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Indianapolis • Devin Harris and Derrick Favors joined the Jazz together. And the former New Jersey Nets duo are receiving an equal-opportunity do-over with Utah.
After being traded for All-Star guard Deron Williams on Wednesday, Harris and Favors connected with the Jazz on Thursday, practicing with the team at Butler University.
Favors was eager to leave behind a rookie season that had been drowned out by trade rumors, as his name was connected for months with the New York Knicks' Carmelo Anthony.
Harris was happy just to get a new start. The 2009 All-Star point guard acknowledged that he had become invisible in New Jersey, playing for a team that posted only 12 wins in 2009-10 and was enduring another frustrating rebuilding run this year.
Now, Harris and Favors will suit up for a Utah team that normally posts 50-win seasons but is fighting just to make the playoffs this year. And each player is excited to leave their past behind and start a new life in Salt Lake City.
"[The Jazz] have been winning 23 seasons and they expect to win," Harris said. "Obviously, we're in the playoff run. I expect us to still be in that run and make some noise in the playoffs. That's what I'm gunning for."
Favors is aiming for education. The promising but raw 19-year-old rookie has had an up-and-down initial season in the NBA, adjusting to life on the road and having to cook his own meals, while dealing with trade drama and major expectations.
He said defense, rebounding and the ability to block shots form the foundation of his game. But he is still fine-tuning his offensive approach and attempting to lock in on go-to moves in the paint. Only having one year of collegiate experience and being the third overall pick of the 2010 NBA Draft has not eased his burden.
"It's been hard," Favors said. "But I just had to adjust to it. I had to get used to everything and just be patient and come out ready to play."
A big-man coach would aid Favors, and he acknowledged that he would enjoy having a dedicated tutor. Jazz coach Tyrone Corbin said several options are being explored, but nothing is settled.
No move
Utah did not follow up Thursday on its blockbuster trade of Williams. While several Western Conference teams made major moves, the Jazz listened to offers until a 1 p.m. deadline, but eventually held ground.
"I know they were fielding a lot of phone calls, but nothing was pitched to [me]," Corbin said.
Back home
Gordon Hayward returned Thursday to the school where he made his name.
With the Jazz practicing at Butler, Hayward was bathed in the spotlight of TV cameras and eager reporters.
Corbin joked that Hayward was talking like a Bulldog during the bus ride to the gym.
Hayward just soaked everything in.
"It seems like it's such a long time ago," said Hayward, who led Butler to the 2010 NCAA men's basketball championship game. "But at the same time, you walk back in here and it's like we're ready to have 6 a.m. practice all over again."
Jazz at Pacers
P At Conseco Field House, Indianapolis
Tipoff • 5 p.m.
TV • FSN Utah
Radio • 1320 AM, 1600 AM, 98.7 FM
Records • Jazz 31-27, Pacers 26-30
Last meeting • Jazz, 110-88 (Dec. 1, 2010)
About the Jazz • Devin Harris and Derrick Favors are expected to make their Utah debuts. Harris will wear No. 5, while Favors will sport No. 15. … All 14 Jazz players practiced Thursday at Butler University. … Utah is expected to start Harris, Raja Bell, Andrei Kirilenko, Paul Millsap and Al Jefferson.
About the Pacers • Indiana has won five of seven games and holds the No. 8 seed in the Eastern Conference. … The Pacers nearly acquired Memphis' O.J. Mayo in a trade Thursday, but the deal fell apart last-minute. Indiana would have sent Josh McRoberts and a 2011 first-round pick to the Grizzlies. … The Pacers rank second out of 30 teams in average rebounds (44.0).