Utah Jazz's downhill spiral

This was supposed to be the most talented Jazz team assembled since John & Karl had their dreams crushed by the Bulls. Three former All-Stars on the team (Boozer, Kirilenko, Okur) and a fourth guy that should be (Deron Williams). Talented youngsters that play above their draft status (Ronnie Brewer, Paul Millsap). One of the best catch-and-shoot three-point aces in the game (Kyle Korver). Not to mention C.J. Miles, Matt Harpring, and Brevin Knight, making this one of the deepest teams in the league. If only they could get over their injuries.

If the Jazz get bounced in the first round by the Lakers, which they almost certainly will, this will make it the most disappointing Jazz season since their 26-56 abhorration. Many guys will be free agents, or have potential to be. Assumign those who can opt out, will, that would leave the team with Williams, Kirilenko, Brewer, Miles, Harpring, and Kosta Koufos. A roster of 15 down to 6. Factor in a first-round pick they thought they would lose but is now protected, and that's 7. so who of the 9 comes back?

The biggest three are Boozer, Okur and Millsap. No way all three will be back, as D-Will and AK-47 are already on max contracts. Boozer has had injuries hamper three of his four seasons here. He might want max money but his health demonstrates that only a foolish team should give it to him. Okur won't make much more on the open market than he already makes, but he and his agent might decide that this year is a better time to go shopping than the Class of 2010. Millsap meanwhile has shown when he gets the time he's worth more than a midlevel.

Something has soured in the chemistry of this team. Boozer came back in the middle of a 12-game winning streak, but their efforts have clearly lacked in the past three weeks. Their rebounding is down, their opponents' scoring is up.

I think it's hurt them to not have Larry H. Miller around to push them. The coach is the main guy, but it's as though he's been tuned out. But LHM had the clout to say "I personally am paying you millions. Now where's your effort?"

Lakers in 5.