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SALT LAKE CITY -- Utah Jazz point guard Deron Williams flew back to Salt Lake City Friday to be with his wife and children after one of his daughters underwent a medical procedure.
Williams issued the following statement Friday night:
"I would like to thank Mrs. Miller, Greg Miller and Coach Sloan for allowing me to return to Utah to be with my wife and children today.
"Yesterday, one of my daughters underwent a procedure in the hospital to address some health concerns. There are still unanswered questions, and the doctors have been running more in-depth tests throughout the day today.
"My daughter's health is very important to my wife and I, and it is important I remain in Salt Lake City as we monitor the situation.
"We both appreciate the support of the fans, the Jazz organization and my teammates. I will return to the court as soon as possible."
With Williams absence, rookie Eric Maynor got his first start at point guard Friday night against Philadelphia, while Wes Mathews was the starting shooting guard and Andrei Kirilenko came off the bench as the backup point guard.
The Jazz (3-5), are struggling to find some consistency on the court. After Wednesday's blowout loss in Boston, Williams wrote on his Twitter page: "Something has to change! I don't know what but what we are doing isn't working and we're losing."
Right now, it is not known when Williams will return to the team. The Jazz take on Cleveland Saturday night before returning home to take on Toronto Nov. 18.