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| Tuesday, September 19 Updated: September 20, 4:12 PM ET Too late to win a title: No way! ESPN.com |
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Fans of the Utah Jazz are among the most loyal in the NBA. They love Karl Malone and John Stockton, are excited about the offseason acquisitions of Donyell Marshall, John Starks and Danny Manning and think that an NBA title is still quite possible.
Anyway, here are some of the better e-mails we received on the Jazz and their Team Offseason Spotlight. Enjoy, and check out our spotlight index page to read our breakdowns and your user comments on each NBA team.
Your analysis of the Jazz was right on target. They have some good pieces, but really have needed a center to tie it together. Ostertag and Polynice just aren't going to cut it against Shaq, Admiral, etc. Overall, again it is close but no cigar. Krishna Iyer Germantown, Tenn.
It is about time the Utah Jazz made some moves that make sense. Starks will be a great replacement for Hornacek. Hornacek was a great shooter and class act, however, Starks' ability to play defense and not allow big guards to post him up will be a plus. Manning is a perfect complement to Malone and he can also play center. He fits the Utah Jazz mold of unselfishness and being a leader by example. Donyell Marshall is the key. If he plays like last season, he makes the Jazz a legitimate contender. Yes, the Lakers and Blazers are loaded with talent and money, however, I believe teamwork, talent and workmanlike attitude will always give a team a good chance (Karl Malone doesn't hurt). Watch out -- Stevenson is for real. By mid-season, he will see increased minutes. My prediction is Utah wins the division, as in years past, gets past the Lakers and who knows what happens when they meet the Blazers. Pat Cabulagan Redmond, Wash.
Utah's offseason moves were some of the best in recent memory, especially when you look at what they had to work with. The bench just got much deeper and the dropoff between the first and second units from last year will disappear. The Jazz will definitely be in the top two or three in the conference and, with some luck (and lack of team chemistry in LA and Portland), could be back in the Finals. Nathan Brown Taylorsville, Utah
The offseason was one of the most productive I have seen in years from the Jazz. The pickups of Manning, Marshall and Starks will more than make up for the loss of Hornacek and Eisley. While Hornacek was one of the best shooters, his defense was such a liability that his scoring didn't make up for it last year. Adding defense at the two-spot and beefing up the bench in the forward positions will carry the Jazz to the top of the Midwest again. The Spurs are basically the same team as last year. Duncan was only out for the last few weeks. Meanwhile, the Jazz have improved. Can these improvements lead them past the Lakers and Blazers? Experience and maturity are the keys to that. Dan Fitzgerald San Diego, Calif.
I have been looking forward to the Jazz story ever since ESPN debuted the Offseason Spotlight earlier this summer. I also expected to listen to yet another derisive commentary on the aging Jazz. Instead, I was pleasantly surprised to fine a complimentary article that echoed many of my own observations. First of all, one must wonder how it was that Jazz management was finally able to land a few name (be they aging and somewhat second-tier) free agents. As a team that has been the same for so long, the free agent and trade pickups have been lacking, dating back to the days of Hornacek. So, as a fan, it is nice to see the deals that were made and that other people (namely ESPN) have noticed that, too. I also agree that this may be the deepest Jazz team ever. Depth or no, the success of this team will rest on the bench. If Karl and John can get the rest they need -- thereby ensuring ample experience for the bench, etc. -- they will be rested and more importantly, not have to be relied upon so heavily when the playoff hammer comes down in the spring. I think that Vaughn and Lewis both will rise to the challenge. Though Lewis was clearly up and down for much of the year, he played very well in the Portland series, especially on defense.
All in all, this will be a great season to watch. The free agent moves have been exciting league-wide and there are many teams with very high talent levels. Should be lots of fun to watch. Savor it, Jazz fans, because even our timeless ones will move on one of these years.
I agree with your prediction about the Jazz being a top-four team in the West, with little chance of knocking off the Lakers, Spurs or Blazers. That having been said, I wonder about the transactions the Jazz made in the offseason. Last year, the Jazz were an old team. A very old team. They had only one starter under 30. So they acquire more old players in the offseason. Danny Manning and John Starks are well past their prime. Getting Donyell Marshall was a good move. Now he has something to play for. But why didn't they try to acquire more young players? It's been proven for five years now that the nucleus of this team will not win a title, so why not rebuild slowly while they can still win some games? At this rate, they'll have to replace 75 percent of the roster in the next two years. Richard Klein Manchester, Ct.
Fantastic summation of the Jazz. If it's quick titles you're after, the Jazz shouldn't be your team. If steadiness, hard work and perseverance is, then tune in for yet another year of clockwork basketball from a team that represents the epitome of what the NBA should be. Joey Vancouver, Wash.
This was one of the best previews yet. The Stockton-Malone duo has been one of the greatest sporting double acts of all-time and it's a travesty that they haven't won it all. We certainly look stronger this year with the Manning, Starks and Marshall, but the Blazers and Spurs look better, too, and Ostertag-Shaq isn't even competitive. Taking a high school kid in the draft was a smart move, perhaps they should have done that a few years earlier and by now they might have a young core which can inherit the mantle. As it is, when the Mailman delivers for the final time, the winters could become very bleak. Seb Brooks Salt Lake City, Utah
Your comments about the Jazz were not too bad and for the most part right on the money, except for one thing. The Jazz WILL finish No. 1 or 2 in the West and not No. 4 or 5 like you predict. Why? Three reasons: Stockton, Malone and Sloan! The Jazz have gotten deeper (Marshall, Starks, and Manning) and Sloan will have them comfortable in no time. If everyone stays healthy, they will have a legitimate chance at getting back to the Finals. Move over Shaq, the Jazz are back! Rick Berrett Atlanta, Ga.
I think your Jazz spotlight hit things right on. The Jazz are deeper than they've ever been, and there's some new, strong prospects for the future. I really believe that with this depth, we (yes we -- I'm a fan!) can beat anyone out there. Yes, things are going to be tough, but now the Jazz are going to be stronger in the playoffs. That's the difference. Look for banner years from everyone on the team, and finally, a championship banner in Utah! Brendan Wright Provo, Utah
As a huge Jazz fan I'm happy to see again that no one is worrying about the Jazz. It's fun to root for the underdog. The Jazz are much improved on the defensive end, which was their biggest weakness last year with rebounding, which they also improved on. The Jazz will surprise again and I think they will be in the Western conference finals against the Lakers. RJ Davenport Ogden, Utah
The Jazz have "little chance of upending Shaq, Scottie or Tim in the playoffs" has got to be the stupidest thing I've heard in quite a while. Do you remember who the last team to beat Tim in the playoffs was? You might want to look that up. Do you care to explain why you feel this way? I think the Jazz match up well with Portland and L.A. Portland was better than Utah for two reasons -- Utah had a severe disadvantage at shooting guard (defensively), and Brian Grant contained Malone pretty well. With Grant in Miami, and Starks being a pretty good defender, both of those problems are corrected. Go back and look up the stats of Malone vs. Wallace, or Malone vs. Kemp, and you'll have to agree that Utah has a huge advantage at that position now. To say Utah has "little chance" against them now is ridiculous at best. Roman Samul Anaheim, Calif.
It's hard to be a Jazz fan. Darn that Michael Jordan! If weren't for Mike, we would have two rings. Salt Lake feels like the next ring should just be turned over to Portland. If Portland doesn't win it, Dunleavy should be fired. But on the other hand, it is proven that the best teams always have two stars and six or seven role players. Teams like the Bulls, Lakers, Rockets and Pistons all had two stars. Hopefully Stockton and Malone will be the next on that list. I will continue to cheer for the Jazz but I won't hold my breath. (again) Kameron Thorne South Jordan, Utah
I think the Jazz have more of a chance than many people think. First of all, the starting lineup is better with Marshall's rebounding and Starks' defense. Then they have Russell and Manning coming off the bench, which is better than Eisley and Gilliam last year. If they can get one more guy through a trade or something, they'd definitely be better than the Lakers, with the type of offseason they've been having. As for competing with Portland, well, I think the Blazers are simply unfair. Glen San Francisco, Calif.
The Utah Jazz represent everything good in sports. They are one of the few teams where players get a feeling of loyalty to an organization. In a world full of greed and athletes always in trouble, Utah is a shining example of what a franchise should be. I think the front office made some great moves that will give this team a chance to succeed. The second-round matchup will be key in how far this team can go. The closer they get the more dangerous they will be. If they get home court you can mail it in. This team does not lose at home often and their fans are among the most avid and knowledgeable around the league. For all that is good in sports, I hope Utah wins! Nate Kennedy Phoenix, Ariz.
Hi, I appreciate you doing fair justice to the Jazz. I have been a Jazz fan all my life and I feel we have the best team and the best chance we've ever had. You know Stockton and Malone will put up their numbers, but now you throw in John Starks, Donyell Marshall, Danny Manning and DeShawn Stevenson. I know Stevenson is a kid fresh out of high school but if he is anything like he was in the summer league then the Jazz definitely got a steal in the draft. Our newly acquired players are better than any role players we've ever had. As much as you or anyone else loves the Lakers and Blazers, you have to face that the Jazz will be up there and have as good of a chance as anyone. Matt Sanchez Sandy, Utah
Yes, the Jazz are perpetually at the end of their rope, but always seem to keep winning. True, their playoff performances the last two years have been less than stellar, but age and lack of depth are brutal co-conspirators in an 82-game regular season. But depth is something they may have acquired in the offseason. Additionally, they are a much bigger, stronger and more athletic team than last year. If coach Sloan can develop chemistry with all the new faces, fans will continue to write them off, while the elite teams such as the Lakers, Blazers and Spurs will not be taking them lightly and will undertake serious preparations if and when playoff time against the Jazz comes. David Rogers Cedar City, Utah
After watching very closely for a number of years I continue to be amazed at the lack of respect this team gets in the national media. Though it isn't that surprising when you consider that they play as a team, not a lot of flash, but solid passing, cutting, and screens. I do not agree with the signing on Manning, a nice player once, as I feel he has little to give physically. Donyell Marshall cold be a great acquisition or a bust, and he doesn't strike me as a good fit for this team. I am certain that both Quincy Lewis and Stevenson will surprise the "experts" that think little of them now. While all of this talk is fun and interesting, let's see where the Utah Jazz are in June. Oh, and let's see where Shaq and the rest of the Lakers are in June as well. I am pretty sure you all will be surprised. Mitch Johnson Aiken, S.C.
I have been a Jazz fan my entire life and if there is a team that deserves to win an NBA championship, it would be them. However, as usual, I feel the Jazz still lack that big man in the middle. Adding Marshall and Manning will be a big step forward for them, but is there any chance during the year that they may be able to acquire a good center without having to dismantle the entire team? Once again, I go into this upcoming NBA season with high hopes for the Jazz. With the players brought in over the offseason, it does not look too bad. I thank you for the article on Utah and hope to read one of these days "Jazz win first NBA title." Denny Ferriss Anchorage, Alaska
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