Beware the Blazers

Posted by Alex Jeppson on November 05, 2008

So far so good as the Utah Jazz have started the season 3-0.  The first  three games have been against sup-par opponents, the Nuggets without Carmello and the Clippers without a pulse.


‘Brandon Roy: Hoping to make the trail tough’ (NBAE/Getty Images)

However, Jazz fans have reason to be optimistic as these wins have come without team leader and all around stud Deron Williams.  Carlos Boozer has been consistent in the post, averaging 21 points and 10.7 rebounds, but the Jazz have received contributions across the board in the absence of Williams.  Perhaps the biggest source of satisfaction for fans and Coach Sloan is the play of the Jazz bench, infused with energy by Andrei Kirilenko.

The biggest test the Jazz will face during its first 6 games will come tonight against the young Portland Trail Blazers.  This improving team, led by former rookie of the year Brandon Roy, has immense potential that coach Nate McMillan hopes to harness, but it may take patience for Portland fans to see all the parts move in a cohesive fashion.  Like most young teams, the Jazz included, the Trail Blazers struggle with consistency, often playing down to the level of their competition.  Also, with news that injury cursed Greg Oden will be sidelined for a month after suffering a sprained, it is very easy to look past the Trail Blazers and anoint the Jazz Northwest Division champs for the third straight year.

The probability of the Jazz bringing home the division crown once again is high, as they continue to improve amidst the worst division in the Association.  However, as the oft used sports adage says, “there’s a reason why they play the games.” The Nuggets made news with a blockbuster trade of starting point guards, Allen Iverson to the Detroit Pistons for Chauncey Billups.  This improves their squad, as they obtain a facilitator rather than shot taker in Billups, who will help set up scorers like Anthony and JR Smith.  Despite this improvement, I still believe the biggest threat to Northwest supremacy will come from the Trail Blazers.

The turnaround of this team has been Jekyll and Hyde in scope, as they have sought to change their image both on and off the court.  Just three years ago they had the worst record in the league, struggling to gain more wins from their players than criminal charges.  However, they were able to dump many of the members of what was infamously known as the “Jail Blazers,” and establish a core of young talent in the 2006 draft when they obtained both Lamarcus Aldridge and Brandon Roy.  They improved their record by nine games last year, climbing to 42-42, and Roy continues to fly under the radar despite his R.O.Y. award.  He is one of the best scorers in the league, able to drive to the basket with his speed and spot out from the outside with a smooth jumper.  Aldridge also continues to improve, as do underrated youngsters Channing Frye and Rudy Fernandez. Of course the biggest question, and it is a big one both literally and figuratively, is if 7-0 Center Greg Oden can comeback from his sprained ankle and remain a healthy contributor to team.  Early returns on this question are negative.

Yes, they have started of 1-2, and have struggled to defend bigs like Bynum, Stoudemire, and O’Neal in the absence of Oden.  The Jazz should win tomorrow, even if Williams is not able to suit up, but even so, Utah should be wary of this team as the season wears on.  A more realistic glimpse into the competition they will offer will come in December and January, once Oden returns and has a chance to gel with the rest of the team.  Also, keep in mind that the average age of players on this team is 24 and with room under the salary cap to make moves in the next few off-seasons, this is a budding rivalry that will continue to blossom.  So, as you hopefully cheer on another Jazz victory at home tomorrow, keep in mind that objects in the rear view mirror are closer than they appear.

3 Comments

JD on November 05, 2008 said:

Jazz Honks:

A rival Blazer honk here. First, insightful article. I agree with everything. Little perspective from a non-dallusional Blazer fan: my Blazers have a long way too go. To me, we’re just another decent NBA team unless Oden pans-out.

If (and that’s a big “if) Oden pans-out, then we’re talking.

P.S.
I hope you guys realize how blessed you are to have a great point guard like Deron Williams. Truly a luxury. You do remember that we traded down to draft Martell Webster instead of drafting Chris Paul or Deron Williams right? (2nd worst mistake in franchise history, after, of course, one Sam Bowie)

Linda McFarland on November 06, 2008 said:

The Blazers seem to play quite well (and kill us with their 3 point shot which we forget to defend) but once they get rattled they begin to fall apart. We had some bright spots on defense but WHY can’t a team as smart as ours get a great defense together?? They are smart, they are quick,they have good looks and carisma so why no great defense? It was an exciting game but let’s not have so many times with the score tied. It is hard on an old ladies heart!!!!

Boondock Saint on November 06, 2008 said:

Linda, its not just the old ladies heart but us young whippersnappers as well. I was having a coronary last night with the close game. Part of me loves that its close and the other part is wishing it was a 50 point lead so I could relax.

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