tdizzle

Jazz face future without cornerstones (7-10-03).
http://sports.espn.go.com/sports/gen...ageId=17227244

SALT LAKE CITY (AP) _ Utah Jazz owner Larry Miller's sometimes cantankerous relationship with Karl Malone took a tearful turn Thursday when the free agent announced he was leaving.

After 18 seasons, which included two league MVPs and two trips to the NBA Finals, Malone told Miller he intended to sign with the Los Angeles Lakers to improve his chances of winning his first NBA title.

``Maybe I'm trying to console myself, but maybe this is best for Karl Malone and for the Jazz,'' Miller said Thursday at the Delta Center, where he will sit courtside twice next season as Malone runs up and down the court in something other than a Jazz uniform for the first time.

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I think this may actually be a blessing in disguise for the Jazz. Yes, they loose the best player in the franchise's history. But I think this will give this organization a chance to start the "re-building" process. Just my opinion though.

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weasles1

I think Malone has been great! I also think it is a good decision for him to try for the championship ring in LA. It could have happened in Utah if he had gone for a 1.5 million salary but....... It is business. He gave his all. He was prepared each year and was the leader of a successful team for years. I also thing it would have been a delay in the new Jazz for him to stay two more years chasing his points record. Now we can look forward to a new era. I think if the Jazz can wisely use the 19.5 million from Malone and 8 million from Stockton and next years 8 ? million from Ostertag ( I think he may still be in Utah) this team has a good nucleus of young players and with some Free agents could be good in a few years. Furthermore, if they use this year to give the youth playing time and tank in the standings, it might be a good draft pick for another young talent. We'll see... Good luck to Malone and thank you. Good luck to the Jazz. It's still fun to see a ball team play a great game.