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Dallas • Add Jazz guard Ronnie Price to the list of Utah players that want to remain in Salt Lake City next season.
With his eyes lighting up and his voice becoming more passionate, Price said Saturday that he would definitely like to re-sign with the Jazz following the 2010-11 season if given the opportunity.
Price is in the final year of his contract with Utah and is set to make $1.3 million this year. The sixth-year veteran has spent three-plus seasons in a Jazz uniform.
"Man, I would love to come back and be a part of this organization for many years," said Price, who scored 14 points on 5-of-8 shooting and knocked down three 3-pointers during Utah's 103-97 defeat to the Dallas Mavericks at American Airlines Center.
As Utah's NBA player representative, though, Price understands the cold realities of the league's business side better than most.
"Things don't always go in your favor," Price said. "You have to feel a certain way; the organization has to feel a certain way about you. But that's out of my hands. All I can do is be me and play the game of basketball. And I'll just leave all of that in God's hands and let him make that decision."
New roles
Utah coach Jerry Sloan altered his rotation during the second half against Dallas, relying heavily on Price, C.J. Miles and Francisco Elson. The trio combined for 29 points on 11-of-23 shooting.
Sloan credited Elson with trying to slow down the Mavericks' Dirk Nowitzki, who scored a team-high 31 points on 10-of-12 shooting. Sloan acknowledged, though, that the Jazz do not have anyone who can actually shut down Dallas' premier player.
"At least [Elson] was battling and trying to make him work for everything," Sloan said.
Rookie watch
Jazz forward Gordon Hayward made his second consecutive start Saturday, filling in for injured guard Raja Bell.
Hayward also failed to score for the second consecutive game. He was 0 of 2 from the field with two rebounds in 11 minutes, 23 seconds of action.
Injury update
Bell (strained right adductor) and center Kyrylo Fesenko (sprained left ankle) missed their second consecutive games.
Bell said that his injury is more day to day than week to week. He was able to put up shots prior to Utah's loss to the Mavericks, and will attempt to play Monday against Golden State.