Almond did log six scoreless minutes in Wednesday's first half, but he didn't play after the break.

RUMOR MILL: The Jazz are known to be among numerous NBA teams that called to inquire about veteran big man Antonio McDyess, a free agent after being traded recently from Detroit to Denver and reaching a buyout agreement with the Nuggets.

They don't feel they have any legit shot, however, at actually signing McDyess, who is in the midst of a 30-day window that must expire before he is eligible to re-sign with the Pistons.

According a report Wednesday on SI.com, which cited unnamed "league sources," the leading three bidders for McDyess should he not return to Detroit are believed to be Cleveland, San Antonio and Boston, with the Cavaliers supposedly offering the most money.

MILLER BACK: Jazz owner Larry H. Miller, who missed Monday's game for medical reasons, was back Wednesday, so the team proceeded with a previously postponed pre-game ceremony honoring Sloan for having notched his 1,000 win as head coach of the franchise.

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E-mail: tbuckley@desnews.com