Utah Jazz: A Look Back and A Look Ahead

As the last shot rimmed out and the clock reached triple zeroes, you couldn't help but be a bit defeated, because well, the Lakers did defeat the Jazz and oust them for the playoffs.

Before that last shot, there was something I took away from the game that made it a little bit easier to sleep; the almost, so close but yet so far, comeback. If there is one thing a Jerry Sloan-coached team is known for, it is the fact that they fight. The Jazz faced the best team in the NBA and put up a fight. Thanks for the great year, guys, but now comes the offseason and the look ahead.

Before I jump into what the Jazz have to address this off-season, I want to take some time and comment on the situation with the fans of Utah. By a fan's estimation, I am a recent member of the Church of Sloan, and just joined the Jazz fan base, mainly due to Deron Williams, who is formerly of the University of Illinois.

I don't know much Jazz history, but I have always admired Jerry Sloan since he was a Bull. A lot has been said about the Jazz fans and the way they act at the games, and honestly a lot of those negative things deserve warrant.

I am downright disgusted at the horrid things said to Derek Fisher, especially that resorting to his daughter, and also the treatment of the Lakers' players. I really turned away at what I heard last year from the Golden State players about the racist comments they were treated to, because it wasn't really brought forward much like the recent ordeals with the Lakers and Fisher.

I feel that this must be dealt with and must be done by Jazz personnel. I, like all Jazz fans, felt a dagger every time Derek Fisher lit up the scoreboard, but as upset as I would get, I would remind myself he is doing what he is supposed to, and his time with the Jazz was appreciated.

I always recall Game 5 against Golden State, and am thankful for the contributions he made. Maybe Larry Miller should pass some copies of that game to the fans, or show it every time before the Jazz play the Lakers, so the fans could understand.

The leadership of the team needs to step up, whether it be a public address from Deron Williams, Carlos Boozer, or Jerry Sloan someone should have said something. No player, especially one who has been through so much such as Derek Fisher, should be treated as he was by a few fans. 

The Jazz head into the off-season with only one free agent, C.J. Miles, so there is relative continuity with the roster, but nonetheless, many areas need to be addressed. The Jazz have a myriad of questions to deal with in the offseason even if they have the roster intact.

Have the Jazz plateaued? Does this team need to trade Kirilenko? Is the center position due for re-evaluation? Must the defense be revised?

After reaching the Western Conference Finals last year, the Jazz have declined by only making it into the second round, so is it rational to assume this team does need some improvement? These questions will be probably be on the mind of Miller, O'Conner, and Sloan, because the goal is to win the elusive NBA title.

The Jazz possess the 23rd pick in the draft, but already will have to adjust the rosters for two players who have completed the year of learning Jerry Sloan is synonymous with in regards to rookies. Morris Almond and Krylo Fasenko will join the roster and give the Jazz help in needed areas.

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