The Jazz Junkies

Although most people were pretty optimistic that the Jazz’s stars Deron Williams and Carlos Boozer would be named to this summer’s USA Olympic roster, on Monday, it was made official.

As a Jazz fan, this is very exciting for many reasons. First, and least important, it reminds us of the “glory” days back when our very own Stockton and Malone were a big part of the original Dream Team in 1992, and again on The Dream Team 2 in 1996. Second, we all know how Read the rest of this entry »

News yesterday came that Pistons guard Chauncey Billups withdrew from consideration for the U.S. Olympic roster.  I haven’t seen any official statements, but word is that it’s personal reasons (maybe family related).    Common consensus was that the Olympic committee would choose Read the rest of this entry »

Deron Williams and Carlos Boozer both have a decent, if not very good chance of making the Final Roster of this summer’s 2008 USA Olympic team.

Originally, there was supposed to be a mini-camp in Las Vegas later this month (June) with about 16 players as a “try-out” before they announced the Final 12-man roster. However, Jerry Colangelo has announced that they will scrap the mini-camp and announce the 12-man roster around June 22, before the team reports to Las Vegas to begin workouts on June 28. The team has until July 1 to file the final roster.

Last summers Olympic Qualifying roster included: Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, Carmelo Anthony, Amare Stoudemire, Dwight Howard, Jason Kidd, Chauncey Billups, Michael Redd, Mike Miller, Tyson Chandler, Tayshaun Prince and Deron Williams.

Carlos Boozer was invited but was unable to attend because of health issues with his son. Also, speculation says Read the rest of this entry »

Matt Harpring and Ronnie Price of our Utah Jazz are each helping to put on basketball camps.  Read all about these basketball camps and how to sign up.  Click “Read the Rest of This Story” under the picture.

Read the rest of this entry »

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Utah Jazz players Mehmet Okur and Kyle Korver are both set to participate in this year’s Basketball Without Borders Program.  Okur and other NBA players also helped refurbish a basketball court for the kids.

Basketball Without Borders is a community outreach program that “unites elite young basketball players to promote the sport and encourages positive social change in the areas of education, health and wellness in local communities.” Read the rest of this entry »

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  Kyle Korver, our favorite 3-point specialist underwent successful surgery on Wednesday June 4 to remove a bone spur from the top of his left foot.

  The foot will be re-examined in 2 weeks, and he should be able to start rehab on it in 3 weeks – working out in a pool, specifically.

  As with the Millsap surgery, this sounds very minor and I would expect Korver to be back to 100% in plenty of time for training camp and the season.

  Let’s see some more buzzer-beating game winners from Korver next year!

Jason Hart apparently had up until May 30 to decide whether to opt out of his 2-year contract and become a free agent, or exercise the option on the second year of the contract and remain with the Jazz for next year.

Hart unlikely would have made more than the approximate $2.5 million he will make from the Jazz elsewhere, and I doubt he made this decision based on playing time. He will likely remain as the third option at Point Guard behind Deron Williams and Ronnie Price.

As much as I like Jason Hart as a person, I personally think he brings absolutely nothing to help the Jazz, and is just taking up a roster spot. I don’t blame him for taking the money, I just hope the Jazz can trade him, or buy him out or something to free up spots for Fesenko, Almond, and/or Draft picks.

I wish the best to you, Jason Hart, but hopefully not on the Jazz.

Paul Millsap had surgery to repair his left thumb a little over a week ago. He had torn a ligament on May 16 during game 6 of the Lakers series. No worries though, he will wear a cast for 2 weeks and it should be fully healed in 6 weeks – meaning he won’t miss any of training camp and should be 100% for next season!

Millsap has been extremely durable the past 2 seasons, being the only Jazz player to not miss a game during that span of 164 regular season games and 29 playoff games. What a steal he has been from the late 2nd round!!! Paul has been the epitome of team play, hustle, and effort since we drafted him. He’s always sacrificing his body for loose balls and playing through pain and little injuries.

We better not let him leave to another team when his rookie contract expires. After reading the article from Deseret News, it sounds like Kevin O’Connor and the Jazz are planning on exercising the third-year team option on his contract.