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Posted: 11:41 AM- The Jazz waived Roger Powell on Thursday, saving themselves nearly a quarter-million dollars in salary but distressing the former teammates of the popular but little-used reserve.
"It gives us flexibility," said Kevin O'Connor, who broke the news to Powell before the 23-9 Jazz practiced Thursday morning. "It's a lousy decision to [make] because he worked very hard, and [because of] the kind of kid he is. But we've been fortunate, knock on wood, that we haven't had injuries. We haven't been able to get him in the games."
Powell was on the active list only five times this season, and played in three games, scoring two points in 13 total minutes. But he was a "first-guy-here, last-guy-in-the-gym" kind of player who worked hard to stay ready, said guard Deron Williams.
He was also close with several of his teammates, especially fellow Illinois alums Williams and Dee Brown.
"He worked hard. He deserved to be here. It's a crazy situation," said Brown, tears pooling in his eyes as he spoke. "He's my brother and I care for him a lot. To see a guy work hard every day, put so much into it . . . He's a strong guy of faith. I hope everything works out for him."
Powell's $412,718 rookie contract would have become fully guaranteed on Jan. 10, but the Jazz will save roughly $240,000 by waiving him. They can sign players to 10-day contracts beginning Friday, but have no intention to do so for the time being, said O'Connor, the Jazz's senior vice president of basketball operations.