Paul Harris Jazzed About His Latest Opportunity

Apologies about the headline.

Paul Harris has been located. The former Orange basketball player almost played Summer League for the Cavs, then decided to go play with Jonny and the T'Wolves.  He didn't any offers from Minny but he has landed a preseason camp offer from the Utah Jazz.  Great news!

So it's probably not the best time for a severe ankle sprain.

Harris sprained his right ankle during a pickup game in Utah on Tuesday, and was wearing a walking boot when the Jazz opened training camp Saturday. There is no timetable for his return, though he’s leaning toward staying in Utah for treatment when the team leaves for a weeklong trip to Europe on Thursday.

Harris is one of 19 players in camp for Utah.  12 of them already have guaranteed contracts.  The Jazz will need at least 13 players on the roster when the season begins.  So in a likelihood, Harris is fighting with six other players for one spot.  Clearly, he didn't get off on the right foot.  For his part, Harris remains upbeat:

"It definitely was frustrating and it made me mad at first," Harris said. "But as the days go by, I realized it is what it is. I’m taking it day by day. ... I know my ability, and when I watch this team practice, I really think I can help."

What is it with Syracuse grads trying out for the Utah Jazz and getting injured?  Remember, G-Mac tried out for the Jazz last year and ended up with whiplash and a sore jaw after hitting his head on the floor not to mention contracting the flu a few days later.  Our guys just aren't made for Utah, I guess.  I blame the Mormons.

Speaking of former SU players in search of paying gigs, wither Eric Devendorf?  He didn't play in the Summer League, supposedly considered Europe and hasn't signed with anyone for preseason camp.  Devo mentioned a few weeks back on Twitter that he had tried out for the Knicks but no updates followed.  Now his entire Twitter page is gone.  How very strange...