Congrats to the Mavs- No link necessary you should know where to find information on the NBA Champion. I am happy for Dirk, Kidd, and pissed off that Deshaun Stevenson has more rings that Stockton and Malone....combined. 

NBADraft.bet has us getting Kyrie Irving- do they know something we don't know. The answer is probably yes, they do know something we don't know. However, I don't think this happens. 

Good article by Jason Flemming (@jfleminghoops) about the Jazz finding their identity before the draft. 

Sunday Syncopation via @slcdunk by @allthatamar  I like that he points out that they Jazz close out on some players and not others. It is frustrating to watch the game and know who the three point shooters are. I know that they (the Jazz players) do as well, and they still don't close out on the one/two players that can rip us from deep. 

Slcdunk gives a breakdown of what all of the Jazz players are doing this summer. 

Since 1988 only four NBA Final's series have gone seven 10', 05', 88', 84'. So if you were a gambler you would have picked this series in six. 

EuroCamp link who is playing and the schedule. More on this from NBA.com 

Suck it Jalen Rose... you just got moted by @Monilogue. 

David Aldridge has Fredette and Walker moving up. Mock Draft 

I don't mind moving to six if we get the guy that we want (a guard) from what it sounds like. 

Utah Jazz | Brandon Knight | G | Kentucky

A pick made with much trepidation. The whole civilized world has Utah going for a guard here, and the Jazz, supposedly, is in love with Knight. I am not sure of this for three reasons: 1) Utah has no idea what it's going to do yet. The Jazz has four major workouts with Draft prospects between now and the 23rd, including Wednesday's guard matchup with Kemba Walker and Jimmer Fredette, which Knight -- at least for now -- is not going to attend; 2) Kevin O'Connor, the Jazz GM, wouldn't tell anybody what he's really thinking at this point even if he's made up his mind, and 3) I know how much O'Connor values size and toughness, and it's hard to see him passing up all of the quality bigs that are available. It also wouldn't surprise if Utah moves back if it really wants a guard; perhaps to six, where it could still take Knight or Walker and get an extra first-round pick out of the deal (Washington would package 6 and 18 to move up).

 

SI.com breaks down the relationship between the Utah Jazz and point guard Brandon Knight. SI.com

I realize that there are others players refusing to work out against other players (Canter) and some others, but I don't understand why he's going against the status quo. As much as we have heard that he is a stand up dude on and off the court, this situation shows that he has chosen to listen to some bad advice that could cost him millions of dollars. In my opinion, the Utah Jazz are the only team in the top 14 that will make the playoffs next year (assuming there is a next year, which doesn't look to promising). So he is also risking his chance to play for a team that may make the playoffs. 

 Rick Bozich writes a follow up to this article, breaking the SI.com article even more. 

Slcdunk.com As always he is on Jazz news like a fat kid on cake.  

Laker Nation Mock Draft. They have us taking Canter.

Mark Jackson has played for 4 Hall of Fame coaches, Jerry Sloan being one of them. Here are the rest on the list- Larry Brown, Pat Riley and Lenny Wilkens. Interesting article on the fraternity of coaching that goes back almost 50 years. 

Dwight Howard hanging out with AK in Russia as part of the NBA 5 United tour 

 
Picture courtesy of Adidas and @JoshuaBRobbins of the Orlando Sentinel. Write up here.  

Jazzfanatical doing what she does best. Making us laugh.

 

You know that now-not-so-new Utah Jazz note logo we all love so much? I suspect Randy Rigby had a hand in bringing that beloved retro standard back to us.

Beyond Rigby's sizable day-to-day duties, which include not only overseeing the Jazz, but also the Larry H. Miller Group's AAA baseball Salt Lake Bees, the broadcasting companies for the television and radio, the advertising, the Megaplex theaters and Jordan Commons, the catering, Fanzz stores, and the EnergySolutions Arena itself --breath-- but also "sets the strategic goals for the franchise as well as analyzes future growth opportunities."

You business owners out there know it's tough enough running one show, let alone more of them than can be said in a single breath.

Rigby takes time out of his busy schedule to regularly drop a gem with 1320 KFAN's afternoon show, Bolerjack, Locke, and Garrard, and recently gave his thoughts on the future of the franchise, the development of the young players, the draft lottery, and a very fortunate, prodigious fortune cookie.

Randy Rigby: "I'm feeling really good today, for the last 24 hours it's been a great time to be a Jazz fan, and all of a sudden the number three has become a very favorite number of mine.

Scott Garrard: "What's going through your mind when the envelope opens up at six and the Jazz aren't in it?"

RR: "[Jazz head coach Ty Corbin] and I were sitting there and we both commented, 'It's time that we get a little break.'

When all of a sudden that envelope opened up, we looked at each other and there was just this pause, and all of a sudden it just hit and we just high-fived each other and started cheering and the room all of a sudden erupts as well, everyone realizing that we just moved into being one of the top three picks.

You know what, there's three very good players. There's not, to me, the separation you sometimes see in other years. Having a top three pick puts us in a very nice situation."

David Locke: "I will say this, you kind of already have your number one pick, because, I have been scouting a bunch of these players recently. I decided, after watching Enes Kanter, to go onto Synergy and watch Derrick Favors. We already got the number one pick. Our kid is in a completely different league than anyone in this draft. He's awesome."

RR: "Yup. And I know Kevin [O'Connor] and Ty Corbin just had very good conversations with him as well, in really continuing to step up his game.

I'm excited to see where our coaches are really pushing themselves in stepping up their game and their intensity. And we're doing the same with our players in what we are wanting them to do, and expecting them to do. And we're doing it in the front office, saying, we're stepping this up and using this year, as it's making us all, giving us that sick feeling in our guts as we watch the playoffs, and we're not there and we're used to being there.

It's really motivating us all to say we're going to make this organization better, cause we wanna be there and build for a future NBA championship."

SG: "Do you change any of the philosophy of what you do based on last night?"

RR: "You know what? I think great teams hold onto systems and philosophies, and that's what we've always tried to do. Does that system mean we are willing to modify and increase, and change and improve our thinking, and fine-tune it? You bet. The world doesn't stay, y'know, flat and consistent, and you've gotta be moving as the times change, and we're constantly improving and doing that, addressing things."

DL: "The passive Gordon Hayward at some point in the year almost became pissed off."

RR: "Yes."

DL: "I said, keep that in you because at some point this is gonna be your team and you're gonna get to institute that culture on it."

RR: "[Ty and Kevin] made a visit to the Haywards, and Gordon, and to his support staff saying, 'Let's get all of us on the same page as to where we want to be as an organization, you individually, and us as a team.' No question, we want to, and need to, step up our defensive toughness, those issues are being addressed, and it starts one-on-one. I know they're having those conversations with both Derrick Favors and Gordon Hayward.

Ty gave me kind of an update on his conversations with some of them and I'm very impressed with the process that's going on. We're going to be doing some followup with them in the next 30 days and seeing if it's being taken to heart."

SG: "Veterans don't necessarily like to groom young guys who are eventually going to take their job, so that's a fine line."

RR: "It is. And that's why this is a remarkable team game. It takes some veterans who also, in respect for the game, say part of my role is to groom and mentor.

Let me share also, a fun story that Chris Baum, my Senior Vice President of Broadcasting, had. He happened to be going to a dance recital last evening and was also taking his family to a Chinese restaurant. He said he opened his fortune cookie literally ten minutes before the lottery began. He opened it up --and he showed me his fortune last night-- and his fortune says, 'Your lucky number is... three.' So it started right there."

___

There is much, much more, including developmental and draft player analysis questions, and what the Jazz as a team are doing together in Santa Barbara for work this summer. 

Listen to the interview in it's entirety here.

Thanks to 1320 KFAN for making this available to us, as well as photo credits due to Deseret News (Rigby Jazz Note) and Fox 13 Utah (Jazz 3 and 12 Pick).

_____

You can follow Clint on Twitter at @Clintonite33

Dear Season Ticket Holder,

I want to thank you for your continued support of the Utah Jazz. It’s Season Ticket Holders like you who make our franchise a success and give us the reputation of having the best fans in the NBA.

This past season brought both excitement and some frustration for all of us. There were many great games that had us on the edge of our seats. We were the cardiac kids early in the season with great come-from-behind wins. Remember Miami and Orlando? We were the talk of the NBA.

We witnessed great improvement during the season from Al Jefferson. He was passionate and never gave in, a real motivator for his teammates when the going got tough. After the All Star break, he averaged 22 points per game (12th in the NBA) shooting 52% while grabbing 11 rebounds per game (3rd in the NBA).

We knew we had a solid player in Gordon Hayward when we drafted him at number nine last June. Some fans were skeptical, but Kevin O’Connor took the stage in EnergySolutions Arena and asked to fans wait two years and then see how they feel about the pick. Well, it didn’t take two years to see Gordon’s true potential. How about that game in L.A. when he carried the team to a big win over the Lakers? He was the number one three-point shooter in the NBA after February 1, shooting 53%.

Paul Millsap stepped up and made his presence known scoring 17 points a game after averaging 11.6 the season before.

Devin Harris showed his leadership and veteran experience. Of the 16 games he played, he led us to four wins against playoff teams.

Derek Favors, the youngest player in the NBA, has shown tremendous upside. I look forward to watching him develop.

Our players are young and have proven that they can compete with some of the toughest teams in the league.

Coach Ty Corbin was asked to step up midseason and win games while juggling injuries and player trades beyond his control. We saw how he brought the team together down the stretch and motivated them to play Jazz basketball even though we were out of the playoff hunt. This shows great character, leadership and the skill level needed to be a winning coach in the NBA.

Despite this exciting news, I am not satisfied with the results of the season. I expect us to win and am disappointed that we are not in the NBA Playoffs. But, I am confident that we will return soon.

We made some tough decisions this year. We took a small step backwards in order to position our team for the brightest future possible. Our goal is to bring a championship to Utah for the fans and our community. I am confident that our coaches, players and front office will continue to do all they can to build a team we are all proud of.

I am excited about Jazz basketball and I’m thankful you’ve chosen to be a part of it. Your commitment to this franchise is appreciated. We couldn’t do it without you.

Go Jazz,

Greg Miller
CEO

A 18 year-old Kobe Bryant got his first taste of the Delta Center crowd, during game one of the 1997 semifinals. The Utah Jazz would end up owning the Lakers in game one winning 93-77.
Box Score Below


A few things that stick out to me about this boxscore.

First,   Take a look at the bench minutes by the Jazz. The Jazz bench had 67 minutes and scored 33 points which is more than 30% of the total points scored. Also look how deep the bench was. Carr and Foster got minutes to play/foul Shaq or keep him under his average.  

Two,  Free Throws Look at the home cooking from the free throw line, 34-21. Also look how horribly we shot from the line 58% that is craptstic in a playoff game. 

Three, Either the Jazz's defense was amazing or the Lakers were in shell shock. Lakers shot .34% for the game and made eight three pointers. Kobe went 1-7. This is not the infamous "airball" game, that was game five. However looking at this you would have no idea/clue that Kobe would become the 2nd-5th best basketball player to walk on earth. Number one obviously being Jesus. 

Fourth, Hornacek's line- 8 rebounds 7 assists and 10 Points and 2 steals . This was not a good shooting night for Horny but very efficient elsewhere. 

Fifth, Byron Scott, yes that Byron Scott was on this team and is now coaching the Cleveland Cavilliers. As a Jazz fan you know time is flying by when players you remember watching are now coaching. It looks like Horny is headed in the same direction. 

Nick Van Exel's eyebrows. I'm just saying.

 

On May 3rd in Utah Jazz History 

On May, 3 1974 in the NBA expansion draft the newly created New Orleans Jazz selected "Pistol" Pete Maravich from the Atlanta Hawks. Honors Elected to Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame (1987); All-NBA First Team (1976, '77); All-NBA Second Team (1973, '78); All-Rookie Team (1971); Five-time NBA All-Star; One of 50 Greatest Players in NBA History (1996).

Pistol was and probably still is, statistically, the greatest college basketball player ever. The proof is in the stats. Here they are. 

A few crazy things about these stats. 

First no three point line. 
"Years later former LSU head basketball coach Dale Brown charted every college game Maravich played, taking into consideration all shots he took. Brown calculated that at the NCAA rule of a three-point line at 19-foot (5.8 m), 9-inches from the rim, Maravich would have averaged thirteen 3-point scores per game, lifting the player's career average to 57 points per game.

Second, NCAA rules at the time of Maravich's collegiate career prohibited freshmen from taking part in varsity competition, preventing Maravich from adding to his career record for a full quarter of his time at LSU. During this first year, Maravich scored 741 points in freshmen competition." from Wikipedia. 

Third,  look at his rebounds his freshman year 10.4 while averaging 43.6 points. 43.6 Points is his average, which is more than a point every minute, even before the shot clock era. Ridiculous.  I realized that defenses were not as good back then and that he was a player before his time. Still, Pistol was ridiculous in colllege. 

When he got to the pros he still put up good numbers but none better than the 76-77 season. Here is the stat line. 
 
He averaged 41. minutes a game and 31.1 points with no three point line. He also had 5.1 assists and 5.4 rebounds. 








On May, 3 1963 Jeff Hornacek former Jazz player (#14 Jersey Retired) and current assistant coach was born. Some of his top highlights. 

Horny for three classic. Watching this brings back some memories. Happy Birthday Horny.  By the way Hornacek was born in the same city as this Kid.

As a Utah Jazz fan this part of year is usually filled with playoff games and the opportunity to cheer for our team. With the Jazz out of the playoffs, it gives some of us time to prepare for the draft, a little time for baseball, the chance to watch the playoffs from the outside, and a time to reflect. While looking for some information on the month of May and Utah Jazz, I ran across the retirement day of John Stockton, which was May, 1 2003. Here is a look back at some of his career highlights. 

I'm not trying to prove he was the best point guard ever, which he is, but just wanted to put some stuff together to remind everyone of his greatness. 

Here is his last post game interview via JazzFanatical @Monilogue.  

A few things that need to be pointed out about this video. 
First, how far Sacramento has fallen since their run from 99-03 to the point of losing the Franchise. 
Second, the thought that Malone and Sloan were thinking or hinted about leaving at that point. We obviously now know what happened. 
Third, Dick Norse still working for KSL covering the top stories. 

Here is a postgame from the other end of Stockton's career via MemoisMoney 
Notice Jim Nantz before he hit it big and how sober Hot Rod is. 

Here are some of his career statistical Highlights from the HOF Induction presser. 

Only nine times in NBA history has a player had more than 1000 assists. Stockton did it 7 of the 9 times. 

Here is the statue ceremony NBA.com Vault 




Over a 19 year career Stockton only missed 22 games playing in 1504 of the possible 1526 (99 strike season was only 50 games long). He also played in all 182 playoff games. Stockton is fourth in all time career minutes played including playoffs with 54,162. If you do the math on that, Stockton averaged an assist every 3.42 minutes played. That might not sound like a lot but the next closest person (Kidd) averages an assist ever 4.02 minutes which is very substantial over the course of 48 minutes. 

One last stat from Basketball Reference. Most 15+ assist games. 


Top Ten Stockton to Malone Highlights. NBA.COM (Video)


What is/was your favorite John Stockton memory. 

Some good stuff today from a lot people doing a lot of offseason work. 

David Locke does a video Breakdown of Jan Vesely. I think David locke is slowly getting back to what made people like him in the first place and that was his stastical stuff, and information sharing. 

SLCdunk.com breaks down the Tribs report on the D-Will trade, very well done. 

Here is the original article from Brian T Smith. Trib 

Former Jazz Players not having lousy playoffs (updated) DN. 

Sunday Syncopation by @Allthatamar writer for Slcdunk

NBA2011 Bleacher Report Mock Draft Jazz Select.... BR Mockdrafts are like church, sometimes I love it and sometimes I skip it entirely. We will have mockdrafts on our site to fit with tradition, but it is so hard to say what will happen with this year's ( as well as other years drafts). Let's wait till the pingpong balls are dropped and go from there. 

Ghosts of the Delta Center part #1 of 2010-2011 Season Review @allthatamar 

Leftover from Jazzfanatical The Return of Kyle Korver. @monilogue

A pivotal NBA draft for the Utah Jazz is approaching, so we at The Utah Jazz Blog rounded up some of the best and most diverse opinions to be found on the topic and tossed 'em a few Q's. Our very special guests include:

Zach Bloxham, college ball connoisseur, and co-founder of The Upset Blog, which focuses on non-AQ schools and specializes in BYU.

Clark Schmutz, popular feature writer and draft specialist at the ever-present SLCDunk. Clark represented the Jazz internet media for last season's broadcast mock draft by the franchise.

Kevin Ferguson, producer for the number one afternoon sports talk radio show in Utah, Bolerjack, Locke, and Garrard, and host of the evening BLG Rewind show from 6-7 PM on 1320 KFAN.

And introducing, representing for the fans, Brett Preston, 15-year veteran Jazz fan extraordinaire and season ticket holder, who brought a strong game in his debut as a rookie sports writer.

The Jazz currently hold the first-round numbers 6 and 12 picks in the two-round June 23, 2011 draft, but could wiggle a little with the May 17th draft lotto drawing. Utah has no second round pick this year (Chicago Bull receives conditional 2011 second-round pick from Utah via the Carlos Boozer sign-and-trade on 7/8/10).

Utah has 7.5% + 0.7% chance of landing the top pick in this year's draft (8.2%).

The NBA's current Collective Bargaining Agreement runs out just a week after the draft, on June 30, 2011, leading many to believe a lockout is looming.

These guys knocked it out of the park, and some of their answers may surprise you. The Utah Jazz Blog recommends Draft Express for scouting reports on all of the following players.

___

1- TUJB: There's a fair amount of talk all ways about the impact of the NBA's June 30th Collective Bargaining Agreement expiring. What kind of effect do you see this having on the current April 24 draft entry deadline considering new rookie pay scales will almost certainly be adjusted?

Zach, TUB: The writing is certainly on the wall. With top-tier players such as Jared Sullinger, Harrison Barnes, and Perry Jones staying in college, the prohibitive elephant in the room has reared its ugly head. While this benefits the college game as a whole, I would argue this speaks to a greater problem between "draft ready" and "draft eligible" prospectus among would-be draftees. I would hope that the impending CBA discussions will help the NBA and NCAA come to a better place in terms of draft status for college athletes.

Clark, SLCDunk: I think the rookie contracts, scales and such are probably the thing that is most right with the CBA right now, so I don't see it changing that much when the new CBA gets worked out.  Rookie contracts give teams the chance to have players play better than their pay and creates some parity in the league.  They will debate about minimum age requirements and such, but I expect the money to be similar when all is said and done.

I also think that the expiring CBA's impact on the draft is being greatly exaggerated.  Obviously I have no proof, but it's easy to see Jared Sullinger, Harrison Barnes and Perry Jones return to school and say, "that's the pending lockout for you," but both Sullinger and Barnes' decisions seem like less financial matters than a chance to do something special or fulfill a promise made about their college careers.  I can't speak for Perry Jones.  His decision confused me, but it seems like Barnes and Sullinger would make the same decision, even if a lockout wasn't on the possible horizon.

Ferg, 1320KFAN: Regardless of the new CBA and the new rookie pay scales, I do not understand players in the top 10 that are returning to school. They are putting off how long until they get an NBA contract, and more importantly are going to be older when it is time for their first contract after their rookie deal expires. I have to assume that the advisors know something, I just can not figure out what it is. It is like these players are turning down money and putting off their first raise so that they can return to school.

Is it possible that big time players at big time schools make more money in college than as rookies in the NBA?

Brett, FanRep: Most of the players are saying that it does not have an impact on their decision.  But Jared Sullinger, Perry Jones, and Harrison Barnes returning to school would beg to differ.  If they are returning because they love college and want to get their education, you can’t blame them.  But if the lockout and new CBA played a factor, they may have made a mistake.  Although it seems likely, a lockout isn’t a certainty right now.  The rookie pay scales most likely will be adjusted, but they are going to be the same whether they enter the draft this year or next year.  They will be signing under the same CBA either way, so why not make the leap now?

Editor's Note: "Here’s another factor: Underclassmen must declare by April 24. They must then remove their names by May 8 to return to school.

Unfortunately, the CBA doesn’t expire until June 30, so any underclassman remaining in the draft is certainly taking a risk, since no rookie contracts would probably be allowed until a new bargaining agreement is in place." Via Mark Wiedmer

2- TUJB: Is this a "weak" or shallow draft?

Zach,TUB: As a result of the CBA, I think the 2011 draft has become relatively shallow. I prefer the word shallow as opposed to weak.

There are some top-notch players at the beginning of the draft and I think the ability to have multiple trade pieces during June will aid the Jazz in securing a solid draft cache. This draft is heavy on PGs and PF/Cs who will play immediately at the next level. Kyrie Irving and Brandon Knight are as talented as it gets. Derrick Williams made quite a name for himself during a tremendous year at Arizona. Enes Kanter, Jan Vesely, and Donatas Motiejunas are a bit more under-the-radar, but no one doubts their talent.

Clark, SLCDunk: You could say that. There are no players that are guaranteed superstars and only a few that seem destined to even be all-stars.  But like every draft, there are players whose ability to help their teams win basketball games haven't been brought to light yet.  I love these drafts. 

The better franchises that do their homework are usually rewarded.  With that said, most drafts tend to yield 12-15 starters and five or so more "rotation" guys and I think this draft will end up doing that, even if those starters aren't superstars.  But maybe I'm just optimistic.

Ferg, 1320KFAN: The draft is shallow. There is still legit talent at the top, but a lot of gamble outside that first tier.

That first tier may only be two players. When guys like Jimmer and Bismack Biyombo are moving up, it is not because they are getting better, it is because players in front of them are falling out. Tough year to have two lottery picks for the Jazz. Could be worse if they somehow make the playoffs next year and Minnesota gets the Jazz pick.

It's totally conceivable the player at 14-20 in next year's draft will be better than the six pick this year, most certainly better than the 12 this year.

Brett, FanRep: Is both an option? 

This draft already lacked superstars like Derrick Rose, Blake Griffin, and John Wall.  It looks like it is now a two player draft.  Kyrie Irving and Derrick Williams will go numbers one and two.  Sullinger, Jones, and Barnes heading back to campus thinned this draft just like father time has done to my hair line.  There are still solid players in this draft, but it definitely lacks the “can’t miss” prospects that previous drafts have had.

3- TUJB: What position(s) do the Jazz need to fill most in the draft?

Zach, TUB: It isn't a surprise that the Jazz need a point guard and a shooter. I am not willing to give up on Mehmet Okur's ability to contribute to the team in 2011-12. While Utah will certainly need a shooter long-term, I think Memo's ability to spread the floor is a great weapon to have, especially given the backdown nature of Jefferson and Favors.

 That being said, point guard should be the first and only position of necessity during the draft.

Clark, SLCDunk: Rather than talk about position needs, I'd rather the Jazz address role needs. 

If the Jazz think they can find another franchise point guard, great.  If not, they could use another defensive-minded player in the post and 3-point shooters, preferably athletic 3-point shooters.  I know that's what everyone is looking for.  But if I had to choose positions, I would say the Jazz need a shooting small forward, a defensive center/power forward and a starting point guard, either for next season or for post-Devin Harris days.

Ferg, 1320KFAN: I feel the Jazz most need a long scoring wing.

This draft has one, maybe. I love Derrick Williams and think he has an "it" factor to him. Problem is whether he is a power forward or small forward. It is beginning to look more and more like the Jazz are going to end up with a point guard, not by choice but by default.

Brett, FanRep: You would think a team that finished the year 12-30 would have needs at nearly every position.  Surprisingly the situation isn't as bad as it sounds. 

They traded away a top five point guard and that would obviously be a need that has to be filled.  They did get Devin Harris who is far from Deron Williams.  At the same time, he isn't exactly Milt Palacio. 

Their biggest need in my opinion would be a wing scorer that can help stretch the defense; a rich man's CJ Miles.  He could eventually be paired with Hayward on the wings with Harris, Favors, and Al Jefferson in the starting lineup.  The second need could either be a backup center if they decide to let Fesenko and Elson walk, or a backup point guard if they let Earl Watson walk.

4- TUJB: Do you consider a trade package of pick(s)/players to move up with the Jazz at 6 and 12 in the first round?

Zach, TUB: I think Paul Millsap is a great asset to use with Utah's draft pick come June. Irving is a player who is worth the risk. The guy can flat out play. He has a skill set similar to that of a Chris Paul and I see no downside in putting your faith in his ability to develop at the next level.

Millsap seems the easiest piece to move with the acquisition of Derrick Favors and the signing of Al Jefferson.

Clark, SLCDunk: I'd like to channel my inner Kevin O'Connor and say that if the right situation presents itself, obviously you trade up. 

The Jazz are really good at locating "their guys" and knowing who will fit in with their system and culture.  So if they have to trade up and can to get "their guy," they will.  But like O'Connor has also said, he did it once, very successfully and it will be harder to do again.  Teams may not want to help the Jazz get their target.

Ferg, 1320KFAN: I would consider a trade of picks to get out of this year's draft. If the Jazz can not land in the top two, everything seems like a gamble.

Trade out of the draft, get another pick next year if you are going young. Next offseason may end up being the one that changes the Jazz present and future. Having lottery picks in next year's draft along with Memo's expiring, you might be able to deal for a premier scoring wing, something you can not get in this year's draft, and speed up the "rebuilding."

Brett, FanRep: They have to look into trading to move up, or even trading to get out of this draft. 

I would lean towards packaging a player and a pick to pick up a veteran wing.  Obviously if they could trade the 6 and 12 picks to move into top three, they need to do so.  Trades aren’t easy to pull off, but Kevin O’Conner will need to explore all options to keep the franchise moving in the right direction.

5- TUJB: Who do you take and what kind of ceiling do you foresee for them?

With all the focus on Kyrie Irving many have lost sight of the truly remarkable skill set of Kentucky's Brandon Knight. If Irving is off the board, Knight is more than a servicable fall-back. A great combination of size and scoring ability, Knight showed tremendous poise in clutch situations. I think he has a great feel for the game. He can really get to the basket. Can really shoot the ball. Needs to improve his passing.