Utah Jazz: Suton playing hard to earn roster spot

MAITLAND, Fla. — After suffering a 31-point loss to the Boston Celtics, the Utah Jazz fought their way to a tough 83-68 win against the Nets/76ers team Tuesday, improving their record to 1-1.

"The effort and ball movement was much better tonight (Tuesday)," said Jazz assistant coach Scott Layden. "We really had a good camp and good practices, so we were a little stunned by last night's game. It was great that our guys came back."

Improving on Monday's lackluster performance, the Jazz were led by three players in double-figures. Josh Duncan's 5-of-6 shooting helped pave the way for the 46-point turnaround.

"I didn't know a lot about him, but I think he's played really well," Layden said. "Defensively — these things don't always show up in the stat book — he was guarding smaller guys tonight. I thought he did a very good job."

Duncan wasn't the lone member of the Jazz to give a good performance. Kevin Kruger also played an excellent game. He finished with 10 points, four rebounds, and two assists in 13 minutes, shooting 4-of-7 from the field.

"I love Kevin Kruger because he just plays the game," Layden said. "His experience shows when he has the ball in his hands. He's steady. He's got a poise about him that you need from a point guard. He's a very good player."

Also making a major contribution for the Jazz was second-round draft pick Goran Suton. The 23-year-old forward won't get many headlines while playing alongside fellow rookie Eric Maynor, but he's proving that he also has a game that is worthy of mentioning.

"He's a good rebounder. He's a good shooter and I think with his work ethic he'll continue to get better," Layden said.

Good fundamental skills aren't much of a surprise for anyone that has played at Michigan State University. Solid skills and a hard work ethic are expected from anyone that Tom Izzo has coached.

"He's got the opportunity to play for a great coach," Layden said. "He's (Izzo) greatness. Goran owes him a lot."

Coach Layden isn't the only member of the Jazz to recognize Suton's effort and abilitiy.

"He plays hard," Eric Maynor said. "That's what he's going to give us every night. I think that's a plus."

Suton's situation is different than his high-profile teammate. While Maynor is guaranteed a roster spot, the 6-10 power forward may never suit up for the team that selected him with the 50th overall pick in the 2009 NBA draft.

"Eric is a great player," Suton said. "I think he is, obviously, going to be getting a lot of minutes. I have to earn everything I get. I'm just going to go out there and keep playing hard, that's all I can do."

Knowing a spot with the Jazz isn't promised continues to motivate the rookie. But he also has other options available if the team decides they don't need his services. Already having a bit of international experience — he played with a Bosnian team at age of 14 — Suton has already been added to the Croatian Eurobasket team's 24-man preliminary roster, an option that will be seriously considered.

"I have committed to the Croatian national team in the future," Suton said. "I haven't decided if I'll go over there this summer yet, it's still a possibility. I'm going to sit down and talk to the coaching staff and see what their plans are. It will play a part in my decision."