The question was posed to multiple agents around the NBA, and its answer also answers — sort of — another question, one that cuts through all the gobbledygook straight to the crux of the matter. The first: Can the Jazz lure free agents to Utah? The second: Can the Jazz ever win a championship? During Raja Bell’s reintroduction to Utah on Monday, he said he was happy to be back with the Jazz. He said the Jazz, from the beginning of the free-agent-signing period, were one of the few teams at the top of his list. He talked about playing for the “ultimate competitor” in Jerry Sloan, and he talked about being a “really good fit.” Bell said he didn’t want to coast along on a casual ride to an easy title on another team, playing a limited role or riding the bench, even as Kobe Bryant was inviting him to dinner by way of Bryant’s personal helicopter in L.A. “I don’t want to be an insurance policy,” he said, adding he wanted to be able to contribute in a significant manner, help a team reach its potential, collect his paycheck, and “sleep at night.” He also mentioned the roster moves the Jazz were making to find space for themselves at or near the top of the West, calling his coming here “an opportunity to do something really cool.” What was really cool for the Jazz was having a player select them over the Lakers, select the Wasatch over the Pacific, select South Temple and State over Hollywood and Vine, select Cottonwood over Bel-Air, select EnergySolutions over Staples. Read more: http://www.sltrib.com/sltrib/jazz/49960598-87/jazz-monson-nba-bell.html.csp
The Jazz couldn't beat us with Boozer, they'r enot gonna to be able to with Jefferson. Jefferson is a downgrade from Boozer.
Reaching for straws with Raja Bell choosing Utah over LA. How about mentioning the real reason? MORE MONEY
Jefferson is a downgrade from Boozer? Really? Explain this one to me. Jefferson really is a post player that isn't going to let guys go by him for lay-ups consistently. The guy will be more of a paint presence than Boozer ever was. He also adds size to their team, an issue that Utah has dealed with against LA every year.
When the hell did Boozer become an All-Star shut down defender? It's not like Utah downgraded defensively, and if you look at Al Jefferson, at least he'll block a few shots. If anything, Utah upgraded defensively with this move if you ask me instead of Boozer's matador D where he just slaps like a bitch when ppl go by him.
oh i'm not saying Boozer was a great defender, I just think he was a better defender then Al Jefferson. Neither one is a good defender.
Ugh he's not much bigger than Boozer. He's only 6''10. He is a atrocious defender. Doesn't add much more size at all imo. He will also trsuggled with the length of the Lakers.