No Country for Old Men: A Utah Jazz Story.

[RolePlayer]

Bit of a tough stretch for the Jazz the past few weeks any reason for concern?

[RMJH4]

Quote: Originally Posted by RolePlayer

Bit of a tough stretch for the Jazz the past few weeks any reason for concern?

Well yes possibly! Big 2 guards are causing us issue. Stevenson and Bell aren't strong enough for them. And Kirilenko is strong enough but not quick enough! We got destroyed in the post by the Spurs, no surprise, but if Shaq gets healthy for the Lakers we are toast. Going to try and address some of that but there aren't great options out there! Only like a game or two before trade deadline

[RMJH4]

Chapter 14: Call from Phoenix.

Monday morning 6am

Right just getting an early burn on. Some of the other staff are in the gym working out. No better way to clear the mind that an early workout. Just as I was about to stretch my work phone rings.

Mike Hobbs: Hey, this is Mike here.

Bryan Colangelo: Hey, Mike, it's Bryan Colangelo, the General Manager of the Phoenix Suns. How's everything going?

Mike Hobbs: Hi, Bryan. Things are going well here in Utah. What can I do for you today?

Bryan Colangelo: I wanted to discuss a potential trade opportunity with you. We have Penny Hardaway available, and I believe he could be a great fit for your team. Penny brings veteran leadership, scoring ability, and versatility to the table.

Mike Hobbs: Interesting, Bryan. Penny Hardaway has had a storied career, and I understand the qualities he brings to the court. However, before we delve deeper, could you provide some details on the trade package you have in mind?

Bryan Colangelo: Absolutely, Mike. We're willing to include a 2003 1st Round Draft Pick in the deal, along with Penny. We believe this pick holds significant value and could be an enticing asset for the Jazz.

Mike Hobbs: I appreciate the offer, Bryan. The inclusion of a 1st Round Draft Pick definitely adds intrigue to the discussion. However, I need to assess how Penny's skill set and contract align with our team's needs and financial considerations.

Bryan Colangelo: Completely understand, Mike. Penny has been working hard to regain his form, and we believe he still has a lot to offer on the court. He could provide a scoring punch and veteran presence for your team, especially during crucial moments in games.

Mike Hobbs: I acknowledge Penny's talents, Bryan, but I need to evaluate how his addition would impact our roster and our team's chemistry. I also have to take into account our long-term plans and the development of our younger players.

Bryan Colangelo: I respect your due diligence, Mike. If there's anything more you need from me to facilitate this discussion, please let me know. We see value in making this trade, and we believe it could benefit both of our teams.

Mike Hobbs: Thank you, Bryan. I'll take your proposal back to our coaching staff and management team for further evaluation. We'll carefully consider the potential impact of adding Penny Hardaway and the value of the draft pick. I appreciate your willingness to engage in this conversation.

Bryan Colangelo: Absolutely, Mike. Take your time to assess the situation. If you have any further questions or need additional information, don't hesitate to reach out. I look forward to continuing our dialogue.

Mike Hobbs: Thank you, Bryan. I'll be in touch soon to discuss the next steps. Let's keep the lines of communication open as we explore this potential trade opportunity. Have a great day.

Bryan Colangelo: You too, Mike. Looking forward to hearing from you soon. Take care.

Two weeks to the deadline and here we go. A lot of teams looking to freshen up their roster and make a playoff push, or just look for a better draft pick. We have been having some issues with 2 guards recently and Penny might help us out in this area. He's a big contract though, 4 years left. The 1st round pick is enticing though. Greg Ostertag will have to go in this trade, but after that it will be tough to match salary. I really don't want to include Matt Harpring. I'll have to see what Kevin (O' Connor) thinks about this one first.

[RMJH4]

Game 19: Minnesota Timberwolves 98 - 85 Utah Jazz



Stockton had 19 points tonight, but Troy Hudsons speed was too much as Hudson hit 37 to lead Minnesota to a big victory in Utah.

February 11th, 2003

Timberwolves Starters
T. Hudson
A. Peeler
W. Sczerbiak
K. Garnett
R. Nesterovic

Jazz Starters
J. Stockton
R. Bell
M. Harpring
K. Malone
N. Krstic


Game Leaders
Pts - 37 - T. Hudson (TWolves)
Rebs - 11 - M. Harpring (Jazz)
Asts - 7 - J. Stockton (Jazz)
Stls - 3 - R. Bell (Jazz)
Blks - 4 - K. Garnett (TWolves)

Player of the Game
T. Hudson (TWolves)
37 pts, 6 rebs, 4 asts, 1 stl.

[RMJH4]

All Star Game: Eastern Conference 98 - 105 Western Conference.



Jordan had one last battle in the All Star Game with his heir apparent, Kobe Bryant.

2003 NBA All-Star Game Rosters
Eastern Conference		Western Conference
Head Coach: Larry Brown - Philadelphia 76ers		Head Coach: Don Nelson - Dallas Mavericks
Pos	Starters	Pos	Starters
PG	Jason Kidd - New Jersey Nets	PG	Steve Nash - Dallas Mavericks
SG	Tracy McGrady - Orlando Magic	SG	Kobe Bryant - LA Lakers
SF	Michael Jordan - Washington Wizards	SF	Shawn Marion - Phoenix Suns
PF	Kenyon - New Jersey Nets	PF	Tim Duncan - San Antonio Spurs
C	Ben Wallace - Detroit Pistons	C	Shaquille O'Neal - LA Lakers
Pos	Reserves	Pos	Reserves
SF	Latrell Sprewell - New York Knicks	PF	Chris Webber - Sacramento Kings
PF	Antoine Walker - Boston Celtics	PG	Steve Francis - Houston Rockets
SG	Ray Allen - Milwaukee Bucks	PG	John Stockton - Utah Jazz
C	Brendan Haywood - Washington Wizards	PF	Karl Malone - Utah Jazz
SG	Allen Iverson - Philadelphia 76ers	PF	Dirk Nowitzki - Dallas Mavericks
SG	Jerry Stackhouse - Washington Wizards	PG	Gilbert Arenas - Golden State Warriors
SG	Vince Carter - Toronto Raptors	C	Marcus Camby - Denver Nuggets

In what could be Michael Jordans last All Star game, Latrell Sprewell gave up his starting spot to Jordan on the night. That was about the most positive thing to happen for the East all night though, as the Western Conference showed their dominance from start to finish. Any team led by Tim Duncan (26pts, 10 rebs), Shaq now fully healthy (21pts, 12rebs) and Kobe Bryant (19pts, 6 asts) are always going to be very tough to beat. Despite Kevin Garnett missing the weekend with a foot injury, the East couldn't get close really at any stage.

The East started Kenyon Martin and Ben Wallace, two good defenders, but light years behind the Wests dominant post players. Jordan had 19 points matching Kobes output, but had no real impact on the game. The Wizards having 3 all stars was quite surprising, but Jerry Stackhouse finished top scorer for the East with 26 points.

Tim Duncan won All Star MVP at a canter with his 26 points. Karl Malone and John Stockton made probably their last all star appearances for the Jazz this season too. Jerry Sloan will be glad to see both played only about 15 minutes total. The Utah Jazz had a big weekend with Andrei Kirilenko and Nenad Krstic competing in the Rookie Challenge game. Kirilenko hit 20 points and Krstic hit 19 points. The Rookies led by Yao Ming (26 points and 12 rebounds) won a hard fought battle over the Sophomores led by Pau Gasol and Gilbert Arenas.

Jason Richardson of the Warriors took home the Slam Dunk Contest crown with a between the legs power jam. Peja Stojakovic of the Kings became the first Sacramento player to win 2 consecutive events at All-Star Weekend when he claimed the 3-Point Shootout title for the second year in a row.

All-Star Weekend wrap-up.

NBA Slam Dunk Contest winner: Jason Richardson, Golden State Warriors
NBA 3-Point Shootout winner: Peja Stojakovic, Sacramento Kings
Rookie Challenge result: Sophomores 83, Rookies 96
Rookie Challenge MVP: Yao Ming, Houston Rockets (26 points, 12 rebounds, 3 assists.)

[RMJH4]

Game 20: Dallas Mavericks 102 - 98 Utah Jazz



Malone makes the tough slam over Bradley and Finley. His 18 points tonight couldn't match Dirks 27 as the Jazz continue to slide down the standings.

February 23rd, 2003

Mavericks Starters
S. Nash
A. Griffin
M. Finley
D. Nowitzki
S. Bradley

Jazz Starters
J. Stockton
M. Harpring
A. Kirilenko
K. Malone
N. Krstic


Game Leaders
Pts - 27 - D. Nowitzki (Mavs)
Rebs - 13 - D. Nowitzki (Mavs)
Asts - 15 - S. Nash (Mavs)
Stls - 3 - R. Bell (Jazz)
Blks - 3 - S. Bradley (Mavs)

Player of the Game
D. Nowtizki (Mavs)
27 pts, 13 rebs, 4 asts, 1 stl, 2 blks.

[RMJH4]

Utah Jazz Bolster Roster with Trade for Penny Hardaway, Jake Voskuhl, and 2003 First Round Pick.

SALT LAKE CITY - In a move aimed at strengthening their roster ahead of the upcoming season, the Utah Jazz have acquired seasoned guard Penny Hardaway, along with center Jake Voskuhl and a valuable 2003 first round pick, in a trade with the Phoenix Suns. The deal, finalized today, saw the Jazz part ways with Greg Ostertag, Raja Bell, and Mark Jackson.

The Jazz, seeking to add another shot creator and bolster their wing depth, identified Penny Hardaway as a prime target. The 6-foot-7 guard brings a wealth of experience and a versatile skill set that should seamlessly integrate into Utah's offensive schemes. Hardaway's ability to create his own shot, combined with his playmaking instincts, will provide an added dimension to the Jazz's backcourt.

Additionally, the Jazz will benefit from the inclusion of Jake Voskuhl, a solid backup center who will provide depth and stability in the frontcourt rotation. Voskuhl's hard-nosed approach and ability to protect the rim will add a valuable presence to the Jazz's interior defense.

The icing on the cake for the Jazz is the acquisition of a 2003 first round pick, offering them an opportunity to secure another promising young talent in a deep and talent-rich draft class. This additional asset enhances their flexibility and long-term planning.

The Phoenix Suns, on the other hand, sought to shed salary and fortify their defense, making Raja Bell an attractive piece in the trade. Known for his tenacious defense and perimeter shooting, Bell will undoubtedly bolster the Suns' backcourt rotation. His ability to lock down opponents on the defensive end will provide immediate impact and complement the Suns' fast-paced offensive system.

In Greg Ostertag, the Suns receive a reliable veteran center who can provide depth and contribute with his shot-blocking abilities. Ostertag's experience and rim protection skills will be valuable assets to the Suns' frontcourt rotation. Ostertag is slated to start at center alongside promising rookie Amare Stoudemire.

Both teams involved in the trade view it as a win-win situation, addressing specific needs and aligning with their respective organizational goals. The Jazz now boast an enhanced roster, with Penny Hardaway serving as a key shot creator and Jake Voskuhl adding valuable depth in the frontcourt. Meanwhile, the Suns shed salary and gain defensive prowess in Raja Bell, as well as a reliable veteran center in Greg Ostertag.

The NBA landscape continues to evolve as teams make calculated moves to position themselves for success. The Utah Jazz and the Phoenix Suns have made a trade that holds the promise of benefiting both sides. Jazz fans eagerly await the rest of the season, hoping that the addition of Penny Hardaway and the accompanying assets will propel their team to new heights.

Stay tuned for more updates on the NBA trade deadline, as teams make moves to shape their rosters for the remainder of the 2002-03 Season.

[RMJH4]

Utah Jazz Acquire High-Flying Chris Andersen in Trade for Jake Voskuhl.

SALT LAKE CITY - In a move that aims to add energy and athleticism to their frontcourt, the Utah Jazz have completed a trade with the Denver Nuggets, acquiring the high-flying Chris Andersen in exchange for Jake Voskuhl. The deal was finalized earlier today. The Jazz had just acquired Voskuhl from Phoenix in the Penny Hardaway trade.

The Jazz identified the need for an infusion of athleticism and shot-blocking prowess, and they found the perfect fit in Chris Andersen, known affectionately as "Birdman" for his gravity-defying dunks and remarkable shot-blocking ability. Standing at 6-foot-10, Andersen brings an unparalleled level of energy and intensity to the court, making him an exciting addition to the Jazz roster.

Andersen's athleticism and shot-blocking prowess will significantly bolster the Jazz's interior defense. His knack for altering shots and his ability to provide timely blocks will undoubtedly make opponents think twice before attacking the rim. Moreover, his aerial exploits and ability to finish with authority around the basket will electrify Jazz fans and add a new dimension to their offensive repertoire.

In exchange for Andersen, the Jazz sent Jake Voskuhl to the Denver Nuggets. Voskuhl, a reliable backup center, provided depth in the frontcourt during his tenure with the Phoenix Suns. However, the opportunity to acquire a dynamic player like Andersen was too enticing for the Jazz to pass up so they moved Voskuhl straight away after only acquiring him.

The addition of Andersen will complement the Jazz's existing core of talented players, including Karl Malone and John Stockton. His athleticism and shot-blocking ability will alleviate pressure on the defensive end and create more opportunities for the Jazz's potent offense.

For the Denver Nuggets, the trade allows them to bolster their frontcourt depth with the addition of Jake Voskuhl. Voskuhl's solid fundamentals and dependable play will provide stability off the bench and contribute to the Nuggets' overall team chemistry.

Jazz fans can look forward to an exhilarating season ahead, as Chris Andersen's acrobatic dunks and shot-blocking prowess light up the court. With their newly acquired high-flyer, the Jazz aim to make waves in the competitive Western Conference and contend for a deep playoff run.