SALT LAKE CITY — Now that they solved the coaching mystery, Jazz management can turn its full attention to a draft that could pull the franchise out of the doldrums.

Too bad none of the potential draft picks have any relation to the San Antonio Spurs, the reigning NBA champions after whom the Jazz have apparently modeled their team. For now, the best the Jazz can hope is their top Spurs connections — general manager Dennis Lindsey and new coach Quin Snyder — combine forces with other decision-makers to select the right player in the June 26 draft.

Like many teams, the Jazz covet Jabari Parker, who averaged 19.3 points and 8.8 rebounds as a freshman at Duke. The problem is Parker figures to be long gone by the time the Jazz draft at No. 5, which means they would need to give up multiple players and draft picks to trade for the potential superstar.

Some national reports indicate the Jazz are pushing hard to trade up to land Parker, who was on the cover of Sports Illustrated as a high school player in Chicago. But it’s logical to conclude a team would be stupid to bypass the opportunity to draft Parker if he’s as good as advertised.

Assuming the Jazz stay at five, the likely choices are Noah Vonleh, Dante Exum and Julius Randle. Who do you get?

The choice here is Vonleh.

From the day they hired Lindsey two years ago, the Jazz have emphasized the great need to improve on defense. Now they have the chance to prove it.

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Noah Vonleh could contribute to the Jazz

With the NBA draft just around the corner, teams are wrapping up workouts for potential players. The Utah Jazz are no exception. They've hosted over 80 players and are working to narrow down the prospects. And among these prospects is Noah Vonleh.

At 6-foot-9, 240 pounds, Vonleh is the second-best defensive big man in the draft behind seven-footer Joel Embiid, who is expected to go first to the Cleveland Cavaliers. He could fit in well with Derrick Favors, being able to defend perimeter players and in turn allowing the Jazz center to protect the rim.

“You need to get someone that can defend on the perimeter, a power forward that can get out and guard the stretch fours,” said Jazz television analyst Matt Harpring.

In town this week to work out, Vonleh knew all about the Jazz, reciting the nucleus that made up the glory days of the 1990s and the success the team had with Deron Williams and Carlos Boozer. He’s ready to mesh with Favors, who is expected to be a foundation piece going forward.

With their length and agility, Favors and Vonleh would comprise the most athletic frontline in Jazz history. With a wingspan the equivalent of a 7-4 player, Vonleh has a 9-foot standing reach, a 37-inch standing vertical, and his hands were the second largest ever measured at the NBA scouting combine.

“I’ve been watching him since he was in high school,” Vonleh said of Favors. “I think I would complement him pretty well. I could be like a stretch four. He could play the five. I think we’d go well together.”

During his only season at Indiana, Vonleh averaged 11.3 points and led the Big Ten with nine rebounds a game. Maybe the best number comes in the form of his age, which is still only 18.

Vonleh presented himself well during the workout with the Jazz and in media interviews. His confidence was evident when he reeled off several possibilities in describing his best offensive moves.

Walt Perrin, the Jazz vice president of player personnel, concurred by saying, “His left-handed jump hook is pretty good for a right-hander. He’s got a nice drop step into the lane. He’s got a nice spin move going to the basket.”

The Jazz could take more of a sure bet in Randle, a traditional power forward who helped Kentucky reach the college national championship game. But Randle doesn’t have near the athletic ability of Vonleh. And the Jazz already have a plodding-type big man in Enes Kanter.

Given the lack of depth and no apparent superstar on the roster, the Jazz are most likely at least two seasons away from making the playoffs. The rookie head coach also will need time to develop.

With the team’s best days still to come, the Jazz would be well served to draft a player with the highest potential at No. 5. That player is Vonleh.

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