Jazz Signs Johnston to Replace Ailing Ortiz

The Utah Jazz has signed forward Nate Johnston to a one-year contract to fill the roster spot vacated by Jose Ortiz, who has been placed on the injured list due to mononucleosis.

Johnston, a 6-foot-8 forward from Tampa, was to play tonight when the Jazz hosted the San Antonio Spurs, said personnel director Scott Layden. Johnston was drafted by Miami in the third round of the 1988 college draft. Last season, he played for the Quad City Thunder of the Canadian Basketball Assn.