Utah Jazz Preseason Preview: Point Guards By David J. Smith for HOOPSWORLD.com Sep 15, 2006, 11:06 There is no question that the starting position belongs to second-year guard Deron Williams. His rookie season was full of many ups and a few downs. The first two months were full of inconsistent playing time─time he logged mostly at the shooting guard position. While Jazz fans clamored for Williams to get more burn, Jerry Sloan probably wouldn't have done it differently. Despite (or because of) his high draft status, Sloan made him earn his minutes (similar to what he did during Andrei Kirilenko's rookie campaign). It instilled in him a new hunger and it really paid off the final 30 games. He displayed a nice shooting stroke, particularly behind the three-point line. On a team where outside shooting is a definite weakness, Williams' penchant for hitting a timely three was a blessing. Through an array of deceivingly sly moves, he easily gets to the hole. His ability to orchestrate Utah's offensive set grew and grew as the season progressed. Williams is a true quarterback whose passing prowess will be the key this upcoming year. He needs to improve on the defensive end. He is not the quickest player laterally and subsequently he found himself in foul trouble many a game. It would be nice to see him get to the line a bit more. He also needs to contribute more on the boards, for Sloan loves it when his guards can gather in caroms. Not only is Deron Williams the clear-cut starter at point guard, but he is the player most likely to emerge as the true team leader. Since legends John Stockton and Karl Malone rode off into the sunset, Sloan has been looking for someone to take charge on the floor. While the front court of Kirilenko, Mehmet Okur, and Carlos Boozer ooze with talent, none seems to have the killer instinct of a leader. Enter Williams. It was quite evident that toward the end of the season, his confidence level was at an all-time high. Expect that to only increase as the Utah Jazz truly become his team. Much was said about Chris Paul's amazing inaugural season and that the Jazz brain trust had made a mistake in drafting Williams over his counterpart. True, Paul's season was simply stellar. That said, I expect that Williams will make great improvement this season and when it's all said and done, both guards will be the cream of the NBA's point guard crop. Utah's big off-season move was the trade for seasoned veteran Derek Fisher. While he carries with him a rather large contract, he will bring much to Utah's bench. First, his leadership ability and Playoff experience will be invaluable to the young Jazz squad. His three championship rings speak volumes. He's been in many big games and can obviously hit the clutch shot when needed. Second, his outside shooting will be handy. While his percentages have never been extremely high, opponents are obligated to hone in on him (thus freeing things up for Utah's bigs). He can light things up quickly, an element Utah is in need of. Third, he shores up a weak bench. He is capable of running the second unit as well as providing insurance should Williams have any injury issues. Expect him to play alongside Williams at times. He is getting up there in years and his quickness is no longer a strength. Defensively, he may have some struggles with the young jets he will match up with. Still, it was a solid trade that bolsters Utah's postseason chances. Dee Brown is an unknown commodity right now. Expect him to make the roster, but to pay his dues either on the inactive list or in the NBDL. He has enormous upside. Brown possesses a nice blend of quickness, defensive attitude, and swagger. He is a change-of-pace guard who could be a nice spark off the bench. He needs to work on his point guard skills, as he is far from a true one. He is turnover prone and needs to pick his spots on offense. Don't expect too much from him this year, but down the line, he could prove to be a draft steal for Utah. Sloan always likes having three point guards on the roster. While Brown could be that third person, the coaching staff may elect to add a veteran. Milt Palacio, while unsigned, still remains a viable option. He was a stable influence on the team last year and managed to perform well in the clutch. Other options out there include local product Eddie Gill, Anthony Carter, Mike Wilks, Kenny Anderson, and Jeff McInnis. Rookie Ronnie Brewer can also play point in a pinch. Next up: shooting guards http://www.hoopsworld.com/article_18683.shtml --

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