Tyrone Corbin knew he eventually would have to figure this out.
Earl Watson’s continued recovery at the beginning of the season from knee surgery in April allowed the Utah Jazz coach a reprieve in having to pick a backup point guard. But Watson is back now, fully healthy and ready to play.
So Corbin now must choose between Watson and Jamaal Tinsley.
It’s a difficult decision. Watson, the veteran from UCLA, carved out the role last season with tough defense and gritty leadership. Tinsley, however, became a surprise in how well he ran the offense and his understanding of what the coaching staff wants.
"Those two guys have been terrific for us," Corbin said. "Both of them deserve to play, so yes, it is pretty tough to choose. There aren’t that many minutes to go around, with Mo Williams back and in the swing of things. So we have to give both guys some time to see what they can do."
Watson played the backup minutes the last two games with Tinsley sitting on the bench and not removing his sweats against Houston on Saturday and the Los Angeles Clippers on Monday night.
But don’t expect that to last. Corbin said he expects to switch it up in a few games, go back to Tinsley and see how he plays for a few games.
After further evaluation of that arrangement, Corbin probably will go with the guy who runs best with the second unit.
"Both of us are professionals," Watson said. "We want what’s best for the team, so there won’t be any jealousy between us. We’re both too old for that. We just both have to go out, play and let the coaches make the decisions."
On second opinion
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Neither Marvin Williams nor Derrick Favors practiced at full speed Tuesday. Both are considered doubtful for Wednesday night’s game against the Orlando Magic.
Williams continues to miss time with concussion-like symptoms. Favors has missed two consecutive games with plantar fasciitis.
Down in Reno
Jazz rookie Kevin Murphy is averaging 8.5 points and an assist per game through two games with the Reno Bighorns in the D-League.
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