Utah Jazz 2010-11 Preview:
Deron Williams
Utah Jazz 2009-10 Facts:
- Western Conference: 5th Place
- Northwest Division: 2nd Place
- Record: 53 Wins 29 Loses
- Playoffs: Eliminated in the second round by the Los Angeles Lakers in four games.
Key Moves:Incoming
- C Al Jefferson
- G Raja Bell
- F Gordon Hayward
- F Jeremy Evans
Outgoing
- F Carlos Boozer
- G Kyle Korver
- F Wesley Matthews
The arrival of Al Jefferson will keep the Utah Jazz in the playoffs, but they still aren't a championship team. The Jazz will look to move Mehmet Okur or Andrei Kirilenko before the deadline and hope they can get a solid player. Deron Williams will have his best season this year because if he doesn't the Jazz don't have a chance of competting. The addition of veteran Raja Bell was smart, he can lead the team on defense and knock down shots. I'm not a huge fan of Gordon Hayward, but he definitely fits into the system that Coach Sloan runs. I like Paul Millsap, but the Jazz overpaid for him. Millsap is not going to give you 20 and 10 every night, they could've used that money someone else. The huge contract of Kirilenko is coming off the books and the Jazz need to deal it before the deadline if they want to make an impact this season. If Jefferson plays like the all-star he's capable of playing like then the Jazz can compete for a fifth or sixth seed.
Deron Williams is one of the best point guards every season who doesn't seem to get the recognition that he deserves. Williams has been one of the top five point guards the last couple of seasons and made the Jazz a better team. Raja Bell is a solid defensive player and can knock down the open shot. Bell will be a good fit on swing passes and passes out of the low post. Earl Watson is a solid back up at point guard and will definitely help the team when Williams is resting. C.J. Miles proved he's a legit NBA player last season and will likely improve again this season. Sundiata Gaines had a career game last year and ended it with a buzzer beater. That buzzer beater Gaines took will likely be his career highlight, I don't see him playing a lot of minutes this season.
The front court of the Jazz is stacked with great player, the problem is can they play together. Al Jefferson is solid in the low post, but will need to improve in the pick and roll and passing out of double teams for the Jazz to compete. Jefferson has all-star talent, however he's never lead a team to the playoffs or even close to them. Paul Millsap will start at power forward, but he's also more of a low post threat. Millsap needs the lane to work and Jefferson will be clogging it up. Mehmet Okur can knock down shots and the Jazz will need that if they want to compete. The Jazz need someone to space the floor, I just don't see him and Jefferson working together when they are out there. Andrei Kirilenko is solid on defense, but takes to many shots. Kirilenko will likely be traded by the deadline. Ronnie Price can finish on the wing and the Jazz need somebody with that kind of talent when Williams is running. The Jazz are hoping Gordon Hayward is ready to play because they need his shooting and passing notch on the floor.
- 2010-11 Predictions:
- Center: Al Jefferson
- Power Forward: Paul Millsap
- Small Forward: Andrei Kirilenko
- Shooting Guard: Raja Bell
- Point Guard: Deron Williams
- Sixth Man: Mehmet Okur
Bench: Francisco Elson, Jeremy Evans, Kyrylo Fesenko, Sundiata Gaines, Gordon Hayward, Othyus Jeffers, C.J. Miles, Demetris Nichols, Ronnie Price, Ryan Thompson, and Earl Watson.
- All-Star Player: Deron Williams
- Best Veteran: Raja Bell
- Best Asset: Deron Williams
- Best New Addition: Al Jefferson
- Key Player: Al Jefferson
- Western Conference: 6th Place
- Northwest Divison: 3rd Place
Look for the Utah Jazz to run a little bit differently with Al Jefferson in the middle. Jefferson is not a pick and pop player, he's a low post scorer. The Jazz will likely make the playoffs, but I don't see them getting past the first round.
