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Jamaal Tinsley was a season removed from playing in the NBA. Closer to the end of his career than the start. Written off by many, overlooked and nearly forgotten.

The eight-year veteran could have called it a career. Instead, he dug deep and went to the NBA Development League, signing with the Los Angeles D-Fenders after being the No. 1 overall pick during the 2011 draft.

The brief minor-league run might have salvaged Tinsley's NBA career.

He averaged 9.9 points and 7.6 assists in eight games with the D-Fenders, temporarily teaming with Elijah Millsap, brother of Jazz forward Paul Millsap. More importantly, Tinsley caught Utah's eye. With the Jazz looking for a reliable veteran point guard to back up starter Devin Harris, Tinsley received a call he'd long waited for. The words coming through the line: Come to Salt Lake City; we just might have a spot for you.

Jazz General Manager Kevin O'Connor would not discuss Saturday the details of Tinsley's contract. The GM acknowledged, though, that Tinsley is currently competing with ex-Utah guard Keith McLeod for the right to back up Harris and No. 2 point guard Earl Watson. O'Connor said there's no guarantee the Jazz will keep three point guards, though.

Asked about his deal with Utah, Tinsley said, "I'm here right now. Hopefully I'll make the team, and I'm here to compete and play hard — anything can happen."

As for his time in the D-League?

"It wasn't about the money. It was just about my staying close to my son," Tinsley said. "I love the game. So it was something I wanted to do."

Even a downward slide toward the end of his seven-year run with Indiana — one that peaked with an average of 15.4 points during 2004-05 — is now seen in a different light.

"There's certain things you can't control in life. ... Things happened down in Indiana. It was a learning experience," Tinsley said. "I don't hold no grudge against them. Just move on and learn from it."

Four more

The Jazz officially added McLeod and Trey Gilder to their camp roster Saturday, bringing the total to 15. O'Connor said two more players could take the court Monday; they're waiting for FIBA clearances. Paul Carter is one of them, while Scottie Reynolds could soon join Utah.

No offer

O'Connor said the Jazz are interested in free agent Josh Howard but haven't made an official offer.