Jazz forward Luther Wright returned to his home, Wednesday, but isn't expected to return to the team for two or three weeks, his agent said.
Wright, who was being treated at the Western Institute of Neuropsychiatry for manic depression, was cited for disorderly conduct on Jan. 24 after being found at a rest stop in Tooele County, banging on garbage cans and yelling. Sal DiFazio, Wright's agent, said in a prepared statement:"I'm happy to report that Luther Wright was released from the hospital today. He seems to be progressing well, but will continue to receive treatment on an out-patient basis for an undetermined period of time. I fully expect him to continue to improve and to return to the Jazz in the next two or three weeks."
He continued, "Although Luther is progressing, he will continue to be unavailable for interviews with the media. I would ask that fans and members of the media alike respect his privacy until it is determined by his doctors that it would be wise for him to make a public statement. I express again my thanks to all those who have supported Luther the past few weeks."
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Jazz forward Karl Malone made the starting lineup for Sunday's All-Star Game, but this year it was by default.
Phoenix's Charles Barkley, the leading vote-getter in fan balloting, was unable to play due to an injury. He was replaced by Seattle's Gary Payton. With Barkley out of the starting lineup, Malone was the natural replacement at power forward.
Malone was named a starter by Western Conference coach George Karl. Said Malone, "He (Karl) likes me that much?"
Payton, averaging 16.2 points and 6.3 assists, received the highest number of votes among West players not selected as reserves by the conference's head coaches. Payton will make his first All-Star appearance in Sunday's game at Minneapolis.
Barkley, the leading vote-getter in the final balloting to determine the starters, is sidelined with a torn quadricep tendon in his right knee. He has been on the injured list since Jan. 9 and has missed 16 games.
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Forward Chad Gallagher was released Wednesday by the Jazz following their loss to Los Angeles.
Gallagher's 10-day contract expired Thursday and the Jazz chose not to offer another. Sloan said they are looking for another player to temporarily replace Wright on the roster.
Gallagher played in two games, totaling three minutes. He made all three field goal attempts.