D-Will is leading this Utah Jazz ensemble

Williams isn't asking to be a one-man conductor of this Jazz band, though. While talking about the importance of strong leadership on winning NBA teams, all of his examples included multiple players who could be characterized as their teams' leaders.

The two-time defending champion Los Angeles Lakers have Kobe Bryant and Derek Fisher.

The recent title-winning Boston Celtics have Kevin Garnett, Ray Allen and Paul Pierce.

And, you might have heard about those guys down in Miami.

"Great leaders," Williams said.

Williams, the ultimate do-as-I-do-and-say type of player, said the team has a lot of silent leaders who do more showing than speaking. Ten-year veteran Andrei Kirilenko falls into that category for his all-around play. As does Millsap.

"We've got a lot of guys that go out there and play hard," Williams said. "Paul is definitely a leader by example. He's not going to say much, but he goes out there and plays hard every night, busts his butt and gives it his all. Guys respect that and want to emulate that."

Bell has a leadership aura about him, so the Jazz might've been wise to reacquire him just for that veteran presence he brings back to the team. The 34-year-old has 10 years of NBA experience, is well-spoken, has proven to be a hard-worker, and Sloan would love nothing more than if his defensive example were followed.

"He's definitely going to add another element (of leadership), just another guy that's tough and wants to win. That's what we need — guys that care about winning," Williams said. "Raja's definitely going to be a vocal leader, but also a guy who just goes out there and plays hard every night."

Bell said his biggest emphasis coming back to Utah is to "make an impact" through hard work. He's fine if a leadership role comes along with that, but he's just as fine if he ends up being one of the guys and "a real strong part of a good group."

"He's not afraid," Sloan said of Bell. "We talk about defense — he just comes in and works hard."

Like Hayward, Bell was impressed with Williams' leadership from Day 1 of camp. He liked that the All-Star acted like a coach on the court during a time when the mostly new team was trying to sort the X's from the O's in Sloan's system.

"He's trying to help everyone, and that's where it starts," Bell said. "If you have a guy at the top trying to help everybody else, it kind of filters down through the ranks."

It certainly sets the tone.

And after an offseason during which players and management played musical chairs with the roster, the results from that type of leadership could be sweet music to fans' ears.

e-mail: jody@desnews.com

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