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Raja Bell News & Rumors

Al Jefferson and Raja Bell are iffy for Friday's game vs. Mavericks
January 27
Salt Lake Tribune
 
"Jazz center Al Jefferson has tendinitis in his right ankle, an MRI examination revealed Thursday. Utah's leading scorer and rebounder, Jefferson accompanied the team to Dallas, where the Jazz play Friday night. His availability against the Mavericks will be a game-time decision, a team spokesman said. Coach Tyrone Corbin said Jefferson was fine during two days of practice early this week, but he left a Wednesday morning shootaround early because "he started to run and said he felt some pain running up his leg." After being the only member of the Jazz to play in all 82 games last season, Jefferson did not dress for Toronto's 111-106 double-overtime win over Utah. Meanwhile, veteran guard"
Raja Bell becoming more active in offense
January 20
Salt Lake Tribune
 
"A little more than two weeks ago, Jazz guard Raja Bell was in a tough position. He wanted to contribute to a struggling Utah team and felt he could add more than he was being allowed to provide. Bell spoke out Jan. 4, voicing frustration that had been building for nearly a year. Since Jan. 7, the 35-year-old shooter has allowed his play on the court to speak for itself. Bell broke out that night during a victory at Golden State, scoring nine points and preventing Warriors guard Monta Ellis from hitting a game-winning shot. Since then, the 12-year veteran has averaged 8.1 points and 2.1 assists and has shot 55.5 percent from the field during a six-game stretch. What changed for the proud,"
Bryant, Bell renew rivalry
January 12
Salt Lake Tribune
 
"Through four quarters and a five-minute overtime, Kobe Bryant and Raja Bell fought and clawed with each other. Bell incurred a technical foul in the first period. The two pushed and shoved each other at the end of regulation. The competition reached a fever pitch on more than one occasion. And then, following the Lakers 90-87 win over the Utah Jazz at EnergySolutions Arena on Wednesday night, the two went at it again in their respective locker rooms. First, Bell weighed in. "If he's going to take 31 shots to get 40, then that's pretty much all you can do. Anyone shooting 31 shots should score 40.""
Utah Jazz: Gordon Hayward, Raja Bell begin to break out of funk
January 10
The Deseret News
 
"Gordon Hayward and Raja Bell received postgame adulation Saturday night for their contributions in the Utah Jazz's first road win of the season. And deservedly so. Bell's stifling late-game defense prevented Monta Ellis from adding game hero to his high-scorer status, while Hayward topped the team with 18 points and hit the game-winning free throw (giving him a pass on a missed second freebie). Considering his pregame talk, it was almost as if Jazz coach Tyrone Corbin had special prescient powers. Corbin's postgame comments didn't include a "told you so" quote, but they could have."
Gordon Hayward, Raja Bell begin to break out of funk
January 9
The Deseret News
 
"Gordon Hayward and Raja Bell received postgame adulation Saturday night for their contributions in the Utah Jazz's first road win of the season. And deservedly so. Bell's stifling late-game defense prevented Monta Ellis from adding game hero to his high-scorer status, while Hayward topped the team with 18 points and hit the game-winning free throw (giving him a pass on a missed second freebie). Considering his pregame talk, it was almost as if Jazz coach Tyrone Corbin had special prescient powers. Corbin's postgame comments didn't include a "told you so" quote, but they could have."
Questions surround Raja Bell's 'situation' with Jazz
January 5
Salt Lake Tribune
 
"Jazz guard Raja Bell said it's this simple: If Utah wants him on its team, he'll continue to do his job to the best of his ability. If the organization doesn't, the 12-year veteran will perform as a professional until he joins another franchise. Bell's declaration came Wednesday during an interview with The Salt Lake Tribune. It followed Jazz coach Tyrone Corbin's comment that any frustration Bell has about his role on the team needed to be addressed by the player himself."
Utah Jazz's Raja Bell — 'It's time to evaluate some things'
December 29
Salt Lake Tribune
 
"On Tyrone Corbin's locker-room message: I don't know if he chewed us out. It was just a pretty frank conversation about where we're at and the things that we need to try to do to get where we want to go. I don't necessarily consider it being chewed out; I think he was pretty fair about it. … Anytime you're 0-2 and you got beat the way we got beat the last two nights, it's time to evaluate some things. Trust and communication issues not going away: It's a big part of it. It's a team sport, so you've got to trust in one another at both ends of the court 100 percent. When you don't do that, it's a chink in the armor. Some teams are good enough to get by with that, they're just talented"
Utah looking for captain; Raja Bell searches for peace
December 12
Salt Lake Tribune
 
"No Deron Williams. No team captain. The aftereffects of the Jazz's decision in February to trade the face of the franchise are still being felt, nearly 10 months after the fact. While Williams at times could be confrontational, he was also the best player on Utah's roster and the loudest voice in the locker room. Williams led by action and example, and he earned his captain's role. Without D-Will, the rebuilding Jazz don't have a true No. 1 and they lack a unifying voice on the court and behind closed doors."
Bell is ringing for Raja
December 12
The Deseret News
 
"For a guy who enjoyed extra time off this summer and fall by fishing, spending quality time with his family, and living and playing in Miami, Raja Bell might surprise some people with how happy he is to be in Utah for the winter. South Beach and kids' soccer games can wait for warmer times next year. For now, Bell is in another favorite spot doing another of his favorite things — running around a gym playing hoops. "It's now time to get back to basketball," he said. "And I'm excited." Not just to play, though. Bell is excited to contribute. He wants his presence to be felt."
Jazz's Raja Bell says he's looking overseas; discusses state of NBA lockout
November 3
Salt Lake Tribune
 
"Jazz guard Raja Bell said Wednesday he is exploring the option of playing overseas during the NBA lockout. Bell confirmed a statement by his agent Herb Rudoy, who said that, "Nothing is imminent, but we are weighing some opportunities." Rudoy would not reveal the teams or countries his client might play for, and Bell conceded it is still early in the process. However, he acknowledged that Italy, Spain and Israel would be ideal locations. The veteran Jazz guard wants to sign with a good, well-run team instead of getting a paid vacation. "I have two kids, with a third on the way and a family," Bell said. "If I go over there, I'm going to work.""
Straight shooter Bell was off target for much of year
April 20
The Deseret News
 
"When it comes to interviews, Raja Bell is a guy who says it like he sees it. So much so, the straight shooter off the court didn't try to hide the fact he wasn't exactly, well, the accurate shooter he'd hoped to be on the court this past season. After sitting out the majority of 2009-10 with a wrist injury, Bell's shot had a bit of rust on it in his return to the NBA and the Utah Jazz in 2010-11. The career 43.3 percent shooter only made 40.9 percent of his field goals overall, and he had his worst 3-point-shooting season in a decade. Bell entered the year with the same career 3-point average as Kyle Korver (.408), but the current Jazz player only hit 35.2 percent from long range this past"
Jazz's Harris, Bell upgraded to questionable vs. Lakers
March 31
Salt Lake Tribune
 
"The Jazz's Raja Bell (ankle) and Devin Harris (hamstring) have officially been upgraded to questionable for a home game Friday against the Los Angeles Lakers. Bell said today prior to practice, though, that he does not expect to play."
Injury-decimated Jazz 'need bodies'
March 16
The Deseret News
 
"The Utah Jazz training staff might be putting in for some serious overtime — or at least be deserving of a bonus for extra hours. Seven players are on the current injury report, and their availability for tonight's game against the Minnesota Timberwolves mostly remains up in the air. "I'm concerned about it," Jazz coach Tyrone Corbin said of the team's injury situation. "We need bodies and we need guys." The good news is that eight players are healthy — or at least have nicks and dings that aren't quite injury-report worthy. It could also be considered a positive sign that Mehmet Okur (strained lower back) is the only player who has been ruled out of participating in tonight's home game"
Injured toe not only factor in Raja Bell's benching
March 16
The Deseret News
 
"Turns out Raja Bell's move to the bench in Monday night's game was not based solely on the usual starting shooting guard's toe injury. Coach Tyrone Corbin thought the struggling-out-of-the-gate Utah Jazz needed to mix things up, so he started C.J. Miles in Bell's place. The handling of that change — one that seems likely to stick for a bit even though Corbin did not officially confirm that at Tuesday's practice — didn't sit all that well with Utah's newest bench player. Whether or not that scenario repeats itself tonight, however, remains unresolved for now. "We'll see," Corbin said when asked if Miles would remain a starter. "We've got so many guys in and out of the lineup right now."
Gordon Hayward, Paul Millsap out for tonight's tilt, Raja Bell will play
March 15
The Deseret News
 
"As if their recent play hasn't been painful enough, the injuries just continue to pile up for the limping and hobbled Utah Jazz. Starting power forward Paul Millsap and backup swingman Gordon Hayward are among five Jazz players who have been officially ruled out of tonight's game against the Philadelphia 76ers at EnergySolutions Arena. Hayward (sprained left forefoot) and Millsap (left patellar tendinitis) will be joined on the sideline in street clothes by Francisco Elson (knee/ankle), Ronnie Price (toe) and Mehmet Okur (back). With Millsap being out, rookie big man Derrick Favors will get his first start as a Jazz player."
Raja Bell dashes off to be with family after big game
March 7
The Deseret News
 
"Playing in overtime almost ruined Raja Bell's night. Bell, who has struggled with his shooting for much of the season, hit two clutch jumpers in overtime to help the Jazz to a 109-102 win over the Sacramento Kings on Saturday night. Bell finished with 16 points, his highest total since Feb. 7, which was the last time the Jazz played the Kings. Afterward, Bell bolted out of the locker room, through the tunnel inside EnergySolutions Arena and to his car. He wasn't avoiding the media. He just had better things to do. "His wife and kids had a flight and had to be at the airport," said Jazz forward C.J. Miles. "Best believe we asked why he was getting out of here so fast." A second overtime"
Jefferson, Bell lift Jazz over Kings 109-102 in OT
March 6
The Deseret News
 
"It was hard-fought, perhaps harder and taking more fight than many expected. It took rallying out of a nine-point deficit in the fourth quarter and required an overtime session. And it came against a team that has only changed the number in the wins column 15 times this season. Didn't matter. The Utah Jazz's much-needed 109-102 OT victory over the lottery-and-perhaps-Anaheim-bound Sacramento Kings caused both celebration and relief by the home team. "Great win," Jazz coach Tyrone Corbin said. "We're gonna take it any way it comes right now. We just need it." In a big way. Those emotions expressed — made possible by some clutch overtime plays by the likes of Al Jefferson, Raja Bell and even"
Frustration sets in for Bell
March 2
Salt Lake Tribune
 
"It's been a frustrating stretch of the season for Jazz veteran Raja Bell. He acknowledges it. After ex-coach Jerry Sloan resigned on Feb. 10, Bell missed three games with a calf strain. After returning, he scored five points on 1-of-10 shooting at Dallas and Indiana. Bell seemed to regain his stroke during Saturday's 120-116 loss at Detroit, where he made 6 of 9 shots and scored 14 points. On Monday night, however, Bell scored two points in 27 minutes in the loss to Boston. He made 1 of 4 shots. "I'm frustrated we lost," Bell said before practice Tuesday. "Any time we lose, frustration comes along with that, especially at this point in the season." Asked about his limited impact on the"
Raja Bell not feeling it
January 28
The Deseret News
 
"In his actions and with his words — or lack thereof — Jazz guard Raja Bell has shown he's clearly frustrated with Utah's six-game losing streak. In the Jazz's last two games, Bell has had words with the Lakers' Andrew Bynum and the Spurs' DeJuan Blair, and been issued two technical fouls. After the loss to San Antonio, Bell, a consummate professional, quickly left Utah's locker room without speaking to reporters. Bell said those incidents aren't a reflection of his frustration level. But make no mistake about it, his frustration meter is currently off the charts. "I'm pretty down," Bell said. "It's alright though. It's a long season, so you try not to get too high with the highs or low"
Mid-term grades are in
January 16
The Deseret News
 
"Monday's game at Washington marks the halfway point of the NBA season for the Utah Jazz. It's also time for midterm grades to be handed out. So, Professor Bell? "I think we are a solid B. I am reluctant to give us an A just because I think we can do better," said the near-tenure teacher who moonlights as Jazz starting shooting guard Raja Bell. "I think we have played well," he added. "We have had some trouble at home and some slow starts, but ultimately we have found ways to win games and put ourselves in a position to do some things in the playoffs and have a nice seed." The Jazz hit their 41st game deadlocked with Oklahoma City atop the Northwest Division with a 27-13 record. Though that"
Bell lifts Jazz past Pistons, 102-97
January 4
Salt Lake Tribune
 
"The Jazz's Raja Bell made one 3-point shot Monday night against Detroit. Teammate Paul Millsap handed out exactly two assists. But their timing was impeccable. Bell buried the go-ahead 3-pointer off a pass from Millsap with 50.7 seconds left, helping Utah to a 102-97 victory over Detroit at EnergySolutions Arena. The game was tied 95-95 when Millsap faked a jumper, drove toward the basket, drew the defense and kicked the ball back to Bell. His 3-pointer gave the Jazz a 98-95 lead. "I had an open shot," Millsap said. "But somebody jumped out on me and I tried to attack the basket. "I drew a few people. They all collapsed in the lane and I saw Raja was wide open, so I threw it to him." Bell,"
Utah Jazz saved by Raja Bell against Pistons
January 4
The Deseret News
 
"Ryan Seacrest, seated on the front row next to Utah-born star dancer and country singer Julianne Hough, attended Monday's Utah Jazz game. It might be a good thing for the Jazz that his former "American Idol" co-star didn't tag along. Simon Cowell might've ripped Utah to shreds for its less-than-inspiring performance against a subpar Detroit Pistons team. It's also too bad one of Hollywood's hottest new couples didn't stick around for the second half when the Jazz salvaged a sluggish showing by edging the Pistons, 102-97 at EnergySolutions Arena. The Jazz, with six players in double-figure scoring, made staying until the final buzzer worth it for those of the 19,911 fans who gutted this one"
Bell talks to father, then shoots Jazz past Cavs 101-90
December 21
Salt Lake Tribune
 
"Injuries had briefly removed Raja Bell's rhythm. Inaction had temporarily taken away the lift normally provided by his legs. But after missing three consecutive games and sitting out seven straight days in mid-December due to a groin injury, the 11-year veteran Jazz guard ran smoother and shot straighter during Utah's 101-90 victory against the Cleveland Cavaliers on Monday night at Quicken Loans Arena. Bell sank 5 of 6 3-point attempts while pouring in 19 points. The made 3s and point total were his season highs. "I was just shooting the ball, man," Bell said. The confident, highly competitive Bell spent a pregame interview discussing how his slowly aging body had briefly betrayed him,"
Dad's advice helps Raja Bell break slump
December 21
The Deseret News
 
"The Utah Jazz might want to give an assist to Roger Bell in the box score of their 101-90 win Monday over the Cleveland Cavaliers. Turns out, some good old-fashioned fatherly advice played a key role in Raja Bell busting out of a slump to help Utah improve to 20-9. Before the Jazz-employed Bell broke out for the best game in his second stint with Utah — a 19-point gem with five 3-pointers — he chatted with his pop about his recent shooting struggles. "The one thing I could see on film was that there wasn't a good balance in my legs," said the Jazz starting shooting guard, whose previous season-high was 15 points. "So, (my dad) was saying just to finish my shot a little bit more and go"
Elson back with team; Raja Bell, Mehmet Okur close
December 17
The Deseret News
 
"While they anxiously await the season debut of one of their international players, the Utah Jazz will welcome back another European big man to their bench. It's also possible another player not originally from the Continental 48 — U.S. Virgin Islands native Raja Bell — could rejoin the Jazz on the court tonight against the Hornets. Francisco Elson reunited with the Jazz on Thursday in the Big Easy and will be available to play — yes, legally — after the Netherlands' native spent a few days in Canada to resolve issues with his work visa. On Monday, the 7-foot center left the team and country to process paperwork in Canada. He then was required to stay out of the U.S. for a mandatory 48-hour"
Raja Bell expected some setbacks this year
December 16
The Deseret News
 
"The Jazz this week are enjoying a three-day break from games, a rare happenstance in the course of an 82-game NBA season. It's a short hiatus that couldn't have come at a better time for starting shooting guard Raja Bell, who has missed the past three games with an adductor strain. Bell is using the break to strengthen and stretch the groin-area muscle, and knows he'll need to continue to do so throughout the season. He's even considering taking Pilates classes to aid the effort, which is necessary in part because a wrist injury limited him to just six games with Charlotte and Golden State last season. Sitting out so long took a toll on Bell's 34-year-old body, and now he's paying the"
Raja Bell picks a fine time to find his shooting touch
December 7
The Deseret News
 
"On a night power forward Paul Millsap hit just one of his first nine shots from the field and small forward Andrei Kirilenko finished 1-for-10, the Jazz needed someone — anyone, really — to make some baskets. Enter veteran Raja Bell, who contributed 14 points in a 94-85 win over Memphis on Monday evening. Bell hadn't scored more than 12 since a Nov. 17 win over New Jersey, and was in single digits for six of the nine games since then. He made only 1-of-5 in his last outing, Friday's loss to Dallas that ended a seven-game win streak. And he'd been shooting just 34.5 percent in Utah's last three games. So the efficiency he showed Monday — 5-for-7 (71.4 percent) from the field, including"
Raja Bell finds his groove in return to lineup
November 18
The Deseret News
 
"A one-game break may have solved Raja Bell's shooting woes — and helped heal his injured groin at the same time. Bell scored a season-high 15 points in the Jazz's 98-88 win over the New Jersey Nets on Wednesday night. He more than doubled his scoring average for the season, and made a season-high six field goals. Bell was back in the starting lineup after sitting out against Oklahoma City on Monday with a sore groin. "I felt good," Bell said. "My groin felt good. I tweaked it a little on my first layup, but after that it was great. Offensively, it just was one of those nights where I got opportunities and I was a little bit more committed to being aggressive." Bell shot 6-for-14 from the"
Improbable journey from FIU to NBA for Carlos Arroyo, Raja Bell
November 10
Miami Herald
 columnist Linda Robertson
"Carlos Arroyo and Raja Bell hugged each other after the Utah Jazz defeated the Heat 116-114 in overtime Tuesday night. Maybe they pinched each other, too, just to affirm that they weren't dreaming, that they really were on the court with LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Deron Williams, that they were part of a crazy NBA game that took a 180-degree turn from dull to dramatic. The former FIU teammates had to take a deep breath. An improbable outcome they can log in the memory bank of their improbable careers. Arroyo had to shake his head at the awakening of Williams, who chugged to 19 second-half points and 12 assists -- another point guard exploiting the Heat. Bell had to smile at the reversal"
Raja Bell working overtime to reclaim shooting touch
November 3
The Deseret News
 
"Before he took on Kyrylo Fesenko in a friendly game of H-O-R-S-E prior to Tuesday morning's practice, Raja Bell spent time working on his stroke with the Utah Jazz's shooting coach. The lesson with Jeff Hornacek must've paid dividends. Bell cinched the win over the big center with a smooth-looking 18-foot jumper. Beating low-post players in fun contests isn't the reason Bell shot with Utah's special assistant coach, of course. But the veteran shooting guard has been trying to refine his mechanics and has worked on catching and popping, screening and his jump shot before practices this week. Bell's desire to improve, even at age 34, and his willingness to work on his trustworthy shot that"
Raja Bell happy to play, unhappy with result
October 28
The Deseret News
 
"It certainly wasn't the return Raja Bell envisioned. But it was still good for the 34-year-old shooting guard to be back — on the court with the Utah Jazz and just on the court, period. Wednesday's game at Pepsi Center was not only Bell's first in a Jazz uniform since 2005, but it was also the first real game he's played in almost an entire calendar year. After being traded from Charlotte last fall, Bell injured his left wrist in his Golden State debut on Nov. 18, 2009. He hadn't played since, until Wednesday. He had surgery last December and didn't play again in the 2009-10 season. "Personally, it was a great feeling," the Jazz's starting shooting guard said. "Going out there for a jump"
Raja Bell receives warm ovation in Phoenix
October 13
The Deseret News
 
"The Utah Jazz returned Tuesday to a place some grudge-holding fans might consider the scene of the crime. The place: Phoenix. The perpetrator: Suns management. The victim: Utah Jazz. The crime: Stealing Raja Bell, a Utah fan favorite because of his scrappiness and steady shooting, on the first millisecond of free agency in July 2005. This preseason game was Bell's first time he has returned to the Valley of the Sun since he rejoined the Jazz this past summer. If you're wondering, there is no crime-scene tape surrounding the arena. There was, however a loud, warm reception when he entered the game off the bench. "It's always fun to kind of revisit your old stomping grounds," Bell said,"
Raja Bell knows what Wesley Matthews meant
October 7
The Deseret News
 
"Until recently, Raja Bell wouldn't have known Wesley Matthews from Walter Matthau. But after Matthews left Utah for Portland as a restricted free agent last offseason, paving the way for Bell to return for a second stint with the Jazz, the veteran swingman became curious. "The few (Jazz) games I saw (last season), he wasn't fully in the rotation yet," Bell said. "I did get a peek at him in playoffs a little bit, and so, more than anything, I've asked a lot of people just how good he was, because he was a prized free agent his summer that I really didn't know about." What Bell learned was that Matthews' loss last July was a painful one for the Jazz. And with Matthews in town with the Trail"
Raja Bell makes his return official
July 20
Salt Lake Tribune
 
"They didn't pick up the phone to chat or exchange hugs before games, but Raja Bell said he made a point of expressing his appreciation every time he crossed paths with Jazz coach Jerry Sloan in the five years since he left Utah. With Bell making his return to the Jazz official Monday, general manager Kevin O'Connor said simply, "We're really happy to have somebody back that's as competitive and as caring about wins and losses as our head coach is." More than just Bell's 3-point shooting and perimeter defense, the Jazz are counting on the 33-year-old guard to serve as the hard-nosed embodiment of what Sloan's teams have been about for the past two decades. "We always missed what he gave"
Team welcomes Raja Bell back, officially joins team on Monday
July 20
The Deseret News
 
"The Utah Jazz didn't hang up a "Welcome back!" sign for the returning Raja Bell, but the organization made it clear Monday that it's glad to have the veteran shooting guard in the fold again. Utah embraced Bell with open arms and plenty of verbal pleasantries at a news conference that followed his requisite physical and included him signing a three-year, $10 million contract. Jazz owner Gail Miller, team president Randy Rigby and general manager Kevin O'Connor sat on the dais with Bell, whom Utah opted to sign instead of matching Portland's pricey offer sheet for Wesley Matthews. "Well, Raja, I just want to say short and sweetly, 'Very sincerely, we're glad you're back,'?" Miller said."
Extra mileage on Raja Bell not a big issue
July 16
The Deseret News
 
"Even though he'll be 34 years old when next season begins, and 37 at the start of the last season in his new three-year deal with the Jazz, Kevin O'Connor has no concerns about Raja Bell's age. The fact Jazz coach Jerry Sloan "really does a great job of monitoring minutes," O'Connor added, should ease any concerns. By way of example, the Jazz general manager mentioned Bruce Bowen, the longtime San Antonio Spurs defensive specialist who played until he was 38. He has no worries, either, that a wrist tendon tear prompting December surgery limited Bell to just six games with Charlotte and Golden State last season. "I actually think it's better — less minutes on the legs," O'Connor said. "He"
Bell's back with Jazz
July 15
Salt Lake Tribune
 
"As Jazz chief executive Greg Miller waited at the airport Wednesday night to greet his newest star in Al Jefferson, general manager Kevin O'Connor was moving to steal a favorite son in Raja Bell away from the Lakers. The Jazz will bring back Bell, whose career took off during two previous seasons in Utah, on a reported three-year deal worth nearly $10 million while declining to match Portland's offer sheet to Wesley Matthews. "He had the Jazz on his short list of teams from the moment free agency began," Bell's agent, Herb Rudoy, wrote in an e-mail. "Kevin has been after him from the beginning. Things just fell into place quickly today. Raja is thrilled to be back in [Salt Lake City]! He"
Al Jefferson arrives, and Raja Bell is on the way
July 15
The Deseret News
 
"There was quite a scene and a crowd at the Salt Lake International Airport when Al Jefferson arrived in town Wednesday night for a trip to make his trade to the Utah Jazz official. Balloons, signs, thrilled friends and family — not to mention about a dozen media members with TV equipment, flashing cameras and recorders. Not all of that fanfare was for the Jazz's new big man, of course. And, no, there wasn't a "Welcome, Elder Jefferson" sign, as some at the airport joked about — but he was clearly shocked by the large reception and 9 p.m. press conference. The 25-year-old Jefferson even touched his face in seeming surprise and mouthed the words, "Oh, man" when he saw his greeting crew,"
Utah Jazz reach agreement with swingman Raja Bell
July 15
The Deseret News
 
"A familiar face is joining Utah's freshest. One day after trading for Minnesota big man Al Jefferson, the Jazz agreed to contract terms with free agent and ex-Jazz starting shooting guard Raja Bell on Wednesday night. "Raja is thrilled to be back in SLC," Bell's agent, Herb Rudoy, said via e-mail. "He has nothing but great memories of the years he spent with the Jazz. "Before free agency began, I asked Raja to give me a short list of teams and the Jazz were on it. He really wants to play for (coach) Jerry Sloan again!" Bell — who spurned attention from Kobe Bryant and the Los Angeles Lakers and a reported offer from Chicago — is coming off recent wrist surgery that curtailed his 2009-10"
Kobe Bryant is trying to recruit an old rival, Raja Bell, to the Lakers
July 14
Los Angeles Times
 
"Kobe Bryant has done a lot of things in his career, winning five championships, two NBA Finals MVP trophies and a regular-season MVP award. Now he's doing something else — recruiting for the Lakers. Derek Fisher credited the 12-time All-Star with being a main reason to return to the Lakers, and now Bryant will put aside past differences to meet with free-agent guard Raja Bell on Wednesday in Los Angeles. Bryant once said he had "bigger fish to fry" than Bell after a squabble with the former Phoenix Suns guard, but now Bryant is hoping the Lakers can reel him in with what's left of their midlevel exception: $1.77 million next season. Bell, who will be 34 in September, played only six games"
Sources: Bryant, Bell to meet
July 13
ESPN.com
 
"The seemingly hard-to-picture prospect of Kobe Bryant and old nemesis Raja Bell playing for the same team remains alive. The longtime rivals will sit down for a face-to-face chat Wednesday in Los Angeles to further discuss the feasibility of the Lakers signing Bell in free agency, sources close to the situation said. Bell is traveling to Los Angeles this week to watch the ESPYs and has arranged to meet with Bryant to hear the Lakers' face of the franchise make yet another recruiting pitch to the 33-year-old swingman."
Raja Bell wants Dallas, Orlando, or Miami
July 7
Yahoo! Sports
 
"Free agent shooting guard Raja Bell is waiting for LeBron James, Chris Bosh, and Dwyane Wade to announce what they're going to do next season just like everybody else in the basketball world. In the meantime, Bell has gotten calls from plenty of teams, according to ESPN. The nine-year NBA vet tells the site that he's particularly interested in three teams that have made contact: the Dallas Mavericks, Orlando Magic, and Miami Heat. The Virgin Islands native has a bunch of family in Florida and went to Florida International University."
Source: Lakers interested in Raja Bell
June 23
ESPN.com
 
"The Lakers are interested in signing free agent forward Raja Bell, according to a team source. Bell, who played only six games in 2009-10 before undergoing season-ending surgery on his left wrist in December, is coveted for his defense and his ability to connect on corner 3-point shots that could fortify the Lakers inconsistent bench, according to the source. The 10-year veteran, who turns 34 in September, averaged 13.0 points and 4.0 rebounds in 45 games with Charlotte in 2008-09, his last healthy stint before being traded to the Golden State Warriors in a deal for Stephen Jackson in November."
Walsh eyes waived Raja
March 24
New York Post
 
"Knicks president Donnie Walsh said yesterday he would talk to Raja Bell's representative now that Bell has been waived by the Warriors. Bell, the defensive guard who starred for Mike D'Antoni in Phoenix, will become a free agent when he clears waivers today, but more important Bell becomes a free agent this summer."
Walsh may take look at Raja
March 22
New York Post
 
"On the list of mid-range free agents who will pique the Knicks' interest is defensive guard Raja Bell, a former Sun and a coach Mike D'Antoni favorite. There's a chance the Knicks could give Bell a late-season tryout. According to an Oakland Tribune report, the Warriors could waive Bell, who is recovering from left wrist surgery, because they need a roster spot. Bell probably wouldn't be healthy until the final four games. Asked if he would consider it, team president Donnie Walsh told The Post, "If we did do something like that, it would be to show we liked him.""
Warriors decide Williams and George are keepers; Bell to be waived
March 21
Oakland Tribune
 
"Small forward Reggie Williams will be signed for the rest of the season, the Warriors are expected to announce today. The Warriors don't have an available spot on the roster right now, but they should Monday, as they plan to waive guard Raja Bell and sign Williams to a guaranteed contract. General manager Larry Riley chose to release Bell rather than forward Devean George. "I just can't cut a healthy player," Riley said. "And Devean George has played well." Bell, acquired from the Charlotte Bobcats in the Stephen Jackson trade Nov. 15, endorsed the move to waive him rather than George. Bell played one game with the Warriors before having surgery in December to repair a torn ligament in his"
Bell feels used by Bobcats
March 8
Charlotte Observer
 
"Some very interesting comments by former Charlotte Bobcat Raja Bell about how he feels manipulated by his former team, in regard to the left wrist injury he suffered in the preseason. "I felt like I was used a little bit,'' Bell told the Contra Costa Times. "They played on the fact that I want to play and want to please, and they played on that and, uh, it cost me my season.'' Bell wanted to have arthroscopic surgery, to explore the extent of damage to his left wrist, following a preseason injury. He says he was talked out of that. Bell was trying to tough it out, to help the Bobcats reach the playoffs. Eventually, following the trade to the Warriors (a deal that acquired Stephen"
Injured Bell hopes to lend experience
February 20
San Francisco Chronicle
 
"The Warriors didn't make a move at Thursday's trade deadline, but a new face has emerged in the locker room nonetheless. "He said good luck to me at halftime, and I really didn't know who he was," guard C.J. Watson said. "I thought he was a coach or a scout or something. That was the first time I had seen him." The mystery man is Raja Bell. He had wrist surgery Dec. 3 and remained in his hometown Miami until flying into Oakland before Wednesday's game. Though Bell probably won't be able to play until April, the Warriors are hoping he can provide the team a boost while wearing street clothes. Bell, who is in his 10th season, has made a career out of seeing the finer points of the game and"
Raja Bell wouldn't mind staying with Golden State
February 20
Contra Costa Times
 
"Bell says he's open to re-signing with team Warriors guard Raja Bell is optimistic he'll be able to play again before the end of the season and said he's open to signing with the team this summer, when he's set to become a free agent. Bell played one game for the Warriors, on Nov. 18, after he was acquired from Charlotte in the Stephen Jackson deal. He had surgery in early December on his left wrist and had the cast removed last month. He is aiming to return in late March and hasn't ruled out staying with the Warriors for next season and beyond. Bell told ESPN.com earlier Friday that he wasn't seeking a buyout of his $5.3 million contract so he could sign with a playoff contender. Buyouts"