State of the Cap: Utah Jazz

	Deron Williams

The Utah Jazz just bet about $70 million dollars over four years that Deron Williams will be the superstar that leads them to a title. After seeing how he improved during his first three seasons, I don't think the team is taking much of a risk. Deron once again set career highs in every statistical category except rebounding (I think we can forgive him on that one). Most impressive was his 50.7% shooting as a point guard and his 10.5 assists per game, good for third in the league. Deron also played great in the playoffs, the true measure of a superstar's talents. He'll be under a lot of pressure when that gigantic extension kicks in next year. From what we've seen so far, I think he'll be up to the challenge.

Backing up Deron on the front line is the dynamic duo of Carlos Boozer and Mehmet Okur. Boozer is as strong a power forward as you will find in the NBA and he led the team in scoring with 21.1 points per game, a new career high. His 10.4 rebounding average and 54% shooting aren't too shabby either. Boozer is simply one of the best forwards in the league and at $11.5 and $12.6 million the next two seasons, he is actually a little underpaid for his services.

Mehmet Okur is a stretch-the-floor type of forward because he can hit three pointers at a 38.8% clip, yet he can still bang around in the post when needed. Okur's scoring was down to 14.5 per game, but his 7.7 rebounds each night were pretty good and he is certainly capable of having a big game on the boards. Okur's contract is moderately priced at $8.5 million for the upcoming season and $9 million the year after. The Jazz are getting good value out of that deal.

The best deal on the team, however, is easily Paul Millsap. At 6'8", he is a little on the short side to be a post player in this league, but Millsap more than makes up for it with his strength and athleticism. He is a key player for the Jazz, putting up 8.1 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 50.4% shooting in a reserve role. What makes Millsap such a bargain is that he is due just under $800,000 for next season. He'll definitely be looking at a raise next summer so the team should enjoy it while it lasts.

The Bad:
With so many good contracts and valuable players in Utah, the contract for Andrei Kirilenko sticks out like a sore thumb. His production is severely inadequate for the three years and $49 million left on his deal. Kirilenko only managed 11 points and 4.7 rebounds per game last season. What's worse is that the 1.5 blocks he averaged was the lowest of his career. AK-47 is still the team's best shot blocker, a defensive presence, and an all-around good player to have on your squad, but he just shouldn't be making that much money considering his current role on the team.

Matt Harpring used to be a tough, valuable role player that always gave you good minutes. Recently, though, Harpring's minutes and numbers have really turned south. As his pay is increasing ($6 and $6.5 million the next two years), his scoring and rebounding are decreasing, down to 8.2 points and 3.2 boards. It is a minor concern, but something to keep an eye on in the future.

The Future:
Without a doubt, the Utah Jazz have built themselves a contender. Their best attribute is their balance. They have one of the best front lines in the league, a great young point guard, youth to compliment their veterans, and the right mix of role players to fill in the gaps. Utah got a steal when they pried Kyle Korver away from Philly for almost nothing. The sharpshooter's contract only averages about $5 million a year the next three seasons. For that, they get one of the NBA's best bombers and free throw shooters. He fills a need and fills it well, which is exactly what the team was looking for. Winning in this league is about making the right moves at the right time, and the Jazz have done that.

Can this team win a title? With young players like Williams, Millsap, and the impressive Ronnie Brewer still improving, the Jazz will only get better and they've already shown they can go deep in the playoffs. All five starters are signed at least through the next two seasons, assuming Boozer and Okur don't opt-out next summer. Considering the hefty contracts being thrown around, I wouldn't be surprised to see them test the waters. If Utah can keep these guys together for a few more years, they have a real chance to do what Stockton and Malone couldn't: win a championship.

Grade: A

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