| Added Depth Should Provide Optimism For Jazz Fans Authored by Ler Ferran - October 8, 2006 - 11:47 pm
Over the past two years, there has been one issue at the heart of most Utah fans' gripes. Whether they are arguing about Carlos Boozer's foot or hamstring or Coach Sloan's tinkering with the line-up, the root of it all has been the seemingly constant injuries. No doubt about it, the Jazz organization has finally had the injury bug catch up to them after years of Stockton and Malone having superstar durability. However, like the groundhog not seeing his shadow, the Utah Jazz has hope for sunnier days coming sooner rather than later.
Although it appeared uneventful, the offseason proved fruitful for a team sorely lacking depth. Position-by-position, the Jazz have improved through a combination of the draft and a pair of minor trades.
Center/Power Forward – As shown by the new Williams-and-four-forwards approach used at the end of last season, these two positions are fairly interchangeable in the Jerry Sloan's offense. Despite having three solid players in Okur, Boozer, and Kirilenko, this position has been weak in the past. The questionable durability of both Boozer and Kirilenko has forced Utah to give extra minutes to inconsistent players such as Kris Humphries and Greg Ostertag. This year, the Jazz have solid backup Jarron Collins returning, as well as new additions in Paul Millsap and Rafael Araujo. Although labeled a bust, Araujo showed he can be the intimidating bruiser in the middle, so long as he stays out of foul trouble. Millsap on the other hand, proved in the Rocky Mountain Review why he led the NCAA in rebounds three straight years, despite being undersized.
Small Forward – Likely the most stacked position on this year's roster, a serious injury to AK-47 won't hurt so much if it happens this year. Between Matt Harpring, a player known for consistent play both on and off the bench, and first-round draft pick Ronnie Brewer, the Jazz have plenty of talent to come in and contribute. Also available to run at the 3, Utah has the ability to use CJ Miles or Paul Millsap.
Shooting Guard – Considered to be the weak point in the offense for years, Utah hoped to draft an immediate impact-maker, and may have gotten just that in Ronnie Brewer. Slipping to the 14th overall, the Jazz weren't deterred by an awkward jump shot and were able to snag the athletic swingman. Add to that a healthy Gordan Giricek, up-and-coming CJ Miles, and potential use of Derek Fisher and Deron Williams. Although not the most talented array of 2-guards, there are enough options that Utah can expect at least an adequate player.
Point Guard – Despite being over-shadowed by Chris Paul and suffering a slump through the winter, Deron Williams proved after the all-star break that he has the ability to be the cornerstone of this franchise for the next decade or more. Despite a lack of talent coming off the bench in the past, this year the Jazz obtained seasoned floor-general Derek Fisher who will not only bring leadership, but also a deadly 3-point shot.
Overall, this year's team should prove to be much more resilient to injury than the previous two. Optimistic Jazz fans can finally expect a return to the playoffs, although this young team is still a few years away from a return to the Western Conference elite. |
