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Utah Jazz: Korolev still has NBA dreams

Jazz will be looking at a lot of PF's this year and next, since Boozer will opt out next year and there is no knowing what is going to happen to him.

If Carlos Boozer's status at Utah continues to be somewhat up in the air, Sloan could do worse than to develop a 21-year-old Russian who is 6-9 and a pure shooter into a replacement two years hence. Maybe Korolev? But the Jazz need help now. If he can play NBA defense, he can play for the Jazz.

Korolev has a real chance at making the roster. I'm sure he'll be offered a spot to go to camp with the Jazz, but unless he is signed to a guaranteed deal, he could choose to go elsewhere. IINM, he was in the Mavericks camp before the RMR started.

The last roster spot could come down to CJ or Korolev. If Yaroslav impresses, maybe the Jazz can do a sign and trade w/ Miles. Get a scrub (who they then release) and an early second round pick next season for him. Or the Jazz can just rescind their offer to Miles if he doesn't sign it.

With the uncertainty surrounding Boozer and the logjam the Jazz have at the 2/3, Utah may be better off trying to develop a guy like Korolev over someone like CJ anyway. Perhaps CJ becomes a good player in another organization. But he seems to be following in the footsteps of Snyder and Humphries: in love with themselves, but unwillingly to put in the effort to raise their skills to the next level.

Why would a free agent who has had minimal exposure for limited minutes NOT take every opportunity to showcase himself? CJ? CJ? CJ? CJ who?

I hope Korolev can make the team. As for CJ, hit the road you ingrate.