Utah Jazz look to find leaders in Devin Harris, Al Jefferson

Who will emerge out of the offseason as the leader or leaders is one of the intriguing questions being bandied about a franchise that became flummoxed with the loss of strong personalities and presences in resigned Hall of Fame coach Jerry Sloan and Williams.

Jazz general manager Kevin O'Connor pointed in the direction of the franchise's two newest veterans — Al Jefferson and Devin Harris — while recently talking about the subject.

O'Connor teased Harris and Jefferson at season's end: "I said, 'Myself and Coach (Tyrone) Corbin and you and Al, we're the four guys who are going to get the blame next year, so tie your hat on.' "

In his first season in Utah, Jefferson openly distanced himself from the leadership role outside of the by-example category.

Harris just didn't quite feel comfortable enough to be a vocal presence after joining the team mid-season and in the midst of turbulence and turmoil.

The very respected Paul Millsap admitted he was trying to study up on how to become a better leader but the transition remains a work in progress, though he would like an increased leadership role.

And Raja Bell and Earl Watson provided a veteran perspective, but a clear-cut leading predecessor to Williams never emerged as the Jazz's season submerged into the depths of a losing season for only the second time in nearly three decades.

The guys O'Connor called out (or on) could make a big difference if they make that change next year.

For starters, they both strongly endorse having teammates get together for training at the performance lab often used by the Jazz in Santa Barbara, Calif.

Harris made a point at locker cleanout of talking about an increased leadership role next season.