Utah Jazz: Maynor is playing well

MAITLAND, Fla. — Eric Maynor, Utah's first-round pick in this year's NBA Draft, continues to impress.

The 22-year-old rookie isn't shooting the ball well, but he is turning heads — literally and figuratively — with his lightening-quick drives to the basket.

"Eric, I think, has the ability to change speeds, which really helps his game," said Jazz assistant coach Scott Layden. "I think he's getting better and with his work ethic he'll continue to get better."

Improving shouldn't be a problem for the rookie, as he'll be forced to go head-to-head with starting point guard Deron Williams in practice. He's looking forward to the challenge and opportunity of learning from the Olympic gold medalist.

"I'm just excited to be around him, just to learn from him" Maynor said. "Knowing that he's one of the best point guards in the NBA. I think that is going to be good for me."

Though Williams will be teaching him the secrets of the pro game, Maynor's ability to get to the rim has reminded some people of a young Stephon Marbury. The comparison is something that isn't new to the rookie.

"I've heard it before," he said.

FORMER WEBER STATE STANDOUT FRUSTRATED WITH ROLE: Playing in the summer league offers many young players an opportunity to gain quick experience and a little exposure. For Lance Allred, however, it continues to be a source of frustration. The former Weber State Wildcat is trying to work his way back into the NBA, but playing in the summertime is a route Allred would just as soon avoid if at all possible.

"When summertime comes along, it's kind of a necessary evil," Allred said. "You do it, but all you can do is shrug."

Frustrated after logging only seven minutes in the Magic's 88-77 loss to the Thunder, Allred vented his displeasure with the summer league process.

"Summer league really isn't my style of play," he said. "It's more of a phonetic, kind of disorganized chaos. It's more hindered to the athleticism; I'm more of a structure guy. Summer league has never been my real format to come out and do my thing."

Allred will be forced to deal with the frustration from his summer league disappointment a few days longer, as the event wraps up on Friday. The week-long league, however, isn't the only process the 28-year-old forward is finished with.

"I'm retired from the D-League, that's for sure," he said. "I have contacts and offers from Italy, Spain and Belgium. We'll see what happens from there."