Sloan has surgery

Utah Jazz head coach Jerry Sloan underwent successful right knee replacement surgery today, Jazz general manager Kevin O’Connor announced. The surgery was performed by Dr. Russell Nelson in Salt Lake City.

The longest-tenured head coach in NBA history, Sloan recently completed his 21st season at the helm of the Jazz and ranks as the NBA’s fourth-winningest coach all-time with a career record of 1,137-751 (1,043-630 with Jazz). Sloan was also selected to the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame Enshrinement Class of 2009 where he will be inducted in September.

Deron Williams keeps the Jazz alive

Jazz to wear patch in honor of Miller

The Utah Jazz will honor the memory of late owner Larry H. Miller by wearing a memorial “LHM” patch on its jerseys for the remainder of the season. The patch debuted Saturday.

The purple patch with green and gold trim is in the shape of the Jazz music note logo (a “J” in the shape of an eighth note) and inscribed with Miller’s initials, “LHM,” in white block letters. The music note logo is representative of the team’s logo, colors and jerseys which were worn at the time Miller originally purchased a 50% stake in the team on April 11, 1985, and the remaining 50% on June 24, 1986. The Jazz wore the music note jerseys until the 1996-97 season.

Reaction to Larry Miller's passing

David Stern " It is with great sadness that I offer condolences to Gail and the Miller family on behalf of the entire NBA family. Larry's legacy extends beyond the NBA as he touched many lives in the Salt Lake City region through his business ventures and charitable endeavors. The NBA lost a great leader, colleague and friend today. We will miss him."

Jon M. Huntsman Jr. (Governor, State of Utah)

“Every citizen in our state feels a little empty today. Larry was Utah and Utah was Larry. He inspired many and served countless. We all have been made better by his extraordinary life.

“Mary Kaye and I wish to express our deepest love and sympathies to his wonderful wife, Gail, and their entire family and wish them a sense of deep condolences at this difficult time.”

Jon M. Huntsman Sr.

“Larry Miller was one of the most treasured and close friends I’ve had in my life. He was a man of total integrity and honesty. His legacy in Utah will exist over many generations. Karen and my special love are extended to Gail and their wonderful children and grandchildren.”

Thomas S. Monson (President, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints)

“I was sad to hear of the passing of Larry H. Miller after a valiant battle with ill health. He was a kind, generous man, a great citizen, and friend to the community and his church.

“In recent years, his generosity included significant underwriting for the Joseph Smith Papers Project that is bringing the Prophet’s work to life. Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife Gail and their family.”

David Stern (NBA Commissioner)

“It is with great sadness that I offer condolences to Gail and the Miller family on behalf of the entire NBA family. Larry's legacy extends beyond the NBA as he touched many lives in the Salt Lake City region through his business ventures and charitable endeavors. The NBA lost a great leader, colleague and friend today. We will miss him.”

Randy Rigby (President and Chief Operating Officer, Utah Jazz/Larry H. Miller Sports & Entertainment)

“Larry Miller is a dear friend and great leader who cared deeply about his family, the state, his faith and his employees. He has created a legacy that we, as his stewards, are committed to carry on and build in his honor. His commitment to sports has changed the face of Utah forever.”

Tony Schnurr (President, Larry H. Miller Group of Automotive Companies)

“We are all saddened by the news of Larry’s death. He was a great man and an inspiration to all of us. The mark that he has left in the business communities in which we are located will be felt for all of the generations to follow. Larry will be truly missed.”

Jerry Sloan (Head Coach, Utah Jazz)

“The whole Jazz family is really saddened by Larry H. Miller’s passing. He meant so much to this state and this community. He’ll always be in our hearts for what he’s done. He’s certainly someone we’re all going to miss. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Larry H. Miller’s family.”

John Stockton (Retired Player, Utah Jazz)

“Personally, I have lost a valuable friend. Larry has been such a remarkable individual. The community has benefited so much by his life. He is someone we will all miss.”

Deron Williams (Player, Utah Jazz)

“This is a sad day for me, our team, the fans of the Utah Jazz, and the NBA. Mr. Miller was a terrific man and friend. He changed the lives of thousands of people. We have all been blessed by his generosity and love for this community, and I am blessed to call him my friend. He gave us a lot of joy, and we will miss him.”

Sloan wins No. 1000

SALT LAKE CITY (November 7, 2008) – Utah Jazz head coach Jerry Sloan captured his 1,000th victory as head coach of the Jazz tonight with a 104-97 win over the Oklahoma City Thunder at EnerySolutions Arena. Sloan is the first head coach in NBA history to achieve 1,000 wins with one team. The Jazz head coach currently holds an overall record of 1094-717 and a 1000-596 record with the Jazz.

In his 21st season as head coach, Sloan is 205 victories ahead of Red Auerbach (second all-time wins with one team) and 367 wins ahead of the only other active coach in the top five, San Antonio’s Gregg Popovich (third all-time). Sloan is also the longest-tenured coach in all of professional sports. There have been 219 coaching changes in the NBA since he was named head coach of the Jazz on December 9, 1988.

Over his first 20 seasons, he has produced two conference championships, seven division titles, 16 consecutive winning seasons, 12 seasons with 50-plus wins and 18 playoff appearances. The 5-0 Jazz are seeking the team’s third straight Northwest Division title in 2008-09.

Sloan will celebrate his 20th anniversary as head coach on December 9 when the Jazz travel to Minnesota to take on the Timberwolves at 6 p.m. MST.

Williams out for Jazz

Utah Jazz star guard Deron Williams (left ankle inversion sprain) and forward Matt Harpring (right ankle rehab) will not play in today's regular season opener vs. Denver.

Harpring did not see action in the preseason while Williams suffered the ankle injury at Chicago on October 18 and did not play in the Jazz’s preseason finale vs. Portland on October 23. Williams is also doubtful for Saturday’s game vs. the L.A. Clippers.

Jazz waive former Syracuse star

The Utah Jazz have requested waivers on guard Gerry McNamara.

Rockets waive Harris; Jazz cut two

The Houston Rockets waived forward Mike Harris.

Harris (6-6, 240, Rice) averaged 3.3 points and 4.7 rebounds in three preseason games this year. In his rookie NBA season, Harris averaged 3.6 points and 3.2 rebounds in 17 games with the Rockets in 2007-08. The former standout at Rice University was also a third-overall selection in the 2006 D-League Draft by Colorado.

Meanwhile, Utah waived forwards Kevin Lyde and Gabe Muoneke.

Lyde appeared in three preseason contests with the Jazz, averaging 5.3 points and 1.7 rebounds in 10.3 minutes. Muoneke recorded four preseason games, registering 1.3 points and 0.8 rebounds in 7.5 minutes a game.

Williams out two weeks

An MRI conducted on Deron Williams’ ankle Monday revealed the All-Star guard suffered a second degree inversion sprain.

The MRI also showed all bone structure and tendons in and around the ankle to be normal.

The time frame for Williams’ return to action is a minimum of two weeks.

Originally selected by the Jazz in the first round (third overall) in the 2005 NBA Draft, Williams has appeared in 242 of a possible 246 regular season games and all 29 playoff games in his first three NBA seasons, posting career averages of 15.3 points and 8.1 assists in 34.4 minutes per game. Williams started all 82 games for the Jazz in 2007-08, averaging 18.8 points and 10.5 assists in 37.3 minutes per game. He became only the third player in NBA history to total 1500+ points and 800+ assists while shooting .500+ in a single season (Kevin Johnson, Magic Johnson) and was also selected to the All-NBA Second Team.

Deron Williams sprains ankle

Utah Jazz guard Deron Williams suffered a left ankle inversion sprain at the 5:39 mark of the first quarter of Saturday's 88-80 win at Chicago. The injury occurred when Williams landed on the foot of Bulls guard Derrick Rose as Williams was attempting a three-pointer. X-rays on the ankle were negative and he did not return to the game.

In addition, forward Matt Harpring (right ankle rehab) was not with the team, while guard Brevin Knight (inflamed left thumb) and center Jarron Collins (right triceps tendinitis) did not dress.