Dear Kevin O'Conner,.....

After reading the ridiculous scathing letter from Cavs owner Dan Gilbert, I have decided to write my own "open letter" to Kevin O'Conner. Here goes.

Dear Mr. O'Conner (AKA, The Irish Gangster),

     Good Job! I really mean it. Letting Carlos go for that amount was smart. Very Smart. I'm sure you would have re-signed him for less, but I applaud you for letting him walk at that price. Thank you.
     After that cheer in your name, it saddens me that I must now discuss a large strike that you seemingly didn't even swing for. It happened right at the beginning of this whole free agent hoopla. I'm talking about the miss on a clear need. No, not G. Hayward. Although I was a little speechless with the pick at first, I am liking it more and more and I hope to fully see what you see in him one day. I think we all will. No I'm talking about Yi Jianlian, the prize the Nets were giving away for free, and did give away for free to Wall's new team. Why didn't you take the free gift? Really? I don't get that. Now I know he is not an all world guy, but unlike a few loud mouth fans that were actually surprised King James didn't sign with Utah, I know we are not a top priority for Stars (D-Will, I personally promise a golden statue if you'll stay) and Yi is a 7 footer with a salary gettable with Harpering's Exception, and if he REALLY didn't pan out, he's gone in one more year! Strike one K.O.C.. Strike one.

     Strike two? Already happened as well. This one kept me up for a while. I still don't get it, and hope that the reason isn't what I think it is. Even now I feel my fat cheeks jiggle as I shake my head. M. Beasley. Michael Freakin' Beasley! That name didn't excite you?! Nothing? Not even a half smile? Huh. O.K. Yea I know he's got some off court issues (what I think it is). So! Listen, I'm a BYU fan and I have to deal with slightly less than stellar character guys with boat loads of talent getting kicked off the team or never making the team all the time. Do you know how much that stings!? Well come here and let me kick you in the shin every JAZZ season... you might get it then.  Anyway, please don't let a little off court trouble from a young kid that has just been given millions of dollars for the first time scare you away from so much talent. It doesn't wear well for an NBA team, you can't avoid it (please see this article). Especially when he, Like Yi, was given away! And again, Cheap! Strike two K.O.C.. Strike two.
     Now onto the future. Thanks to you, the JAZZ now have some really good looking trade exceptions (6.5 mil. from Harpering & 13 mil. from Booz). Kevin, Good work!! I can't say enough on this. To bring that back from Chicago was HUGE. This is me smiling and patting you on the back. If I ever see you at Rodizio's, I'm buying your meal! No, Don't argue. It's settled.
    Now it doesn't matter if you got the winning run on base if you can't hit him home. I'm giving the signal, along with the whole state of UTAH: SWING AWAY! You can do it and here's how it goes:

     1st, the Magic have someone. Someone under appreciated. Someone that needs to be freed so he can explode onto the scene. So in other words, a Jazz guy! You have done it before and are becoming known for finding that diamond in the rough (Milsap, Wes, and Memo), now do it again. I'll give you a hint: He is Polish, Incredibly athletic, 6-11, Strong as an ox, runs the pick and roll AMAZINGLY well, and has a "Jumpman" Tat! Give up? Marcin Gortat! He is playing behind the best center in the league, is young, and really can be a 12 pts. 12 rbs. & 2 blocks a night guy! Get him! Kevin, I want me some Polish Gangster! You've got this great M. Harpering trade exception that will cover it nicely along with a 2nd rouund pick perhaps? Lets bring "The Hammer" to Utah!

   Now this grand slam is a two part deal. the next part involves smelling the blood and going in for the kill! New Orleans is a bleeding diver off the coast of Florida. They are going down whether you strike or not... so strike! Emeka Okafor is the the final piece in this Grand Slam! He is the real Deal! Not just a good 15 & 10 guy, but a true defensive big. Real Defense... VIOLENCE! And once again, his contract fits nicely under the Boozer Exception.
So Irish Gangster, you can see why as Jazz fans we are very pleased, a little confused/disappointed, and really anxious/excited about what you have done. Kevin, If you can tie up this deal and hit this one clean out of Spring Mobile Ball park, you will be elite. You wont just get dinner from me at Rodizio's, but any time you fill up at the Sev (7-11), free Slurpees for life!
     Kevin I feel as though I may have taken up too much of your time and I apologize.
I hope this letter finds you and yours in the best of feelings.

Here's to a great season!

     With love from your good friend Dignan.