State of the Jazz

After attending the game the other night I have a few observations;

The team plays completely different with Deron Williams at the helm. He ended up with 15 assists and really only played about half the game. He just runs the team better than anyone else. I noticed that a few times guys miscalculated passes because you could tell they weren't used to receiving the pass where they were on the court. This will change soon and everyone will be better for it. Nice to have him back.

The biggest revelation of the night was that Paul Millsap may very well be the answer to the Boozer question. It has been rumored that Boozer will leave the Jazz after this year. Let me make a point real quick. Boozer came to the Jazz after stiffing the Cavs, sure we have been happy to have him, but at the same time because of the way he came here, everyone--management included, realizes he could leave the same way. The historical problem with being a traitor is no one trusts you. If you sold out your "friends" who won't you sell out? So yeah no one should trust him. I like Boozer but want to be prepared if he leaves.

Okay onto Millsap. This season in a back up role he is averaging 12.2 pts 7 R 1.3 Bl per game. Boozer is averaging 20.5 Pts 11.7 R 0.25 Blocks. Admittedly there is a major difference in those numbers. But lets dissect this more. Millsap has been playing with the second team, meaning he doesn't get to play with the better players as much as Boozer does. Now let's look at how Millsap has done when he got to start. He scored 24 & 21 (22.5 avg) rebounded 16 & 10(13 avg) and had a block each game. Now I know he is not quite the force that Boozer is. But he is a MUCH better defender and won't cost nearly as much. I imagine the Jazz could sign him for half of what they pay Boozer and get a much tougher guy, more heart, better defender, more hustle, just as good of a rebounder, not quite the scorer, BUT and here is the thing, I trust Millsap. He has worked extremely hard to get to this point. I think if the Jazz have any, and I mean any, reason to believe that Boozer will bolt--then he should be dealt and Millsap should be signed long term.

Ronnie Price is no point guard. No assists in the game I was at. He looked for himself, forced bad shots, and made poor decisions. I predict if he continues to play as such Brevin Knight will get his minutes.

Brewer and Okur are different players with Williams on the floor. Both should be rejoicing that he is back.

I am not happy that all these guys are hurt, but all these guys getting extra minutes will turn out to be a big deal in the long run.

I was a critic of the Jazz signing Miles. I am still not a big fan, but Harpring looks awful. He is way too slow. I like his toughness but his days are numbered. Props to the Jazz for recognizing this and being ahead of the game instead of behind. He still has a lot to work on, but at least he is a viable option.

Go Jazz