Should the Utah Jazz choose the young athletic guy, or the veteran scorer, or the guy who knows the system?
Scott Layden, Jazz vice president of basketball operations, acknowledged this week that former Sacramento Kings forward Anthony Bonner is on the list of candidates for the forward spot held last season by Larry Krystkowiak. The list also includes Krystkowiak and Tom Chambers, who was cut loose by the Phoenix Suns.Layden declined to say which player he would prefer to have, though he did say that there is a definite priority order to the list.
That may not make any difference, however, when the time comes to talk money. Utah doesn't have much room under the salary cap to pay anyone, which may be why Chambers, who has said he wants to play in Utah, is reportedly mulling offers from European teams. Krystkowiak is also considering overseas opportunities, and Bonner, 25, has had talks with other NBA teams, including Philadelphia.
Keith Glass, Krystkowiak's agent, said he thinks his client would not be the Jazz's last choice.
"He has to be first or second on that list," Glass said.
Mike Claiborne, Bonner's agent, said his client has not received an actual offer from the Jazz yet. He guessed that Chambers would be No. 1 on the list.
"I think Tom was their first priority, being a veteran and a Utah guy," he said. "After that I'm not sure."
Comparing Bonner to Krystkowiak, Claiborne said, "Obviously Anthony's a better rebounder and a better defensive player. Larry (Krystkowiak) had more scoring opportunities in the Jazz system."
What Layden likes about all three players is their versatility. Chambers and Krystkowiak, usually regarded as power forwards, can also step into the center spot - although it would seem the Jazz are well-stocked at that position right now. And the 6-foot-8 Bonner, who averaged 8.6 points and 6.5 rebounds in 25 minutes last season, can play the big or small forward.
Layden said he has talked to each player several times, and that talks will continue. When they might end, he declined to say, but Claiborne was willing to speculate.
"I think we're looking to turn it up a notch tomorrow (Friday) or early next week," he said. "Once some other teams make some deals or sign some free agents, there may be a domino effect."