Utah Jazz: Johnsen on Jazz's training-camp roster

Britton Johnsen knows the odds are against him. He knows the Jazz roster is already filled to the brim with 15 players under contract. He knows his chances of ending up in an NBA uniform for his hometown team are slimmer than he is.

The former University of Utah standout also knows that opportunities to participate in NBA training camps are rare, especially for 29-year-olds.

Another thing he knows?

You just never know what might happen.

It's that hope of the unknown that enticed Johnsen to accept an invitation to participate in the Jazz's upcoming fall camp.

"I know there's no spots open as of now," Johnsen said. "I'm going to go and try to do everything I can to make the team; that's my ultimate goal. At the same time, I understand it's going to be a tough (goal to achieve)."

Johnsen had other offers from across Europe — where he's spent most of the past four years after short NBA stints with Orlando and Indiana — but he decided to seize the Jazz's offer. And why not? At the very least, he'll get a trip to Idaho out of it. It also could open another NBA door.

"There's always openings over there," he said, referring to Europe. "I'm just kind of looking at this like maybe something good will happen out of it."

A severely bruised left thigh limited Johnsen's court time with the Jazz's Rocky Mountain Revue squad this summer. But before the injury, the 6-10 forward averaged 7.5 points, 3.0 rebounds and 17 minutes in two summer-league games. He called the contusion "bad timing, bad luck," but he says "it's perfect" now.

Still, something pretty good almost happened for Johnsen, who earned Utah's Mr. Basketball honors at Murray High, from his brief Revue performance. The well-traveled player committed to play with an Italian pro team, but he said the deal fell apart at the last minute.

This will be the third NBA training camp for Johnsen. He made the Magic in 2003 as a result of his first camp showing, but he was then the last player cut by New Orleans in 2004.

"It's flattering to know the Jazz invited me," he said. "So I want to take the opportunity to do this."

The Jazz have not yet released their full roster for the camp, which runs Sept. 29-Oct. 3, including four days of practice in Boise. Former Syracuse point guard Gerry McNamara also will join the Jazz's 15 contracted players for training.