Utah Jazz: 2010 draft looms large

With the 2009 NBA Draft now in the books, the Jazz finally can look forward to draft day 2010.

From their seat, it's quite a pretty sight.

The Jazz own New York's first-round pick next year, and there no longer are any restrictions on the selection — even if it ends up being No. 1 overall.

And though the Knicks' recent track record suggests it could be quite high — ideally high enough to nab the NBA's greatest player ever, should the '10 draft produce such a prospect — the Jazz respectfully are trying not to get too excited too soon.

"We don't have any control over it," general manager Kevin O'Connor said. "I don't think the expectation should be that it's going to be a high lottery pick.

"We don't know what it's going to be," he added, "and until we do know — obviously, that won't be until late in the season — we'll treat it as we have: That it's an asset, and we'll wait and see where it's at."

It's possible that Utah even will have two lottery picks next season — though that would mean bad news for the Jazz.

That's because the Jazz's own 2010 selection will go to Minnesota via Philadelphia — unless Utah fails to make the playoffs, and lottery-protection on the pick kicks in.

Utah acquired the Knicks' pick from Phoenix as part of a 2004 trade that also sent Tom Gugliotta, another first-round choice used on now out-of-the-league Kirk Snyder and other considerations for Keon Clark, Ben Handlogten and luxury-tax relief for the Suns.

The 76ers acquired Utah's pick via a 2007 deal that brought Kyle Korver to Utah for Gordan Giricek.

Top draft prospects in 2010 could include point guard John Wall, who will play next season at Kentucky; future Georgia Tech power forward Derrick Favors; North Carolina power forward Ed Davis; and big man Donatas Motiejunas, a 7-footer from Lithuania.

KORVER TO JOIN BREWER, MILLSAP IN VEGAS: The Jazz's Ronnie Brewer and Paul Millsap, as expected, were among 25 players officially named Thursday to take part next month in a USA Basketball mini-camp at Las Vegas.

The surprise joining them will be Korver, the Jazz's backup shooting guard.

Korver, who underwent offseason surgery on his shooting wrist, has until 10 p.m. Tuesday to decide if he's going to opt out of the final season in his current contract with the Jazz.

Brewer, the Jazz's starting shooting guard, is eligible for an extension from his rookie contract this offseason, and Millsap will be an unrestricted free agent in the NBA's summer shopping market that also opens late Tuesday night.