2009 Utah Jazz Summer League Roster

July 6, 5:52 PMUtah Jazz ExaminerJeff Lockard

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For most teams the Summer League is an opportunity to look at the young players already on your existing roster and current draft picks.  Usually, undrafted players don't have much of an opportunity to earn a NBA roster spot, but Utah's financial situation might provide an opening for one or even two members of this year's team.

Below is Utah's roster for the Orlando Summer League.  The names highlighted are either current Jazz players, or players that have a realistic opportunity to make the 2009-10 Utah Jazz roster.  Kosta Koufos and Eric Maynor will both be with the Jazz next season, but Goran Suton, Wesley Matthews and Dar Tucker could also make the opening day roster.

The Jazz are already flirting with the luxury tax and still have a decision to make regarding Paul Millsap.  If the Jazz sign Millsap there will be two or three roster spots available.  One of those spots will likely go to a veteran point guard, but the other two spots could be filled by members of this team.  If the Jazz keep last season's position distribution, they will need to replace the roster spots vacated by Morris Almond and Jarron Collins.  The most likely replacement for Collins is second round selection Goran Suton.

Morris Almond's departure could provide an opening for a wing player, or the Jazz may start next season with a 14 man roster.  If Utah does decide to carry 15 players, they will look to add a young talented player with the lowest possible salary obligation.  Wesley Matthews appears to be the best fit if a player is selected from this summer league squad, but Dar Tucker is another possibility.   

• Jimmy Baron had the fifth highest three point percentage (45.4%) in NCAA Division I basketball last season.  (Only players with 2.5 or more made three point field goals per game qualify) 
• Derrick Brown has the talent to impress during the Summer League, but his draft rights are held by the Charlotte Bobcats.
• Kosta Koufos will get plenty of touches during his time on the court.  If Utah's doesn't add another veteran center, Koufos and Fesenko will battle for the primary back-up roll behind Mehmet Okur.
• Wesley Matthews is an athletic shooting guard with an NBA ready body.  His maturity, toughness and athleticism give him a chance to make Utah's roster.
• Eric Maynor will get the majority of minutes at point guard this summer.  His versatility should provide Utah's coaching staff the flexibility to push tempo and work within the half court system.
• Goran Suton could make Utah's roster as a fourth center.  His offensive skills and shooting range extend to 20 feet, but he will need to shoot well this summer to impress.
• Dar Tucker has as much potential as anyone on this team, but he's unpolished.  His decision to leave school early is surprising, but college isn't for everyone. 
• Gary Wilkinson had an exceptional senior season at Utah State, but his lack of athleticism and age will likely keep him off a NBA roster.