The Jazz face the Kings at home tonight. We all remember the Kings getting hot at the end of last season and took the final playoff spot from the Jazz. Fortunes have really changed for both teams. The Kings fired their coach and let their wild-card player, Bonzi Wells, go in free agency. They now sit two games below .500 at 9-11, well out of the playoff race and without a real identity.

The Jazz of course have so far followed up their 41-41 season by having the best record in the league, 17-5. Playing at home, the Jazz win this one in a blowout to improve to 18-5.

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Corey Maggette conceded yesterday that he will not finish the season as a Clipper. http://www.presstelegram.com/sports/ci_4843593. Continue Reading This Entry »

This evening while driving home from work I couldn’t help but be blown away by the comments that Larry H. Miller made on the radio regarding Andrei Kirilenko. I was surprised and shocked at the admiration and praise that he was giving regarding AK47. He consistently refereed to Kirilenko as a top 5 player in the NBA and said that the Jazz receive phone calls inquiring for a trade on a daily basis for Kirilenko. Miller said that he believed that Kirilenko is a fixture for the Jazz franchise and they will not field any trade offers for him.

I was very glad as a Jazz fan to be reaffirmed of Larry Miller’s commitment to AK. It is great to see Andrei flourish in his new role as a defender and passer. I believe he gives the jazz the intangibles that separate them from the other front runners in the western conference. I think that as long as he stays healthy that he is a top 5 player in the NBA. He is the ultimate wild-card that can change to complexion of a game with out the ball in his hands. If Andre embraces his role as a defensive leader, and does not hang his head over his lack of offensive opportunities his potential is limitless. I can’t wait to sit back and watch it. Remember Jazz fans AK47 is only 25 years old.