(Sports Network) - Utah suffered through an injury-plagued season last year that saw most of its key contributors lose significant time to injuries.

The franchise also found itself reeling after the midseason passing of longtime owner Larry Miller, who turned the Jazz into one of the NBA's model franchises.

On the floor the Jazz ranked 19th in the NBA in rebounds and 21st in blocks per game as the injuries ravaged their frontline of Carlos Boozer, Mehmet Okur and Andrei Kirilenko.

A healthy Boozer would go a long way in curing that problem but his presence this year seemed unlikely after he flirted with both Chicago and Miami in the offseason. Unable to get anything done on the contract front, Boozer surprised everyone by picking up his player option and returning to Salt Lake City.

But, now Boozer looks like a lame duck. The Duke product has made no apologies for his perceived indiscretions, claiming he had been told by Jazz management that he was no longer part of the team's future plans.

Jerry Sloan and the Jazz now must try and make the best of what is likely the last season for their All-Star forward in Utah.

"That's way over and done with," Boozer said of offseason. "I'm looking forward. I have this Jazz uniform on and I'm happy to be back."

"You just come to play," Sloan added. "That's all you can do. You can't go out and change what happened in the past. You've got to bury the ax and go on."

2008-09 Results: 48-34, third in Northwest; Lost in first round of playoffs to LA Lakers.

ADDITIONS: G Eric Maynor, C Goran Suton

SUBTRACTIONS: None

PROJECTED STARTING FIVE:

PG- Deron Williams SG- Ronnie Brewer SF- Andrei Kirilenko PF- Carlos Boozer C- Mehmet Okur

KEY RESERVES: F Paul Millsap, G C.J. Miles, F Kyle Korver

FRONTCOURT: Boozer followed up his best season as a pro by spending most of his time on the sidelines last year. When healthy he has great movement skills, can finish around the basket and run the floor. In fact, Deron Williams and Boozer were quickly becoming the reincarnation of John Stockton and Karl Malone in Salt Lake City.

"I'm excited to play basketball, excited to be healthy," Boozer said. "I have a lot to prove and I think my team has a lot to prove. We've had a long summer, longer then we normally have, and the guys are ready to show what we can do. And I'm one of those guys."

A couple of seasons ago Kirilenko moved to small forward full-time and was lambasted for losing a step. In reality, the Russian star was pulled away from the rim more and forced to check far more athletic wing players. Kirilenko is still capable of stuffing a stat sheet like few others.

Okur is a typical European big men. He's not the toughest player in the world but can step outside and give opposing defenses fits by draining jumpers all the way out to the three point line.

BACKCOURT: When healthy Williams is probably the best point guard in the NBA not named Chris Paul. The Illinois product takes like a duck to water in Sloan's pick- and-roll heavy offense. He's incredibly strong, knows where his teammates are at all times and can knock down the jumper when you need it. Williams also runs the break like few others. A chronic ankle injury limited his quickness last year but the Jazz feel like they will see the real Williams back this season.

Ronnie Brewer doesn't give you enough offense from the two spot but with Williams, Boozer and Okur around, it's not needed. Brewer is expected to provide hard-nosed defense and hit an open jump shot when it presents itself.

BENCH: The Jazz re-signed Paul Millsap this summer as their power forward of the future. Millsap, who averaged 16.0 points and 10.3 rebounds in 38 games as a starter last season when Boozer was injured and finished fourth in voting for the NBA's Most Improved Player award, signed a four-year, $32 million dollar offer sheet with division rival Portland but Utah matched creating a difficult salary cap situation.

Sloan considered starting Millsap at small forward but it's hard to imagine him sticking with players like Carmelo Anthony on the defensive end, meaning the team will continue to look at moving Boozer as soon as possible.

Kyle Korver is a brilliant shooter that offers little else. When he heats up look out but if his shot is not falling, the former Creighton star will hurt you badly on the defensive end.

Matt Harpring is a tough as nails type player that gives his all at both ends of the floor but is out indefinitely after undergoing what was thought to be routine surgery to remove bone spurs over the summer. The swingman suffered an infection that forced him to be hospitalized for four days and treated with intravenous antibiotics for a month.

In the backcourt rookie first round pick Eric Maynor figures to see time as a combo guard. Sloan has never been shy to use rookies and Maynor is a savvy playmaker that offers a better option as a backup to Williams than veteran Ronnie Price.

Shooting guard C.J. Miles was likely a little surprised when the Jazz matched a four-year, $14.8 million offer sheet he signed with Oklahoma City before last season since he averaged just 10 minutes of playing time in 2007-08. The new deal and injuries forced Sloan to start Miles in 72 games but he showed little as a defender and was an inconsistent shooter.

COACHING: The Jazz are all about continuity and it all starts with their veteran coach. Sloan's system is a proven winner but he must find a way to get his team to perform better on the road. Year in and year out, Utah dominates in Salt Lake but looks like a completely different team when they are the visitor.

STEVE SCHWARZ'S FANTASY FOCUS: All five starters have fantasy value, beginning with their star point guard - Williams. I'm expecting a 20-10 year from the Illinois product who's only shortcoming is a low three-point shooting percentage. Okur gives you quality rebounding, scoring and three-point shooting - a rare combination from the five. Boozer, if healthy, produces double-doubles and Kirilenko is a late round "stat-filler." Brewer is up to 13.7 ppg and is borderline "fantasy-worthy."

OUTLOOK: The Jazz are a solid team that must find a way to win on the road to take the next step. The team has salary cap problems so health and internal seasoning are the only options for improvement.

A postseason berth is a forgone conclusion but its hard to imagine Utah making a serious run at the Lakers this season.

"We can be really explosive," Boozer said. "We have a very talented group of guys and coach has a great depth on this team. We have to go out and prove it."



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