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| | Tuesday, January 18 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Special to ESPN.com | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Bertka immediately worked out a deal with Atlanta to acquire legendary star Pete Maravich -- but at a considerable price: two first-round draft picks (1974 and '75), two second-round picks, and the second and third selections in the Expansion Draft. Two years later, the Jazz acquired Lakers' star Gail Goodrich, but gave up two more first round draft picks (1977 and '79) -- the second of which became Magic Johnson. The two deals cost the young franchise dearly and squandered its best chance of acquiring capable young talent. After five years of losing records (161-249 overall), three coaching changes, and much front office shuffling of personnel, the Jazz moved to Salt Lake City in 1979, where fortunes gradually changed. In 1984 the Jazz had its first winning season (45-37), finished first in the Midwest Division and advanced to the second round of the playoffs under coach Frank Layden. Over the next several years, four events set the Jazz on solid footing: drafting John Stockton (16th pick, 1984) and Karl Malone (13th pick, 1985); the purchase of the team (1985) by Larry Miller, a Salt Lake City native who acquired his wealth by organizing a network of car dealerships in Utah and neighboring states; and the elevation of Jerry Sloan from assistant to head coach in 1988. Stockton -- whose selection was booed loudly by a gathering of the Jazz "faithful" on draft day -- and Malone are the symbols of Jazz basketball. They have combined to form the key elements of the beautifully executed offense the team operates, as well as day-to-day examples of extraordinary work ethic and team play. Miller, an emotional sort who at one time donned a sweat suit and participated in pre-game warm-ups with the team, provided the franchise with financial stability and a commitment to keep the team in Salt Lake City. This was evidenced by his willingness to pay his star players well enough to retain their contracts, and by orchestrating the means to construct a spacious new arena (Delta Center). Sloan, a fierce competitor as an NBA player, instilled that same characteristic in the Jazz. He knows the pro game well, is low-key, demanding, thoughtful, makes solid game adjustments, and his players love him. His record (605-249) speaks for itself. Trades, Free Agents and Draft Picks
Strengths and weaknesses The result is that, even at an advanced age by basketball standards, the Jazz is one of the NBA's most efficient teams and is a pleasure to watch. Its offensive execution remains one of the best; Stockton, Malone, Jeff Hornacek and Bryon Russell play in marvelous harmony on offense and bulldog-tough determination on defense. There is improved play at center with the effort-play of Polynice and the recent addition of Gilliam, who combine to make up for the disappointing performance of Ostertag. Eisley is another positive constant -- most effectively as Stockton's backup -- off an otherwise thin bench. Although Sloan has driven his team to an unexpected position currently at the top of the Midwest Division, and has led the Jazz to the NBA Finals twice (1997 and 1998), Utah will not go deep into the playoffs this time. Age and nagging injuries have sapped the ability of the key Jazz trio (Stockton, Malone and Hornacek) to play at its best performance level in clusters of games. That factor, the lack of a strong center, and the absence of consistent bench help will prove fatal against the best teams (Lakers and Portland) in the Western Conference. The Jazz misses Shandon Anderson badly. (He took less money to play at Houston where he found a more comfortable living atmosphere than in Salt Lake City). Anderson was an energetic jump-starter off the bench in back of either Russell or Hornacek. He defended both positions well and was a difficult matchup for opposing teams. In his absence, Sloan is forced to go with a combination of Eisley, Vaughn and the rookie Lewis ... and that isn't good enough for playoff success. Don't expect anything but all-out war from the proud Jazz, however. If the team goes down, it will only be after expending its utmost effort and demonstrating its most cohesive team play.
The Future
It will be Miller's most daunting challenge. | ALSO SEE Dr. Jack's Team Spotlight: Clippers Dr. Jack's Team Spotlight: Kings Dr. Jack's Team Spotlight: Trail Blazers Dr. Jack's Team Spotlight: Pacers Dr. Jack's Team Spotlight: Hawks  | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
