Utah Jazz: MIA Melo won't alter Jazz focus in opener

When the Jazz open their 2008-09 regular season Wednesday night vs. the Denver Nuggets, one NBA All-Star will be conspicuously absent.

Carmelo Anthony was suspended several months ago by the team its first two games of the season, punishment stemming from an April incident in Denver in which the two-time All-Star eventually pleaded guilty to a charge of driving while ability-impaired.

The glaring omission, Jazz coach Jerry Sloan suggested Saturday, won't alter Utah's approach to the opener.

"It doesn't make any difference," Sloan said.

"I feel bad for anybody missing, whether it's through injury or whatever the case may be," he added. "But our job is still the same. We've got to focus on winning the game. Whoever's there, we'll just have to play them and try to beat 'em."

Anthony averaged 25.7 points per game for the Nuggets last season.

MCNAMARA WAIVED: The Jazz waived point guard Gerry McNamara after practice on Saturday, reducing their roster count to the NBA maximum-allowed 15. The move was fully expected, as all 15 who remain with the Jazz have guaranteed contracts.

Sloan has said he'll quite likely keep all 15 to start the season but that the club would consider waiving one sometime down the road should injuries necessitate bringing in someone from the outside.

McNamara, a free agent from Syracuse, has yet to play in a regular-season NBA game. He appeared in four of seven preseason games for the Jazz, averaging 2.5 points and 0.5 assists in 7.3 minutes per game.

McNamara was one of three free agents in Jazz training camp, along with previously waived Kevin Lyde and Gabe Muoneke.

INJURY UPDATE: Also Saturday, veteran small forward Matt Harpring (ankle rehab) and big man Jarron Collins (triceps tendinitis) both returned to full-participation practice.

Point guard Deron Williams did not practice Saturday and continues to rehab and receive treatment on his sprained ankle.

Harpring is being called "doubtful" by the club for Wednesday's opener night in EnergySolutions Arena, but Collins is deemed "day-to-day."

Williams has said he hopes to play in the opener, but the Jazz's timetable for his anticipated return would seem to rule that out.