Utah Jazz notes: Jamaal Tinsley expected to add point guard depth

Los Angeles • The Utah Jazz have reached a deal with Jamaal Tinsley to bring the 35-year-old point guard back to Utah, according to the USA Today.

Tinsley, who averaged 3.6 points and 4 assists a game over two seasons with the Jazz, is expected to join the Jazz in California on Friday, pending the outcome of a physical, according to the report.

After Wednesday's preseason loss to the Clippers, Jazz coach Ty Corbin would not comment on the reported signing.

"We're looking at it," he said. "We'll see what gives us a chance. We love Jamaal. He's been here a while. … We hope everything can work out, so we'll wait and make a comment on that."

Utah's rookie point guard, Trey Burke, is out indefinitely with a fractured finger. Currently, John Lucas III is the only other point guard with a guaranteed deal with the team.

Lucas said he would welcome Tinsley's addition.

"Jamaal's a vet," he said. "He's been around. He's been in the system. I'm definitely going to pick his brain."

The Jazz play the Lakers on Friday in Anaheim, Calif., to finish the preseason schedule.

Go big or Gobert

A heckler in the baseline seats at Staples Center picked Rudy Gobert as one of his targets Wednesday.

As he jeered the Jazz's 7-foot-2 rookie, Utah forward Richard Jefferson smiled and pointed at Gobert.

The big center should be a little easier to spot now. Gobert had five blocks and 12 rebounds in 20 minutes on the floor.

"He surprised a lot of people," said Jazz forward Derrick Favors, who has seen plenty of Gobert in practice.

"He's hard to score against," Favors said.

Gaining Favors

Favors didn't have a bad night himself. The 22-year-old had 24 points and 17 rebounds in a night that all started with a big dunk. Favors said the early score helped with his confidence. After that, Lucas said the Jazz knew what to do.