Wednesday, August 11, 2010

All that Jazz

This post is about 1920's Jazz music... Nope. So I already know that this post will make me sound like a nerd but this is what I feel like writing about . If the Jazz don’t interest you feel free to skip this post haha. You will probably just be bored and think I’m lame for being so into a sports team that I’m writing an entire blog post about them :)

For anyone who knows me well, you know that the time surrounding July 10th 2010 was a trying time for me. My favorite Jazz player, Kyle Korver was being signed to the Chicago Bulls. The Jazz made no offer on the season’s three-point shooting record breaker. Though my devastation has lessened over time, I am still a bit bitter about this transaction. I have to admit I almost lost faith in the Utah organization, probably due to some unnecessary panic, but still, I had some good reasons to worry. Now, I don’t hate Carlos Boozer but I was never a huge fan either. When he was playing well, I loved him, when he wasn’t I just tried to ignore him. But when he decided to go to Chicago, followed by Kyle, I was nervous about who would replace him. He did have a huge impact on the Jazz’s winning record. The fact that the Jazz had used their draft pick on Gordon Hayward, when we already had others who could play his position, was nerveracking . Where were we going to get at least one good big man? When Portland offered that ridiculous contract to Wesley Matthews, I about died. Not only could we potentially lose another huge part of our team but Matthews was supposed to be my new favorite Jazz player in place of Korver L I was super worried at this point. The most important thing for me is that the Jazz keep Deron Williams in Utah, but there’s no way he’s going to stick around without a playoff worthy, potential championship team. I was doubtful that the Jazz organization was going to make the big moves necessary for that team to be a possibility. Then, miracle of miracles, the Jazz announce the signing of Al Jefferson. WHAT!?!!! They actually signed a legitimate replacement for Boozer! Bigger, younger, super similar stats… Yeah baby! I still felt like we needed Matthew’s talent to go along with Jefferson but I was more willing to let him go when Raja Bell jumped on board. We still have some pieces we need to find to make the team complete but I can tell you that I am very optimistic about this season now. I am amazed that we were able to find two such talented players so excited to come to Utah. Al Jefferson was absolutely brimming with his excitement. It was way funny to hear him talk about how the basketball Gods had been good to him. Little bit different attitude than Boozer, who was always in it for the biggest contract. And Raja Bell turned down other offers from teams like the Lakers because he claimed that if he ever had another opportunity to play for Jerry Sloan, he would take it. It’s more important for him to be an integral part of the Jazz than to win a ring as a backup for the Lakers. Already loving these guys! The potential we now have is so exciting! Jefferson was getting consistent double-doubles with one of the worst teams in the NBA. It would be crazy if he didn’t thrive on a team with the likes of DWill. Who knows what he will be able to accomplish?

Jazz season starts Wednesday, October 27 in Denver at 7:00 pm. If you actu
ally took the time to read this whole post, you definitely should be at my Jazz party that night! It will be an awesome way to start off the season, pounding the Thuggets out at home :)

Farewell Kyle! I will miss you :(