Utah Jazz Blog – Page 74 – NBA Blog

Matt Harpring to miss start of season

Utah Jazz general manager Kevin O’Connor announced today that veteran forward Matt Harpring will not participate in training camp or the preseason and will miss the start of the NBA regular season. Due to ankle and knee injuries, the 11-year NBA veteran is physically unable to participate in camp or the preseason at this point and his status will be re-evaluated in six weeks.

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. 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 (2 starts) for the Jazz in 2008-09.

Greg Ostertag attempting comeback

Greg Ostertag was a somewhat solid NBA center. Weak as a starter, but better than most of the league’s backups. He was big. He got dunked on by Shaquille O’Neal a lot. He had limited ability

The former Utah Jazzman is reportedly attempting a comeback. Jody Genessy of the Deseret News reports:

The former Jazz center is attempting an NBA comeback.

He even recently worked out for a team.

Last week, Ostertag participated in a scrimmage with the Portland Trail Blazers, who are reportedly auditioning big men, including perhaps Jarron Collins, the Oregonian reported.

Ostertag had some rocky moments in his relationship with Sloan, which is why the Hall-of-Fame shout-out was unexpected.

Now 36 years old, Ostertag hasn’t played in the NBA for more than three years, which is why his reported workout was eye-opening.

I’d say there’s a 95 percent chance no one signs him, and a 5 percent chance he lands a nonguaranteed minimum deal for a team’s training camp.

Utah Jazz new radio play-by-play announcer is David Locke

Randy Rigby, Utah Jazz team president announced today that David Locke has been selected as the radio play-by-play announcer for Jazz broadcasts on 1320 KFAN beginning with the 2009-10 season. Locke becomes only the second radio voice in franchise history, following “Hot” Rod Hundley who retired after 35 seasons with the Jazz.

“When I was a young kid I would leave Jazz games at the Salt Palace with my dad and when we would listen to Hot Rod on the way home, I would tell him ‘I want to be a broadcaster,’” said Locke. “To be offered that opportunity from the franchise whose posters hung on my wall as a kid is an amazing thrill. I am excited to go on the journey through the season with Jazz fans. Combining both the radio show and the play-by-play should bring fans closer to the team than ever before and give them a new glimpse inside the season.”

Locke brings more than 15 years of broadcast experience to the Jazz. His NBA play-by-play résumé includes one season as the radio voice of the Seattle SuperSonics (2006-2007). In addition Locke spent seven seasons as the play-by-play announcer for the WNBA’s Seattle Storm (2000-2006), one season as the television play-by-play voice for University of Washington football, men’s basketball and women’s basketball (2002-2003) and one season as the TV/radio announcer of the WNBA’s Utah Starzz. Locke also filled in for “Hot” Rod Hundley, calling the Jazz game at Toronto on March 8, 2009.

“We are very excited to have David on board as the radio voice of the Utah Jazz,” said Rigby. “Following a legend like ‘Hot’ Rod Hundley is not an easy task but we are confident we found the best equipped person for the job. David is a dedicated professional who is very passionate about Jazz basketball and we believe Jazz fans will embrace his broadcast style.”

The Palo Alto, Calif. native currently hosts the top-rated sports radio show “Locked On Sports,” which will continue as scheduled from 3-6 p.m. (MT) each weekday. For the past two seasons Locke has also served as host of the Jazz’s pregame, halftime and postgame radio shows on 1320 KFAN.

“David brings a unique perspective to our fans,” said Jazz Senior Vice President of Broadcasting Chris Baum. “Much like he has with his radio show, Locke will continue to implement social media into his broadcasts, making information on the Jazz available 365 days a year.”

Locke originally began his radio career in Los Angeles in 1992 at KIEV before moving to Salt Lake where he hosted the morning show at The Score. Locke then left for KISN as the station’s mid-day radio host where he also was a pre and postgame reporter for Jazz games. In 1995 he was hired to develop 1320 KFAN, serving as program director and afternoon drive host while also hosting the Jazz’s pregame, halftime and postgame shows. With Locke at the helm, 1320 KFAN was the highest rated sports station in the Salt Lake City demographic of men 25-54. Locke’s show reached its peak in the spring of 1998, ranking first in both FM and AM radio with adults 25-54 in the country. In 1998 Locke moved to the Northwest, spending eight years as the host of “Sonics Talk,” the Sonics’ radio pregame, halftime and postgame shows on Sports Radio 950 KJR AM. Locke also wrote a weekly column for the Seattle Post-Intelligencer newspaper.

Jazz match Trail Blazers offer, retain Paul Millsap

Utah Jazz match Trail Blazers offer and retain Paul Millsap

The Utah Jazz announced today that the team has exercised its first right of refusal and retained restricted free agent forward Paul Millsap, pending the results of a physical. Per team policy, terms of the agreement were not announced. Utah had seven days to match an offer sheet made to Millsap by Portland.

The Deseret News reported that the deal is worth $32 million over four years.

“Keeping Paul on our roster was one of our main goals this offseason,” said Utah Jazz general manager Kevin O’Connor. “We look forward to watching him play a key role on this team for many years to come.”

A three-year NBA veteran, Millsap (6-8, 250, Louisiana Tech) appeared in 76 games (38 starts) in 2008-09 averaging 13.5 points, 8.6 rebounds and 1.8 assists in 30.1 minutes per game. As a starter Millsap increased his numbers in each statistical category, averaging 16.0 points, 10.3 rebounds and 2.4 assists including a streak of 19-straight double-doubles, the longest streak in the NBA since 2006. Millsap finished the season with 29 double-doubles overall. The native of Monroe, La., also set career-highs in points (32 at Boston 12/15) and rebounds (17 at L.A. Lakers 1/2) while finishing fourth in voting for the league’s Most Improved Player award.

“We are excited to keep Paul with the Jazz,” said Jazz President Randy Rigby. “Since he arrived in 2006 he has been an integral part of our team, establishing himself as one of the up-and-coming power forwards in the NBA.”

Originally selected by the Jazz in the second round (47th overall pick) of the 2006 NBA Draft, Millsap has appeared in 240 of a possible 246 games over his first three seasons, holding career averages of 9.4 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 1.2 assists in 22.8 minutes per game. Millsap was named to the 2006-07 All-Rookie Team (one point shy of the First Team) and finished sixth in Rookie of the Year balloting. Selected to play in both the 2007 and 2008 Rookie Challenge, Millsap is the only player in NCAA history to lead the nation in rebounding three straight years. The forward finished his career at Louisiana Tech with averages of 18.6 points, 12.7 rebounds and 1.99 blocks in 92 career games in three seasons.

Utah Jazz re-sign Ronnie Price

The Utah Jazz announced today that the team has re-signed guard Ronnie Price. Per team policy, terms of the deal were not released. We will post contract info tonight.

“Keeping Ronnie on our roster was important to us,” said Utah Jazz general manager Kevin O’Connor. “He is someone who knows our system and has proven capable of stepping in whenever called upon. Over the last two seasons he has shown a commitment to working hard and improving his game, and as a result, we expect his growth to continue.”

A four-year NBA veteran, Price (6-2, 190, Utah Valley) appeared in 52 games (17 starts) for the Jazz in 2008-09, averaging 4.0 points, 1.3 rebounds and 2.1 assists in 14.2 minutes per game. He also doubled his point (8.2) and assist (4.2) averages as a starter, filling in for an injured Deron Williams early in the season.

“Ronnie Price is the consummate professional,” said Utah Jazz president Randy Rigby. “He is always prepared when Coach Sloan calls on him and we are looking forward to his energy and toughness next season.”

The only player in Jazz franchise history to wear jersey number 17, Price was originally signed as a free agent on July 26, 2007 and has appeared in a total of 113 games (20 starts) in two seasons with Utah, averaging 3.8 points and 1.6 assists in 11.7 minutes per game. Price spent his first two seasons with the Sacramento Kings, where he became only the second Utah Valley graduate to appear in the NBA, and the first to advance directly from the university to the NBA. Despite not being selected in the 2005 NBA Draft, Price has played in 200 career games (21 starts) over four NBA seasons with the Jazz and Kings, owning career averages of 3.4 points and 1.2 assists in 10.2 minutes per game.

Carlos Boozer expects an eventual trade

The Deseret News (Tim Buckley) reports on Utah Jazz power forward Carlos Boozer: According to a transcript from WMVP 1000-AM, the ESPN affiliate in Chicago, Boozer — who has not spoken to Utah media since the Jazz’s season ended in late April — said this when asked if he thought he’d be dealt: “Yeah, I do. I had a talk with the Jazz. The Jazz told me they want to go in a different direction and I respect their decision. We mutually agreed to work out a trade that was beneficial for them and beneficial for my family and me. So with that being said I’m gonna be traded relatively soon or in good time.”

Trail Blazers sign Paul Millsap to offer sheet

The Portland Trail Blazers signed restricted free agent forward Paul Millsap to an offer sheet, it was announced Friday by General Manager Kevin Pritchard. Per team policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed. We’ll post reported contract info later tonight.

The Utah Jazz have seven days upon receipt of the offer sheet to match Portland’s offer.

Millsap last season averaged 13.5 points, 8.6 rebounds and 1.8 assists in 30.1 minutes per game, shooting 53.4% from the field.

Utah Jazz sign Mehmet Okur to contract extension

The Utah Jazz announced today that the team has signed center Mehmet Okur to a multi-year contract extension which will take effect when his current contract expires following the 2009-10 season. Per team policy, terms of the deal were not released. ESPN.com had reported it would possibly be a two-year contract extension worth just under $21 million.

“Memo continues to be one of the key components of our team and we are certainly glad that we were able to reach this agreement,” said Utah Jazz General Manager Kevin O’Connor. “Signing him to a contract extension ensures us stability in our frontcourt.”

Okur (6-11, 263, Turkey), appeared in 72 games (all starts) for the Jazz in 2008-09, averaging 17.0 points, 7.7 rebounds and 1.7 assists in 33.5 minutes per game. A seven-year NBA veteran, Okur finished the season second in points and second in total rebounds for the Jazz.

“We are excited that Memo has decided to remain with our franchise,” said Utah Jazz President Randy Rigby. “Not only has he become a fan favorite, but Memo has made Salt Lake his second home and the community has loved having him here.”

Originally signed by the Jazz as a free-agent on July 27, 2004, Okur has appeared in 388 out of a possible 410 regular season games with the Jazz over the past five seasons, averaging 16.0 points and 7.9 rebounds in 32.8 minutes per game. A 2007 NBA All-Star, Okur owns the single-season Jazz record for most three-pointers made and attempted (129-336) in a season (2006-07), and ranks fourth on the franchise’s all-time list for three-pointers attempted (1129) and fifth for three-pointers made (430).

Utah Jazz sign first round draft pick Eric Maynor

Utah Jazz general manager Kevin O’Connor announced today that the team has signed guard Eric Maynor, the Jazz’s first-round pick (20th overall) in the 2009 NBA Draft. Per team policy, financial terms were not released.

Maynor is expected to participate in the Jazz’s mini-camp in preparation for the 2009 Orlando Pro Summer League. Camp is scheduled to open today at RDV SportsPlex in Maitland, Fla., and will run through Sunday, July 5. Maynor will then make his professional debut when the Jazz opens its Orlando Pro Summer League schedule vs. Boston at 5 p.m. MT on July 6.

Maynor (6-3, 175, Virginia Commonwealth) was named the 2008-09 Colonial Athletic Association (CAA) Player of the Year, taking home the award for the second straight season. The 22-year-old point guard also received Sports Illustrated All-America Second Team and Associated Press Honorable Mention All-America honors and was named VaSID State Player of the Year and Richmond Times Dispatch State Player of the Year. A finalist for the Bob Cousy Award, Maynor led the CAA for the third consecutive season in assists per game (6.2) while also leading the league as a senior in scoring per game (22.4).

Maynor concluded his four-year collegiate career as VCU’s all-time leading scorer (1,953) and assist-man (674). VCU retired Maynor’s No. 3 during his final home game as a Ram. The native of Raeford, N.C., attended Westover High School and led the Wolverines to the state championship game as a senior.

Maynor is the first-ever Jazz draft selection from VCU and he also became the first player drafted from the school since the Minnesota Timberwolves selected Sherron Mills with the 29th pick in 1993. He is the first VCU Ram ever taken in the first round of the NBA Draft and the first player from the CAA selected since 1999.

Mehmet Okur staying with Utah Jazz for 2009-10 NBA season

Utah Jazz center Mehmet Okur announced today he has elected to remain with the franchise for the 2009-10 season, and is declining to exercise his early termination option.

“We are looking forward to Memo’s return,” said Utah Jazz general manager Kevin O’Connor. “He has clearly been an integral part of our success since his arrival and we are hopeful that he will continue to perform at such a high level in the future.”

Okur (6-11, 263, Turkey), appeared in 72 games (all starts) for the Jazz in 2008-09, averaging 17.0 points, 7.7 rebounds and 1.7 assists in 33.5 minutes per game. A seven-year NBA veteran, Okur finished the season second on the Jazz in points and second in total rebounds.