The Utah Jazz are currently 6-4 in their last 10 games and have a 23-15 record overall. Far from perfect, but not bad either, considering their star power forward Carlos Boozer has been injured and may be done for the season. In fact, that is just in addition to the other nagging injuries the Jazz have had to suffer through thus far.
Starting point guard Deron Williams also missed 12 games at the beginning of the season due to an ankle sprain sustained in the preseason.
Despite these injuries that could have slowed down the Utah Jazz, they have hung in there, due to their depth and, of course, great coaching by Jerry Sloan. Andrei Kirilenko, Matt Harpring, C.J. Miles, and Mehmet Okur have certainly contributed and kept the Jazz afloat in the ultra tough Western Conference playoff race.
However, there is one man, whose contributions have unexpectedly given Jazz fans hope for this season and most importantly—the future.
That man is former backup forward Paul Millsap, who has averaged 19 straight double-doubles in Boozer's absence. According to the Salt Lake Tribune, it was the longest double-double streak since John Stockton had double-figures in points and assists in 25 straight games midway through the 1990-91 season.
John Stockton?!
That's some pretty good company right there.
This is a player that will do more than extend their four game winning streak, possibly lead the Jazz to a playoff berth, and win the Most Improved Player award. This is the future of the Utah Jazz.
Paul Millsap went from averaging roughly eight points and five rebounds a year ago—to now 15 points and 9.5 rebounds per game this season. Until this season, he was merely thought of as a very solid role player.
Time will tell if Millsap is just playing his butt off for a new contract or if he is truly for real, but as of right now—the numbers do not lie.
Look out Duncan, Amare, Dirk, Shaq, and Yao. With Carlos Boozer stating he will opt out of his contract at the end of the season, the Western Conference may have another big man that is poised to dominate for years to come in the name of Paul Millsap.
Fred "The F-Bomb" Richani is a writer for BleacherReport.com, LayUpDrill.com, 411Mania.com, and has been featured on ProWrestlingTorch.com and CBSSportsline.com. . He is also the host of the upcoming YouTube web series FRIDAY NIGHT F-Bomb. He currently resides in Freehold, NJ, home of state football champion Freehold Borough Colonials, with his family and cat Bella.
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