First, what to think of the Ronnie Brewer trade for nothing but a future 1st round pick from the Memphis Grizzlies. Does this improve the Jazz? For now or the future? Did it hurt them? Let’s take a look at some pros and cons and then I’ll share my opinion:

PRO’s

(1) Jazz save several million dollars – Brewer’s salary, doubled because of the dollar for dollar luxury tax.
(2) Jazz get a future 1st round draft pick from the Grizz. Will it be used on another player? Or coupled with something else to acquire a much better draft pick or player?
(3) Jazz wing players AK, Wes Matthews, Kyle Korver, and CJ Miles all get more minutes, more experience and should be happier and improve with the added playing time.
(4) Jazz get SOMEthing in return for Brewer, who was somewhat likely to leave for nothing in free agency because he and the Jazz were apparently far off in new contract negotiations.
(5) Jazz don’t lose much because the play of Matthews and AK had made Brewer, and his lack of shooting expendable.

CON’s

(1) Jazz lose out on Brewer’s strengths, which were many: Hustle, heart, competitiveness, athleticism, length, steals, defense, amazing dunks, assists, moving without the basketball, fast-break creation and easy buckets, smart basketball IQ player, great teammate and person, etc, etc.
(2) Jazz risk throwing off team chemistry in the midst of a HUGE hot streak by losing a valuable player and adding a FUTURE asset in return.
(3) Apparently D-Will is PISSED! Williams considered Brewer like his little brother, and in addition to losing a great friend, he views the trade as management making the team worse, while other teams are trading to improve. Will this trade work itself out, making D-will forgive and forget? Or will he hold a grudge and leave after his comments to reporters “That’s why I only signed a 3 year deal.”?
(4) Jazz also risk turning the future draft pick into a player who will not work out or replace the quality of player Brewer is/was/can become – making the trade look stupid – only time will tell.

On to my analysis of the trade.

I loved Brewer! He was one of the guys that brought it every night! He provided hustle, defense, steals, energy, athleticism, dunks, etc. But he was a shooting guard that COULDN’T SHOOT! Kobe Bryant didn’t even bother to guard him in last year’s playoffs, hurting the Jazz when D-will and Boozer were bothered by the Lakers’ length, Brewer, among others couldn’t make a shot. When I heard of the trade I was first shocked, then kinda sad, then I thought (still sad, obviously) “Meh, that sucks, but Brewer’s not irreplaceable, and from the business side it makes sense.” Getting SOMEthing for him before he leaves in free agency is a nice move. We’d love to keep him, but we can’t overpay for him (*cough* AK! *ahem*). Similar to Boozer’s situation, getting something before he walks is ideal, but nobody would bite on Boozer, and with the play of Matthews, and AK, occasionally Miles, and Korver improving, Brewer was more expendable than Boozer right now. People doubt that the Jazz can find a talent equal to, or greater than Brewer with the first round pick. No offense to Brewer, but ARE YOU KIDDING ME?? Only 3 players on the Jazz roster were 1st round picks!!! Matthews was UNDRAFTED! Boozer, Okur, Miles, Millsap, etc. were all 2nd round picks! Dejuan Blair from this year – 2nd round pick. Talent CAN be found. I don’t see the Grizz being a top 8 team in the next few years. Needless to say, Brewer was a class act, and good player, and he WILL be missed. I just hope that the other wings step up, and D-will doesn’t hold a grudge and it turns out to be a nice move by management and they can much improve the team and make Deron happy after all.

2010 Draft

Now onto the draft. As one reader commented, might the Jazz be considering coupling the Grizz pick with their pick from the Knicks and/or other players to move up in the draft to select a certain player they are targeting? No one knows, but it definitely gives them options!

Currently the Knicks have the 6th worst record in the league and are only a few games out of the 4th or 3rd worst. Lottery, and odds aside, that would give us the 6th pick. I have been trying to follow as closely as I can all of the prospects I would hope the Jazz could take and HOPE they turn out to be a GREAT pick (many times lottery picks are hit or miss success-wise). I have been tracking stats and profiles of such players as Derrick Favors, Wesley Johnson, Evan Turner, Xavier Henry, Larry Sanders, Ed Davis, the dude from Wake Forest with the long name I can’t remember or spell. Anyway, at this point it’s just TOUGH trying to see who’s going to be a huge success in the NBA. There doesn’t seem to be a Kobe Bryant, or Carmelo Anthony [meaning big name, surefire star] in this draft aside from John Wall – and although he’s a freakish athlete and could work well running with Deron Williams, I personally don’t see that as the best fit.

The 2 players I hope most for are probably Evan Turner or Derrick Favors, possibly Wes Johnson, while some of the other prospects I’d be happy with, but have to PRAY they turn into our savior. Favors is only a Freshman, and he’s garnering comparisons to Dwight Howard and Amare Stoudemire. Yeah, I’d take that! Evan Turner is a well-rounded beast! He can score, pass, rebound, do almost ANYthing, which I think would make him a GREAT addition into the Jerry Sloan, Utah Jazz system. However, both of these prospects are projected to go #2 and #3. So unless the Knicks lose every game the rest of the season, or we get lucky and win one of the top 3 spots in the lottery, they’d be gone by our pick.

So do I think the Jazz are targeting 1 or 2 players and they want to use the Grizz pick to move up in the draft? Not necessarily, but it’s possible. It may depend on how the lottery shakes out, how the top prospects finish the season, and many other things. But why have a top 10 pick only to fall just a pick or 2 short of a player that could REALLY help the Jazz get over the hump? The pick is just another asset to use how they see fit.

I see the Jazz as sitting pretty right now. Would I like to re-sign Boozer? Hell yes. He’d have to accept much less money to stay – AK’s still due about $17 million next year before his contract’s up. If the Jazz can add some pieces [Knicks pick?] to keep D-will happy and get him to re-sign, and the Jazz keep or add other key role players: Millsap, Matthews, CJ, Fes and/or Koufos, AK and Booze (for less money?) the Jazz should be well on their way to winning the coveted Championship!!! And if not, well, at least it’s better to win every single season and come close than to suffer through horrific seasons like the Nets, Clippers, T-wolves, etc.

Here’s hoping for continued Jazz success, getting an AWESOME draft pick (or 2), keeping D-will, and winning that Championship (or several)!

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I think I speak for the majority of Jazz fans by saying, “We’re very glad that you are staying here with us!”  The Jazz and its fan-base are excited to see you come back and bring your unique skill set to the court for the next few years.  Many have called your work ethic as “going beyond what is expected” and we are grateful for that.  Your rebounding skills, and willingness to go out and give 110% each game is an excellent example not only to other NBA players, but to all fans and those that play the game.

As fans, we only have a couple of humble requests to ask of you…  We are not ordering you to do these things, just consider them as your continue your amazing career with the Jazz:

First, keep up the good work.  We feel that your effort given in each game is quite a spectacle, and as you continue to bust your butt each day, let that talent spread to the other Jazz players, especially our rookies i.e. (Maynor, Fesenko, Koufos)

Second, let the coaches do their job.  Although he does not own a championship ring, Jerry Sloan is a legend.  He will continue to teach you things that will not only help you with basketball but with life in general.  We know that you want to be a starter and God knows you are very capable of that, but if the coaching staff decides that you are not quite ready to start, don’t baulk at their decision.  Keep your humble attitude and just go with the flow.  The Jazz just resigned you, so I wouldn’t worry about getting your minutes.

Third, please don’t lose your heart.  Once again, you just signed a huge deal with the Jazz and will be playing for them for at least 4 years, and hopefully many more.  Please don’t let this go to your head!!  One of the things most people write about you is your amazing attitude toward the game of basketball.  You have proven yourself as a hard worker, and as someone that always gives their all when they play.  Don’t become like so many stars today that sign huge deals like yours, and then just become complacent with the game.  Keep your head in the game, and show the world that you are someone that always tries their hardest.

And finally, lose your agents!  We mean absolutely no offense to your family at all.  Family is very special thing to most in Utah, and we respect yours, but seriously hire some new agents.  One of the oldest adages in business is “to never go into business with family.”  Rarely, if ever, has this phenomenon worked, and it’s not working for you.  There were several quotes given by your agents these past couple weeks that were not only arrogant, but just plain offensive.  They, at times, made themselves and you look like some kind of greedy, selfish player, and we know that you are better than that.  It is hard to see this right now, but you should respect the Jazz and their recent wait on matching your offer.  The NBA and Jazz organization are businesses.  They run and act like a business.  The Jazz were in no way trying to offend you by holding out, but were just (like a business) weighing all of their options.  Many of the comments regarding the Jazz by your agents were flat out rude and quite ignorant.  Get new agents!  We are sure that there are plenty of great agents out there that would love to represent you and help you along your career.

Thanks again for your efforts and example!  We are really looking forward to see you play and will cheer extra hard when you’re on the court.  Keep up the great work!

Sincerely,

All Utah Jazz Fans

(Jay, the other Jazz Junkies owner contributed some thoughts and ideas to this article while we were discussing this topic.)

I still don’t know if Millsap is worth that kind of money, because like I said in a previous article, can Millsap be a starter for the whole season?  When Boozer was first injured last year, Millsap did step in and post great numbers including many Double-Doubles.  But, when his knee started giving him problems, it was like he became non-existent.

I am very glad that they signed him.  Millsap is a very hard worker who brings a great presence to the Utah Jazz.  If the Jazz want to be competitive not only in the division but also in the league, they need Millsap’s presence, attitude, and contribution.

Prop’s should be given to Kevin O’Conner and the Jazz organization for not letting this deal slip away from them.

From the start of the relationship between the Jazz and Boozer, to the current time, it seems to me that Boozer has always been about the money.  He is a good player.  His stats and track record prove that.  But seriously, stop caring about yourself/money and start caring for your team.  He ditched the Cleveland Cavaliers for money, went on national television and said he deserved more money, and opted in to his last year of his contract with the Jazz, for money (the most he obviously could get from any of the 32 teams in the NBA.)

Recently Espn.com reported that Carlos Boozer said that he was no longer a part of the Utah Jazz’s plans.  Kevin O’Conner (GM) has yet to respond to these allegations, but I couldn’t agree more with this move by the Jazz.  Basketball is a team sport, and you need everyone on the team to work toward the goal of getting a championship, not making more money!  Look at the Lakers of this year, and the Celtics of last year.  Yes, they both have arrogant stars on their teams, but… when it comes down to wire, they all play as a team for the championship!

Boozer needs to be humbled!  Again, he is talented.  He has made the all-star team and was on the recent USA Olympic basketball team.  I also really like his posting-up moves and he does have a great jump-shot.  But are these talents really worth the bad attitude that he is constantly showing the world?

In my opinion, his arrogance and selfish ways overshadow his talents as a player and teammate.  Also let’s not forget his constant injuries that have plagued him his whole career.  Message to the Jazz management: Trade Boozer asap, take someone else with only a year on their contract but that requires less money, and most importantly, get someone that is not all about the money and wants to contribute to the Team!

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Out of all of the arguments and articles that I have read about the Jazz and Paul Millsap, really, I see only one of two possible scenarios.

First, they could match the recent contract proposed by Portland Trailblazers, of around 32 million/4 year/10.3 upfront contract.  By doing this, we get to keep our current backup power forward, who has potential to become a starter.  But by signing him to this contract, this puts the Jazz into the dreaded luxury tax threshold, where basically they would have to pay millions of dollars in taxes in order to remain within the NBA regulations.

Making this decision has two parts to it.  One, they could relieve some cap space by trading a player (such as Carlos Boozer) for a player with a lower salary or make a shift with other players in trades or other outcomes.  Or two, just pay the tax and swallow your losses.

The second option, let the Blazers have Millsap, keep Boozer for his final season with the Jazz, and hope that other players such as Fesenko or Koufos step up and become the PF/C’s that the Jazz need in order to be a great team.

In my opinion, I think the Jazz should come up with the money and match for Millsap to stay with the Jazz.  Although, Millsap is short, he’s a scrapper.  He brings a presence to the court that demands others to excel and try their hardest.  Millsap needs to learn to become a better shooter though.  I know there are people within the coaching staff that can help him with that.  The NBA is not very loaded with PF’s let alone good PF’s that make an immediate impact to a team.  Keep Millsap!

What do you think?  Leave your (constructive) comments/arguments/opinions in the comment section of this article.

Please participate and send to your friends to get them to participate.  Share this through Facebook, or Myspace, or whatever – let’s see what the Fans’ consensus is!  Go Jazz!

So here are a couple links to some NBA Mock Draft Databases, with tons and tons of mock drafts.  Check ‘em out, and comment what you think, or who you HOPE the Jazz pick…   ENJOY!

DC Pro Sports Report Database

Walter Football NBA Mock Draft Database

They sit down with a few of the talented Jazz Dancers and ask them questions about the life of a Jazz Dancer, including:  Workout routines, eating habits, hair & make-up, and personal life.
If you’ve ever wanted to personally chat with a Jazz Dancer, or learn the secrets of what it’s like, here’s your chance….  Check out the awesome video and article below by clicking “Read More”…..
Watch the video and read the article here.

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Isiah Thomas can't even stand himself!

  Hopefully not!  At least not this year… Though this season has been disappointing (an understatement!), I’m optimistic the Jazz can eventually get healthy and make a push for at least a playoff spot.  They are however, due the New York Knicks first-round pick most likely next year.  I’ll explain how we got it, and what the complicated protection clauses are.

  So first of all, here is how the Jazz ended up with this first-round Knicks pick: 

  In 2004 Isaiah Thomas traded Howard Eisley, Antonio McDyess, Charlie Ward, a 2004 draft pick, and a future protected draft pick to the Suns for Anfernee (Penny) Hardaway and Stephon Marbury (who is now getting paid to sit behind the bench in a suit).

  A month later, the Jazz traded Keon Clark (who?) and Ben Handgloten (also who?) to the Phoenix Suns for Tom Gugliotta and that Knicks first-round pick.  Here are the Protections for that pick:  Protected 2006=top 25, 2007=top 24, 2008=top 23, 2009=top 22. Unprotected in 2010.

  Meanwhile, the Jazz owe a first round draft pick to the Philadelphia 76ers from the Gordan Giricek, Kyle Korver trade.  Here are the protections on that pick:  protected 2009=top 22*, 2010=top 15**, 2011=top17, 2012=top 16, 2013=top 16, 2014=becomes 2014 second round pick plus cash).  But there’s more…

* if Jazz pick (2009) is unprotected to Sixers AND if Jazz receive New York pick in 2009, Sixers have rights to the more favorable of the two picks.

**if Jazz pick (2010) is unprotected to Sixers AND if Jazz receive New York pick in 2010, Sixers will receive the less favorable of the two picks.

  So here are the scenarios:  The 2009 Knicks, while improved, will most assuredly not finish with a record in the top 8 of the League, meaning that they’ll keep the pick this summer.  And the Jazz, with their injuries and struggles, they’re also unlikely to finish in the top 8, keeping their 2009 first round pick.  (It’s believed that the Jazz front office designed the protections on their owed pick to be given away the same year they receive the Knicks unprotected pick in 2010.

  What pick then, could the Jazz end up with in 2010?  With D’Antoni taking over for Isaiah Thomas, the Knicks are much-improved without much talent.  They are a classic D’Antoni team, run-n-gun, throw up a ton of 3′s, and try to outscore their opponents.  They traded several of their better players, and they seem to clearing cap space for 2010 (refer to previous post if you don’t know why).  This could bode well for the Jazz, but if the Knicks keep winning games, it may not be as great a pick as it originally looked with Thomas at the helm!

  If the Knicks current position in the standings (20-25, 18th best record) translates to next season, the Jazz would get approximately the 13th pick overall – assuming they didn’t miraculously win the lottery and get a much higher pick.

  As discussed before, the Jazz COULD have 7 free agents at the end of this season (Price, Hart, Collins, Millsap, Korver, Okur, and Boozer).  Meaning that it is unknown who will return, what new additions will sign with the Jazz, or what needs the team will have.  So the pick could be extremely important even if it’s not a top-10 pick.  I just hope the Jazz take the necessary steps to get some help for Deron Williams in the meantime (re-signing Millsap for example), so that pick could be a missing piece to a championship team, instead of hoping it can fill a gaping hole they couldn’t fill.

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  First of all, let’s take a look at what things will or could affect whether the Jazz have roster spots or salary space for any of the 2010 free agents:

1- Carlos Boozer is opting out at the end of this season (may or may not re-sign with the Jazz)

2- Mehmet Okur can choose to opt out at the end of this season

3- Paul Millsap will be a restricted free agent, meaning he can sign with another team, but the Jazz can match the offer and keep him

4- Kyle Korver can also opt out at the end of this season

5- Jarron Collins is a free agent after this season

6- Ronnie Price is a free agent after this season

7- Brevin Knight is a free agent after this season

8- Matt Harpring will be a free agent after next (’09-’10) season

9- Morris Almond is free to sign with any other team at the end of this season

10- The Jazz may or may not exercise their option on Kyrylo Fesenko’s contract at the end of this season

11- Also, the Jazz will have their draft pick(s) this offseason, as well as 2 players from last year’s draft from overseas that they have the rights to

12- Don’t forget the Jazz get the New York Knicks draft pick next summer 2010 unprotected.  More details on that in my next piece…

  All that said, it is very possible that the Jazz may have several roster positions needing to filled by 2010 and could also have a decent amount of cap space.  They will still have Kirilenko’s expensive contract through the 2010-2011 season, they signed Deron Williams to a deserving contract, and they may or may not re-sign the players listed above.  Also listed below the Loaded 2010 Free Agent list is the also talented 2009 Free Agent List.  On to the Free Agent list:

First, I must give credit to the website I borrowed this information from: HoopsWorld.com

First up, let’s start with the stars whose contracts expire following the 2009-2010 season and will then become honest-to-goodness free agents:

Joe Johnson
Ray Allen
Manu Ginobili
Marcus Camby
Tracey McGrady
Shaquille O’Neal
Brad Miller
Stephen Jackson
Jermaine O’Neal
Mike Miller
Rip Hamilton

The next grouping is those players that are signed thru 2011, but can opt out in 2010 if they so choose:
Amare Stoudamire (owed 17.7 million in 10/11)
LeBron James (owed 17.2 million in 10/11)
Dwayne Wade (owed 17.0 million in 10/11)
Chris Bosh (owed 17.1 million in 10/11)
Dirk Nowitzki (owed $21.5 million in 10/11)
Josh Howard (owed $11.8 million in 10/11)
Mike Redd (owed $18.3 million in 10/11)
Tyson Chandler (owed $12.8 million in 10/11)

This next list consists of contracts that are set to expire in 2010, but the player may choose to opt-out following the 2008-2009 season:
Steve Nash (owed $13.1 million in 09-10)
Carlos Boozer (owed $12.7 million in 09-10)
Chris Paul (owed $6 million in 09-10 / almost certain to sign an extension before becoming unrestricted)
Memo Okur (owed $9.0 million in 09-10)
Hedo Turkoglu (owed $7.4 million in 09-10)
In addition to the superstars listed above, these ‘second-tier’ players are set to hit the open market as well:
Ben Wallace
Larry Hughes
Zydrunas Ilgauskas (option to opt-out after 09/10 season)
Anderson Varejao (option to opt-out after 09/10 season)
Al Harrington
Darko Milicic
Udonis Haslem
Jamal Crawford (option to opt-out after 09/10 season)
Eddy Curry (option to opt-out after 09/10 season)
Amir Johnson
Derek Fisher
Raja Bell
T.J. Ford (player option – owed $8.5 million in 10/11)
Travis Outlaw
Bruce Bowen
Earl Watson
Luke Ridnour
Matt Harpring
Quentin Richardson
Damien Wilkins

We also must include the list of players that will actually eventually have value due solely to the fact their contracts come off the books in the summer of 2010:
Jerome James (proof that Isiah Thomas knew what he was doing all along!)
Cuttino Mobley
Brendan Haywood
Tim Thomas
Brian Cardinal
Antonio Davis
Mark Blount
Bobby Simmons
Troy Hudson
Darius Miles
Kenny Thomas
Shareef Abdul-Rahim
Matt Bonner
Etan Thomas

Last, but not least, we have the 2006 Draft Class. These players will all be restricted free-agents in 2010, if they haven’t already been inked to extensions:
Brandon Roy
Rudy Gay
LaMarcus Aldridge
Andrea Bargnani
Rajon Rondo
Tyrus Thomas
Kyle Lowry
Randy Foye
Marcus Williams
Josh Boone
Renaldo Balkman
Sergio Rodriguez
Ronnie Brewer

Here is the Free Agent class of 2009:  Credit goes to Chad Ford at ESPN.

Group I: The “Big 10″ ETO or Player Option candidates

1. Kobe Bryant, Lakers (ETO)
2. Carlos Boozer, Jazz (PO)
3. Richard Hamilton, Pistons (ETO)
4. Jermaine O’Neal, Raptors (PO)
5. Mehmet Okur, Jazz (ETO)
Okur is also an unlikely candidate to opt out of his contract. He, too, would struggle to find more money on the open market. Like some of the other players on the list, his goal is to work out an extension.
6. Hedo Turkoglu, Magic (ETO)
7. Jamal Crawford, Knicks (ETO)
8. Eddy Curry, Knicks (ETO)
9. Anderson Varejao, Cavs (PO)
10. Al Harrington, Warriors (PO)
Other notables: Kyle Korver, Jazz (ETO); Zydrunas Ilgauskas, Cavs (ETO); Ricky Davis, Clippers (PO); Kwame Brown, Pistons (PO); Etan Thomas, Wizards (ETO); Mark Blount, Heat (ETO). Group II: The restricted free agents

So far, only three players from the draft class of 2005 — Andrew Bogut, Chris Paul and Deron Williams — have signed extensions.

1. Andrew Bynum, Lakers
2. Danny Granger, Pacers
3. Marvin Williams, Hawks
4. David Lee, Knicks
5. Josh Childress, Hawks
6. Raymond Felton, Bobcats
7. Charlie Villanueva, Bucks
8. Channing Frye, Blazers
9. Nenad Krstic, Nets
10. Rashad McCants, Timberwolves
Other notables: Jason Maxiell, Pistons; Nate Robinson, Knicks; Sean May, Bobcats; Martell Webster, Blazers; Linas Kleiza, Nuggets; Hakim Warrick, Grizzlies; Jarrett Jack, Pacers; Francisco Garcia; Kings; Luther Head, Rockets; Ramon Sessions, Bucks; Johan Petro, Thunder; Ike Diogu, Blazers; Jamario Moon, Raptors; Glen Davis, Celtics; Leon Powe, Celtics.

Group III: The real, honest-to-goodness unrestricted free agents

1. Shawn Marion, Heat
2. Allen Iverson, Nuggets
3. Ron Artest, Rockets
4. Lamar Odom, Lakers
5. Rasheed Wallace, Pistons
6. Jason Kidd, Mavericks
7. Andre Miller, Sixers
8. Chris Wilcox, Thunder
9. Mike Bibby, Hawks
10. Drew Gooden, Bulls
Other notables: Trevor Ariza, Lakers; Anthony Parker, Raptors; Zaza Pachulia, Hawks; Jeff Foster, Pacers; Brandon Bass, Mavs; Marquis Daniels, Pacers; Wally Szczerbiak, Cavs; Joe Smith, Thunder; Stephon Marbury, Knicks; Grant Hill, Suns; Stromile Swift, Nets; Robert Swift, Thunder; Rasho Nesterovic, Pacers; Keith Bogans, Magic; Jason Williams, Clippers; Bobby Jackson, Kings; Damon Jones, Bucks; Desmond Mason, Thunder; Chris Mihm, Lakers; Jason Collins, Timberwolves; Jarron Collins, Jazz

  That’s a lot of players!  There’s a lot of things that may control what the 2010-2011 Jazz team will look like.  But in my opinion, I feel that it’s likely the Jazz will lose Boozer, sign Millsap to a long contract, keep Okur with a contract extension, and possibly try to land a big free agent in 2010, like Chris Bosh or somebody.  Only time will tell.  Could be interesting though. I hope the Jazz find a right mix of keeping enough players, and adding enough pieces to get us over the hump to win a Championship!

  Millsap underwent an MRI on the knee and results have shown that he has a sprained posterior cruciate knee ligament (PCL).  If he misses the full 10 days, that will be a total of 5 games missed.

  While it is most certainly sad to see Millsap’s consecutive games played streak come to an end, not to mention the struggles the Jazz are sure to have playing without Boozer OR Millsap, it is still a relief to know that it’s not as bad as it could have been!

  Mehmet Okur is listed as doubtul for tonight’s game against the Dallas Mavericks with continued back spasms.  Andrei Kirilenko will start in place of Millsap, and rookie Kosta Koufos will start for Okur.  Which leaves the question, who will produce off the bench?  Hopefully players like Harpring, Korver, Price, and Almond (and Fesenko if he even plays) will be confident and ready to contribute and provide energy.  The Jazz could really use it, as they are currently in 9th place in the Western Conference (out of the playoffs), but only 2.5 games out of 2nd place.  I know it’s gotta be tough with all of the injuries, but the Jazz have got to play even harder and start putting together a little run of wins, with or without players like Boozer and Millsap.

  I’m sure everybody, even the Jazz were aware that Boozer would opt out at the end of this season – it was just the timing and the context that shed some doubt on Boozer’s committment to the Jazz and his desire to remain with the organization.   Anyways, his comments have made me feel a little better, because it sounds like he would prefer to stay with the Jazz, and maybe even keep some other pieces (Millsap) around to contend for a Championship. 

  Does this mean he will stay even if he doesn’t get the maximum-value contract the Jazz could offer him of about six years $130 million (as opposed to the 5-year $100 million offer other teams could make)?  That will remain to be seen.  It seems at least possible, and either scenario of him leaving or staying for less money wouldn’t surprise me.  He may just want to be assured a longer term contract worth a little bit more money, as opposed to the most money he can milk out of an organization.  Only time will tell.

  But another VERY reassuring piece of news reported by ESPN from Jazz GM Kevin O’Connor is that the Jazz plan to re-sign Paul Millsap regardless of what happens with Boozer.  And Ross Siler of the Salt Lake Tribune reports that Millsap said he would have no problem playing behind Boozer if he re-signed with the Jazz. “Playing behind him made me better so far,” Millsap said. “I’m not a selfish guy. I would love to play with him.”  Can I just say I love Millsap? 

  From what The Jazz are saying, and what Boozer is saying, and what Millsap is saying, it sounds to me like the Jazz will try their best to re-sign them both, and that Boozer and Millsap would be just fine with that.  Will it happen?  Like I said, only time will tell.  But here’s to some optimism, and keeping this talented young Jazz team together, and an NBA championship! Or several… 

  On a side note, I have noticed a ton of Boozer trashing lately by many Jazz fans in forums and comments.  I agree that his comments were stupid, and his desire and committment can seem suspect, with this injury taking longer than we all thought.  But has anyone else had a bone bruise and bruised kneecap / strained tendon?  Sometimes freak injuries occur and can take longer than originally thought.  I also am suspicious of the length of the injury, but I also know that there’s no denying the Jazz are a lot better with a healthy Boozer in the line-up.  Yes, he disappeared in the playoffs last year, but I don’t see that happening again, and if it does, we have a much more experience and confident Paul Millsap to pick up the slack.  But most of the time Boozer is money.  And frustrations with him aside, we should all cheer for the best possible Jazz team & results – which includes Boozer playing.  Here are the article links.  Check ‘em out!

1) Sloan is considering ?shaking up starters

2) Boozer clarifies contract comments

that he is getting a raise regardless, and it is what he thinks is the best move for him at this point.  A member of Jazz management called the timing of his statement “peculiar” and that Boozer had not told him or the Jazz of his decision yet.

  I completely agree that the timing of his decision is peculiar!  He’s missed 15 straight games with an injury most thought would only cause him to miss about 5, while his replacement, fan favorite Paul Millsap has filled in with 13 consecutive double-doubles.  I certainly feel that the Jazz are a better team with Boozer in the line-up, and I’d love to be able to keep him AND Millsap at season’s end. 

  HOWEVER, Boozer has only played in 70% of his games with the Jazz and Millsap has yet to miss ONE game in the 2.5 years since the Jazz drafted him late in the second round.  He hustles, fights, and plays hard EVERY game, and it seems he always is getting hurt.  Millsap is only in his THIRD year, and is currently making less than anyone else on the Jazz roster (refer to Jazz Salaries link).  Even Kyrylo Fesenko makes more than Millsap.  The rest of the league has seen what Millsap can do, and unfortunately, while still shouldering Kirilenko’s big contract, I don’t think we can keep both Boozer and Millsap.

  That said, I think the Jazz will, and should stick with Millsap.  He can get his well-deserved huge raise (which will assuredly be less than Boozer would want), and we can watch Millsap bloom into the Jazz’s new starting Power Forward, while having some money to add other pieces to play for a championship… pieces who care more about playing hard and winning than having millions to spend on fancy suits to wear while “injured”.

  As written in the disclaimer, we are Jazz fans, we don’t follow really any other team.  So the opinion, analysis, and commentary on any other team is often a researched, but educated guess, or mere observation.  I try to be as factual, informative, and as objective as possible, but at the very least, I am hoping that this version of the Power Rankings will be interesting and entertaining for everyone. 

On to the Rankings…..  (click “Read the rest of this entry” then click on the link at the bottom)

2008-09 NBA Power Rankings Vol. 1

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On to the Rankings….

Click on the Picture or Link below to view the rankings…

Jazz Player MVP Rankings Vol. 1

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