Jazz Season Intermission

ACT ONE of the Jazz season has come to a close. Now a brief intermission, which gives us all the chance to stretch our legs, use the restroom, and go get the cherry lifesavers we saw when we walked in. It also gives us the chance to talk about the First Act. The first half of the Jazz season had some award winning performances by a great cast, but also injuries to others that have given the understudies the opportunity to show they deserve a chance to bow at the final curtain call. Their record currently rests at 24-17. 41 games completed, with 41 still to go.

Listed below are some observations, thoughts, compliments, and gut feelings on the first act, and what we can expect in the SECOND ACT.

CAST

(Lead Actors)

Deron Williams- Although we didn't see this character until part way through the opening act, his performance has shown he is qualified to lead. D-Will has played well over the past 15 or so games, and seems to be finally overcoming his injuries. A recent physical road trip has still left D-Will less than 100%. However, he has a drive to succeed, and should show great talent and leadership over the next 41 games.

Paul Millsap- With the normal lead character Carlos Boozer on the inactive list due to injuries, his understudy, Paul Millsap has stepped into the starting role and proven he is...a beast. Millsap has had some of his own injuries to deal with, but seems determined to prove he is worthy of a starting position.

Mehmet Okur-Okur has shown glimpses of All Star Performances, yet consistency continues to remain his greatest challenge. He continues to deal with an ill father back home in Turkey. If the last 10 games are any indication of his performance in the second half, then I expect great things from number 13.

(Supporting Cast)

Andrei Kirilenko, Ronnie Brewer, CJ Miles, Kyle Korver, Ronnie Price, Brevin Knight, Kosta Koufus- Each has had games where they have shown their ability to shine, yet each has struggled to find and maintain their presence on the stage. Perhaps a little stage fright? AK continues to perform admirably, but his performances seem more and more like he is tired of the same old lines and is just going through the motions of reading his lines. (On a side note: AK's wife Masha has a clothing store, and her television and radio commercials are among my top ten most entertaining.) Brewer still can't shoot, and CJ still can't defend. Our back-up guards are adequate for what we require, but will forever remain understudies. Kosta is an up-and-coming star, who may one day get to see his name in bright lights. Kyle (I could get lost in those eyes) Korver has struggled with his own injuries, but is still finding ways to contribute to the performances.

(Orchestra Pit)

Carlos Boozer, Matt Harpring, Jaron Collins, Krylo Fesenko, Morris Almond- Sadly for these gentleman their performances, or lack there of, have sent them into the orchestra pit. Matt Harpring may have the ability to return to his role in the supporting cast, but for the time being, injuries and lack of consistent talent have kept these five stars off-stage. There is hope that Carlos Boozer can once again return to the stage and perform his great 20 and 10 soliloquy, but until then Paul Millsap has the limelight.

Playbill comments on ACT TWO

Carlos Boozer will return to the starting line-up and with a healthy and rejuvenated cast the team will finish the season with a record of 51-31. This will not, however be enough to win the Northwest Division, but will be enough to garnish the 6th seed in the West. This will match us up against the New Orleans Hornets in the first round of the playoffs. The Jazz will defeat the Hornets in 6 games and move into the second round of the playoffs. This sadly is where this seasons' curtain closes on our performers. We will stand and applaud their performance, but there will be no encore...bring up the house lights,...please pick up your lifesaver wrappers on your way out. Drive Safe.