Sports News and Trade Rumors: Pro Sports Daily

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July 2

Salt Lake Tribune

"In the wake of last week's trades that sent Richard Jefferson to San Antonio, Shaquille O'Neal to Cleveland and Vince Carter to Orlando, Jazz general manager Kevin O'Connor offered his thoughts on the new NBA landscape. "I think teams are going in different directions," O'Connor said. "Either teams are really saying, 'We've got to rebuild,' or teams are saying, 'We're going to try and get to the top.' I don't see any teams staying status quo." Yet the Jazz appear set to do just that with Kyle Korver, Carlos Boozer and Mehmet Okur each deciding this week against opting for free agency in favor of a return to Utah for the final year of their contracts. The Jazz seem inclined to bring back ..."

Two suitors for Millsap?

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July 2

Salt Lake Tribune

"Only a day into free agency, Paul Millsap 's options appeared to narrow to two suitors in the Jazz and Oklahoma City, while Millsap's agent, DeAngelo Simmons , couldn't be sure how long it would take for either to make an offer. Simmons said he'd researched Wednesday how long it had taken previous restricted free agents to reach agreements in the past. The answers varied, from a matter of days to a matter of weeks to sometimes more than a month. "It's going to be time-consuming and it's going to take a minute or two," said Simmons, who had not had a second conversation with Jazz general manager Kevin O'Connor as of late Wednesday afternoon. "All we can do is be prepared for the ..."

Thunder enters preliminary talks with Utah's Paul Millsap

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July 2

The Oklahoman

"The Thunder has reached out to representatives for Paul Millsap, the Utah Jazz restricted free agent forward, according to a source with knowledge of negotiations. Oklahoma City entered into preliminary talks with Millsap's camp about 30 minutes into the start of free agency late Tuesday night. Teams were permitted to begin negotiating with free agents at 11 p.m. Central Time. Jazz officials were the first to call Millsap's agent, DeAngelo Summers, but the Thunder was second in line shortly after Utah general manager Kevin O'Connor ignited talks of re-signing the 6-foot-8 Millsap. Early discussions between the Thunder and Millsap's representatives have been described as positive, but there ..."

Maynor officially a Utah Jazz man

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July 2

The Deseret News

"All the I's and T's were properly marked Tuesday to make Eric Maynor an official member of the Utah Jazz for at least the next two years. The 22-year-old point guard from Virginia Commonwealth University signed his rookie contract, paving the way for his participation in the Jazz's mini-camp this week and the upcoming 2009 Orlando Pro Summer League. Maynor, taken 20th overall in the first round by Utah in last week's draft, is guaranteed to make just more than $1.3 million his first NBA season and a total of $2,736,720 over two years. The Jazz own team options on the guard for his third and fourth seasons. The 6-foot-3, 175-pounder could have a shot right off the bat to become Deron ..."

Jazz plan to re-sign Millsap — unless offer's 'crazy'

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July 2

The Deseret News

"As Carlos Boozer trade rumors continued to swirl Wednesday, Jazz restricted free agent Paul Millsap negotiated the first full day of the NBA's summer free-agency shopping market. Much of the interest in Millsap is known to have come from Oklahoma City, which has enough team payroll salary cap space to sign Utah's backup power forward to an offer sheet. For now, however, caution seems to be the name of the game. "I think that in this economy, a lot of teams are second-guessing themselves and doing their research to make sure they're making the wise decision," said DeAngelo Simmons, Millsap's uncle and representative. Even if Oklahoma City and Millsap agreed to terms, the Thunder would face ..."

Opt-out decisions leave Jazz status quo

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July 2

Salt Lake Tribune

"In the wake of last week's trades that sent Richard Jefferson to San Antonio, Shaquille O'Neal to Cleveland and Vince Carter to Orlando, Jazz general manager Kevin O'Connor offered his thoughts on the new NBA landscape. "I think teams are going in different directions," O'Connor said. "Either teams are really saying, 'We've got to rebuild,' or teams are saying, 'We're going to try and get to the top.' I don't see any teams staying status quo." Yet the Jazz appear set to do just that with Kyle Korver, Carlos Boozer and Mehmet Okur each deciding this week against opting for free agency in favor of a return to Utah for the final year of their contracts. The Jazz seem inclined to bring back ..."

Two suitors for Millsap?

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July 2

Salt Lake Tribune

"Only a day into free agency, Paul Millsap 's options appeared to narrow to two suitors in the Jazz and Oklahoma City, while Millsap's agent, DeAngelo Simmons , couldn't be sure how long it would take for either to make an offer. Simmons said he'd researched Wednesday how long it had taken previous restricted free agents to reach agreements in the past. The answers varied, from a matter of days to a matter of weeks to sometimes more than a month. "It's going to be time-consuming and it's going to take a minute or two," said Simmons, who had not had a second conversation with Jazz general manager Kevin O'Connor as of late Wednesday afternoon. "All we can do is be prepared for the ..."

Sure, Paul Millsap has admirable qualities, but he's no Carlos Boozer

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July 2

Salt Lake Tribune

columnist Kurt Kragthorpe

"Drafted in the second round after leaving college early, he steadily developed into an NBA star who's now about to make more money than ever. And everybody's unhappy that Carlos Boozer is staying here? While fellow forward Paul Millsap is being celebrated as an overachiever, deserving of a huge raise after originally landing in the league at roughly the same point in the draft, Boozer is vilified for not living up to expectations with the Jazz after jumping from Cleveland as a free agent. Speaking as the last remaining Boozer advocate in this town, I don't get it. Actually, I do understand the reasons his image is damaged, and acknowledge the Jazz's payroll complications that accompany ..."

I don't get it; Boozer's still a star

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July 1

Salt Lake Tribune

columnist Kurt Kragthorpe

"Drafted in the second round after leaving college early, he steadily developed into an NBA star who's now about to make more money than ever. And everybody's unhappy that Carlos Boozer is staying here? While fellow forward Paul Millsap is being celebrated as an overachiever, deserving of a huge raise after originally landing in the league at roughly the same point in the draft, Boozer is vilified for not living up to expectations with the Jazz after jumping from Cleveland as a free agent. Speaking as the last remaining Boozer advocate in this town, I don't get it. Actually, I do understand the reasons his image is damaged, and acknowledge the Jazz's payroll complications that accompany ..."

Maynor signs rookie contract

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July 1

Salt Lake Tribune

"The Utah Jazz signed first-round draft pick Eric Maynor on Wednesday ahead of their first summer-league practice in Orlando, Fla. According to the NBA's rookie salary scale, Maynor is due to make $1.3 million this season, the first of two guaranteed years at $2.7 million. The Jazz would hold third- and fourth-year team options in his contract."

Sloan happy to have Boozer, Okur back

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July 1

Salt Lake Tribune

"Jazz coach Jerry Sloan welcomed Wednesday the return of Carlos Boozer and Mehmet Okur, a day after the two opted against free agency in favor of sticking with Utah. "Obviously, we're excited about having them back," Sloan said from Orlando, Fla., where the Jazz have started summer-league practice. "I think it gives us a chance to be pretty competitive. The thought of not having them back was not much fun." Although the Jazz struggled to finish the season, going 15-11 at full strength after Boozer's return from knee surgery, and were eliminated by the Lakers in the first round of the playoffs, Sloan believed the team should be given another chance. "I think you've got to do everything ..."

Utah Jazz first to call new free agent Paul Millsap

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July 1

Salt Lake Tribune

"The Jazz were the first team to express interest in restricted free agent Paul Millsap at the start of the negotiating period Tuesday night, with general manager Kevin O'Connor calling at 10 p.m., according to Millsap's agent, DeAngelo Simmons. Simmons called O'Connor a "class act" for the gesture, adding, "I think it was great that they called and expressed their interest. That's good on their part." As for which team called second, Simmons would not say. He spoke with several teams, most of whom wanted to talk about how Millsap would fit in their system, but Oklahoma City was one of the teams that called. "Nothing concrete in stone," Simmons said. "A lot of guys called. They were ..."

Late moves may factor hugely in free agency for Pistons

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July 1

Detroit Free Press

"The final two days before the NBA's free-agency period begins brought two developments that could impact how the Pistons proceed when they can start signing free agents next Wednesday. Utah's restricted free-agent power forward Paul Millsap could be in play as the Jazz will have to pay power forward Carlos Boozer and center Mehmet Okur, who both decided Tuesday against opting out of their contracts and will remain with the Jazz. That doesn't stop trade possibilities. The Jazz has said it wants to retain Millsap, but that could prove tricky. Teams may shy away in these dire economic times from Boozer's $12.6-millon salary for next season. Millsap, who stands 6-feet-8, is coming off a ..."

Forward Carlos Boozer decides to return to Utah Jazz for 2009-10 season

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July 1

Cleveland Plain Dealer

"Carlos Boozer has reconsidered free agency, or at least put it off a year. Boozer let the Utah Jazz know today that he will stay with the team for the final year of his contract rather than opting out and becoming a free agent -- which he once said he intended to do. Boozer backed off his original statement and said when the season ended he wanted to consider all of his options. He chose not to chance an iffy free agent market for more money and possibly a long-term deal, taking the $12.7 million he's guaranteed next season from the Jazz. Boozer took until the final day to reach a decision. Utah was still waiting Tuesday to hear from center Mehmet Okur, who also had the option to return ..."

Boozer And Okur Decide to Stay With Jazz

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July 1

New York Times

"Utah Jazz starters Carlos Boozer and Mehmet Okur have decided not to opt out of their contracts to remain with the team for next season, the Jazz said on Tuesday. Both players had early termination options and could have tested the NBA's free-agency market, which opens on Wednesday. Boozer appeared in only 37 games last season after suffering numerous injuries, but averaged 16.2 points, 10.4 rebounds and 2.1 assists as a starting forward. "We are excited that Carlos has decided to remain with the Jazz," Utah general manager Kevin O'Connor said in a statement on the team's website (http://www.nba.com/jazz). "We are hopeful he can continue to play at an All-Star level and will have an ..."

Okur and Boozer Stay with Jazz

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July 1

Salt Lake Tribune

"The reality of a barren free-agent market caught up to Carlos Boozer on Tuesday, when the Jazz forward opted to return to Utah, unable to match the $12.7 million he was under contract to make for the upcoming season. Boozer's decision prompted Mehmet Okur to follow suit barely two hours later. Okur will make $9 million, pushing the Jazz into luxury-tax territory with more than $73 million in salary commitments and at least two more players still to add. The Jazz will retain Boozer, a two-time All-Star and lightning rod among fans, but the question is at what cost, with Paul Millsap hitting the market late Tuesday night as a restricted free agent and seeking a contract in the range of $10 ..."

Korver opts in, Boozer to follow?

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June 30

Salt Lake Tribune

"As Kyle Korver opted against free agency Monday in favor of a return to the Jazz, speculation increased that Carlos Boozer might do the same, despite his declaration to the contrary in December. Marc Fleisher, the agent for Mehmet Okur, said "as of last time I checked" nothing had changed in regard to Okur's intent to opt out. An ESPN.com report, meanwhile, suggested there was a "significant chance" Boozer would not opt out. Boozer is due to make $12.7 million this season, with an already shallow pool of available free-agent money appearing to be shrinking. Boozer and Okur must make their decisions by today, with the free-agent negotiating period set to open at 10 p.m. tonight. Only ..."

Price, Collins also free agents of note

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June 30

Salt Lake Tribune

"For all the attention being paid to Carlos Boozer , Mehmet Okur and Paul Millsap at the start of free agency, the Jazz have four other players last season who will hit the market late tonight. Ronnie Price and Jarron Collins , in particular, are interesting cases. Price had spent two seasons buried on the point guard depth chart only to break through in the Jazz's season-ending Game 5 loss to the Lakers in the playoffs. Jazz coach Jerry Sloan admitted afterward that he probably made a mistake by not finding a greater role for Price. After last week's draft, Sloan suggested that Price would be re-signed as the team's third point guard along with Deron Williams and rookie Eric Maynor . ..."

Korver opts in with Jazz

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June 30

Salt Lake Tribune

"Jazz guard Kyle Korver notified the team Monday afternoon that he will not opt out of his contract to become a free agent. Korver will make $5.2 million for the upcoming season, his third with the Jazz after arriving in a December 2007 trade from Philadelphia for Gordan Giricek. Korver averaged 9.0 points and shot 38.6 percent from three-point range last season."

Utah Jazz are in need of some new blood

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June 29

The Deseret News

"The most exciting thing going on these days apart from the just-concluded Confederations Cup (what's that? you ask) is the recent NBA draft and upcoming free-agent signings. The Jazz picked up a couple of draft choices last week that didn't exactly cause jubilation among the Jazz faithful – a skinny point guard and a center who likes to shoot outside. Let's see, the Jazz already have one of the top point guards in the league as well as a center who likes to shoot outside. Seems to me you'd like to get a guard who can shoot well and is big enough to defend the pesky two-guards that always haunt the Jazz, as well as a center who likes to play around the basket. But no matter who the Jazz ..."

Utah Jazz brass are ready to play ball

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June 29

The Deseret News

"Jazz general manager Kevin O'Connor compares the week that awaits to getting ready for a baseball outing. Glove is in hand, just in case. Wad of cash is bundled, so there is no missing out on brat and beverage. And the mind is in the mood, prepped for nine glorious innings of sunshine, summer fun and super conversation with fellow fans. Yet there's a caveat. "You don't know if you're going to be rained out or not," O'Connor said. "If it's rained out, you don't get to play it." For the Jazz, a rainout might amount to this: Starting power forward Carlos Boozer surprisingly opts against opting out of the final season of his current contract, starting center Mehmet Okur and Kyle Korver do the ..."

Utah Jazz notes: Okur is leaning toward opting out

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June 29

The Deseret News

"While his agent continues to negotiate a possible contract extension with the Jazz, and has said his client is "leaning toward opting out" of the final year of his contract with the team if no agreement can be reached by Tuesday, starting center Mehmet Okur recently told media members in his native Turkey that he has no current plans to play there. Late last month, Okur was honored at Forum Istanbul 2009 Convention — a national awards gala — for "representing (his) country's honor in international platforms with great success." Okur isn't playing internationally for Turkey this offseason, and — though he led the country to silver at the 2001 FIBA European Championships and played on its ..."

Okur likely to opt out

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June 29

Salt Lake Tribune

"Mehmet Okur is "leaning toward opting out" of his contract with the Jazz and could make the decision official as soon as today, Okur's agent, Marc Fleisher, said Sunday. Okur would be opting out of $9 million he is due to make this season in order to become a free agent, raising the stakes for the Jazz as they attempt to keep their starting center, who also was the NBA's sixth-best three-point shooter last season. The Jazz face opt-out decisions ahead of a Tuesday deadline from Carlos Boozer, Kyle Korver and Okur. All indications Sunday continued to be that Boozer and Okur would opt out while Korver would not. "I think he's looking to do what will make sense going forward for him," ..."

The Jazz are not expected to re-sign free agent veteran Brevin Knight.

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June 29

Salt Lake Tribune

"As much attention as Carlos Boozer, Mehmet Okur, Kyle Korver and Paul Millsap are getting - - and rightfully so - - the Jazz have four other players from last season's roster who will be free agents when the market opens late Tuesday. They would be Ronnie Price, Jarron Collins, Brevin Knight and Morris Almond. With Jazz coach Jerry Sloan talking about a point guard rotation of Deron Williams, Eric Maynor and Price after Thursday's draft, Price is expected to be re-signed while Knight is not. Price made $1.188 milliI on last season. Almond's fate was sealed at the end of October, when the Jazz declined to exercise an option to bring him back for a third season. It will be ..."

The Utah Jazz Puzzle

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June 28

The Deseret News

"It's a decision for the ages, one that could drastically alter a franchise's future. The call belongs to Carlos Boozer, two-time NBA All-Star, two-time USA Basketball Olympic medalist and — for the past five seasons, when he wasn't missing nearly a third of his career in Utah nursing foot, hamstring and knee injuries — the Jazz's starting power forward. The possibilities: ?Opt out, by Tuesday's deadline for doing so, of the final season and his current contract and — at the risk of having to resort to a new deal that starts at less than the $12,657,223 he is due next season — enter the NBA's summer free-agency shopping market; that would allow Boozer to sign elsewhere, perhaps Detroit, ..."

Frenzy of free agency looms

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June 28

Salt Lake Tribune

"All the Jazz know for certain on this final weekend before free agency is that they will have between $46 million and $74 million in salaries committed for next season and between eight and 11 players under contract when the market opens at 10 p.m. Tuesday. Beyond that, all that exists are scenarios and contingencies. The team still was waiting for word Saturday from Carlos Boozer ($12.7 million), Mehmet Okur ($9 million) and Kyle Korver ($5.2 million) about opting out of their contracts to become free agents. All three face a Tuesday deadline to make their decisions."

Another new beginning for former refugee

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June 27

Salt Lake Tribune

"As much of an uphill climb as most second-round draft picks face in making an NBA roster, Michigan State center Goran Suton has experienced adversity on a different scale as a former Bosnian refugee. The No. 50 pick in Thursday's NBA Draft, Suton and his family moved from war-torn Sarajevo to Lansing, Mich., before he started high school, in search of what he described as "a new beginning, a better life." "Like I tell myself, 'Don't worry where you've been. Know where you're about to go,' " Suton said. "That's kind of my motive. Just staying humble and working every day and not taking things for granted." Jazz general manager Kevin O'Connor praised Suton as a "willing worker" and cited ..."

Sloan cut Eric Maynor's father while coaching Chicago

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June 27

Salt Lake Tribune

"They came to be known as "Maynor Moments" among fans and coaches in the Colonial Athletic Association, the ones who spent four years watching Eric Maynor take over one game after another for Virginia Commonwealth. Just consider the scouting report on the Jazz's newest draft pick from George Mason coach Jim Larranaga, who had a spot in the NCAA Tournament swiped by Maynor in the last two minutes of the 2007 CAA Tournament championship game. "A player like Eric has the ability at both ends of the floor to do things that I don't think a lot of players even think about," Larranaga said. "When I talk about Eric, I often say he's like a magician ... and he made us disappear." It may be a ..."

Jazz draft picks arrive rarin' to go

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June 27

The Deseret News

"Not counting a cross-country flight delay, things went smoothly for both Eric Maynor and Goran Suton as they met with Utah media Friday at the end of a whirlwind week and less than 24 hours after being drafted by the Jazz. Smoothly for the most part, that is. Not surprisingly, the players — one raised on a country road, the other in a war-torn country — acted humble. They smiled and were positive about being in Utah. They talked about how thrilled they were to be drafted by the Jazz. And, while seated on the training-facility dais between general manager Kevin O'Connor and coach Jerry Sloan, they wisely proclaimed themselves ready and willing to work hard on and off the court. "I'm excited ..."

Up next is free agent frenzy

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June 27

The Deseret News

"One may be looking to get out. The other is looking to cash in. Together, based largely on what their agents had to say Friday, starting center Mehmet Okur and backup power forward Paul Millsap could make next week even crazier for the Jazz than already anticipated. While waiting to hear if starting power forward Carlos Boozer and backup shooting guard Kyle Korver will opt of the final season of their current contracts, the Jazz — who according to general manager Kevin O'Connor will offer Millsap a multi-year contract as soon as the NBA's summer free-agency market opens at 10 p.m. Tuesday — quietly have been negotiating a potential extension with Okur. Like Boozer and Korver, the big Turk ..."

Utah tabs VCU's Maynor for point guard depth

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June 26

Salt Lake Tribune

"If Eric Maynor isn't quite ready to contribute as a rookie after a standout four-year career at Virginia Commonwealth, the Jazz's newest draft pick will get up to speed quickly playing behind Deron Williams. "I don't think he's going to play against anybody better in the NBA than he does every day in practice," Jazz general manager Kevin O'Connor said. After bringing in Maynor for an interview on the eve of the draft, the Jazz selected the mid-major college star with the No. 20 pick in the first round Thursday, something O'Connor said he and his lieutenants predicted earlier in the day. "I'm coming in there to work, man, do whatever the team needs me to do," Maynor said. "Deron Williams ..."

Backup plan in effect

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June 26

Salt Lake Tribune

"If Eric Maynor isn't quite ready to contribute as a rookie after a standout four-year career at Virginia Commonwealth, the Jazz's newest draft pick will get up to speed quickly playing behind Deron Williams. "I don't think he's going to play against anybody better in the NBA than he does every day in practice," Jazz general manager Kevin O'Connor said. After bringing in Maynor for an interview on the eve of the draft, the Jazz selected the mid-major college star with the No. 20 pick in the first round Thursday, something O'Connor said he and his lieutenants predicted earlier in the day. "I'm coming in there to work, man, do whatever the team needs me to do," Maynor said. "Deron Williams ..."

Jazz boss keen on 2nd pick

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June 26

Salt Lake Tribune

"More than ever before in his 10 years as Jazz general manager, Kevin O'Connor believed the second round of Thursday's draft featured several legitimate NBA players. The Jazz hope one of them will be Michigan State center Goran Suton , whom they drafted with the No. 50 pick. Suton averaged 10.4 points and 8.4 rebounds as a senior while helping lead the Spartans to the NCAA championship game. Although the Jazz's roster is anything but certain with as many as eight players who could be free agents, Suton will have to compete to make the team with the Jazz already having two young centers in Kyrylo Fesenko and Kosta Koufos . "I think if you take 10 big guys and you hit on one, you've done a ..."

Jazz draft PG Maynor from VCU

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June 26

Salt Lake Tribune

"After bringing in Eric Maynor for an interview on the eve of the draft, the Jazz used their No. 20 pick in the first round on the point guard from Virginia Commonwealth. Maynor lead VCU to the NCAA Tournament in two of the last three years, averaging 22.4 points and 6.2 assists as a senior, and hit the game-winning shot in 2007 as the Rams stunned Duke in the first round. The Jazz watched as Indiana drafted North Carolina forward Tyler Hansbrough with the No. 13 pick and Atlanta took Wake Forest guard Jeff Teague with the No. 19 pick. They took Maynor ahead of Pittsburgh forwards Sam Young and DeJuan Blair. The pick was booed when Jazz general manager Kevin O'Connor announced it at ..."

Jazz eye late pick in down draft

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June 25

Salt Lake Tribune

"No matter that he was the Jazz's first-round draft pick in 2007, Morris Almond played in only nine games his rookie season for a total of 39 minutes, though he did set single-game scoring records in the NBA Development League. Kosta Koufos fared slightly better as the Jazz's 2008 first-round pick, playing in 48 games on an injury-ravaged team. But Koufos failed to see action the final two months of the season, last playing in a Feb. 17 game against Memphis. With that recent history as a guide, expectations will be accordingly low with the Jazz holding the No. 20 pick in tonight's NBA Draft. Of the last 10 picks at No. 20, only Orlando's Jameer Nelson has enjoyed a career of note. "If ..."

Eric Maynor visits Jazz for an interview

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June 25

Salt Lake Tribune

"Although Virginia Commonwealth guard Eric Maynor had to pull out of a workout Saturday with back spasms, the Jazz were able to bring in Maynor for an interview on Wednesday on the eve of the NBA Draft. Maynor averaged 22.4 points and 6.2 assists as a senior and helped lead VCU to the NCAA Tournament for the second time in three years. Back in 2007, Maynor hit the game-winning 15-footer as the Rams upset Duke in the first round. He joins Wake Forest's Jeff Teague among point guards projected to be drafted in the mid- to late-first round to interview or work out in Utah. UCLA's Darren Collison , North Carolina's Ty Lawson and St. Mary's Patrick Mills all passed. The Jazz also made ..."

Utah Jazz sniffing around for a hard-nosed draft pick

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June 25

The Deseret News

"It's unsurprising the Jazz would want to land someone with an ornery disposition in tonight's NBA Draft. Picking a guy who isn't afraid to take names and crack noggins is usually good policy. Besides, when you're drafting 20th, the pretty guys aren't likely to be around. If you can't get a sports car, get a work truck. "Public perception-wise, and within the organization, we know we need to be a little tougher physically and mentally," said player personnel V.P. Walt Perrin. Thus, the Jazz ran a string of tough guys through workouts this month, hoping to line up someone who might help their notoriously spongy defense. One rampaged at opponents as blood poured from his broken nose during a ..."

Layden drafts son of a friend

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June 25

Salt Lake Tribune

"Keith Webster, a 5-foot-10 point guard from Harvard, was the final late-round draft pick in Utah Jazz history. The Jazz used their seventh round selection in the 1987 draft on Webster. The next year, the NBA went to a three-round draft. In 1989, the draft was reduced to two rounds. Webster averaged 16.3 points as a senior, when he was named second-team All-Ivy League. He co-captained the Crimson with forward Arne Duncan, who was recently named the Secretary of Education by president Barack Obama. The Jazz used the 153rd pick in the '87 draft on Webster because Frank Layden was friends with his father, who was the basketball coach at Bridgeport (Conn.) University. When Webster arrived ..."

Eric Maynor visits Utah Jazz for an interview

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June 25

Salt Lake Tribune

"Although Virginia Commonwealth guard Eric Maynor had to pull out of a workout Saturday with back spasms, the Jazz were able to bring in Maynor for an interview on Wednesday on the eve of the NBA Draft. Maynor averaged 22.4 points and 6.2 assists as a senior and helped lead VCU to the NCAA Tournament for the second time in three years. Back in 2007, Maynor hit the game-winning 15-footer as the Rams upset Duke in the first round. He joins Wake Forest's Jeff Teague among point guards projected to be drafted in the mid- to late-first round to interview or work out in Utah. UCLA's Darren Collison , North Carolina's Ty Lawson and St. Mary's Patrick Mills all passed. The Jazz also made ..."

Draft and Trade Buzz

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June 24

Yahoo! Sports

"As the Minnesota Timberwolves prepare to make a push for Memphis' pick at No. 2, it's become clear that they won't package the fifth and sixth picks to get there. The Wolves have made it clear to teams that are trying to pry their 18th pick that it isn't available. They want to use that in combination with one of the two higher picks to make a deal with Memphis. … The Utah Jazz are enamored with University of Pittsburgh tough guy Sam Young at No. 20, who is a perfect fit for head coach Jerry Sloan. … Golden State has long been enamored with Brandon Jennings at No. 7, but league sources say the Warriors are considering Wake Forest forward James Johnson there as well. Few teams would have ..."

Kentucky's Jodie Meeks makes impression on Utah Jazz

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June 24

Salt Lake Tribune

"If Jodie Meeks was going to break Dan Issel 's single-game Kentucky scoring record with a 54-point eruption at Tennessee on Jan. 13, Jazz vice president of player personnel Walt Perrin was happy he was there to witness it. Asked if Meeks made an impression, Perrin said, "Just a little bit. I've been in the pro game for 18 years and I don't think I've ever seen anybody score 50 points in a [college] game. So, yeah, it was a little impressive." Meeks hit 10 three-pointers as part of his record-setting night and went on to lead the Southeastern Conference in scoring at 23.7 points. "I think it put me on the map a great deal," Meeks said. "Before that, I was putting up pretty big numbers, ..."

Kofoed punched his ticket out of Utah

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June 24

Salt Lake Tribune

"When the Utah Jazz drafted Kearney (Neb.) State guard Bart Kofoed in the fifth round of the 1987 draft, they got a player then-coach Frank Layden nicknamed "Joe Palooka" because of his toughness. Kofoed was a only a 38-percent shooter, but his strength, athleticism and defensive ability enabled him to play11/2 seasons with the Jazz -- far longer than most fifth-rounders. Kofoed, the 107th player taken in the draft, probably would have played longer in Utah, except for an incident in the early morning hours of Jan. 1, 1989. During a New Year's Eve party, Kofoed got into a fight with teammate Bobby Hansen, who was the Jazz's starter at shooting guard. Hansen ended up with a broken ..."

Utah Jazz: Trying to get to the points in NBA Draft

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June 24

Salt Lake Tribune

"With as many as a dozen prospects who could be selected in the first round, Jazz vice president of player personnel Walt Perrin doesn't hesitate in saying point guard is "by far" the deepest position in this year's NBA Draft. At the same time, what might be called The Deron Williams Effect left several point guards the Jazz potentially couldThursday with their No. 20 pick shying away from working out in Utah in recent weeks. The Jazz did welcome Wake Forest's Jeff Teague on Tuesday, their final day of workouts before the draft, but were turned down by North Carolina's Ty Lawson, UCLA's Darren Collison and St. Mary's Patrick Mills, Perrin said. As much as the Jazz have searched for a ..."

Kentucky's Jodie Meeks makes impression on Utah Jazz

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June 24

Salt Lake Tribune

"If Jodie Meeks was going to break Dan Issel 's single-game Kentucky scoring record with a 54-point eruption at Tennessee on Jan. 13, Jazz vice president of player personnel Walt Perrin was happy he was there to witness it. Asked if Meeks made an impression, Perrin said, "Just a little bit. I've been in the pro game for 18 years and I don't think I've ever seen anybody score 50 points in a [college] game. So, yeah, it was a little impressive." Meeks hit 10 three-pointers as part of his record-setting night and went on to lead the Southeastern Conference in scoring at 23.7 points. "I think it put me on the map a great deal," Meeks said. "Before that, I was putting up pretty big numbers, ..."

Pargo plays while Collison stays away

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June 23

The Deseret News

"One point guard didn't show. Another did, and not only worked out, but did so much to the Jazz's surprise. The one who didn't come to Utah's eight-man pre-draft auditions Sunday was UCLA product Darren Collison, who evidently shied away because of the presence of another certain Jazz point. Collison, a projected mid-to-late first-round pick in Thursday's NBA Draft, was a late scratch Friday. He, Jazz player personnel vice president Walt Perrin said Sunday, felt that "because of Deron Williams, he may not get a lot of playing time." Translation: Utah, please don't pick me. One point who did answer Sunday's call was Gonzaga senior Jeremy Pargo, brother of four-team NBA guard Jannero Pargo. ..."

Nevill unleashes secret tool in workout — a jump shot

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June 23

The Deseret News

"He's got the height. At 7-foot-2, there's no question about that. But can he play in the NBA? Luke Nevill thinks he can, and — equipped with something of a secret weapon — he's spent the past month or so trying to prove just that to teams around the league. Sunday morning was the Jazz's turn to sneak a peek, and Nevill — a senior center from the University of Utah — used the opportunity to unleash the tool he's been honing for some time now. The big Aussie, it seems, has a jump shot. Who knew? Nevill, 23, suggests he did all along — and that, after a five-year college career in which he relied mostly on a little left-hand hook, he's just has been waiting for the chance to pull it from his ..."

Draft jackpot could await Utah in 2010

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June 23

Salt Lake Tribune

"As if a 26-56 season wasn't painful enough, watching the Jazz slip to sixth in the 2005 NBA Draft lottery was such a punch in the gut, general manager Kevin O'Connor remembers his immediate reaction was to walk out in the middle of the proceedings. On second thought, O'Connor realized he couldn't just get up and leave on live television. The Jazz, though, were able to overcome their disappointment, trading up to draft Deron Williams with the No. 3 pick, and O'Connor still might enjoy the last laugh again. With their focus on Thursday's draft, the Jazz can't help but consider the possibilities that await next year, when they will own the New York Knicks' first-round pick. The Knicks ..."

Jazz weigh possibility of drafting Pitt's Blair

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June 23

Salt Lake Tribune

"Three months ago, DeJuan Blair didn't look like a first-round draft pick. After Blair finished his sophomore season at Pittsburgh, his weight ballooned from 280 pounds to 315, thanks to a fast-food diet and the fact he wasn't working out while resting a sore knee. Now, however, everything has changed. Blair began eating more responsibly and exercising regularly. His weight dropped to 270 pounds and, on Thursday night, an NBA team will likely draft the 6-foot-7 power forward in the middle of the first round. "His upside is very good because he's got huge hands and he's got soft hands," said Walt Perrin, Utah Jazz vice president of player personnel. "He's a wide body. He can rebound. ..."

Blake sits alone at top of NBA draft

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June 22

Salt Lake Tribune

columnist Steve Luhm

"The last time the Los Angeles Clippers owned the No. 1 pick in the NBA draft, they dropped the ball. But it won't happen again. In 1998, the Clippers used the first pick on Michael Olowokandi from Pacific. By taking the physically gifted but relatively unproven center, the Clippers passed on a handful of players who, in hindsight, have enjoyed far more illustrious careers than the disappointing Olowokandi. The group includes Mike Bibby (No. 2), Antawn Jamison (No. 4), Vince Carter (No. 5), Dirk Nowitzki (No. 9), Paul Pierce (No. 10), Matt Harpring (No. 15) and Rashard Lewis (No. 32). On Thursday night, however, the Clippers will make Oklahoma power forward Blake Griffin the top pick ..."

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