The Future Could be Bright in Utah

I like many Jazz fans sat in disgust when the Jazz drafted Gordon Hayward.  I couldn't put any sense into the move, I mean seriously, another wing man?  That seemed to me to be the last thing the Jazz needed.  I still think Hayward is a stretch, but when you see what has unfolded this past week or so in Jazz country, you can start to see why the Jazz brass did what they did.

1.  They let Boozer go, but somehow were able to get a $14 Million trade exception out of the deal.

2.  They let Korver go... Aha... so that's why they drafted Hayward

3.  They we attacked once again by Portland's front office (I hate their executives more than I hate the entire LA Lakers team!)  Seriously, another steep front loaded contract, this time for Wesley Matthews, seemed to be primed to bury the Jazz.  But, this time, Portland's going to have to pay the bill and I'm pretty sure the people in the Rose Garden felt confident the Jazz would match.  They didn't...

4.  Instead, the Jazz fought back and signed one of my all-time favorite former Jazz players, Raja Bell.  Eat that Portland... the Blazers will be paying close to $10 Million for Brandon Roy's backup this next season.

5.  The Jazz worked out a deal for big man Al Jefferson.  Great move.  He's a good post player, a better shot blocker than Boozer and is still really young.  He's 25 and hungry to win. 

6.  The Jazz front office proved to Utah that they actually are doing something to try to earn their salaries.  For a long time it seemed like they were destined to sit around and do nothing.

So, at the end of a busy week, I have to admit, I'm a happy Jazz fan.  The Jazz Brass showed their abilities by making some big deals and have positioned Utah to once again be a contender.  They still don't have an answer for both Bynum and Gasol though... but here's to hoping that they both blow out their ACL's this season.  (Just kidding... kind of).

GO JAZZ!