There is so much going on right now in local sports, my head is spinning. Even more than usual.
Jake Heaps has officially taken over at BYU, the Utes are getting ready for another tough game against the Blind Girls Cooking School, Utah State is getting closer to that "signature" win, Real Salt Lake refuses to lose in whatever country they're playing in, and the high school football season is already half over.
So what better time than now to start talking Utah Jazz?
Yes, media day is Monday while training camp starts up on Tuesday. The Jazz claimed plenty of headlines this summer with the departures of Carlos Boozer, Wesley Matthews and Kyle Korver, and the arrivals of Al Jefferson, Raja Bell, Gordon Hayward and now Francisco Elson and Earl Watson.
I like pretty much every move the Jazz have made this off-season. Jefferson gets all the attention, and deservedly so. I think he's going to thrive in the pick-and-roll system, and Jerry Sloan is going to love to have his first true post player in many years. Bell is familiar with Sloan's system and provides instant leadership. Hayward will prove to be worthy of the 9th overall pick. It just might not happen this year.
But the last two additions make me excited as well. Elson is an absolute necessity with the uncertainty of Mehmet Okur's health hanging over the team. Elson is a 7-footer who clogs up the lane, blocks shots and can come down with plenty of rebounds. Plus, he's better and more experienced than Kyrylo Fesenko.
I also really like the Earl Watson signing, which should become official this weekend. He's a 9-year NBA veteran who can shoot, distribute and lead. I'm not knocking Ronnie Price, but Watson can start for several NBA teams, while Price can't. No longer will Jazz fans have to hold their breath when Deron Williams takes a break. Watson will provide stability with the second unit.
So while the Lakers are still the champs until proven otherwise, when Okur comes back and provided the rest of the team can stay relatively healthy, I think this can be an extremely successful season for the Jazz.
Now, about Jimmer Fredette....OK, we'll wait on college hoops until at least next week.
