Preseason Preview

The Jazz did nothing to improve themselves over last season and thus are playing at almost exactly the same level as last year. They’re barely holding on to the eighth seed in the West. They are just a game and a half from fourth place but also just a game and a half ahead of eleventh place.

The Jazz must decide if they are in a position to play better in the second half of the season or if they should finally trade Carlos Boozer. Boozer has been playing great and his trade value has never been higher. But if the Jazz feel they are good enough to move up to the fourth or fifth seed they might just try sticking with their current roster.

Ready to Breakout vs. Reality: There was no one I really thought would breakout but in a pinch I chose rookie Eric Maynor. Maynor has since been traded to the Thunder in a deal that helped the Jazz cut down on their luxury tax.

Over the Hill vs. Reality: Matt Harpring was in that deal to the Thunder with Eric Maynor. Harpring will not be playing with the Thunder, but will stick to working on NBA TV. Mehmet Okur’s numbers are down significantly from last season. His points per game average is his worst since joining the Jazz six years ago. They need him to get back on track in order to make a push at a higher playoff seed.

Worst Moment: They are usually one of the best home teams in the league but aren't quite so dominating this year. They're just 16-6 and one of those losses came on December 14 against the Timberwolves. It was just the fourth win for the Timberwolves with two of them coming against the Jazz.

Best Moment: Any time they play the Spurs. The Jazz have already swept the season series against the Spurs. It’s the first time in nearly 10 years the Spurs have been swept by a team they’ve played at least four times in a season.

Best Case Scenario: They finish as the fifth seed and face the Spurs in the first round.

Worst Case Scenario: They don’t trade Boozer, realize too late they aren’t a playoff-caliber team and are stuck with a hefty luxury tax payment and an aging team that is in need of being dismantled.

NBA Midseason Reports