Role players learning their roles

In a previous post, I mentioned that championship teams have role players that know their roles. Everybody has to be comfortable with the contributions that they are making. They have to come in and be energetic and defer to the stars when the stars are in. A malcontent can disrupt even the most talented of teams. Gordon Giracek was only a bit player last year but I couldn't think of a worse role player. He thought too much of himself. He demanded the ball and shot whenever he touched it. He wanted minutes when he didn't deserve them. He even thought he was a good defender which pointed towards his inflated ego. Statistically, Korver hasn't been much of an upgrade but Korver knows his role on this team and that is is much more important than talent. Oh, and he is a better shooter too.

I'm just going to forget the San Antonio loss even happened. It seems like Utah hasn't won there since Adrian Dantley was on this team and when you have George Hill and Rober Mason turning in video game like performances, you just chalk it up as one of those crazy losses.

The Suns, the Bucks and the Memphis games were good examples of how the team is developing. Two years ago with Boozer and Williams out, this team would never have had a chance to get a win. Just not enough offense. Now, the bench guys know how to run Sloan's offense. CJ Miles with 2 back to back 20 point games was impressive, but more impressive was that it wasn't on forced shots. He did it when the shots were there for him to take. Same with Brewer last night, It wasn't a case of Brewer being hot and just taking crazy shots that go in. Anyone can have a hot night and take nutty shots that fall but different guys are playing well every night within the concept of the team. One night it is Milsap, another it is Miles.

I've never been a big CJ Miles fan as he looks like he is running half speed most of the time but his play of late has been phenomenal. I'm hoping that all of Harpring's minutes go to him and that CJ learns to play a little tougher defense. Brewer's numbers are not much different than last year but you can see a huge difference in his confidence. Now he comes around screens looking to shoot and as awkward as his shot looks, its falling. I don't cringe when he pulls up for a 15 foot jumper. I just hope that it doesn't mean he stops going to basket because that is still where he makes his money.

This little stretch of injuries is going to help the Jazz tremendously by the end of the year. Williams and Boozer will be consistent and Okur is going to do what he does. Milsap looks like his offensive game has improved with some nifty little post moves. His defense is what really sets him apart and I bet he averages 2 blocks a game if he got more minutes. Kirilenko is playing better than last year but I'm still waiting to see if he can improve his defensive numbers. Part of the problem is minutes. He just isn't getting enough. He is the most versatile player on the team and deserves to play 35+ minutes, especially when the key players are hurt. It makes me crazy to watch Sloan stick with his rotation and limit him to 30-31 minutes. Winning without their stars is going to pay dividends in the long run.