From Deseret News archives:

Utah Jazz: Competition fierce for 2-guard minutes

Published: Monday, Oct. 6, 2008 12:50 a.m. MDT
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"Kyle's a great shooter, C.J. is really versatile, Mo's a great scorer," Brewer said. "The competition is at a high level, so I just want to go out there and do my part."

After playing against him the past month, including during Brewer's 20-point scrimmage performance Saturday at EnergySolutions Arena, Korver believes the Arkansas product has his own strengths.

"He's an unbelievable athlete. He works hard," Korver said. "He's going to keep on getting better. He's shooting the ball really well right now, too."

Korver joined Sloan in praising Brewer for his defensive hustle after the public scrimmage, which is something that very well could give him the inside track on keeping his starting job.

"He has all the capabilities to be a lock-down defender," Korver said.

During pick-up games this summer, Korver thought he had a good look at the basket when Brewer would suddenly swat the ball away. That, Korver laughed, made him look at Brewer and wonder, "How in the world did you get that ball? I thought I was wide open."

Though Sloan has dished out compliments at a generous rate this camp so far — especially when it comes to players' conditioning — the coach continues to give Brewer his public vote of approval.

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"I'm just amazed at how much he's improved, the way he's worked. I hope he doesn't lose sight of that," Sloan said. "He's made himself a good player by being able to work hard."

That's something each shooting guard is trying to do. And in theory, that will serve to help the players stay sharp — they don't want to fall behind in this race, after all — and the Jazz should benefit from the diverse talent. These players figure to play into the small-forward rotation as well with Andrei Kirilenko and Matt Harpring.

"We're not all the same player, though, either. We're all very different," Korver said. "I think whatever the game needs we're going to have that person for that need."

They also have a group of players who are hoping to show off their expanded repertoires.

Brewer hopes to show he has a reliable shot to go with his scintillating athleticism. Korver hopes to show he can do more than just shoot. Miles hopes to work his way into the mix and prove his new contract was worth it. And Almond hopes to show he can be an NBA contributor and not just a D-League scoreboard phenom.

Williams, on the other hand, just hopes he is the point guard dishing them the ball.

Jazz on the air

Utah Jazz vs. L.A. Lakers

Honda Center

Anaheim, Calif.

Tuesday, 8 p.m.

TV: KJZZ, Ch. 14

Radio: 1320 AM


E-mail: jody@desnews.com

Recent comments

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shan | Oct. 6, 2008 at 10:15 p.m.

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Kyle Korver

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