What Happens Now?

Posted by J R Stewart on December 28, 2007

Sounds like Madonna singing a song from Evita.

The Jazz are back… or are they?

Dallas is the first title contender the Jazz have beaten this year. Maybe the Jazz caught them on a bad night, but a win is a win. The rough schedule doesn’t let up until 2008. We’ll have to see some more consistency, and clutch wins, before we can see a team with a chance to advance in the playoffs, or perhaps even get into the playoffs. The Lakers, Celtics and Blazers have all been playing better than the Jazz. Anything more than one win would be considered very positive. Three losses could easily happen.

No one has commented on the Jazz defensive changes. It seem to me, that instead of trying to fight through pick and roll screens, or duck under, there was a lot of switching against Dallas. Kinda’ reminds me of Nellie ball, but on the defensive end. They’d rather switch than fight (to parody an old TV commercial). I thought it was a brilliant stroke! I’m not sure you can do it all the time and get away with it, but it sure worked against the Mavs. Dallas couldn’t take advantage of mismatches in the post, and the Jazz didn’t have to send double teams to help. It also slowed the penetrate and kick to an open man on the 3 point line. So, the 3 point defense was much better. That’s the nice thing about having some practice and preparation time. The coaching staff deserves a lot of credit for their game plan and the team for their execution!

Gira’s back… or is he?

His exile was a couple of months too early. If the Jazz were going to get anything for his valuable expiring contract, they need him on the team. He could be inactive, and behind the bench, and may well be, if CJ keeps improving. However, he needs to be part of the team, to have any trade value. Jerry’s had some time to cool down and got a nice win under his belt, which has put him in a better mood. Gira’s had some time to think and should make the effort to try to run the plays and not poach 3 pointers. They don’t have to be friends to make it work, at least until after the All-Star game and a trade can be made. The Jazz’s three young SG’s make it clear that, one way or another, Gira is not in the Jazz future. The big question is, what can Kevin get?

Jazzaholic

1 Comment

Linda McFarland on December 29, 2007 said:

Interesting thoughts. I was afraid the Jazzaholic had slipped away. Still love my Jazz but little upset that they can’t put whatever it is behind them or in the garbage and play like the talent they are!!! Good to hear from you.