Utah Jazz 2009-2010 preview

General — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 11:31:58 +0000

Background of 2009-2010 Utah Jazz

Seems like just yesterday a young Utah Jazz team was in the Western Conference Finals and showing promise of becoming a real dynasty. They had the toughness, they had the skill, they had the chemistry, they had the coaching, they had the winning attitude that put fear into the hearts of the opposition. The swagger of the then redhot Golden State Warriors diminished without a trace to be found after facing that Utah team at its peak. What happened to change this once championship level team to its current sad state is uncertain. Perhaps they myriad of injuries that they have suffered since that day has a lot to do with it, and the Jazz now can barely be considered a playoffs team. In last year’s playoffs the Jazz were quickly brushed aside by the later to be NBA champions and since then have made no changes to their team. To add insult to injury, they overpaid to re-sign reserve Paul Millsap and Carlos Boozer doesn’t exactly seem like the perfect teammate at this moment. Having said that, the Jazz are probably the most unpredictable team in the NBA this year, they could make the conference Finals or not make the playoffs at all, and either way I wouldn’t be too surprised.

Jazz additions in 2010

None

Jazz departures in 2010

None

Probably Starting Lineup for the 2009 2010 Utah Jazz

PG – Deron Williams
SG – Ronnie Brewer
SF – Andrei Kirilenko
PF – Carlos Boozer
C – Mehmet Okur

Utah Jazz Guards

Deron Williams, despite never being considered an All-Star, is one of the best players in this league. He can do just about everything and is the ideal man to run a basketball club. At the shooting guard spot, you have Ronnie Brewer who isn’t exactly a household name but is one of the most underrated players around. It’s a solid backcourt that should be able to match up well against any of the Western Conference tandems. C.J. Miles and Kyle Korver are strong backups at the shooting guard position, but reserve PG Ronnie Price doesn’t exactly inspire with his subpar shooting percentages. If Williams suffers an injury, the Jazz can already kiss their season goodbye.

Utah Jazz Forwards

The forwards spots are where the Jazz are the strongest and most deep. Perhaps Andrei Kirilenko has lost form ever since weeping in the playoffs and most definitely doesn’t deserve the 17 million dollars or so he will make this season, but he can be a factor on both sides of the floor with his freakish athletic build. Power forward Carlos Boozer is all about the money, but he’s one of the best PF’s in the league when his mind is on basketball. There’s no certainty he will stay on this team, as his backup Millsap has proven beyond doubt that he’s a deserving starter and maybe even an All-Star with his impressive streak of double doubles last season as a starter. Matt Harpring tops of the list of forwards who will see significant playing time and is tough nosed player that fits into the Jerry Sloan offense as well as anybody on the team.

Utah Jazz Centers

Mehmet Okur has suffered his fair share of injuries in the past, but when in form he’s an All-Star caliber center. His shooting touch and skillful game creates confusion for many opposing big men. Jazz fans are hoping he will be healthy all season long because the names of the reserve center don’t exactly inspire alot of confidence: Kosta Koufos, Kyrylo Fesenko, Goran Suton. Boozer (6-9) and Millsap (6-8) are undersized at the power forward positions so Okur’s importance can not be overstated.

Best Case Scenario for the Utah Jazz

The best case scenario for the Jazz are that Jerry Sloan lights a fire under each player’s bottom, no one has any injuries, and the Jazz build back that type of chemistry and toughness that made them so successful several years ago. If that happens they will be a scary first round opponent for any team involved, and could at best make the conference finals again.

Worst Case Scenario for the Utah Jazz

If Boozer gets traded for less than he’s worth and someone like Williams or Okur are not 100%, this team will not be making the playoffs. With the Jazz spending way more than usual and full of over bloated contracts, its hard to envision them as a contender in the near future.

Jazz 2010 Outlook

The Jazz will make the playoffs but won’t secure home court advantage – resulting in playing a more skilled team and away from their beloved Energy Solutions Arena. If the Jazz can trade Boozer for some interesting pieces, then things can change as Jerry Sloan is one of the best coaches in the NBA.

Utah Jazz 2010 Predictions

Record: 44-38

Surprise Player: Andrei Kirilenko showing flashes of his old self and being the X-Factor on this team

Key Player: Carlos Boozer, either him getting traded for some good pieces or him giving his all for this team.

That wraps up the Utah Jazz 2009-2010 season preview and our detailed look at the Jazz in the 2010 NBA season.

NBA Basketball » Utah Jazz