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SALT LAKE CITY -- As the great writer Jim Murray said in his first column with the L.A. times:
"I'll start off telling you a little about myself and what I believe in. That way, we can start to fight right away."
Jazz, Cougars, Reds, Cowboys. Let's go.
Unlike many fair weathered fans, I have reason for my allegiances. I grew up in Utah so the Jazz and Cougars are easily explained. Dad played for the Reds for a couple of years, so that explains that (believe me I wished he had played for the Yankees). Finally, I was born in Texas and beaten up by my older brother John until I cheered for the correct football team. Ever since, my allegiances have been unwavering.
Which leads me to my beliefs.
My best moment shamefully enough is not my wedding day or births of my children, it was Malone bearhugging Clyde Drexler and Stockton sticking a dagger in Sir Charles that will forever hold me up . I had scared my entire family out of the room and I jumped in lone blissful exhuberance after "The Shot". The best moment remark may be a little hyperbolic, but not by much.
"John Stockton sends the Utah Jazz to the NBA finals.", I just got chills and teared up a little.
I've cried three times since childhood. Once when the Dallas Cowboys traded Herschel Walker to Minnesota for 3 future Super Bowls, when the 1991 UNLV Runnin' Rebels lost to Duke (my lone bandwagonning experience) and everytime I watch the Natural (although I've watched it 3 times a year since I was 12 I'm only counting this one as one). I believe it's okay to cry, as long as it's about sports.
Boozer has the best footwork since Kevin McHale and Michael Jackson. So, I'm to believe that while sprinting to the door to answer the doorbell, he tripped over a bag and awkwardly crashed and broke his hand. Well, there's something I don't believe.
Is Al Jefferson going to be able to replace Carlos Boozer?
I believe so and this is why. Unlike Boozer, Jefferson can score against length. He plays the true low post and despite giving up a few inches to the Western Conference 7 footers, Jefferson's array of pump fakes, pivots and feather soft touch allow him to score. That allows Millsap to play the high-post where he is most comfortable. Where he needs a step to beat his man. Millsap will crash the weak side and will terrorize teams with his nose for the ball.
Is Jefferson better than Boozer? That's the wrong question. Is Jefferson-Millsap better than Boozer-Millsap? I believe so.
If the Jazz are better offensively, what's the verdict for the defense?
Bell is an upgrade from Matthews for a third the cost. Matthews is a very good defender, but Raja gets the 10 year veteran calls that have taken... 10 years for him to get. Plus he clotheslined Kobe.
It's impossible for Jefferson to be worse than Boozer. At least Big Al can block shots. Elson has a mean streak, Fesenko is reborn and Earl Watson is a good defender. C.J. will be better. Andrei is going to get more minutes with Boozer leaving.
Jazz are better offensively. The Jazz are better defensively. They are tougher and better than they were last year. Are they better than last year's 53 wins?
I believe so.
E-mail:dnoriega@ksl.com
