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Originally Posted by Oil Stain
NHL media is saying that the Utah Soakers are going to be aggressive in free agency, but who is going to want to sign there?
The Utah Jazz attract zero free agents.
They can probably land some free agents if they pay a premium. Should be able to pick up some decent players in trade if they want as some teams will be dumping.
Seems like the prudent thing to do is continue to build from within. Cooley could pop next year, and then maybe they start to attract some family guys that want to win before retiring?
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The biggest reason that NBA players are not attracted to Utah seems obvious. Utah Population distribution by race: White only 79.3% Latino 14.8% Two or more 9.5% Other (non mixed) 5.3% Asian 2.5% Black 1.1% Native alone 1% Pacific Islander alone 0.9%. As the NBA players are (ESPN study) Black 81.9%, there is little, culturally, to appeal to Blacks, and no exclusively black communities. I don't see this as being as large a problem in attracting Canadian, Americans, or European whites, that make up 84% of NHL players (per Sports Reporter).
As far as the team, I get the feeling that they may add one "big splash" forward, like Stamkos. But, the Former Yotes forward core seems young, and on the rise. With much to spend to get to the Salary Floor, the picks for player moves will be to bolster the Defense.
My biggest prediction for this team is that Jon Cooper will become head coach, should he become available, the Ryan Smith has admitted to being close to, and consulting with, Cooper.