March 2003 Basketball Wiretap

All that Jazz

Feb 28, 2003 6:49 PM

The first two-thirds of the season have the Jazz playing as one of the top teams in the tough Western Conference. If the playoffs started today, Utah would be locked in solidly at the number six spot in the Western Conference, taking on the hottest team in the league -- the San Antonio Spurs.

The Jazz completely retooled their supporting cast in the off-season for Karl Malone and John Stockton. Nearly every move the Jazz made seems to have been in the right direction. The notable exceptions would be last year's and this year's first-round draft picks, who have yet to play a game because of injuries.

Daily Herald

Tags: Utah Jazz, NBA

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Malone to Try Free Agency?

Feb 28, 2003 6:34 PM

Soon-to-be 40-year-old Karl Malone is approaching free agency with the same enthusiasm as an 18-year-old piquing the interest of a Duke, Kentucky or Arizona.

"The way I look at it now is like how it was when you're a superstar in high school and the colleges are coming (after) you," Malone said. "It's kind of fun. It's kind of like that. We're standing at age 40, but you know my agent will handle that and I'll enjoy my summer."

"No matter what a guy says, he still wants to have that feeling that you're wanted," he added. "At age 40, it's somewhat exciting for me. It's not about playing games, but it's exciting."

Tags: Utah Jazz, NBA

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One-on-One with Matt Harpring

Feb 28, 2003 3:06 PM

Having joined the Jazz during the 2002 offseason, forward Matt Harpring is enjoying the best year of his career, averaging 18.4 points, 6.9 rebounds in 33.6 minutes. Earlier this season, Harpring posted back-to-back career highs, tallying 30 points on November 26 on the road against the Clippers and 33 points at home against the Timberwolves.

He is also on track to join the 170 club, a club reserved for the league's top shooters. Through games played Sunday, February 23, Harpring is the only player in the NBA that is currently shooting 50% from the field, 40% from the three-point line and 80% from the free throw line. (50+40+80=170). In the 23 seasons since the three-point shot was introduced, only 12 players have made the 170 club. Former Jazzman Jeff Hornacek made the club a record five times, and John Stockton has achieved the feat four times.

UtahJazz.com

Tags: Utah Jazz, NBA

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Sloan's fix: Play together

Feb 28, 2003 2:48 PM

Not long ago, the Jazz were riding high, winners of four of five, their sights set on perhaps even gaining a top-four seed and homecourt advantage in the NBA's Western Conference playoff picture.
     
Now, having lost two straight and three of four, they sit sixth in the conference standings, 33-24 overall, and in danger, if they're not careful, of slipping to ninth, one spot short of what it takes to make it to the postseason.
     
If the Jazz are to return to their winning ways, coach Jerry Sloan believes, they must revert to playing as they once did.
     
Together.

Deseret News

Tags: Utah Jazz, NBA

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Eastern Swing Couldn't Come at Worse Time for Jazz

Feb 28, 2003 2:47 PM

On the whole, the Jazz would rather not be in Philadelphia.
   
Consider the reality that Utah's basketball team confronted Thursday, once the players awakened after a middle-of-the-night arrival.

Salt Lake Tribune

Tags: Philadelphia Sixers, Utah Jazz, NBA

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Tomasson: Film tribute raises Thompson again

Feb 28, 2003 12:34 PM

Chris Tomasson of the Rocky Mountain News has a good article on a David Thompson film.  Sounds like something that every true NBA fan would be interested in.  Especially w/ the retro-jersey craze.

Tags: Denver Nuggets, NBA

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Tomasson: Film tribute raises Thompson again

Feb 28, 2003 12:32 PM

Chris Tomasson of the Rocky Mountain News has a good article on a David Thompson film.  Sounds like something that every true NBA fan would be interested in.  Especially w/ the retro-jersey craze.

The Rocky Mountain News

Tags: Denver Nuggets, NBA

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Bruised Bowen survives big hit

Feb 28, 2003 12:23 PM

Michael BeDan of the Rocky Mountain News writes about Ryan Bowen and the injury he sustained during the Portland game on Monday night.

The Rocky Mountain News

Tags: Denver Nuggets, NBA

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Hornets-Nuggets preview

Feb 28, 2003 12:17 PM

Denver takes on New Orleans tonight at the Pepsi Center.  Game time is 7 pm and the game is on Fox Sports and AM950.

The Rocky Mountain News

Tags: Charlotte Hornets, Denver Nuggets, NBA

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Is Ron Artest out of control?

Feb 28, 2003 6:28 AM

Will Ron Artest ever be able to curve that anger and remain such a feared defender in the NBA?  If you read the article by Bob Kravitz in the Indianapolis Star it shouldn't matter... as long as Artest is straightened out.

According to Kravitz Artest's problems are bigger than him, and both the player and the organization need to do something about them.  Every time after he explodes he stands before the media vowing that it will not happen again, but there is always an encore.  Fines and suspensions are not doing the trick, and Kravitz is hinting that the problem may be psychological.  'If it's something that requires medical and/or psychological attention, and that's my sense of the thing, then it's time to get that attention, with the aid and blessing of the entire organization, he writes.

Artest had a  long-scheduled meeting Thursday with NBA officials, but in all seriousness what will come of it?  Little, if anything, would be the safe bet.  The Pacers need to do something, and do it now.

'The Pacers cannot tolerate another outburst. Artest's combustible nature not only jeopardizes the team's long-term success, but casts this otherwise classy organization in an unfavorable light,' writes Kravitz.  

While it is true that Artest is feared by his NBA peers far and wide for his strong and physical defensive prowess, it is another thing for the Pacers to sit in fear waiting for yet another explosion.

Tags: Indiana Pacers, NBA

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Rumor rings true: Baker suspended

Over Hill, Bimbo next to be waived by Cavs?

Magic will sign Whitney

Jefferson hits sophmore wall

Krieger: Kiki 'delighted' by short comings, goings

The Rocky Mountain News

Conflict would keep scouts at home

The Denver Post

Kidd and Scott Having Difficulties?

Malone, Stockton: Couple of tough guys

Minneapolis Star Tribune

DeShawn gets good marks

Deseret News

Jazz can't hit; T'Wolves can

Deseret News

Jazz falter again

Standard-Examiner

Garnett Does in Jazz

Salt Lake Tribune

Losing skid hits 10 games

The Denver Post

Warriors romp to another win

Stamp on victory

Warriors rolling - Balanced attack keys 4th in row

Sonics cool Terry's homecoming splash

Jeff Denberg/Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Pacers slump continue

Sixers considering bringing back Hill

Ewing to get his wish