Since I am still all amped up from last night's amazing end (at least for me and the rest of Boston) to the NBA season last night, I just can't wait to write part two of my series until tomorrow, it needs to happen today.
7. Utah Jazz:
The Jazz will have a very quiet offseason unless they do something big...more on that later.
They have two restricted free-agents, CJ Miles and Paul Millsap.
The Jazz also have a team option on Millsap, so don't think Millsap will be hitting the free agent market anytime soon. He has been productive for the Jazz in his first two seasons, and Jerry Sloan loves the way he plays, so expect him back in Utah next year.
CJ Miles is an interesting player. He is only 21 and has shown, on occasion, that he can put the ball in the hoop. The only problem is that Jerry Sloan just doesn't trust him enough.
He forces shots a lot, rushes the fast break, and doesn't always play defense, something that will put him in Sloan's doghouse fast. He doesn't earn a lot now, but I don't think the Jazz will match the offer sheet unless some team tries to lowball Miles.
Their only unrestricted free agent is Jason Hart, who has a player option and may choose to come back to Utah and fight for the spot behind Deron Williams.
He averaged 11 minutes a game this season, and his production and game management was solid enough. But he won't make an impact.
The only way the Jazz can considerably improve in this offseason is by shaking things up and trading Andrei Kirilenko. AK-47 has been off and on with Utah in the past two seasons since many thought he would break through, and his time in Utah should be over.
They would probably be best served by trying to find a big body for him. Rasheed Wallace would be a perfect fit, but the salaries don't really match up.
He would be an even better fit in Denver, and if the teams could make it work maybe Kirilenko for Camby and JR Smith could work.
The one thing for sure is Utah will be stagnant this offseason, and the same team next season unless they trade Kirilenko and switch their offense a little.
8. Orlando Magic:
This is a team that will be reworked by next season, mark my words.
With six unrestricted free agents and one useless restricted free agent, the Magic, who don't free up a lot of cap space, will still be major players in the offseason.
First, out of a free agent crop that reads: Carlos Arroyo, Keith Bogans (player option), Keyon Dooling, Maurice Evans, Adonal Foyle, and Pat Garrity. The Magic will probably try to hold on to two or three of those players.
Bogans has already told the Florida Sun Times that he will not opt out of the final year of his contract, so include him on next year's roster.
I am also willing to be Adonal Foyle will not find a lot of inquiries into his services if he tests the open market, so expect him back as well.
I would expect the Magic to do everything possible to retain the services of Evans. He reminds me a lot of James Posey in the sense that he can defend multiple positions well, and can knock down open shots when called upon to do so.
He is the exact type of bench player you would hope to have if you wanted to make a championship push.
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