Miller, Sloan & Co. are stressing patience and were right not to have built up too many expectations. We live in a society of instant gratification with a "what have you done for me lately" mentality, but I try to keep it in perspective. Who else has had a winning team for 20 straight years? I'm more than willing to let this season go as long as proper progress is being made and everyone buys into the system. This is what has concerned me lately with talk about players wanting out already — who is notbuying into the system and why? I also hear rumors of "chemistry" problems, which shouldn't be surprising with guys from such divergent backgrounds. I just want to see them play hard and come together for a strong finish. And during the off season, I want to see signs that they are comitted to getting back to the playoffs next year.

Robert Sperry

Knoxville, Tenn.

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Pay players after season's over

The answer is so simple--although impossible to facilitate. Award the players their multimillion contracts—(or what ever they might be worth)—after the season ends.

Rene'e Jackson,

Kanab

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Aim for a lottery pick

I think the Jazz have missed the boat for getting into the playoff's so let's try for a lottery pick. I wonder if Larry Miller can afford anymore "talent" though. San Antonio is a good example of this. Go Jazz!

Robert Bowers

Saratoga Springs, Florida

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Jazz players are too 'nice'

Hi, Been a Jazz supporter for 12 years and frankly are going mad. For one, I really don't believe the coaching stuff should be blamed for this although granted they maybe can do better, but the game is still played by the players. Although I believe the Arroyo trade was not a very good one, I also agree it was necessary.

I personally believe the collections of our players are just too "nice". I do believe that they at most times plays hard, willing to listen and do wish to win. But mentally, they are just not the tough minded Stockton & Malone types who would push everyone (and has the skills to do so) to over achieve. I Love Matt & Raja and AK is our future, but I doubt anyone of them are ready yet to lead this young team like 12 & 32 did. I believe last season our guys are fighting just to stay alive and that mentality carried us.