Utah Jazz notebook: Sloan gets new knee; Collins hopes to play

Jazz coach Jerry Sloan on Thursday underwent surgery to replace his right knee, and according to general manager Kevin O'Connor, the procedure was deemed to be "successful."

A full recovery is expected.

According to a statement from the Jazz released Thursday evening, Dr. Russell Nelson performed the operation in Salt Lake City.

That's the same doctor who performed hip-replacement surgery on Phil Johnson, Sloan's longtime top assistant coach.

Sloan is under contract for next season, and when the team cleaned out its lockers Tuesday, he gave ample indication that he intends to return for a 22nd season as head coach.

A successful surgery, he suggested then, would have no negative impact on that decision.

The Jazz's postseason ended with a Game 5 first-round playoff loss to the Los Angeles Lakers on Monday night.

COLLINS' FUTURE: With his 2008-09 season now done, Jarron Collins intends to play again next season.

He just isn't sure where he'll be playing.

A summer golf-cart accident injured his elbow and derailed this season's start — not only for him, but also twin brother, Minnesota Timberwolves big man Jason Collins.

Jarron Collins, a soon-to-be unrestricted free agent, wound up playing just 26 regular-season games — his fewest in six years.

The reserve big man did start three playoff games in this postseason when usual starting center Mehmet Okur was out with a strained right hamstring, but it's possible his Utah career may have come to a close after eight seasons.

On locker cleanout day earlier this week, Collins — who started 213 of his 505 all-time games with the Jazz — sounded uncertain.

He said that during a "quick" exit meeting both Sloan and O'Connor thanked him for his "professionalism" and "for always staying ready when called upon."

But he evidently got no assurances about being offered a new contract. That's a decision the franchise still must make, he suggested.

"My time spent here in Utah has been absolutely fantastic," Collins said.