The Utah Score

6.18.08

With  2008 NBA draft fast approching the Jazz are looking at a plethora of players.  Armed with the 23rd pick in the first round and two picks(#44, #53) in the second round, Utah will be looking to reload for next season and stash a couple players in Europe.  I  see their needs being: 1. Defensive big-man who can be a Shot-Blocker/Intimidator 2.  Well rounded SF(especially if they trade Andrei Kirilenko) 3. Back up Point Guard.

The leading candidate early in mock drafts was Roy Hibbert, the Center from Georgetown.  He has since slightly moved up after some players withdrew for the draft, but is still picked by Sports Illustrated and CBSSportsLine.com to go to the Jazz.  He seems like a good fit for Jerry Sloan's crew.  He's a senior who could contribute right away  on both ends of the floor and is physically ready for the NBA.

Another prospect tabbed as going to the Jazz is Center Marreese Speight from Florida.  Both Hoopshype.com and SportsXchange have the sophmore standout pegged as a future Utahan.  Most experts though have Speight going earlier between picks 10-15.  Also he has been labeled as unmotivated, which would put him in Sloan's doghouse very quickly, so he might not be such a good fit.

 Other Mock Drafts:                                                                                        RealGM.com:  Brandon Rush, SG/SF, Kansas  -  Possibly be a future replacment for Andrei, but that position doen't seem to be as big of a need as a defensive big man as of right now.  This pick would only take place if a Kirilenko trade was in the works. 

DraftExpress.com:  Alexis Ajinca, C, France - An athletic big man, who is aslo moving up draft boards. Might take a couple years to develop and I dont think the Jazz will want to wait, with Fesenko already on the team.  Maybe if he slips into the second round, but that is highly unlikely based on the rumors.   

ESPN's Chris Ford:  Javale Mcgee, C, Nevada - He started out as a lock for the lottery, but slipped during a terrible Pre-Draft camp.  Still has a lot of tools and potential to be a great offensive big man.  Came out a year too soon.  Is gonna be another project who could take a few years to develop or be a bust.    

 Other Players to Consider in the 1st round:  

Kosta Koufus, C, Ohio St.: If he waited til next year he could easily be a top 10 lock.  The Jazz would probably have to trade up to get him but they do have the picks and players to do it.  Also coming out as a freshman.  Will probably take time to get used to NBA play.

Robin Lopez, PF/C, Stanford:  Utah likes taking Stanford big men.  They have taken Jarron Collins(another twin) and 1st round bust Curtis Borchardt recently.  Lopez is more defensive-minded when compared to his lottery bound brother.  Besides Hibbert, I think he would be the next best pick in the 23 spot. is moving up draft boards.

Devon Hardin, PF/C, California: Played well at the Pre-Draft camp possibly into the 1st round if he preforms solidly in individual workouts.  Has  always been a solid defender and his offense might be starting to finally catch-up.  Should be a solid back-up for a contender or a spot starter on a lesser team. 

Jason Thompson, C, Rider:  The only knock on him right now is that he played at Rider againts inferior opponents and didn't always dominate.  He has good size and an NBA body but might stuggle to adjust his game against guys just as good or better.

Serge Ibaka, PF/C, Spain:  Blew up the competition at the latest Euro Camp.  Still raw but has lottery pick potential and could be a steal at late 1st or early 2nd.  Great athlete who comes for a basketball family.  Can play limited minutes as a defensive specialist in his rookie season.  Does have some offensive game but it definately needs work.  Probably a PF in the league right now, but at 18 years old he should grow into a center in a few years.  If the Jazz want to take on a project Serge should be their choice.

Mario Chalmers, PG, Kansas:  MVP of the Final Four.  Played both guard spots at Kansas but will strictly be a PG in the NBA.  A good two-way player who led the Big-12 in steals 3 years in a row.  Averaged a nice 42% from the college 3pt line in his career.  Would be an upgrade over current back-ups Jason Hart and Ronnie Price.

Chris Douglas-Roberts, SG/SF, Memphis:  If they take the best athlete available, they might consider CDR.  Plays offensivley like a poor-mans Paul Pierce.  Finds ways to score.  Can contribute right away, but the Jazz have spent their last two 1st round picks on similar sized players

Nicolas Batum, SF, France:  French teenager plays with a nice skill set thats is used on both ends of the floor.  He needs more experience playing so he could stay in Europe for another season after getting drafted on spend time bouncing in between the NBA and the developmental league.

 Written by: Anjroo Melo