Utah Jazz: All eyes will be on Williams tonight
Even Jazz coach Jerry Sloan conceded as much following this morning's shootaround in advance of tonight's preseason game against the Chicago Bulls on the campus of Williams' old school, the University of Illinois.
"It's an exhibition, and obviously he may not play as many minutes as he would during the regular season," Sloan said of Williams, who helped lead the Illinois to the 2005 NCAA title game.
"But, obviously, if it's something the fans want to see, we'll put him out there a little bit more."
A crowd of more than 14,000 is expected tonight at Assembly Hall, including Illinois coach Bruce Weber and members of his current Illini club.
Still, Williams has his eyes focused mainly on the start of the NBA regular season — and doesn't want tonight's setting to prompt him and the Jazz to forget why they're here.
In fact, he doesn't expect his playing time to be much more than it was when he logged 25 minutes in Wednesday night's overtime exhibition loss at Denver.
"About the same; about 24 minutes," Williams said. "Try to keep the minutes the same. I don't plan on playing any more."
Meanwhile, backup center Jarron Collins (severe triceps inflammation) said Friday he won't play tonight or in Saturday night's exhibition against the Bulls in Chicago.
Ronnie Price (lower-leg contusion) may not play tonight for the Jazz either, but fellow reserve guard Brevin Knight (sprained thumb) probably will.
The Bulls, incidentally, arrive with a lineup that includes free-agent roster hopeful and ex-Jazz forward Roger Powell Jr. — one of Williams' former teammates at Illinois.
Powell has appeared in just one of three Chicago exhibition games, logging eight minutes and scoring two points in a preseason-opening loss to Dallas.
Former Jazz big man Michael Ruffin has been bothered by a sprained ankle sustained early in training camp, and has yet to play in a preseason game for the Bulls. He's listed as "doubtful" for tonight.
E-mail: tbuckley@desnews.com
Recent comments
If only Deron Williams had gone to the BYU and was in my ward, then...
If only... | Oct. 17, 2008 at 10:02 p.m.
Uh, dude. The Jazz have not lost in the first round with Williams...
Re: Jimmy Z | Oct. 17, 2008 at 6:09 p.m.
Why don't you just admit you are a Laker fan? You are unworthy to be...
Re: Jimmy Z | Oct. 17, 2008 at 5:59 p.m.
- Swayze in hospital 5:54 p.m.
- Benitez lays into Man U 5:39 p.m.
- Alpine Scout patch 4:39 p.m.
- Gov. defiant over impeachment 4:23 p.m.
- Murder suspect back to LV 4:22 p.m.
- Sentencing delayed 4:19 p.m.
- EPA arrives at Vernal oil spill 3:51 p.m.
- Service sales tax? 3:47 p.m.
- Mall shooting investigated 3:32 p.m.
- Draper temple open house 3:31 p.m.
- BYU's '09 football opener is OK
187 - Collie to NFL171
- LDS silent on issues165
- U. season greatest in our history146
- Shurtleff considers BCS probe135
- Utes finish No. 2 in AP poll123
- Huckabee speaks on Mormons116
- Utes earned crown on field115
- Official 2009 BYU football schedule111
- Polygamous leaders arrested92
Im from NY, I feel the same way, Its amazing to view the redundant battle...
NO, NO, NO it's Morons hate Mormons. Morons and Mormons don't mix well as you...
Huck is FairTax. He has my vote. Supporting this plan is the acid test for...
Re: Oh Please I can see you LOVE The Vampire. FYI, the Puritans were not...
I am eager to see this movie. Interesting how the liberals complain about...
I'll be the first to admit that BYU's LDS all-star team doesn't typically...
Why does religion have to be part of any political discussion? Prophecies...
Arc, your spin is just breathtaking. First of all, Chaffetz did not vote...
As an ex-LDS I used to be so amazed by how many dead relatives, who when...
A quote came to mind as I was reading your post: "Never argue with a fool,...