-Monday Gordon and I got into a heated argument (what’s new) on how Jazz fans should feel about the season.  Call it my Midwest upbringing or the years of being a bitter Jets fan, but I think Jazz fans should be disappointed.  Yes the Jazz won a division title and yes some progress was made by individual players (DWill, Brewer, Okur, and even AK to some extent) but in the end they lost.  In my mind, if you end the year with a loss that means you didn’t accomplish your one goal every team should have, winning a title.  You play to win the game.  You play to win championships.

-Point number two on why fans need to show some disappointment and let their voice be heard:  the Jazz need to make moves if they want to compete for a title next year.  Most importantly they need an interior defender.  Someone not afraid to be physical and maybe commit a hard foul from time to time.  That means they may have to take a risk, something this organization historically is not known to do.  So the question as a ticket holder/fan: do you want the team to stay together knowing they’re not going to be as good as the Lakers (and maybe the Spurs/Hornets/Rockets)?  You’ll still see a lot of wins but a title is unlikely.  Or do you roll the dice a bit, make a deal that could better allow you to compete for a championship knowing full well it could also backfire?  I would take the latter.

-And speaking of rolling the dice do you trade Carlos Boozer?  TBuck in the Deseret News printed a tidbit about Pat Riley already looking to target Boozer as early as next year in free agency.  That’s right, next year.  Boozer has a player option for the final season of his six-year, $68 million deal.  If he chooses not to exercise it he would become an unrestricted free agent next summer.  Remember he resides in Miami in the off-season and the rumor is his wife isn’t much of a fan of our great city.  Boozer says all the right things about playing here and the team’s future but remember he also told Cleveland he was going to stay there as well.  It makes you wonder that if the right deal is offered maybe you give it serious consideration otherwise you risk losing your all-star for nothing in return.  Granted, you’ll have the cash but good luck finding a free agent that is as good to take his spot.

-Eastern Conference Final Prediction:  Detroit over Boston in 6…Kind of a homer pick growing up as a Pistons fan, but the Celtics have not been impressive.  The keys are Tayshaun Prince defensively on Paul Pierce, whether Ray Allen will emerge from his slump and the health of Chauncey Billups.
-Western Conference Final Prediction:  Lakers over Spurs in 7…Kobe is on a mission and I think age has finally caught up with the Spurs.  Plus the NBA can’t deal with another Pistons-Spurs final.  Not saying there is a conspiracy or anything.