Deseret News | Utah Jazz: Harpring unsure about his future

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Utah Jazz: Harpring unsure about his future

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Harp has given a lot | 11:33 p.m. July 2, 2009

The rules are complicated, I think if he does not play due to medical issues the Jazz get an extra MLE which they don't really need. It may be best to have him start the season and sit on the bench and then buy him out. His contract is non guaranteed at least in part.

It might be best to trade him for a credit or a draft pick and then let them release him and resign him for the minimum. He may make a decent assistant coach.

Hopefully he heals up so he is not in pain and hobbling around for the next 60 years.

jazzfan | 11:41 p.m. July 2, 2009

Matt whatever will be your future, your being a great player for the jazz institution but your family and health are first and we will understand.
I hope you get better soon regarless of staying or retiring, God Bless you.

Miles | 11:44 p.m. July 2, 2009

That is Harpring's way of saying I know CJ is so much better than me. I can see him not wanting to sit on the bench while the youngster takes his minutes. Time to hang um up Matt and start coaching. Run your basketball camps year round and have Boozer attend them in the offseason.

Comments continue below

Boozer..... | 11:51 p.m. July 2, 2009

Please take note Carlos, this is what it like to have a heart. To play and give your all even though you don't have your all anymore. Effort with heart. Harpring will always be one of the best Jazz players. If not by his skill, then by his heart, toughness and love of the game. We all know that a broken fingernail or other ouhee will sideline Boozer for half a season. Maybe Matt could be a teacher or mentor to Boozer even though I think its a pipe dream. Boozer is what he is and could never play with the heart of Harpring. Too bad Matt, I wish you the best, you truly are a class act.

jbra80 | 11:57 p.m. July 2, 2009

If healthy, I would love to see him back, but I have a feeling he won't be. His role will be really hard to replace. He's one of like 4 players (Williams, Millsap, Price) on the team that give it their all everytime out. You know opposing players want no part in guarding him. He's also probably the only one outside of Booz that can play w/ his back to the basket. When he was first coming to the Jazz I was not happy, I thought 'good another slow white guy' but a friend of mine (a Laker fan of all people) said 'trust me Jazz fans will love him'. Well he couldn't have been more right. It's too bad that his all-out style of play is likely going to force him into early retirement. If there is anyone we could replace him with i'd love to hear about it.

rvalens2 | 12:00 a.m. July 3, 2009

Whatever happens Matt, you can walk proudly into retirement.

I only wish the Jazz had 10 more players just like you.

todd from santa ana | 12:09 a.m. July 3, 2009

Matt harpring is one of my all time heroes in sports, whatever your decision Matt from me THANK YOU AND I HOPE YOU WILL BE ON THE JAZZ COACHING STAFF. GET WELL!!!

Thanks Matt | 12:23 a.m. July 3, 2009

What a classy guy! Why can't we get more like him. His talent isn't what made him a solid player, just his drive and work ethic. If we could only give him Carlos Boozer's body I'm pretty sure we could win a championship!!!

sorry... | 1:01 a.m. July 3, 2009

to burst everyone's love fantasy bubble with Matt Harpring, but he is overrated! The Jazz fans obsession over him has always bugged me and I haven't been popular because of my opinion...but again Matt Harpring...really!? C'mon he may have heart but he lacks NBA talent. QUIT FLOPPING AROUND LIKE A CRAZY GUY ALL THE TIME!!!...but I guess your little charades have impressed Jazz fans and made them think you're so tough and have heart for some reason.

Boozer if you're reading this start flailing your arms anytime you're touched or bumped and then start overreacting and then all the Jazz fans will love you and think you've got passion and heart. Harps did it and it worked for him! Let's hope Harpring is done once and for all...trust me, we will not miss having him.

Anonymous | 1:08 a.m. July 3, 2009

Matt Harpring was a key component a few years ago when we made the Western Conference Finals. I'll never forget his defense against Tracy McGrady - if that guy (Harpring) comes back next season we can go a long ways. If he's not 90-100% he'll gracefully retire, but he's too much of a fighter to be done now - I'll bet he'll be back.

jazzman72 | 1:36 a.m. July 3, 2009

Matt was a great player and an important part of our core for years, but his production has gone way down. Thanks for all you did Matt. Time for cj to break out of his shell and earn his money.

Mike B. | 2:22 a.m. July 3, 2009

To sorry, yes you are. You are one sorry individual who needs to go root for some other team. Matt Harpring may not have have the greatest basketball skills, but he more than made up for it in hustle and grit. I think you had better take a closer look at some of those "flops" and "arm flailing", as you put it. I'm sure that if you were to take one of those shots you would be in a coma. Enough about you. Matt Harpring, I am very proud to have had you represent the State of Utah and the Utah Jazz as a classy individual and a hard worker. If all the other players on the Jazz team played as hard as you, with the heart that you have and the grit and determination you have shown over the years, then the Jazz would have won at least one Championship. However, we who have enjoyed watching you consider you a true Champion and a worthy role model for our children as to what one can accomplish with a little skill, a lot of hard work, dedication, and the greatest of hearts. God Bless you.

awsomeron | 5:30 a.m. July 3, 2009

I know White Players are hard to find that can play in the NBA.

$6.5 Million is a lot of Money to walk away from. However when walking is an issue, it just might have to be considered.

When its over it should be proudly over.

I would go to Camp and if it did not work in camp, then call it a good day.

Anonymous | 6:32 a.m. July 3, 2009

As good as the Jazz have been to Harpring, maybe he will accept a cheap buy out to help them out with the luxury tax this year. Thanks Matt you were always one of my favorite players.

kwt | 6:37 a.m. July 3, 2009

I love Harpring. What would that do to our salary cap if he didnt play.

Jazz Cop | 6:39 a.m. July 3, 2009

Harpring wasn't much of a contributor last year. There's something not right about that. There weren't many times he changed the complexion of the game, I knew he was injured, I didn't really know how bad, he never talked about it. Not like boozer who had to have three mri's to find a bone chip and then had to let the whole world know how bad off his injury was and how when he came back the jazz would win a championship?!? I think harp will be a great coach, it would be nice to see him coach the jazz. What a classy guy, it wouldn't surprise me to see him get bought out if it would help the jazz, that's the kind of guy he is.

reply to "sorry" | 7:44 a.m. July 3, 2009

It's pretty clear that you don't understand important but sometimes subtle concepts of basketball such as team chemistry, hard work, leadership, and hustle.

Matt's not the most talented player to be sure, but he's been pretty valuable in those other ways.

sunset | 7:47 a.m. July 3, 2009

Harp, thanks for all the effort. Time to move on big guy. No use waiting until August because you haven't been healthy for years. Just decide now. From a business decision, this is the best news Jazz fans have had all off season. If he retires, then we lose a huge defensive liability and someone that misses more easy layups under the basket than anyone in the league. I truly appreciate the effort and toughness because we all know how much this team needs that, but we also need production. 4.4 points per game doesn't get it done my friends. So great career, take care of your body and family and help out the Jazz by retiring now, we get that salary money and can go out and get a 2 guard that can make threes.

reply:sorry | 8:14 a.m. July 3, 2009

Harping is the only dude in the NBA that is allowed to be punched in the face and nothing happens, he has more heart then most players out there, I am proud of him. He may not have been the most talented, but he was talented enough to play in the NBA.

John Wicks | 8:22 a.m. July 3, 2009

A classic act. No tatoo's, earrings and what a competitor. Matt we will miss you. Good luck with your health. You are what the Jazz were all about.

Harpring Fan | 8:27 a.m. July 3, 2009

Matt is awesome! He and Hornacek should both have jerseys retired for the heart they brought to this team. I am 38 yrs old, just ruptured my right achilles playing basketball, and I can not imagine having all the surgerys he has had, and still consider coming back. Whatever he decides, the fans will support. Good Luck Matt!

Thank you for your Grit | 8:32 a.m. July 3, 2009

Harp, you are what a true professional athlete should be...class act on and off he court and one who comes to earn his paycheck nightly, even with the pain. Best wishes to you and your body.

re: Sunset | 8:36 a.m. July 3, 2009

You're correct on Matt Harpring, but who are you gonna go out and get that makes 3 pointers "CONSISTENTLY" that's a 2 guard? Please shine you light on this situation, because there is nobody and we already have a 3 point shooter in Korver. And where is this so called "2 guard that can shoot 3's going to play? Behind Miles, Brewer, Korver and A.K.? Great comment on Harpring, but ridiculous comment on getting a 2 guard! Oh, and by the way, ask Jerry Sloan if he likes shooting 3 point shots in his system.

Anonymous | 8:36 a.m. July 3, 2009

This article sounded like a retirement speech from a guy unwilling to accept it; it's sad when somebody who loves the game and plays the right way has to give it all up. Anybody who doesn't think he contributed much to the Jazz needs only to look up quotes from T Mac on the guy, or quotes from opponents coaches about what Matt brought. The simple fact is people around the league respect the guy and those are the opinions that matter.

Lubbock Jazz Fan | 8:38 a.m. July 3, 2009

Thanks Harpring for the defense, hussle, and effort. This Jazz team needs Harpring's toughness. Let's hope the ankle heals and he can go.

To sorry: your response was just that "sorry".

Thanks Matt | 8:58 a.m. July 3, 2009

Thanks for everything you have done and gave us Matt. When you have your basketball camp I want to pay the cost for A.K. to attend your classes. This man just hasn't learned what it takes to be a player in this league. What a skinny softie we got for the max that can't score or do anything but help defense in a surprise mode. Man up he is one of the worst on our team, helping he is O.K. but has NO offensive game at all. What a waste of 90 MILLION get that 90 MILLION. Unbelievable!

re:sorry why in the crap do | 9:13 a.m. July 3, 2009

you think that larry h miller gave matt harpring either bryon russel's or donyell marshall's contract in the first place? it's because he knew the type of player he was getting and that he was getting his money's worth in harpring. you're obviously overlooking the hornets game this past season when jazz were in n.o. and harpring played his ass off even though the game was pretty much decided by that point anyway. harpring is going to be a bit hard to replace for a while. during his first season in utah (i think it was '01 or '02) he was darned near close to being the leading scorer for the jazz and darned near took karl malone's scoring duties when no other jazz player had ever come close to matching malone's 30+ points per game.

Dave | 9:14 a.m. July 3, 2009

It's been great to see a player who cares as much about playing hard and being a good teammate as Matt Harpring. Regardless of what happens this year Harp will always be a Jazzman and a great example of what hard work and heart and guts are all about. Maybe Matt could rent his heart to Boozer until he gets traded.....?

Matt is the best! | 9:18 a.m. July 3, 2009

Matt is one of the best people on in the NBA. It is refreshing to see someone like Matt who is a team player and gives it his all....to bad all of the Jazz players don't have that same work ethic (Boozer). Good Luck to you.

Good for a while | 9:20 a.m. July 3, 2009

He had a good season and a half but the Jazz should never have resigned him to the deal they did. He was a solid role player when he was healthy.

The fact that some days he can see himself playing and other days not means he's done. Good luck.

Matt | 9:32 a.m. July 3, 2009

Harpring was obviously not the most talented but his toughness was undeniable. Ron Artest lived in fear as long as Harpring was in the league.

Now he is on the Lakers instead of Ariza I thought we had an advantage but that sounds like it might be over.

Thats a drag.

Best wishes Matt.

Bob2 | 9:46 a.m. July 3, 2009

One of the finest people to ever wear a Jazz uniform and certainly one of the top three toughest! I hope and pray Matt is a part of this organization till he's 75 because he is an example to younger players and so old school it's ridiculous. Best of luck in whatever you choose to do, Matt!

kbb | 9:47 a.m. July 3, 2009

Matt Harpring represents the best of the Jazz. When he first played for them (Stock and Malone's last year) he often had as many points as Malone!

He plays hard, he messes with the other teams' heads and faces!

If Matt is not able to play, I will miss him. He has been my favorite player for a long time! I love his grit and toughness.

Matt, do what you need to do. You've done the Jazz team and Utah proud!

Harpring | 9:56 a.m. July 3, 2009

only has one choice...RETIRE!!!!!

Hey Sorry | 9:57 a.m. July 3, 2009

If Harpring isn't NBA caliber, how come he has stayed in the league for 11 years as a starter or a 6th man? Shows how much you know.

Class?! | 10:02 a.m. July 3, 2009

Why do people keep mentioning class? Harpring was scum. He was a dirty player who relied on flops and cheapshot fouls to be effective. He was the exact opposite of what an NBA player should be. What a joke. Good riddance.

PurplePeopleEater | 10:11 a.m. July 3, 2009

It's amazing how many negative-minded people exist in the world today. But it's also reassuring how many more positive-minded people there are. These posts show that quite clearly.

I've always been excited when Matt's taken the floor, because I knew the bullies of the other teams couldn't hold a candle to his hustle. He deserved his "football" moniker that the announcers often gave him. That's the way basketball should be played--with physical effort, not with "don't-touch-me" slithering.

Harpring always played tough defense. Boozer could learn from that.

Good luck Matt, whichever way you go this year. You've been a joy to watch.

PUNKAMAN | 10:23 a.m. July 3, 2009

THANKS MATT, WHAT A CLASS ACT AND GOOD EXAMPLE. ALL MY FAMILY AND FRIENDS VOTE TO MAKE MATT AN ASSISTANCE COACH. WHATEVER, BEST WISHES TO YOU AND YOUR FAMILY.............

matt | 10:44 a.m. July 3, 2009

i hope he retires because he is a shadow of what he used to be. he still hustles, but he mostly ends up fouling a faster/stronger 2-guard.

there is also no guarantee (unless there is clause in his contract) that his 6.5 mil will come off the books. the jazz can petition the league for that medical retirement designation, but they can reject it-like they did cutino mobley last year.

the jazz prepared for this scenario last year by matching ok-cities' offer for cj miles. everyone wondered why they matched it, but it was because harp really did get an infection that almost killed him.

i wish him good luck, but it's time to go...

I hope he stays with the team | 10:47 a.m. July 3, 2009

either as a player, or a scout, or a coach, or whatever. He's the Chuck Norris of basketball, no one's tougher.

"sorry" is back! | 11:06 a.m. July 3, 2009

Didn't I already say I wasn't popular about my opinion!? By the responses I've nailed it on the head. Jazz fans have this undying love for a guy who doesn't really produce anything but crazy guy flops and flails. I don't deny that he is tough and has heart and grit.....he just wasn't really that valuable!!! Is it cause he's white and looks like a returned LDS missionary that Jazz fans love him? Harps had a mouth like a sailor! He could spit it out with the best of em. I thank "class?!" for a little back up here, I'm glad I'm not the only one who has recognized this.

REASON | 11:17 a.m. July 3, 2009

If Harpring hangs it up,

Collins will pick up the slack...

What?

Adam | 11:47 a.m. July 3, 2009

Classy?
Is Harpring Classy? I guess it's all about how you define classy.

Just because someone has a "sailors mouth" doesn't mean they're not classy. I think Sloan is class, but every time he's on camera you can see him say something I wouldn't necessarily endorse.

I think Stockton was classy even though he potentially endangered other players manhood on three or four different screens a game.

Maybe when I say classy, I mean someone who goes to work every day with determination, and gives it his all. Maybe classy means they don't complain about the organization they work for and they do what they can to get the job done.

I can understand how many people question Matt's talent and ability to help the team win, but to question his will, desire, and toughness would show ignorance. He did his best. He gave his all--and his health. Most importantly, he lived up to his potential. I wish I could say that about every jazz player throughout the years.

todd from santa ana | 11:58 a.m. July 3, 2009

with all the issues surrounding the jazz that could be criticized (i have an armful well known) this is amazing any one would negative post about such a loyal, warrior and class act As Matt harpring.

There is nothing dirty about him, he is old school and played when they would you play physical.

Further last year he is one of the few that knew how to rotate out so someone was not wide open on a 3 in Jerrys
"pack the paint defense"

Anonymous | 12:11 p.m. July 3, 2009

Those who can criticize Harping OBVISOUSLY are NOT Jazz fans nor have they seen him play night in & night out. He is truly the NBA Icon to one who has less talent but makes it up through hard work & hustle.. This is a guy who gives respect to the NBA, team & his fans. Good Luck Harpring in whatever you do, you deserve it..

Re Sorry | 12:27 p.m. July 3, 2009

Are you really taking skin color into account when evaluating a basketball player? Seriously? Way to reinforce the Utah stereotype.

Harpring had good basketball skills and high basketball IQ. You think that J off the curl was not effective? Dude averaged 17 a game in his prime, when healthy. That is talent. He also played hard, rebounded, played tough D, etc. Those are basketball skills. It has nothing to do with skin color, bro.

If Harpring retires, hopefully CJ will learn to play with that toughness, because he has the basketball skills to be a player. He just needs the toughness and experience.

Hang 'em up | 12:36 p.m. July 3, 2009

If Harpring doesn't retire, then the Jazz need to do what the Knicks did with Stephon Marbury last year. Don't even suit the guy up and release him and see how much market value he has. NO team will even think about signing him. His career is done and I loathed when he would come in last year and miss about 4 to 5 open lay ups a game. Release "Good Guy" Bishop Harpring and sign Chris "Birdman" Anderson. There's a guy with a ton of "heart" and "grit" who actually has talent and could be a the best bench player the Jazz ever had. I really hope he does retire this year, hopefully today so they can sign The Birdman.

To Class?! | 12:45 p.m. July 3, 2009

or should I say classless- Let me guess, you're definition of what an NBA player shuld be is someone who whines about a foul every time they miss a shot, throw themselves into defenders when shooting to draw a foul, let elbows fly whenever they feel like it, and have such a conceited arrogance about them that it flat out reeks. (or in other words= Kobe Bryant.)

You can keep your NBA type players, I'll settle for the ones that play the game the it should be- with sheer grit, determintaion, and hustle.

Championship player | 1:06 p.m. July 3, 2009

It is players like Harpring that help win championships. Many teams win with older veteran players not near as good as Harpring.It is too bad he has not had the health that guys like Robert Horry and Derrek Fisher have had in their days.
He is one of the most tough Jazz players of all time. If this guy was healthy who knows what he could have done. Same with Danny Manning and Grant Hill. All 3 of those guys are who come to the top of my head on what could have been.

Anonymous | 1:08 p.m. July 3, 2009

Matt has been a great contender and a great example of toughness and humility. I hope he's able to come back, but if not we'll surely miss him.

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