How the Kings scouted the Jazz
Carlos Boozer coasts on defense. Andrei Kirilenko will shoot three-pointers but you want to let him. He also will take bad shots if contested. Mehmet Okur doesn't like to be pushed around. Gordan Giricek is a poor defender. Jarron Collins doesn't block shots and flops in the paint.
We know this because the Kings left multiple copies of their scouting report on a table in the press room after Thursday's preseason game at the University of New Mexico. They didn't even make it into the trash. Instead, they were left next to the fax machine alongside the box scores and game notes.
Here's a look at how the Kings evaluated the Jazz's personnel. C.J. Miles probably would be thrilled to know that somebody believes he's "Capable all the way to 3 range" when he's shooting 4-for-23 so far in the preseason. The Kings also judged that Kyrylo Fesenko has 18-foot range.
* * *
Deron Williams HOT 6-3 205 Good playmaking PG. Keep him out of lane. Strong body. Shoots it w/ 3 range. Strong crossover left to right. Takes & makes big difficult shots. Good defender. Take the ball out of his hands - - shadow - - & hit. Runs the team so we must control him.
Ronnie Brewer COLD 6-7 223 Outstanding athlete who really runs in transition for layups. Slasher (likes to go left), high flyer. Will take on a tough defensive assignment. Much improved from last year. Range is better on shot but make him prove consistency. Looking to score off of our floppy (11) w/strong dribble drives or curl jumpers.
Andrei Kirilenko COLD 6-9 223 Athletic. Very, very long. Versatile. Can play both forward spots. Runs both ends of the floor very well. Will shoot 3 (but let him) & slash to basket. Explosive ability. Good jumper. Very active going to glass. Must block out. Aggressive defender. Hard nosed player. Shot blocker. Takes ball to basket very strong. Range solid from 20'. Keep feet on fakes. Will take bad shots if contested. Shaky handle - - will turn it over.
Carlos Boozer COLD 6-8 258 Double-double player. Plays hard, within system on offense. Very physical, rugged body. Has range to 18'. Can put ball on floor to make a play. Prefers left hand. Great hands. Keep off ''o" glass. Can play both 4 & 5, but a natural 4. Go to guy on box. Excellent w/ both hands around the basket. Coast on defense - - go at him and make him defend.
Mehmet Okur HOT 6-11 263 Very skilled big. Has deep 3 range off their ''X'' & ''C'' high pnr [pick and roll] sets. Can also score in post. Good passer. Does not like to be played physical, so get into him. Good rebounder as well. Has a knack for the ball rather than overpowering opponents. Challenge shots & block out.
* * *
Ronnie Price COLD 6-2 190 Athletic PG who pushes the ball. As quick as any in the league from end to end. Must locate early, keep in front. 3pt range both on dribble and catch and shoot. Will finish on rim. Quick hands on defense, pressures full court.
Gordan Giricek HOT 6-6 220 Good all around player. Does not possess a great strength. Does everything fairly well. Play him straight up. Pressure him & he will turn it over. Shoots it with 3pt range. Good coming off down pins, alert to quick drives. ("11"). Be physical w him. Poor defender, go at him.
C.J. Miles COLD 6-6 220 Lefty. Capable all the way to 3 range. Long. Play his lh drive & challenge shots. Be physical with him. Dribble driver. Runs hard in transition and will finish on rim. Streaky shooter who is very capable of getting it going.
Paul Millsap COLD 6-8 258 A 4/3 with 18ft range. High energy. Pursues every ball. Beast on the glass. Great hands. Quick off his feet than he looks. Will block a shot. Can score w/ jumper in range or dribble drive. Quick baseline spin in the post. Runner in transition for lay-ups.
Jarron Collins COLD 6-11 239 Good pick-n-pop player to 16'. Will slip screens. Keep him off the "o" glass. Go @ him, not a shot blocker. Flops in the post.
* * *
Limited minute guys
Hart - - PG runs team. 18ft range. Pass 1st mentality. Almond - - Catch & shoot, 3 pt range. Runs floor. LT to shoot. Brown - - Pick & pop, 3pt range. Capable driver. ORB's. Harvey - - Great ath. Runner. ORB'er. Finishes on rim. Fesenko - - [7-]footer. Decent body. 18ft range. Finish on box. An ability to get to rim on dribble.
--Ross Siler
