Utah Jazz bring in BYU alum Collinsworth, waive Bluiett

2010’s Mr. Basketball for the state of Utah and former BYU standout Kyle Collinsworth has officially been signed by the Utah Jazz.

The Utah Jazz made a roster move on Saturday and if you’re a fan who also cheers for BYU basketball, you’re going to dig it. A Cougars legend is set to don Jazz blues this preseason.

Before you get too hyped, though — no, Jimmer Fredette is not coming to Salt Lake City.

Instead, it’s point-man Kyle Collinsworth who will be joining the Jazz. The 28-year-old Provo native, who was Utah’s Mr. Basketball in 2010 and a WCC Player of the Year and Honarable Mention All-American over four years at BYU, has officially signed with the team.

Collinsworth had been acquired by Utah’s G-League affiliate, the Salt Lake City Stars, just one day earlier. As a result, his returning player rights transferred from the Toronto Raptors organization to the Stars/Jazz.

He’s likely taking one of the Jazz’s four affiliate player slots, so look for him to join the Stars upon the exhibition slate’s completion.

The 6-foot-6, 210-pound guard last played for Raptors 905 in the G-League. Over 28 games, he averaged 10 points, 7.5 rebounds and nearly four assists per contest. During the 2017-18 campaign, he got a taste of NBA action with the Dallas Mavericks, appearing in 32 games and logging an 8-8-4 line per 36 minutes.

While he’s not a knockdown shooter, Collinsworth has made a name for himself with his all-around game. At BYU, he set the NCAA record for triple-doubles in a year with six during the 2014-15 campaign, as well as for a career with 12.

In a game and league where versatility rules, a player with his skillset is a good one to have in your organization.

After Sunday’s practice, Collinsworth called his opportunity with the Jazz, his hometown team, “the best of both worlds.”

To make room on the camp roster for Collinsworth, the Jazz bid adieu to Trevon Bluiett. Bluiett was a two-way player for the New Orleans Pelicans last season, but didn’t see any game action with the club. He would eventually find his way to the Stars with whom he played well until an injury ended his season.

He appeared in Utah’s loss to the Milwaukee Bucks last week, playing six minutes and missing both of his field goal attempts.

Bluiett could ultimately find his way back to the Stars; his shooting ability and motor provide a good foundation for development.