NBA Utah Jazz

Utah Jazz’ Most Likely 2014-15 Roster Cuts

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By @mrmarykateolsen

Dahntay Jones Utah Jazz Roster Cuts Jack Cooley Brock Motum

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With the regular season fast approaching and the Utah Jazz still carrying a surplus of players, the last round of roster cuts are surely on the horizon. Traditionally, the team has only filled 14 of the 15 available spots, electing to leave their final roster spot open to retain flexibility throughout the season. However, with a myriad of fringe players having at least partially-guaranteed contracts, GM Dennis Lindsey could make one less cut than normal for 2014-15.

When looking at potential cuts, journeyman swingman Dahntay Jones, Aussie forward Brock Motum, former Notre Dame star Jack Cooley and athletic guards Carrick Felix and Toure’ Murry are all in play. The team has a litany of returning and/or rotational players ahead of this group, so competition for the last few roster spots is stiff.

Working in the favor of both Murry and Felix is the fact that each player has guaranteed money on the books this season. If this weren’t the case, both could have hard time sticking with the team. Felix has been limited over the past several weeks due to an injury suffered early in training camp and Murry has seen little game action in the preseason. That said, the team likes the potential of each and rather dislikes paying players not to play for them.

Jones is a tricky case. He was a late signing and plays the same position(s) as Felix, who was acquired months before, and also Gordon Hayward, Rodney Hood, Alec Burks and potentially Dante Exum, who comprise Utah’s wing rotation. It would seem that his chances of being retained are slim except for the fact that his defense and basketball IQ have been exceptional, as has been the case throughout his career. Despite the numbers game, he provides a veteran presence and the kind of play coach Quin Snyder demands. For these reasons, I expect he won’t be cut.

This leaves the big men who, despite their valiant effort, are the players I believe are the most likely roster cuts headed into the regular season. If it does ultimately come to pass, it’s unfortunate because both Cooley and Motum have been hard workers and good people while with the team.

Motum in particular was with the club for the Las Vegas Summer League and was one of the Jazz’ most consistent performers. His solid play continued in the FIBA World Cup despite limited minutes. His presence on the team could also be a plus for Exum, a fellow Australian, as the young guard adjusts to life in the NBA.

Additionally, Motum and Cooley have skill sets that could mesh well with the inside games of the team’s regular big men; both have shown an ability to hit shots from long range. Unfortunately, the numbers in Utah’s frontcourt are harder to overcome than at other positions and the duo lacks some of the versatility of the aforementioned players. For that reason, I predict they will be the team’s final roster cuts this preseason.

Ryan Aston covers the Utah Jazz for RantSports. Follow him on Twitter @MrMaryKateOlsen or add him to your network on Google.

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