Rush says he's ready to return to action

Jazz notes • Guard continues to recover from major knee surgery.
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Jazz guard Brandon Rush continues to recover from major knee surgery and could play Friday night, when Utah plays Phoenix at EnergySolutions Arena.

Rush was injured more than a year ago, when he was with Golden State. He was acquired by the Jazz during the offseason and made his Utah debut against Brooklyn on Nov. 5.

Rush was scoreless in 10 minutes against the Nets and, afterward, decided he wasn't ready to play. But now his return seems imminent.

Rush practiced without limitations on Wednesday and Thursday. Before the session on Thanksgiving morning, he said, "... I think my knee is fine. Everything else is fine. I think I'm ready to go."

Said coach Tyrone Corbin: "Brandon moved well."

Another offseason acquisition, center Andris Biedrins, has also been practicing. He has not played this season because of an ankle injury but, like Rush, seems close to returning.

"Andris was good on the floor, other than his wind was a little short," Corbin said.

Kanter returns to practice Thursday

Along with Rush and Biedrins, center Enes Kanter returned to practice Thursday.

The Jazz's No. 2 scorer, Kanter suffered a sprained ankle Sunday in Oklahoma City and missed the Jazz's 89-83 overtime win over the Bulls on Monday.

Officially, the Jazz say Kanter will be a game-time decision against the Suns.

Of course, the Jazz could face another decision because their players are all getting healthy. The team usually doesn't carry a full 15-man roster, so a personnel move could be coming.

"Let's get everybody back first and see what gives us the best chance," Corbin said. "These guys are all working hard ... so I'm not sure."

The Burke factor?

The Jazz are 2-14 this season, but they are 1-1 in games started by rookie point guard Trey Burke.

Against Chicago, he finished with 14 points and four assists in 34 minutes.

Burke also hit the biggest shot of the game — a three-pointer in overtime that gave the Jazz an 83-78 lead.

"He's coming along," Corbin said. "He's getting more comfortable. He's learning how to start the game — how he has to create the right pace for the team. ... He still has a lot to learn, but he'll get better every night out."