Ex-Celtic guard Keyon Dooling joins Jazz as player development coach

Former Boston Celtics reserve guard Keyon Dooling has been hired by the Utah Jazz as a player development coach.

Former Boston Celtics guard Keyon Dooling has joined the Utah Jazz’ coaching staff, according to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski.

The former Celtic will be working under his former coach at the University of Missouri — Quin Snyder — in a player development role.

“Keyon is a fantastic addition for us on multiple levels and someone I’ve always had tremendous respect for since our time at Missouri where we formed a close bond that has continued throughout the years,” offered Snyder via statement Friday.

“He’s a natural leader who was a captain on multiple teams in the league,” he added, “and I have no doubt that the way he approached the game as a player will translate to the work he puts in with our roster on the court.”

Dooling released a statement on the hire as well, saying “I am so appreciative of the opportunity to join Coach Snyder’s staff.”

“Every former player who loves the game would leap at a chance like this. Player development has always been a cornerstone of Coach Snyder’s programs and I couldn’t be more excited to get on the court and embrace that process with this next generation of players.”

“My wife Natosha and I look forward to our family calling Salt Lake City home,” he added.

Dooling came to the Celtics in a trade in 2011 from the Milwaukee Bucks, who dealt the Fort Lauderdale native to Boston in exchange for the rights to Albert Miralles.

He would play for the team in the 2011-12 NBA season before retiring and joining the team as a player development coordinator.

That appointment was short-lived as the Memphis Grizzlies would sign him as a player the following April.

Dooling averaged 4 points and 1.1 assists per game as a Celtic.

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