A Different Kind of Jazz Fan
Grant Bagby 10/25/2010What will the Jazz do this season? I have heard varying opinions, anywhere from 2 – 8 in the Western Conference or 1-4 in the Northwest Division. Such a broad range… So, how about another opinion, a different opinion.
What makes me different you may ask? I am a Chicago Bulls fan living in Utah. I have also been a Jazz Season Ticket Holder for 4 years now. I am financially invested into the Jazz. I want them to do well. It is in my best interest. So, if you want to hear what I think? Here we go.
Our website is made to show how sports can tear us apart. I am torn right now in regard to how the Jazz will do. I am torn about several of the Jazz’s moves as well as how this year will go.
Trading for Al Jefferson. Now, let me say I know the preseason doesn’t matter, but look at this line. In 26 minutes, Al Jefferson is averaging 15 points and six rebounds. Now, if you extend his minutes to what they will be like in the regular season you have a 20-10 guy all the way. I can’t wait to watch him play. The part that is somewhat concerning to me – I can’t say he isn’t as injury prone as Boozer is. Although, I am grateful Jefferson is more nimble on his feet so we aren’t hearing about him breaking his hand due to tripping on a bag at home. Note to all Jazz players: Please keep all walkways clear of tripping hazards at all times!
Signing Raja Bell. As a fan, I am ecstatic the Jazz signed a player with some know toughness. Now a lot of Jazz fans can stop missing Harpring and fall in love with Bell. I personally would love to hear a chant of “Clothesline him!” during the Laker game this year. I am also excited about having a 41% three point shooter on the starting line up. This is what makes Bell an upgrade from Matthews and Korver. He can shoot the three and is tough on defense. My only concern is that Bell didn’t play most of last season. Will age catch up with him?
Signing Earl Watson to the team was the smartest move. Watson has been the starting point guard twice in his career. For the first time since Deron Williams has been with the Jazz, he has a legit back up. This could lead to less minutes for DWill and allow him to go into the playoffs with less minutes on his legs and more energy. Then we might see what Deron’s next gear truly looks like.
The season’s outcome is where I am torn the most. I just don’t know. Will the Jazz’s chemistry develop fast? Will they rise to the top of the West? or Will they never develop chemistry due to injury issues? Will the new pieces learn the offense quickly enough? or Will the team look bad on offense as they did in good portions of the preseason? These are all the questions floating in my head as the regular season approaches. I have come down to two outcomes for the Jazz.
Option #1: The Jazz come together and get a 2, 3, 6 or 7 seed in the playoffs. IF they do this, I don’t see why they do not at least end up in a match up against the Lakers in the Western Conference Finals. If this would happen, wouldn’t it be a successful season? Yes.
Option#2: The Jazz get the 4 or 5 seed. IF this happens the Jazz make is to the second round of the playoffs and lose to the Lakers there instead of the Western Conference Finals. Would this be a successful season? Yes.
Either way I see it, the Jazz are going to have a pretty successful season. Between that and the sweet renovations that have been made to the Energy Solutions Arena, it sure seems like a nice time to be a Jazz fan.
