Jazz Make Opening Night Roster Official
Oct 21, 2019, 3:58 PM
(Photo by Alex Goodlett/Getty Images)
Salt Lake City, Utah – The Utah Jazz officially solidified their opening night roster.
The Jazz released their official 15-man roster, along with the team’s official heights, as they prepare to host the Oklahoma City Thunder on Wednesday to open the season.
Stanton Kidd won the final roster spot over William Howard, who the Jazz bought out of his contract from Limoges CSP in France.
Kidd filling out the final roster spot won’t surprise the players already on the Jazz.
New Jazzman Ed Davis was impressed with Kidd early in the preseason.
“He surprised me, I didn’t know who he was before (joining the Jazz), but I definitely think he has a position in this league, and I think he can help this team,” Davis said.
Kidd is a six-foot-six wing who proved to be an NBA caliber defensive player in his two stints with the Jazz.
Stanton Kidd gets up to throw down! #NBASummer pic.twitter.com/jR27P7ktxw
— NBA (@NBA) July 13, 2018
Kidd spent each of the last two summer leagues with the Jazz averaging 9.1 points, and three rebounds. He averaged 3.4 points and 1.6 rebounds in five preseason games.
He is well-traveled as a basketball player. The rookie spent time professionally in Belgium, Germany and Turkey.
The forward spent time at North Plains and North Carolina Central before finishing his career at Colorado State.
Davis Not Worried About Retro Jerseys
At practice, Ed Davis was asked about the Jazz new throwback mountain jerseys. Ever the yeoman, Davis isn’t worried about his outfit.
“Honestly bro, I don’t care. I wear the same shoes every day,” Davis said, “I don’t really care how I look, I’m just trying to get the job done.”
Having suited up for six different NBA teams including the Jazz, Davis has donned his share of uniforms.
The team’s younger players are enthusiastic about the purple mountain logo.
“I love them,” Tony Bradley said, “I like the white mountain.”
Donovan Mitchell has been a supporter of the jerseys, having worn a Karl Malone golden mountain jersey to a Las Vegas Summer League game.
Way to represent young fella! Send me one of yours..haven’t worn a jersey in a while but I’ll rep yours 🕷@spidadmitchell pic.twitter.com/BoRPxJ9bjA
— Karl Malone (@TheDeliverer_32) July 7, 2018
The Jazz will debut the mountain jerseys October 26 against the Sacramento Kings at home.