It's been a while since John Stockton completed an impressive bounce past to a rolling Karl Malone. Yet, forward Carlos Boozer and point guard Deron Williams remind many of those future hall of famers. While Boozer leads the Jazz by brawn and toughness, Williams is the glue of the team, effectively running the offense and hitting big shots. After an impressive comeback against the Houston Rockets in the 2007 NBA Playoffs, the young Jazz rolled past the Golden State Warriors before losing to the evental champions, the San Antonio Spurs.
Moreover, center Mehmet Okur fits in well with the two stars. His ability to hit the outside shot efficiently opens things up in the paint for Boozer and a penetrating Williams.
The Jazz's biggest weakness has been the shooting guard spot. They went with a committee of two guards in Gordon Giricek, then-rookie Ronnie Brewer and C.J. Miles. The Jazz also drafted rookie Morris Almond in the 2007 NBA Draft, which could prove to be a steal. Almond is a smart player and an excellent perimeter shooter.
Utah also hopes for forward Andrei Kirilenko to bounce back from a mediocre season. He's an exceptional athlete and a great shot blocker.
Statistics Projections/Depth Chart
- Center: Mehmet Okur 16.3 ppg, 7.4 rbpg (back up: Jarron Collins)
- Power Forward: Carlos Boozer 20.6 ppg, 11.2 rbpg (back up: Paul Millsap)
- Small Forward: Andrei Kirilenko 11.1 ppg, 5.6 rbpg, 2.7 bspg (back up: Matt Harpring)
- Point Guard: Deron Williams 17.6 ppg, 8.8 apg (back up: Jason Hart)
- Shooting Guard: Gordon Giricek 7.5 ppg (back up: Ronnie Brewer)
Key Losses
No noteworthy losses.
Key Additions
The Jazz's biggest addition is top draft pick, Morris Almond.
Team Rumors
The Jazz have been rumored to be in talks with the Phoenix Suns to swap Andrei Kirilenko for Shawn Marion. However, it's unlikely to happen despite contracts matching up, because Kirilenko is coming off of a disappointing season and is more injury prone than Marion.
Prediction
Utah should win three to four more games this season than last season, giving them a record of about 54-28. The Denver Nuggets will make the race for division title closer than last year, but the Jazz should still pull it off, assuming Boozer and Williams stay healthy. Andrei Kirilenko should have a better season with renewed focus, and Deron Williams should be entering this season with even more confidence than before. Moreover, Ronnie Brewer has a season under his belt and rookie Morris Almond looks to be a good fit for Utah. Despite an improved season, the Jazz will clinch the fourth seed and fall to the Denver Nuggets in seven games in the first round of the playoffs.
Fantasy Spin
Don't be fooled by Carlos Boozer's great play last season. His game doesn't necessarily translate well into the realm of fantasy basketball. Expect solid points, boards and good percentages, but he's not a stat filler and shouldn't be selected as one of the top tier fantasy basketball players.
Deron Williams' assists are a very nice commodity, but he's a bit low in steals and threes.
Andrei Kirilenko could be a steal between picks 50-60 after a disappointing season. His blocks are a great help, but injuries are always a concern with him.
Mehmet Okur is also a draftworthy Jazz and could help cushion fantasy teams' big men positions. His solid numbers won't wow anyone, but he's consistent and doesn't often get injured.
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