James Lang, Mark Karcher and Cory Violette are all traveling that same well-worn path that Handlogten and Radojevic, against enormous odds, used to arrive in the NBA. None has a guaranteed contract, or more than a 1-in-100 shot at earning one here, yet all know that the Jazz don't consider them training-camp chaff.
"They've had a reputation for giving guys a real chance, and bringing guys back when necessary," said Violette, who chose the Jazz from among a couple of other invitations despite knowing that his position [he's a 6-foot-8 forward] is Utah's most crowded. "I figured, if it doesn't work out here, at least I've shown my face and maybe down the road somebody might need me. You never know."
Sure don't. Handlogten and Radojevic were just as easy to dismiss before camp, and similarly difficult for coach Jerry Sloan to cut once camp ended. In fact, Sloan said he refuses to make a cut, even to let go a player without a guaranteed contract, until he has seen enough to be certain.
"If there's any doubt, I won't cut a guy," Sloan said. "I want to make sure we don't ever let a guy get away who could help the team."
Sloan admits to knowing little about this camp's trio of invitees, since unlike Spencer Nelson and Andre Owens, who earned this opportunity by playing well for the Jazz's summer league team, they have only been watched by the Jazz's scouting department. But Kevin O'Connor, the team's senior vice president of basketball operations, believes each of the unknown three deserves a thorough look during the preseason.
Violette, for instance, has physically matured since his college career ended with Gonzaga. "He's got a toughness that makes him interesting," O'Connor said of the Boise native.
At 27, Karcher is the oldest free agent in camp; actually, he's the sixth-oldest player here, period. He has a chance, O'Connor said, because at 6-5, "he can play both guard positions and even some [small forward]. Our coaches look for guys like Bryon [Russell] and Shandon [Anderson], guys who can play hard on both ends. . . . Plus, he can score the basketball."
Lang, a 300-pound, 6-10 center who turns 22 next week, may be the most intriguing prospect of all. He was drafted out of high school in the second round by New Orleans two summers ago, but questions about his conditioning prevented him from sticking with the Hornets, and he played last year in Spain. "He's got soft hands and good feet. He's an athlete and he's in better shape now," O'Connor said. "He's a kid who, if he'll work, should play in this league."
Whether that happens in Utah will be determined over the next few weeks. But Lang, who turned down invitations from Phoenix and New Jersey, figures Jazz camp will help make him a better player, whether he ever wears a Utah uniform or not.
"It's just part of my education, of learning basketball," Lang explained of his decision. "Jerry Sloan, he'll get me right."
The pressure on players to make an impression can be intense, and there is more riding on it for Karcher than most. He's the father of four - his latest, a baby boy, was born just last week - and "I have to support my family."
The Temple grad turned down a guaranteed contract from the French team he played for last season in order to take this shot. "I've been blessed to get this chance, and I'm giving it my very best," said Karcher, whose family is following his progress from Baltimore.
What does he hope to demonstrate to Sloan and the Jazz? "I play with toughness. I can shoot from the perimeter. And I love to win - that's the most important thing," he said. "Coach Sloan told us he's going to be fair with us. He wants us to make it tough on him [to cut players], and I'm going to try. I know if I play hard and work hard, I'll take my chances."
pmiller@sltrib.com
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