yardbarker
RealGM Basketball

Utah Jazz WiretapUtah Jazz Wiretap
Utah Jazz news gathered from around the net.

Jerry Sloan Not Official Jazz Consultant Yet, But Keeping Tactful Presence

Jerry Sloan has been a tactful presence around the Utah Jazz's draft process, and he plans to continue providing subtle insight for the organization without – for now – a formal consultant role, a league source told RealGM.

Sloan, 71, maintains close relationships with Jazz management, making his return to the franchise this summer an easy transition even without an official position as consultant to this point.

After a successful 23-year run as head coach of the Jazz ended in February of 2011, Sloan headlined the list of available coaches, with an illustrious career that separated him as a candidate teams simply had to meet to gauge his desire to lead them. Several head coach vacancies had intrigued Sloan this offseason, but he wasn’t able to find a suitable situation.

Sloan told the Deseret News earlier this month that he and the Jazz have discussed a role within the organization. “If they want me around, fine,” Sloan said. “If they don’t, [fine]. They’d talked to me a little bit about it a little bit earlier.”

Via Shams Charania/RealGM

Jazz Hold First Free Agent Minicamp Under Lindsey's Direction

The Utah Jazz invited 24 players to participate in a free agent minicamp this week.

Travis Leslie, Luke Zeller and Lazar Hayward were among the players who attended the free agent bonanza.

"I wouldn't be surprised to see a handful of these guys from this camp on an NBA roster on opening night next year,” Jazz head scout David Fredman said. “Now, whose roster? I don't know, These guys are guys that have enough talent in the right place at the right time they could be on an NBA roster easily."

Dennis Lindsey suggested the minicamp after coming to Utah from the Spurs organization.

"They had some success doing it in San Antonio. Dennis had the idea when he came here to do it," Fredman said. "It's no earth-shattering thing. It's just we're doing it now in Utah."

The Jazz only have six players with guaranteed contracts for the 2013-14 season.

Via Jody Genessy/Deseret News

C.J. McCollum: Jazz's 'Culture Is Perfect For Me'

C.J. McCollum worked out for the Utah Jazz on Wednesday and lit up after the workout when he was asked about the possibility of being drafted by the franchise.

"This culture," McCollum said, "is perfect for me."

McCollum compares himself to Stephen Curry and believes he can replicate the success Damian Lillard had this season for the Portland Trail Blazers.

"Everybody has weaknesses in their game, but I feel like my game is very well-rounded. I'm a chameleon," said McCollum, who averaged 21.7 points, 6.1 rebounds and 2.7 assists in his four-year career at Lehigh. "I can come in and contribute in a multitude of ways and I feel like it will show when I step onto the court."

Via Jody Genessy/Deseret News

Shane Larkin Impresses In Workout With Jazz

Shane Larkin performed well during a pre-draft workout with the Utah Jazz on Thursday.

Larkin is listed at 5-feet-11 inches, but compensates with a 44-inch vertical leap.

“Shane’s 44 vertical is unbelievable for a point guard,’’ Jazz head scout Walt Perrin said. “It was eye-popping seeing those kind of numbers from Shane.’’

Perrin minimized Larkin’s diminutive height.

“Does it matter? There’s a couple of other players in the league (that size) still playing. If a guy can play, it doesn’t matter what his size is,’’ Perrin said. “We think he can play. How well he plays on this level is something we have to evaluate.”

Via Mike Sorensen/Deseret News

Sloan Discussing Return To Jazz In Unspecified Role

Jerry Sloan has held preliminary talks with the Utah Jazz about returning to the organization in an unspecified capacity.

Sloan stepped down as head coach of the Pacers in February of 2011. Tyrone Corbin, Sloan's replacement, remains the head coach.

"That's up to (them). That's a situation that's strictly up to Ty or somebody in the Jazz organization," Sloan said. "If they want me around, fine. If they don't, (fine). They'd talked to me a little bit about it a little bit earlier."

Sloan still lives in Utah and has been interested in returning to the NBA as a head coach.

Via Jody Genessy/Deseret News
RSS Feed RSS Feed
 

Archive

2013
     June
     May
     April
     March
     February
     January
2012
2011
2010
2009
2008
2007
2006
2005
2004
2003
2002
2001

Basketball Wiretap Headlines

    NBA Wiretap Headlines

      NCAA Wiretap Headlines

        MLB Wiretap Headlines

          NFL Wiretap Headlines

            NHL Wiretap Headlines