Gallery: Jazz optimistic on eve of training camp

Players, coaches and management expressed optimism about the coming season Monday afternoon, when the Utah Jazz held their annual media day at the team's practice facility.

Nineteen players are currently on the preseason roster, including veteran guard Raja Bell.

After a feud with coach Tyrone Corbin last season, Bell and the Jazz agreed he would not attend training camp as the sides discuss his contract situation.

Among the players in camp are newly acquired veterans Mo Williams, Marvin Williams and Randy Foye. All are expected to be part of Corbin's regular rotation when the regular season starts.

"We've made some exciting new additions to the team," CEO Greg Miller said. "All those moves have been very positive. They make us a better franchise and, ultimately, they will help us win more games."

Veteran forward Paul Millsap, the longest tenured player on Utah's roster, agreed.

"This franchise," he said, "is headed in the right direction."

Along with the new players, Dennis Lindsey was named the Jazz's general manager in August, with Kevin O'Connor retaining a role as the team's executive vice president of basketball operations.

"I'm very optimistic," Lindsey said. "We've had a good offseason. ... We want Utah Jazz basketball to be about what it's always been about — competing hard, doing our best and striving for excellence and I'm impressed right now."

The Jazz begin two-a-day practices Tuesday morning. Their preseason opener is Monday night at Golden State.