Thurl Bailey wants to return to NBA
Posted: Tuesday October 27, 1998 11:37 AM
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Bailey is looking to play one or two seasons with a stable franchise Tim De Frisco/Allsport |
SALT LAKE CITY (AP) -- Seven years after being traded by Utah, Thurl
Bailey hopes to return to the Jazz. "If that were to happen, it
would be great," he said Monday. "I would love the opportunity."
Bailey started his pro career in Utah, which made him the seventh overall
pick in the 1983 draft. He was traded to Minnesota in 1991 and spent three
seasons with the Timberwolves before continuing his career in Europe.
Bailey, 37, decided not to play overseas again this season.
"It was mostly a family decision," Bailey said. "Four years over there is
probably enough. It is something that's very hard on your family."
Bailey hopes to catch on with the Jazz or some other NBA team.
"A lot of teams are building and, if they are looking five or six years
down the road, I'm probably not their guy," he said. On the
other hand, Bailey can envision playing another season or two with a stable
franchise seeking experience and leadership during a title run.
"The whole idea right now is to stay in shape, work out, and, when the
lockout is over, take my chances," he said. Jazz management
cannot discuss any personnel matters during the lockout and Bailey isn't in
position to say much more. Assuming the lockout does not kill
the entire season, Utah will have one or two open spots on its roster --
and little time to fill them. Chris Morris was
told before the lockout began on July 1 that he wasn't coming back.
Antoine
Carr also may not return. Carr, who struggled most of last season, has
not participated in any of the almost-daily pickup games at Westminster
College. They are being used by 10 to 12 pro players, including Bailey, as
a way of staying sharp during the lockout. "I'm just like any
other player," he said. "I'd like to show I can still play and contribute.
... If the opportunity comes and I get a chance to go to camp - with the
Jazz or someone else - I have to be ready." At 6-11, Bailey is
capable of playing forward or center -- like Carr. His best season in Utah
was 1987-88, when he averaged 19.6 points and 6.5 rebounds.
Bailey played one season in Greece and three in Italy. "I'm a
better player now," he said. "Not faster or anything like that. But I know
how to play." Bailey said that in Europe, he was always a
primary scorer. "With only two Americans per team, you're there for
one reason. They want to develop a team around you, so you have to have an
attitude," he said. "You have to be more than a role player. Over there,
you are it. The go-to guy."
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