Jazz Under Consideration To Play Preseason Games In Europe

Jazz Rumored Participant In Next Year's Europe Live

Jazz GM Kevin O'Connor Thursday said that the team is "under consideration to play two 2009 preseason games overseas" as part of the NBA's annual Europe Live tour, according to Tim Buckley of the DESERET NEWS. O'Connor: "We've been contacted by the league about going to Europe." Buckley notes the team is "making preliminary plans to travel, though nothing is set in stone quite yet" (DESERET NEWS, 1/9). In Salt Lake City, Ross Siler reports there is "still much to be determined, including the destinations in Europe" for Europe Live, as preseason games could be played in "two of four possible cities: London; Paris; Berlin; or Madrid." Though "other teams under consideration include" the Bulls and Pacers, the Jazz "already have resigned themselves to being chosen." The Jazz originally "were told that they would be heading to Istanbul, Turkey, which came as no surprise given" Jazz C Mehmet Okur's "popularity in his home country" (SALT LAKE TRIBUNE, 1/9).