Orlando, Fla. ? Jazz center Kosta Koufos will not play in this week's summer league games after dislocating his left ring finger about 3 1/2 weeks ago.
"It was just a freak thing," said Koufos, who recounted going up with the ball while another player slapped down on his hand during an open gym game. "It's a lot better now. I feel good, I'm working hard. I'm here learning and just trying to get better as a player."
Koufos said he'd rather "play it safe" with the finger and sit out this week. He went through drills with the other big men Monday as part of the Jazz's pregame shootaround and looked noticeably bigger after gaining 15 to 20 pounds.
"I always want to play," Koufos said. "But at the same time, though, I've got to be patient with this. I'll be 100 percent in no time."
He leaves July 18 to start practicing with the Greek national team ahead of the European championships as part of a busy summer of Basketball.
Koufos averaged 4.7 points and 2.9 rebounds in 48 games as a rookie but did not see action in the final two months of the season.
The Jazz will open summer-league play tonight against Boston, with their two newest draft picks, Virginia Commonwealth guard Eric Maynor and Michigan State center Goran Suton, set to make their debuts.
rsiler@sltrib.com Alt Heads:
Koufos out for summer league
