Korver for Gordan…a stinking steal for the Utah Jazz. The trade was so popular amongst Jazz faithful that many quickly began to draw comparisons to another Utah–Philadelphia trade from a decade ago which left the Jazz with one Malone instead of two and Hornacek as the new shooting guard. It wasn’t long before the corner was turned and the Jazz were legitimate title contenders. Will Kyle Korver’s arrival bring a similar result for the Jazz?
Sorry to disappoint Jazz fans, but Kyle Korver isn’t the solution to your problems. A great addition, yes, but far from the cure. Let’s face it, the Jazz are a .500ish ball club. Last year they raced to a 12-1 start and then played .500 basketball for the remainder of the year. “But what about the Western Conference Finals…” YAP-YAP-YAP! The WCF run was deceiving at best. The Rockets were a for sure choke because of T-Whack, and the Warriors were just cute and glad to be there. Trust the B.B., if Dallas would have played Utah in the second round…5 game series at the most. The first legit team to play Utah just happened to be in the finals, and the Spurs toyed with Jazz. This year the Jazz started fast and have been hovering around .500 ever since. Expect a 45-48 win season and a first round exit if the post season is achieved. Quote me! So if Korver isn’t the solution, who/what is?
Two things: 1) Derek Fischer’s departure has opened everyone’s eyes to the fact that this team is leaderless on and off the floor. The Jazz must get veteran leadership or wait 3 years until someone develops into one. 2) NBA teams who are soft in the middle are mediocre. Defensively the Jazz are Charmin soft deep in the paint. Be real Jazz fans, Memo is a shooting guard trapped in a Center’s body.
Leadership and defensive toughness are the two main ingredients missing from this Jazz squad. Get used to mediocrity until these two areas are addressed. Go Jazz.
