Chad Ford's Mock Draft - Utah Jazz Take Brandon Knight And Alec Burks

[The Midnight]

#6 Brandon Knight

Analysis: The Jazz acquired this pick in their February trade-deadline deal with the Nets. They lost their All-Star point guard Deron Williams in the deal but picked up this pick, Derrick Favors and Devin Harris in return. The Jazz like Harris but see Knight as a potential franchise player down the road.

Knight's freshman season was up and down, but he has a few qualities that make him a terrific fit in Utah. He is big, plays defense, shoots the ball well, and is a great kid on and off the court. He should be a perfect fit with the Jazz.

#12 Alec Burks

Analysis: The Jazz have traditionally lacked a scoring athletic slasher in the backcourt. It's been an acknowledged need for years. This might be the year that brings changes. Burks is one of the most athletic guards in the draft. He has a quick first step and is a terrific finisher at the rim. His lack of a consistent jump shot and motor lowers his stock a bit. But at this point in the draft, he's worth the risk.

Had to admit I initially had Utah picking Biyombo @ #6 and Fredette @ #12.. but with this it made me think.. Would KOC pick an unproven player like Biyombo that high? Would he give into the hype and pick Fredette @ #12? Seems unlikely...

I could actually see KOC picking Knight @ #6 for several reasons:

- I don't think KOC see Harris as our PG for the future
- Knight would fit nicely with Hayward and Favors as a nice young core
- We could keep Watson on to mentor Knight

Agree? Disagree? Discuss..

 

[d@!!0n0rcutt]

I agree I just hope Brandon Knight is there at 6. The luxury we have is to have Knight learn under Harris and Watson for a season, then he will be our starting point after with Watson slowly decreasing his minutes each season until Knight's play eventually demands that he be on the court more for our success as a franchise. Also realized alot of other teams are going to want Earl Watson as well as a primary back up point, so we will see as well if we can retain him.

 

[LjJazzman]

I would love it if that ended up bring our draft.

 

[NAOS]

Any mock that doesn't result in Jimmer is 'fine' by me. I wouldn't cheer for these results, but these two players could be very good. Both are VERY raw and not ready to contribute until late next season at best (and, if there is a season).

 

[sahlensguy]

I agree I just hope Brandon Knight is there at 6. The luxury we have is to have Knight learn under Harris and Watson for a season, then he will be our starting point after with Watson slowly decreasing his minutes each season until Knight's play eventually demands that he be on the court more for our success as a franchise. Also realized alot of other teams are going to want Earl Watson as well as a primary back up point, so we will see as well if we can retain him.

Devin Harris would groom his replacement?

 

[Chad Feldheimer]

Devin Harris would groom his replacement?

Well one NBA comparison of Knight is Jason Terry who can play both SG/PG. So I suppose it's conceivable to think they could play a bunch of different combos of Harris, Gordo, Knight, Burks etc

 

[mellow]

We all know they draft the Best Player Available. But its hard to believe they'd go small / small with thier picks. I think they somehow end up with a Euro bigman or trade away one of hte picks.

 

[Qman]

We all know they draft the Best Player Available. But its hard to believe they'd go small / small with thier picks. I think they somehow end up with a Euro bigman or trade away one of hte picks.

I think if we go Small with the 6th pick we will end up going project big at 12.

 

[NCJazz]

I think if we go Small with the 6th pick we will end up going project big at 12.

Unfortunately, the chances of Vesely being there at 12 are remote, but I think especially if we dont retain AK he would be the perfect pick at 12 and if Sacramento takes Knight at 5 he could be our pick at 6. Looks like Vesely will be able to play the 3 and 4 and might be the perfect type of player to guard a Kevin Durant type player. If we dont retain AK we have got to get someone who can guard Durant. The NBA championship may go through OKC in the future.

 

[The Thriller]

#12 Alec Burks

Analysis: The Jazz have traditionally lacked a scoring athletic slasher in the backcourt. It's been an acknowledged need for years. This might be the year that brings changes. Burks is one of the most athletic guards in the draft. He has a quick first step and is a terrific finisher at the rim. His lack of a consistent jump shot and motor lowers his stock a bit. But at this point in the draft, he's worth the risk.

Lack of a jump shot and motor? Haven't we had enough of CJ? Or Deshawn (remember, he was super athletic but lacks a jumper and a motor)?

I haven't seen much of Burks. His pros could be great, being quick and explosive to the rim. But is he a lazy? Lack of a motor scares me. And no outside jumper? Last I checked, the Jazz desperately needed a 3 point shooter.

 

[Justys]

I really like the idea of Knight at 6 and Burc at 12. Needed depth and Knight will beable to get a few starts, with Harris going down to injury.

 

[Chad Feldheimer]

Lack of a jump shot and motor? Haven't we had enough of CJ? Or Deshawn (remember, he was super athletic but lacks a jumper and a motor)?

I haven't seen much of Burks. His pros could be great, being quick and explosive to the rim. But is he a lazy? Lack of a motor scares me. And no outside jumper? Last I checked, the Jazz desperately needed a 3 point shooter.

Like Jimmer?

 

[The Thriller]

Like Jimmer?

No, we need a SG/SF that can nail the 3 since we know that AK, CJ, and Raja cannot.

 

[Chad Feldheimer]

No, we need a SG/SF that can nail the 3 since we know that AK, CJ, and Raja cannot.

So who do you take?

 

[The Thriller]

So who do you take?

I don't know

That's why I'm asking for information on Burks. He seems to have some qualities. But he also seems to need to have the ball in his hands to do damage. Hayward, Harris, and Knight are more creators than mere spot up shooters. We may have a solid back court of a bunch of guys that can drive and dunk but no one that can just shoot from the outside. Burks is said to not have much of a motor, can anyone else attest to this? How doesn't this concern you?

But what do you folks think?

As far as the Knight pick goes, I think he'll probably be the BPA come #6. I wouldn't mind him at all. I think he's extremely talented, young, and could have a bright future in the NBA. Besides, who can argue with Calipari's PGs? Rose and Wall are pretty darn good. I'm guessing Knight is going to be pretty good too.

 

[Zerol]

The good thing about drafting Knight is that we will go away from a traditional-PG-dominating-the-ball mode and let Hayward and Knight share the playmaking roles. Not sure it will happen this upcoming season, but I can see that in the future.

Also not sure what the management thinks about how far the team can go with Harris at the point. If they believe that they can make the playoffs, then Biyombo and a shooter would be more likely than Knight and Burks. If the team is going to be in the lottery again, then Knight and Burks make senses + we might as well trade Harris and start developing Knight right away.

 

[NUMBERICA]

I don't think either will be available there. Knight's warming on me a little, but I'm wary of what Burks brings to the table. Might rather have Hamilton if both have question marks about mental fortitude/defense.

I not only think Biyombo and/or Kanter are more likely to be there at 6, I would be more interested in them at 6 also.

 

[Beantown]

Im leaning towards a Biyombo and Jimmer draft. It feels the need of interior defense and outside shooting in one day.

 

[Ferguson_Mellochill]

Knight definitely fills a need replacing Raja and Ronnie Price at SG, our weakest position. Somehow I feel it's just as likely that the Kings take Knight if they go PG. But with Dalembert potentially leaving as a FA, they could also go big.

I bet Knight, Kanter, Montiejunas, Vesely, T. Jones, and maybe Biyombo are all pretty close on the Jazz's draft list for the #6 pick. So it depends on who gets picked ahead of them.

Knight could be a near-dominant player in the league if he matures. He has a nice combination of size, speed, skill, passing and could replace a lot of what D.Will brought to the table. He doesn't have break-neck speed, but he's quick enough to get a step on people.

I have to admit, I think a player like Vesely or Montiejunas could be great on the Jazz playing off of Favors and Jefferson in the post. If one of them could slip to 12, that would be a coup.

 

[The Thriller]

I don't think either will be available there. Knight's warming on me a little, but I'm wary of what Burks brings to the table. Might rather have Hamilton if both have question marks about mental fortitude/defense.

I not only think Biyombo and/or Kanter are more likely to be there at 6, I would be more interested in them at 6 also.

What about Biyombo's height (or lack thereof). I thought I saw him listed at something like 6'7" without shoes. Is that concerning at all?

Would a fair comparison of Hamilton be Young (from the Grizz)? A tough athletic wing that does a lot really good but nothing great?

Personally, I think Knight is probably going to be gone by #6. And the Jazz really need to improve that interior defense and outside shooting. Perhaps they go big at 6? I think if Knight is gone, the Jazz almost have to go big.