Say hello: Jazz unveil draft trio to smiles, warm welcome


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SALT LAKE CITY — Say ‘hello’ to the new kids in town.

The Utah Jazz unveiled its three NBA draft picks Wednesday at the Grand America Hotel in downtown Salt Lake City, and the trio from Louisville, North Carolina and Gonzaga answered questions that ranged from basketball chops to Salt Lake City to playing as themselves on NBA2K.

Each one of Donovan Mitchell, Tony Bradley and Nigel Williams-Goss knows the Jazz are building something — and they are happy to be a part of it.

All three will participate in the Utah Jazz Summer League next week at the Huntsman Center, hoping to find a larger role last season’s Western Conference semifinalist.

“If you have an organization that is devoted and really wants you, I think you have to give that same energy back,” Mitchell told KSL Sports. “I’m willing to work and prove the organization right — that they made the right choice.”

Both Mitchell and Bradley came to the Jazz via draft night trades; Mitchell at No. 13 via Denver and Bradley at No. 28 in a swap with the Lakers.

Both are excited to be drafted by a playoff contender.

“It is a team that is definitely building,” Bradley said. “They have the pieces now with key players, and it will be a good season next year.”

Mitchell brings a strong defensive presence to the Jazz after two seasons at Louisville, where head coach Rick Pitino is known for his defensive sets.

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Bradley was a rebounding machine at UNC; the Tar Heels’ first one-and-done prospect since 2008 averaged 5.1 rebounds per game in limited minutes with his 7-foot-6 wingspan.

“I feel like I have a great motor and effort is off the chart,” Bradley said when asked to describe his game. “I think I am really skilled down low in the post and on the perimeter.”

Williams-Goss proved he can be a team leader after helping Gonzaga to the national championship game in April.

“I’m a player that is consistent with his effort, night in and night out,” he said. “I guy who wants to win above all else.”

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Brittany Copeland

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