The newest entrant in the Jazz's small-forward competition is instantly one of the favorites. Of the three rookies in the field, Reggie Turner was the only player drafted in June.
The Jazz acquired the rights to Turner, Denver's second-round draft choice, on Tuesday for future considerations. The trade is conditional - if Turner makes the team, the Jazz will reportedly have to give the Nuggets a second-round pick. The Jazz will open training camp at Westminster College on Oct. 6 with 18 players.The 6-foot-8 Turner, who averaged 19.5 points as a senior at Alabama Birmingham, joins NBA veteran Rory White and rookies Raymond Brown of Idaho and Randy Henry of Middle Tennessee State in the battle for the roster spot vacated by Marc Iavaroni.
Turner was the Nuggets' second of two second-round choices, going at No. 47 - just ahead of the Jazz's Junie Lewis. "We've liked him since before the draft," said Scott Layden, the Jazz's player personnel director. "He's an excellent outside shooter."
The arrival of Turner and Lewis may hinge on when they sign contracts. The other new players - including guards Joe Hillman and Eric Johnson - are expected in town today, and will begin informal workouts with Coach Jerry Sloan. Because Turner, White and Henry were added after the Jazz's summer program, Sloan and his staff decided to hold a mini-camp. "In years past, we've had guys who were pretty well accustomed to the system," Layden noted. "This gives them a better chance to make the team."