While Andrei Kirilenko's return has been important, the lack of consistency at nearly every position doesn't allow these underachievers to get over the hump. I'm going to write something I thought I never would write, but perhaps Sloan is also to blame. For better or for worse (worse in my opinion), the game has changed and 3-point shooting is here to stay. Gone are the days of motion offense and the pick and roll, and in there place remains a whirling dervish of a point guard penetrating the lane and kicking out to 1 of 4 statues 25 feet from the basket, all capable of draining it from the land of plenty. (Incidentally Stockton was incredible at this but he also had better shooters at his disposal). That this is the last option in the Jazz offense means that when execution breaks down, the Jazz struggle to match wits with a barrage of outside shots. Granted, extending the defense exposes even more the porous nature defensively of this current batch of Jazzmen but standing back and still allowing inside lay-ups to continue is unacceptable. All these guaranteed contracts have proven to also be the Jazz downfall. With nothing more to play for and obviously fragile psyches, these guys don't believe it's worth the effort.

Unfortunately it's not like the days of old when you could count on the draft to assist you. Now you play Russian roulette and hope that the videotapes of high school footage can assist you in making the right decision. We got lucky on the international market with Kirilenko but have struggled with other international players. Their pension for offense first/defense never costs the Jazz dearly. As a lifelong Jazz fan it pains me to see Sloan in this position, and I only hope that when he retires it is on his terms and not because his players stopped believing in him. I guess I really never answered the question as to the prescription for this team, but I will tell you that taking two aspirin after each Jazz game has helped.

Jeremy Thorpe

Salt Lake City

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Players need to relax

They need to relax and act instinctively on the floor. They have the necessary talent but have not developed confidence. Too often they appear hesitant to go to their individual strengths for fear that they aren't seen to be playing team ball. This results in a lack of aggressiveness that is essential to winning and building confidence.

Interestingly enough they relax and play better against the top teams that they aren't expected to outperform.

Stan Grace

Helena, Mont.

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Team headed in right direction