From Deseret News archives:
Utah Jazz: At 23, Jazz want contributor someday
That's how low the bar will be for whomever the Jazz tap with their No. 23 overall selection in the first round of tonight's NBA Draft.
"I think what you do is you look long-term," Jazz general manager Kevin O'Connor said. "When you're drafting 23rd you say, 'Who can we get that possibility can contribute?' When you do that, maybe it doesn't have to be next year. But hopefully sometime in the future.
"So we would like to find somebody that can contribute in some way, shape or form, at some point in time. Does it have to be next year? No, not necessarily. You've got to understand you've got to wait on some people."
The Jazz are so unsure about whether or not they'll even like what's available at 23, in fact, that punting is a viable option.
"There's certainly a possibility. I'm not gonna say there's not," O'Connor said when asked if Utah would consider trading its pick - perhaps to acquire one for next year, when it's possible the Jazz's will go to Philadelphia to complete the December trade for guard Kyle Korver.
Yet that is not to say there may not be something there at 23 that the Jazz like.
Hibbert is a solid passer for a center, however, and that fits neatly into Sloan's system.
O'Connor had no comment when asked if the Jazz would be willing to trade up to get the 21-year-old senior.
And they may have to if they really do want him.
Charlotte on Wednesday acquired the No. 20 overall pick from Denver for a future protected first-round selection, and it's been rumored the Bobcats might be eyeing Hibbert with that choice.
Hibbert's agent, David Falk, also has been the longtime agent for Bobcats basketball boss Michael Jordan which ultimately may prove to be more, perhaps, than mere coincidence.
There also is said to be potential interest in Hibbert at No. 18 from Cleveland, whose own basketball boss, Danny Ferry, also has been represented by Falk.
Beyond Hibbert, there are a host of bigs that Utah would consider should they be available including, but not restricted to, Florida's Marreese Speights, Nevada's JaVale McGee, Stanford's Robin Lopez, Rider's Jason Thompson, Indiana's D.J. White, Kansas' Darrell Arthur and perhaps Texas A&M's DeAndre Jordan.
Another option is to take an international big, either French center Alexis Ajinca (who could be long gone by them) or Congo power forward Serge Ibaka.
Recent comments
Alright here we go. This should put us over the top.
Trade Boozer...
Jazzless | June 26, 2008 at 11:44 p.m.
ID Jazz
is one of the few people here that has made any sense at...
ctoe | June 26, 2008 at 10:39 p.m.
NBA players don't want to play in Utah.
Mr. Moto | June 26, 2008 at 10:19 p.m.
- Patriots defense stifles Jets 6:31 p.m.
- Find my family exploits 6:20 p.m.
- Will Oprah Winfrey fade away? 6:20 p.m.
- BYU stadium example of grass care 6:20 p.m.
- Architect is valuable when bidding 6:20 p.m.
- Lightning edge Thrashers in OT 6:19 p.m.
- 'Scroogenomics': Cut back Christmas 6:19 p.m.
- Moment of thanks at gas station 6:19 p.m.
- Single mom overwhelmed by kids 6:19 p.m.
- Knitting projects for holiday gifts 6:19 p.m.
- Glenn Beck to enter politics?
- BYU records with win
- Jazz outlast Pistons in overtime
- Cougars turn focus to dreaded rivals
- Cougars put the fun back in football
- Kirilenko heating up for the Jazz
- Former BYU professor remembered
- Wendover airfield's legacy lost?
- Police link alcohol to murder
- Utah Utes whip SDSU
- Buttars wants to limit gay rights laws
200 - Glenn Beck to enter politics?
179 - Palin plans tour stop in Utah
178 - BYU records with win
127 - Palin's book shows she's unqualified
125 - Officer cleared in Cardall Taser case
103 - BYU cuts Women's Research Inst.
100 - Jazz finally win in San Antonio
98 - Utes knock off rival Aggies
93 - Huntsman pleased with Obama
87
The Utah basketball team expected to win Saturday night, but not like this.
Real Salt Lake fans have watched first hand the evolution of Jason Kreis...
will be decided by Byu's Rudy Defensive Backs. I'm betting that David Reed...
it would be awsome to watch !! a match made in in EGO-HEAVEN
I am a BYU fan so I am not exactly complaining, but can someone tell me why...
The purpose of religious law is to get us back to God. The purpose of...
for president 2012 LOL LOL i'd love to see it on a bumper sticker **...
Dems are at odds with the whole idea of what is best for the USA. Something...
until you play the Utes this weekend. Then it will only be fun for the Utes D.
lighten up. do you not have any humor? good article.
I was on the edge of my seat last year during the playoffs. That would so...
I am glad I got to be a part of a game that will go down in history. Even...



