It drives me crazy that Hardy doesn't run traditional pick and rolls with Kessler or have him iso on the block. I know 3 pt shooting is all the rage, but when the other team plays a smaller 5 that can shoot, then make them pay in the post. Kessler is elite at finishing around the rim with the ball. He's good enough to post up guys like Naz Reid.
It's also insane how many times the guards miss Kessler on the roll. He could literally dunk or layup 5 easy shots a game. I think more involvement in the offense would help his confidence.
Edit. Here's an example…
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I really am apprehensive saying this, as I admit I haven’t really kept up with the general consensus of this sub, but I am starting to sour on Hardy and his style as a coach. He seems like a stand up dude, but his approach seems so just off? Like a blend of old school discipline and hustle with the most head scratching analytics driven lineups. Idk, I’m sure it’s really just a matter of the game passing me by honestly.
Edit: I appreciate everyone’s candid replies. I suppose that I’m just perplexed at some of the decisions he makes regarding playing time at this juncture, and not just Kessler, although that is the one glaring example. I get the feeling that the upcoming off-season is going to be filled with interesting moves. Hate to say it, but I really think Lauri is gone, plus picks, for something substantial. Idk why, it just feels like this off-season is the one that the jazz do something huge. Well see I suppose, and I mentioned Lauri specifically due to the recent grumblings and whatnot.
Kessler needs to show he can be more aggressive. I watch him play and imagine Bill Walton saying: throw it down big man! He needs to start actually yanking contested rebounds consistently without losing them and dunking with authority instead of pushing 3 footers.
While I’m also hoping that Kessler gets more opportunities theres a lot more than just him not getting the ball enough that’s preventing him from being more involved in the game. He had multiple opportunities last game where he was passed the ball and he was either unable to keep his hands on it or the he didn’t seem ready for the ball. His FG% is down from last year by 8%, He’s shooting around 64% this year.
I honestly don’t think the issue is with the offensive scheme but more to do confidence. More involvement may get him a little more confidence or if he continues to under perform offensively he could cause him to have more serious doubts in himself. I’m honestly ok to give him time to develop and hopefully this summer he takes time for himself. I think that would help him out a ton.
Iām over Hardy. I have no clue what the fuck the jazz are running anymore. The offense looks weird. Players are just pulling up whenever. No flow to the offense.
I dont think kessler is elite at finishing around the rim….defender probably….but he regressed so bad this year and if this keeps up…he is a backup at best