In mid January I shared my thoughts on the Jazz at the seasons' Intermission. The curtain has now fallen on the Jazz and there not only appears to be no encore, but there are a few of us standing - giving the ovation the team and organization deserves.
After our mid-season intermission we were treated to a bit of a tease in the second act. Reviews and projections from the cast led us all to believe that the second half of the season would be a sight to behold. Award winning perhaps. It was however, award-less, and for the most part, entertaining at best. Yet, with injuries continuing, and chemistry never really developing, there were some bright spots that were enough for me to stand at the conclusion of the season and applaud.
Regardless of expectations or perceived talent on this Jazz roster, it could be argued that any other team plagued with the injuries the Jazz were forced to work through this year would have landed them near the bottom of the Division or even the Conference. Yet, despite the worst injury riddled season in nearly 20 years the Jazz were able to finish the season with a winning record and a playoff position.
They were able to keep their head above water and avoid completely falling apart. The unknown however is whether or not the falling apart is now in front of us, instead of behind us. We all know Boozer, Okur, and Korver can all opt out of their contracts. The Jazz must decide whether to pick up Fesenko's option, whether to extend the contract of Ronnie Brewer, and what they will do with the 4 unrestricted free agents.
Although I do feel a little uneasy about whether or not we are being forced into potential rebuilding mode again, I do take some comfort in knowing that the situation we are about to face is not a surprise, but something that Kevin O'Conner has been thinking about for several seasons now. I honestly believe that Kevin O'Conner has a back-up plan for every situation, and probably a back-up plan for each back-up plan. This is the man who took us from "bye-bye John and Karl," to "Hello D-Will and Boozer and Western Conference Finals" in just a few seasons.
This season will be remembered for the excitement of projected success, to the sadness injuries and an eventual first round exit brought upon us all. But I would imagine that it will be remembered more for the loss of Larry Miller and the retirement of Hot Rod Hundley. There is no doubt Larry would have had a few things to say about the team's production this year, and would certainly have had some wonderful things to say about Hot Rod. Both will certainly be missed, and the Jazz organization and its fans will never be the same.
We may lose Boozer, or Okur, or some combination of other players, but in the end, it ends up being just a game...a game I am totally obsessed with. In the months to come, the team and coach may end up looking quite different, but as the Season approaches, I won't be any less excited than I ever have been. Thanks for the Memories Larry, Hot Rod, Sloan, D-Will's crossover, Boozer's left hand dunk, Harprings free-throw-line-curl-around jumper, Okur's back to back trey balls, Korvers rugged good looks, and Boler reminding us all to buckle-up.
See you next season...the curtain falls, the orchestra quits playing, the aisle fills with fans leaving the room, and someone comes in later to clean up the mess we left on the floor.
Next showing: Contracts and the Draft.
After our mid-season intermission we were treated to a bit of a tease in the second act. Reviews and projections from the cast led us all to believe that the second half of the season would be a sight to behold. Award winning perhaps. It was however, award-less, and for the most part, entertaining at best. Yet, with injuries continuing, and chemistry never really developing, there were some bright spots that were enough for me to stand at the conclusion of the season and applaud.
Regardless of expectations or perceived talent on this Jazz roster, it could be argued that any other team plagued with the injuries the Jazz were forced to work through this year would have landed them near the bottom of the Division or even the Conference. Yet, despite the worst injury riddled season in nearly 20 years the Jazz were able to finish the season with a winning record and a playoff position.
They were able to keep their head above water and avoid completely falling apart. The unknown however is whether or not the falling apart is now in front of us, instead of behind us. We all know Boozer, Okur, and Korver can all opt out of their contracts. The Jazz must decide whether to pick up Fesenko's option, whether to extend the contract of Ronnie Brewer, and what they will do with the 4 unrestricted free agents.
Although I do feel a little uneasy about whether or not we are being forced into potential rebuilding mode again, I do take some comfort in knowing that the situation we are about to face is not a surprise, but something that Kevin O'Conner has been thinking about for several seasons now. I honestly believe that Kevin O'Conner has a back-up plan for every situation, and probably a back-up plan for each back-up plan. This is the man who took us from "bye-bye John and Karl," to "Hello D-Will and Boozer and Western Conference Finals" in just a few seasons.
This season will be remembered for the excitement of projected success, to the sadness injuries and an eventual first round exit brought upon us all. But I would imagine that it will be remembered more for the loss of Larry Miller and the retirement of Hot Rod Hundley. There is no doubt Larry would have had a few things to say about the team's production this year, and would certainly have had some wonderful things to say about Hot Rod. Both will certainly be missed, and the Jazz organization and its fans will never be the same.
We may lose Boozer, or Okur, or some combination of other players, but in the end, it ends up being just a game...a game I am totally obsessed with. In the months to come, the team and coach may end up looking quite different, but as the Season approaches, I won't be any less excited than I ever have been. Thanks for the Memories Larry, Hot Rod, Sloan, D-Will's crossover, Boozer's left hand dunk, Harprings free-throw-line-curl-around jumper, Okur's back to back trey balls, Korvers rugged good looks, and Boler reminding us all to buckle-up.
See you next season...the curtain falls, the orchestra quits playing, the aisle fills with fans leaving the room, and someone comes in later to clean up the mess we left on the floor.
Next showing: Contracts and the Draft.
1 comment:
Taylor, you should be a sports writer. Maybe the Lehi Free Press might be a place to start?
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