Jazz blog: KSL SportsBeat's Mock Draft


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Share your opinion by submitting your own mock draft here.With the most historic draft in Utah Jazz history, we take our turn at a mock draft.

We are going to limit the mock to just the lottery picks.

Dave Noriega: I was once told by a member of the Jazz that they laugh at mock drafts because they seldom account for team need. Of course, they all claim to take best player available, but within reason. If two players basically fall in the same tier, of course you take your team's need.

Matt Glade: Since Dave offered his own expertise to a mock draft, I feel it's my civic duty and moral obligation as a sports enthusiast, to make my own and right the wrongs of every single one of his picks. I will preface mine with this statement, I think all heck will break loose after the number 1 pick. The number of trades in the first round will be staggering, it's going to be fun to watch. So in essence, this seems a bit erroneous, because I'm projecting in a vacuum where everything is constant. But I digress, so here you have it, Matthew L. Glade's NBA mock draft.

Here are our mock draft picks, and don't forget to submit your own at the bottom of this page.

1. Cleveland

Dave Noriega: Kyrie Irving, Duke, 6-3, 191, PG

Jeremiah Jensen: Kyrie Irving PG Duke
The Cavs don't seem to be completely sold on Irving as the top pick. They had Derrick Williams in this week and Enes Kanter in twice for workouts. Projections on Irving are mixed but in a draft that doesn't feature any stars Irving seems to be the best player overall.

Matt Glade: Kyrie Irving, PG, Duke
I admit I'm not the biggest Irving supporter. It has nothing to do with his talent, he was spectacular when he was on the floor; it's just more the sample size: 8 regular season games. So I'm not sure this is going to happen, deep down in my gut I think they take Derrick Williams here and take Brandon Knight at 4. But for right now, this seems like the most likely scenario.

2. Minnesota

Dave Noriega: Minnesota-Derrick Williams, Arizona, 6-8, 248, SF/PF
Although I'm convinced they trade this pick, you have to take the best player available, which is Derrick Williams. To draft Williams makes no sense, since they have Michael Beasley and Wesley Johnson playing the 3.

Jeremiah Jensen: Derrick Williams F Arizona
The Timberwolves will take Derrick Williams and then package him in a trade for a veteran player and/or picks.

Matt Glade: Derrick Williams, F, Arizona
I'm excited that David Kahn is not smart enough to know Enes Kanter is the best fit for his team, but what would excite me more is if the scenario I outlined above actually happened and Kahn was faced with picking Kyrie Irving at number 2. I'm willing this to happen with every fiber of my being.

3. Utah

Dave Noriega: Enes Kanter, Turkey, 6-11, 259, PF/C
I'm shocked that so many people think that Brandon Knight is the pick for the Jazz. Kanter has the size, athleticism and motor to be the best player in the draft. His joking and fun-loving personality may remind you of Fesenko (which is terrifying) but unlike Fesenko, Kanter has some nastiness in his game. If you get physical with him, he'll turn on a little bit of crazy and start throwing his strength around. The Jazz are in desperate need for this. He's a great rebounder, great hands, great jumper and can finish around the hoop. Not a question in my mind that Kanter is a lock at #3.

Jeremiah Jensen: Enes Kanter C Turkey
This is where the draft gets very interesting. The Jazz haven't given any hints on who they prefer with this pick. They can go with big man Enes Kanter from Turkey or go point guard with Kentucky's Brandon Knight. I believe Kanter is the best player available. If the Jazz determine they don't have room for him in their already crowded front court, then they will have no trouble moving Kanter for a later pick or a veteran player.

Matt Glade: Enes Kanter, C, Turkey
Kanter is the center the Jazz and Jazz fans have always wanted. Not afraid to get physical down in the post, has a bit of a nasty streak, and a nice compliment of low post moves. I can understand the temptation to take Knight here, but I don't feel Knight is worth a top 3 pick.

4. Cleveland

Dave Noriega: Jonas Valanciunas, Lithuania, 6-11, 240, C
Many believe he can be the best player in the draft. I don't believe it, but there's not a better option for the Cavs. They desperately need size. J.J. Hickson and Anderson Varejao are the only decent frontcourt players in Cleveland. Even though Valanciunas Euro contract may not allow him to come over this season, his upside is too good to pass up.

Jeremiah Jensen: Jonas Valanciunas C Lithuania
It's not every year that you can find a skilled 7-footer in the draft. Jonas will not be able to play in the NBA next season due to the buyout negotiated with his current team in Europe. He would give the Cavs a center for the future or they can use this pick as trade bait for a team that can afford to wait a season before adding him to the roster.

Matt Glade: Jonas Valanciunas, C, Lithuania
It will be Knight if they pick Williams number 1 overall, but in this scenario they'll pick the best Euro available.

5. Toronto

Dave Noriega: Brandon Knight, Kentucky, 6-3, 177, PG
When the Jazz draft Kanter, Toronto will do a high kicking baroque dance. The Raptors are stuck with Jose Calderon's terrible contract (over $20 million over the next two years) and are desperate for a point guard. Knight has the most upside and is learning how to be a distributor vs. a scorer. Playing behind Calderon for a year or two will allow him to develop. Point guards typically need a couple years to develop (i.e. Nash, Kidd, DWill).

Jeremiah Jensen: Brandon Knight PG Kentucky
The Toronto Raptors have a lot of needs. There are several possibilities but it's hard to see the Raptors passing on a proven winner with tremendous upside like Knight. He is a high character guy who could become the face of the franchise.

Matt Glade: Brandon Knight, PG, Kentucky
Knight won't slip past the Raptors. He's a great compliment to DeMar DeRozan and Andrea Bargnani, plus he's an instant upgrade over Jose Calderon and Jerryd Bayless.

6. Washington

Dave Noriega: Jan Vesely, Czech Republic, 6-11, 230, SF
The Wizards have an intriguing frontcourt of JaVale (a little bit crazy) McGee and Andray Blatche. Rashard Lewis is currently their 3 with the worst contract in the league at $26 million over the next two years. John Wall is a stud point guard Nick Young has been serviceable at 2. Vesely would make the McGee and Blatche frontcourt one of the most spectacularly athletic frontcourts in the NBA. Not a ton of refined skill, but a load of skill nonetheless. There won't be many jump shots made, but transition and follow dunks will abound.

Jeremiah Jensen: Jan Vesely PF Czech Republic
It's clear that the Wizards top target in this draft is Enes Kanter and it wouldn't surprise me if the Wizards and Jazz become trade partners on Thursday. With Kanter off the board Vesely is a power forward in the same mold as Andrei Kirilenko. An explosive leaper and slasher who can rebound. He would be a great fit for the Wizards throwing down alley-oop passes from John Wall.

Matt Glade: Kawhi Leonard, SF, San Diego State
Good fit for Leonard and a good get for Washington. A core of Wall, Leonard, and McGee is a nice foundation to move forward with. Jan Vesley is a close second though, I changed this pick a dozen times before settling on it.

7. Sacramento

Dave Noriega: Kemba Walker, UConn, 6-1, 184, PG
I like players at certain points in the draft. I don't like Kemba at 3, but I like him very much at 7. The Kings really like Jimmer, but it's going to be hard to pass on Walker. First and foremost, he is a winner, which the Kings desperately need. Second, he is an incredible athlete that can get to spots on the floor that not many others can. His speed and quickness create a lot of space and his 39 inch vertical allows him to finish at the rim. He's a mediocre jump shooter, but has the killer instinct and hits shots when they matter.

Jeremiah Jensen: Kawhi Leonard SF San Diego State
The Kings have a talented backcourt with Tyreke Evans and Marcus Thornton. They have a low post scorer in Damarcus Cousins. Adding Leonard would give them a versatile wing with the ablity to score and rebound.

Matt Glade: Jimmer Fredette, PG, BYU
Jimmer is going somewhere between 6 and 10. He's the type of player some team will fall in love with and trade up to get. If things stay the same and no one trades, this is the most likely destination. The Maloofs love him and when owners fall in love with a player, the player usually ends up there. But if Leonard is still on the board, they'll have a tough time not taking him.

8. Detroit

Dave Noriega: Bismack Biyombo, Congo, 6-9, 243, C
The Pistons still have Ben Wallace on their team. That tells me two things, they desperately need shot blocking and rebounding and they appreciate shot blocking and rebounding. Biyombo will be the worst offensive player in the league. That is in no way and overstatement. However, he will learn from Wallace himself how to carve out a niche in the NBA by being a dominant shot blocker and rebounder. Just look at the careers Mutombo, Tyson Chandler and Wallace have made from being defensive minded.

Jeremiah Jensen: Kemba Walker PG UConn
The Pistons need help at just about every position except power forward where they expect Greg Monroe to man the post well into the future. Kemba would be ready to step right in, man the point, and give this team a playmaker they desperately need. It also helps that he is a proven winner.

Matt Glade: Bismack Biyombo, PF, Spain
Seems like a logical fit, but then again, Joe Dumars is anything but logical.

9. Charlotte

Dave Noriega: Kawhi Leonard, San Diego St., 6-7, 227, SF
Quick, name the small forward for the Charlotte Bobcats. That 30 seconds of silence in your mind is the exact response of 29 GM's in the league, including Michael Jordan. We've seen Kawhi Leonard and his toilet-seat-sized hands for the past two years in the MWC. He's a great player with a terrific motor. He's a double-double machine that plays defense. Not a great shooter, which will fit in nicely with every other player on that roster.

Jeremiah Jensen: Bismack Biyombo PF Congo
Biyombo seems to be the boom/bust player in this draft. It's clear he can't shoot but he is a long athletic big man with a huge wingspan that can rebound and block shots. Some scouts see him as a potential all-star while others aren't so kind. No. 8 in this draft seems like a place where a team could afford to take that risk. Charlotte needs a defensive presence in the post which is exactly what Biyombo could provide.

Matt Glade: Kemba Walker, PG, UConn
He won't fall this far, I feel dirty even suggesting it. I put Kemba in the same category as Jimmer, that is, I think a team will fall in love with him and trade up to get him. Great leader, great teammate, natural point guard, and can shoot. So the likelihood he is here, is slim; but if he is, Charlotte won't hesitate.

10. Milwaukee

Dave Noriega: Marcus Morris, Kansas, 6-8, 230, SF/PF
Morris had a great line in his workout with the Jazz. He's not a tweener, he's a combo forward. I like it Mr. Lemonade. Drew Gooden is the current PF in Buckland and Morris has the ability to stretch the D with his outside shooting. He'll play 3 in some lineups and 4 in others. With Bogut patrolling the middle, Morris will have the freedom to move back and forth at the forward positions.

Jeremiah Jensen: Alec Burks SG Colorado
The Bucks need shooting and scoring in their backcourt. Burks might be the perfect pair with Brandon Jennings and would give this team a player who can light it up on any given night.

Matt Glade: Jan Vesley, SF, Lithuania
Good value here and he pairs well with Andrew Bogut. It's scary just thinking about it.

11. Golden State

Dave Noriega: Klay Thompson, Washington St., 6-7, 206, SG/SF
A great scorer and shooter with very little interest in defense. Since the Knicks aren't picking at 11, the Golden State Warriors select

Jeremiah Jensen: Chris Singleton SF Florida State
There is no telling what kind of playing style new head coach Mark Jackson will bring to the Warriors. What this team does need is defense and rebounding. That is what Singleton can give this team. He is considered a lockdown defender at the college level and may be the best on-the-ball defender available in the draft. He is also athletic enough to get out on the break and run with guys like Monta Ellis and Steph Curry.

Matt Glade: Klay Thompson, SG, Washington State
His stock is high, though I'm not sold on him. In fact, I don't think he should be drafted in the top 20 but the Warriors love to shoot 3's, and play as little defense as possible. He fits the job description. This is happening.

12. Utah

Dave Noriega: Jimmer Fredette, BYU, 6-2, 196, PG
The dream scenario plays itself out with Kanter/Fredette. With the Kings taking Kemba at 7, Fredette's basement is 12. This is a no-brainer pick. A great pick and roll player that is the best shooter in the draft. If Fredette is available at 12 and the Jazz don't take him let's just say you thought Vancouver was bad.

Jeremiah Jensen: Jimmer Fredette PG BYU
Under this scenario Jimmer fans in Utah get their wish. The Jazz need perimeter shooting and Jimmer can provide that immediately.

Matt Glade: Alec Burks, SG, Colorado
A good pick for the Jazz at 12. Burks has the talent to go anywhere between 9 and 13. Knows how to get to the basket and his mid-range game is solid. Great athlete and will be good in transition. It's a strong possibility the Jazz trade down here, possibly to get someone like Malcolm Lee of UCLA.

13. Phoenix

Dave Noriega: Alec Burks, Colorado, 6-6, 193, SG
One of the most athletic guys in the draft. Can fly up and down the court and is great in transition. Takes it strong to the hoop, mostly because he is a poor outside shooter. Speed and athleticism; always a nice fit in Phoenix.

Jeremiah Jensen: Tristan Thompson PF Texas
I believe Phoenix would be the perfect spot for Jimmer Fredette who would get a chance to learn from one of the best point guards of all-time in Steve Nash. With Jimmer off the board the Suns will be able to add Thompson to their front court. He is a great offensive rebounder with a 7 foot 2 wingspan and a good handle.

Matt Glade: Marshon Brooks, SG, Providence
It's a reach, no doubt, but I'm more intrigued by Brooks than I am Thompson or Burks. Burks is the safer pick for the Jazz at 12 but Brooks seems to have the higher upside. His problem in college is that he played for Providence and Providence stunk....bad. So there wasn't exactly a lot of focus on him and he's stayed under the radar.I think Phoenix will take a chance on him.

14. Houston

Dave Noriega: Chris Singleton, Florida St., 6-9, 230, SF
Lowry is a nice point guard, Kevin Martin can score as well as anybody in the league, Scola is a nice 4. They are very thin at 5 without Yao. They currently have Hasheem "Bust-City Baby" Thabeet and Brad Miller as their centers, but there are no centers left on the board worth a lottery pick. So new Kevin McHale will ask for a player that does something spectacular. Chris Singleton is the best defender in the draft, which is crucial at the 3 spot. There's a lot of dynamic wing scorers in the league and Singleton can be a lock down defender for a lot of years.

Jeremiah Jensen: Donatas Motiejunas PF Lithuania
Houston needs some help in the post, especially if Yao Ming is forced to retire. Motiejunas is an athletic 7-footer who can run the floor, and pass well from the post.

Matt Glade: Tristan Thompson, PF, Texas
Kevin McHale is the new coach, they need a big man, they'll take the best offensive rebounder in the draft.

Matt Glade: Couple of quick thoughts:

1. You'll notice I don't have either of the Morris brothers in the lottery, I find them to be drastically overrated. Dave insists that I am too hard on them, while I don't deny it, it's my mock and I won't be swayed.

2. If the Jazz take Knight with the 3rd pick, I pray to the basketball gods they trade down to get or even reach for Kenneth Farried at number 12. That cat is a straight up baller! Look him up, you'll agree with me. His rebounding numbers over the last 3 years: 14.5, 13, and 13. Staggering. I want that guy on my team.

3. Malcolm Lee also fascinates me. He comes from UCLA and based on recent history, UCLA guards pan out in the NBA. Ben Howland does a great job getting them ready. He had a great workout against Jimmer and Kemba. He has size, athleticism, and great intangibles. His 3 point shooting isn't the best, but I think he's a sleeper.

Reorder and vote for your mock draft.

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