Utah Jazz Alumni: A pair of former Jazzmen to sign with Houston Rockets

Former Utah Jazz players DeMarre Carroll and Jeff Green are on their way to Houston to join the Rockets after underperforming this season.

Well, two former Utah Jazz Players, DeMarre Carroll and Jeff Green, appear set on making a move to Houston, Utah’s No. 1 enemy over the past two seasons.

According to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, the Rockets plan on using their two available roster spots on the veterans. Carroll agreed to a buyout with the Spurs and will be with the Rockets for the remainder of the season. Green will initially sign a 10-day contract.

Carroll only played two seasons in Utah, but earned the respect of the fan base thanks to his relentless effort and energy. He really blossomed as a player once he signed with Atlanta, becoming a very good “3&D” expert.

His role in San Antonio was surprisingly diminished, but he should get more of an opportunity in Houston as a small-ball stretch. He also gives them another versatile defender that will come in handy during the playoffs.

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It was very surprising when the Utah Jazz waived Jeff Green back in December. It was even more surprising that none of the other 29 teams in the NBA decided to claim Green off waivers. It’s been a few months, but Green is ready to return to action.

The Houston Rockets traded away center Clint Capela and went all-in on playing small-ball, with P.J. Tucker starting at center. Jeff Green is a great fit as a small-ball four for the Rockets, and they can get away with playing him at the five at times. The Jazz played Green at the five a few times this season.

The former Jazzman and respected veteran averaged 7.8 points per game for Utah, but shot just 39 percent from the field and 33 percent from three.

Part of why the Jazz cut him was because they wanted more shooting out of his spot — something that Georges Niang brings. The Rockets, like the Jazz, want to hoist plenty of threes.

That being said, Green has always been an average shooter from the perimeter at best. He’s a career 33.3-percent shooter from distance. Green is only getting a 10-day contract from the Rockets, so they can see if he fits well. If he doesn’t, they can go in another direction once his deal expires.

Jeff Green was definitely a bummer for the Jazz, but it’s good to see he’ll be back on a team again soon. He didn’t fit the Jazz, but he can still give contending teams big minutes. He was a key part of the Cleveland Cavaliers back in 2018. This will be Green’s ninth different NBA team.

The Rockets clearly aren’t playing around and are going all-in on this small ball style of basketball. On paper, DeMarre Carroll and Jeff Green may be perfect additions. We’ll see how it works out, but we’re rooting for the former Utah Jazz players, like always.