The Yin to C.J.'s Yang -or- The quest for the new Wes

Last year the MVP for the Jazz was Wes Matthews. Not because he scored the most, played the most minutes or anything like that. Wes was Utah's MVP because he was that unexpected piece that changed the Jazz last season.
What he brought was leadership by example, pure hustle, desire, and obviously a few points and defense!
Here at the cave we have felt that when he got on that plane headed to Portland, the Jazz lost a future all-star. Weather or not that ever comes to fruition will make for a fun player to watch. I just wish he played in ESA more than twice a year.

All that's left is the tears... still.

The break-up of Wes and the Jazz hurt... err, hurts. Even after the strangest on and off court seasons in Jazz history, I think this team has rebounded back remarkably well. Except on the lose of Matthews.
But the milk has been spilled, and by now it has all dried up, we need to dry the tears and move on... finally.

Raja is what he is... a great player.

Raja Bell is a great ball player. He has been known as one of the toughest defenders in the league, and can shoot the 3 ball very well.
But he's 34, and right now that is all that is showing.
Right now he is averaging over 2 minutes more than his career average; 30+ minutes a night for a 34 year old shooting guard?!? No! You can't do that to a guard that doesn't give everything he has, let alone to a guy like Raja who wants to leave it all on the hardwood every night. Stop making him the scape goat in Utah. He is doing everything he can in a body that he has taken care of remarkably well.
You don't race a classic car, you bring it in to win car shows, distract the competition, and win the occasional unexpected race.
I know all this sounds like a broken record, but it's the truth. He can do what he did last night against the Kings every once in a while, but to expect that from him night in and night out is just plain unfair and unrealistic.
I would love to see Raja get around 18 minutes a night, give or take a few, with the occasional 25+ night like last night. If he knew that this was what he could expect, you would see a more energized Bell who I think would not only continue to hit his current reg. season scoring numbers with less minutes (8+ points a night), but would be able to be more of a natural leader on and off the court.
I hope all of this doesn't leave any doubt that I am a huge fan of what Bell is. I'm just not a huge fan of what is expected of him right now.
 
An answer?

Right now Salt Lake City is not producing great basketball (Utes & Jazz), but down in Happy Valley there is some terrific ball being played (Cougs & Flash)!
BYU just won the MWC out right, and is expected to be right there in the MWC tournament too (despite the loss of Davies- that one hurt). The Utah Flash just won their 9th straight and are doing something that just doesn't happen in the D-League; they are playing team basketball and sharing the ball.
BYU's Jimmer F. is going to win the college player of the year. A lot has been said about his career at the next level - I love watching him and think his intangibles will help him succeed at the next level. I don't however, think he has the best chance as a Jazz man. I could be wrong, but he is not the Jazz's answer to the loss of Wes Matthews.
If you haven't seen the Utah Flash, change that! I have seen two games (1 on T.V.), and a lot of highlights. I want to see more. Kevin Young is making a name for himself as a youthful coach that should be getting some looks from some collegiate programs.

The guy down there that I am most impressed with is the same guy D-Will once compared to our "ex" (Wes Matthes), Ryan Thompson. Ryan can play, and from what I can tell has the tools that could translate to the next level. I would imagine he is on a lot of NBA short lists as a possible call up.
He is listed 6-6, 220lbs. (Wes 6-5 220lbs) He not considered an overwhelming athlete, but can use his big frame and long arms to get a surprisingly large amount of good shots off(Draftexpress.com). Ryan has been called a high I.Q. ball player that has great court vision - that is true! He makes that extra pass and will route to his teammates if his shot is not falling. Considered a terrific team player that rubs off on his teammates (evident down in Utah County), I like Ryan as the Yin to C.J.'s Yang.
 He is not a three point dagger, but can credit his D-league time with coach Young in gaining greater confidence in his long ball and has brought his % up to a serviceable 35% from behind the arc. For a guy that doesn't live and die on the three, that works. His lateral quickness is an issue on D, but that was a similar knock on Wes, who is now considered an elite defender. Besides that he is a tough defender that can really pressure all but the fastest wings, and even against them has shown brains over brawn with heady play.
The eye test- well, he passes. Not only are his build and height surprisingly similar to Mathews', the tools that he uses (moving without the ball & team defense especially) really bring his likeness to the surface.

Is Ryan Thompson the answer at 2 guard? Maybe. I can't say yes, because there is a reason he is not on a NBA roster right now. But would Wes be on an NBA roster right now if Utah didn't find him? Maybe. Maybe not.
With Ronnie Price out, I can't see why a 10 day is not offered to Ryan. When Jeremy Evans comes back (he looks REALLY well down there scoring, rebounding, and blocking shots) lets bring Ryan with him and see if D-Will has a future as a talent scout.