From Deseret News archives:

Utah Jazz: Utah took Floridian by surprise

Published: Monday, June 16, 2008 12:28 a.m. MDT
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"I try to compare my game to KG (Kevin Garnett) a little bit," he said. "I love his energy, offensively and defensively. You know — if he gets a dunk, he's screaming. Also a little of Rasheed Wallace, with his inside-out game. But definitely not the attitude part."

As for Speights' attitude about the prospect of playing in Salt Lake City, it really doesn't seem to be nearly as bad as his good-natured cowtown humor suggests.

In fact, he seemed quite impressed with Utah while watching NBA postseason play over the last couple years.

"I love seeing 'em on TV," Speights said of the Jazz. "The fans are crazy. They're so loud, and they love the team out here."

Story continues below
NOTES: Speights and Thompson both were part of a 24-man workout in Oakland on Saturday that was attended by representatives from 10 NBA teams, including Jazz general manager Kevin O'Connor. ... Cal forward Ryan Anderson, who also auditioned at the Golden State-hosted workout, canceled his planned visit to Utah on Sunday so he could spend time with family while deciding before today's withdrawal deadline whether to remain draft eligible or return for his junior season. ... Point guards Johnnie Bryant of the University of Utah and Ronald Steele of Alabama also worked out for the Jazz on Sunday. Steele is a projected second-rounder, and Bryant is hoping for an invitation to summer-league camp. ... Georgetown center Roy Hibbert reportedly worked out last Friday in Charlotte. The Jazz seem to be quite high on the 7-2 senior, and hope to bring him back for a second workout sometime before the draft.

Contributing: Linda Hamilton


E-mail: tbuckley@desnews.com

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Jason Thompson of Rider in New Jersey talks to the media after a predraft workout for the Jazz at the Zions Bank Basketball Center, the Jazz practice facility, on Sunday.

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