Utah Jazz Fans Should Be Very Excited for New Season!

After the disappointing loss in the playoffs to the Lakers, I've heard a lot of griping and moaning about the play of Carlos Boozer.

Well, I am here to let you know that all Jazz fans should be very excited about what they saw from not only Boozer, but Deron Williams and Andrei Kirilenko in the summer Olympics.

Granted Boozer had extremely limited minutes. But what we saw from him when he played was a healthy looking back and hustle on defense, something that was missing from him for the last part of last season. Also, he is entering a contract season, and this usually brings out the best in a player as he is trying to get his money.

Kirilenko played big minutes and was by far the best player on the Russian national team. Just looking at his stats made me very optimistic that he could come back and possibly even, though not likely, have another all-star year.

After signing a three-year deal to remain in Utah, Williams earned a spot on the Team USA roster alongside draft rival Chris Paul and Jason Kidd. Not only do I think playing with Paul and Kidd will make Williams that much better, but learning and playing with players of that caliber will give him an edge that we saw a little bit of in the playoffs last year.

The edge is the ability to take over a game and carry the team to a win. Just being around the type of players that are on the team, the attitude is contagious. Because of this, I expect to see Williams in the MVP race this year.

Along with the three players that were in the Olympics, the Jazz return every major contributor. Also, trading Jason Heart and adding Brevin Knight can't be a bad thing.

Memo Okur showed at the end of last year that he can play down low and grab rebounds with anyone. He became a double-double machine.

If he can play like that for a full season, that gives the Jazz three or four players that will tough it out down low for rebounding dominance. And we all know of the "money man's" ability to make the big play in crunch time.

To sure up the starting lineup, I think Ronnie Brewer will have his breakout year. Last year was solid for him, as he averaged just over 12 PPG. This year if he will be a threat from long-range and shoot the ball the way he did earlier last year he could be around 16 PPG. This would make teams guard him and open the middle of the lane for Williams and Boozer.

Now to the bench. I believe the Jazz have one of the top three benches in the league. All that is missing is a back-up center. Hopefully first round draft pick Kosta Koufos can play a roll early on.

Ronnie Price obviously has the spot in backing up Williams and with his hustle (see block on Luke Walton) and offensive aggressiveness Williams will have some time to rest.

Kyle Korver finished third in the NBA Sixth Man of the Year Award last year. This year, expect to see much of the same. A full year in the system can only help the sharp shooter, whose defense is vastly underrated.

Matt Harpring is old no doubt being the oldest player on the roster. But he is so tough, solid, and consistent, how can you not play the man? His 15 ft. jumper is butter on a role and his leadership is good for when Williams is off the floor.

Is Paul Milsap the future for the Jazz at the power forward position? Who knows? But for now, he is the enforcer off the bench. His energy, passion, hustle, and determination are huge off the bench for the Jazz.

My theory is if he doesn't get a rebound, he gets fouled. Also, his offense is getting better and has shown flashes of brilliance on the low block.

All in all, when you have a bench that goes four, possibly five deep, it gives your team such a lift when the starters aren't in that they can not only maintain a lead but increase it.

A lot of things are in the team's favor this year. Is this the year the Jazz finally bring home a title? The West is too talented to make any guarantees, but I believe this year is as good a chance as they have ever had. But only time will tell.