Stifle Tower
Punch Bowl Re-Filler
To move up to get Deron, the Jazz gave up their #6 and two late 1st's (their #27) and the following season's #30. Sure, we robbed Portland, but I think giving up three first rounders, including a sure lottery pick next year is too much. It was the same scenario back in 2005: four players considered "can't miss" and then a bunch grouped a little lower. Have to at least protect it top-3. And that's it: nothing beyond the three first rounders (the #6, #23 and next year's lottery-protected pick).I think either of these offers gets you a haul. If the Jazz want to try and keep the #5 pick this year and move up then I say they throw in the unprotected GS pick, make the 2015 unprotected and two second rounders.
Teams would have to seriously consider that package for their pick this year even if it is #1.
I'm just not sold on selling the farm to move up 2-3 spots. If one of the top-4 falls, it's because Vonleh is having great workouts. And if that's the case (and it is from what we've been hearing), there are now FIVE franchise players in this draft. And we'd get one of those players and still have our #23 pick and a lottery pick next season (no way do we make the playoffs next year - even with Wiggins, Jabari or Embiid).
Embiid has the potential to be the best player in the draft. No question he's the #1 pick if a team is satisfied his back is o.k. Wiggins is next based on potential. Jabari? I'm scared to death of drafting him. He's a one-way player. And we've seen what happens with guys like Carmelo, AI and Boozer. Fantastic offensive stats. But when they're out or have been traded, the team's win total barely moves. For that reason, I have Vonleh as my #3 player. He might be less developed, but he's going to be a better 2-way player when it's all said and done. Jabari falls to #4 and Exum is #5. I'll admit I know very little about Exum. We just haven't seen him play.
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