UTAH JAZZ
Frank Jackson Relishing Opportunity With Jazz
SALT LAKE CITY – Frank Jackson isn’t taking anything for granted after signing a 10-day contract with the Utah Jazz earlier this week.
On Friday, the former Lone Peak High School standout joined Jake and Ben on 97.5 The KSL Sports Zone and discussed the opportunity he has with Jazz.
“I knew that was a chance and an opportunity that I could take advantage of,” Jackson said. “The last couple of months have definitely been some learning experiences, but it’s been really good. And I’m just stoked to be here.”
Jackson has been playing with the Salt Lake City Stars in the G League this season after spending the last five years playing for the New Orleans Pelicans and Detroit Pistons.
After guards Russell Westbrook and Leandro Bolmaro reached buyout agreements with the Jazz last week, the team had open roster spots to fill, and reached out to Jackson.
Jackson was in uniform with the Jazz in Thursday’s win over the Oklahoma City Thunder but didn’t see the floor in the overtime thriller.
“Being at the game last night and just being involved with the team, I’ve done it so many times it was like I never left,” Jackson said. “But, we’ll see. We’ll see how these next couple of days go, I’m just hoping for the best.”
Jackson’s future with the Jazz remains uncertain beyond next week, but coach Will Hardy praised the NBA veteran for both his game and his professionalism as a member of the Stars.
“He’s done a great job for the Stars not only with how he’s played but how he’s conducted himself as a real pro,” Hardy said.
What do Frank Jackson and Kris Dunn offer the @utahjazz?
Head coach Will Hardy offered his thoughts on the newest Jazzmen after their first day of practice. #takenote https://t.co/bBrtGBCwIF
— KSL Sports (@kslsports) February 23, 2023
Jackson has appeared in 12 games with the Stars including eight starts averaging 19.3 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 2.7 assists on 44 percent shooting from the floor and 40 percent from three.
“He’s a good all-around player,” Hardy said. “He can dribble, pass, and shoot and he understands, the concepts that we’re trying to execute here because they’ve been doing a lot of the same things with the Stars.”
A native of Alpine, Utah, Jackson spent one season with the Duke Blue Devils before being selected by the Charlotte Hornets with the 31st pick in the 2017 NBA Draft and redirected to the New Orleans Pelicans.
Now back in Utah, Jackson said he’s relishing the opportunity to play for the team he grew up rooting for.
“Going to games and just following and supporting them no matter what, just being involved in the community was always fun for me,” Jackson said. “So of course, I’ve always been a Jazz fan.”
Listen to the full interview with Jackson here, or in the player above.
Ben Anderson is the Utah Jazz insider for KSL Sports and the co-host of Jake and Ben from 10-12p with Jake Scott on 97.5 The KSL Sports Zone. Find Ben on Twitter at @BensHoops or on Instagram @BensHoops.
