Draft 2009: Utah's Top Prospects

For the first time years the Jazz's focus on draft day will be on big men. With Millsap (restricted), Boozer and Okur all itching to test free agent waters, GM Kevin Pritchard would be wise to keep an eye out for all and anything post players, whether it be mid-major talent or power conference-pedigree blue chips. And I'm talking real big men, not like DeJuan Blair, another 6-7 role player that Pau Gasol can turn around and shoot over at the drop of a hat, or Wake's James Johnson, an unproven, 6-8 athlete bent on scoring every trip down court. No, what we need is a real banger, someone who can routinely match up with the West's lengthiest bigs and hold his own in the post. That may seem like a tall order, but I don't think its too far-fetched for the best drafting team of the past five or so years. As luck would have it, there are very few such prospects in this draft to begin with.

The operative scenario is that the Jazz will target an NBA-ready jump shooter to relieve the pressure on Brewer and spread the floor. The Jazz are currently one of the worst shooting teams in the league, and can't expect to contend for a championship with one consistent, dead-eye shooter in the starting lineup. A point guard with the potential to contribute immediately will also be on Utah's radar, as Deron Williams' playing 40-44 minutes per night doesn't necessarily bode well for the future (are you looking forward to another year with Brevin Knight backing up DWill? I'm sure not). Here are eight prospects to keep a close eye on as they work out, play and are measured in the ensuing weeks:


Chase Budinger (6-7/200; Swingman; Arizona; Jr.)
18 ppg 6.2 rpg 40% 3PT FG
Budinger doesn't necessarily fill any needs, but he's the dynamic scorer the Jazz's bench has been without since Matt Harpring took on a less demanding role four years ago. Athletic with a finely tuned, NBA ready game, Budinger's size at the 2-guard position creates mismatches and spreads the floor. Has tremendous potential for someone projected to be picked outside the lottery.


Nick Calathes (6-5/185; PG; Florida; So.)
17.2 ppg 6.4 apg 5.3 rpg 1.9 spg
O'Connor is no doubt targeting him due to his blinding whiteness, and Calathes would make an excellent back up to DWill, if in two or three years. Calathes made great strides as a scorer in his sophomore year, recognizing his ability to change game with his scoring and not just by feeding teammates. He won't be a superstar but he looks to be a solid NBA player in the right system.


Wayne Ellington (6-5/205; SG; North Carolina; Jr.)
15.8 ppg 4.9 rpg 41.7% 3PT FG
The 2009 Final Four MOP would be a major steal for the Jazz, with his mature, NBA-tailored game, automatic J and knack for scoring in bunches. He would be ready to contribute 15-25 minutes per game as a rookie and immediately become one of the team's go-to scorers off the bench.


Patrick Mills (5-11/180; PG; St. Mary's; So.)
18.4 ppg 3.9 apg 2.2 spg
One of the least appealing facets of Brevin Knight's game was his inability to create on the offensive end, to draw attention and break down defenses. Such would certainly not be the case with Patrick "Patty" Mills, who tore it up in the Olympics as Australia's starting PG (he was the only Olympian in college basketball last year). A threat to score every trip down the floor, Mills would inject some pizzazz into Utah's typically lame bench.


Jeff Teague (6-2/180; Combo Guard; Wake Forest; So.)
18.8 ppg 3.5 apg 3.3 rpg 1.9 spg 44.1% 3PT FG
He could use one more year in school, but whatever path he chooses he is going to be a star. Teague's production tapered off at the end of the season, culminating in a tumultuous performance in Wake's first round loss to Cleveland State, but he consistently wowed with his deadly outside scoring ability and blinding quickness driving to the hole. A combo guard adept at both the 1 and the 2, he would be a steal should he last the first 19 picks.


Marcus Thornton (6-4/200; SG; LSU; Sr.)
21.1 ppg 5.5 rpg 1.6 spg
Mark my words: Marcus Thornton could be the next Gilbert Arenas. When he's on, he's the best scorer in this draft class. An unconscious scorer in the Ben Gordon mold, Thornton is a marksman from range and when he gets inside the paint defenses might as well just give up. He can score in the post, coming off screen, and with three hands in his face. If he plays in the L with the same confidence he had as LSU's top weapon in college he could be an All-Star.


Jarvis Varnado (6-9/210; PF/C; Mississippi State; Jr.)
12.9 ppg 8.8 rpg 4.7 bpg 54.9% FG
Contrary to popular belief, Hasheem Thabeet was not the best shot blocker in college basketball last year. That title belongs to Mississippi State PF/C Jarvis Vardado, who, standing just 6-9, blocked 4.7 shots per game for the second year in a row. He would give up a couple inches to the Gasols and Aldridges of the West just like Boozer, but you can be assured this kid isn't going down without a fight. I'd love to have him on my team.


Michael Washington (6-10/240; PF; Arkansas; Jr.)
15.5 ppg 9.8 rpg 55.1% FG 1.3 bpg
Washington has all the tools to become a great defender in the league - an ideal matchup for NBA bigs, the type of player the Jazz desperately need - but he didn't show such flashes of defensive intensity in college. His versatility will force big men out, and he's physical enough to give them a hard time down low. Will most likely be targeted in the second round.