Three Former Jazzmen To Play Against Utah Jazz As Members Of Houston Rockets

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – Three former Jazzmen return to Salt Lake City to play against the former team when the Houston Rockets tip-off against the Utah Jazz.

The Jazz host the Rockets at Vivint Smart Home Arena on Saturday, February 22.

Former Jazz forwards Jeff Green, Thabo Sefolosha, and DeMarre Carroll will suit up against their former franchise as members of the Rockets on Saturday night.

Both Green and Carroll recently signed with the Rockets following the NBA’s 2019-20 trade deadline.

Sefolosha signed with Houston after leaving Utah in free agency after last season.

THABO! 🔥#UTAatMIN pic.twitter.com/OcFTtbJ3PG

— Utah Jazz (@utahjazz) October 21, 2017

Jeff Green

Green entered his 15th NBA season as a member of the Jazz. The forward signed with Utah during the 2019 offseason. After struggling at the start of the season, the Jazz released Green in December 2019 to clear a roster spot in order to sign Rayjon Tucker.

During his time with the Jazz, Green averaged 7.8 points, 2.7 rebounds, and 0.7 assists in 18.4 minutes per game. He played 30 games with Utah.

is … is this an @unclejeffgreen fan account now? pic.twitter.com/6WhiSMCrs8

— Utah Jazz (@utahjazz) October 17, 2019

Green has played in one game for the Rockets this season. He scored 17 points on 85.7 percent shooting in a 135-105 win over the Golden State Warriors. Green added 4 rebounds and a steal in 24 minutes.

DeMarre Carroll

Carroll played for the Jazz from 2011-2013. After bouncing around the NBA and playing for the Memphis Grizzlies, Houston Rockets, and Denver Nuggets, the forward found a place in the league during his time with Utah.

The former Jazzmen, known as the “Junkyard Dog,” became a fan favorite for his energy and hustle during his time in Salt Lake City.

Houston looks good… but let’s see how they play in Salt Lake City…Utah fan base is pretty Amazing come playoff time…Trust me I know 💯

— DeMarre Carroll (@DeMarreCarroll1) April 18, 2019

Carroll played 86 games in a Jazz uniform including 21 starts. In his last season with Utah, the forward averaged 6.0 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 0.9 assists in 16.8 minutes per contest.

After the 2012-13 season, Carroll left Utah in free agency and signed a two-year $5 million contract with the Atlanta Hawks.

Won't forget my time in Utah! Every destination in life is an opportunity to grow!!! 💯💯💯 On the road in SLC today!! #WeTheNorth #RTZ pic.twitter.com/HbMIWGHssC

— DeMarre Carroll (@DeMarreCarroll1) December 23, 2016

Since then, Carroll has spent time with the Hawks, Toronto Raptors, Brooklyn Nets, San Antonio Spurs, and now with the Houston Rockets.

Carroll joined the Rockets are being released by the Spurs. During his time with San Antonio this season, the former Jazzman averaged 2.2 points, 2.1 rebounds, and 0.7 assists in 15 games. He averaged 9.0 minutes per game with the Spurs.

In his first game with Houston, Carroll scored 2 points on a pair of free throws in a 30 points victory over the Warriors. He added 3 rebound and 4 assists in 13 minutes on the court.

Thabo Sefolosha

After spending the first 12 seasons of his NBA career with the Chicago Bulls, Oklahoma City Thunder, and Atlanta Hawks, Sefolosha signed a two-year contract with the Jazz during the 2017 offseason.

During his first season with the Jazz, Sefolosha played in 38 games and helped Utah to a postseason appearance in the Western Conference semifinals against the Rockets after a first round upset of the Thunder.

Thabo doin' things.#DENatUTA pic.twitter.com/sRC6v7L4sw

— Utah Jazz (@utahjazz) October 19, 2017

Utah guaranteed the second year of Sefolosha’s deal after the season.

In his second season with the Jazz, the forward played in 50 games including a couple of starts. He averaged 3.8 points, 2.5 rebounds, and 0.5 assists in 12.2 minutes per game.

During the 2019 offseason, Sefolosha signed with Houston. After leaving the Jazz, Utah owner Gail Miller released a statement thanking departing Jazzmen including Sefolosha.

“And to Ricky, Jae, Kyle, Raul, Ekpe, Thabo and Grayson, I want to express my deepest gratitude for all you’ve accomplished. You’ve played key roles in helping our team reach the playoffs, and you’ve spent countless hours enriching people’s lives in our community. 

My family and the Jazz organization are sincerely grateful for everything you’ve done for the Utah Jazz, and I wish you the best of luck as you move forward with your new teams.”

– Gail Miller

Gail Miller takes out @DeseretNews ad to thank Derrick Favors and other Jazzmen for their time with the @UtahJazz organization. "You've played key roles in helping our team reach the playoffs, and you've spent countless hours enriching people's lives in our community." pic.twitter.com/lMdskt32eV

— KSL Sports (@kslsports) July 10, 2019

In 39 games with the Rockets this season, the former Jazzman is averaging 2.4 points, 2.3 rebounds, and 0.6 assists in 10.7 minutes per contest.