Training camp/pre-season!

[Xiao Yao You]

Veteran forward Trey Gilder is expected to compete for a roster spot during the Jazz's upcoming training camp, (http://www.sltrib.com/sltrib/jazz/54929188-87/camp-season-gilder-jazz.html.csp) The Salt Lake Tribune learned on Wednesday. Salt Lake Tribune (http://www.sltrib.com/sltrib/jazz/54929188-87/camp-season-gilder-jazz.html.csp)

Utah's regular-season roster is currently set at 15 players entering camp, which is the maximum allowed by the NBA once the regular season begins. Veteran guard Raja Bell isn't expected play for the team or participate during camp, though, and his long-delayed buyout with the Jazz has yet to be resolved (http://www.sltrib.com/sltrib/jazz/54929188-87/camp-season-gilder-jazz.html.csp). Salt Lake Tribune (http://www.sltrib.com/sltrib/jazz/54929188-87/camp-season-gilder-jazz.html.csp)

[Xiao Yao You]

Gilder was in camp last year so they must like him. Skinny tweener forward that can shoot and play with some energy it looks like.

[El Kabong]

Surprised to see them go into camp with 15 guys. Any of them non-guaranteed?

[Xiao Yao You]

The rookie tweeted that he's looking for a home so he must have at least a partial guarantee. Watson or Tinsley could be traded by the end of camp if Foye is in the pg mix I'd think. Teams are always in need of a 3rd pg. Watson is still hurt though which might effect that. I think Watson needs to go if at all possible after his whining last last year.

[Xiao Yao You]

Darren Wolfson: Gotten some #Twolves-Raja Bell questions. Update: Sounds like Kahn isn't in that mix. Birdman would like to come, but no MN interest still. Twitter

[Xiao Yao You]

"We get more time for attention to detail, we can be more elaborate, we can work the 2nd or 3rd parts of an offensive set," said Corbin. "We wouldn't be in a rush, we can build consistency."

Last year, it was all done in a dash. A play or a system would be introduced to the team. However, there was no time to dig into the core of the play. Once there was a basic understanding it was time to move onto to the next item or all the items on the agenda wouldn't addressed.

"We get to put time into things, teammates can get a better understanding of each other," explained Corbin.

Go back to the beginning of last season. The Jazz didn't understand where each other were on the defensive end of the floor and it showed in blowout losses early to the Denver Nuggets and the L.A. Lakers. Impressively, Corbin was able to get his team to improve with limited practice time during the shortened season and the Jazz finished as a tighter defensive team.

"Early in the season, guys were guessing and thinking. You can't play that way," Corbin recalled.

Corbin's work has already started. Unlike last off-season when he was prohibited from talking to, seeing or communicating in any way with players, this summer he has been building up the frequent flier miles.

Good to hear. Hopefully the return of the flex offense instead of the Al isolation.


The summer of Enes (Kanter)
he Utah Jazz have a logjam with their big men, they have the hardworking scrapper, the point-scoring center, the fan favorite with potential, the dunk champ and the unknown enigma from Turkey.

Corbin went to New Jersey to lunch with new Jazzman Randy Foye. He visited Al Jefferson at his camp in Mississippi and saw him workout. He stopped by and checked up on Mo Williams while in Mississippi and visited with Gordon Hayward and Derrick Favors in Las Vegas while they played with the elite team. He then flew to Orlando to see Enes Kanter, Alec Burks and Kevin Murphy.

Those trips, along with regular visits with Jazz players at the P3 training center in Santa Barbara, and Corbin's message has been sent. There is no doubt what is expected from each player, they know what a Corbin-coached team will be and they enter training camp with a clear vision of what is anticipated.

"It has given us more time in building better relationships, we still have to coach, but we have more time for more understanding," said Corbin.

Eighteen month into his head coaching career, Corbin will finally be able to do what he knows leads to wins: dig into the details.

[Xiao Yao You]

The buyout that was expected to come in July still hasn't arrived for Raja Bell. Because of that, the veteran guard recognizes that even a possible move into free agency might not mean the opportunity to suit up for his hometown Miami Heat. The defensive-minded swingman with 3-point range said Friday that he remains hopeful of receiving his release from the Utah Jazz in advance of next week's start of training camp and that few teams hold the allure of the Heat. "They would be on the top of my list, for sure," he said on 640 Sports' Andy Slater Show. "Again, hometown crowd, my kids are in elementary school here. It'd be great for me to get a chance to play here in Miami where I grew up and I know a lot of people, and be a part of this history that they're going to make for the city. But that's not always just up to me." South Florida Sun-Sentinel

I'm guessing if it was up to him the buyout would have already happened

[Xiao Yao You]

Brian T. Smith: Raja
Bell's situation with #UtahJazz remains uncertain and unpredictable. Will
undergo a physical Monday in Salt Lake City (http://*********.com/twitter/media.html). Twitter (http://*********.com/twitter/media.html)






Brian T. Smith: A
contract buyout before training camp continues to be the most likely option for
Bell. (http://*********.com/twitter/media.html) But terms must be agreed upon, and everything from a trade
before the regular season to Bell sitting on Utah's bench all year are realistic
possibilities. Twitter (http://*********.com/twitter/media.html)






Brian T. Smith: The
Jazz have been open to trading Bell for a long time. Both sides want to move on.
But the fact Utah hasn't resolved anything with a less than a week before camp
begins has created a surreal situation. (http://*********.com/twitter/media.html) It's almost unthinkable Bell
could be in uniform for the Jazz this season. But it's actually become a remote
possibility since the Jazz have yet to officially address his status with the
team. Twitter (http://*********.com/twitter/media.html)






Brian T. Smith: #UtahJazz
GM Dennis Lindsey declined comment when asked about Raja Bell's future with
team (http://*********.com/twitter/media.html). Twitter (http://*********.com/twitter/media.html)



A trade would be a welcome surprise.

[Xiao Yao You]

Brian T. Smith: Ex-Kings forward Darnell Jackson expected
to attend #UtahJazz training camp. (http://*********.com/twitter/media.html) Jackson played for Sacramento in
2010-11. Twitter (http://*********.com/twitter/media.html)

Looks like camp fodder unless Favors and Kanter force them trade Jefferson. A big guy that doesn't rebound or block shots.

[Xiao Yao You]

From trib interview with Hayward:




[B]Add more muscle weight again: Same
type of thing. I think I added about five more pounds. Last year, I think I came
in at 220, but ended up playing at 210, 211. So hopefully I can kind of keep it
more this year as a opposed to last year.

At 225 right now: Yeah. I think I was
at 223. Hopefully it'll be right around the 220-mark.

Hopefully he can put a full year together. He's finished strong the past two years and shot the ball well for stretches.

[quote]Determined after two seasons whether he prefers
to play shooting guard or small forward: You know, I think it'll take
[care of itself]. It's one of things especially

[Xiao Yao You]

Gery Woelfel: Brian Butch has signed with the Utah Jazz. Twitter

Brian T. Smith: Butch's contract defined by person close to him as "make-good deal" for veteran training camp. Twitter

[Xiao Yao You]

Looks like he's tall and skinny and can shoot and rebound a bit. Again if Kanter and Favors play dictates a trade of Al before camp is over he might have a chance.

[Xiao Yao You]

Marc J. Spears: Free agent F Josh Howard visiting Sixers today & tomorrow, source tells Y! Sports. He visited Spurs last week & getting interest from Minny. Twitter

[Xiao Yao You]

[QUOTE]Utah

[Xiao Yao You]

Jody Genessy: Former U. of U. standout Johnnie Bryant has been added to the Utah Jazz staff as a player development assistant. Twitter

I guess he works with Millsap so this looks like a good hire. Maybe they figure Millsap will be more likely to stay around too?

[Xiao Yao You]

from slcdunk:

[QUOTE]The Jazz hired Johnnie Bryant yesterday, in an interesting move filling another hole in the Jazz' coaching staff. Bryant previously worked as Paul Millsap's personal trainer (as well as working with guys like C.J. Miles, Deron Williams, and Ronnie Price while they were in Utah). Millsap got as excited as possible about Bryant's hiring:

It works out, man. It works out. Pieces are falling

[Xiao Yao You]

Enes Kanter went to the Cheesecake Factory last night. He didn

[Xiao Yao You]

Brian T. Smith: With less than five days before media day, Raja Bell's still part of the #UtahJazz. Haven't been informed of any progress in talks and was told late Tuesday there had been none. Bell was in Salt Lake City on Monday for a physical. Still unclear what Jazz's next move is. Twitter @tribjazz

[Xiao Yao You]

Brian T. Smith: With less than five days before media day, Raja Bell's still part of the #UtahJazz. Haven't been informed of any progress in talks and was told late Tuesday there had been none. Bell was in Salt Lake City on Monday for a physical. Still unclear what Jazz's next move is. Twitter @tribjazz

Quinn is a Jazz type of player. Would rather see a young pg in camp competing with the vets myself.

[Xiao Yao You]

Brian T. Smith: UFA forward Josh Howard continues to negotiate with four #NBA teams, including New York Knicks. #UtahJazz also remain an option. Twitter @tribjazz

Brian T. Smith: Howard hopes to sign before training camp begins. Any move with Utah continues to hinge on what the Jazz do with Raja Bell. Twitter @tribjazz

[Xiao Yao You]

Utah Jazz announce Raja Bell won’t attend training camp


By Brian T. Smith


| The Salt Lake Tribune

The Jazz announced Friday that veteran guard Raja Bell won’t attend training camp next week.

"I have spoken with Raja and his representative, Herb Rudoy, and we have mutually agreed that although Raja remains under contract, it is in the best interest of all parties that he not rejoin the team next week when the Jazz begin training camp," Utah general manger Dennis Lindsey said in a news release. "We will now move forward focusing on Jazz basketball and our preparation for the upcoming season. We will have no further comment on this matter."

As of Thursday, Bell hadn’t been informed by the Jazz whether he was supposed to attend camp.

He appeared in Salt Lake City on Monday for a physical evaluation.
There has no progress in talks between sides during the past month, and a long-delayed buyout has been on the table since at least July.

Bell, 35, is set to make $3.5 million during the 2012-13 season, which is his last year under contract with the Jazz.

Bell was Utah’s primary free-agent acquisition during the summer of 2010 and served as the team’s main shooting guard the last two years.
He often clashed with coach Tyrone Corbin, though, and Bell said at the end of the 2011-12 season he didn’t want to play for Utah this year.

Twitter: @tribjazz (http://twitter.com/tribjazz)

[Xiao Yao You]

Jared Zwerling: Source on J. Howard or K. Martin to #Knicks: "Josh will go elsewhere. Kenyon may be an option once he realizes he won't get more than min." (http://*********.com/twitter/media.html) Twitter @JaredZwerling (http://*********.com/twitter/media.html)

[Xiao Yao You]

Jerry Zgoda: Jazz tell Raja Bell to stay away from camp. Wolves have had interest in him for his defense before. Hmmmm, put 2 and 2 together and....? Twitter @JerryZgoda

[Xiao Yao You]

Favors hopes for an increased role, but the power forward said he doesn't care if he backs up Millsap or starts.

That's a change from earlier when he said he expects to start. Jefferson is the one that should be losing his job not their best player Millsap.

[Xiao Yao You]

Jared Zwerling: Source close to #Knicks believes Josh Howard will sign elsewhere b/c Utah, Philly, Charlotte, etc. are better fits. All min money like NYK. Twitter @JaredZwerling

[SourPatchKids]

o:

[Xiao Yao You]

A new name has emerged in the race to become Israel's second-ever NBA player alongside Cleveland's Omri Casspi. Point guard Gal Mekel impressed the Utah Jazz in a recent audition to such a degree that the Jazz, according to sources close to the situation, have extended an unexpected invitation to training camp to Mekel, who played two seasons at Wichita State from 2006-08. ESPN.com

But sources told ESPN.com that visa complications have made it unlikely that Mekel could be ready to join the Jazz before the end of the coming week at the earliest, by which point he'd have already missed several practices, thus setting him back and complicating any attempt to try to make Utah's roster. ESPN.com

Don't remember the Jazz ever having so many guys in camp and Josh Howard still possible but Raja or someone would have to be gone to make that happen now.

[Xiao Yao You]

Looks like he could be the young pg they are missing on the roster. Hopefully Watson is healthy enough to trade away!

[Xiao Yao You]

Jody Genessy: To clarify about Kanter's weight loss, he gained 20-odd lbs when he returned home to Turkish grub and dropped 51 after returning to the U.S. Twitter @DJJazzyJody

[Xiao Yao You]

Jody Genessy: Earl Watson on Enes Kanter's interesting summer tweets: "Enes needs his own reality show, 'Enes Comes To Salt Lake.'" Twitter @DJJazzyJody

[Xiao Yao You]

Brian T. Smith: DeMarre Carroll has life advice for Enes Kanter:

[Xiao Yao You]

Burks said he added around 10 lbs, playing around 200 last year to around 209 right now. The two younger big men have become both stronger and leaner. Favors was quite chiseled last year and added some muscle while not looking too bulky and Kanter looked every bit as muscular as his Twitter profile said.

[Xiao Yao You]

From Hollinger:

Scouting report
+ Undersized, high-energy 4 who can score around basket or hit midrange jumpers.
+ Excellent rebounder with good hands and wide frame. Amazing knack for steals.
+ Size a problem defensively. Good passer. Moves well without ball into openings.

Analysis
Millsap might be the most underrated player in the league. I love this guy. He's not a prototype 4 because he's undersized, but he's athletic, skilled and just knows how to play. He beats smaller players on post-ups, takes bigger ones off the dribble and confounds both with his midrange jump shot.

Last season was his best yet -- he averaged better than a point every two minutes, ranked sixth among power forwards in player efficiency rating, and had he been in the Eastern Conference certainly would have made the All-Star Game. The key is how broad-based his skills are: Millsap was in the top half of power forwards in every category I track except fouls per minute. All of them.

He was in the top quarter of power forwards in rebounds and assists. He got to the line and made his freebies. He made 41.6 percent of his long 2s and 71.6 percent of his shots in the basket area. He didn't turn it over. While he lacks a single defining go-to move, he has such an assortment of options that he can score on nearly anybody; in particular, his ball skills have really improved.

And for an undersized 4, his defense sure doesn't seem to be a problem. He fouls a lot, and that keeps him off the court sometimes. However, the Jazz were once again better with him on the court than off it, while Synergy's stats rated him above the league average for power forwards.

And then there's this little nugget: Millsap averaged 2.25 steals per 40 minutes. To put that in perspective, no other frontcourt player averaged more than 2.0, and no small forward matched Millsap's total either. The top 11 players in steal rate last season were 10 guys 6-4 or shorter -- and Paul Millsap.

Doesn't sound like a guy I want to bench, trade or start at the 3.:facepalm

[Xiao Yao You]

Paul Millsap asked today if #Jazz would be first choice in contract year.Seemed floored by question and said, "why wouldn't they be?"

[Xiao Yao You]

Mo's interviews were intriguing because of his immediate claim to the leadership role of the Utah Jazz. In his discussion with Locke, Mo talked about taking Alec Burks under his wing, saying that Burks "is not a 29% shooter".

I think Burks will become a better shooter too. His shot looks good. Not like Brewer.

[Xiao Yao You]

Backup point guard Earl Watson proclaimed himself healthy Monday after missing the postseason with a knee injury. He didn

[Xiao Yao You]

But not long after the high of being invited to Jazz camp, which officially began Tuesday, Mekel quickly learned that he would have to turn down the opportunity because he would not be able to secure the required working visa for several days, likely forcing him to miss at least a week of practices. "Although the lack of an American work permit ruled me out for Utah's training camp, I feel good about my future," Mekel told Eurobasket. "It's very likely I'll play in Europe this year. Armed with all this new knowledge about how I can better my game, my goals are to keep improving my game, help my new team win and be prepared for possibly coming back to the United States next summer for either the NBA summer league or training camp in October." Eurobasket.com

[Xiao Yao You]

Rookie guard Kevin Murphy left the team to be with his wife, who is giving birth to the couple

[Xiao Yao You]

Millsap said Monday that he would "absolutely" like to re-sign with Utah. It raises, however, the question of how the Jazz can commit to both Millsap and Favors. Salt Lake Tribune

How? Get rid of Al ASAP.

[Xiao Yao You]

Brian T. Smith: Mo Williams said he and wife expecting fifth child in Feb. Said he has deal with baby: Be born during All-Star break, get nice car. Twitter @tribjazz

Fits right in in SLC.

[Xiao Yao You]

[QUOTE]Enes Kanter has arrived in camp with a different body, a new found confidence and from early reports a different game.

In the first night of scrimmaging Kanter hit some outside jump shots, showed a move other than the up and under and impressed numerous of his teammates. One player pointed out he even passed the ball out of the post on a few occasions.

Much of Kanter

[Xiao Yao You]

[QUOTE]INSIDER

[Xiao Yao You]

[QUOTE]INSIDER

[Xiao Yao You]

The Jazz signed Foye in the offseason after a courtship that spanned more than two years. The guard has played for Minnesota, Washington and the Los Angeles Clippers, since he was drafted with the No. 7 pick in the 2006 NBA Draft. In 2010, Foye says he "was a step away from flying here and signing a contract."

Jazz Vice President and former General Manage Kevin O

[Xiao Yao You]

[QUOTE]INSIDER

[Xiao Yao You]

From the Tribune:

[QUOTE]Kevin Murphy back in Utah Jazz camp after birth of son

"He

[Xiao Yao You]

[QUOTE]CORBIN ON FOYE

[Xiao Yao You]

[QUOTE]INSIDER

[Xiao Yao You]

"I thought I was pretty familiar with (the Jazz offensive sets)," Foye said. "But going through it and its different calls, I thought it was just one thing but it's like eight different things out of one play. I'm close, but it's just the third or fourth day of practice, so I still need some more time. I'm working on it, but I'm a pretty bright guy so I think I should pick it up."

Sounds like they're getting away from the iso Al/Devin offense and back to the flex!

[Xiao Yao You]

http://www.slcdunk.com/2012/10/6/3467088/2012-utah-jazz-scrimmage-recap

Burks playing the 1 and involving his teammates is nice to hear. That was his biggest weakness I thought last year. He played too much like Devin. Just put his head down and barreled to the hole 1 on 5 or pulled up.

Also Enes shooting jumpers and passing out of the post. Deal Al now!

Quinn could be an option if they can unload Watson. I'm sure he wouldn't bitch and moan at the end of the bench anyway.

[Xiao Yao You]

From the trib: [QUOTE]Kanter made headlines for his massive weight loss and new body heading into training camp. His frame, now down to 240 pounds, also raised questions about his strength on the interior and ability to bang in the paint.

He put some of those questions to rest on Saturday. Kanter posted up and made shots. He showed much more lift and explosion than he had during his rookie season. He ran the floor for easy dunks, lending validity to the rumors of him standing out during training camp this week.

"He

[Xiao Yao You]

Warriors coach Mark Jackson said he's considering sitting out point guard Stephen Curry for one of the first two preseason games. Golden State opens the exhibition schedule with a back-to-back set, Sunday vs. the Lakers in Fresno and Monday vs. Utah in Oakland. Jackson is concerned about working Curry's oft-injured right ankle too hard too soon. "I'm going to think about it, talk to Steph about it," Jackson said, "and make the right decision as far as that's concerned. I really don't want to work him on back-to-back nights." Contra Costa Times

The tanking is getting started early this year.

[Xiao Yao You]

Another view of the scrimmage:

[QUOTE]Kanter really stole the show, both before and during the game. He acted as MC for part of the time and showed off his dance moves this year. He

[Xiao Yao You]

and another:

[QUOTE]Hayward, Marvin, Burks, and Carrol all hit the floor hard at various times (Carroll even dived into the bench after a loose ball).
Highlights for me:
*Kanter is a behemoth, and can dunk in traffic, set pics, and score off the roll. Extremely physical player, once he lowers his shoulder he is unstoppable. Made plays above the rim. Can run and jump much better.Definitely saw his mid-range jumper come out. Hits most his free throws. Gorgeous stroke.

*Randy Foye can play point guard. Even had a nice crossover. He can create his own shot, pass, distribute and even blocked a shot. I did not know Foye was this good! More importantly, he nailed some three pointers.

*Marvin Williams is extremely athletic, and extremely long. Blocked shots, made some alley-oops, hit some mid range jumpers. Excellent passer. Gets teammates involved.

*Kevin Murphy was the best shooter on the floor. Hit 3-4 three pointers, nothing but net (toe was on the line once or twice. Made two buzzer beater threes (almost, the second one was after the clock expired). Made a mid range shot and a floater. I was extremely impressed. KOC is really a genius

[Xiao Yao You]

and on to the pre-season games! :

[QUOTE]Veterans Al Jefferson and Mo Williams are expected to play in the Jazz

[Xiao Yao You]

[QUOTE]Gordon Hayward shot confidently from the outside, and his teammates followed
suit. Kevin Murphy, Alec Burks, Randy Foye, even Trey Gilder, they all fired at
will.
It was the kind of perimeter shooting performance Jazz
fans could only dream about last season.

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[Xiao Yao You]

[QUOTE]Corbin hasn't revealed which five he'll start, but expected starters Mo Williams (point guard) and Al Jefferson (center) are likely to play after sitting out Saturday's open scrimmage with minor injuries.

"I don't miss games if I can help it. I will most definitely go," Jefferson said at Sunday's practice after revealing he'd slightly hurt his groin. "I wanted to go (Saturday) night, but Coach tells me to do it easy."

Without going into detail, Corbin hinted that he might experiment with player combinations. He wants to see what rotations mesh best.

Marvin Williams and Gordon Hayward have spent most of the camp playing on the same team in scrimmages, so that could offer insight into a possible pairing at the wing spots.

Corbin has raved about Paul Millsap, from his leadership to his fitness level, so it's quite possible the coach will keep the longest-tenured Jazz player as a starter and bring Derrick Favors off the bench.

Then again, the way Corbin has been reluctant to name starters, he could play some mix-and-match throughout the preseason to evaluate on-court chemistry.

Corbin has an "idea" (top secret, of course) about how he plans to distribute minutes tonight. The main players will get some action, but not too much.

"You want to see the other guys and how they mix in with different match-ups," Corbin said. "Can they come off the bench and give you this? Or what group will give you a faster lineup or a defensive lineup?"

The Jazz have until their Halloween season-opener

[Xiao Yao You]

For now, veteran Jamaal Tinsley is the clear No. 2 point guard. Earl Watson, Harris' backup for most of last season, continues to rehab his surgically repaired knee, so he's been unable to fully participate in camp and won't play tonight at Golden State.

On Saturday, Jazz coach Tyrone Corbin showed he has more options. For a while during the scrimmage, newcomer Randy Foye and second-year guard Alec Burks both saw time at the point.

It could be a preview of things to come at some point in the season. Just in case, Corbin wants both shooting guards to feel comfortable running the offense. Foye, a combo guard, has plenty of NBA point-guard experience, and Burks, a good ballhandler, was put in the position a few times last year.

"It's a long, long season. Guys may get injured," Corbin said. "Plan in case you have to run those situations."

Chris Quinn, a roster long shot from Notre Dame, also played some point-guard minutes in the scrimmage.

Sounds like it's Tinsley's job to lose right now at least til Earl comes back and starts whining again.

[Xiao Yao You]

[QUOTE]With the additions of Mo Williams and Marvin Williams, the Jazz are likely to showcase a more fluid, athletic brand of basketball.

"Hopefully we

[Xiao Yao You]

In the small sample of the preseason opener, Williams was the kind of veteran player the Jazz hoped they found when they acquired Devin Harris as part of the Deron Williams trade in 2010. Where the Utah offense was often plodding and repetitive for a season-and-a-half with Harris, it was interesting and fast-paced Monday night in front of an announced 14,571 at Oracle Arena, although, thanks to clumsy plays and miscommunications, it often resulted in turnovers (the Jazz had 18) rather than baskets.

Also talk of pick and rolls. Sounds like the Jazz offense of old might be back!

[Xiao Yao You]

[QUOTE]This year, Cavaliers fans are more concerned with the fact Dion Waiters, the No. 4 overall draft pick, did not start Monday

[Xiao Yao You]

Tinsley will once again play behind scheduled starter, Mo Williams. He will likely be the No. 3 point guard when Earl Watson returns from knee surgery.Why? Because Earl will whine if he doesn't get his spot back despite Tinsley outplaying him last year and being a better fit?

[Xiao Yao You]

Newly acquired Marvin Williams scored 13 points against Golden State.

The 6-foot-9, 230-pound forward shot six free throws in 22 minutes, partly because the Jazz posted him against smaller defenders on a handful of possessions.

It

[Xiao Yao You]

From David Locke:

[QUOTE]The third quarter was the best the Jazz have looked all season. They went on a 30-12 run to start the quarter against Nash, Bryant, World Peace, Gasol and Sacre. The defense was suffocating, the pace was fast and the Jazz took control of the game.

[Xiao Yao You]

Locke after OKC:

[QUOTE]

[Xiao Yao You]

[QUOTE]Locke on Marvin:

If the first pre-season game gives us any indication of where things are headed the Jazz believe they have another option in the post. Newly acquired Marvin Williams brings unique size to the small forward position at 6

[Xiao Yao You]

From the GS game. Haven't been able to get in to the site for a while fot some reason.

[QUOTE]

[Xiao Yao You]

[QUOTE]Call it Earl Watch. Earl Watson, the Jazz

[Xiao Yao You]

INSIDER

[utahjazzrock]

Kanter has been looking very solid.

[Xiao Yao You]

And I think he's just started to scratch the surface!

[Xiao Yao You]

Sep 30 Shan Foster GF Waived by Utah

Just saw this on yahoo. Must not have wanted to sign him for camp and cut him to give him a chance with another team?

[Xiao Yao You]

Jody Genessy: Paul Millsap has rejoined the Jazz after spending the weekend with his family for his grandmother's funeral. The team is practicing now. Twitter @DJJazzyJody

[Xiao Yao You]

Bill Oram: Al Jefferson was working closely with Enes Kanter today in practice. Heard him say, "Do what I do," to his protege. You hear guys talk about taking young players under their wing all the time, but rarely do you see it in action. Twitter @tribjazz

[Xiao Yao You]

Point guard Mo Williams will sit out the Jazz

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Last year, due to the Lockout season the Jazz played nearly exclusively with Al Jefferson and Paul Millsap as one combination and Derrick Favors and Enes Kanter as the other.

This year Coach Corbin has been able to take a look at new combinations. Here are his comments on how these players match with Al Jefferson.

DERRICK WITH AL
I like our size there. Derrick has gotten better at reading where to be when Al has the ball in the post. He is not afraid to step up in the middle to get the jump shot there. He can dive on the weak side looking for the pass to keep his other guy occupied so that the other big is not locked in on Al. I like the versatility with both guys.

ENES WITH AL
It was short, the way Enes has expanded his game, the way he can run it gives us a little more speed because he is running the floor better, he can rebound the ball well so it gives us an advantage there. I am little worried about perimeter shooting but it may be able to work for us at times.

Millsap?

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[El Kabong]

Sounding good.

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Looking pretty good too!

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And then there were 17.

The Utah Jazz waived NBA hopefuls Trey Gilder and Brian Butch today, bringing the roster total to 17, which is two above the maximum allotted for the regular season.

Disgruntled guard Raja Bell remains on the roster

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[QUOTE]

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After months of negotiations, Raja Bell and the Utah Jazz have moved past contract buyout talks and are now weighing trade scenarios, agent Herb Rudoy told RealGM on Tuesday afternoon. While RealGM reported last month that both sides had resumed buyout discussions with the expectation of reaching agreement, none of those conversations are taking place at this stage. RealGM

Be interesting to see what kind of trade they get for him. Part of a Jefferson package later on? Hopefully with Watson too.

You got to wonder if Raja has had 2nd thoughts. He was starting for the Jazz. Now no one wants his worthless ass. What the hell was he complaining about?

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Watson for Nolan Smith would make a lot of sense to me for both teams. Jazz get a young pg with potential and get rid of Watson before he starts whining about playing time again. Portland gets a vet to back-up Lilliard(other than Ronnie Price) and play with their young 2nd unit. He has an expiring contract as well. Smith will too if they don't pick up his option which I'm guessing they won't. Jazz could pick it up if they like him. I'd guess contract wise it probably works? could throw in picks/Tomic rights/cash/etc. if need be.

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Says it works.

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Raja Bell's agent disputed an Internet report that claimed he said the organization is trying to trade the shooting guard rather than working out a buyout.

"Absolutely not," agent Herb Rudoy told the Deseret News when asked about Tuesday's RealGM article about him reportedly talking about the Jazz weighing trade scenarios.

"I was asked if we are discussing a buyout and I said 'no.' The rest is pure speculation," Rudoy said. "There is no trade talk that I know about."

When asked if a trade is in the works or if the team is no longer pursuing a buyout with Bell, Jazz GM Dennis Lindsey replied with a "no comment."



oh well! so much for that

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[QUOTE]Hayward has consistently said that he spent the summer trying to improve his game overall, rather than any one aspect.

"I said that at the beginning of the season, and that

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Darren Wolfson: Told no when I inquired about this today. RT @joshvanklomp @DarrenWolfson Think the #Twolves revisit a Raja Bell scenario? Barea for Bell? Twitter @DarrenWolfson

Do the Jazz want to take on Barea's contract with the cap flexibilitty they have after the season?

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Locke predicting a breakout year from Hayward:

[QUOTE]GORDON HAYWARD
Everything is trending for a big step for Hayward. He finished the year on a tear. His numbers are all headed in the correct direction.

I am big believer that the players that were really hurt by the lock-out were year 2 players who lost the off-season, summer league and training camp after learning what the league really was.

Hayward

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His charts of Millsap's evolving game is cool. Millsap makes more shots from everywhere on the court except at the rim than he did as a rookie.

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[QUOTE]INSIDER

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Quinn and Jackson cut. Murphy safe til contracts become guaranteed. Only thing left is to pick up the options on the kids.