Back from playing in Italy, Bob Thornton's summer vacation didn't last long. He was just coming off the golf course Tuesday when his agent called, informing him he was returning to the NBA.
"I just walked in and my agent said, `You're finally home. We got the Utah deal,' said Thornton. "I said, 'Great. When am I going?' " The 6-foot-10 Thornton, a journeyman who has played in Italy, Spain and for the Knicks, Sixers and Timberwolves, made his Jazz debut with four points and two rebounds in four minutes Wednesday night.It was obvious from the start that Thornton has played in the NBA. He came in with 4:10 to go and immediately began mixing it up inside with Tree Rollins. Though Rollins blocked two of Thornton's shots, after the second block Thornton went up and drew a foul. He landed both his free throws and later added a field goal.
The crowd gave him an appreciative cheer when he earned the free throws.
Asked how it felt to be back in the NBA, Thornton said, "It felt great to get out there and get my old job back," said Thornton.
Thornton, who averaged 3.1 points in six NBA seasons, said he isn't concerned right now whether his time with the Jazz will lead to an invitation to training camp next fall. "I'm not worried about looking that far ahead," he said. "Those things will take care of themselves. I'm just going to concentrate on what I can do for this team."