Only a few hours after shooting guard Morris Peterson picked New Orleans over Utah, Hart took a chunk of the money the Jazz were offering Peterson. It all happened too fast, before hardly any of the usual angst could resurface, the paranoia could arise or theories could develop - Culture? Image? Diversity? Style of play? - about what made the Hornets more attractive than the Jazz.

Apparently, none of those things bothered Hart, whose only expressed concern is that the coaches treat him fairly, following the bad experience in Sacramento that ultimately led to saving his career during his two-month showing with the Los Angeles Clippers.

Yet if Hart's signing is reassuring, recent developments still leave big questions about the Jazz's backcourt. Gaining Hart while losing Derek Fisher to the Lakers and Peterson to the Hornets - even though they never actually had him - has to be considered a net loss for the Jazz.

But here's the thing. Peterson's rejection of the Jazz, as the primary free agent they targeted, is a sign. And the sign says, PLAY THE KIDS.

There's no need to search for another free-agent shooting guard this summer, for this reason: Even after the Jazz reached the Western Conference finals, the idea that they are the second-best team in the West is a myth. Which is OK, because that means this is not a franchise that should be acting urgently. It's not as if the Jazz are right on the verge of a championship, or a case of their future opportunities dwindling.

With Carlos Boozer and Deron Williams still in the growth stages of their careers, there's all kinds of time to allow Morris Almond, Ronnie Brewer and C.J. Miles (if the Jazz re-sign him) to develop. In fact, there's a whole season.

That's what I would do: Give the kids a year, and then if it becomes clear that it's just not going to happen for one or more of them, find another veteran. Hart can play sufficient minutes alongside Williams when necessary, besides backing him up. Beyond that, the Jazz need a roster that forces coach Jerry Sloan to find out what the young guys can do.

In his first two Rocky Mountain Revue appearances, Almond is showing the shooting ability that made him a first-round draft choice. He's smooth and efficient, and looks like a nice fit with the Jazz's system.

Jazz assistant coach Ty Corbin used the word "poised" over and over in describing Almond, who has dealt nicely with the stress of trying to make a good impression.

"I just try to go out there and keep it simple, do what I do: come off screens, knock down open shots," he said, and he's doing it, going 11-for-22 from the field.

The hamstring and ankle injuries that kept Brewer from dressing Saturday constitute a case of a bad timing, and Miles' decision not to play this summer as a free agent also makes evaluations difficult. But six Revue games would not be enough evidence, anyway.

"It's a progression," said Jazz vice president Kevin O'Connor. "Where were they a year ago, as to where they are today?"

Next year at this time, we'll know.

Asked about the possibility of playing regularly as a rookie with Fisher gone, Peterson not coming and Miles' status uncertain, Almond said, "I'm not even thinking about training camp yet. That time will come. . . . I'm taking baby steps."

Soon, there can be no more toddling for Almond, Brewer or Miles. This coming season, they have to start walking. Maybe even running, occasionally.

kkragthorpe@sltrib.com