Calbert Cheaney visits Utah


In his nine NBA seasons, Cheaney has played for Washington, Boston and Denver
Calbert Cheaney officially signed with the Jazz on Tuesday, July 30. Immediately after signing his contract, Cheaney met with the local media to discuss the upcoming season with Utah.

What do you envision your role being with the Jazz?
Calbert: "Giving some scoring punch and a defensive presence, I've been known for my defense over the past few years. Coach Sloan stresses defense. I'm going to go out there and give it 110 % and do the best I possibly can for this organization."

What attracted you to the Jazz?
Calbert: "The fact you get to play with legends like Stockton and Malone, they're a great team. And to know that you're going to have the opportunity to contribute and help, that's what drew me in."

How important is starting to you?
Calbert: "I'm not concerned, if I go out there play hard…I'm not concerned with that type of issue, if I can go out and contribute and do the best I possibly can."

The last couple of seasons have been injury plagued, how are you feeling now?
Calbert: "I feel fine, last season I got rid of the injury so to speak, the last few years before that were kind of tough. I feel healthy, nothing's wrong and I'm ready to go."

How do you view the Jazz?
Calbert: "I think they're a potentially a contender. As long as you have John Stockton and Karl Malone, you're going to be a contender. Andrei Kirilenko is going to be a great player. To play along side those guys, it's going to be a great opportunity."

Have you talked to John and Karl?
Calbert: "No I haven't had the chance. I just got here yesterday and I have to fly back out today. Hopefully I'll get a chance to talk to them soon."

How do you see playing alongside John and Karl helping your game?
Calbert: "I think it will help out a lot, they pass on knowledge. I'm 31 years old and I can still learn a lot from them and hopefully gain some experience from them. Do the best I possibly can and play hard. I know if I don't play hard here, you won't play at all, that's coach Sloan's motto. I play hard anyway so I won't have any worries."

Do you think you will play two positions with the Jazz?
Calbert: "Maybe, two or three, it just depends on what Coach Sloan wants me to do. And what he envisions me to do."

Calbert: "I'm just trying to go out and do the best I possibly can and all you can do is hope for the best for that next season. Right know I'm playing for the Utah Jazz, and that's all that matters now."