In the emerging Paul Millsap, the Jazz thought they had the perfect replacement for Carlos Boozer. One problem -- Boozer didn't leave. That surprise move leaves Utah two-deep at power forward and right in the middle of every trade rumor in the league.
2008-09 Recap
Record: 48-34 (.585)
- Third in Northwest Division
- #8 Seed in Eastern Conference Playoffs
What Went Right: Millsap really stepped up when Boozer was on the shelf, proving himself to be a viable -- and less expensive -- alternative at power forward. Deron Williams continued his ascent, and is generally regarded as the best young point in the league not named Chris Paul. Ronnie Brewer stepped up when Utah's stars were shelved and became one of the team's go-to scorers. Even with Boozer and Williams missing significant time, the Jazz were strong enough to finish with a respectable record and playoff berth.
Coach Jerry Sloan -- and Utah legend John Stockton -- were voted into the Hall of Fame.
What Went Wrong: Knee surgery limited Boozer to 37 games played, and Williams played just 68 due to an ankle injury and other issues. Andrei Kirilenko's decline continued -- he's not nearly as effective at the small forward position, and last season wound up coming off the bench for the first time in his career.
Offseason Moves
Key Additions: Eric Maynor, Goran Suton (draft)
Key Subtractions: Morris Almond, Jarron Collins, Brevin Knight (free agents)
Boozer's decision not to opt out of his contract was wise, from a business perspective. Very few teams had money to spend under the cap last summer; next summer, more teams will be ready to write checks. But his decision put the Jazz in an awkward spot... with Boozer on the roster, the couldn't hope to re-sign restricted free agent Paul Millsap without hitting the dreaded luxury tax threshold.
The Trail Blazers tried to take advantage of Utah's weak position by signing Millsap to front-loaded four-year deal, but Utah matched, retaining the rights to their power forward of the future. For this season, that leaves the team with far too much cash tied up at one position, and makes moving Boozer a must.
The team's only other additions -- point guard Eric Maynor and center Goran Suton -- probably won't see much playing time, as Sloan usually brings his rookies along very slowly.
2009-10 Outlook
This team had high hopes going into last season, and is essentially unchanged -- there's no reason to think they won't be in the mix -- with Portland and Denver -- for the Northwest Division title and a top-three seed in the West. It will be interesting to see what help -- if any -- a Boozer trade will bring. Boozer is an all-star caliber talent, but his contract expires after the season; he probably won't fetch a front-line player.
Fantasy Notes
Millsap's fantasy value takes a hit because he'll likely open the season behind Boozer in the rotation, but don't let him drop too far. Coach Sloan has been using Millsap alongside Boozer at times in the preseason -- he'll step into the starting lineup if any of the Jazz' frontcourt players get hurt. And the Jazz might not wait until the February trade deadline to make a deal.
