Dear Editor,
As we watched the Jazz get decimated by the struggling Atlanta Hawks, we couldn’t help but feel a little sadness as we realized that an era had past. The once mighty Jazz have been relegated to a potential lottery team. Despite everyone’s assurances our team will pull out and do better, we have come to the conclusion that the Jazz just aren’t very good.
In a small market like ours, we can’t expect superstars to stay with us forever when there are so many more lucrative offers waiting elsewhere. Now that Stockton and Malone are playing like old men and it is obvious that the Jazz will not be able to sign any real impact players, who’s left to lead us back to prominence, Donyell Marshall? Bryon Russell? How about Greg Ostertag?
It’s time for the Jazz to take their place among the Nuggets, Clippers and Warriors, as a team that develops lottery picks only to see them leave before their prime and win championships in New York or Los Angeles, but I suppose we always have memories. As we watch the Jazz struggle to stay with Michael Jordan and the Wizards this year, we can remember fondly the years that they struggled to stay with Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls. As we watch this year’s collection of role players get demolished by the 76ers, Bucks and Lakers, we can take some satisfaction in knowing that if Stockton and Malone were 10 years younger our team might have a chance. Cheer up all you downhearted Jazz fans – our team isn’t in the CBA yet. And with a little luck, they never will be.
Mark Menatti
Murray, Salt Lake County
Jed Johnson
Piedmont, Calif.
