Price re-signs with Jazz

The Utah Jazz announced that the team has re-signed guard Ronnie Price to an undisclosed contract extension.

“Keeping Ronnie on our roster was important to us,” said Utah Jazz general manager Kevin O’Connor. “He is someone who knows our system and has proven capable of stepping in whenever called upon. Over the last two seasons he has shown a commitment to working hard and improving his game, and as a result, we expect his growth to continue.”

A four-year NBA veteran, Price appeared in 52 games for the Jazz in 2008-09, averaging 4.0 points, 1.3 rebounds and 2.1 assists in 14.2 minutes per game. He also doubled his point (8.2) and assist (4.2) averages as a starter, filling in for an injured Deron Williams early in the season.

“Ronnie Price is the consummate professional,” said Utah Jazz president Randy Rigby. “He is always prepared when Coach Sloan calls on him and we are looking forward to his energy and toughness next season.”

The only player in Jazz franchise history to wear jersey number 17, Price was originally signed as a free agent on July 26, 2007 and has appeared in a total of 113 games (20 starts) in two seasons with Utah, averaging 3.8 points and 1.6 assists in 11.7 minutes per game. Price spent his first two seasons with the Sacramento Kings, where he became only the second Utah Valley graduate to appear in the NBA, and the first to advance directly from the university to the NBA. Despite not being selected in the 2005 NBA Draft, Price has played in 200 career games (21 starts) over four NBA seasons with the Jazz and Kings, owning career averages of 3.4 points and 1.2 assists in 10.2 minutes per game.