Dallas ? Before he came to the Jazz this season, Brevin Knight had made only two trips to the playoffs in his 11-year NBA career, first as a rookie with Cleveland in 1998 and then with Milwaukee in 2004.
No surprise, the veteran point guard couldn't hide his excitement after the Jazz clinched a playoff berth Sunday in New Orleans. For his career, Knight has played in 725 regular-season games and only nine playoff games. "Until you get that 'X' next to your name, it's never official," Knight said, adding, "The guys probably saw me being a little bit more antsy about it than they were, because for them it's become a norm, but for me it's not."
The Cavaliers went 47-35 in Knight's rookie season while the Bucks finished 41-41 while he was there. Otherwise, Knight had played on nine losing teams before coming to the Jazz, who went into Wednesday with a 47-30 record.
Having spent so many downtrodden seasons with Memphis, Charlotte and the L.A. Clippers, Knight's first year in Utah has been an adjustment in more ways than one. While his role has decreased, the Jazz's success has been almost unprecedented.
"We know he's excited," Deron Williams said. "You can tell. He's like a little kid. He's the size of a little kid, but he's acting like a little kid."
Knight averaged 28.5 minutes the previous four seasons with the Bobcats and Clippers. Taking advantage of his opportunities as Williams' backup has been more difficult, with Knight averaging 2.4 points and 2.6 assists on 33.9 percent shooting.
"I've got to go out and try to be as aggressive, make an imprint on the game as much as I can," said Knight, who has played 13.1 minutes on average.
Jazz coach Jerry Sloan said he expected Knight to serve as Williams' primary backup in the playoffs, when his experience could be invaluable. "He seems to keep his composure and do what we want to do," Sloan said.
Knight said the Jazz "slowly but surely" were establishing themselves as contenders going into the playoffs. He will be a free agent this summer, but added that he would be open to returning to Utah.
"I'm not against it," Knight said. "It's more of a physical thing. Sometimes you feel like you can still do more. But I really enjoy playing here. I really enjoy the guys on the team. I love playing for coach Sloan.
"Would I like to be here? Of course. I've enjoyed my time. Hopefully, they will want me back. Hopefully, I've done enough to convince them that I am an asset to this team and then we go from there."
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Briefly
C.J. Miles missed his second game with a dislocated left index finger and is doubtful to play Friday at San Antonio.
rsiler@sltrib.com
