The Jazz will waive two-way player Jason Preston, sources tell Michael Scotto of HoopsHype (Twitter link).
Utah had to make a move to open up a two-way roster spot after it was reported earlier today that the team would ink free agent rookie swingman David Jones to a two-way deal. Scotto notes that Preston has been sidelined due to a calf strain.
A 6’4″ point guard, Preston was initially selected with the No. 33 pick in 2021 out of Ohio University and began his NBA career with the Clippers. He missed his entire rookie season with a right foot injury and was cut ahead of the 2023/24 season after appearing in 14 NBA games in ’22/23.
Preston began last season with the Memphis Hustle, the Grizzlies’ G League squad, then caught on with the Jazz in January on a two-way deal. He spent the rest of the season shuttling between the NBA roster and the Salt Lake City Stars, Utah’s NBAGL affiliate.
Across 21 career NBA contests with the Clippers and Jazz, Preston has averaged 2.5 points, 2.0 assists and 1.9 rebounds per game.
In 52 G League regular season games with the Ontario Clippers, Hustle and Stars, Preston holds averages of 16.5 PPG, 8.6 APG, 7.7 RPG, and 1.2 SPG on .490/.406/.862 shooting. He recorded 10 triple-doubles with the Hustle and Stars last year, Scotto notes.
According to Tony Jones of The Athletic (Twitter link), it is anticipated that Preston will remain in Salt Lake City during his rehab from the calf strain. Utah is said to like Preston and has interest in potentially bringing him back in some capacity when he recuperates.
Outstanding numbers in the g league.
Honestly yes those are good numbers anywhere. Seems like he can play just bad luck with injuries in the beginning.
He needs to find a team that will play him now or least a 3rd string PG but at 24 or 25 he needs the chance now. He doesn’t fit in Utah anyway. Dennis Smith, Fultz and others are out there already so idk it’s bad timing again for him. He will shine somewhere in the world though
He’s staying with the Jazz, it turns out.
Great all around player he seems, and 6’4 is a good size for a PG
Great he played 21 NBA games. He was advised to stay in college, but didn’t listen to anybody.
That does happen alot. That Bailey kid who was drafted by the Hornets is the most recent that has happened to
As an OU alum, I’ll never stop believing in you, Jason
Fellow OU alum. I feel the same way lol
I thought he played well for the Jazz, when they played him. He’s smart and has a well rounded game. They should’ve played him more.
Maybe it’s his defense? The guy they just signed, David Jones, looks to be very active on defense. The Jazz desperately need more of that.
Actually, it was later clarified that he’s staying in SLC. They signed David Jones while Preston rehabs a significant calf strain. Says he’s out indefinitely, which means it can take months.