The Curse

[Neon Black]

Consider this thread a more detailed extension on the notion that the Kevin O'Connor seriously needs to shake **** up if we're going to escape our fate as "elite team with the worst chances to contend" anytime soon.


We have had this core in place for a solid 4-5 years now. From top to bottom, one has to assert that on paper, we have one of the top 3 most talented teams in the league. 1 superstar and 3 All-stars, a deep bench, youth, playoff experience, consistent (albeit controversial) coaching, and pure, unadulterated talent.

So what the hell is wrong?

Some might blame Sloan, others AK or Boozer, all of us know that defense is an issue...

...but at the heart of the issue, the issue is that the Jazz have no heart.

and I'm tired. I'm tired of players like Boozer, who's impeccable first step on offense equates to slothfulness on defense. I'm tired of AK forgetting what he's good at 50% of the time. Tired of Memo scoring 40 and countering the next night with 6 or 7. I'm tired of the mental weakness on the road, and all the INCONSISTENCY. I honestly thought the Jazz could learn to handle the pressure of playing in opposing arena's by now. I'm tired of hearing the same, worn out lines in interviews after losses. I'm sick of hearing "that there's no excuse for the way we played", just to see the same pathetic display again and again.

And now there are rumors of locker room contention....It's crunch time, and we're losing to lottery teams with 7-man rotations at home.

My friends, we have a team that does not believe in itself.

So how can we believe in them?


I am always a Jazz fan, but I'm tired....and praying for a miracle this offseason. And the fact that when we're good and actually care, we can't be stopped - just makes everything harder. So pray with me that this curse from the basketball gods will be lifted, and that we'll get a few players who give a damn this summer.

Until then, don't expect anything but a prolonged roller coaster ride through hell with this group of players.

[carrottop12]

Who on the team needs to prove themselves and what for?

The only person on the team who seems to want to prove themselves is Deron, and sometimes it seems like the only time he wants to do that is against Chris Paul.

Nothing to prove = Nothing to gain = Nothing to play for.

[UTJazzFan_Echo1]

Ya thats the difference between this year and the year we went to the Western Conference playoffs with Fisher. Deron and Boozer were playing with chips on their shoulders trying to prove everyone wrong and Fisher brought the heart and toughness to the team. Now no one is trying to prove anything except for maybe Brewer and sometimes Deron, Memo, and AK but they are hit and miss.

[FJS]

Ya thats the difference between this year and the year we went to the Western Conference playoffs with Fisher. Deron and Boozer were playing with chips on their shoulders trying to prove everyone wrong and Fisher brought the heart and toughness to the team. Now no one is trying to prove anything except for maybe Brewer and sometimes Deron, Memo, and AK but they are hit and miss.

Not only Fisher. Harpring still was good to play 25 min per game and put 11 ppg. He did miss a tons of layups, but still was a 49% and a warrior who ive the "fighter" spirit we don't have right now.

[edfmx86]

thats exactly what ive been thinking throughout this whole slump we've been in. theres no doubt, and im sure everyone knows it, we are a very good team, very good team. We were suppose to be the team to hang up there with the Lakers and instead we are getting them in the first round???

This team just doesnt give a damn anymore. I expected it out of player like Boozer, AK and maybe Okur, but c'mon Deron...Millsap...Brew these guys are suppose to leaving it all on the floor every single night. We need a guy on this team who can pump up our whole team.

Maybe with the jazz being an 8th seed, theyll play like they need to prove something and give us the best damn series we've ever seen, if that doesnt happen, we can start thinking about who we will draft this off season,

[seejaydeja]

Maybe with the jazz being an 8th seed, theyll play like they need to prove something and give us the best damn series we've ever seen, if that doesnt happen, we can start thinking about who we will draft this off season,

that's the only glimpse of hope I can see. we all know dwill plays his best when nobody believes in him.

[MeestR]

i was thinking of a curse more along the lines of never a championship in the history of the franchise. utah stars had one, but when the jazz came to town, no more of that.

is it a utah stars curse on utah basketball for folding a couple months before the nba bought out the league? or is it a curse attached to the jazz franchise? (several boneheaded moves in the early days similar to babe to ny curse)

or more likely as ele. alluded to, just general incompetence or too much cautiousness.