The Official 2011 NBA Draft Picks Pre-Draft Pick Post

by AllThatJazzBasketball on Jun 22, 2011 1:33 PM MDT in NBA - Draft & Lotto

Okay everyone, draft is coming very soon. Here are my picks ... be sure to post yours in the comments.

With the 3rd pick in the NBA draft, the Utah Jazz select . . .

Brandon Knight, from the University of Kentucky. Even if all he ends up being is a younger, better shooting Devin Harris it's a step in the right direction for this team. I think he is less of a question mark than a guy who sat a whole year out (Enes Kanter). Furthermore, I'm not going to rely on the Timberwolves making a mistake. If they do, obviously the game changes. And if the Jazz (or T-wolves, or Cavs) make any trades the situation changes as well. But right now, I'm locking in my vote for Brandon Knight. If he spends the first 2 months coming off the bench and sharing time at the PG / in the back court with Harris and Earl Watson (who is a free agent) I think he'll learn our sets better than he would have if we just made him a starter "just because". Comming off the bench means that he'll have the oppurtunity to take it to other benches, and that he could focus on his game within our system -- instead of trying to fit his game in immediately into the starting role (which has different responsibilities). Also coming off the bench should add some sort of chip to his shoulder. We have a history of bringing guys off the bench at the PG spot who eventually earn (not inherit) it in John Stockton and Deron Williams.

Knight isn't perfect, but he has a lot of things going for him. He is super young, super fast, and has been touted as a very solid defender. Our dribble penetration defense was horrible last season. If he can help resolve that problem then he needs to be drafted with no hesitation.

Furthermore, he seems very bright. Which is what you want from a point guard. Behold:

With the 12th pick in the NBA draft, the Utah Jazz select . . .

Klay Thompson . . . who I think will fall to us. In that I mean he'll be higher on the Jazz draft board and they will gladly pick him. He's a shooter's shooter and a second generation NBA player. He's been around the game his entire life and has an NBA ready skill. At the 12 spot you need to have something going for you, and he does with both his basketball iq and pure shooting. Also, this guy fits the bill for being a guy the Jazz did not spend a lot of time being in love with, in the media. He's kind of out of left field, and those are KOC picks. Not many people had us taking Gordon Hayward, Kosta Koufos, or Morris Almond either. Klay is not at the top of my list for this pick, and he's definately not the guy I *want* the Jazz to take, but I think that he is the guy the Jazz would take if he makes it to #12.

I get a little too Al Davis-like and fall in love with combine / workout wonders. Sure, Klay doesn't have a 7' wingspan, a 12' max reach, or a 37" vertical. He's much slower than a bunch of other guys the Jazz worked out, as well. But you know what he is? He's a basketball player. He's Kevin Martin with much better defense and rebounding. He doesn't help us become a title contender over night -- but he can play SG/SF in the NBA and help spread the floor for our offense. He's not the defender that Andrei Kirilenko is, and he's not as athletic as Alec Burks or Chris Singleton. But he immediately makes our bench much more deep, and combined with Gordon Hayward and C.J. Miles -- gives us plenty of reasons never to play Raja Bell again.

And that's another start in the right direction for this team.

Who are your picks?

Take your time and pick two guys. No conditions. No "and then we have to trade this guy" stuff. We have two draft picks. We know the spots. We now know the players. Pick two. If we were smart enough we'd have made this a contest. I know someone who did ( @Mac_Diego ) -- and if you are on twitter you should follow him. Anyway . . . who are your two picks?

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Comments

I am still unsure..

But right now I’m going with Knight and Singleton. Maybe Jonas V. if he slips far enough.

tweet me @kylekirkham11

or visit my oh so lonely blog.... www.jazzaholic-rehab.blogspot.com

by kirkhambiz on Jun 22, 2011 1:39 PM MDT reply actions

I want

no part of Knight at 3. And I think Thompson has way to much Mo Almond in his game for me, but we’ll see…

by scrantonicity33 on Jun 22, 2011 1:41 PM MDT reply actions 1 recs

I was thinking that myself

but Almond (in 121 college games) averaged only 1.0 (rounding up) assist per game. Klay? In 98 games he averaged 2.6 apg. Only time will tell how they all pan out. I, obviously, don’t WANT Klay at #12. But I think he he’s there KOC would jump on him. Hence, this post.

About me: I used to run AllThatJazzBasketball.Blogspot.com - now you may know me as the Sunday Syncopation guy or the GO Rating guy.You can reach me via e-mail ( allthatjazzbasketball@hotmail.com ) or on teh twitters. Really, I'm not lonely or anything . . .
2010-2011 Season Statistical Reviews (games): 10, 22, 30, 40, 51, 60a 60b, 70a 70b, 82
2010-2011 Season Review (part): 1, 2, 3, 4a 4b, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11

by AllThatJazzBasketball on Jun 22, 2011 1:45 PM MDT up reply actions

I think gordon does everything that Thompson does but does them better

by Evans Almighty on Jun 22, 2011 1:43 PM MDT reply actions

I see that

Also, Paul Pierce has a better all-around game than Ray Allen too — so it’s a shame that Boston had both of them on the floor at the same time. Oversimplification, for sure, but having an All-Around wing and a dedicated shooting wing isn’t a bad thing.

by AllThatJazzBasketball on Jun 22, 2011 1:48 PM MDT up reply actions

3. Knight
12. Singleton

Is what I think will happen.

For the Love of the Game

Stockton to Malone- The perfect combination!!

"I think he just said, 'Oh my Gosh,' or whatever they say in Provo."- ESPN talking about QB. Max Hall after BYU defeated third ranked Oklahoma (2009).

MonSTARZ forever!

by ForTheLove on Jun 22, 2011 1:49 PM MDT reply actions

I've settled on Knight & Singleton.

But I see your point on Thompson being that left-field pick. I feel like too many mock drafts have us taking Knight & Singleton – therefore it won’t be that combination because hey, that’s how KOC rolls.

"We can’t put diapers on him one night, and a jockstrap the next night. It’s just the way it is." -Sloan on a certain player

by SurlyMae on Jun 22, 2011 1:49 PM MDT reply actions

My picks are

My picks are Brandon Knight at 3 (of course unless either Irving or Williams drops to 3 spot), and Biyombo at 12. Knight, because I like smart kids, especially for a PG. Biyombo, because we sucked at rebounds last year, and I think he’ll bring it.

by Yongsoo Bahk on Jun 22, 2011 1:49 PM MDT reply actions

With all the reports i am here i would give these 2 scenarios a 50/50 chance

1. Kanter/Jimmer (everyone is saying now that this is the likely direction)
2. Williams/Jimmer (people are saying that there is a lot higher chance that this happens since minnesota hasn’t gotten an offer they like)

by Evans Almighty on Jun 22, 2011 1:56 PM MDT reply actions

I have come to the point where I am happy with either Knight or Kanter (or Irving or Williams if they happen to fall). As for the12th pick I would just go with the BPA. Someone always falls. Ideally, I would like Vesely, Biyombo, Leonard, or Jonas V. If no one else drops I would be ok with Jimmer, Walker, Singleton. One guy I would reach for is Tobias Harris. I think he would be awesome for the Jazz (after some develment).

by Rando3 on Jun 22, 2011 2:07 PM MDT reply actions

i would reach for Tobias Harris too... i love the kid, and feel he could really be a good fit for the Jazz

Following the Utah Jazz from the bottom of South America!

by Jazzfan_in_Chile on Jun 22, 2011 6:00 PM MDT up reply actions

Nooooooooooooooooo

Not the pot head. Anybody but the pot head(s).

Now, I realize that there are probably even some current Jazz players that use the stuff, but at least they’re smart enough about it not to get caught and to keep it on the DL. I hate the thought of a Josh Howard-type user on the Jazz. Hopefully if they pick him, Klay drops the habit and keeps it dropped.

I did like his video though.

I am in no way affiliated with the blog of the same name.

by JazzHype on Jun 22, 2011 2:11 PM MDT reply actions

The guy gets caught using pot once and he's a pot head?

Sheesh only in Utah…

by Kfunk on Jun 22, 2011 2:17 PM MDT up reply actions 2 recs

If you get caught with pot

Your either smoking it, or your a drug dealer. Somebody like that is an automatic red flag for any team investing millions on a draftee

"I hate it! It looks like a stickup at 7-Eleven. Five guys standing there with their hands in the air."

Norm Sloan

"We have a great bunch of outside shooters. Unfortunately, all our games are played indoors."

Weldon Drew

by EcERyda69 on Jun 22, 2011 2:22 PM MDT up reply actions

I don't think it's a big deal

He was probably just a dumb kid who made a dumb mistake. I don’t think he is a fried out druggie, nor will he be a problem causer like Artest. Our President has smoked weed—yet we’re fine with our nation’s leader having smoked weed, but no leeway for a simple basketball player?

Folks…his marijuana was a mistake. One that I’m sure he’s moved on from.

by Jeffersap on Jun 22, 2011 2:36 PM MDT up reply actions

Have you heard any of this kids interviews?

He definitely sounds like he’s been smoking for a long time…

by TurboJazz224 on Jun 22, 2011 2:41 PM MDT up reply actions

This

Although I have to contend that kids who smoke weed aren’t ‘dumb’ and making ‘dumb mistakes.’ Drinking makes you dumb. Weed humbles you.

by 3 in the Key on Jun 22, 2011 2:45 PM MDT up reply actions 1 recs

Such a misconception

That drinking makes you dumb & weed doesn’t.

I am in no way affiliated with the blog of the same name.

by JazzHype on Jun 22, 2011 3:00 PM MDT up reply actions

I think in either case it would matter how much/how often you do them.

by flibbidy on Jun 22, 2011 3:03 PM MDT up reply actions

Agreed.

I am in no way affiliated with the blog of the same name.

by JazzHype on Jun 22, 2011 3:13 PM MDT up reply actions

Please,

I implore you to validly elaborate on that. Go ahead and research the physical and psychological positives of drinking. There are zero.

Following this inevitably short journey, go ahead and research the physical and psychological positives of smoking weed.

Just because something is illegal does NOT make it worse for you than something that is legal. Think for yourself. That’s not a misconception at all.

If you are a dumb person, you will be dumb regardless of the substance you choose to put in your body. However, weed occasionally changes stupidity and closed mindedness to intellectuality and humility. Not to mention all of its medical uses that you looked up earlier.

by 3 in the Key on Jun 22, 2011 3:06 PM MDT up reply actions 1 recs

My comment was more with Kfunk's "Utah" comment

Any organization is going to look at that and be worried about it, it’s not just Utah that has a problem with it. I have made those same mistakes although I never got caught, but I’d be lying if I said I never tried it.

"I hate it! It looks like a stickup at 7-Eleven. Five guys standing there with their hands in the air."

Norm Sloan

"We have a great bunch of outside shooters. Unfortunately, all our games are played indoors."

Weldon Drew

by EcERyda69 on Jun 22, 2011 3:06 PM MDT up reply actions

I started thinking I would read everyone's picks short and sweet

Would have never guessed on this discussion. Ha.

yojimbo is jazzed

by jazzed on Jun 22, 2011 8:37 PM MDT via mobile up reply actions

So he got "caught" once

How many times did he not get caught? Therein lies the red flag.

by tyrantking on Jun 22, 2011 2:23 PM MDT up reply actions

Not to argue against you or anything, but

do you think any member of the Jazz has had smoked pot, but wasn’t caught?

by Yongsoo Bahk on Jun 22, 2011 2:27 PM MDT up reply actions

I'd confidently guess

That 50% of the non-children bearing NBA players smoke weed on a regular basis. It’s not physically harmful, and if you use the right method to smoke it, it does MUCH less damage on your lungs. I smoked weed before all of my college workouts after high school (and through 2 seasons of high school, albeit on a lesser level) and if anything, it helped my game. Especially mentally. I see very little problem with it, as it should be legal anyway.

As a society we like to continue under the false presumption that cannabis is this harmful drug because it is lugged under the same ‘drug’ label as everything else, when alcohol has caused massive amounts of death, disease, addiction and so on, yet we turn the other way when we hear about NBA players partying and drinking, solely based on the fact that it is legal and don’t even bat an eye when we watch Mark Cuban drop SIX FIGURES on a bar tab for his players and their celebration.

Ritalin is a schedule II drug (as are cocaine and meth) and we give it to children by the truckload, while cannabis is a schedule I (as is caffeine).

Weed in the NBA = not an issue. Sure, it may make players a bit lazy in certain cases, but based on my experience in life and countless encounters of SUPER successful, SUPER motivated stoners (doctors, lawyers, CEO’s, etc.) I’d have to say that it all depends on the individual.

Oh. I think we end up with Irving and Singleton/Tristan Thompson personally.

by 3 in the Key on Jun 22, 2011 2:43 PM MDT up reply actions 1 recs

Dude.. .you sound like a pothead.. ;-)

by davidthecomposer on Jun 22, 2011 2:47 PM MDT up reply actions

+1

“…if anything, it helped my game.”

And I do worry about NBA players partying and drinking, especially during the season. I had some friends who were at a club and saw a Jazz player pretty wasted, and the next day was held out of the game with gastric distress. Alcohol is a drug, legal or not, and that’s why the media jumps on it when they get pics of a player getting wasted at a club during the playoffs. It shows a lack of focus and dedication to your trade, in my opinion.

I’ve never met a motivated stoner. All the ones I’ve known became complacent and dumb.

But as with drinking, if it’s in the offseason and doesn’t affect a player’s work at improving himself, then no big deal. But (AND THIS IS JUST MY GUESS) I think a lot of guys end up being much less than they could be because of it.

I am in no way affiliated with the blog of the same name.

by JazzHype on Jun 22, 2011 3:07 PM MDT up reply actions

This

most definitely could be the case in a lot of individual scenarios, and I’m not discounting the countless amounts of lazy potheads. We call them stoners. To most non-weed smokers, there’s a difference! :P

I’m simply suggesting that it is not the contents of marijuana derailing people’s psyche and motivation, I’m suggesting that it depends on the person.

I think you allude to the same point seeing how every one of the avid pot users you know are complacent and dumb. Whereas the majority of avid pot users I know are quite the opposite, and are of the most honest, reasonable, loving people that I’ve known. A few of them wouldn’t have been without weed. I personally can attribute a lot of the positive things about me as a person to weed. Just depends, IMO.

by 3 in the Key on Jun 22, 2011 3:14 PM MDT up reply actions 1 recs

You're mostly arguing for the merits of marijuana

which is only partly relevant. The NBA suspends players who test positive. Klay already got caught smoking DURING THE SEASON. Again, if he can kick the habit, then good for him. The problem is that it’s an easy thing to fall back on. Have a couple of bad games, take a hit. Nice and relaxed, no worries, feel much better.

There are multiple levels to it, but if he were a once in a while, recreational kind of guy, then he wouldn’t have been caught in public. Then on top of that, he was DRIVING while high. And I know to a pot smoker who advocates legalization that probably doesn’t seem like a big deal, but it should. I’ve been around enough people smoking pot to know that sometimes they’re not all there. And yes, it depends on how much you’ve smoked and how it affects you, but to some of us it’s a very unnecessary risk that endangers others.

Fact is, it’s both illegal and banned by the league, and it can be a very hard habit to break.

I am in no way affiliated with the blog of the same name.

by JazzHype on Jun 22, 2011 3:29 PM MDT up reply actions 1 recs

True

I entered this on a defense of both weed and Klay. I just weed-ranted into the rest of it. It’s something I enjoy talking about, I guess. Ha.

I understand our expectation for this not to not be a habit during the season, and I feel that’s justified, because it is illegal, regardless of my or anyone else’s desires or opinions in the matter.

I was just saying that it should, in no way, be an asterisk in the kid’s profile when bringing up his character as a person, you know what I mean? I always think it’s so ridiculous hearing about people’s reactions to NBA players being revealed as weed smokers, people act like they are these horrible people. Ripping them for not being ‘role models’ when it’s clearly a better ‘drug’ than a 12 pack of beer for a kid to be around his entire life.

In a really vague nutshell, don’t judge a book by its cover.

by 3 in the Key on Jun 22, 2011 3:48 PM MDT up reply actions

"I hate it! It looks like a stickup at 7-Eleven. Five guys standing there with their hands in the air."

Norm Sloan

"We have a great bunch of outside shooters. Unfortunately, all our games are played indoors."

Weldon Drew

by EcERyda69 on Jun 22, 2011 3:08 PM MDT up reply actions

Fail...That was a reply a pot head would make

"I hate it! It looks like a stickup at 7-Eleven. Five guys standing there with their hands in the air."

Norm Sloan

"We have a great bunch of outside shooters. Unfortunately, all our games are played indoors."

Weldon Drew

by EcERyda69 on Jun 22, 2011 3:10 PM MDT up reply actions

I'm not so much a pothead

as I am an advocate for honesty. Marijuana is illegal (for ridiculous reasons) and therefore frowned upon in society, when it (along with hemp and its ENDLESS uses) should be anything but. That’s all.

Plus I’m kind of a pothead. Didn’t stop me from graduating from college with a 4.0. Helped me to it, honestly.

by 3 in the Key on Jun 22, 2011 3:09 PM MDT up reply actions

Oh no...

Tell yourself whatever you need to bro. I have personally seen Marijuana screw up friends lives professionally, and in other ways. Just because you can function with a drug habit doesn’t mean that it is helping you. that is a medical fact that I learned in my undergrad studies while not high.

You just said that you weren’t a pothead, and then you said you were a pothead… case closed. Nobody is against using hemp for clothing, paper, or whatever, it is ingesting it in smoke form that is frowned upon. The fact that people are ok with the risk of being arrested, ruining their reputations, and impeding their own abilities for any substance shows that they are not thinking clearly about that substance.

Nothing personal though, to each his own. If they legalize it then more power to you.

by davidthecomposer on Jun 22, 2011 3:17 PM MDT up reply actions

I completely take none of this personal.

As I hope you do as well.

As for saying I wasn’t a pothead, then admitting I was, well that was just a swing and a miss on the humor end of things.

I’m not trying to change your opinion, I just like to let people explain or discover why it is their opinions are the way they are. If you were told marijuana was as healthy as milk your entire life, you’d believe that. It’s just a fact. Even if it were illegal. So just take a step back on the assumptive fronts, that’s all I ask.

Also, as for ‘closing the case’ on my contradictory stance toward pot (although mine ended up being just a joke), I submit that your confession of marijuana ruining professional lives was based solely on the fact that it is illegal, seeing as how it became ‘to each his own’, and ‘more power to you’ when you brought a ‘marijuana is legal hypothetical’ upon yourself.

The internet turns intelligent debate into ‘yeah huh!’ – ‘nuh UH!’ – ‘yeah HUUUHHH!’. Obviously this is likely the case. Because:

1. “Just because you can function with a drug habit doesn’t mean that it is helping you” = Medical fact. That doesn’t mean anything besides ‘you can function with a drug habit’. Thank you, though.

2. I could post a list of every clothing, logging and paper companies (also farms) who would absolutely FREAK at the legalizing of hemp. Not to be confused with each and every pharmaceutical, alcohol & tobacco company when it comes to legalizing marijuana. In fact, ‘Partnership for a Drug Free America’, you know the ones who claim that your pets talk to you while under the influence of marijuana, is a company funded by major alcohol and tobacco companies.

Will that be all or do you have more silly things to say?

by 3 in the Key on Jun 22, 2011 3:41 PM MDT up reply actions

Yeah

1. That was poorly worded. I mean to say- Having a drug habit affects performance in a negative way (other than the addict phenomenon where a body becomes dependent on the drug, but at that point performance is already severely disabled).

2. I actually view alcohol and Marijuana in much the same way. In this context there is simply a difference that one is legal, and one is not. To me that shows the character of a person. If a person is willing to participate in illegal behavior for no other reason than to alter their state of consciousness, that shows me a great deal about their character – or at the very least their wisdom. I would have to wonder about their professionalism, and their maturity. If I was making a decision to give somebody millions of dollars, that would definitely be an issue for me.

That is being kind as well. There is no way to really know how big a part drug use plays in his life.

I figured you were joking… I was joking as well.

Finally, I wasn’t just talking about the legal issues involved with Marijuana. I saw several friends who were hard-working, productive people become much less so as their emotional dependency on marijuana took up more and more of their time. You are assuming that I just believe whatever I have heard. that is not who I am at all. I study issues on my own and come up with an opinion based on my best judgement and experience.

Anyway, I agree that we won’t change opinions on this. Even though I think it is a foolish thing to do, I would not have a problem with those who decided to do it as long as it was legal.

by davidthecomposer on Jun 22, 2011 4:08 PM MDT up reply actions 1 recs

To me that shows the character of a person. If a person is willing to participate in illegal behavior for no other reason than to alter their state of consciousness, that shows me a great deal about their character – or at the very least their wisdom. I would have to wonder about their professionalism, and their maturity. If I was making a decision to give somebody millions of dollars, that would definitely be an issue for me.

To me this is a very sensible line of thought, even though I disagree — it’s one that I’ve struggled to debate against, because I absolutely believe that when you’re joining a team like an NBA franchise, you must be a professional. That includes putting your ability to contribute to your team before your own personal preferences in life in many ways.

At the same time, it is up to each individual to determine for himself where professional commitments take priority over personal sovereignty. This is why I believe that pre-emptive rules or even judgments of a player regarding the use of marijuana are incomplete at best and foolish at worst. It is ultimately a player’s own responsibility to choose the limits in which he can function and help the team at the capacity that he is needed in. There is no yardstick. Players have to be examined case-by-case, because people come in all sizes.

All this to say, your argument is convincing, but I’m intuitively feeling something else.

Go Buffalo Bills, Utah Jazz, and Arkansas Razorbacks

by Dyl on Jun 22, 2011 10:25 PM MDT up reply actions

What does non-children bearing have to do with it?

Just curious. I personally see no problem with marijuana and also think it should be legalized. And it’s obvious that some folks are high-functioning on the stuff, while others aren’t at all. So yes, you will see pot smokers who have families, great careers, etc., as you will also see those who have let it take over and negatively affect their lives.
Anyway…as far as him getting caught with marijuana, it could point to several things: 1) He was stupid enough to get caught, 2) He was WITH someone stupid enough to get caught, 3) He did not have that laser focus on a future in pro sports which should have kept him from taking such a risk, or 4) He was just unlucky. Like someone else said, just because my record is spotless doesn’t mean I’ve never broken the law.
Whatever the reason, I choose not to dwell too much on past mistakes and prefer to look to the future. Now, if he got busted for ANY illegal activity while on the team, it would piss me off – no doubt.

"We can’t put diapers on him one night, and a jockstrap the next night. It’s just the way it is." -Sloan on a certain player

by SurlyMae on Jun 22, 2011 3:36 PM MDT up reply actions

I included 'non-bearing' because

to me, it seems logical that with the mindset the general public in America has on marijuana, it would influence many marijuana users that they should quit smoking after having children. So to not provide a ‘bad example’ or perhaps endanger the child’s health, or his/her stability in life while the drug is still illegal.

Figured that made for a more accurate fake survey of the NBA players for me. In my odd mind. :)

I’m with you most of the way.

by 3 in the Key on Jun 22, 2011 3:44 PM MDT up reply actions

I would just like to add

that I have never smoked weed, but that I have been surrounded by it, a wing of my family and friends who consume it on a regular basis. I also grew up with and live with an alcoholic father. In my one person’s worth of personal experience, which I believe to be significant, you could not be more right on the comparison and contrast between the “bad” drug weed and the socially acceptable drug, alcohol. People do not endanger others in large numbers like they do with alcohol. They do not get violent, hateful, or downright abusive with others when they are on weed. The worst thing that will happen to someone with a weed habit is that their greatest ambitions in life will be reduced to sitting around like a coach potato, smoking, and watching TV all the time.

I think it is just a matter of time before the truths are borne out. The country will eventually come around, just like they are on the totally unrelated issue of gay marriage (which is another thought for another time). But in the meantime, there will be several misconceptions which become popular as the issue works its way out.

This is not Jazz-related, but it is my own personal belief, one that I hold strongly and respectfully.

Go Buffalo Bills, Utah Jazz, and Arkansas Razorbacks

by Dyl on Jun 22, 2011 10:14 PM MDT up reply actions 1 recs

Anything that may cause a player to miss games

during the regular season is a red flag. Be it injuries or potential suspensions for banned substances. If two players are roughly equal and one has a history of injury, you’ll rate him lower. Same with drug use.

by tyrantking on Jun 22, 2011 3:50 PM MDT up reply actions

3 and 12

3. Enes Kanter
12. Jimmer Fredette

Not what I want, but I think that’s the way it goes.

by Kfunk on Jun 22, 2011 2:18 PM MDT reply actions

So if I can't get any work done today,

I shudder to think what tomorrow holds…

by tyrantking on Jun 22, 2011 2:21 PM MDT reply actions

haha

i am shuddering too

by Evans Almighty on Jun 22, 2011 2:42 PM MDT up reply actions

#3 and #12

Knight and Singleton/Thompson

I think those guys will be good players and will help our team be better. Plus, we won’t have to play Bell.

by alphabutter on Jun 22, 2011 2:37 PM MDT reply actions

Knight & Montiejunas

by The Spectre of Jerry Sloan on Jun 22, 2011 2:38 PM MDT reply actions

I REALLY think this is a possibility.

And I like it…

by TurboJazz224 on Jun 22, 2011 2:42 PM MDT up reply actions

Locke would talk all summer about how the Jazz just drafted the two all-stars from this draft. He loves those guys.

The more you try to erase me, the more that I appear.

by clarkpojo on Jun 22, 2011 3:01 PM MDT up reply actions

Ha ha, yeah he would

I think Montiejunas has some amazing skills which he could use to become a very solid stretch 4 in the league. I worry about his attitude as I get the feeling he thinks he is better than everyone. I would like to have him though.

by TurboJazz224 on Jun 22, 2011 3:23 PM MDT up reply actions

I think Knight/Klay is a solid possibility

Though I’m among those that would like to see Singleton at 12, even if he needs development on the offensive end. His issues are fixable and I’d like to see the Jazz take on a tougher defensive philosophy. It starts with bringing in guys who have the right mentality for that end of the floor.

by flibbidy on Jun 22, 2011 2:41 PM MDT reply actions

I'm with you

The thing I like most about Singleton are his interviews. He just seems like a genuine kid who understands what he’s gonna need to do to make it. He’ll be able to both find a role somewhere in the league AND embrace it. He could become a glue guy on a title team for sure, IMO.

by 3 in the Key on Jun 22, 2011 2:47 PM MDT up reply actions

I don't know what I want the Jazz to do with #3. It changes on a minute to minute basis

But unless someone falls to #12 who wasn’t expected to (like Vesely)—I don’t see why the Jazz should pass on Chris Singleton.

by Jeffersap on Jun 22, 2011 2:51 PM MDT reply actions

KAAAHHHHHNNNNN!!!!!!

Can he just do the predictable thing? He probably will but I wouldn’t bet on it.

My prediction:

3. Williams
12. Fredette

by Shiner Bock on Jun 22, 2011 2:58 PM MDT reply actions

Draft Expres just tweeted...

that Minn’s going around telling teams that they’re drafting Kanter, not Williams. “IF” this turns out to be true, I say Williams at 3, Jimmer at 12.

by Yongsoo Bahk on Jun 22, 2011 3:31 PM MDT reply actions

Yes and YES

This would be the best case for us IMO. We get our 3/4 who shoots lights out from the 3 line and our PGOTF who is also deadly from the 3. Getting Williams wouldnt put all that much pressure from the fans in our 12th pick if we can land a guy of Williams talents

"I hate it! It looks like a stickup at 7-Eleven. Five guys standing there with their hands in the air."

Norm Sloan

"We have a great bunch of outside shooters. Unfortunately, all our games are played indoors."

Weldon Drew

by EcERyda69 on Jun 22, 2011 3:38 PM MDT up reply actions

Smoke

Its a smokescreen to get Washington to bite.

by woodstock17 on Jun 22, 2011 5:02 PM MDT up reply actions

Not really a fan of the off-topic stuff going on here

can we just stop talking about it? that would be awesome.

If you don’t want to stop — well, Charles Oakley said about 60% of the NBA smokes up. and that was in his playing days. Today kids in the NBA partly grew up listening to Snoop Dog, etc. One could argue that recreational use is up. But it’s not about the drug (which is illegal and banned, but not performance enhancing, or as bad for you as smoking cigs, or drinking). It’s about professionalism and habits.

This is a job interview. And Klay has been asked about the drug thing. If his answer is good enough for the people who may draft him, that’s all it should extend towards. Morality and theories get thrown out the window if his answer is good enough.

It’s not like he tortured and killed dogs (Mike Vick who is loved by America again). It’s not like he got into a fight at a high school on draft night, then had sex with a minor after his rookie year (NBA champion DeShawn Stevenson). It’s not like he had three kids from teens back in college (Hall of Famer Karl Malone). Or was killed by his mistress, or whatever (Steve McNair). He didn’t cheat the game by betting on it (Pete Rose, and Michael Jordan).

He smoked up and got caught and probably smokes up still.

Fesenko goes to raves in the Ukraine, Andrei has a WoW addiction, Memo apparently has internet addiction, D-Will got wasted after Game 3 of the West Finals, Boozer was sleeping with Carty’s sister while married, Kirk Snyder broke into his neighbors house and beat him up while he was asleep, Kris Humphries is getting all into TV and presentation now because of who he is dating.

Some people are able to handle off-court stuff and not let it get too far. Others can’t over come it. It’s all on the individual level. The special few can be crazy and not let it affect their professional work.

Back in medical school there were so many people who would drink to excess and smoke up during their first two years. Many of them went on to be doctors. The ones who didn’t pass their USMLE didn’t pass not because of their drinking or smoking up — but didn’t pass because they were not good enough to pass (due to habits, including study habits and professionalism).

Everyone is different. Would some jazz fans here be opposed to drafting a guy who was homosexual? Sometimes I just think people are afraid of broad labels without looking at the person inside.

For the record, again, I don’t want Klay on my team. But I think he’ll be a fine player in the NBA. Which is what this blog is about.

by AllThatJazzBasketball on Jun 22, 2011 4:06 PM MDT reply actions 1 recs

Awesome.

"We can’t put diapers on him one night, and a jockstrap the next night. It’s just the way it is." -Sloan on a certain player

by SurlyMae on Jun 22, 2011 4:18 PM MDT up reply actions

I'm with you

This is what I was trying to say as I took it of topic. I’m pretty new here (in terms of actually being signed up and ‘participating) so I apologize if I seem like a nuisance. No harm intended. Rather just intelligent conversation. Got a bit off topic because, well, weed. "Oh great, now he’s a philosophiser.’

Anyway I was making the same point earlier, pot doesn’t make you lazy, some people are lazy. It doesn’t make you a bad person, some people are just bad. Doesn’t matter. That’s all I was trying to say, in defense of Klay and the view that any organization or fan has of him.

The concept of a reputation is a bit silly, but I understand it is important to a degree in the way our society is structured, so I can understand why it would be frowned upon. Especially if it could jeopardize a large chunk of an organization’s money the way it can in this case. I’m simply suggesting that it shouldn’t be seen as an automatic red flag to a man’s character. It’s silly. Regardless of its legality.

by 3 in the Key on Jun 22, 2011 4:34 PM MDT up reply actions

I appreciated all of your posts

I’m the king of off topic, so I was trying to keep it on topic.

No worries bro.

by AllThatJazzBasketball on Jun 22, 2011 4:46 PM MDT up reply actions

Amar

for President ~~eom~~

yojimbo is jazzed

by jazzed on Jun 22, 2011 8:47 PM MDT via mobile up reply actions

Mark Heisler (LA Times)

Just reported that the Spurs are trying to trade up for Klay Thompson, who was supposed to be in NY yesterday, but instead flew to San Antonio to meet with the team.

by AllThatJazzBasketball on Jun 22, 2011 4:45 PM MDT reply actions

It's kind of funny watching all of the old guard in the West

Lakers, Spurs, trying to trade into the First Round now that they’ve mortgaged their futures and still got owned in the playoffs.

by tyrantking on Jun 22, 2011 4:48 PM MDT reply actions

mortgaging their future

worked out pretty well in the championships department…

Tweet with me @Mac_Diego

by Mac_Diego on Jun 22, 2011 8:01 PM MDT up reply actions

Cause it would kill you to give me this?

by tyrantking on Jun 22, 2011 8:24 PM MDT via mobile up reply actions

i has no understand what you meaning

Tweet with me @Mac_Diego

by Mac_Diego on Jun 22, 2011 8:51 PM MDT up reply actions

Knight and Burks/Singleton

by woodstock17 on Jun 22, 2011 5:02 PM MDT reply actions

well actually i have the inside track this is how it's gonna go

3. the jimmer
12 the bismack
said and done, the end

by gubihero on Jun 22, 2011 7:49 PM MDT reply actions 1 recs

I wish

Williams/Jimmer

I pick:

Knight/Vesely (who I think is smoke and mirrors for many and drops); or best defender available (By/Singleton)

I plan:

to be completely blown away by something completely off-the-wall and out of left field.

yojimbo is jazzed

by jazzed on Jun 22, 2011 9:11 PM MDT via mobile reply actions

My guess

3 – Knight, who I think will be somewhat like Devin Harris with a better jump shot or like Jason Terry if he is developed more as a combo guard; 12 – Singleton, who I think will be somewhat like a more solidly built Andrei Kirilenko or Tayshaun Prince, but with less offensive talent than either (passing in AK’s case; scoring in Prince’s)

Not very original, but they both fill team needs, should be available & have a lot of untapped potential in addition to their already present abilities.

At worst, I think Knight could be a great 6th man & Singleton can be a defensive lockdown rotation guy. At best Knight becomes an All-Star & Singleton maybe makes an All-Defensive Team or 2.

by Waxmaster on Jun 22, 2011 10:18 PM MDT reply actions

My guess

Williams
Jimmer

I think Kanter is just big enough and althetic enough to suck Kaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaahn in. Thank goodness he is drafting before us.

by Plinkostar on Jun 23, 2011 8:25 AM MDT reply actions