Jazz practice notes-Gaines had possibly his best practice

[Purch]

Notes compiled during a media session prior to the Utah Jazz's Wednesday morning workout at the team's practice facility.

Earl Watson is very confident. Ronnie Price paid Watson respect, and said he is looking forward to soaking up the veteran's knowledge.

Watson and Deron Williams have already started talking about wins, an ideal record and the upcoming season. Setting goals and building a foundation.

Jerry Sloan casually tossed out several zingers. Sloan on Gordon Hayward's high basketball intelligence: "Always scares me when I read that; afraid they'll know more than I do."

Sloan said he will not make cuts until he has to. Kevin O'Connor normally dictates when that happens; Sloan prefers to wait.

Kyrylo Fesenko said being in shape and weighing in at a fit 285 pounds has already made a huge difference. He's also enjoying the camp's discipline.

Sloan said again that Jazz coaches have more teaching to do this year than during previous camps. The coaches have thrown a lot at new players during first two practices, but everything has been basic and fundamental.

Williams said he is in excellent physical and mental shape. Very focused and grounded.

Williams said nothing is close to being decided between Watson and Price for the backup point guard position. Sloan said the same. Williams added that Price is an excellent defender at the 2 if Watson wins the backup 1.

Sundiata Gaines, Jeremy Evans, Ryan Thompson and Demetris Nichols have made the best first impressions for Sloan. Worth noting they're all on the bubble, with Thompson likely in the lead.

Sloan said Gaines had possibly his best practice ever Monday night. Gaines was aggressive and intense, something Sloan has long requested.

http://www.sltrib.com/sltrib/blogs/jazz ... s.html.csp

[Sloanfeld]

Gaines is still the man.

[UTJazzFan_Echo1]

I've been told by some inside peeps that Gaines caused a bit of chemistry strain last year so I'm a little surprised to see him around...but then again inside sources are not always the most reliable. They hear more false rumors then us fans.

Doesn't sound like Hayward is doing anything special yet other than being smart.

[Hikari]

All this talk about needing to explain the Off sets from the begining this year makes me think that Fess will get a better education than in years past.

[kebutah]

Too little too late for Ganes.

[gojazzmjsucks]

No with Gains its just the numbers game.If we were rebuilding right now he would definetly be here.But in order to match up with the Lakers PG's we had to go get a guy like Watson!