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Posted: 11:13 AM- "Everyone seems to have given up on Giricek. Gordan has been injured much of the past two seasons. I think that, if healthy, he can be a solid two-guard. What do you think?" - Scott in West Valley
I agree with you and, in fact, blogged on the subject a few weeks ago. When he's healthy, I believe Giricek gives the Jazz a capable off-the-bench scorer, which is something every good team needs. He's not the best defender in the NBA, but I think the last few years he realized that was holding him back, as far as getting minutes with the Jazz, and he's tried to improve. Given the Jazz's other options at shooting guard - players like Morris Almond, Ronnie Brewer and possibly C.J. Miles - Giricek's experience is also something that must be considered an asset. That said, Giricek and his expiring contract probably have some trade value and he could be part of any package the Jazz put together in an attempt to upgrade their backup power forward/center positions, in my opinion.
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"About 25 teams are looking for a center for various reasons. I am writing about two names: Joel Pryzbilla of Portland and Brendan Haywood of Washington. . . . What do you think it takes to get either of these two guys? Also, with all signs pointing to Millsap demanding more minutes this season, do you think this increases the chance of Matt Harpring being moved?" - Clint
I don't believe the Jazz have what it takes to get either player, although Washington might be willing to take less than market value for Haywood, who has openly feuded with coach Eddie Jordan. Still, capable centers are a valuable commodity in the NBA. I don't think Portland or Washington will give away Pryzbilla or Haywood, just as I don't believe the Jazz will mess their their core (Boozer, Okur, Williams, Kirilenko, Harpring) or their future (Millsap, Brewer, Almond, Fesenko) to acquire any center not named Yao Ming, Dwight Howard or Greg Oden. As you said, Pryzbilla seems to be injury-plagued and Haywood's inability to get along with Jordan - an outstanding coach - could be a red flag.