Can this team honestly compete for a Championship?

[3960HOOD]

We're practically bringing the same roster unless trades are made! Can our current roster compete for a championship next season?

[The Sheik]

Honestly. No.

[idajazz]

If they play to there potential, and avoid injury and poor chemistry........yes

[jazzfan1971]

Every time I listen to the radio they talk about how this team can't compete for a championship. They are sooooooo gloomy. For some reason they totally discount the injuries we faced last year. I think if you look at teh last 10 games of the season you assume we can't compete because we couldn't beat the dregs of the league. For some reason we just seemed out of sync.

But, if we get a whole season together with relatively good health, I think we can challenge any team in teh league. I think we have home court in the first round, maybe 2 rounds, possibly more of the playoffs, and that is everything if you ask me.

I thought we were a 57 win team last year, before injuries. And seeing that we won 48 even with the injuries we had, I think that is realistic. If we come out and win 57 games, we'll be in the hunt for a title.


So, don't listen to the 'experts' on the radio. This team CAN compete for a title as constructed. It will just require some health. (and maybe Millsap coming back somehow.)

[DelaneyRudd]

Yes, but things need to go our way. It is possible, but not likely.

[jazzfan1971]

All that needs to go our way is to stay relatively healthy. Unless you think that is unlikely. But, for the 20 or so years that I've been watching the Jazz we've only had one year like this. So, I find it likely based on that, that we will be relatively healthy.

If the Lakers had teh injuries we had last year, they wouldn't have won a title either. It's tough when your best player misses 15 games then comes back too early and plays like crap for 15 more. It just is.

[UTJazzFan_Echo1]

Honestly? Yes. If we stay healthy and the chemistry works. If not...no. A little luck wouldn't hurt either.

[seejaydeja]

If you said yes, your kidding yourself. No way. this will be a 50 win team and a 2nd round out at best.

[outerspacefella]

Jazz could be contender if:

- Koufos/Fesenko contribute competitive frontcourt consistent rotation time, bringing the inside presence we have been missing for such a long time, and matchup advantages (for such thing to happen Jazz cannot resign Millsap without trading Boozer because otherwise there will be no minutes available)

- Maynor and Price (provided we resign hijm) bring solid backup PG and some good off guard minutes

- Kirilenko play at a little bit more level than last season start

- Miles start playing like a established NBA wing

Can all these happen?

[stevebozell]

Not a chance...by the way, they were healthy at the end of last season and sucked.

[DelaneyRudd]

Thing is, there are 2 teams the Jazz can't beat. Lakers and Spurs. If they luck out and avoid them in the playoffs it's realistic.

[UTJazzFan_Echo1]

Not a chance...by the way, they were healthy at the end of last season and sucked.

Ya at the end...they didn't have a chance to play together all season and you expect them to be good all a sudden? Besides they were never fully healthy, it was obvious Boozer wasn't 100% and Williams was never 100%, he even said he had to take a couple months off after the season ended to get his ankle back to normal. You guys are morons if you don't think this team can be a contender, they were projected to win the West by that one dude on ESPN then everyone got injured and everyone else had them at the least in the top 3 in the West...its the same team! Why cant they contend!?!

[stevebozell]

because they are the softest team in the league, thats why...actually, thats just one reaason of many. They need to take a risk and get another championship player next to Deron, but they wont because they dont have the balls.

[BiggMann]

AK for TMAC could put us over the hump

[ColdBlue]

I would give them about a 20-1 shot.

If everyone stays healthy maybe 10-1.

[carrottop12]

I'm with Sheik. This team just doesn't stand a chance against the Lakers. No interior defense, and no desire to guard the three point line doesn't scream contender.

[@ndrew]

AK needs to play at his best. Because he is the only one who can put over the top. I mean Deron is on his top level, Boozer is also, but AK can do better, I belive.

[StocktonShorts]

I thought the Rockets and Nuggets made the Lakers look very beatable. Sure they both ultimately lost, but for me at least they erased some of the invincible veneer off of LA. I'm not sure if this Jazz team has what it takes to beat them, but it's possible.

[majortripps69]

As this team stands constructed right now, no. We are pretenders, not contenders. We need to shake things up a bit. If we can't bring in some defense, we should bring in some offense. I know I figured I would NEVER want to see it, but what about bringing in Iverson to play at the two? We could most likely land him with the MLE. As long as he's not running the team, I'm sure he could work out as a flat out scorer. The other likable option was the AK for McGrady trade idea. As I stated in that thread, our defense isn't getting any better, and likely wont the way we are headed toward next year. Might as well try and outscore everyone. And FWIW, AK's production has dropped steadily each year both offensively and defensively. His help defense has struggled recently. I don't think he likes to jump as much as he used to due to all of his ankle injuries he has had. Who knows though, that's why we speculate and wait.

[jazzfan1971]

Jazz won't be using MLE while over teh Lux tax. (might give an MLE type contract to Millsap due to a match or bird exception, but, that's not the same)