Utah Jazz: Can Deron Williams and Co. Still Make Playoffs Without Jerry Sloan?

Currently the Utah Jazz find themselves as the No. 6 seed in the Western Conference, two spots behind division rival the Oklahoma City Thunder.

By now it's most likely old news, but Hall of Fame head coach Jerry Sloan has decided to step down.

At age 68, Sloan has coached 27 years in the National basketball Association with 23 coming in Salt Lake City.

However, every time I've seen a Jazz game, Sloan always seemed to have a worn out look on his face.

To most of the basketball world his retirement comes as a surprise, but when he looks at least 10 years older than his age, he must have been burned out.

But fear not Jazz fans, the playoffs are still a realistic possibility despite there being a mid-season coaching change.

Deron Williams remains one of the most dynamic point guards in the NBA, averaging over 21 points with nine assists and one steal per game.

Not to mention his current free throw percentage is 85 percent, the best in his career.

Now to drive the lane.

Center Al Jefferson continues to dominate in the paint, averaging over 17 points with nine rebounds and almost two blocks per game.

Also two things stick out with Jefferson.

1. His free throw percentage (76.9) is the best of his career (beating his 2008-2009 mark of 73.8)

2. He has started all 54 games this season

It's not only impressive, but extremely crucial to have a big man like Al playing consistently at this point in the season.

Dish the ball out the Paul Millsap and you'll see six, (count that SIX) stat categories that are current career game average highs.

1. Minutes (34)

2. Three-point percentage (36.4)

3. Free throw percentage (75.7)

4. Steals (1.4)

5. Assists (2.3)

6. Points (17.1)

Of course with these three playing so well, it is partially why Andrei Kirilenko has been rather quiet (at least in comparison).

But that only makes AK-47, as well as the Jazz, that much more dangerous.

As for Raja Bell, you could say his body is finally catching up with his age, but he's playing well for someone who averages roughly 30 minutes per game.

Thus, C.J. Miles is splitting time with Bell at shooting guard, but also at small forward with Kirilenko and Gordon Hayward. 

Also, three of the starters are really young (Williams and Jefferson are 26, while Millsap is only 25).

Andrei Kirilenko is also rather young at 29 and C.J. Miles is only 23.

Now within the Northwestern division of the Western Conference (arguably the most difficult division in the NBA), Utah lies ahead of dangerous teams such as the Denver Nuggets and Portland Trail Blazers.

But with all the business issues surrounding the Nuggets and Carmelo Anthony, don't expect Denver to jump ahead of the Jazz.

With the injuries to Brandon Roy and Marcus Camby of Portland, Utah should be able to fend off any rally that comes from Oregon.

Utah is relatively young and playing well, but losing a coach of Mr. Sloan's stature will hurt because it'sdifficult to replace someone of his legendary status.

However, don't be surprised when Utah makes the postseason and even gets a higher seed—instead, be Jazzed about it!