Harrison Barnes- Top three pick right now in my mind, young, athletic wing that can shoot from range, defend well, and hit shots fairly well off the dribble. Not a great slasher, but hits shots in crunch time and is still developing. If he has a good tournament, Jazz will need some luck to draft him, but he would be a good fit.
Terrence Jones- Another young, explosive wing player from Kentucky, Jones could be in Jazz range as long as the Nets don't continue to win more ball games. Able to score from just about anywhere on the floor, his frame and athleticism are definitely NBA-ready. Plays with confidence, able to create, his game is adequate from all angles, solid defensively, not quite elite but has the ceiling to be an upgrade at small forward.
Jordan Hamilton- Dead-eye shooter from Texas, Hamilton has a sweet shot with long range and has stepped his offensive game up substantially this season after being anointed the "go-to guy" for the Horns. His off the dribble game needs work, but Hamilton has benefitted from a transition to a flex style offense that Rick Barnes based of the current Jazz system. Needs to show improvement on defense, late-lottery pick.
Kawhi Leonard- Strong, talented sophomore from San Diego State has found a way to expand on his physical gifts, turning into an all-around strong player. Uses his length well on defense, decent outside shooter, could use work on his jumper. An above average rebounder, Leonard most likely would remind Jazz fans of a more physical version of Andrei Kirilenko. Plays on a strong SDSU team, so he is more of a role player than superstar, but nonetheless, worthy of a late round lottery pick.
Nolan Smith- Senior guard from Duke, efficient scorer, has taken over the role vacated by Kyrie Irving's injury well. Can slash or shoot from the outside, potentially a combo guard, he might not be a starter, but could be a nice late first-round pickup to back up Devin Harris or score off the bench. Might be a reach for a lottery pick, but has a high basketball IQ, and is a worker, something Jazz fans love.
David Lighty/Jon Diebler- Guard pair from Ohio State, most likely won't be selected until the second round, where the Jazz have previously had a lot of success. Lighty has a lot of similarities to Wes Matthews, struggled with injuries his first few years at OSU, but like Matthews is very versatile and has a good all-around game, and fills a substantial role for OSU. Diebler is a bomber from the outside, like Jason Kapono or Kyle Korver, would be a substantial reach to draft him, but he can light it up from outside just the same.
Justin Harper- 6'10" forward from Richmond, Harper has a smooth outside game for a guy his size, much like Mehmet Okur, but far more fluid and effortless than Memo. Has a back to the basket game as well, making him unusual for a big man. Needs to add some strength, struggles a bit in perimeter defense, and average as a rebounder, Harper still has work to do, but watching him shoot, you could definitely see how well he would fit into the Jazz system.
Keith Benson- Big man from Oakland, has a lot of talent and has been mostly dominant for a team that plays in the little-known Summit League. More of a finesse player than a banger, Benson has a solid foundation offensively, with potential to be a pick and pop player. Lengthy, good shot blocker, could see the Jazz drafting him in the second round as well to develop for the future with Favors. Needs to get stronger, but should be entertaining to watch him play Texas in the first round.
A special thanks goes out to Draft Express for all their amazing footage and information. Best draft junkie site available. Click here to see for yourself.
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