News And Notes From Utah Jazz Media Day

Sep 28, 2015; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Utah Jazz guard Raul Neto (25) during media day at the Zion Bank Basketball Center. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Swinger-USA TODAY Sports

Utah Jazz Media Day is in the books, leaving fans with a lot to digest and discuss as we enter training camp. It figures to be a big season for the team, with many expecting a return to the NBA Playoffs. Jazz players and coaches spoke about this and other topics with the media on Monday.

When asked specifically about whether or not the Jazz can be a playoff team, Gordon Hayward had this to say, via Aaron Falk of The Salt Lake Tribune—

"“That’s a goal of ours this season,” Hayward said. “I think the expectations are going to be there for us. You know, inside the Jazz locker room, I think we’re going to focus one game at a time. Focus on ourselves first and foremost just becoming better basketball players, and ultimately a better basketball team, and ultimately that stuff will take care of itself.”"

Other Jazzmen made similar statements. Clearly, the players are mindful of postseason play, but trying to do things the right way and focus on improving as a team.

In this video from Ryan McDonald, we see Jazz GM Dennis Lindsey discussing a variety of topics. Most notable among them was Duke coach Mike Krzyzewski’s recent visit to Salt Lake City–

Coach K’s “standards, not rules” philosophy clearly left an impression on Lindsey, as well as Jazz coach Quin Snyder.

The shooting ability of Tibor Pleiss was a hot topic of discussion. The Jazz rookie rarely showed his range with FC Barcelona and was relegated to the post recently in EuroBasket, but remains confident in his touch from the outside–

Tibor Pleiss is just as confident as the Jazz in his shooting ability. Says he knows he has touch, never had a chance to show it.
— Ben Dowsett (@Ben_Dowsett) September 28, 2015

During a summer workout with the Jazz, Pleiss made waves locally by connecting on 66 of 90 attempts during a three-point shooting drill. It may take some time before he’s a legitimate deep threat in-game, but the Jazz and Pleiss both remain confident that he has more touch than he’s been able to show.

Speaking of Pleiss, Joe Ingles has already found a nickname for the German center–

Joe Ingles was asked about his Slow Mo Joe nickname. He then gave Tibor Pleiss a new nickname. "He's slower (than me). Slower Tibor."
— Jody Genessy (@DJJazzyJody) September 28, 2015

One of the more talked about items on Monday was the change in Trey Burke‘s body. After playing last season at 190 pounds, the point guard currently sits at 178 to 180 pounds. For more on Burke’s leaner physique, click here.

Trevor Booker was asked about the comparison between he and Golden State Warriors star Draymond Green and responded as one might expect given his fiery demeanor. Check that out here.

Perhaps the biggest story surrounding the team at the moment is the return of Alec Burks. The guard expressed his excitement about being back on the floor and offered new information about his shoulder injury. The official diagnosis was apparently a torn labrum–

Alec Burks reveals that he tore his labrum....Jazz always characterized issue as a shoulder injury
— Tony Jones (@Tjonesonthenba) September 28, 2015

Burks was cleared for on-court activity two weeks ago and figures to be ready for the season.

With the press grind in the books, the Jazz launch immediately into training camp and preseason play. Burks and crew will be in Honolulu, Hawaii on Sunday to take on the Los Angeles Lakers.

Next: Media Day: Trey Burke Looking Lean

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