Jazz address depth at point guard by locking up McLeod

The Jazz on Friday exercised the option for next season on Keith McLeod's contract, paving the way for a third year in Utah for the 26-year-old Bowling Green product.

"We decided he's a player that can compete in the NBA," Jazz basketball boss Kevin O'Connor said, "and he's an asset."

McLeod, who averaged 5.6 points per game last season and has started 59 of 119 games over two years in Utah, will make about $1.4 million next season.

His role with the Jazz, however, remains undetermined.

McLeod could wind up backing up Deron Williams at the point, but O'Connor did rule out the possibility of Utah acquiring another point guard via trade or free agency.

The Jazz also drafted University of Illinois point Dee Brown in the second round of Wednesday's NBA Draft, and Brown — Williams' former backcourt mate with the Illini — will be given ample opportunity to make the club.

SEE SENE: Jazz fans disappointed they won't see Senegalese 7-footer Mouhamed Saer Sene play in Utah can perk up.

The new Sonics center whom Utah was eyeing in the draft will play with Seattle's entry in the Rocky Mountain Revue, the Jazz-hosted NBA summer league scheduled July 14-21 at Salt Lake Community College.

Williams, sophomore shooting guard C.J. Miles, recently acquired center Rafael Araujo and 2006 draft choices Brown, Ronnie Brewer and Paul Millsap all plan to play for Utah in the Revue.

The Jazz have not yet released their full summer roster, but the league's schedule was announced Friday. Utah opens against Duke power forward Shelden Williams and Atlanta on July 14, and closes July 21 vs. San Antonio.

The Jazz also are scheduled to play University of Memphis swingman Rodney Carney and Philadelphia on July 15, Sene and the Sonics on July 17, Dallas on July 18 and Atlanta again on July 20.

All Jazz Revue games begin at 7 p.m. The summer league has three games per day, but none July 16 or July 19.

WHALEY RETURNING? The Jazz still haven't ruled out signing center Robert Whaley to their Revue roster, but it remains to be seen if NBA trade rules will permit them to do so.

Whaley was dealt to Toronto with Kris Humphries for Araujo in early June, and waived shortly thereafter. The second-round rookie played 23 games for Utah last season.