The Kirilenko Dilemma

Let’s start with a trivia question:

How much money will the Jazz pay for Andrei Kirilenko this season?

$15 Million?

$17 Million?

$20 Million?

The answer is $35 Million.

…Now wait a minute…isn’t Andrei Kirilenko set to make nearly $17M next season? In terms of salary… yes. In actuality, his cost to the franchise is much, much more. The Jazz are looking at $13 Million in luxury taxes, and an additional $5 Million in lost revenue. $17M + $13M + $5M = $35 Million.

This whole financial crisis the Jazz currently face can be directly linked back to Andrei Kirilenko. Never mind his lackluster production and sensitive skins, the Jazz have inescapably tied themselves to Kirilenko’s freakishly absurd contract for 2 more seasons.

Well, critics might argue that it’s only one year of luxury tax until Boozer’s contract comes off the books, and the Jazz will be OK. Bull Crap. $97 Million in real salary cost next season is unacceptable and has the potential to sink a small market franchise like the Jazz, no matter how “stable” they view themselves.

So the real question for the Jazz is how do they get rid of Andrei Kirilenko?

There are 3 options to this shiver creating nightmare:

#1 – Let Kirilenko play out his contract, underperform, and cost the team millions of dollars in luxury tax.

Consequences of #1 – The Jazz are bound financially this year and next year. The Jazz make the playoffs but fail to earn home court advantage, and thus l

ose in the first round both years. Failure to make the second round of the playoffs will cost the Jazz an additional $1 Million in potential revenue for every playoff game they miss. Kirilenko is set to cry at least twice more after a game. Jerry Sloan will rip AK a THIRD A-hole for trying to do too much outside the offense, 2 vacations will be planned during the last week of the season for the second round of the playoffs, and Kirilenko will never be happier despite his team being very mediocre.

#2 – Trade Kirilenko this year for cap relief this year.

Consequences of #2 – Though still facing luxury tax issues from returning contracts, relief from Kirilenko’s contract one year in advance would be very welcome. This would also allow the Jazz some flexibility in trading Carlos Boozer for a long-term high level player, rather than a role player with an expiring contract (see Joel Pryzbylla under “Expiring Role Player”). I believe this is the direction the Jazz would pursue if the Rip Hamilton for Carlos Boozer trade were to occur. Keep in mind the Jazz have a sure lottery pick next season from the Knicks, potentially in the top 5.

#3 – Keep Kirilenko this year, trade him next year when his contract is expiring for a high level player. The side piece here is to either trade Boozer now for cap relief, or let his contract expire.

Consequences of #3 - The positive side about this option is the Jazz would most definitely receive a very high quality player in return for Kirilenko’s expiring contract (an Emeka Okafor + expiring, or a sign and trade for one of the many free agents on the market like Joe Johnson or Michael Redd). The negative side about waiting to trade Kirilenko is we have to watch him all year. The Jazz also would face the major luxury tax problems this season still.

Kirilenko’s value will unquestionable increase significantly next season when he is set to expire. Would you be willing to sell your Zion’s bank stock for $12.00 per share right now knowing that next year the stock is going to be worth $20.00 per share? I believe Kirilenko’s value is set to increase by 50%-75% next season.

Again, the wildcard in this situation is the lottery pick the Jazz own next season, though you’ll never hear O’Connor mention that outside of Deron Williams, that is the most valuable asset the Jazz own.

Who knows, maybe we can trade his Masha’s “exception” clause. That would certainly net us more value than AK’s production at SF.

Opt In, Opt In, and Opt In

Opt out or opt in? That is the question. While there are many answers to this question, the best answer to this question for the Utah Jazz is opt in. Opt in, opt in, and opt in. Carlos Boozer, Mehmet Okur, and Kyle Korver all should opt in for the remaining year of their contracts with the Jazz.

The main goal of any organization is to maximize assets, while minimizing liabilities (debts and expenses). NBA organizations are no different. Take a look at some of the most successful organizations in recent years (including major turnarounds):

Boston Celtics: Built a significant share of assets, used those assets to bring in Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen. The Celtics went from one of the worst teams in the NBA, to NBA champions, and arguably the best team in the NBA when healthy.

San Antonio Spurs: The Spurs have been more successful drafting late in the first round, than most teams in the lottery. Drafting players and keeping them overseas only to have their stock rise upon arrival to the US. Manu Ginobli and Tony Parker are resonating examples of the Spurs philosophy.

Los Angeles Lakers: The Lakers built a supporting cast for Kobe Bryant out of mid to high level role players. They used the asset of Kwame Brown’s expiring contract to land Pau Gasol, and they acquired and developed two nice assets in Shannon Brown and Trevor Ariza. Again, that seems to be working well for the Lakers.

Portland

Trailblazers: The Blazers were an absolute train wreck only a few years ago. That’s when the organization changed their philosophy and started to acquire draft picks and young talent. With the drafting of Brandon Roy, look for the Blazers to use these young assets to acquire a proven piece to pair with Roy in bringing the Blazers back to the highest stage of the NBA.

With the Economy in the pits, the most valuable assets in the NBA next season will be expiring contracts (NBA superstars excluded; LeBron, Kobe, DWade, and a few others). If the economy doesn’t rapidly turn around, half of the teams in the NBA will continue to bleed money. The longer these organizations bleed, the more desperate they will get. Unless a team is a contender by December, the trade deadline will arrive with many organizations desperate to move players and save money…enter Boozer, Okur and Korver.

Another reason why the expiring contracts would be valuable, is the 2010 off season. The Jazz would never be a major player in attracting top tie free agents, but other teams would love to clear cap space just to be in the picture.

On the flip side, if the economic struggles continue beyond this season, Andrei Kirilenko’s expiring contract will be far more valuable in two years than it is right now. In fact, I would argue that in terms of asset value, it would be more valuable for the Jazz if Andrei Kirilenko did NOT play a single game next season and trade him next season, then it would be for the Jazz to trade Andrei Kirilenko for say, a lower lottery pick or a couple of decent players.

Teams such as Sacramento, Golden State, Phoenix, Houston, San Antonio, New Orleans, Oklahoma City, Minnesota, Indiana, Chicago, Detroit, Philadelphia, New York, New Jersey, Charlotte, Miami, Atlanta, Washington and Denver all could be looking to acquire expiring contracts if the season turns in a negative direction.

With Korver, Boozer and Okur returning to the Jazz next season, the Jazz would have near $30M in expiring contracts in 2010, and near $23M expiring in 2011. In theory, the Jazz could acquire 2 high level stars in return for these players, possibly 3.

Don’t forget the Jazz own the rights to the New York Knicks draft pick in 2010, a draft considered to be significantly stronger than this year’s draft.

Opt in, opt in, and opt in. That’s the best case scenario for the jazz. The jazz need to focus on increasing their asset value. Having Boozer walk away now, would be like selling a stock at a 4 year low. Hold the stock, know that the stock will increase significantly next year.

Motivation of a Champion: Will to Win or Hatred of Defeat?

Before we get to the post, let me welcome our readers back for another Utah Jazz offseason.  Captain Obvious would state that this will be one of the most eventful offseasons in the history of our beloved franchise. 

 

Let’s start with the Eastern Conference Finals.  After suffering a lopsided defeat in g

ame 6, LeBron James exited the court without participating in the traditional congratulations and post-series back patting ceremonies.  After the confetti had settled, James was a no-show in the media hall for interviews. Nothing James could have said or done in the press conference could have spoken as loudly as his noticeable absence from league mandatory media relations.

 James’ controversial reaction to defeat has raised a question in my mind: What motivates a champion?  Is it a player’s will to win? Or is it the hatred of defeat what puts a player/team/coach on top of the sporting world? 

 

Jazz coach Jerry Sloan subscribes to the concept of hating to lose.  Did you know that as an NBA player, Jerry Sloan would pin up a picture of the opposing player he had been assigned to defend in his locker prior to every game?  I wonder if he carries a picture of Phil Jackson in his wallet to remind him of how far short his team has ended the past two seasons? These days Phil’s awkward face may have been replaced by a Free Drink coupon to Texas Roadhouse.

 Speaking of the zen master, Phil Johnson subscribes to a different theory than Coach Sloan.  Johnson believes what fuels a championship is a superstar’s will to win.  Think positive, stay focused, give the ball to Kobe, and get out of his way…is there a better recipe for success in today’s NBA?  If so, try to tell a guy with a championship ring for every one of his cat’s lives.

 Michael Jordan, Larry Bird and Kobe Bryant all were praised for their off-season workout regimes.   Each player enjoyed the highest levels of success during their NBA careers.  All suffered defeat before reaching and winning the NBA finals.  Certainly work ethic played a big part for each of these players, but what fueled these players to work so hard all the time?  Was it the feeling of defeat each suffered in college and the NBA? It could reasonably be assumed that these players never wanted to feel that sting of defeat again, and would do anything to overcome defeat.  Or was it the ability to cope with defeat?  It is also reasonable to assume that before a player can play at the highest level, they can’t be afraid to make mistakes.  This belief is better suited with the belief that a champion’s motivation is fueled by a will to win, even if it means losing along the way.

 

Let’s return to Saturday Night’s Eastern Conference Finals.  The NBA’s golden child exited the court and arena noticeably frustrated.  The competitive side of me wants to love the fact that LeBron truly hated to be associated with defeat, recognizing that I might do the same thing.  One of my biggest pet peeves is w

atching players burst out in smiles and laughter the second after the final horn sounds.  The NBA would be much more entertaining if there were more guys like LeBron James and Jerry Sloan with pictures of the enemy pinned to their lockers. 

 On the opposite side, Cavalier fans should be worried.  Is the pressure of being the anointed one getting to LeBron?  Was the shock of an unfulfilled prophecy too much to bare?  While the reigning MVP did not shy away from taking the big shot (make or miss), his post-game behavior confirmed to onlookers why James has not yet won a title, the king has not yet learned to accept defeat. 

 

My conclusion: LeBron is at least 2 years away from his first of many NBA championships.  Once James learns that success isn’t about playing in the biggest NBA city (New York City in 2010), or becoming a billionaire (publicly declared), at that point, James will be mature enough to win his championships.  Until then, living up to the labels the NBA is forcing upon him will be a monumental task.  If James does choose to skip town, basketball fans everywhere may miss out on the greatest athlete professional sports has ever seen.

1998 Jazz vs. 2008 Jazz

VS

Training camp opens in about 2 weeks. We'll be releasing a series of season previews here pretty soon, but in the meantime, we'll continue into the realm of the hypothetical. This week's topic - the 1997-98 Utah Jazz vs. the 2007-08 Utah Jazz, particularly the following areas:

1. How the 1998 Jazz would fare in the 2008 NBA.
2. How the 2008 Jazz would fare in the 1998 NBA.
3. What the outcome would be of a Western Conference Finals Series between the two teams.

Let's take a look at our rosters and rotations:

1998 Utah Jazz
Starters:
PG - John Stockton - 12 ppg, 8 apg, 1.4 spg, 2.5 TO, 53% FG, 43% 3PT, 29 MIN
SG - Jeff Hornacek - 14.2 ppg, 4.4 apg, 1.4 spg, 48% FG, 44% 3PT
SF - Bryon Russell - 9 ppg, 3 rpg, 1.1 spg, 43% FG, 34% 3PT
PF - Karl Malone - 27 ppg, 10.3 rpg, 1.2 spg, 53% FG, 76% FT, 10.2 FTA
C - Greg Ostertag - 4.7 ppg, 5.9 rpg, 2.1 bpg, 48% FG

Key Reserves:
Shandon Anderson - 8.3 ppg, 2.8 rpg, 1.1 apg, 0.8 spg, 53% FG, 21.9% 3PT
Howard Eisley - 7.7 ppg, 4.2 apg, 2 TO, 44% FG, 41% 3PT
Antoine Carr - 5.7 ppg, 2 rpg, 46.5% FG, 0.8 blk

2008 Utah Jazz
Starters:
PG - Deron Williams - 18.8 ppg, 10.5 apg, 1.1 spg, 51% FG, 39.5% 3PT, 37.3 MIN
SG - Ronnie Brewer - 12 ppg, 2.9 rpg, 1.8 apg, 1.7 spg, 27.5 MIN, 56% FG, 22% 3PT
SF - Andrei Kirilenko - 11 ppg, 4.7 rpg, 1.2 spg, 1.5 blk, 4 apg, 51% FG, 38% 3PT
PF - Carlos Boozer - 21.1 ppg, 10.4 rpg, 2.9 apg, 1.2 spg, 55% FG
C - Mehmet Okur - 14.5 ppg, 7.7 rpg, 2 apg, .4 blk, 45% FG, 39% 3PT

Key Reserves: SF - Matt Harpring - 8.2 ppg, 3.2 rpg, 1.1 apg, .6 spg, 50% FG, 20% 3PT
SG - Kyle Korver - 9.8 ppg, 1.4 apg, .4 stl, .5 blk, 2 rpg, 47% FG, 39% 3PT
PF - Paul Millsap - 8.1 ppg, 5.6 rpg, 1 apg, .9 spg, .9 blk, 50% FG

Head-to-Head Statistical Comparisons
*when comparing teams, it should be noted that the 2008 Jazz average significantly more possessions per game than the 1998 Jazz. This would adjust specific statistics per game, but not percentages.

1998 Jazz - 101 ppg, 41 rpg, 25 apg, 7.9 spg, 5 bpg, 15.4 TO, 49% FG, 37.2% 3PT, 77.3% FT
2008 Jazz - 106.2 ppg, 41 rpg, 26.4 apg, 8.7 spg, 4.3 blk, 14.6 TO, 49.7% FG, 37.2% 3PT, 75.9% FT

Thoughts: At first glance it would appear that the 2008 Jazz were a much better offensive team (ppg, apg, etc), but in reality both teams are freakishly similar. If you were to adjust possessions to make teams equal, both teams would have very similar ppg and very similar apg. This is also made apparent in the percentages where both teams average exactly 37.2% from behind the ark. 2008 holds a very slight advantages in FG% while 1998 has a higher FT%. Both offset each other in my eyes. The 1998 Jazz would be considered a better rebounding team per possession, but the 2008 Jazz have a far better TO margin. Interesting.

1998 Opponent - 94.4 ppg, 36.5 rpg, 14.1 TO, 44% FG, 35.7% 3PT
2008 Opponent - 99.3 ppg, 37 rpg, 15.9 TO, 46.1% FG, 35.7% 3PT

Thoughts: Again you might think at first glance that the 98 team was far more efficient defensively, but the numbers are slightly deceptive. If you were to adjust the points per game so that the number of possessions were equal, we'd see a very similar result. The same logic applies to rebounding (though this statistic would show the 2008 Jazz giving up fewer rebounds per possession. This directly contradicts the stats previously mentioned as if there are simply fewer overall rebounds per possession nowadays. Maybe there are more fouls?). TOs per possession also adjusts to similar values. FG percentage does give the defensive edge to the 1998 Jazz by a difference of nearly 2%. How strange is the similarity in 3 PT%. It would appear as if we are STRONGLY underestimating the impact Jerry Sloan's system has on his teams.

The NBA of 1998

The 1997-98 Utah Jazz finished atop the Midwest Division and the Western Conference with a record of 62-20 (tied with Chicago for best in NBA). The Western Conference was relatively week that year, with an average winning percentage of .471. The Midwest Division was even worse with an average winning percentage of .443. The 1998 Jazz topped TNT's analysts (Barkley, Kenny Smith and crew) 3 games to 2. In the second round, the 1998 Jazz defeated Avery Johnson, David Robinson and the rest of the San Antonio Spurs 4 games to 1. In the Western Conference Finals, the Jazz swept Shaquille O'Neal, Kobe Bryant and the Los Angeles Lakers in 4 straight games to reach the NBA Finals. The joy was short lived however as Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippen, Dennis Rodman and the Chicago Bulls defeated the Jazz in 6 games.

How far could the 2008 Jazz have gone in those same playoffs? Considering the conference was significantly weaker, we'll give the 2008 Jazz 3 more wins and a record of 57-25. This would have given the Jazz the 3rd seed in the conference entering the playoffs. As the 3rd seed, the Jazz would face the Minnesota Timberwolves led by Kevin Garnett and Stephon Marbury. The young Garnett would not have been superior (at the time) to the Jazz frontcourt of Boozer and Okur, and Marbury would have been absolutely abused by Deron Williams. DWill averages 30 ppg, 12 apg and the Jazz advance in a 3-game sweep (best of 5 in the first round in 1998).

In the second round, the Jazz would then have faced Shawn Kemp, Gary Payton and the Seattle Supersonics who narrowly advanced. Don't be confused by the name Kemp, at this point Kemp is playing at a level far below his 96 days when he led his team to the NBA finals. Boozer and Millsap go at Kemp all day and keep him either on the bench with fouls, or too winded to be effective. Meanwhile, Gary "the Glove" Payton is effective at keeping DWill's production to a reasonable level. DWill averages 17 ppg and 8 apg, while Boozer goes off for 27 ppg and 13 rpg. The 2008 Jazz overcome a couple of setbacks to advance to the Western Conference Finals in 6 games.

In the Western Conference Finals the 2008 Jazz face a team that sent them packing from the future 2008 playoffs. The 1998 Kobe isn't nearly the puzzle piece he would develop into, but the 1998 Shaquille O'Neal is also a beast unlike any they would see in 2008. Shaq and the Lakers bully their way to an early 2-0 lead in the series. The Jazz however return home to a Rockin' Delta Center (later to be re-named Energy Solutions Arena) and bounce back to even the series at 2-2 behind the strong play of Deron Williams. The Jazz were successfully able to draw Shaq away from the basket using Mehmet Okur's long-range shooting. Game 5 goes back to LA where a second-year pro named Derek Fisher hits a game winning 3 pointer at the buzzer to win the game for the Lakers 102-100. Game 6 in Salt Lake City was an ugly game, where Carlos Boozer, Mehmet Okur, Jarron Collins and Paul Millsap all foul out of the game against O'Neal. The Lakers held the lead until the final minutes when the Jazz were able to take the lead. O'Neal misses 6 of 6 free throws down the stretch, and Kobe Bryant air-balls two consecutive 3 pointers, one to give the Lakers the lead, and one to tie the game at the buzzer. The series goes back to LA tied the decisive game 7. The Lakers come out firing. Kobe Bryant goes off for 10 in the first quarter, and "fast Eddie" Jones puts in 8. The Lakers end the first quarter up 32-22. The second quarter starts similar to the first with the Lakers extending the lead to 15. That's when the Jazz bench goes off against the Lakers bench, scoring 8 unanswered points to go into half-time down 55-48. The third quarter is a battle with the Lakers looking to establish Shaquille O'Neal on the low block. To this point the Lakers have played a fast-paced game, and Shaq has only managed 10 points on 4-5 shooting and 2-4 from the line. Unlike game 6, the Jazz do not immediately foul Shaq. Rather, they send a double team with Kirilenko who would finish the game with 4 blocks. Shaq grows frustrated while Lakers Coach Dale Harris fails to adjust. The Jazz tie up the game after 3 at 76-76. The fourth quarter starts with the a couple of quick Laker threes while the Jazz struggle from the foul-line. The Lakers move up by 5 midway through the period when the Jazz hit 3 pointers on 3 consecutive possessions (2 by Korver, 1 by Okur). That quickly, the Jazz take a 3 point lead and force a Laker timeout with 4 minutes to go. The Lakers and Jazz would exchange blows for the next three minutes and the score sits tied with 1 minute remaining. The Jazz keep the ball in the hands of Deron Williams who runs the clock down to 45 seconds before attacking. DWill comes off a high screen and roll and attacks the paint...the defense follows. DWill kicks the ball back out to Mehmet Okur who shoots from long range and hits what appears to be a 3 pointer, but the refs only gave him credit for 2 points. The TV replay would show that Okur had his toe on the line, and the refs made the correct call. The Lakers brought the ball back down the floor in hopes of taking a shot near 30 seconds (2 for 1). The ball ends up in the hands of Kobe Bryant who drives and pulls up from 20, but misses the shot. Carlos Boozer grabs the loose ball and is quickly fouled by Shaquille O'Neal...his 6th and final foul of the game. Boozer steps up to the line and hits the first free-throw. As Boozer shoots his second free-throw he lets out a yell as the ball hangs on the rim for a second before falling off the side. The Lakers get the rebound with 20 seconds remaining, and call timeout to set up a final play. The Lakers come out of the timeout with the ball at midcourt in the hands of Kobe Bryant. Kobe runs a screen and roll with reserve big man Elden Campbell before kicking the ball to Derek Fisher on the wing with 5 seconds remaining. Fisher pumpfakes and drives toward the rim. Fisher then sees Boozer help off his man and kicks it to Robert Horry in the corner who barries a 3-pointer at the buzzer...OVERTIME. The dramatics of regulation did not carry over to Overtime however. Without Shaq in the game, the Jazz attack the basket and get up early on back-to-back layups by Williams and Boozer. Meanwhile, Kobe and the Lakers force up a couple of ill-advised long range jumpers to be controlled by the Jazz. With 2 minutes to go, the Jazz find themselves with the ball and a 6 point lead. Jazz coach Jerry Sloan inserts free-throw specialist Kyle Korver back into the game who hits 4 free throws in the final minute to give the Jazz a thrilling overtime victory of 115-106. Deron Williams jumps in celebration with a fist pump while Carlos Boozer catches him in mid air. Jerry Sloan looks torn whether he should be celebrating with his team or fixing his hair which was messed up in the celebration.

The NBA Finals had the Utah Jazz and the Chicago Bulls in Chicago for game 1. The Bulls won games 1 and 2 convincingly by an average margin of 18 points. Michael Jordan average 36 points in front of his home crowd. The 2008 Jazz return to Salt Lake with renewed optimism, having lost only 3 games all season at home, 1 of the 3 to the Bulls. The Jazz jumped on the Bulls early behind the strong play of Deron Williams and Carlos Boozer, but found their stars in foul-trouble early in the 3rd quarter after referee Tim Donaghy called a questionable foul on Carlos Boozer. With Boozer and Williams on the bench, the Jazz bench held their own against the Bulls starting rotation. Jordan was having an off shooting day, hitting only 25% of his shots. To start the 4th quarter, the Jazz held a 3 point lead. The Bulls came out behind veteran leadership and playoff experience to take outscore the Jazz 25-15 in the final quarter, placing the 2008 Jazz in a series hole of 3-0. Game 4 was promising for the young 2008 Jazz team however as they bounced back to defeat the Bulls by a score of 108-82. Game 5 was a fight back and forth, but Michael Jordan was ultimately too much for the Jazz defenders. Ronnie Brewer sat out much of the game with foul-trouble, while Jordan scored 55 points on Matt Harpring. The Bulls defeated the Jazz 112-87, to complete the series in 5 games.

Two days after the end of the NBA Finals, Michael Jordan developed a terrible flu and spent much of the day bed-ridden in his home outside of Chicago.

The NBA of 2008

The 2007-08 Utah Jazz finished atop the Northwest Division with a record of 54-28. The NW Division was not exceptionally strong with an average winning percentage of .456. The Western Conference as a whole however was exceptionally strong, with an average winning percentage of .527 (good enough to make the playoffs in 1998).

To keep things equal, we'll apply the same logic to the 1998 Jazz as we did previously to the 2008 Jazz. Due to a significantly more competitive conference, We'll assume that the 1998 Jazz would finish with a record of 59-23, good enough for the top seed in the West.

In the first round of the 2008 Playoffs, our 1998 Utah Jazz squad would be matched up against a division rival in the Denver Nuggets. On paper, this match-up looks competitive. On the hardwood, the 2008 Nuggets have struggled heavily against disciplined opponents. The Nuggets fall behind early, and lose big in the first 2 games at Energy Solutions Arena. Returning to Denver, the Nuggets show revived enthusiasm behind 42 points by Allen Iverson. Game 4 doesn't start well for the Nuggets, and gets worse as Kenyon Martin and JR Smith both are ejected. The Jazz roll to a 112-92 victory and a 3-1 series lead. Returning home for game 5, the veteran Jazz of 1998 show poise to withstand an early run by the Nuggets. Despite 35 points by Carmelo Anthony, the Jazz win 105-97.

In the second round of the 2008 playoffs, the 1998 Jazz face Tim Duncan and the San Antonio Spurs (4th seed). Both teams pound on each other in the game. Karl Malone paces the Jazz with 20 points and 15 rebounds while Tim Duncan puts up similar numbers for the Spurs. John Stockton dishes out 11 assists for the Jazz while Tony Parker struggles to find a rhythm. Manu Ginobli is held to 18 points by Bryon Russell and the Jazz squeek out a 87-82 win. The Spurs wouldn't be held down for long however as they rebound to knock off the Jazz in a thriller in Salt Lake. Spurs coach Greg Popovic is praised for his game to game adjustments as the Spurs hold Karl Malone to only 15 points on 5 for 15 shooting. As the Jazz return to San Antonio, the Jazz come out trying to attack the paint through sharp cuts and crisp passing. Early on the strategy is effective, but after halftime the Jazz just aren't able to knock down outside shots. The Spurs win game 3 by a score of 92-84. Game 4 was a legendary game with both teams exchanging blows. Karl Malone got position early and often against Tim Duncan, drawing him into early foul trouble. In replacing Duncan, Fabricio Oberto just got abused by Malone. Malone finished the game with 38 points and 16 rebounds, as the Jazz pull away late to a 104-92 victory despite shooting poorly from the outside once again. As both teams return to Salt Lake City, Jazz coach Jerry Sloan has his team focused and pressing for physicality. With both teams knowing each other well, game 5 turns ugly quick. Duncan and Malone went at each other all night, each scoring about 20 points and grabbing 10 rebounds. The key for the Jazz lay in their backcourt, and not with John Stockton. Swingmen Bryon Russell and Shandon Anderson absolutely abuse the aging Spurs swingmen. Once again, Hornacek and Stockton struggle from deep, but the Jazz do enough to win the game 88-84. Game 6 returns to San Antonio, and is vastly different than games in the past. Different than the slow, physical games leading up to game 6, the Jazz and Spurs explode for massive offensive production. The Jazz jump out to an early lead in the first quarter 34-31, while the Spurs return to even the score at halftime 56-56. By the end of the third quarter, the Jazz have once again pulled ahead, this time 88-83. The Jazz extend the lead to 10 early in the fourth before the Spurs start to chop away at the lead. With 2 minutes to go, the Jazz lead has dwindled to 108-106. Robert Horry proves a hero for the Spurs as he drills a 3 pointer in the final minute to give the Spurs the lead 111-110. The experience of John Stockton proves too much for Tony Parker, as Stockton extends the defense with the screen and roll, and hits Hornacek with pin-point precision and Hornacek nets a 10 foot floater at the buzzer. Jazz win Game 6 112-111 and take the series 4 games to 2.

In the Western Conference Finals, the 1998 would face familiar faces in familiar uniforms, Kobe Bryant, Derek Fisher and the Los Angeles Lakers. The Lakers prove ready for the Jazz behind coach Phil Jackson's game plan. The Lakers jump out to a big first-half lead on the road in Utah. Jerry Sloan decided not to call a timeout during a 15-2 Laker run. After halftime, John Stockton and Jeff Hornacek take matters into their own hands and combine for 30 points and 15 assists in the second half. Malone never gets into rhythm, and ends up with only 12 points and 6 rebounds. Nevertheless, the Jazz win 95-89. Game 2 the Jazz come out firing on all cylinders. Stockton dishes out 18 assists, Malone scores 28 points and grabs 14 rebounds, and Jeff Hornacek hits 4 three pointers as the Jazz cruise to a 103-92 win in Game 2. Returning to LA, the Lakers come out attacking Malone inside, but Pau Gasol is downright outplayed by the senior Malone. Lamar Odom has not showed up this series and continues to be ineffective. Kobe Bryant is averaging 34 points per game, but its not enough in Game 3 as the Jazz beat the Lakers in LA. Game 4 causes the 1998 Jazz to stumble, despite a low-scoring game by Kobe Bryant. The Lakers have 6 players in double figures led by Kobe Bryant's 18 as the Lakers defeat the Jazz handily in LA. Game 5 is played in the ESA, and that proved to be the difference. A hard fought game all night eventually goes to the tougher team. Kobe Bryant scored over 30 points for the 4th time in the series, but the Lakers still lose 95-87.

The 1998 Jazz enter the NBA finals with experience and determination. Their opponents are Kevin Garnett and the Boston Celtics. The Jazz are also on the road for the first time in the playoffs to open a series. The Celtics take pride in their defensive prowess, but the Jazz are a structured team who is built to pick apart a defense like the Celtics. Game 1 was hard fought, but Celtic emotion pulled out the victory in front of their home crowd 92-85. Paul Pierce leads the Celtics with 21 points. Game 2 the Celtics come out flat. The Jazz pound the ball, and Garnett's athleticism is taken out of the picture as Malone pushes him around the floor. Rajon Rondo looks like a rookie as Stockton explodes for 12 points and 19 assists. Malone finishes with 20 and 10 and the Jazz prevail in Boston, 103-92. The series returns to Utah tied 1-1. In Utah, the Jazz feed off their home crowd and dominate the Celtics 108-72. Celtics Coach Doc Rivers questions his teams toughness, and the Celtics respond with a physical performance in game 4. Garnett holds his ground against Malone and forces him into a poor shooting performance. Hornacek doesn't get the daylight on the outside to get a shot off, and the Celtics force Bryon Russell, Greg Ostertag and John Stockton to beat them...Celtics win an ugly game 77-72. Game 5 is also in Utah, and behind Jerry Sloan's toughness, the Jazz respond like they are in a fistfight. As always, Jerry Sloan's club bruises up Paul Pierce, and Ronnie Brewer effectively shuts down Ray Allen. Garnett struggles against Karl Malone, and the leading scorer for Celtics is Leon Powe. The Jazz win game 5 going away, 92-75. Game 6 returns to Boston and the Jazz come out stale. Fortunately for the Jazz, the Celtics don't look much better. At halftime of this game, the score is only 36-34 in favor of the Celtics. The third quarter gets ugly quick with Malone and Garnett both spending much of the quarter on the bench. For the better part of the quarter, Kendrick Perkins is the highest scoring player for theCeltics, and Bryon Russell is the highest scoring Jazz man. In the 4th quarter, Malone takes over and lives at the line. Garnett ends up fouling out with about 4 minutes left, and Malone is seemingly at the line each time down the floor. With the score close, Malone misses a free throw in the final minute and the Celtics capitalize on a Ray Allen 3 pointer to tie the game. The Jazz can't hold for the final shot, but they do drain the clock down to 20 seconds before calling a timeout. Out of the timeout, the Jazz hit Stockton on the run who pulls up from 15 feet to drain a jumper. The Jazz take the lead 78-76. Boston calls a timeout and draws up a play for Paul Pierce. Paul Pierce is tightly guarded however by Bryon Russell and John Stockton in the corner yet he decides to force up a shot with a few seconds left. The shot misses badly, and the Celtics put back is not in time. The 1998 Jazz are NBA Champions.

Head-to-Head, 1998 Jazz vs. 2008 Jazz
The bottom line in this game matchup, is that the 1998 Jazz have 2 of the greatest players in the history of the game. However, the offensive fire power that the 2008 Jazz possess would keep this series close. Deron Williams vs John Stockton would be a great matchup. Stockton is a tremendous defensive player on the perimeter, but DWill would still produce on offense. The difference here would lie inside. As good as Malone was on offense, he was equally as effective on defense. There is not a single player on the 2008 Jazz that could guard Malone, yet Malone and Ostertag would be effective in containing Boozer. Hornacek is a better piece than any on the 2008 Jazz squad, but the 2008 bench is far more effective than the 1998 bench. Brewer and Kirilenko are better than Russell and Anderson. Mehmet Okur would be a tough matchup for the 1998 Jazz, as Ostertag would opt to play inside. If this were a single game, both teams would have a realistic chance of victory. As a series, the 1998 Jazz take the series in 6.

Pic of the week!

Who's your daddy?
This Mehmet Okur look-a-like photo was sent in from a loyal reader in the Northwest.

*Photo submissions (with captions) for "Pic of the week" can be submitted via email at thesaltpalace@gmail.com.