RealGM Basketball Wiretap

Jazz Hold First Free Agent Minicamp Under Lindsey's Direction

Sat, 15 Jun 2013 11:25:52 EDT

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.

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

Thu, 13 Jun 2013 01:23:47 EDT

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."

Shane Larkin Impresses In Workout With Jazz

Fri, 07 Jun 2013 12:22:06 EDT

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.”

Sloan Discussing Return To Jazz In Unspecified Role

Mon, 03 Jun 2013 20:09:27 EDT

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.

Marvin Williams To Undergo Surgery On Right Heel, Out Six Months

Fri, 31 May 2013 17:52:22 EDT

Marvin Williams will undergo surgery to repair his sore right heel/Achilles tendon.

Williams is expected to need approximately six months to recover.

Williams has a player option on his contract for the 13-14 season, which he is now certain to exercise.

Karl Malone To Serve As Big Man Coach For Jazz

Wed, 29 May 2013 23:17:33 EDT

Karl Malone said on Wednesday that he will serve as big man coach for the Utah Jazz in a part-time role, tutoring Derrick Favors and Enes Kanter.

"Everything is about timing and the timing is right," Malone said in a radio interview. "The fact they think I might be able to help is pretty neat. …

"I’m not getting bored or anything. I’ve got plenty to do. But I also grew up playing basketball my whole life, so this is exciting for me."

Malone made it clear that he does not want people to think he is angling for a larger role within the Jazz's organization.

"I’m not going to be sitting on the bench," Malone said, "and I’m not going to be taking over any meetings. We’ll take some small baby steps and go from there. … I don’t want to be a distraction."

Malone was a legendary player for the Jazz and led the franchise to two NBA Finals appearances in 1997 and 1998.

James Southerland To Workout For Eight Teams

Sat, 25 May 2013 12:12:55 EDT

James Southerland has scheduled eight visits over the next few weeks.

Southerland will work out for the Minnesota Timberwolves, Houston Rockets, San Antonio Spurs, Los Angeles Clippers, Detroit Pistons, Indiana Pacers, Washington Wizards and Utah Jazz.

"He's visiting a bunch of teams," Southerland's agent, Mark Bartelstein said. "He's going to be very, very busy."

Southerland worked out for the Milwaukee Bucks earlier this week.

Cavaliers Win Lottery; Magic, Wizards In Top-3

Tue, 21 May 2013 20:52:23 EDT

The 2013 NBA Draft Lottery was held on Tuesday in Times Square with the Cleveland Cavaliers winning for the second time in three years and third time in ten years. The Washington Wizards moved up from the eighth slot to draft third.

1. Cleveland Cavaliers
2. Orlando Magic
3. Washington Wizards
4. Charlotte Bobcats
5. Phoenix Suns
6. New Orleans Pelicans
7. Sacramento Kings
8. Detroit Pistons
9. Minnesota Timberwolves
10. Portland Trail Blazers
11. Philadelphia 76ers
12. Toronto Raptors
13. Dallas Mavericks
14. Utah Jazz

Sloan Could Rejoin Jazz As Consultant

Sat, 18 May 2013 19:43:58 EDT

Jerry Sloan could return to the Utah Jazz as a consultant, two years after he resigned as coach.

"If there’s something out there that’s right for both parties, we would welcome a relationship with Jerry," Jazz president Randy Rigby said. "The Utah Jazz have great love and respect for him."

Sloan wouldn’t want to be seen as getting in the way of Tyrone Corbin.

"When we talked about getting him seats to the games, he was very sensitive about where they were located," Rigby said. "He didn’t want to be too close to the floor. He did not want to portray to Tyrone that he was interfering. That speaks volumes about Jerry Sloan, that he’s sensitive to something like that."

Jazz Host Myck Kabongo, Nate Wolters For Pre-Draft Workout

Sat, 11 May 2013 19:57:12 EDT

The Utah Jazz worked out point guards Myck Kabongo and Nate Wolters on Saturday in preparation for the NBA draft.

None of the Utah’s point guards from last season — Mo Williams, Jamaal Tinsley or Earl Watson — is under contract for next year.

"Utah does need a point guard, and everybody is aware of that," Kabongo said. "[So] I’m excited to come out here. Obviously the history with John Stockton is here. And a lot of [other] great guards have come through. So it’s a pleasure to be here."

Said Wolters: "My agent and I thought this would be a good fit. ... We’re going to a lot of workouts [but] to get one before the combine is nice — just to have one under my belt."

76ers To Interview Mike Malone, Hornacek

Thu, 02 May 2013 10:35:16 EDT

The Philadelphia 76ers will interview Mike Malone and Jeff Hornacek for their head coaching vacancy, according to sources.

Malone is currently an assistant with the Golden State Warriors, while Hornacek is an assistant with the Utah Jazz.

Malone has been a candidate for several NBA head coaching jobs and is currently the top-paid assistant in the league.

The 76ers are also strongly considering Brian Shaw and would be interested in Lionel Hollins should he become available.

Kevin O'Connor Denies Report He's Stepping Down As Jazz Exec

Wed, 01 May 2013 03:01:11 EDT

Kevin O'Connor denied a report on Wednesday that said he will step down in his position within the Utah Jazz's management.

Asked if he was stepping down after 14 years as an executive with the organization, O’Connor said, "Not true, and I have no comment."

Salt Lake City CBS affiliate KUTV Ch. 2 said O’Connor, the team’s executive vice president of basketball operations, would leave the Jazz this summer and hand all of his executive duties over to general manager Dennis Lindsey.

O’Connor sold his Holladay home on April 17, the same day the Jazz’s season ended with an 86-70 loss in Memphis.

The Jazz have missed the playoffs in two of the past three seasons.

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