And The Jazz Pick...Who???
Posted by jrstewart on 06,26,2010
It has been said that the Utah Jazz are staying a mediocrity in the NBA Family. Utah has the tenacity to star younger players at the same time they stay in a range of .500 and above since Larry H. Miller purchased the franchise. Reports say we are happy with our medium. We keep a few young hotheads and the strength of our seasoned players long after what they might be worth, long after their peak. The reports say that the Jazz are happy trying for first or second in our division. It has also been stated that as long as the Utah Jazz make the playoffs, then they reach their goals. I propose that the reports are wrong. The Utah Jazz Family wants more. I also think the NBA never fully understood how much like a family this sport is, until the Utah Jazz.
Confucius once said: “To put the world right in order, we must first put the nation in order. To put the nation in order, we must first put the family in order. To put the family in order, we must first cultivate our personal life; we must first set our hearts right.” Larry H. Miller understood that point. He followed his instincts and his heart even against economic odds. It's reflected in ‘the house that Larry built’, but also in the growth of the Utah Jazz . His struggle helped shape basketball in its professionalism, its economy, and its appeal to fans.
From the time Miller bought half of the Jazz franchise in 1985 until his death in 2009; Utah watched as Miller claimed “King of the Utah Sports Mountain”. He recognized the need for fans here to have a solid team to rally behind, because of his own need and love of the game. By looking in his heart, and then following his instincts; Miller kept the Jazz in Utah, and nurtured its growth into a family of fans and players that helped Utah become “The Loudest Arena” in the NBA. Thanks to him, our family was started with crazy fans, stubborn and sometimes divided players, a value and a drive that keeps this alive.
Queen Elizabeth II said: “Like all the best families, we have our share of eccentricities, of impetuous and wayward youngsters and of family disagreements.” The Utah Jazz and its fans are prime examples in the 2008-2009 season. And, to show you just how much of a family we are; I will compare some of the highlights to my own family.
1- Larry H. Miller created the Jazz family, and left behind a legacy of endurance and heart that we will always follow. My father passed away in 1994 due to Cancer. My father could not compare to what Miller did for his community and family. He did start my family and leave his own legacy, love of sports, and truck driving, to his children and grandchildren. (Football vs. Jazz was our favorite argument)
2- Dad left behind my mother. I will not match her to Gail Miller but to Coach Sloan. She always sticks around for another year, and she is there to remind us of our goals. Mom lets us stub our toe, make our mistakes and hopefully learn from them. If we fall, she doesn't help us climb up. She knows we can do it ourselves and focuses on the members who worked hard, and didn't fall. Her wisdom sticks in our hearts long after the game. Yet, if one of us are in trouble or treated unfairly, she is there with the finger in your nose telling you that you're wrong about her children, so grow up and open your eyes. And each year, I watch her struggle to keep things above par, and I hope she receives the recognition that she truly deserves.
3- From here we cannot say anymore without mentioning the fans. A good fit to compare to my autistic seven-year old daughter. Through the tough times for the team to the great times, she is always there with a smile and sometimes an infectious giggle that draws you into the action. She is rowdy, loud and smart enough to stick with something she knows is good. She will bang pots and pans, cheer with “go go go” and dance with joy at the success. With her soda and cheese sticks in hand she often imitates the players , and supports the family with her love. In the wake of defeat, she doesn't wallow in losses; she lets you know she's there for the next day… and always.
4- Someone cannot mention the Jazz without bringing up one of the many family stars; Deron Williams. The only close match is my niece. In their 20’s; I can only describe them as young and energetic. Resilient as their own person yet they trust that coach, or grandma, will do what is right. They follow their own values with a love of cars (Yes I heard about the Camaro) and a fantastic style. They bridge our family and stay independent enough to carry what life throws their way.
5- With Paul Millsap staying there is only my boyfriend to represent that match. Drafted into the family with a bit of desire to go in, and the toughness to stay. Both of them work harder then most, not appreciated enough and giving 120%. They could take the lead, but know better, reminding us they will work to get the family to the top. Most of all, they both stated they are where they want to be, and this is where they will stay.
6- With myself, I would match with Matt Harpring. Tough and slightly outside the normal order of the family I tend to watch when needed, step in when needed and walk away with a lesson learned. I bounce if thrown and I try not to bully myself into situations but I will definitely finish what I start. If the family needs me I offer help and advise. I will be a designated driver if they should need it. I choose to be the rock, not the flag at the front of the march. Just try to break me.
7- I cannot forget our family friend Villy, and Mehmet Okur. Both have a unique ethnic origin. Both of them are steady always putting family first and proving that even if they get sick, they are there for us as we are for them. And although sometimes gone, they come back with that spark that lights the fire and makes our day productive and fun. Often working themselves to the bone.
8- A shout has to go out to the rest of the Jazz Team who I often compare to the employees at my boyfriends job. A group of people each with their specialty that together hold the table upright. They have their own departments but when the crowd gets thick, and they need to pull themselves out of a tight jam; they pull together working as one. Without them the table would fall.
9- Here I would stop with my nephew and Carlos Boozer. Not last on the list, but an important part of this article. Both of them are strong willed, talented where it borders on magic, and stubborn. My nephew has a tendency to speak before the surprise. He leads by actions wherever he goes. Popular to a fault and generous when he needs to be. My nephew didn’t get that way easy, he took a hard road. And although I tend to be angry at him for stealing my car and cracking the frame when he was 14, I find that he is family. He is important, needed and loved. I hope someday he realizes that the best things aren’t always found outside the box. Sometimes you stand in the best thing and you simply have to make it shine.
The trick to all of this fishy wisdom is simple. The cards have been laid down. We have the family that the Jazz Organization has so generously given to us. There are no bad apples in the bunch. We are all fans, players and a community of heart that Miller built. Be thankful that coach stayed another year and cross your fingers he gets coach of the year. Cheer like no end with a mouth of nachos when you see in the first game that Millsap did stay in Utah and you have that feeling that all is right in our sports world. Forgive Boozer for stepping out (like my nephew stole my car) and realize he is trying to find his own niche and will make mistakes. Right now he is a member of this family. This may be the last year of his contract but I hope they do not trade him. He is a good player and can be a good leader, let him prove that to himself and enjoy the ride. Mr. Miller may be gone, but the family remains. And, for the first time since it was born in 1985, the Utah Jazz family has the chance to prove it has grown up. We can make it on our own, and even better than before because in the end – we have the heart that keeps our world right. The Millers know, just like the rest of us know, that together we can stand at the top. With Millsap, Boozer, Williams, Coach Sloan, amazing players and the backing of fans like yourselves, nobody will stand in our shadow. Bring it on 2009-2010, lets kick a little ****.
TameKate – Jazz Fan
“What came first? The man, or the moment?” (Trans-Siberian Orchestra)
