Utah Jazz: Selfishness helping team

Being selfish and unselfish at the same time has helped the Utah Jazz jump out to a 3-0 start.

Those were two hot topics — another being Paul Millsap's powerful performance Monday — brought up by the Jazz at practice Tuesday.

They aren't contradicting themes, either.

Coach Jerry Sloan says the"unselfishness of our guys to pass the ball" — even without star point guard Deron Williams — is a key factor so far. The Jazz are tied for fifth in the NBA in assists, averaging 21.66 per game. In particular, Sloan lauded second-unit players Andrei Kirilenko and Brevin Knight for their effective ball distribution.

"Brevin Knight's done a great job of getting guys the basketball in places they can do something with it," Sloan said.

Sloan dished out similar praise to Kirilenko, who had 15 points, 11 rebounds, four steals and two assists in Monday's win and has thrived in his new reserve role.

"If I'm playing with Andrei Kirilenko," Sloan said, "I've gotta pass him the ball because he will give it back in a manner that gives you a chance to play it."

And the selfish part?

Utah isn't sharing the ball with opponents much, averaging just 11 turnovers, including Saturday's record-setting, five-turnover outing against L.A.

That's what has most impressed Williams, who called the Jazz offense "great" in his absence.

"The biggest thing is we've been taking care of the ball," he said. "We haven't shot very well from outside, but because we're not turning the ball over, not giving people easy chances to get easy buckets, we've been fine."

INJURY REPORT: Though he circled the date on his calendar, Williams remains "doubtful" to make his season debut against Portland tonight.

Williams, who's nursing a sprained left ankle, participated in some drills at practice Tuesday, a team spokesman said. But there was no contact and he didn't go at full speed in his limited participation.

"It's getting better," Williams said."Still don't know a timetable, so day-to-day — just seeing how it feels."

Matt Harpring (ankle rehab) is also out for tonight's game.

The Jazz are expecting Jarron Collins to return from Southern California in time for the Trail Blazers' game, but his playing availability is uncertain. The backup big man remained in Los Angeles after Monday's win over the Clippers to have his ailing right elbow and arm examined by a specialist.

OLYMPIC CELEBRATION: Five Olympians from the Jazz and the Salt Lake Bees — both owned by Larry H. Miller — will be honored at halftime tonight for their participation in the 2008 Summer Games in Beijing.