By Ross Siler

The Salt Lake Tribune

Updated: 01/26/2010 08:09:39 AM MST
Even if it leaves them with just 11 players in uniform for upcoming games, the Jazz didn't hesitate in sending second-year center Kosta Koufos on Monday to the NBA Development League's Utah Flash.

"Hopefully, he approaches it the right way, that it's not a punishment," Jazz coach Jerry Sloan said. "It's just a way to hopefully get him a chance to improve and move up in the business he's in."

Sloan said the Jazz had been targeting this stretch to assign Koufos to the Flash, even before his four-turnover performance in the fourth quarter Saturday against New Jersey. There is no timetable for Koufos' return.

"I think it's time for him to get a chance to play," Sloan said. "We waited and probably should have done it sooner, but that's the way it is."

By sending Koufos to the D-League, the Jazz will be down a player until Kyrylo Fesenko returns from the sprained right ankle that has kept him out for five games. Fesenko still was wearing a walking boot Monday.

Although Koufos played in 10 games with the Flash last season, Sloan acknowledged that he was frustrated with the assignment as a first-round draft pick. Koufos was not welcoming a return, but has played just 76 minutes all season with the Jazz.

What's your take on Koufos Wind? You like him? I'd go after him right now.. You think Nate would ever approve a trade to Utah? You think they even need him now with the emergence of Matthews? You think Utah would be against moving Matthews even for Chandler? Would you deal Chandler in order to get Koufos (for Chandler I think I'd need a little more back in addition to KK)? Would you ever think about doing something with Koufos built around Gallinari?

WindsorPl wrote:

Finestrg wrote:Just posted about this on Briggs' other Koufos thread (How about Larry Hughes)..

What's your take on Koufos Wind? You like him? I'd go after him right now.. You think Nate would ever approve a trade to Utah? You think they even need him now with the emergence of Matthews? You think Utah would be against moving Matthews even for Chandler? Would you deal Chandler in order to get Koufos (for Chandler I think I'd need a little more back in addition to KK)?

I think the Knicks can have Koufos for peanuts if they wanted him, which I doubt.
Statements in that article are devastating

Even if it leaves them with just 11 players in uniform for upcoming games, the Jazz didn't hesitate in sending second-year center Kosta Koufos on Monday to the NBA Development League's Utah Flash.

"Hopefully, he approaches it the right way, that it's not a punishment," Jazz coach Jerry Sloan said. "It's just a way to hopefully get him a chance to improve and move up in the business he's in

If MDA would not play Darko, why would he play Koufos?

Would you deal Chandler in order to get Koufos (for Chandler I think I'd need a little more back in addition to KK)?

The only way I would do that deal is if they return our first round pick. Wilson is a Sloan's kind of player. I doubt it's enough though, so I don't see the Knicks and Jazz dealing this year.

Much, much better player than Milicic. Much more skilled -- this guy shoots college 3s like water. Plus he can play inside as well (good hook moves in close with good body control and footwork) and he plays hard. I've always liked this kid's game..

This is a high priority, getting a point guard. It's so high, that if I look up, I can't see it anywhere. It's in the clouds, man.

I said this before, but seriously, this team is 17-26 with this hobo of a point guard. Imagine if, imagine, if we had a legit leader. Damn, Jason Kidd would have had us at a 28-15 clip.

orangeblobman wrote:Seriously. I'm at the point where I don't want to hear about another forward, center, 2 guard, or whatever.

This is a high priority, getting a point guard. It's so high, that if I look up, I can't see it anywhere. It's in the clouds, man.

I said this before, but seriously, this team is 17-26 with this hobo of a point guard. Imagine if, imagine, if we had a legit leader. Damn, Jason Kidd would have had us at a 28-15 clip.

I hear ya Blob believe me - I devoted an entire thread to looking at PG options..I agree it's a top priority. It doesn't mean you thumb you nose up at other players if they become available though and this kid may be available. Something's obviously is up with him in Utah - they may be close to souring on him for whatever reason, if they haven't already. They just elected to send this guy down with no backup center (Fesenko's hurt, out with a sprained ankle) leaving only 11 available players to work with, not the full 12. I'd definitely inquire about him right now if I'm Walsh.