The Utah Jazz announced the signing of guard John Crotty to a guaranteed contract, Thursday afternoon. Terms of the one-year deal were not released.
Crotty, who played in 40 games for the Jazz as a rookie last season, averaged 2.6 points and 1.4 assists. His one-game high was a 14-point performance April 23 against Golden State.After a standout career at the University of Virginia, Crotty played a season in the Global Basketball League, averaging 20.3 points and 6.1 assists a game. He then joined the Jazz last season. In this summer's Rocky Mountain Revue, Crotty led the team in assists (3.9) and averaged 11 points a game.
The signing of Crotty leaves the Jazz with 12 players under contract. Others under contract for next year are Mark Eaton, Luther Wright, Felton Spencer, Isaac Austin, Karl Malone, Tom Chambers, David Benoit, Tyrone Corbin, Jay Humphries, Jeff Malone and John Stockton.
Although the announcement of Crotty's signing was made public Thursday, Crotty's agent, Keith Glass, told the Deseret News the final details weren't yet finished. "I have not signed a cotract yet. There isn't anthing done yet, but we're getting there. Maybe we're jumping the gun a little bit. I just don't like to talk about it until it's over."
Nevertheless, the Jazz indicated the pact was complete as far as they are concerned.
Crotty was unavailable for comment.