This off-season has seemed to drag on for a lot longer than it usually does. I guess that’s the way it is when you exit the playoffs early, but I think this year it has been especially long due to all of the drama that went on with the Jazz in July and August. I won’t revisit all that has happened, partly because I’m tired of talking about it, and partly because you already know most of the details, but I will say that I’m happy that, at least for now, most of the drama is over with and we can just focus on basketball.

So far I have been very pleased with what I have seen in the preseason. The team has really played well, all things considered, and I think they will seriously contend for a top playoff seed in the west if they stay healthy. Nobody seems to be giving them a snowballs chance in hell of seriously threatening the western elite, but really, except for a few exceptions (notably last year), nobody ever really does. As I see it, there are a few good things that can come out of flying under the radar:

1- Teams don’t prepare for you the way they would if you are an elite target. I think Portland is a team that is going to find this out the hard way this year. Last year they cruised to a 54-28 record mostly under the radar. This year, teams will be gunning for them. On the flip side, last years injury fest has caused many around the league to discredit the Jazz as a serious contender, which actually will play to their advantage. The Jazz easily could have won 55 games last year had they not been so injured, and the same holds true for this year. To their advantage, however, they won’t be as much of a target this year as they were last year. This type of scenario happens all of the time in the NBA, but the experts seem to have short memories.

2- This finally could be the year when Jerry Sloan wins Coach of the Year. Last year he would have had to of finished first in the west (most likely) because expectations were so high. This year, he just needs to lead his team to home court advantage in the playoffs to be in serious contention. Plus, with all of the HOF hype that will be surrounding him all season, it could give him a leg up on the competition.

3- Look for the Jazz to play with a little bit of an edge this season. Last year was very disappointing to say the least, and it was largely because of reasons that were outside of their control. The players have had five-and-a-half long months to think about it, and judging from the shape everyone came to camp in, they will be looking to prove a lot of people wrong.

The Jazz are extremely talented, and I’m ready to get this show on the road. People can doubt them all they want, but the proof is in the pudding, and I have a feeling the pudding could be extra sweet this year.

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