Utah Jazz: Randy Foye on threshold of record for 3-pointers

Randy Foye likely will make Utah Jazz history Friday night against Charlotte at EnergySolutions Arena.

Foye needs one 3-point field goal to break Memo Okur's single-season record of 129, which the former Jazz center set in 2006-07.

Because Foye has made at least one 3-pointer in 24 of his last 25 games, it's a good bet he will pass Okur against the Bobcats.

"He's done a tremendous job for us," coach Tyrone Corbin said. "One of the areas we talked about at the end of last year — how we could improve — was better shooting, especially from the 3-point line …

"Along with Randy being such a pro and a great guy on the team, he's been one of those guys who has been able to make shots for us on a consistent basis."

Foye tied Okur's record with 1:39 remaining in Atlanta's 102-91 win over the Jazz Wednesday night. He has made 129 of his 311 3-point attempts this season, or 41.5 percent.

"He's done a great job spacing the floor and giving us an outside threat," teammate Gordon Hayward said. "… He's such a threat from the outside, teams have to worry about him and that leaves [other] guys open."

Foye did not attend practice Thursday morning because his wife was preparing to give birth to the couple's third child.

Point guard rotation

Corbin knows the Jazz must get improved play at point guard if they want to snap a three-game losing streak.

With Mo Williams still sidelined after tearing a thumb ligament on Dec. 22, the job has been split among Jamaal Tinsley, Earl Watson and Alec Burks.

Watson has started the last two games, with Burks as his backup. Tinsley has not played.

"We have to look at it," Corbin said. "We've lost three in a row so we'll revisit things and look at what gives us the best chance to win games.

"As I've said before, I like Earl and I like Jamaal, and Alec has been giving us some good minutes. But we have to find a way to get some pace, get some easy baskets and execute better in our half-court sets."

In his two starts, Watson has scored seven points on 1-for-5 shooting in 39 minutes. He committed seven turnovers.

As Watson's backup, Burks scored 12 points on 6-for-18 shooting in 60 minutes. He handed out five assists but committed six turnovers.

Corbin's most obvious option regarding his point guard rotation would be including Tinsley.

Asked about his reduced role lately, Tinsley said, "It doesn't bother me. Whenever my number is called, I go out there and play. I've made my point. I've proved what I can still do. At the end of the day, that's on [the coaches]. I'm going to continue to be a good teammate and, whatever they need me to do, that's what I'm going to do."

Injured players

The Jazz had only nine players available for practice.

DeMarre Carroll missed the session while getting an MRI on his knee, which he injured in the loss to Atlanta. Also missing were Al Jefferson (ankle) and Williams.

In addition to Foye, Paul Millsap was also awaiting birth of his third child.

Given the fact that Millsap is also nursing a sprained ankle — he missed the Atlanta game — it's possible the Jazz could be down to 10 players against Charlotte.

"It's a difficult situation but it's where we are," Corbin said. "We'll try to get through the day and see who we have in uniform tomorrow night."

According to Corbin, the injuries could result in role changes.

"These guys have been great all year long about responding when we're shorthanded — coming out and playing as hard as they can," he said.

"The guys have given good effort and will continue to do that. We might move things around. I might have to ask guys to do things they normally don't. But we'll just have to make our way."