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Marcus Cousin's time with the Jazz has come to an end.
The rookie center was released Friday by Utah, after averaging 1.0 points, 0.8 rebounds and 4.5 minutes in four games. He joined the Jazz last Wednesday via a 10-day contract and a call-up from the NBA Development League's Austin Toros.
But that contract expired Friday, and the Jazz had to offer a second 10-day deal to keep Cousin in uniform. With Utah reserve center Francisco Elson showing progress during his recovery from knee and ankle injuries, and fellow reserve big man Kyrylo Fesenko already struggling to record game-time minutes, Cousin became expendable.
The 24-year-old University of Houston product acknowledged prior to practice Friday morning that he was uncertain about his future with the Jazz.
"I hope it works out," Cousin said.
Cousin aided Utah while the team struggled through a recent 1-3 road trip and played through several key injuries. He teamed well with Jazz rookie forward Derrick Favors, and drew praise from coach Tyrone Corbin for his work ethic and big, bruising style of play.
Study time
Favors has started teaming up with fellow rookies Gordon Hayward, Jeremy Evans and Cousin after full-team workouts at the Jazz practice facility. Running the court under the guidance of Corbin and assistant coach Jeff Hornacek, the 19-year-old power forward has received additional instruction as everything from new plays to missed opportunities during just-completed practices have been addressed.
While the No. 3 overall pick of the 2010 NBA Draft is still not absorbing one-on-one instruction from a big-man coach, Favors has been allowed to closely work with Corbin, who spent 16 years in the league as a small forward before entering the coaching ranks.
"Any time you do extra work it always helps, especially when you're a young player," Favors said.
The four have built upon a foundation established by Hayward and Evans.
Briefly
Paul Millsap, Ronnie Price, Andrei Kirilenko, Raja Bell and Elson are game-time decisions for a road contest Sunday against Houston. Kirilenko (sore back) did not practice Friday and instead visited a chiropractor, while Bell (toe) went through a light workout session.
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