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Gordon Hayward is getting his chance. The Jazz rookie guard made his first start Monday in a home loss to Oklahoma City, filling in at shooting guard for an injured Raja Bell. The ninth pick of the 2010 NBA Draft recorded four points, two assists and one steal during 22 minutes.

With Bell still dealing with a left adductor strain — he was limited to light running in practice Tuesday and is a game-time decision Tuesday against New Jersey — Utah coach Jerry Sloan said the former Butler standout will likely be on the court at tip-off as long as Bell is sidelined.

Sloan decided to use Hayward in the starting lineup instead of veteran forward C.J. Miles so that the rookie could accumulate experience, while Miles would still be able to provide the Jazz scoring off the bench. The move paid dividends, as Hayward held his own on both ends of the floor, and Miles poured in 16 points on 7-of-14 shooting.

Sloan said he saw enough out of Hayward on Monday that the 20-year-old guard is again a leading candidate to hold Bell's place in the first unit.

Prior to the game against the Thunder, Hayward had been limited to just 25 minutes and five points during the Jazz's previous five contests.

Hayward said being able to stay on the court against the Thunder for a longer duration improved his rhythm. He also said he could improve his rebounding and help defense. But for the most part, the rookie held his head high after his first start. "I thought I did all right," Hayward said. "It's a learning process. It'll get better as time goes on."

Working together

Despite improved play from veteran reserve point guard Earl Watson, Sloan said nothing has been decided when it comes to whether Watson or Ronnie Price is the official backup for starter Deron Williams.

Sloan has said Utah will insert either Watson or Price depending on in-game situations. The duo have also taken the court together, at times giving the Jazz a two-point-guard lineup.

But that does not mean Utah's coach is not interested in eventually handing the backup reins over to one player.

"It'd be nice to know exactly for them, I'm sure," Sloan said. "But we're still not totally settled."