Jazz Draft - Two-Who I Like
‘Jazz Bound?’ (Jim O’Connor/US Presswire - Haraz Ghanbari/ AP)
I have been intrigued by the stats, size, and interviews of a couple of players thus far. First and foremost: Roy Hibbert
Yes, just like everyone else his 7′2″ 270 lb. frame has me enamored. Not only does he appear to have the agility most big men lack, and the soft hands most bigs only dream of, but he was the only one NOT huffing and puffing for air after a longer than usual workout - is it that he was in better more complete physical shape, or does he acclimate to the altitude faster than others? Who knows… perhaps it’s a super-human power that he has, and if so, I’m all for that.
During his college career he has shown us the ability to play within a system, and that he has the ability to get his touches where he can be most effective. His defense is solid, and can block shots down low.
A brief but thorough stat line for him is as follows: 13.4 ppg, 6.4 rpg, 1.9 apg, 2.2 bpg, and 0.5 spg.
Secondly: Jason Thompson
I bet you just said, “Who?” Well Jason Thompson of little known Rider just completed his Senior year with a 20/10/2.4 average - that’s a 20.4 ppg 12.1 rpg 2.7 apg and a whopping 2.7 bpg 1.1 spg, while shooting 56% from the field, 32% from behind the arc.
He is 6′11″ 250 lbs of big man. If you watch his workout video you will see that he has smooth footwork, good hands, and his interview is good too. There is the argument that he played in a small conference for a small school, but the level of consistency he provided and the big games he had (32 pts) are a good indicator.
Of the two whom will be available when the long wait for #23 is called? Probably Hibbert, but definitely Jason Thompson; although some mock drafts are now showing us going with a classic BPA (best player available) I think we are in the world of the jigsaw - looking for that piece to finish the puzzle.
And as I always like to say: “GO BIG OR GO HOME!”
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4 Comments to “Jazz Draft - Two-Who I Like”
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Paul Milsap played in a small conference and he does just fine. I like Jason Thompson he’s got great upside. But I like Roy Hibbert more. Though I think he may be gone at #23. I would like to get Hibbert at 23 and Thompson at 44 or 45 wherever we are at. (Won’t Happen Though!) Cant a guy wish
if only Jason Thompson would be available at 44. I think he will be gone in the first round. a lot of newly updated mock drafts have Hibbert going to the Cav’s - which I don’t agree with; I see the Cav’s going with a scorer or a PG to try to make it a 1.75 man show in Cleveland.
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what if the Jazz took a guard at 23?
I am very much in agreement with your “likes.” Unfortunately (or fortunately) I have heard that Roy Hibbert has been demolishing the other bigs in the try-outs/showcases with other teams. I think we need to move up to the the 15-17 pick range to get Roy as it looks like the 76ers, Raptors, Wizards, Cavaliers and even the Nuggets are looking for big guys. I hope we aren’t just sitting around being wishful and are instead thinking of packaging our picks (maybe some future lower ones) and perhaps Jason Hart and Jason Collins (although I am not as down on JC as much as everyone else seems to be) and try and move up and get a pick in that area.
We have a really great young team right now! We actually only lack a couple of key items to go all the way (we may may have the team to do it now so I would never break the bank trying to move right now) Our biggest need now though is size/length and defensive presence. Sounds an awful lot like Hibbert ( or maybe a young Mark Eaton–how old is he?)
I think Fesenko probably needs another year at Orem, but I think Roy is pretty much NBA-ready now! If Fesenko pans out like we hopw we would have a terrific assortment of bigs (with Okur) and the three would bring different skills (outside shooting, inside-shooting, shot blocking, length, defense and passing) to the table, skills we could obviously use.
And hey, since this is my dream draft/e-mail I agree with trying to get Jason Thompson as well. Because of the small school label, there’s a decent chance he could slip like Millsap did and he’d definitely be another big with complimentary skills to fit into the Jazz system.
By the way, both of these gentlemen are have good character and are hard workers too and that is an asset that should never be overlooked!
Priority Number 1: See D-Will to a long term contract.
LHM states he won’t go over the luxury tax, so we need to find some money somewhere…I suggest looking at Kirilenko. If Andrei won’t re-negotiate his contract to something reasonable ($7-8 million) then I suggest that we trade Kirilenko to a team between the Bucks at #8 or the Warriors at #14 and draft Joe Alexander. He is going to be the steal in the draft.
I would like to see the Jazz get Alexander and at #23 Hibbert. If Hibberts not available Speights would be great. I see similarities to Amare Stoudamire. If neither of these, Donte Greene is a stud. He reminds me of Carmelo Anthony.
Any ways, these are just my thoughts. If Mario Chalmers is available he would be a great back up point guard. I not sure that I’d use a first round pick for him. This draft is packed with good players. The Nets have two first round picks, we should try to get one of them.
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