Jazz coach Tyrone Corbin spoke enthusiastically about the signing of small forward DeMarre Carroll prior to practice Thursday morning.

"He's a good young hustle player who is finding his way in this league," Corbin said. "He had a great college career. ... He really works hard on both ends of the floor. A phyiscal defensive player. He's going to add a lot of energy."

Referring to Jazz general manager Kevin O'Connor, Corbin said, "I think he's a guy Kevin has had on his radar for the last couple of years and there was an opportunity to get him now -- an opportunity to add a player that we think will help us grow. ... He's a 'three-man' that can play bigger 'threes.' He can play some 'four.' He really works hard. He's a hustle guy who will bust his butt ever minute he's on the floor."

Carroll, 25, played four games for Denver early this season before being waived on Feb. 4.

Carroll spent the 2009-10 season with Memphis before splitting last season season between the Grizzlies and Houston Rockets.

Originally, Memphis used the 27th overall pick on Carroll, who started his collegiate carer at Vanderbilt before finishing at Missouri. As a senior, he averaged 16.6 points and 7.2 rebounds and was named the Most Valuable Player of the 2009 Big 12 tournament.

Carroll is the nephew of Arkansas coach Mike Anderson, who previously coached at Missouri.

Carroll called signing with the Jazz "... a great opportunity. The situation in Denver didn't work out, but I'm glad to be here in Utah. There are incredible fans are here and a good coaching staff."

Asked about the strengths in his game, Carroll said, "Basically being a blue-collar guy. Doing whatever it takes. Whenever coach Corbion throws me in, I've just got to go out there and do what I do. ... Be myself. Be true to me."

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Jamaal Tinsley, who missed Tuesday night's loss at Indiana because of a non-emergency family reason, returned to practice.

"Everything is going good," he said. "Just a personal issue I had to take care of at home and I'm glad to be back."

-- Steve Luhm