Jazzin' it Up: Why the Utah Jazz Will Be Better Than Expected This Season

When it comes to the Utah Jazz and Jerry Sloan, I have decidedly mixed feelings. I am no means, a Utah Jazz fan. On the other hand, I can't say I really dislike them either. To be honest about it, my basketball allegiance was taken years ago and although my favorite team, the Boston Celtics, has been mired in a continuous state of ineptitude for the past two decades, I just can't forsake them.

My allegiances aside, I have to admit, that I am an absolutely huge supporter of Jazz head coach, Jerry Sloan - and I've written it on many occasions.

I've always held Sloan in high regard as one of the game's greatest teachers and tacticians. Simply put, I think Sloan does more with less than any coach in the league, and now that he has some talent once again, to go along with his wisdom, and knowledge of the game, he is reaping the benefits of what he's been trying sow since they heyday of Karl Malone and John Stockton ended roughly a half-decade ago.

I will admit that it is good to see Sloan smiling on the sidelines once again. One of the sport's most graceful ambassadors, Sloan deserves this more than anyone. However this column isn't about Sloan, it's about his team and why I think they may have a legitimate shot at reaching the western conference semifinals.

That's right, the Jazz could legitimately be one of the participants in the western conference finals. If this team continues to grow and no key cog gets injured, I think the Jazz could be a big surprise in the west.
Looking at the Jazz roster, I get the sense that they are a lot better than anyone anticipated, possibly themselves. Let me count the ways.

Point Guard
Utah appears to be in excellent shape at the point now with the young and still improving Deron Williams maturing into a fine player and veteran leader, Derek Fisher, shooting the ball as well as ever. This is a combination that should work all season and if either gets injured, then there's Dee Brown, another growing young player.

Shooting Guard
Gordon Giricek is an excellent shooter - especially when he's hot. If he can maintain his stroke - and composure - all season, the Jazz will benefit enormously.
Young, but mature, Ronnie Brewer, who looks like he's going to be a fine player as well, backs up Giricek and has tons of potential. Sure this pair isn't going to remind anyone of Kobe Bryant, but combined, they're actually not a bad pair. Besides, the shooting guard position is clearly not the strength of the Jazz right now.

Small Forward
This position is a huge strength for the Jazz. Not only do they have Andrei Kirilenko, the wiry 6-9 combination forward, who, when healthy, is one of the best all-around players in the game, but they also have veteran scorer, Matt Harpring, a player I've always liked.
I know Kirilenko is prone to injury. But with Harpring backing him up and third stringer, C.J. Miles, coming along nicely as well, the Jazz appear to be in really good shape at small forward.

Power Forward
I know Sloan has been at odds with Boozer, almost since the time he first arrived in Utah. The former all-star's name has also been routinely mentioned in numerous trade scenarios, but it would seem as if, suddenly, all is right between Boozer and Sloan.
Boozer has been nothing short of spectacular, averaging over 20 points and 10 rebounds per game, numbers that the Jazz expected to get when they signed him to a lucrative free agent contract a couple of seasons ago.
Once again, it seems the Jazz have a more than capable backup in young forward, Paul Millsap, who has provided Utah with a lot of energy off the bench and an excellent, interior presence defensively.

Center
Speaking of the Pistons, it's funny how they traded away both, Darko Milicic and Mehmet Okur, and could now use either player in the worst way. At any rate, Okur has turned into a legitimate offensive threat, averaging over 18 points per game and providing the Jazz with some quality perimeter shooting, from the center position no less. No, Okur isn't a classic low post threat, but he is a typical European center; a close to seven foot-player who can shoot the ball out to 22 feet and put the ball in the basket on a regular basis and is also a fairly adept ball handler and passer, but not the strongest interior presence defensively. Veteran Jarron Collins provides the Jazz with quality minutes and the interior presence they need coming off the bench without much of a drop-off in play.

The bottom line is that the Jazz look like they are the real deal and are going to be a legitimate force in the western conference this season - and possibly, for years to come.