This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2016, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
Portland • His shot has improved over the summer. His offseason was spent in the weight room, and the results are obvious. All-around, Raul Neto has little doubt that he's an improved basketball player from his rookie season.
And yet, his minutes and his role with the Utah Jazz figure to significantly diminish.
That's life in the NBA, which Neto has always heard can be harsh. But for the first time, the second season point guard from Brazil is seeing it up close. Barring injury — a lot of injury — he's going to go from starter to deep reserve. He'll go from a guy used to playing a lot to a guy who is going to have to make good on each and every opportunity he gets.
"I'm just going to have to stay ready, and be ready," Neto says. "I'm good about that. I have to do everything within my control to play minutes, and do my best every time I step on the court. That's what my mind is ready for."
Like many with the Jazz, Neto's minutes will be affected by the infusion of talent. But other than possibly Joe Ingles, Neto's been the one most affected. With him, George Hill, Dante Exum and Shelvin Mack, the Jazz have four point guards who are or have been NBA starters.
The Jazz are expected to keep all four floor leaders on the roster, but Neto projects as fourth on the depth chart. He may even spend some time with the D-League Salt Lake City Stars at some point.
It isn't easy keeping your mind and game sharp as a deep NBA reserve. Once the season starts, practice time can get scarce. So Neto's challenge will be to keep his skill set and mind ready during the regular season — all while knowing his minutes will be sporadic at best.
For Neto, that challenge could be doubly hard. He's been playing well during training camp. He also played well during the offseason, running the show for Brazil in the Olympics. He feels he's better physically, but may not get many chances to show it."
"It's just about being ready," Neto said. "But this is just how the league is. You think you come back a better player, and opportunity doesn't come. Of course I know I won't have the same minutes as last year, but I'm good with that. I want to learn from the guys that are on the team playing ahead of me, and if I can do that, we're going to have a great season as well."
Jazz officially add
another coach
The Utah Jazz on Monday announced the addition of DeSagana Diop to the coaching staff. Diop has been with the Jazz on a volunteer basis since summer league. He performed well enough that the Jazz brought him on the staff fulltime.
"I've known him and his family a long time," Jazz coach Quin Snyder said. "He's someone who came in with no expectation and promise of having a role. He worked with us in summer league and he just felt like a really good fit."
Unity
The Utah Jazz — players and coaches — locked arms around shoulders during the national anthem on Monday night. It was a show of awareness by the team of the ongoing social issues around the country.
Out
Jazz shooting guard Alec Burks missed Monday's game, as he's still not yet cleared for full contact.
twitter: @tribjazz