New Jazzmen

The Jazz made some big moves this last week with the acquisitions of Al Jefferson and former Jazzman Raja Bell. I was a little worried that the Jazz were not going to do anything this off-season and just watch key players head off to the Chicago Bulls.

Jefferson is a 6'11" Forward/Center who was originally played for the Boston Celtics but was shipped off to Minnesota for Kevin Garnett. Jefferson averages 17 points and 10 rebounds per game. "Big Al" is two years younger and a million dollar a year cheaper than keeping Carlos Boozer.

Bell previously played for the Jazz from 2003-2005. He brings a 41 percent shooting percentage from beyond the arc and "good perimeter defender." Bell will replace rookie sensation Wes Matthews who signed a very good deal with the Portland Trailblazers.

It will be interesting to see how the team takes shape this fall. Draft pick Gordon Hayward was announced as the best rookie at the Orlando Summer League and could make a big splash on the team. I doubt there will be anymore big free agent signings and it is still unclear if Memo will be healed in time for the start of the season. That being said I believe this team is slightly better than last years but still will only get the fourth seed in next years playoffs. Here is my expected starting line-up for the 2010-2011 campaign.

C- Al Jefferson

F- Paul Milsap

F-Gordon Hayward

G- Raja Bell

G- Deron Williams

I think Kirilenko and Okur will come off the bench with C.J. Miles and Ronnie Price to add veteran support to the younger players.