What do the Jazz do if they get the #1 draft pick?
// March 25th, 2010 // No Comments » // NBA Draft
Based on some Twitter conversations w/ fellow knowledgeable Jazz fans (@Clintonite33 & @JediZaugg) I started wondering what the Jazz should do come July.
As you may or may not know, the Utah Jazz own the New York Knicks pick in the draft this summer. Right now the Knicks have won a few games lately which is annoying because not long ago they had the league’s 5th worst record. As of right now, the Knicks are tied for the 9th worst record in the league.
Apparently, the Knicks aren’t trying to tank like Washington (on a 13 game losing streak), Sacramento (Tyreke Evans is out w/ a concussion), Golden State (the franchise is for sale and a #1 pick would look really nice to a buyer), Minnesota (why would you play Darko Milicic over Kevin Love if you weren’t trying to tank?) and Indiana (in desperate need for a point guard who’s not anemic).
No, the Nets aren’t trying to tank, they are really hoping to win some games and they really are THAT bad as evidenced by this Nets’ fan:
The Knicks have no reason to tank since a worse record won’t improve their draft position w/ a worse record like the other teams can. In a shocking turnaround after being blown out by 50 points in January by the Dallas Mavericks, the Knicks improbably ended the Mavs’ 13 game win streak. Side note: this only reinforces my thought that the Mavs are overrated…just sayin’
Nevertheless, the Jazz will get the Knicks’ pick in July and it has a chance to be the #1 pick. That scenario is what I’d like to discuss.
2010 NBA Draft Possibilities
By pretty much anyone “in the know” around the NBA and NCAA, John Wall is the overwhelming candidate for the #1 pick.
Wall, a 6’4 point guard out of Kentucky, is lauded for his incredible athleticism, ability to penetrate into the lane and finish at the rim, his explosive leaping ability and being a solid passer.
That description fits very closely to a player the Jazz already have….
No player since LeBron James, in the 2003 draft, has been hyped as much as Wall and consistently been the consensus #1 pick.
What about teams like the Jazz, Bulls, and Hornets who will likely have lottery picks but already have top 5 point guards?
Generally, they say to draft the best player available and then make trades, if necessary, to accomodate that player.
Do the Jazz draft John Wall?
If the Jazz land the #1 pick and take John Wall could he and Deron Williams play together? Tthey are both bigger point guards who would case matchup problems on the offensive end but might struggle against some of the bigger 2 guards.
On offense, the Jazz backcourt would be the most formidable in the NBA. On defense, I’m not sure.
Or Trade…Down? I’m Ron Burgundy…?
Suppose that the Jazz do land the #1 pick and the Jazz front office decide they don’t want to draft John Wall. They have some interesting options. Also suppose that Indiana, New Jersey, or Detroit lands the #2 pick. Those teams are all lacking at the PG position and could greatly improve the team by drafting Wall. Another side note: pretty much every team would improve by drafting Wall, just some more than others.
Perhaps the Jazz trade down for the #2 or #3 pick from any of those teams but in the process gain a future 1st round draft pick from one of those teams. Evan Turner (a Brandon Roy or Dwyane Wade type player) is very talented wing or even DeMarcus Cousins would be a great big man the Jazz could take w/ the #2 pick. Either player would fill an important void in the Jazz roster.
If the Jazz do that they not only get a great player with a #2 or #3 pick, but they get another lottery pick the next year or year after which could also be a valuable asset.
Pray to the basketball gods that the Knicks lose
The possibilities are exciting. It all hinges on the Knicks losing more games. Right now, we only have about a 2% chance at winning the lottery for the #1 pick. If the Knicks slip to the league’s 4th or 5th worst record that chances increases to better than 10%. Just to give a perspective, the Rockets won the #1 pick in 2002 w/ an 8.9% chance of doing so. The Chicago Bulls won the lottery with only a 1.8% chance in 2008 and drafted Derrick Rose #1. So you’re telling me there’s a chance!
