chris Douglas-Roberts, Brandon Rush, Roy Hibbert, Kosta Koufos, and Donte Green.

Chris Douglas-Roberts would give the Jazz a player who can play the two or three, and is potentially able to contribute immediately. Brandon Rush has been a recent hot topic amongst scouts, and by workouts might be beyond the reach of the Jazz. Rush gives ideal size at two guard, great athleticism, and knack for the game that would fit well with Sloan.

Roy Hibbert, according to Chad Ford, is the most likely scenario, giving the Jazz a legitimate 7-footer (7'2) who excels in the halfcourt game, and with the depth the Jazz have will not be called upon to run the floor consistently or play all 48 minutes.

Kosta Koufos would remind many of a younger Memo, and would be a great player to develop. The team might be more athletic, but will not lose a beat since his game is very similar to Okur's. Donte Green currently is a stretch, but if he does slip, it would be a coup by the Jazz. Green has excellent athleticism and has garnered comparisons to Shawn Marion, the guy the Jazz almost traded Kirilenko for.

Regardless of who they may pick, the roster seems to be set and that rookie is going to be seeing a lot of the NBDL. The greater concern is not the draft, but the aforementioned issue of the team potentially plateauing. Does this team need another contributor and if so at what area?

Kirilenko's position seems to be the most likely where a change could be made. Shawn Marion was mentioned last year, could Richard Jefferson be the topic of conversation this year? The Jazz also have to address Carlos Boozer, his struggles in the games leading up to the playoffs and the playoffs themselves warrant heavy concern.

Does Boozer need help or is this a funk, and worst case scenario has Carlos Boozer lost his touch? Maybe it is too early to say he's lost his game, but his drop-off in the playoffs does scare the team, especially since he is a big piece of the Jazz puzzle. Even though it is all quiet on the free agency front, the Jazz have much to take into consideration this offseason.

Derrick Rose or Michael Beasley: Who Should Chicago Take with First Draft Pick?

Mueze Bawany — Tue, 20 May 2008 17:52:27 -0400

Elation, excitement, relief—these are just a few words that can describe how I felt after watching the NBA Draft lottery today.

I originally sat down to watch the lottery just out of intrigue. I didn't expect a team with a 1.7 percent chance to do much. Maybe if we were lucky we would land the slot we were expected to attain and pick ninth—because if the lottery was going to be indicative of the previous season, we would have landed number 14.

The first few picks went by and the order fell as expected, I kind of chuckled when I saw Golden State get pick number 14 because Mitch Richmond for some reason had a look of disappointment on his face. What did he expect the less-than-one percent chance his team had was going to get him?

Nonetheless, the lottery moved on and slot nine came up, and Charlotte landed it, which according to the commentators meant the Bulls were certain to get a top-three pick. At that point I'm just freaking out, and re-typing my status on Facebook since I had the window open.

The lottery proceeds to the top three, and deep down inside I'm thinking about Brook Lopez or O.J. Mayo on the Bulls because we will probably land the third pick.

The third pick gets announced. It's Minnesota and I am flabbergasted. There is no way this can get better.

Then Miami gets the second pick.

Immediately, I call my older brother, the die-hard Bulls fan, and he tells me to hold while he directs his co-worker in I.T. lingo about the server in the basement. Finally, my impatience makes me yell, "Dude, we got the number-one pick!"

What else can you say about the Bulls this year that hasn't been said about the Hindenburg? A sheer disaster for a team that was expected to compete for the finals. The last few weeks haven't been great either, with D'Antoni choosing the Knicks, and realizing this roster is probably the worst fit in the NBA. There is no way John Paxson can screw this up. (Or can he?)

What do I hope the Bulls do? I, like a majority of Bulls fans, hope that we select Derrick Rose—but honestly we can't go wrong. (Unless Brook proves to Pax that he is the second coming of Tim Duncan—and trust me, don't put that beyond Paxson.)

Michael Beasley would give the Bulls the presence down low they need, because he is able to score on the post with his back to the basket. Beasley is also a tantalizing prospect because of his knack for scoring and athleticism. He gives the Bulls exactly what they have been missing.

So why am I promoting Derrick Rose? Recent trends dictate a point guard is a must—like Chris Paul, Deron Williams, or Tony Parker.

Rose is a special prospect. He has the vision of a Paul or Williams, and is built to punish smaller guards. He has a decent jump shot that will develop much like how Chris Paul developed his. He is exactly the point guard Mike D'Antoni would have loved (had to take that jab).

Also, being from Chicago, Rose will be immediately acknowledged by the fans and has the relentlessness needed to be a game changer—something this city greatly appreciates.

If the Bulls do select Derrick, what do they do with the logjam at guard, and what will the new roster look like?

The Bulls will have to make some moves in order to rectify the team, and find the solution down low. Kirk Hinrich's contract is a massive roadblock for the Bulls, since he just completed the first year of his hefty new contract, and had his worst season.

Ben Gordon declined a tender from the Bulls before the season, and is undersized for a two guard. Larry Hughes also has a lot of weight in regards to his contract, so he will be hard to move.

Ultimately, John Paxson will have to work his GM magic, but none of us know what that looks like since Pax hasn't made a big deal except getting rid of the nuisance he brought, Ben Wallace.

The Bulls could aim to package Hinrich, Gordon, another player such as Tyrus Thomas or Andres Nocioni, along with a future draft pick to the Clippers, for Elton Brand and another contract. Brand would give the bulls a formidable low-post player, and along with Drew Gooden and Luol Deng would make a solid front court.

The backcourt will consist of Derrick Rose and Thabo Sefolosha while the reserves will be headlined by Thomas/Nocioni, Joakim Noah, Aaron Gray, and others. It might be far-fetched, but you have to keep in mind this is the same league where Memphis donated Pau Gasol to the Lakers.

If Paxson decides not to make any big moves, and selects Rose, you have to still expect that Kirk Hinrich is gone, and Ben Gordon might be following. The roster could be as follows: Gooden, Noah, Thomas, Deng, Rose, Nocioni, Hughes, Gray, and Sefolosha—a team that could be ready to contend within a year or two.

As for the head coach, I don't know why they are waiting, but Avery Johnson would be a good fit. I'll see you guys in June...let the workouts begin!

Indiana Basketball: I Hope You Enjoyed Eric Gordon

Mueze Bawany — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 16:47:59 -0400

I'd like to go ahead and warn anyone reading this article ahead of time. I am a ardent supporter of the University of Illinois, but this article isn't just a, "I told you so" statement or more bashing of the Indiana program, but instead...well, I'll just let you decide.

If you were to ask a fan of the Illini about what events really get them upset in the history of their basketball program they will probably point to the Bruce Pearl incident or the Eric Gordon re-neg of his commitment. The Pearl incident still rekindles the Illini nations anger, but I like many am learning to let go, and acknowledge that Bruce Pearl is a good coach, and a good man, but I do feel that anyone who experienced that event and individuals such as Jimmy Collins, and Deon Thomas still can hold a grudge. Before I get off topic lets get back to the Eric Gordon saga, and how it has played out this year.

For anyone who isn't overly familiar with the issue, Eric Gordon, the superstar for the Indiana Hoosiers, and soon to be lottery pick, originally out of high school committed to the University of Illinois, but 12 months later de- committed and signed to attend and play for Kelvin Sampson leaving Bruce Weber and the Illini in disarray. Gordon started his college career in true star fashion, and the Hoosiers were progressing along with eyes firmly set on the Big Ten title and a deep run in the big dance. Conversely, Bruce Weber and the Illini were sinking without a true shooting guard, and struggling to find a identity and chemistry. Even in the court of public opinion the Illini shot themselves in the foot by the way the crowd acted when the Hoosiers and Gordon came knocking to Assembly Hall in Champaign. Ron Gunther described the fan behavior towards Sampson, Gordon, the Gordon Family, and the Hoosiers as, "disappointing and intolerable". Everything seemed to be on the up and up for the Hoosier program and the ascension back to the top was slowly underway, but Sampson's past came back to flip the world of the program upside down

On February 8, 2008, the NCAA informed Indiana and Kelvin Sampson that the head coach had committed five major rule violations. On February 22, 2008, after internally investigating the situation and setting Sampson's fate as "game to game" basis the Hoosier administration decided to part with Sampson. The decision was widely unpopular with the players including team captain, D.J. White. After the dust had settled the program had been put on the shoulders of assistant Dan Dakich, and from there the Hoosiers have not been able to find consistency notably seen by the early exit from the Big Ten Tournament, and low seeding in the big dance with an eight versus nine game with Arkansas, and with the number one overall seed North Carolina looming in round two.

I personally will admit Eric Gordon is a phenomenal player, but as an Illini fan I found myself for the first time ever not cheering for a Big Ten team in non- conference play largely due to my disdain for Kelvin Sampson. When I think to myself I can't help, but drop any grudge with E.G. and I believe if Illini nation would take in my considerations perhaps they would drop the angst too. Gordon did everything that we as Illini fans and natives would have wanted Derrick Rose to do. The kid genuinely had interest in staying home, but knew he could not mesh with Mike Davis. Perhaps Bruce wouldn't have gone to the inadmissible lengths with Coach Calipari and Memphis like Sampson did in regards to Gordon, but as a fan I hoped Rose would have realized his love for his home state and would have stayed. Nonetheless, Gordon made his mistakes for committing early, and then staying committed for a great length of time. Without taking into consideration what Sampson might have done with Gordon's parents, I look to the youth of Gordon, and that he like all the collegiate basketball players would just like to play basketball without having to worry about off the court troubles.

The reason why I tittled this article, "I hope you enjoyed Eric Gordon" is basically to say, I hope you enjoyed Eric Gordon, and nothing else. Gordon is a rare athlete and a pleasure to watch, and even if his commitment might have been the warning sign of the ethical liability that was Kelvin Sampson, as an IU fan you have to be happy that the program was able to compete and now has been cleansed of the stigma from recruiting violations. The program is prestigious and committed, with an abundance of great coaches available who is to say they can't land someone better in character and coaching ability than Sampson. As for my beloved Illini nation, take solace in knowing that Bruce Weber is a great guy, and now is finding success in recruiting, i.e. Legion, Paul, Richardson, and etc. Weber has always been able to get the best out of his players and the future looks bright with the aforementioned recruits and rising star Demetri McCamey. The focus also seems to be going back to the three guard offense maybe reminding us of Dee, Deron, and Luther. We might not have march madness, but at least we can put our support behind Deron and the Jazz.

A Sad State of Affairs: The Chicago Bears

Mueze Bawany — Mon, 17 Mar 2008 17:45:03 -0400

There hasn't been much to cheer for as of late for the citizens of the Windy City and the Prairie State in general. No state teams are going to the big dance, and the Bulls have regressed a great level.

The Cubs and the Sox are participating in Spring Training, but I've got a feeling fans from both side will either be saying, "there's always next year" or "what the heck is Ozzie doing?" I've got a gut feeling that I'll be lamenting like the rest of Cubs nation as for the Sox, I'll leave that to their fans.

There has always been one point of excitement for our fans and that was our Chicago Bears. Perhaps we were spoiled after the Super Bowl run, but we expect them now to compete every time, and win soon, but after witnessing the free agency period that wasn't and now looking at a draft with Jerry Angelo's track record, I think it is time to worry.

The Bears free agency has had one highlight, and that was the miracle re-signing of Lance Briggs, and other than that we have departed from the likes of Bernard Berrian, Mushin Muhammad, and Brendon Ayanbadejo. I wasn't a big fan of the three, because I felt Muhammad had essentially earned a big paycheck while he was here, and did nothing in return.

Bernard Berrian was the king of dropping balls, and is no way a top five receiver as Drew Rosenhaus would like you to believe. As for Brendon Ayanbadejo, he was an excellent performer, but will be replaced under Dave Toub's scheme. After a releasing and basically purging some positions of the roster the Bears were left with a great void in many position areas lacking either depth or justifiable talent. The homecoming for Marty Booker might be three years too late, and Brandon Lloyd might not realize the potential even if he is familiar with the system of Ron Turner.

The fact of the matter is the Bears have too many issues, and there was no proactive approach taken to address these areas by Jerry Angelo and Lovie Smith.

The quarterback position has us with Brian Griese in Tampa, and the competition squarely being Rex Grossman against Kyle Orton. Grossman has boat loads of talent and can be accurate while possessing a strong arm, but in his time here he has not shown he can be reliable or good as he was during the beginning of the '06-'07 season.

Kyle Orton on the other hand is probably the person with the greatest gripe of anyone in the league who is fighting for a starting job. Since joining the Bears and being thrust into the fire his rookie season, he has done nothing, but win and play sound turnover free football.

I liken Orton to Brad Johnson during his early Minnesota days. The Bears also have high interest in Chad Henne, and Joe Flacco as second or third round draft picks. None of that really seems to matter when you also come to realize that the offensive line is in shambles, and will probably be the focus of the draft day, since the likes of Alan Faneca and other offensive linemen were ignored by the Bears brass.

I have the Bears selecting Chris Williams from Vanderbilt with a heavy heart, because I would love to see the Bears select Rashard Mendenhall, the hometown stud, and get rid of the head case known as Cedric Benson. The tight end position seems to be the only solidified position on the Bears offense, but without a viable receiving corps, Desmond Clark and Greg Olsen might have trouble being effective.

The defensive side of the bubble presents us with pressing issues also. Dusty Dvoracek is coming back from a major knee injury, and Mike Brown beloved by all, has a history of not being healthy, and can't be deemed reliable. Dan Bauzin, Michael Okwo, and other players who missed their rookie year are unknown depth.

The Bears will probably return to '06 form up front at the end positions with Adawele and Alex Brown starting, and Mike Anderson being strict pass rush. Maybe the Bears can also try him at the hybrid position of OLB/DE and have him blitz from the outside. The linebacking corps is back together, but Brian Urlacher is not getting any younger, and is still left to be seen if he can remain in form.

At the moment the season seems to be screaming rebuilding, but you got to have faith even though Lovie doesn't seem to get personnel issues, and Jerry Angelo hibernated throughout free agency, and can't seem to draft well in the first round (see David Terrell, Rex Grossman, Michael Haynes, Cedric Benson, and the list goes on and on). The Super Bowl window has probably closed, but hopefully that is temporary.

The Utah Jazz is Irrelevant? Take a Closer Look

Mueze Bawany — Mon, 18 Feb 2008 10:26:57 -0500

The Utah Jazz sit fourth in the Western Conference, but no one outside of Utah seems to notice.

There's a coach who can sense as time goes by, his window shortens, a point guard who realizes the chip on the shoulder he plays with might be there his whole career, and a power forward not considered a first rounder continues to prove those critics wrong.

Within this story happens to be a team that made it to the Western Conference finals last year that still seems to be the odd team in.

Why are the Jazz not considered one of the power teams out in the west?

You can argue the small market, or the fact that the west is ridiculously strong this year, but how long can you continue to ignore a team that has playoff experience, and going into the all-star break is the hottest team?

Boozer, Williams, and Sloan sit at the middle of the emerging powerhouse Jazz.

Deron Williams, the Jazz point guard, is arguably one of the game's best point guards and plays the game that reminds an old soul of Dennis Williams. But he isn’t spoken about like Chris Paul, who was selected one pick lower.

Williams runs the smooth machine that is the Jazz, and perhaps was one of the most important selections the Jazz have made in the draft. With Williams being in his third year now, the Jazz have been into the deep end of the Western Conference playoff bracket, and are fighting for top billing in the tough west of this year.

Jerry Sloan, the former Chicago Bulls standout, is the longest tenured head coach in basketball. When speaking about the Jazz being the forgotten team, you don’t have to point far to realize that might be the team identity.

Sloan, having gone to two NBA finals, only to come short to the dynasty of the Chicago Bulls, has never won NBA coach of the year honors.

Awards might not mean much to this bunch, or even this organization, but it makes you wonder sometimes.

The Jazz do have an All-Star this year, and that is power forward Carlos Boozer. Boozer has been a double-double machine averaging 21.7 ppg, and 10.8 rpg. Boozer is the heart and soul of the Jazz to many, his relentlessness and ability to not back down shifts the Jazz into a gear that makes them play hard every night.

Williams, Boozer, and Sloan are not the only reasons the Jazz are where they are, credit has to be given to the amazing cast of players around them, and the man who designed the team, Larry Miller.

With the likes of Mehmet Okur, Andrei Kirilenko, and Ronnie Brewer in the starting lineup, the Jazz have a complete team to put on the floor every night.

However, the highlight is the inclusion of a deep bench.

Since the trade for Kyle Krover, the shooting specialist from Philadelphia, the Jazz have gone 17-3.

Krover adds to an already lethal rotation that includes the likes of Paul Milsap and Matt Harpring. The Jazz also have two players in the NBDL who are NBDL All-Stars, Morris Almond, and Krylo Fasenko.

The future looks bright and with stalwarts like Larry Miller at GM, and Jerry Sloan as coach, maybe the league should take notice not just now, but for the upcoming years.