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SALT LAKE CITY - The Utah Jazz turned their New Jersey trade with Deron Williams into a third pick next month in the 2011 NBA draft. Throughout the years, the third picks have been anything but a disappointment. Players have ranged from Pau Gasol by the Los Angeles Lakers in 2001, Carmelo Anthony by the Denver Nuggets in 2003 and Derrick Favors last year by the New Jersey Nets.
Although who the third pick is going to be is still uncertain, we can look at what is to be expected for the Jazz and who they might be adding to their roster.
Third pick player O.J. Mayo, who was selected by Minnesota in 2008, was runner up to number one pick Derrick Rose for rookie of the year. Mayo was traded to Memphis and made a big impact in the 2011 NBA playoffs games, guiding the Grizzlies into the Western Conference semifinals where they were eventually defeated by the Oklahoma City Thunder. James Harden, the third pick in the 2009 draft, isn't a starter for the Thunder, but is flying off the bench and getting starter minutes game after game and bringing a new intensity to Oklahoma City as they battle Dallas for a spot in the NBA Finals.
How does this year's draft class stack up?
Kyrie Irving, point guard for Duke, is projected to be the number one draft pick. He's had a tremendous season, averaging just over 17 points and four assists a game. Irving, who has extraordinary court vision and penetration, will be an asset to whichever team he gets drafted to. Cleveland holds the first pick, and it looks like Irving will most likely be a Cavalier.
The number two pick will probably go to Derrick Williams, a forward from Arizona. Williams can penetrate the lane, has basketball knowledge and can shoot the ball really well. Williams averaged 19.5 points and just over 8 rebounds for the Wildcats last season. A big man who can shoot the ball is a priceless combination.
Enes Kanter, the only center in the top ten ranked players in the draft, is assumed to be the number three pick. Kanter, originally from Turkey, was recruited by the University of Kentucky but was ruled ineligible by the NCAA for receiving $33,000 in benefits from a Turkish club team he played for. With his 6-foot-11 frame, teams can expect him to immediately come in and help with rebounding the ball.
Kentucky point guard Brandon Knight is another player teams will be fighting for. Knight is one of the fastest players in the NCAA. With his tremendous shooting, Knight averaged 17 points and four assists per game. Knight is currently projected to be the number four pick.
Kawhi Leonard, forward from San Diego State, makes it into the top five because of his outstanding ability to rebound. For a small forward to average over 10 rebounds per game is pretty unreal. Leonard is also a scoring threat, adding over 15 points per contest.
While most people are hoping Utah picks a strong leader who can hold the team together, the Jazz don't need another guard. Devin Harris showed the potential he has in becoming a great leader towards the end of last season.
What the Jazz really need is a dependable big guy who can shoot the ball and get some boards. With Mehmet Okur out rehabbing an injury and Al Jefferson having a hard time defending and moving that ball around, the center position is something that the Jazz have struggled with (don't even get me started on Kyrylo Fesenko). The Jazz could use a guy who can pick up some offensive rebounds and bring in some intensity to the Jazz Nation.
Obtaining a player like Derrick Williams might be the best thing that could happen to the Jazz this draft. Not only is he a big guy who knows the game, he can snag rebounds on both ends of the court and can make those critical points throughout the game.
Regardless, let's hope Cleveland and Minnesota both go small so we can get a big man and the Jazz can have a team that is once again known for dominating the boards.
Email: onlinesports@ksl.com
