Utah Jazz Blog – Page 72 – NBA Blog

Utah Jazz are red hot

The Utah Jazz have come alive, winning 11 of their last 12 games and seven straight, and playing like a legitimate championship contender for the first time in recent memory.

A huge reason why has been the play of Andrei Kirilenko, who has moved into the starting lineup.

In his last five games, AK-47 is averaging 18.0 ppg, 6.6 rpg, 3.6 apg, 2.0 spg and 2.6 bpg.

Tim Buckley of the Deseret News reports:

Utah beat Portland 118-105 on Wednesday night at sold-out EnergySolutions Arena, doing so behind a season-high 28 points from center Mehmet Okur and a collective season-high 62.7 percent shooting from the field aided by Okur’s 10-for-13.

It was the seventh straight win and 11th in their last 12 games for the 30-18 Jazz, who also got 22 points and a season-high eight assists from Kirilenko, a 13-point and 13-assist double-double from Williams and 16 points off the bench including 6-for-6 field shooting from rookie Wesley Matthews.

Meanwhile, Carlos Boozer has been out. Yet the team is winning.

Jazz recall Kosta Koufos from D-League

Utah Jazz general manager Kevin O’Connor announced today that the team has recalled second-year center Kosta Koufos from the Utah Flash of the NBA Development League (D-League). Koufos is expected to be in uniform when the Jazz hosts Sacramento on Friday, January 29, at 7 p.m.

In one game with the Flash, Koufos scored 16 points, pulled down seven rebounds and had one assist in 29 minutes against the Maine Red Claws on Monday night.

In 21 games with the Jazz this season, the 7-0, 265-pound Koufos has averages of 1.3 points, 1.1 rebounds and 0.2 assists in 3.6 minutes. Koufos has been inactive six times this season and DNP-CD 13 times. Koufos last appeared in a game on January 23 against New Jersey, grabbing three rebounds in a 116-83 home win. The center has notched a season-high six points twice this season and also picked up a season-high three rebounds vs. the L.A. Clippers on October 30.

Selected by the Jazz out of Ohio State in the first round (23rd overall selection) of the 2008 NBA Draft, Koufos averaged 14.4 points, 6.7 rebounds and 0.5 assists in his only season with the Buckeyes. The Canton, Ohio native was also named the postseason NIT MVP after leading Ohio State to the 2008 title. Koufos, who holds dual American and Greek citizenship helped lead Greece to a silver medal in the 2007 UMCOR U18 European Championships after averaging 26.5 points, 13 rebounds and 3.5 blocked shots.

Jazz sign Sundiata Gaines for rest of season

Utah Jazz general manager Kevin O’Connor announced today the Jazz has signed rookie guard Sundiata Gaines for the remainder of the season.

Gaines (6-1, 185, Georgia) was originally signed to a 10-day contract by the Jazz on January 5 before being re-signed to a second 10-day contract on Jan. 15. Gaines has appeared in seven games for the Jazz, averaging 2.9 points and 1.1 assists in 7.1 minutes per game. The Jazz is 6-2 since signing Gaines, who hit a game-winning three-pointer as time expired to beat Cleveland, 97-96, on Jan. 14. The former University of Georgia Bulldog also recorded a career-high nine points vs. the Cavaliers. Gaines reached career highs in minutes (21) and assists (five) in his NBA debut vs. Memphis on Jan. 6.

Gaines became the fourth NBA Development League (D-League) Call-Up to the NBA this season, as well as the fourth D-League Call-Up in Jazz history, joining Rusty LaRue (2000-01), Mikki Moore (2003-04) and Louis Amundson (2006-07).

Jazz assign Kosta Koufos to D-League

Utah Jazz general manager Kevin O’Connor announced today that the team has assigned second-year center Kosta Koufos to the Utah Flash of the NBA Development League (D-League). Koufos is expected to be in uniform when the Flash host Maine tonight, January 25, at 7 p.m.

In 21 games this season, the 7-0, 265-pound Koufos has averages of 1.3 points, 1.1 rebounds and 0.2 assists in 3.6 minutes. Koufos has been inactive six times this season and DNP-CD 13 times. Koufos last appeared in a game on January 23 against New Jersey, grabbing three rebounds in a 116-83 home win. The center has notched a season-high six points twice this season and also picked up a season-high three rebounds vs. the L.A. Clippers on October 30.

In 48 games (seven starts) last season Koufos averaged 4.7 points, 2.9 rebounds and 0.4 assists. In 10 games (all starts) with the Flash in 2008-09, Koufos averaged 16.7 points, 8.4 rebounds, 2.6 blocks and 2.0 assists in 10 games.

Jazz sign Sundiata Gaines to second 10-day contract

Utah Jazz general manager Kevin O’Connor announced today that the Jazz has signed rookie guard Sundiata Gaines to a second 10-day contract.

Gaines (6-1, 185, Georgia) signed his first 10-day contract with the Jazz on Jan. 5 and has appeared in all five Jazz games since, averaging 4.2 points and 1.4 assists in 9.3 minutes per game. The Jazz is 4-1 since signing Gaines, who hit a game-winning three-pointer as time expired to beat Cleveland, 97-96, on Thursday night. The former University of Georgia Bulldog also recorded a career-high nine points vs. the Cavaliers. Gaines reached career-highs in minutes (21) and assists (five) in his NBA debut vs. Memphis on Jan. 6.

Gaines was the fourth D-League Call-Up to the NBA this season, as well as the fourth D-League Call-Up in Jazz history, joining Rusty LaRue (2000-01), Mikki Moore (2003-04) and Louis Amundson (2006-07).

The Jamaica, N.Y., native had averages of 23.9 points, 4.7 rebounds and 6.9 assists in 14 games with the D-League’s Idaho Stampede prior to being signed by the Jazz. Gaines was selected by the Stampede in the first round (15th overall pick) of the 2009 NBA D-League Draft after spending the 2008-09 campaign in Italy with NGC Cantu. The former Southeastern Conference Tournament MVP was not selected in the 2008 NBA Draft.

Jazz sign Sundiata Gaines to 10-day contract

Utah Jazz general manager Kevin O’Connor announced today that the team will sign guard Sundiata Gaines (pronounced sun-DEE-ah-tuh) of the NBA Development League’s Idaho Stampede to a 10-day contract pending the outcome of a successful physical on Wednesday, January 6. Gaines becomes the fourth D-League Call-Up to the NBA this season.

Gaines (6-1, 185, Georgia) is currently averaging 23.9 points, 4.7 rebounds and 6.9 assists while shooting .522 from the field through 14 games with Idaho this season. Gaines, who has led the Stampede to a 9-5 record, currently ranks fifth in the D-League in scoring, third in assists and third in steals (2.29). The guard has scored a season-high 31 points on four occasions and dished a season-high 12 assists twice. Gaines was named the D-League’s Co-Performer of the Week for games played during the first 10 days of the season after averaging a league-leading 27.0 points while shooting .603 percent (38-63) from the field and handing out 8.3 assists.

The Jamaica, New York, native was selected by the Idaho Stampede in the first round (15th overall) of the 2009 D-League Draft. He spent the 2008-09 campaign in Italy with NGC Cantu, averaging 13.1 points, 3.4 rebounds and 2.5 assists in 30 games. A 2008 graduate of the University of Georgia, Gaines spent four seasons with the Bulldogs averaging 11.9 points, 5.4 rebounds and 3.8 assists. The guard led Georgia to the 2008 Southeastern Conference (SEC) tournament title.

Gaines becomes the fourth D-League Call-Up in Jazz history, joining Rusty LaRue (2000-01), Mikki Moore (2003-04) and Louis Amundson (2006-07).

Jazz shakeup possible

Marc J. Spears of Yahoo Sports reports:

Concerned about a lackluster start that has left them in ninth place in the Western Conference and motivated not to pay a hefty luxury-tax bill for moderate success, the Utah Jazz appear willing to trade anyone on their roster but point guard Deron Williams(notes), multiple league sources told Yahoo! Sports.

The Jazz have a payroll exceeding $77 million with five players making at least $9 million this season. Their dilemma: While they would like to shed some salary, they want to remain competitive enough to at least contend for a playoff berth.

Carlos Boozer(notes), who is making $12.6 million in the final season of his contract, has attracted interest, but sources said the Jazz have yet to enter any substantive trade talks involving the forward. Jazz coach Jerry Sloan has told management he’d prefer to keep Boozer for the season to help with the team’s playoff push, but ownership wants to avoid paying as much luxury tax as possible.

Jazz seek point guard

Jody Genessy of the Deseret News reports:

Utah Jazz brass met Saturday to begin the process of filling the roster spot that opened up when the organization traded rookie point guard Eric Maynor and injured Matt Harpring’s contracts to Oklahoma City last week.

Jazz general manager Kevin O’Connor said the team has compiled a list of 10-12 players who will be evaluated.

O’Connor wanted to meet with coach Jerry Sloan and other pertinent Jazz personnel to gather input and discuss options as the team tries to find a player who will fit in for at least the rest of the season.

Jazz trade Eric Maynor and Matt Harpring to Thunder

Utah Jazz general manager Kevin O’Connor announced today that the team has acquired the draft rights to Peter Fehse from the Oklahoma City Thunder in exchange for the contract of Matt Harpring and guard Eric Maynor. The Jazz roster now stands at 12 players.

“Trading Eric was a difficult decision,” said general manager Kevin O’Connor. “But, along with Matt’s contract, it greatly helps reduce our luxury tax responsibility. Fortunately with Deron and a proven backup in Ronnie Price we feel that we have depth at that position.”

Harpring will not report to Oklahoma City.

“We are pleased to add Eric Maynor to our organization,” said Oklahoma City Thunder Executive Vice President and General Manager Sam Presti. “Eric possesses a work ethic and team first mentality that we feel will help us in our continued growth.”

“This was a difficult decision as we appreciate Shaun and Mike’s contributions to this basketball team on and off the floor,” added Presti. “We wish them nothing but continued success.”

Fehse (6-11, 205, Germany), was originally selected by the Oklahoma City franchise in the second round (49th overall pick) in the 2002 NBA Draft. The forward/center currently plays for Mitteldeutscher BC Weissenfels in the German League. From 2004-2008 Fehse suited up for the New Yorker Phantoms, also in the German League.

Prior to being drafted, Fehse played for SV Halle’s youth teams, the German Junior National Team and the German Under-20 National Team. Fehse played for Mitteldeutcher BC in 2003-04 and with the Frankfurt Opel Skyliners in 2002-03 but appeared in just one game.

Harpring (6-7, 230, Georgia Tech), who has not practiced or played during the current 2009-10 season, has appeared in 665 games (349 starts) over 11 seasons with Orlando, Cleveland, Philadelphia and Utah, owning career averages of 11.5 points, 5.1 rebounds and 1.4 assists in 26.4 minutes per game. He was originally signed by the Jazz as a free agent on August 15, 2002. Harpring has seen action in 474 games (191 starts) over seven seasons with Utah and has averaged 11.9 points and 4.9 rebounds in 25.8 minutes per game.

Maynor (6-3, 170, Virginia Commonwealth) was selected by the Jazz in the first round (20th overall pick) in the 2009 NBA Draft. The guard has seen action in 26 games this season (two starts) and is currently averaging 5.2 points and 3.1 assists.

InsideHoops.com editor quick take: This is a great deal for the Thunder, who add yet another talented young player to their roster. The deal helps the Jazz save money.

Read fan reaction and share your own opinion in this forum topic.

Matt Harpring out for season

Utah Jazz general manager Kevin O’Connor announced today that veteran forward Matt Harpring will miss the remainder of the season. As a result of numerous surgeries and considerable residual medical issues, it has been determined that the 11-year NBA veteran is no longer physically able to perform at an NBA level. Harpring has not practiced or played during the current 2009-10 NBA season.

After several months of continued rehab and physical therapy, doctors have informed Harpring that he will not be able to return to action this season. In addition, the doctors have advised that further attempts at continued NBA play would be counterproductive to Harpring’s health, both in the short term and long term.

“Despite the wear and tear of four collegiate seasons, 11 NBA seasons and undergoing numerous surgeries, I remained hopeful that I would be able to rejoin my Jazz teammates on the court this season,” Harpring said. “However, after consultations with the doctors and based on their recommendations, I have reluctantly come to the realization that my body can simply no longer withstand the rigors of NBA games and practices.”

Harpring (6-7, 230, Georgia Tech) has appeared in 665 games (349 starts) over 11 seasons with Orlando, Cleveland, Philadelphia and Utah, owning career averages of 11.5 points, 5.1 rebounds and 1.4 assists in 26.4 minutes per game. His best statistical season came in 2002-03 with the Jazz when he appeared in 78 games (69 starts) and averaged 17.6 points and 6.6 rebounds while shooting .511 from the field.

Originally signed by the Jazz as a free agent on August 15, 2002, Harpring has seen action in 474 games (191 starts) over seven seasons with Utah and has averaged 11.9 points and 4.9 rebounds in 25.8 minutes per game. Harpring averaged 11.0 points and 2.0 rebounds in 63 games (two starts) for the Jazz in 2008-09.

Read fan reaction and discuss your own opinion in this forum topic.