SALT LAKE CITY — With the Utah Jazz regular season a little more than a month away, the looming question is, "Are the Jazz going to be better than last season?" Well since my crystal ball is malfunctioning today; let me try to answer that from my knowledge as a basketball analyst and former player.

If you've kept up on all the offseason news from local writers, it seems to be a common sentiment that Jefferson, Millsap and Favors won't be able to play in the same sandbox without one of them creating some dissension. Well, that makes for great offseason tabloid-like reading but personally, I don't buy it!

On paper, the Jazz are already better. But, since we all know what paper's worth let's get to the real issues.

Point guardThe most glaring factor last year was at the point guard position. Devin Harris did the best he could with the abilities he had. The problem was that those abilities were not suited for the Utah Jazz system. Although towards the tail end of the regular season there was much improvement to what he brought to the team, I thought he became a better player offensively, but the team suffered a bit because of it.

Some of the reason for that had little to do with him and more to do with all of our expectations. When you look at the standard set by Jazz point guards before him, no wonder we expect so much.

John Stockton and Deron Williams are very hard acts to follow.

The point guard position in my opinion has to be the most consistent night in and night out and I thought that it was run more by committee than a chairman. That being said (or written), Mo Williams will definitely put the Jazz back on track with his ability to "get his" while also distributing the wealth.

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Old Jazz players with a new tune elsewhere

With all the movement the Jazz have seen this offseason players and front office personnel are getting replaced and now are popping up elsewhere in the NBA.

The BigsAs for the "Bigs" situation...that's a good problem. As much of an oxymoron as that may be, the Jazz have never really had to deal with a logjam in the paint, with two potential 20/10 guys in Al Jefferson and Paul Millsap; and you would have to be living in a cave if you can't see the potential and upside of Derrick Favors. Is he ready to be "Mr. Reliable?" A guy you can go to night in and night out?

That's a question only he can answer based on his offseason improvement, but from what we witnessed towards the end of last season, I wouldn't bet against him.

I don't think coach Corbin has to necessarily choose between Paul and Derrick. We've seen how versatile Paul is in the post, depending on the matchup. I believe having the ability to put Big Al, Favors and Millsap on the floor at the same time will be a nightmare for a lot of their opponents, especially on the defensive end.

It really comes down to quality minutes in a game, and who will be called upon in crunch time.

Lineup

Mo Williams
Gordon Hayward
Paul Millsap
Derrick Favors
Al Jefferson

That's a pretty solid core to go to battle with!

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