The Jazz are expected to make some roster moves before the end of the season, Sarah Todd of the Deseret News writes. Utah will likely convert guard Trent Forrest from his two-way contract, but the team still has a need at backup center.
By converting Forrest to the 15-man roster, Utah would also open a two-way spot for another player. Hassan Whiteside (bone spur fracture) and Udoka Azubuike (ankle surgery) remain sidelined, leading the team to sign veteran center Greg Monroe to a 10-day contract last week.
Monroe’s 10-day deal expires on Wednesday night. In order to keep him and convert Forrest, the Jazz would have to waive a player to create roster space. Converting Forrest would allow him to become playoff-eligible.
Here are some other notes from the Western Conference:
- Jazz star Donovan Mitchell insisted his team will “figure out” its recent struggles, Eric Walden of The Salt Lake Tribune writes. Utah blew a 21-point lead against the Warriors on Saturday, losing 111-107. Utah is just 1-6 in its last seven games. “We have a group of guys — including myself — where it’s gonna feel good when we figure it out,” he said. “So, we can sit here and feel sorry for ourselves or we can use it as fuel. And I think we have a group of guys who want to do that. Yeah, we messed up. We’ve messed up fourth quarters 14 times, 15 times — how do we respond, how do we adjust? That’s really where I’m at, that’s where we’re at. We’ll figure it out.”
- Spurs legend Manu Ginobili has embraced his role as the team’s advisor, Tom Orsborn of the San Antonio Express-News writes. Ginobili, a soon-to-be Hall of Famer, assumed that position last September. He specifically enjoys working with the team’s young players, Orsborn notes. Ginobili played his entire 16-year career with the Spurs and retired in 2018.
- Rockets rookie Josh Christopher is growing into an increased role with the team, Jonathan Feigen of the Houston Chronicle examines. Christopher has played over 15 minutes in seven straight games. He finished with 30 points and two steals against Minnesota on Sunday, shooting 11-of-14 from the floor.
Jazz in discord. What a disappointment. Just goes to show how difficult it is to win a chip. You can have the best coach, the best players, but you still need that little something extra. Sad.
They have the best what? Nobody on the Jazz roster cracks top 15. They consistently blow games in the 4th quarter. They need a lot of that something extra. Spida averaging two passes, not assists, PASSES to Rudy per game may be part of that.
Competitive fire is what makes the best winners of games. They’re not always the best people. That’s why it’s extra special when a nice person wins it all. Dirk is the first to come to mind. Wade is another. Funny how they both competed against each other for each of their first titles.
The Jazz just need that right blend of veterans to surround them. The trouble is that the league is so athletic now. Vets tend to be slower. The new foul rules also make it harder for crafty vets to draw fouls. That’s why long athletic players are the safest and most effective route to go with.
Rockets have plenty of offensive contributors but not much of defense and no one to protect the paint
Yea it’s gonna be unfortunate if they get a top pick as I don’t think any of the top three are going to be great defenders like a Evan Mobley
Holmgren would fit in nicely in Houston. He’s going to be a great defender, not able to go out on the perimeter like Mobley but very good inside already.
Utah has shown in the past that they can get hot and reel off 10 or more straight wins even after a slump, but they have to stop blowing leads when up big.