Aug 16, 2014; Chicago, IL, USA; United States guard Derrick Rose (6) is defended by Brazil forward Raul Neto (5) during the second quarter at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-USA TODAY Sports
I hate to sound like a broken record, but there’s no other way to say it–the NBA news cycle is at a standstill. Jazz internationals Rudy Gobert and Tibor Pleiss are competing in exhibition games with their respective national teams, but the FIBA European Championships are still weeks away, leaving us in a holding pattern.
Despite the August down time, multiple Jazz players are actually on the move this week. Brace yourself for “hot newz.”
Raul Neto Returns to Salt Lake City
Per this tweet on Sunday, Jazz point guard Raul Neto is back in Salt Lake City–
Since his selection by the team in the second round of the 2013 NBA Draft, the Brazilian point-man has made multiple trips to the Beehive State, usually to work out with Jazz development coach Johnnie Bryant.
While it’s probably too early to expect Jazz players to be returning to the state en masse, the appearance of Neto is a clear indicator that basketball is on the horizon.
Be happy, Jazz fans–six’ish weeks remain until the start of training camp.
Meet Jazz Legend Thurl Bailey
For people living in the vicinity of Southern Utah, Jazz legend and broadcaster Thurl Bailey will be doing a meet and greet at the City of St. George Recreation Center this Monday (August 17).
The appearance will kick off a string of events for the Junior Jazz program. The three-day tour will see Big T visit a myriad of spots around the region, from Delta, Utah to West Wendover, Nevada and more–
It’s good to see Bailey picking up where former Jazzman and current Dallas Mavericks forward Jeremy Evans left off.
In related news, Big T’s son Brendan Bailey, a four-star recruit from American Fork High School, has narrowed his list of potential colleges to five. Bailey de-committed from Arizona State this past spring following the dismissal of head coach Herb Sendek–
Keep your fingers crossed, Utes fans.
Trey Burke Promoting Family Health
Finally, past and future starting point guard Trey Burke will also be back in Utah this week. The former Wooden Award winner will join the “Money Man” himself, Mehmet Okur, and the Utah Jazz Dancers for the seventh edition of Be Well Utah—
The week-long festivities serve to promote wellness in the state. Be Well Utah is a joint effort from University of Utah Healthcare and Regence BlueCross BlueShield.
The Jazz contingent will be on hand at Rice-Eccles Stadium for Saturday’s culminating event, the Family Health Fair.
Next: Can Gordon Hayward Reach Another Level?
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