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| Thursday, August 30 Users: Jazz should be rebuilding by now ESPN.com |
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Jazz fans love their team, but even they seem to realize that this team needs to rebuild. We're not saying throw Karl Malone and John Stockton into the street (or early retirement), but Utah hasn't won a title this way, so....
In discussing the Summer Spotlight on the Jazz, we posed this question: Should this franchise get on with the rebuilding, or be happy with 50-win seasons and try to coax more years out of Malone and Stockton? Here are some of your responses:
Your Jazz Feedback Every year, Jazz fans (I am certainly one of them) are excited for the season to come. We are always saying "This is the year!" And we always come away disappointed. This year is different. I haven't heard one Jazz fan say that. I'm not even saying that. I believe this year is different. No one is expecting anything out of the Durable Duo. That may be what pushes them over the top this year. No one expects it. SO, it could be THE YEAR!!!!!
Mike Hedges
It matters little to me one way or the other. Attending school here in Utah, I have firmly stayed behind not jumping on the Jazz bandwagon every year, and then climbing back off when the season is over. Too frequently that is what people do around here. There was a poll at the beginning of last year that showed around 25 percent thought the Jazz would win the championship and another 20 percent or so that thought they wouldn't even make the playoffs. That is going from one extreme to another! If they start to rebuild, they will be in the same stage as the Rockets (my team!), who will have to deal with the loss of Hakeem more than anything else. Bringing in another worthless body to take up space and clog the middle isn't what the Jazz need, but they seem set in their ways. Until they change that, John and Karl will remain ringless.
James
It's time for Utah to rebuild. The Jazz tradition of surrounding Stockton and Malone with mediocre players that don't live up to expectations has been one of diminishing returns. Bryon Russell and Donyell Marshall are decent, but not building blocks for the future. Trading Malone or Stockton would be sacrilege in Utah, so that's out, but renewing or extending their contracts out of desperation would be a mistake. Salt Lake City fans may complain, but they are incredibly loyal and will stick with the team through a few lousy seasons while the Jazz nurtures a bright young star or two.
Craig
For years, Utah fans have been very comfortable with the phrase "Stockton to Malone." But "Crotty to Marshall"? That just doesn't seem to have the same ring to it. As the Jazz front office is faced with a decision, Malone's hairline is receding more, and Stockton's minutes are diminishing. So it would be safe to go ahead and rebuild. But before you know it, the only future in your lineup, DeShawn Stevenson, decides to play at the middle school and becomes a big question mark. The Jazz have had a history of not being able to lure any star free agents and I don't think it's going to change. So they might as well hold on to what they have and live in the moment, 'cause the rebuilding process is going to hurt. But who knows, this team could have the makeup to win it all now, right?
Cub Sylvester
You'd think that they would have gotten on with the rebuilding before it came down to this. But at this stage of the game they couldn't even consider having Malone or Stockton retire anywhere besides Utah. Then after the "Dynamic Duo" there aren't any players that would bring in the future of the Jazz in a trade. Great, trade Marshall. For who? Rip Hamilton? Abdul-Wahad? A late first round draft pick? The point is that they are not going to get a franchise in return for anyone. Get ready, Utah fans. I've been a Celtics fan since I was a kid and the best is yet to come. Sorry, but true.
Joshua Mailloux
There is no doubt that if I was the Jazz owner I would keep Malone and Stockton for as long as I could. They put fans in the seats and they give the 50-win season, which for some reason you think is a negative. Every year those two future Hall of Famers give the Jazz a chance at the belt. Think about it, Shaq goes down next season and David Robinson's back starts acting up. The Jazz and the Mavericks would be the contenders and with Malone and Stockton needing only a few series I wouldn't bet against them. As I have said I am from Boston and what I wouldn't give for just one season with 50 wins. I can't even dream about it.
Mark
It's time to move on. I've been a Jazz fan since the Malone era started, and will continue to one after it ends. Their time to win a championship has come and gone. They should have won it the year they had home court advantage against the Bulls, but they choked. It's time to rebuild. If they continue to opt for 50-win seasons they will be lucky to win 50 games in three years after Malone and Stockton are gone. Although Marshall and Russell are good players they are not supermen and will not be able to help the Jazz win with the cast they'll have after Malone and Stockton are gone. Cut your losses, Utah. If you don't do something know to re-stock yourself for the future your storied history may eventually be forgotten.
Josh E.
The question would seem more difficult than initially thought. Rebuild? Yes! Be happy with 50 wins? Who wouldn't? The real problem with rebuilding is that you're not going to find another John Stockton or Karl Malone that deep in the draft. With scouting and high school players opting to play, a great player in the draft never falls far. In fact, most great players in the future, probably won't play college ball in my opinion. Another issue. If the Jazz start to lose and don't go to the playoffs then attendance will be down, but if the team doesn't rebuild then can you say Boston Celtics. A rock and a hard place would seem nice right now. I think GM Kevin O'Connor is very capable and will do everything in his power to put a winning team on the floor, but I feel big changes are ahead, and I'm not talking about Karl running for public office.
Chris Mullen
Plenty of chance to rebuild later, so enjoy the golden years of a couple of NBA greats playing long enough that the media doesn't have to bother with half baked dreams of them returning after retirement!
Gordon Wilde
After many years of being a Jazz fan, it is time to recognize the outstanding efforts of Karl and John, but it sad to finally come to the realization that there will never be a championship in Utah. It is time to rebuild and move on.
Greg Roach
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