Last Season: Carlos Boozer played in just 37 games last season because of injuries, but Paul Millsap was able to fill in nicely. The Jazz had one of the biggest disparities between their record at home and away. At home they were 33-8, but they were just 15-26 on the road. They limped into the playoffs and had to face the Lakers in the first round. An injury to Mehmet Okur kept him out the first three games of the series and that spelled doom for the Jazz. They managed to win one home game to avoid the sweep.

Acquisitions: G Eric Maynor

Departures: G Brevin Knight, C Jarron Collins

Starting Five: F C.J. Miles, F Carlos Boozer, C Mehmet Okur, G Deron Williams, G Ronnie Brewer

Bench Mob: Paul Millsap, Kyle Korver, Andrei Kirilenko, Ronnie Price, Kosta Koufos, Wes Matthews, Eric Maynor

Most Interesting Man in the World: Andrei Kirilenko – Kirilenko chose his number 47 so he could be AK-47, the name of the rifle made in his home country of Russia. He’s married to a pop star and has appeared in her videos. And then of course, there is his deal with his wife.

Over the Hill: Matt Harpring – This is more honoring Harpring than putting him down. There’s a good chance Harpring will retire before the beginning of the season and he will be missed by the Jazz. For years he was an offensive threat but more recently he was a griddy defender who wouldn't let the guy he was guarding score without some physical contact. Jerry Sloan will sorely miss his presence on this team.

Ready to Break Out: Eric Maynor – I don’t see anyone on the Jazz breaking out this year, but if I have to choose someone, I’ll go with Maynor. Maynor was a stud at VCU where he averaged over 22 points and 6 assists his senior year. He’s a smart player who can get others involved and can light it up when necessary. I think he will beat out Ronnie Price as the backup point guard to Deron Williams.

Outlook: While the rest of the contenders in the West improved their rosters, the Jazz stayed pat with what they had from last year. Maynor should help spell Deron Williams but clearly a small move like that will not help the Jazz get over the hump. Carlos Boozer wanted a trade and didn’t get it; now Jerry Sloan will have to balance his playing time with Paul Millsap’s to keep them both happy. If Kirilenko can play like he did two to three years ago the Jazz could be better than they were last year, but they can’t compete with the top teams in the West.

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