Jazz Adding Demps, Dooling To Snyder’s Bench

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – Quin Snyder has found two new additions to his assistant coaching staff. The Utah Jazz announced Friday that former New Orleans Pelicans general manager Dell Demps will join Snyder’s staff on the bench. The Jazz are also adding longtime NBA veteran Keyon Dooling in a player development role.

Demps was the general manager of the Austin Toros when Synder was the head coach of the San Antonio Spurs D-League affiliate from 2007-2010.  The Pelicans and Demps parted ways in February of 2019 after nine years with the organization amid the Anthony Davis saga that ultimately ended with the superstar forward being traded to the Los Angeles Lakers.

📓| The team has added Dell Demps and Keyon Dooling to its coaching staff.

» https://t.co/JbaMn95fzT

— utahjazz (@utahjazz) September 25, 2020

“I was fortunate to work with Dell to begin my career as a head coach in professional basketball and I know he will delve into his role on the bench,” Snyder said. “He has an incredible work ethic and commitment to his craft. His vast experience both as a player and in front office roles brings a unique perspective that will be invaluable to our team. We’re excited to welcome him to the Jazz.”

Demps oversaw the trade of franchise guard, Chris Paul, to the Los Angeles Clippers early in his tenure with the Pelicans before acquiring Jrue Holiday and DeMarcus Cousins to build around Davis. Ultimately, Demps was released after the Davis situation became untenable in New Orleans.

“I am absolutely thrilled to have the opportunity to collaborate with Coach Snyder again,” Demps said. “I have always had tremendous respect for Quin and the Jazz organization. I look forward to joining this talented coaching staff and working with our players. My wife Anita and I couldn’t be more excited to make the move to Utah and become a part of a tremendous community.”

Demps History With Jazz Coach Snyder

Snyder and Demp’s history stretches back before either man became household names. During the NBA’s restart in Orlando, Snyder discussed his meetings with Demps and how they mirrored the impromptu workrooms seen in the NBA bubble.

“My traditional office when I was with the Austin Toros was the coffee shop around the corner,” Snyder remembered. “[Toros Executive] Dell Demps and I met there. And we had some great meetings and developed a great relationship.”

Utah Jazz Head Coach Quin Snyder coaching the @nbadleague Austin Toros in 2009. #TBT pic.twitter.com/TtzYMuPRSK

— Salt Lake City Stars (@slcstars) May 26, 2016

Demps spent a brief time in the NBA, playing in 20 games over three professional seasons with the Golden State Warriors, Spurs, and Orlando Magic. According to Wojnarowski, Demps has been attending practices with the Jazz since parting ways with the Pelicans.

Dooling To Fill Player Development Vacancy

Keyon Dooling will join the Jazz after a 13 year NBA career. Dooling was a journeyman during his 13 year NBA career, playing for seven teams while averaging seven points, 2.2 assists, and 1.3 rebounds.

Snyder had a vacancy on his bench after assistant coach Johnnie Bryant accepted a position with the New York Knicks in August.

“Keyon is a fantastic addition for us on multiple levels and someone I’ve always had tremendous respect for since our time at Missouri where we formed a close bond that has continued throughout the years,” Snyder said. “He’s a natural leader who was a captain on multiple teams in the league and I have no doubt that the way he approached the game as a player will translate to the work he puts in with our roster on the court.”

The Jazz are also hiring former NBA guard Keyon Dooling in a player development role, sources tell ESPN. Dooling played parts of 13 years in the NBA, and collegiately for Quin Snyder at the University of Missouri.

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) September 25, 2020

Dooling played for Snyder as a sophomore during the Jazz coach’s first lead position at Missouri. As a sophomore averaged 15.3 points, 3.6 assists, and 2.7 rebounds and was drafted with the 10th overall pick of the 2000 NBA draft.

“I am so appreciative of the opportunity to join Coach Snyder’s staff,” Dooling said. “Every former player who loves the game would leap at a chance like this. Player development has always been a cornerstone of Coach Snyder’s programs and I couldn’t be more excited to get on the court and embrace that process with this next generation of players. My wife Natosha and I look forward to our family calling Salt Lake City home.”

Since retiring, Dooling has become a life coach and motivational speaker.