Danny Ainge makes bold claim about Deron Williams and his status with the Utah Jazz
Deron Williams has had a wild history during and past his time with the Utah Jazz.
When the Utah Jazz drafted Deron Williams, no one could have believed just how wild of a ride he’d end up having, not just with the Jazz but in his pro career. He went from being an able challenger for the top point guard in the league debate against fellow draft-year rookie, Chris Paul, and the face of the Jazz, to being run out of the league for poor play, nearly a decade before Paul even considered retiring.
Along the way, he caused Jazz icon Jerry Sloan to quit coaching, resurrected and then watched the fall of the then Brooklyn Nets, and finally saw his play fall off so far in Cleveland, that despite being a fine offensive contributor to some degree, he would end up not landing another NBA gig for the rest of his pro career.
Then, Williams would end up in combat sports, boxing future NFL Hall of Famer Frank Gore in an exhibition match that Williams actually ended up winning.
Deron Williams is a Jazz legend! NBA star! Pro fighter! Scratch golfer!
so fun
There was a time when Williams was viewed by many as persona non grata. He forced his way out of Utah, caused a legend to leave the team, and pissed off everyone in the fandom as he went. Yet, over the years, Williams has been working his way back into the fandom. Reminding the fans of the good times they’ve had.
He made amends with Sloan before the coach’s passing and has since gone on to take responsibility for his involvement in how things went down. But still, it’s a bit surprising to see Danny Ainge publically declare Williams a Utah Jazz legend.
While Williams is back in the good graces of most of the Jazzdom, there’s a difference between thinking of someone fondly, and declaring a good player a legend.
It seems like a stretch, Williams only made two All-Star games during his time with the Jazz, but did make two All-NBA teams as well. He played very well with the team and did help guide them to four playoff appearances, and two division championships.
So it wasn’t like he didn’t contribute anything to the franchise. Still, a legend? Maybe. Though we’re not far enough away from his time with the team to say for a matter of fact if he deserves a jersey retirement.
SB Nation doesn’t think the Utah Jazz have a young core good enough for the Top 10
The Utah Jazz disrespect is real.
The Utah Jazz have, admittedly, one of the best crop of young players in the league. 2023 NBA Draft picks Taylor Hendricks, Keyonte George, and Brice Sensabaugh join Ochai Agbaji, Collin Sexton, Walker Kessler, and Talen Horton-Tucker to help fortify a young Jazz core. The Jazz aren’t just flushed with very young talent either, still, young Lauri Markkanen and John Collins are either the two best players on the team or two of the best players on the team.
And neither man has entered their prime yet. You’d think narrowly missing the playoffs after sitting Markkanen down the stretch would show the NBA Media that the Jazz’s already good young core from last year just got better.
But that isn’t the case.
SBNation released a list of the 10 best young cores in their opinion, and wouldn’t you know it, some key teams are missing
Now, before we get into who’s missing, let’s talk about who we agree with. Yes, the Oklahoma City Thunder are loaded with young talent. They’re obviously the number one team in that regard, as they’re playoff contenders finally. The Memphis Grizzlies (if Ja Moran can keep himself together), and the Orlando Magic also make the list ahead of anyone else. Those would be our #1-#3.
Outside of them, the Jazz and Cleveland Cavaliers should absolutely be in the top five. Everyone else has one good, young talent to lean on. The Hornets don’t have much beyond LaMelo Ball, while the San Antonio Spurs’ young core isn’t really making any waves beside Victor Wambenyana.
The Detroit Piston’s young core hasn’t produced anything of value, while the Houston Rocket’s young core is filled with guys who are underperforming or can’t stay out of trouble.
While the Minnesota Timberwolves have a great young player in Anthony Edwards, are we still including Karl-Anthony Towns on the list? It seems like this list focuses more on who has the best young superstar on their team.
Which would explain how the New Orleans Pelicans made it on the list, despite its roster not being known for its youth. Zion Williamson clearly was the focal point putting them in the top 10 but he’s not even capable of getting on the court, so how does having an injury-prone player like him warrant a Top 10 spot, but the Jazz’s roster doesn’t?
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