Utah Jazz training camp, part I

September 29, 10:41 PMUtah Jazz ExaminerJeff Lockard

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Today is the first in a two part series covering the uncertainties that surround the Jazz as they embark on the 2009-10 season. Today's emphasis will be on the six non-guaranteed contract invites to Jazz camp. Tomorrow, the focus will be on what to expect from the Carlos Boozer situation as the season progresses.

The Utah Jazz begun their first full week of training camp, and will play the Denver Nuggets on Thursday signifying the start of the 2009-10 season. Utah brought back 12 players from the 2008-09 team. Add first round draft pick Eric Maynor to the roster and the Jazz currently have 13 players under contract. Of those 13 players, only veteran forward Matt Harpring will not participate in this year's camp. Harpring continues to battle knee and ankle discomfort, and will likely be lost until late November. This is a situation worth monitoring; if the discomfort and pain does not subside this could mark the end of Harpring's playing career.

With 13 of the 15 roster spots already filled, six players will be competing for the final two spots on Utah's roster. The six players trying to catch the eye of Jazz management are:

Wesley Matthews (6’5” 215) Guard
College: Marquette
2008-09: NCAA - Marquette

Paul Harris (6’5” 225) Guard/Forward
College: Syracuse
2008-09: NCAA - Syracuse

Ronald Dupree (6’7” 210) Guard/Forward
College: Louisiana State
2008-09: NBDL - Utah Flash

Goran Suton (6’10” 245) Forward
College: Michigan State
2008-09: NCAA - Michigan State

Alexander Johnson (6’9” 230) Forward
College: Florida State
2008-09: Germany - Brose Baskets Bamberg

Spencer Nelson (6’8” 225) Forward
College: Utah State
2008-09: Greece - Aris Thessaloniki

It appears that there are three power forwards battling for one roster spot, and three wing players looking to fill the other opening on Utah’s roster. Local college standout Spencer Nelson played well last season in Greece, but he’s slightly undersized for the power forward position in the NBA. Alexander Johnson has NBA experience, but Goran Suton has the inside track. The Jazz invested a second round pick on Suton and will likely give him an opportunity to prove his worth.

While the power forward battle appears to have a early favorite, the wing position is seemingly up for grabs. Ronald Dupree is a veteran perimeter player who played well for the Utah Flash last season, but does not have the same upside as Matthews or Harris. Wesley Matthews has a prototypical NBA body and played for the Jazz this summer in Orlando, but struggled at times offensively. Former Syracuse standout, Paul Harris is more explosive than the other two players, but his game is not as refined as Dupree or Matthews.

Jerry Sloan rarely goes deep into his bench so although the two remaining roster spots hold some interest to avid Jazz fans most of the focus on this year's camp will be directed at Carlos Boozer.  Check back tomorrow for possible solutions to Boozer's situation...