Tuesday, March 10, 2009

Drafty Success


As many of you know, I’m a huge fan of the NBA Draft. It’s one of the highlights that I look forward to during the offseason. It combines the two sports that I enjoy and follow religiously (college hoops and the NBA). With March Madness upon us -and discovering which teams and players will be playing in the upcoming NCAA tournament- Now is the time we get to witness the college stars of today performing on the biggest stage… and then hoping and imagining that one day, their splendid basketball careers will continue with the Utah Jazz.
However, this year may be the anomaly or exception. The Jazz will likely NOT have a 1st round pick this summer because it was traded “conditionally” to the Philadelphia 76ers for Kyle Korver (and then again to Minnesota). Draftexpress.com explains it something like this
"Minnesota, via Philadelphia, receives a first round pick from Utah, as part of the Kyle Korver trade. Pick is protected 1 through 22 in 2009, 1 through 15 in 2010, 1 through 17 in 2011, 1 through 16 in 2012 and 1 through 16 in 2013. If pick has not been conveyed by then, Utah shall convey their own 2014 2nd round pick and 1,150,000 in cash on or before July 15, 2014."
So, because the Jazz are performing so well (of which I’m ecstatic) and continue to rise in the standings, we will more than likely lose out on our 2009 1st round pick. That’s just too bad because I love the draft. What will I look forward to when the summer roles around? MLB? Real Salt Lake?… Please! The good thing is… we could very easily have two picks for the NBA Draft of 2010 (our own and New York’s). "New York owes a protected 1st round draft pick to Utah, due before 2010 (top 24 protected in 2007, top 23 protected in 2008, top 22 protected in 2009, unprotected in 2010) [via Phoenix.]" And seriously... that would be sweet!
Let the madness begin!

6 comments:

Pasty Gangsta said...

NY's pick would probably be 8 or 9 this year. Hope their bad luck and our good luck continues into next year. . .

Ryan said...

I agree with the Guru that there is some interesting talent in this year's draft. If we end up with a pick, I'd like to see us take a power foward who can back up and develop behind Millsap. Pitt's Dejuan Blair would be a great pick if he were to come out and fall to us. I also like UConn's Jeff Adrien. (I watch a lot of Big East basketball out here on the East Coast.)

Anonymous said...

I love the Jazz but what is wrong with Real Salt Lake?

Orlando said...

This year's draft actually kind of sucks. It's a great one to sit out. Last year was a phenomenal draft, and 2010 is shaping up to be decent.

Anonymous said...

The Jazz paved the way for everything cool in Utah that's not in the mountains. RSL has a great squad again this year and should contend for MLS CUP!

Jazz need to get the 2 seed.. come on boys! Beat up on ATL tonight

Orlando said...

I disagree that the Jazz predate everything cool in SLC. What about salt-water taffy? Or MoTab? Or the Deseret Gym?