Andre

Owens

Owens missed the end of last season with a leg injury and may have trouble making the Warriors’ team. The deal will be finalized next week when Owens signs a free-agent contract with Utah next week.

Robert Whaley, Carlos Boozer and C.J. Miles are on the Jazz’s inactive list at this time. Owens doesn’t figure to have a very prominent role this season.

With Andrei Kirilenko out with a sprained ankle, Owens and Matt Harpring are both starting for the Jazz.

“I’ve got to have a guaranteed contract just because of the way I play,” he said. “Not only in games, but I also get after it in practice. I wouldn’t mind coming back to Indiana. My issue is whether Jermaine O’Neal will be here. Will Jamaal Tinsley be here? I don’t want to rebuild. I’ve rebuilt before."Armstrong could be squeezed out because the Pacers signed both Travis Diener to back up Tinsley and Andre Owens to a partially-guaranteed deal. Marquis Daniels also is expected to play some point guard. Regardless of where he is this year, Armstrong doesn’t have fantasy value.

Armstrong became the odd man out when they signed PG’s Travis Diener and Andre Owens over the summer. “I really respect the organization in what they’re doing,” Armstrong said. “I mentioned a couple of teams I wouldn’t mind playing for. We’ll see what happens.” Armstrong didn’t say what teams, but Golden State and Dallas are believed to be his top choices. He’s expected to report to training camp if the Pacers can’t find a way to trade him, but the 39-year-old won’t have fantasy value regardless of where he lands.

Jamaal Tinsley is the starter with Travis Diener slated to be his backup. Even if Owens makes the team’s final roster, he should have no fantasy value.

The 6-foot-6 Rush was the Baltic League Final Four MVP last season and has played for the Lakers, Bobcats and Sonics in the NBA. Rush will help the Pacers with their outside shooting needs, although he’s never met expectations in the NBA. All three players will participate in the team’s rookie-free agent camp starting Thursday.

Owens was waived by the Warriors last year and will participate in the summer league for the Pacers. However, he’s probably a long shot to make the team.

Tinsley first injured his leg when he tried to split a double team late in a Dec. 15 game against Miami. He sat out the Dec. 19 game against Philadelphia but played the next four games. Tinsley is averaging 13.8 points and a career-high 8.7 assists. This news means Andre Owens and Marquis Daniels should see decent minutes in Week 10.

If Daniels is unable to play, Travis Diener or Andre Owens will likely back-up Jamaal Tinsley again at point guard. The two combined for 10 scoreless minutes Friday.