Utah Jazz: Grading the Jazz Starters' 2011-12 Season

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At the conclusion of the 2011-12 season for the Jazz, let's go back and grade all of Utah's starters. They will be graded on overall performance and consistency.

It has only been a year since Deron Williams and Jerry Sloan left Salt Lake, and despite doubters, the Jazz had a fairly successful season. They were the eighth seed in the West in the playoffs, and although they were swept by the Spurs to end the season, let's grade all of the Jazz starters.

Devin Harris, PG

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Devin Harris is a great basketball player and former All-Star, and showed flashes of that greatness at times last season. But at other times, he played terribly. Harris had 19 games where he scored six or less points, and several games where he had multiple turnovers.

If Devin Harris played like an All-Star all season, the Jazz could have had a much higher seed and perhaps a trip to the next round of the playoffs. But due to Harris' inconsistency, the Jazz found themselves packing.

My Grade: C

Gordon Hayward, SG

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Gordon Hayward has proven his doubters wrong with a solid season, and has proved that the future looks bright for the Jazz. Hayward averaged 11.8 points, 3.1 assists and 3.5 rebounds per game, and has been a leader of the team.

I would not be surprised if Gordon Hayward is named an All-Star within the next few years. I think that he has the potential to be a great player.

My Grade: B

Josh Howard, SF

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Josh Howard has been on and off the bench all season and has been a disappointment to Utah fans. Averaging only 8.7 points per game isn't exactly satisfying, but he has helped the team in other ways with more than three boards per contest.

Overall, Howard has helped the team more than hurt them. His defense is great, and he is a decent rebounder. I may be generous, but I couldn't give him lower than a C.

My Grade: C+

Paul Millsap, PF

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Paul Millsap was a huge part of the team last season, averaging four points more than the season before. He scored 16.6 points per game and was a leader of one of the best frontcourts in the association.

Millsap led the team in steals per game and was second in rebounds. With the post presence he has, it is hard to give Paul Millsap a low grade.

My Grade: B

Al Jefferson, C

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Al Jefferson has been fairly consistent all season, and led the team in points, blocks and rebounds per game. As one of the best centers in the league, Jefferson is a well-rounded player.

Although he has never found himself on the All-Star roster, the seven-year veteran has shown that he has the skills to earn himself a spot. As one of the most experienced players on the Jazz roster, it is not generous to give him a high grade.

My Grade: B+