In his third third training camp, Quin Snyder preaches ‘connectivity’: Connectivity. When reflecting on the first practice of training camp Tuesday, Utah Jazz coach Quin Snyder used the word as an all-encompassing tool. If his team is to see the progress he hopes for over the first week, connectivity has to be a buzz word, a theme. -- The Salt Lake Tribune

Alec Burks is almost healthy — can he stay that way?: At his best, he is slashing to the basket, twirling through traffic and somehow finishing an awkward layup at the rim. At his best, he is the kind of instant offense off the bench that could put him in Sixth Man of the Year conversations. But after back-to-back campaigns beset by injury, Alec Burks is also a real question mark for the Utah Jazz. -- The Salt Lake Tribune

Hill gains new appreciation for what Hayward brings to the table: For the last six NBA seasons, veteran point guard George Hill has seen what Utah Jazz forward Gordon Hayward can bring to the court from an opponent's perspective. But now that they're teammates — Hill was traded to the Jazz by the Indiana Pacers in July — Hill has gained a whole new appreciation for what Hayward is all about. -- Deseret News

Dante Exum 100 percent excited and ready to go for Utah Jazz: Hall of Famer Allen Iverson might be shocked to hear this, but Dante Exum was exuberant to join his Utah Jazz teammates in the first practice of the 2016-17 season. Christmas morning excited. NBA2K release day excited. First day back on the job for a 20-year-old basketball player who hadn’t formally participated with his team since tearing the ACL in his left knee in 2015 and then missing his entire second season excited. -- Deseret News