Utah Jazz: A Look Back and A Look Ahead

Almond gives the Jazz another sharpshooter with enough athleticism to challenge Ronnie Brewer at shooting guard, and maybe even make Sloan test Brewer out at small forward. Fasenko gives the Jazz a young center who does dirty work and is developing touch around the rim.

The 23rd pick has garnered speculation around five players primarily: Chris Douglas-Roberts, Brandon Rush, Roy Hibbert, Kosta Koufos, and Donte Green.

Chris Douglas-Roberts would give the Jazz a player who can play the two or three, and is potentially able to contribute immediately. Brandon Rush has been a recent hot topic amongst scouts, and by workouts might be beyond the reach of the Jazz. Rush gives ideal size at two guard, great athleticism, and knack for the game that would fit well with Sloan.

Roy Hibbert, according to Chad Ford, is the most likely scenario, giving the Jazz a legitimate 7-footer (7'2) who excels in the halfcourt game, and with the depth the Jazz have will not be called upon to run the floor consistently or play all 48 minutes.

Kosta Koufos would remind many of a younger Memo, and would be a great player to develop. The team might be more athletic, but will not lose a beat since his game is very similar to Okur's. Donte Green currently is a stretch, but if he does slip, it would be a coup by the Jazz. Green has excellent athleticism and has garnered comparisons to Shawn Marion, the guy the Jazz almost traded Kirilenko for. 

Regardless of who they may pick, the roster seems to be set and that rookie is going to be seeing a lot of the NBDL. The greater concern is not the draft, but the aforementioned issue of the team potentially plateauing. Does this team need another contributor and if so at what area?

Kirilenko's position seems to be the most likely where a change could be made. Shawn Marion was mentioned last year, could Richard Jefferson be the topic of conversation this year? The Jazz also have to address Carlos Boozer, his struggles in the games leading up to the playoffs and the playoffs themselves warrant heavy concern.

Does Boozer need help or is this a funk, and worst case scenario has Carlos Boozer lost his touch? Maybe it is too early to say he's lost his game, but his drop-off in the playoffs does scare the team, especially since he is a big piece of the Jazz puzzle. Even though it is all quiet on the free agency front, the Jazz have much to take into consideration this offseason. 

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