When the Jazz's turn came, there were still several good possibilities. Sergey Monya, the 6-8 Russian, was still around, as were 7-foot-5 Russian Pavel Podkolzine and Nevada guard Kirk Snyder. Haslam stepped to the podium as the sound was muted.

"We're ready to announce our pick at No. 14," said Haslam. He asked the crowd who it wanted, and a number of names were called back.

Said Haslam: "It's going to be Kris Humphries."

A respectable cheer ensued.

"It's a big pick," added Haslam.

They wanted at least one big man, Haslam said later in the evening, and they got him. They wanted someone to take some of the scoring weight and they got that, too, in Humphries, who led the Big Ten in both scoring and rebounding.

They didn't get a center, even though at No. 21 they drafted Podkolzine, but traded away his rights. At No. 16 they selected Snyder, which drew a mixed response from the crowd.

Haslam said the team would find a place for Snyder, but was "concerned about Pavel's abilities" and the prospect of having three rookies. It was likely concerned, too, about some health issues.

That still leaves the Jazz likely short on centers. However, the summer looms. The teams has a mountain of cash to spend on free agents.

Trades also could be in the works.

"We have some options," said Haslam.

For that, the entire city of Utah can be grateful.

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E-mail: rock@desnews.com