On the last day of 2008, I think it's appropriate to list out some resolutions that the Jazz should make in order to compete for the NBA title.  Like most peoples' resolutions, these are somewhat lofty, unrealistic, and unacheiveable.

1.  Get in Shape. The story of the Jazz so far this season has been injuries.  We're almost halfway through the season and the Jazz still haven't played with their playoff lineup.  I predict that this will finally happen sometime around Valentine's Day, which is during All-Star Weekend (at least he won't be voted to play) and right before 2 big home games against the Celtics and Hornets.

2.  Lose Unnecessary Baggage. Guys like Collins and Harpring are really only shells of their former selves, which isn't saying much.  Collins hasn't played defense since Stockton was running the show and Harpring is shooting 41%, which is only bad because 75% of his shots are layups.  Those 2 are making just over $8 million combined.  Which leads to #3...

3.  Get Finances in Order.  With the potential for some HUGE payouts this summer, the Jazz are going to need to start thinking about where they can cut costs (see #2).  $8 million per year is a lot when you need to re-sign one of your top 2 offensive weapons.  Even still, I'm fairly confident that there will be at least one fan favorite that will not be with the Jazz next season.

4.  Be Less Charitable. Turnovers have been KILLING the Jazz lately.  They currently rank 29 in the league in giveaways with 16.2.  Suprisingly, #30 is the Boston Celtics, so maybe turnovers aren't a big deal when you can play defense...

5.  Take Karate. The Jazz need to do something to improve their defense.  97.3 ppg allowed puts the Jazz at #15, right at the center of mediocrity.  Which would be fine if they were scoring 106 ppg like last year (they aren't).  If you've been watching the Jazz at all in the last 3 seasons you know that we give up a LOT of three point shots.  This "live or die by the 3" mentality would be moot if our backcourt didn't repeatedly get beat off the dribble, causing a player to leave his man to play some help D.  However, one shining glimmer of hope is that the Jazz are #1 in takeaways, so all is not lost.

6.  Start Smoking. This Jazz team needs to catch fire and go on a 10 of 12 type streak if they want a shot at homecourt advantage.  Right now they're out of the playoffs, and with Boozer out at least another month, winning just 2 of 3 over the rest of the season may not even make the playoffs.  Since starting 5-0, the Jazz do not have a win streak greater than 2.  Even the Clippers have had a 3 game win streak.

Post these in the locker room or something, because the season finale at LA will be on our doorstep in no time.  I don't have very high expectations for this season for the reasons above.  We aren't improving in the areas that champions do (defense, tunrovers, road wins).  Call me a pessimist, but unless something changes dramatically, we'll be a 50-52 win team without homecourt and perhaps 6 playoff victories.  If only the injury bug could have hit LA instead of the Jazz or Spurs or Rockets...

That aside, I'm still excited to see how the season plays out and even MORE excited (once the Jazz are out) to root against the Lakers.  Everyone be safe tonight and be sure to call CB Jack if you need a sober ride.

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