(Kosta Koufos)In an effort to replace former All-Star Carlos Boozer, the Utah Jazz traded Kosta Koufos & two future first round draft picks to the Minnesota Timberwolves for Al Jefferson shortly after Summer League Play on July 14. Jazz GM Kevin O'Connor explained the decision to move the club's 2008 first round draft pick by saying,“It’s a situation where we felt we had too many at that position now. Hopefully, it’s a good opportunity for him wherever he winds up.”
Classy comments from a classy organization. Utah certainly did not have to spell out a justification for seeing an opportunity in Al Jefferson to stay in Western Conference contention . On Koufos' end of the deal, his 36 games played for the 2009/2010 season was more than a slight indication that a a young, inconsistent big might not be the best of fits for a Jerry Sloan coached playoff team.
Kosta displayed some flashes in his rookie season, but his two year progression was not sufficient enough to be a trusted member of the rotation.In our opinions the lack of playing time revealed that Utah felt the game was not slowing down for Koufos, especially defensively. (..after the draft they remarked about liking his size as possible help, but he was not ready to defend & board at a high level to have any kind of significant role)..And there lies the risk/reward for talented offensive prospects like a Koufos 0r Daequan Cook.
Few if any are ready to satisfy the defensive expectations of playoff level teams at age 19 or 20. ( which brings up questions about management decisions..hey front offices..hire us! we can scout players lol) We are talking about programs under the guise of defensive principled men like Jerry Sloan & Pat Riley...with them it seems like if you are inconsistent on offense, you better show good capability on defense to see the floor. Koufos & Cook barely saw the floor last season. And in Kosta's case it is rather ironic that his audacious high school coach would question Thad Matta's use of Koufos in his lone season at Ohio State; Why because the young man had more freedom to express his game in Columbus than in any other place he has been since (more freedom than what he received from Utah & the Greek National team combined)
Harsh realities, but these young players are obviously well aware of the professional climate.“I understand it’s a business, and I feel confident wherever I end up,” Koufos said after the deal. “I feel like I’ll be very successful in this league as long as I stay focused and continue to work. This is a one-day-at-a-time league.”
So what is next for Kosta? We know he has ability..we viewed games during his rookie season where he looked like he belonged on an NBA court. He shined in his occasional NBA Developmental stints , and the biggest Koufos story this summer before the trade was his good play at the 2010 Orlando Pro Summer League (led Utah in scoring & rebounding in Orlando). However, with progression comes uncertainty as a new member of the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Looney Minnesota GM David Kahn has already hinted on dealing Koufos to a team where he could have a better opportunity at playing more, but they could also evaluate him as someone they would like for depth. As Kosta awaits a definitive decision, you have to think he is not feeling Minnesota's crowded front court with Kevin Love, Michael Beasley, Darko, and their newest center Nikola Perkovic who is coming over from PAO.
The best situation for Koufos is obviously one where he can find himself on an NBA court more because he has already proved himself at the Developmental/Summer League level. Kosta can help teams, he's a crafty hybrid center/power forward with face up skills, he did learn how to play the game in Utah, and while not a big time leaper, is still capable on the boards. his biggest weakness in our opinion is his defensive recognition/presence (that will only improve with experience) What is next for Kosta Koufos? A pivotal season in his young career.
Kosta Koufos 7.8.2010 Summer League
Uploaded by BuckeyeBallersTV.
Classy comments from a classy organization. Utah certainly did not have to spell out a justification for seeing an opportunity in Al Jefferson to stay in Western Conference contention . On Koufos' end of the deal, his 36 games played for the 2009/2010 season was more than a slight indication that a a young, inconsistent big might not be the best of fits for a Jerry Sloan coached playoff team.
Kosta displayed some flashes in his rookie season, but his two year progression was not sufficient enough to be a trusted member of the rotation.In our opinions the lack of playing time revealed that Utah felt the game was not slowing down for Koufos, especially defensively. (..after the draft they remarked about liking his size as possible help, but he was not ready to defend & board at a high level to have any kind of significant role)..And there lies the risk/reward for talented offensive prospects like a Koufos 0r Daequan Cook.
Few if any are ready to satisfy the defensive expectations of playoff level teams at age 19 or 20. ( which brings up questions about management decisions..hey front offices..hire us! we can scout players lol) We are talking about programs under the guise of defensive principled men like Jerry Sloan & Pat Riley...with them it seems like if you are inconsistent on offense, you better show good capability on defense to see the floor. Koufos & Cook barely saw the floor last season. And in Kosta's case it is rather ironic that his audacious high school coach would question Thad Matta's use of Koufos in his lone season at Ohio State; Why because the young man had more freedom to express his game in Columbus than in any other place he has been since (more freedom than what he received from Utah & the Greek National team combined)
Harsh realities, but these young players are obviously well aware of the professional climate.“I understand it’s a business, and I feel confident wherever I end up,” Koufos said after the deal. “I feel like I’ll be very successful in this league as long as I stay focused and continue to work. This is a one-day-at-a-time league.”
So what is next for Kosta? We know he has ability..we viewed games during his rookie season where he looked like he belonged on an NBA court. He shined in his occasional NBA Developmental stints , and the biggest Koufos story this summer before the trade was his good play at the 2010 Orlando Pro Summer League (led Utah in scoring & rebounding in Orlando). However, with progression comes uncertainty as a new member of the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Looney Minnesota GM David Kahn has already hinted on dealing Koufos to a team where he could have a better opportunity at playing more, but they could also evaluate him as someone they would like for depth. As Kosta awaits a definitive decision, you have to think he is not feeling Minnesota's crowded front court with Kevin Love, Michael Beasley, Darko, and their newest center Nikola Perkovic who is coming over from PAO.
The best situation for Koufos is obviously one where he can find himself on an NBA court more because he has already proved himself at the Developmental/Summer League level. Kosta can help teams, he's a crafty hybrid center/power forward with face up skills, he did learn how to play the game in Utah, and while not a big time leaper, is still capable on the boards. his biggest weakness in our opinion is his defensive recognition/presence (that will only improve with experience) What is next for Kosta Koufos? A pivotal season in his young career.
Kosta Koufos 7.8.2010 Summer League
Uploaded by BuckeyeBallersTV.
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