David,

I’m not at all surprised with the Jazz-Tomic reports coming out. The first thing I told Ben Anderson and Kyle Gunther during our radio interview a few weeks ago, was that I thought the text message linking a deal between the Utah Jazz and Tibor Pleiss was a mistake, and that the initial intensions of the source was Ante Tomic. It made more sense on a lot of fronts. However, I’m sure the Jazz have serious interest in Tomic – ranked among the Top 10 players in the Euroleague in 11 different categories, and Top 5 in six different categories. This is no doubt his breakout season.

Given the fact that he has an escape clause to the NBA, and reports hint the Jazz are willing to buy him out, we might see Tomic in Utah next season. It’s now or never for him to make the jump to the NBA. It’s really hard to tell what kind of player the Jazz are getting from a mental standpoint, because Tomic is known for being SOFT. Ultra-skilled, but also real soft as a defender. In fact, according to a stat investigation, Barcelona opponents attack and score more points in the paint than any other position on the floor. Hence, Tomic’s and Tibor Pleiss’ lack of aggression.

Tomic told me in person that the NBA is something he is interested in exploring, and that his window to the league hasn’t closed. But people in his camp have doubts about him ever being ready to play in the league. If and when the Jazz strike a deal with Tomic, I believe it’ll be in the framework of a long-term three-year deal, kind of like a 2+1 team option contract.

Re: Pleiss, due to the fact that the Euroleague signings deadline has expired and Barcelona can’t replace him or trade him for another, I doubt Pleiss would finish the season in the U.S.