RealGM

I'm trying to be a little less of a negative poster this season (we'll see how long it can last, as I almost posted my first "Fire Jerry" thread of the season last night). Yes, it looked like the team was back to their losing ways on the road, but there are signs this team could be really special. Here's my glass-half-full look at the first two weeks of the season:

1. Despite the injuries, we are doing more than treading water. We have yet to see the Jazz at anything close to full strength. I'm not going to judge this team until I can see them play at full strength for a significant stretch: That means Deron, Okur, Booz, Brew, CJ, KK, AK, Sap and Harpring are all playing regular minutes. Our offense has been pretty rough, but what do we expect when we can't keep a consistant lineup of healthy players out there? Prediction: By season's end, the Jazz will have one fo the NBA's top 3 offenses.

2. Improved Defensive Effort. They are noticably trying harder on their man defense and switching much better on their zone defense. If this team becomes a top 7 or 8 defensive team, watch out.

3. Andrei's back. Despite last night's rough go, Andrei was still out there trying to make things happen. He looks much more active than we have seen him in the last three years. If Andrei returns to all-star form, the Jazz are the best team in the league.

4. No Jason Hart. Brevin Knight is soooooo much better at running the offense, and Deron's injury gave him the chance to build chemistry with the team, so that he can keep things running smooth for us, rather than dribble the ball at the top of the key and chuck bad 3-pointers to end the half.

5. Kosta Koufos is a real NBA player. Jerry has his new BFF. Coach loves the work ethic, and its clear that he brings more to the table than either Fess or Collins. I've been especially impressed with his willingness to challenge shots. He seems to cover up Boozer's weaknesses much better than Okur does.

6. Millsap is playing for a contract (though probably not one from the Jazz). He seemed to take a bit of a step back last season, but he's back to being the bruiser he should be.

There are lots of good things happening for the jazz, and once it all gets put together, this team is going to be scary-good. Remember, "don't panic."

I don't think anyone is worried. Deron's giving about 50% of his normal stats, and his effect on the game right now well below average.

If before the season started you told me that the Jazz were going on a five game roadie with a very injured Deron Williams, no Mehmet Okur, no Jarron Collins, no Kyrylo Fesenko and Kosta Koufos starting at C, with two sets of back to backs I would have been very happy if the Jazz were to walk away from that trip with a 2-3 record.

As long as the Jazz beat the Bobcats tomorrow this is not a terrible road trip by any means, especially considering the circumstances.

Nothing to worry about.

I dont think anyone is in panic mode.

I just HATE this team as much I LOVE them ... AND I LOVE THEM SO MUCH!

There's definitely no reason to panic.

I'm disgusted with their pathetic performances against the Knicks and the Wizards because I felt that, even with our injuries, the team we fielded was still better by a large margin than our opponents'.

But that doesn't mean we're in a downward spiral. We just have to play smarter and harder than we have been when we're undermanned.

Batronuj wrote:As long as the Jazz beat the Bobcats tomorrow .