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Generally the coaches spend plenty of time stressing defensive schemes and principles, but today the focus was on offensive sets.

The unfortunate theme of the week is the depleted Center position with Nazr Mohammed, Tyson Chandler, Gana Diop, and Alexis Ajinca all out with injuries. At the state-of-the-art Jazz practice facility, Mohammed was being stretched out on a padded table by trainers Steve Stricker and Dennis Williams, working on his ailing back. Chandler spent half an hour on a punching bag wearing boxing gloves – he’s limited with a sore left foot. Diop worked out on a bicycle, rehabilitating a sprained MCL. Ajinca was getting cardio exercise under the watchful eye of Strength and Conditioning coach Mike Irr, who would toss a ball up against the backboard and Ajinca would go up for follow put-backs with his left hand. His right hand will be in a cast for at least two more weeks following thumb surgery to repair a torn ligament.

With four bigs out, Theo Ratliff will continue to start for Charlotte. He was effective offensively in L.A. on Monday going five for six from the field, but told me today that he is slightly uncomfortable on defensive pick-and-rolls.

On a side note, Ratliff mentioned how he has six kids back at home in Atlanta, all of whom play basketball – they’re all tall, thanks to his size and his wife is 6′ 4″.

I also chatted with Tyrus Thomas who is happy to get a fresh start with the Bobcats. He hopes the mind of Larry Brown can help him reach his goal of becoming an all-star. He recognizes that he’s still only 23 years old, and should improve under the right coaching. Thomas, a native of Louisiana, is most familiar with D.J. Augustin on this team, a fellow native of the state, and just a couple of years younger.

Carlos Boozer of the Jazz walked into the facility as we were wrapping up, and spent time with Gana Diop, a former teammate of his in Cleveland. Boozer was two assists from a triple-double in their loss to Atlanta last night. Utah played without Deron Williams and Andrei Kirilenko. We’ve split the season series with them every year. The Jazz won in Charlotte by eight back in December, overcoming Gerald Wallace’s 30 points.

While Boozer nearly registered a triple-double, Boris Diaw had 20 points, 9 rebounds, and 9 assists in Charlotte’s loss in L.A. on Monday night. The team is still waiting for that first individual achievement.