Recovery of Jazz rejuvenates Sloan Akron Beacon Journal November 30, 2006 Kenny Natt can feel the changes by hearing Jerry Sloan's voice. Natt, in his third year as a Cavaliers assistant coach, worked for Sloan and the Utah Jazz for more than a decade before coming to Cleveland. The two remain close, which is why Natt was one of the many who were concerned about the longtime Jazz coach over the past several years. A little more than two years ago, Sloan's wife, Bobbye, died of cancer. In the past three years, the Jazz have struggled in emerging from the Karl Malone-John Stockton days, missing the playoffs three consecutive times after a 20-year postseason streak. Some were questioning whether Sloan was heading toward retirement. 'It hasn't been quite the same over the last few years; he was hurting for a while,' Natt said. But this season, the Jazz are off to the NBA's best start, as the players signed to replace the retiring All-Stars are all finally healthy, and Sloan has been able to develop young players, such as point guard Deron Williams. In addition, Sloan has been able to move on in his personal life, getting remarried in the offseason. Natt said it isn't just the players who feel reborn. 'Just talking to him on the phone, I can tell he's been rejuvenated,' Natt said. 'He's got those guys playing hard, and it has been rewarding for them and for Jerry, too. I'm happy for him.' 文章其他部份与爵士无关..故略 http://www.topix.net/content/kri/3993336950023098458635638226453434770070 --

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