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Josh Howard believes he's about to turn his NBA career around.

The newly signed small forward wore a Jazz practice uniform for the first time Saturday, watching his new teammates play in an intrasquad scrimmage at EnergySolutions Arena before an announced crowd of 10,300.

Howard didn't participate in the game, but he was all smiles during a morning media session.

Howard acknowledged he has a lot of work to do before Utah tips off the regular season Dec. 27 at the Los Angeles Lakers. But he's moved past the mental part of a knee injury that limited his action during the past two years, and he's eager to prove himself in Salt Lake City.

"I feel like I can give a lot to this game. … Basketball was one of my first loves as far as just getting out the house and enjoying it," Howard said. "The sky's the limit with it, the Lord willing and if I stay healthy."

First showing

A White team led by C.J. Miles' game-high 18 points won the scrimmage, 48-34. Gordon Hayward and Jeremy Evans led the Blue team with 10 points apiece.

Rookie center Enes Kanter scored six points on 2-of-6 shooting and grabbed two rebounds in 21 minutes.

Jazz coach Tyrone Corbin said Kanter looked nervous. The 19-year-old big man acknowledged he was initially awed by his ESA debut.

"[This] was my first time in Salt Lake City. In the [November] charity game I got hit and couldn't play. … I just got a little bit nervous and was really excited," Kanter said.

He soon settled down, though, showing off impressive offensive footwork and countermoves in the paint while battling Derrick Favors.

Shifting roles

Not only is Corbin not close to setting Utah's season-opening starters, but he can also envision using multiple first rotations during a lockout-shortened 66-game campaign.

Corbin wants to maximize matchup advantages as much as possible. Rest and recuperation will also be emphasized more than normal, meaning Corbin could often rotate his starters.

Slightly ailing

Center Al Jefferson (sore left hamstring) went through part of practice Saturday morning, while forward Paul Millsap (sore right quad) participated in most of the session.

Neither played during the scrimmage, instead riding stationary bikes.

Jefferson said his hamstring isn't a concern. Millsap expects to play Monday against Portland in the Jazz's preseason opener.

Briefly

Rookie Scottie Reynolds won the Jazz's annual rookie dance-off, with Paul Carter finishing a close second. Kanter declined to show off his moves at center court, drawing joking boos from the crowd. "Turkish people can't dance," said Mehmet Okur, who appeared agile and confident during the scrimmage. … Howard will wear No. 8, taking over Deron Williams' old jersey number.