Draft Stategy

[superd]

First, assume the Jazz pick #6 and #12. Second, understand the three major team weaknesses which are defensive rebounding, perimeter defense, and outside shooting.

With the 6th pick we should take Brandon Knight from Kentucky. By all reports I have read he has good character, intelligence, and work ethic. He is not a good 3 point shooter yet, but he can certainly make outside shots. He provides solid ball-handling and good perimeter defense. With him and Harris we have an option of going small in the back court with superior quickness. There are more potentially good front line players in this draft than back court players. We take him here because it is highly unlikely he will be available at #12.

With the #12 pick we add depth to the front court. I think it quite possible that Donatas Montiejunas or Knight's teammate at Kentucky Terrence Jones will be available. Every year somebody drops in the draft for some reason. Montiejunas can score inside/outside and at 7 feet tall should provide a better defensive presence than Jefferson at center. He has good mobility and adding some weight he should improve his defensive rebounding. I have read he may not have the competitive spirit to be the best, but counters that with as much big-time potential as anybody in this draft.

Terrence Jones is a definite defensive presence now. He blocks shots, makes steals, and rebounds well. His long arms would make it seem like he's 7 feet tall. He passes well, can grab a defensive rebound and head down court with it as he is a good ball handler. I understand his outside shooting is below par. I would be happy with either Jones or Montiejunas at this pick.

[babyjax13]

Those picks don't solve any of the problems you cited. Motiejunas is SKINNY and a poor rebounder, Jones can rebound but he is really redundant and, imo, not special enough for us to trade one of our current players, and Knight is extremely inefficient and inconsistent.

[Fido]

Motiejunas would have a long way to go before he is ready to replace Al Jefferson.

[Knicksfan20]

Out of curiousity...Would you guys trade the #6 pick and a 2nd rounder for Fields and our 16 or 17th pick? I can only see the knicks wanting to do this if Kanter drops to #6 which i doubt.

[David Ginola 14]

Knight should be a great pick...
I hope...

[carrottop12]

I really don't believe the jazz are in a position to have a "strategy" outside of taking the 2 best players available and hoping they can contribute to the team.

[superd]

I don't mind my choices being criticized. At least offer an alternative. What better guard is there with the 6th pick? Kemba Walker at 5'11? What better big man than my two suggestions with the 12th? One comment was best athlete available. Who?

[babyjax13]

I don't mind my choices being criticized. At least offer an alternative. What better guard is there with the 6th pick? Kemba Walker at 5'11? What better big man than my two suggestions with the 12th? One comment was best athlete available. Who?

Enes Kanter, Jonas Valanciunas will both be available at 6, as will Alec Burks (maybe even at 12). At 12 one of Kemba Walker, Brandon Knight and Jimmer Fredette will be there. I'd rather not draft a point guard, I think that Harris/Watson is fine, but I think that the Jazz will.

Jonas will have similar problems as Motiejunas, but he has also proven to be a good rebounder even with his lack of weight. Kanter? He's a huge question mark defensively, but we know he can rebound and from the limited highlights I've seen he looks to have some nice post moves.

[outerspacefella]

Fredette won't be there at 12 unless his workouts are out of this world bad ones. Dude's a top tier pick in this rather weak draft.

[The59Sound]

Fredette won't be there at 12 unless his workouts are out of this world bad ones. Dude's a top tier pick in this rather weak draft.

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[Jazzfan12]

Fredette won't be there at 12 unless his workouts are out of this world bad ones. Dude's a top tier pick in this rather weak draft.

ESPN doesn't have him top 20 on their big board which is made up of GM and scout opinions.

[carrottop12]

Fredette won't be there at 12 unless his workouts are out of this world bad ones. Dude's a top tier pick in this rather weak draft.

He, might, might find a team in the top 10 who is willing to jump on him in an attempt to make noise on draft night by getting a player with a name (think Cavs after losing LeBron,) and there is a chance that the Warriors take a big reach on him at 10 knowing he's a potential fit for their team (though having Monta and Curry would seem to eliminate any chance of trying to pick up him) otherwise he is more likely to fall out of the lottery than he is to be top 12. He's nowhere near a top tier pick in this draft, and actually it'd seem like he's closer to the fourth tier of guys, quite possibly lower.

Tier one:
Irving, Williams

Tier two:
Barnes, Valanciunas

Tier three:
Kanter, Walker, Knight, Jones

Tier four:
A whole bunch of guys that may include Jimmer, though in all actuality this tier of guys features a ton of NBA bodies and solid Euro's which Jimmer may not fit with.

[superd]

When I spoke of draft strategy I am looking for guys who add depth and imrove our weaknesses. I don't expect any rookies to take the place of our starters.

Again, fewer good guards available, so think we take one early. I like Jimmer's shooting a lot. I wouldn't mind a bit if he joined the Jazz. Knight should top out with a better all-around game than Jimmer or Kemba Walker. He would likely replace Price and that would be an upgrade. I think Knight would play more 2 guard with us in the beginning backing up Hayward while grooming for PG.

Francisco Elson has no upside from here. I think one of the big guys at #12 would take his place. Then again, they may be trying to replace AK47 who I think will be going to New Jersey. A lot of Russians live in NYC where the Nets will wind up, plus their owner is Russian.

I really hope for a center. Agree with earlier post about Kanter as a rebounder at this position. I think Terrence Jones is a good rebounder already, just not tall enough to play center.

[DelaneyRudd]

A team may draft Jimmer too high based on college success and the fact he does one thing really well and could be a situational main stary for a team.

[blackham9258]

I can almost guarantee that if Brandon Knight is available at 6 the Jazz take him. I could see a possible Perry Jones or Enes Kanter if they slip, but if they are off the board it will be Knight. I believe he will end up being the best PG of the draft after a few years in the league. He is quick, athletic, tall and long.... He has a good shot too.... I just think Kyrie is a little overated.

For 12, their is a lot of talk about a Bismack Biyombo with a ridiculous 7'7" wingspan who is moving up quick.. scouts and gm's think he could be the next Serge Ibaka so perhaps that would be an interesting guy.

My hope is that the Jazz get the #1 or #2 pick, and then have a chance to convince Barnes to put his name in the draft. My plan would be to promise to pick the kid, and then tell him not to hire an agent and let him go back to school like he wants. That way we get the true #1 of this years draft and let him season for another year under Roy Williams while learning to carry a team on his shoulders etc.

Another alternative that I like with the #12 pick is to swap it with Minnesota for their #19 pick (Yes the Memphis one) as long as they count that pick as the one we owe them. Minnesota would do this if there is a player they really want and if they fear that the Jazz may never make the playoffs before the pick becomes obsolete. Either way, we get our pick back by simply sliding down 7 spots.

I also think the Terrence Jones is a good pick. His upside is Lamar Odom. He is a true SF.

[DelaneyRudd]

I don't think what you are suggesting is allowed.

[The59Sound]

My hope is that the Jazz get the #1 or #2 pick, and then have a chance to convince Barnes to put his name in the draft. My plan would be to promise to pick the kid, and then tell him not to hire an agent and let him go back to school like he wants. That way we get the true #1 of this years draft and let him season for another year under Roy Williams while learning to carry a team on his shoulders etc.

I believe this post was written in twilight sleep after a root canal.

[StocktonShorts]

Fredette won't be there at 12 unless his workouts are out of this world bad ones. Dude's a top tier pick in this rather weak draft.

It's very possible that his stock will go up in workouts, especially if those workouts don't involve 5-on-5 team defense. I'm sure he'll look really good running drills and shooting jumpers.

Still doesn't change my opinion of him.

[superd]

You folks have posted some interesting comments. I never would have thought of drafting a guy then encourage him to go back to school. I know the Celtics did that years ago with Larry Bird. They then had to sign him before the next draft after his last season in school. Not sure if it still works like that or if they keep rights to a player for years. At the time it was a Red Auerbach stroke of genius to get Bird.

Perry Jones doesn't look like a top 5 pick to me. He is not aware when playing defense. I agree Kanter would be nice at #6. I worry if the Jazz take a big guy with the 6 pick then when they pick 12th they won't get near the quality of Knight from Kentucky to play guard. I rooted for Jimmer and BYU in the tournament, but as much as I like his shooting I don't think he'll be as good as Knight.

So, I stay with my thought, Knight at 6, then the best big man at 12. The best front line player left at 12 should have more potential than the best backcourt guy left at 12.

Convince me otherwise! I'd like to hear your thoughts.