With the preseason over I think we can finally make some tentative observations. Just like the RMR, the preseason frequently turns out to be a poor indicator, and we’ve all been burned before.

‘RB: Aggressive Moves’ (D. Lippitt - NBAE/Getty Images)

1. Gone Fishin’.

It seems clear that DWil and CBooze are now the team leaders and will flourish without the elder statesman around. It was a great trade at the time, but Fish was never part of the long term plan, just a patch for a year or two. It turned out to be just one year, but now allows this young team more opportunity to grow. Also, Hart and Price are finally starting to fill the void at backup point guard, and after watching all three play in the Laker game, you’d have to be pleased with the change, and in how they push the ball up the court (vs Fisher’s performance). As for Fish’s SG minutes, we are seeing Brewer emerge as a much better option than Fisher was, plus, time is freed up for the younger players to develop. Lastly, the Jazz are out from under Fish’s bloated contract, giving them more salary cap options for a DWil extension. This was a gift for the Jazz, and Fish is where he wants to be, in a system better suited to his talents, ie, LA and the triangle offense. Win-Win.

2. The AK Saga.

He may still be unhappy, but who cares. He’s almost back to filling the stat line, shooting with more confidence and disrupting the opposition all over the court. He’s shooting the ball when he’s open, without hesitation and with more confidence. I still cringe, but not as much as last year. Is it the kinder and gentler Jerry, Jeff’s part time counseling or finally getting mad at the world? Who cares! The Jazz listened and reacted. Let’s hope it continues.

3. Backup Point Guards.

Hart and Price showed some nice game with the Lakers, and will only improve, as they get more familiar with the system. Give them a couple of months. I think Kevin has done it again, although when first signed, I wasn’t as enthusiastic. At this point they are a slight improvement over Fish and Dee Brown, although I dearly loved Dee, with his speed and attitude.

4. Shooting Guard.

Or should we say “guarding” guard, as Jerry pointed out, because the Jazz need defense on superstar shooting guards. Brewer is still getting beat at times, and his outside shot, although improved, is still suspect, but his aggressive moves to the basket, quick hands and ability to run the floor, should be at least equal to Fish and only improve. He did well against Kobe, but the disgruntled superstar didn’t seem to be in the game. Gira is starting to get back into gear, making the SG look better than before the preseason.

5. 3-Point Defense.

Always a sore point with the Jazz, because of their help defense, but I think they can recover on double down’s and help defense a little better this year, because Hart, Price and Brewer are younger, quicker and taller than Fish was.

6. The Arc.

Last year you had to wait for Boozers “rainmaker” to reenter the atmosphere. This year he has reduced his arc just slightly, and it looks smooth! Now if he could pass just a little of that arc on to Almond Joy, to increase the arc of his shot, we might have a reincarnation of Horny. Almond is smooth and impressive, but might see a lot of “D” league or behind the bench time, because of the numbers, but his ability to post up, the way he can shoot “runners” and his 3-point range will continue to develop.

7. Fess Up.

Fesenko, Fess (I still can’t figure out why he wants with that extra “s”), continues to be labled as a “D” league project, but with the way Collins plays, I have a hard time seeing Fess not getting some time. He’ bigger, taller, stronger and quicker than Collins, but Collins does “flop” better, you’ve got to give him that.

8. So Where Are The Jazz?

Denver and Houston may have improved more and the Spurs, Mavs and Suns are probably still better. So, they are probably about the same position as last year and certainly have a lot more room to grow and improve than those other 5 do. Unless they benefit from a great playoff draw or an upset, it’s probably 1 or 2 rounds and out, but if they manage to get out of the West…Well, I won’t even say it. So, it should be a fun year!

Jazzaholic, aka, J R Stewart