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Jazz, Celtics Set as Utah Flash Affiliates for 2007-08

July 5, 2007 - NBA G League (G League)
Utah Flash News Release


OREM, Utah, July 5, 2007 - The expansion Utah Flash of the NBA Development League will be affiliated with the Utah Jazz and the Boston Celtics for the 2007-08 season, according to an announcement today by the NBA. The Jazz and Celtics may assign players in their first or second NBA seasons to play with the Flash.

"We are delighted to be affiliated with such storied NBA franchises and look forward to working with them on a daily basis," said Flash Owner Brandt Andersen. "Plans are in motion for affiliate nights at the McKay Event Center so that Flash fans that are already seeing tomorrow's Jazz and Celtics stars will also be able to be further immersed in what is already going to be one of the top entertainment values in Utah."

The D-League's assignment system with the NBA will enter its third season in 2007-08. Over the first two seasons, NBA teams have assigned 53 players a total of 77 times, including 30 selections from the 2005 and 2006 NBA Drafts. Last season, a total of 47 former NBA draft picks played in the D-League.

"The opportunity to work with the Utah Jazz is one of the highlights of my position with the Flash, and the Boston Celtics are one of the most heralded teams in all of pro sports," said Flash General Manager David Fredman. "The Jazz and Celtics are both organizations that one would do well to emulate. My experience with the Jazz obviously goes way back and I have known (Celtics Executive Director of Basketball Operations) Danny Ainge for a long time as an opponent. It will be nice to finally be able to work together."

Players on the current Jazz roster who would be eligible to be assigned in 2007-08 include unsigned 2007 NBA Draft selections Morris Almond and Kyrylo Fesensko, as well as Dee Brown, Ronnie Brewer and Paul Millsap, who are scheduled to play in the Rocky Mountain Revue presented by StoresOnline at Salt Lake Community College beginning July 13.

"We are excited to have the Flash as our new D-League affiliate for the upcoming season, and hopefully for many more in the future," said Kevin O'Connor, Utah Jazz senior vice president of basketball operations. "Because we share common basketball philosophies and ideals, we can work on a parallel track to maximize player development and produce a winning attitude."

Celtics' players currently eligible to be assigned include unsigned 2007 Draft selections Glen Davis and Gabe Pruitt, as well as second-year players Allan Ray, Rajon Rondo, and Leon Powe, all of whom are scheduled to be on Boston's summer league roster at the 2007 NBA Summer League presented by adidas in Las Vegas.

"The Celtics are happy to be associated with the Utah Flash," said Ainge. "The Flash is located near familiar territory where I played a few years ago, on the campus of BYU. I'm sure the Flash will provide some memorable games of their own."

Jazz guard CJ Miles was assigned to NBADL affiliates in both his first and second NBA seasons, to the Albuquerque Thunderbirds in 2005-06 and to the Idaho Stampede last season. He averaged 12.7 points and 3.5 rebounds in 11 games for the T-Birds and 17.3 points and 5.4 rebounds in eight games with the Stampede.

The Celtics have also embraced the NBADL, assigning guard Gerald Green and forward Dwayne Jones in 2005-06. Green played nine games, averaging 11.9 points and 4.9 boards, while Jones averaged 8.9 points and 11.7 rebounds in 26 games. Guard Allan Ray was assigned for two games last season, averaging 14.5 points and 2.5 rebounds.

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The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

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