SALT LAKE CITY — Since our last report, the Jazz have had two more practices: a non-contact session Tuesday night, and a second full-contact Wednesday morning. After the latter practice, the media spoke with Derrick Favors, Joe Johnson, and Quin Snyder.

Derrick Favors' leadership role

Favors has, by all accounts, been terrific during training camp so far. But when Snyder's asked about Favors, he goes first to Favors' attitude.

"He's been terrific. His attitude has been very, very, positive in a lot of situations."

Snyder continued, "Derrick has a great capacity to feel. There's a depth to him as a person. Sometimes, the fact that he can be quiet in certain situations, but he's very aware. There's a confidence about him that comes from him. I like what I've seen, and I like what I've heard."

And on the court, that's paying off, says Snyder. "He's learning more and more how to take advantage of the things that are available to him offensively, and he's always a presence defensively."

Meanwhile, Favors knows that he's setting an example for the other players on the roster.

"This is my 7th year in the NBA, and it's around that time that guys look to me for leadership."

Joe Johnson making a difference

Snyder also raved about Joe Johnson during his ten-minute interview.

"He's got no ego. Iso rhymes with Joe, and at certain times, I love that (ability). But the thing that gets lost with him is that he can play a lot of different ways," Snyder said. "He's an excellent passer, takes pride in his defense, I'm lucky to get to coach him. He can play for a long time in my opinion with the way he plays."

Favors agreed, saying he was enjoying playing with Johnson. "I watched him in Atlanta growing up. He's still the same Joe to me."

When Johnson was asked about his role on the roster (remember, he's started for 12 seasons straight before this year), he noted that his role is about teaching.

"Talking, communicating on both ends of the floor. We've got a lot of guys that are pretty reserved and kinda quiet, so we're trying to bring the innerness out of them.

"All training camps are pretty much the same. First few days are pretty tough. For me, personally, I think this is the toughest part of the season, training camp."

And finally, Johnson used his best quote yet.

"We're a young team with a sprinkle of wisdom."

More info on Alec Burks

I wanted to get more details on Alec Burks' injury. Snyder was fairly circumspect about where Burks is, but did confirm that most of the problem was with Burks' knee.

And then Snyder, master of analogies, used another one to describe the situation.

"He can ride a bike, but can he ride up a hill, can he ride around a corner, all those things. It's hard to predict exactly when that happens. He wants to get back on and race."

Fewer preseason games

The Jazz are playing only six preseason games this season, the team's fewest in a full season since 1979-80. I asked Snyder if he likes the change.

"I'll tell you at the end of preseason. I think there are benefits to both. I don't like our team to get worn out in preseason, so you're kind of adjusting already. But sometimes you can learn a little more (with more games). For us right now, I think it's good. I do like it."

Defensive goals

The Jazz want to be an elite team defensively, top-two in the NBA. In order to do so, they'll have to be responsible on and off the ball, a top focus of training camp.

"The guy guarding the ball needs to be accountable," Snyder said about his defensive system. "And then if that doesn't happen, we all have to have his back, not just once, but over the course of the possession. We want our guys to be on a string."

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