Utah Jazz alums: Thabo Sefolosha joins Harden, Rockets

Former Utah Jazz forward Thabo Sefolosha is set to rejoin his old teammates James Harden and Russell Westbrook in Houston.

Another former Utah Jazz player looks to have found a new basketball home on Friday.

Thabo Sefolosha, who just wrapped up a two-year stint in Jazzland, will reportedly pursue a championship ring with James Harden, Russell Westbrook and the Houston Rockets next season. The New York Times’ Marc Stein was the first to report on the deal, which will be fully guaranteed for the 2019-20 campaign at the veteran’s minimum, per ESPN’s Tim McMahon.

Sefolosha clearly impressed Rockets brass after joining the likes of Nick Young, Corey Brewer and Raymond Felton at the team’s veteran mini-camp in Las Vegas this week.

Sefolosha was largely a solid contributor in his time with the Jazz. Although hampered by injuries, particularly an MCL avulsion suffered in 2018, he put up six points, three boards and a steal in 16 minutes per game over 88 contests with Utah.

Along the way, he shot 49 percent from the floor and 41 percent from distance; the latter number definitely bodes well for his fit in Houston.

More than that, though, his defense, basketball IQ and penchant for making a positive impact on the floor will help the Rockets, provided he stays healthy and doesn’t incur any slippage.

Even last year as he struggled to round back into form post-injury, he was a plus/minus maven for the Jazz. Utah outscored opponents by 8.8 points per 100 possessions when he was on the floor, the second-best mark on the team.

Also — his locker room presence had an immeasurable positive effect on the Jazz. Frankly, the Rockets could probably use that kind of stabilizing presence.

The last time Harden, Westbrook and Sefolosha teamed up — the lockout-shortened 2011-12 season — their Oklahoma City Thunder went 47-19, won a division title and made it to the NBA Finals.

Fast-forward to 2019, and the Rockets are looking to recapture some of that magic. Meanwhile, Jazz fans could probably care less about the big reunion paying off. They’d probably prefer it proceeds in the same manner their Joe Johnson signing did, i.e. not well.