Locke' s first ever Jazz Bloggers Roundtable was a success. Mitch, Brock and John all joined Locke today. If you would like to read more of their work, check out their respectove websites.

Mitch and Brock: www.myutahjazz.blogspot.com

Basketball John: www.SLCDunk.com

Thanks again to the guys and we look forward to it again next week.

Today's edition features Locke's reaction to Deron resigning a contract extension with the Jazz, a conversation with callers on when they will start watching women's sports, and our final conversation with Kevin O'Connor for a while. Here is BOLOS!

             In a move that surprised much of the NBA, Elton Brand opted out of his contract with the LA Clippers and has become an unrestricted free agent.   After being injured for almost the entire 2007-08 season most people believed Brand would wait till next year to become a free agent.
              However, Brand opted out of his contract tonight.  With the signing of Jamison in Washington, Brand may be the #2 free agent on the market other than Gilbert Arenas.
              From a Jazz perspective their are three angles of interest.  First, would the Jazz consider signing Brand in a sign and trade with Carlos Boozer.   In past editions of Locked on Sports, Larry H. Miller without using names, that would be tampering, insinuated that the Jazz would look into the possibility.   Secondly, the Miami Heat have long sought Brand and if they signed him that would eliminate their interest in Carlos Boozer.  Finally,  as a Western Conference foe it is worth watching where the Clippers stand.

Should the Jazz look into Brand -- place your thoughts in the comment section. 

After a season in which the Utah Blaze hosted their first ever home playoff game, head coach and GM Danny White resigned on Monday afternoon. 

White lead the Blaze to a 21-30 record over 3 seasons. 

2006: 7-9*

2007: 8-8*

2008: 6-11*

The 2002 AFL hall of fame inductee is second all-time in wins with 163. 

The team will launch a comprehensive search for a new head coach, who will lead the franchise into its fourth season of play in the Arena Football League.

 

*Denotes playoff appearance.

DJ and PK are back from vacation and discussing the NBA draft.  PK is not impressed to come back from Arizona and find "The Second Coming of Mehmet Okur."  DJ defends the pick pointing to Sloan comments about the offense not functioning without Okur on the floor.  PK says all he wants from the 23rd pick is a skill.  They debate Koufos's future nickname. 

White Sox and Cubs fans getting into the spirit of Interleague play:

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Ohio St coach Thad Matta joined DJ to talk about new Jazz center Kosta Koufos. Matta said his former player has the desire to develop into a solid player. He talks about Koufos's rebounding, shooting, passing, defence, and ability to run. Matta is obviously a big fan of his player but the interview gives you some incite on what Koufos did at Ohio St and what type of player he may become.

The Utah Jazz have been nice enough to give a copy of their scouting video of Kostas Koufas.  I watched two games.  Ohio State v. Indiana (DJ White) and Ohio State v. Califronia (DeVon Hardin and Ryan Anderson)

Height: 7’0
Weight: 265  pounds

College: Ohio State
Position: Center  
Projection (Star; Starter; Rotation; Bench; Fringe) --  Starter at some point in his career

Games Reviewed: Ohio State v. Indiana; Ohio State v. Cal

Dominant Hand:   Right Handed.

SUMMARY
           Koufas is a remarkably skilled and versatile big man. He is a legit big with a big frame and body that moves well. In watching over an hour his game films he never took plays off, he never took the easy route out of a play. He plays the entire possession working early on both offense and defense. His greatest attribute is his fantastic touch with the basketball. On scramble plays he has very good hands.   He lacks the athleticism to explode and play above people other than with his height.

His offensive game ranges from college three point range to the block. He spent most of his time at Ohio State playing in the block. He has some moves in around the basket, but plays away from contact and almost never goes to the line. He will be able to stretch an NBA floor with his shooting from all spots. He plays offensively from a lot of spots and at a lot of angles. He will fit well into the Jazz system.

Defensively, he plays to stop the possession not just his man. He is a shot blocker. Against both DJ White and Devon Hardin his size eliminated their post up games. He has enough athleticism to rise up with the man he is guarding. Could become better going from weak to strong side, but was very good if the ball moved but stayed on the same side of the floor.   He can change directions.  

            Was the best player on the floor in both of the games I watched with included a total of 4 other draftees.

His most impressive stretch was second half in Indiana at Assembly Hall as a freshman leading his team from behind he was dominate. He controlled the paint abusing DJ White, he scored from all angles and all of them in the paint. He blocked White on the defensive end and he ran the floor. He was unquestionably the best player on the floor for a 10 minute and Indiana has two first picks in Eric Gordon and DJ White. 

OFFENSIVE SETS
Pick and Roll:  pick and pop game will adjust well to the NBA.   Has a good quick release with the jumper. Ohio State guards were three point happy so he didn’t get to use this part of his game.

This doesn’t mean he can’t score in the paint. He does some very nice things. One play v. Cal he slide down the lane from the free throw line to the right block and was open, he got the pass with his left hand above his shoulders and immediately got it to his right hand without ever brining it down and hit a nice 6 foot banker off the glass. This was really nice, athletic and skilled move.   This play translates great to the Jazz offense.

That jump hook is nice and soft. It is his primary offensive move. He hit it over the 7 footer Hardin from the right block going baseline. Right block going over left shoulder is his move. 

He understands how to use his body and how to adapt to the game. After getting his shots block he then sealed White on two occasions where he got White on his outside shoulder and pushed him up the lane getting back to back easy lay-ups.

Works hard to get post up position. Showed a nice drop step to the baseline from the left block where he went baseline and sealed off his man. Caught left block and went middle, seemed to lose his balance a bit and not have his feet right as he missed a rolling hook to the middle.

Able to catch in the paint and in one motion go to the basket. Doesn’t need to set his feet to get his balance. He slashed across the lane caught the pass and immediately turned into a runner for two. 

Passing:   He passed well out of the double teams in the post. This is against smaller players and less pressure so not sure how it translates. More importantly, he showed an understanding of the game in how to deal with double teams.   He is comfortable with the ball. Can be lazy with a pass and it results in a turnover

Ball Handling: One dribble and no more. Yet, he seems to understand how to use that dribble.

Ohio State plays a zone. Almost always a 2-3, what jumps out is they have Koufas play a wing on the bottom so he has to move a great deal. He has to close out on shooters on the perimeter or switch back quickly on a skip pass. He does it pretty well.

He showed really good hands on the defensive end. Twice he deflected passes and was able to corral the ball himself in traffic.

He is not very active on the offensive glass. He is in rebounding range but lacks the jumping skills or athleticism to steal a rebound. A bit passive on the offensive glass.

Post-Defense:   Got matched up on DJ White a lot in the zone against Ohio State and Devon Hardin a 7 footer drafter in the 2^nd round in the Cal game. Kept his ground and used his size to deny White and Hardin any shooing pockets. He bothered both using his length to impact their shots. White got nothing on him and got all his offense on other guys. Forced both into fade away jumpers that came up short.   He is a good enough athlete to rise up and effect the shot when they go up. Didn’t bite on the pump fake and held strong forcing White to fade back in the paint and come up very short. He pushes guys off their spot in the post, does a nice job of playing defense early. Seems strong. 

INTANGIBLES
Perservernce:   I really liked this. He opened the second half v. Indiana and got back to back shots blocked by DJ White. On the next possessions he got great position sealed him off and packed it with the right hand for a big dunk and a foul. 3 point play. A freshman unwilling to be intimidated. 

Final 5 Minutes of a Close Game:   Nothing spectacular. His activity increased and his body langugue made it looked like he cared if they won. He committed two turnovers in the final 5 v. Indiana and also hit a big top of the key three.

* He was playing against DJ White, a senior on a the road as a freshman and was completed unintimidated. In fact, White had to be moved off Koufas and had to get his offense when guarded by other players.  

Scott Garrard and Ben Bagley got the final word from Kevin O'Connor at the Zions Bank Basketball Center for the 2008 NBA Draft. Hear it here.

The Utah Jazz selected Kosta Koufos, from Ohio State, with their 23rd pick in the 2008 NBA draft. Hear David Locke talk with the newest Jazz player here.

David Locke and Craig Bolerjack break down the Utah Jazz's first round draft pick Kosta Koufos. Listen to the breakdown here.

Kevin O'Connor talks with the media about the 23rd pick of the 2008 NBA Draft Kosta Koufos. Hear it here.

With the 23rd pick of the 2008 NBA Draft, the Utah Jazz selected Kosta Koufos out of Ohio State.   Koufos is a 7'1" 265 pound center, who has drawn comparisons to Memo Okur, but with shot bloking ability.

Jazz Vice President of Basketball Operations Kevin O'Connor said the Jazz are very happy to see Koufos slide to them at 23.  O'Connor said that Koufos, at 19, already has good size, but that he still needs to get a little bigger and stronger.

Koufos spent 1 year at Ohio State averaging 14.4 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 1.8 blks per game and was named the NIT Most Valuable Player.  He also has international experience playing on the Greek U18 National Team and averaged 26.5 points, 13 rebounds, and 3.5 blocks leading the tournament in scoring and rebounding on his way to Most Valuable Player honors.

Click Here to view YouTube video of Kosta Koufos.

The Utah Jazz have given me access to videos of some of the players that will be available in the proximity of the Jazz pick .   Between now and the draft I will do scouting reports on these players.   I choose the players I wanted to scout there was no direction from the Jazz.  This report is based solely on my amateur eyes and has not been approved or edited by Jazz personal.

Player: Ante Tomic

Height: 7’1
Weight: 238  pounds

Age:  20 years old

College:  Croatian National Team
Position: Center  
Projection (Star; Starter; Rotation; Bench; Fringe) --  At this moment fringe.  If he can get stronger he could be a starter.

Most Similar Player:   If he gains weight he could be a Andrea Bargnani or a poor man’s Gasol.

Games Reviewed:  Zagreb CO v. Cibona

Dominant Hand:   Right Handed.

CLICK HERE FOR THE ENTIRE REPORT. 

WELCOME TO THE 2008 NBA DRAFT.  WE ARE LIVE AT THE ZIONS BANK BASKETBALL CENTER.

JAZZ DRAFT KOSTA KOFUS
He slipped big time he was slotted around 13 but had been thought about at 9 or 10.
He is 19 years old.
He grew up in Dayton, Ohio and was a McDonalds All-American
Kevin O'Conner says that he wants to play in the NBA not overseas which the Jazz want
O'Conner says they had him pretty high on the board
The premium in this league is shooting and he can shot.
O'Conner also says that the nice thing about him is that he already has a body for the NBA we don't need to put a body on him.
He wouldn't come in to Utah for a workout because he was projected higher in the draft.


Things are getting interesting
JJ Hickson has just gone to the Cleveland Cavaliers

The following players are on the board
Kosta Koufas; Darrell Arthur; DeAndre Jordan and Mario Chalmers.
One of those players has to be on the board for the Jazz. 
Probably in that order. Koufas at one point was as high as 9 on the board to Charlotte.

TRADE
Indiana has acquired the rights Brandon Rush and Jarrett Jack in exchange for Jarryd Bayless and Ike Diogu going to Portland.

All Three Gone
McGee, Hibbert and Robin Lopez are all off the board after the #18 pick goes to McGee

Roy Hibbert
As we have talked about all day Indiana takes Roy Hibbert at #17.  He was too good to get to #23.

Philly takes one off the main list
Marresse Speights goes the #14.  He is talented.

From a Jazz standpoint.  I said their are 6 picks I know we are going to see.  I am hearing that JJ Hickson my not go #21 so it may only be 5.   (Arthur, Koufas, Chalmers still left)

Therefore, we need to hear 5 other picks.  Jason Thompson was 1 at #12 and Speights has been one at #16. 

Hibbert is likely to go 17 to Indiana taken by Toronto.

Breaking News
Washington has traded out of 1st round
San Antonio is going to take Batum at 26 if he is there

11 picks away from the Utah Jazz
Let's say three guys who want for the Jazz - we want 1 of them on the board
Those three Roy Hibbert; Robin Lopez and Javelle McGee
My projection has that threesome has them all going 17,18,19

In the next 11 picks their are 6 players I am certain will go
Brandon Rush
Kostas Koufas
Darrell Arthur
Marlo Chalmers
Anthony Randolph
JJ Hickson

Therefore the Jazz need to hear 4 other names to have one of those three guys get to them at 23
Her are possible names
Alexis Ajinca
Sere Ibaaka
Jason Thompson (thanks Sacramento)
DeAndre Jordan
Ryan Anderson
Kyle Weaver.

First Piece of Good News for the Utah Jazz
Sacramento surprises people with the pick of Jason Thompson

Top 10 projected players go in the Top 10 picks
If you look at our mock drafts the 10 players anticipated have going in the Top 10 have done so
When will Bayless stop his fall.


#9 pick first pick for Jazz fans to watch
Charlotte should take Brook Lopez.  If they don't take him then it could be a trickle down of the bigs.  The one thing that is unique about this draft is that New Jersey, Charlotte and Indiana all have another pick in the next 10 picks.  They will all take 1 big. 

Impact of the Sonics pick
Memphis is likely to go big -- do they go Lopez or Love.
Chad Ford has them going to Eric Gordon who the Clippers believe they are going to get at 7
If Memphis doesn't go big this could be a slide of the bigs
Charlotte is loving it right now they are going to get a big at #9.

Sonics 1st surprise
Russell Westbrook goes to Seattle at #4 -- This means the Sonics believe he can play the point guard and he can defend the point guard.  Westbrook really has come on strong in the last 3 months.  His offensive game is really in doubt.

Who are the Minnesota Timberwolves
Starting Five:   Foye, Mayo, Gomes, Craig Smith and Al Jefferson
Bench:   Jarvic,  McCants, Corey Brewer and Craig Smtih

Conclusion:  Mayo is a nice player but it doesn't change the Wolves who are still lacking any defense and a real team personality.


First Three Picks
Rose, Beasley,  OJ Mayo.   No surprises here.
Picks 4 and 5 could have an impact on how the bigs play out.
I am hearing Seattle goes big and Memphis follows going big.

Who will be on the board for the Jazz
As the Draft starts here is my best guess for what the Jazz will have on their board

PG:  Kyle Weaver, a 6 foot 6 inches winner about Washington State who is a good defender and a smart player.  He is not a great offensive player

SG:  Chris Douglas-Roberts, a 6 foot 8 winner from Memphis.  He improved every year at Memphis.

SF:  Donta Greene,  young athlete from Syracuse but one scout tells me he is not better than CJ Miles.
        Nicholas Batum, a young french athlete who has a heart issue but could defend three positions
        Serge Ibaka, he would likely go oversees

PF:   Marresse Spreights, Florida very talented but troubled and a questionable work ethic
         Jason Thompson,  4 year Rider player who averages 20-10 but he doesn't defend and no one is that excited about him

C:      Alexis Ajinca, a 7 foot raw prospect who is years away from helping the team.  Played 26 pro games in the last two years
          DeAndre Jordan incredibly skilled but no clue
         

LHM Batting Average to College Players

How do the college players rank under Larry H Miller’s Batting Average.
Here are the Top 10 College Players in the Draft

1. Micheal Beasley, Kansas State .500
2. Kevin Love, UCLA .480
3. Jason Thompson, Rider .444
4. Reggie Williams, VMI  .427
5. Richard Henedrix , Bama .404
6. George Hill,  IUPU  .403
7. JR Giddens, UNM  .390
8. Mike Taylor,  Iowa State .390
9. DJ White, Indiana  .378
10. Maressee Speights, Florida .374

 

Here are the projected first round draft picks in order from the LHM ranking

1. Micheal Beasley, Kansas State .500
2. Kevin Love, UCLA .480
3. Jason Thompson, Rider .444
4. Maressee Speights, Florida .374
5. JJ Hickson, NC State .361
6. Roy Hibbert, Georgetown  .345
7. Mario Chalmers, Kansas .345
8. Derrick Rose, Memphis .313
9. Brook Lopez, Stanford .309
10. Kyle Weaver, Washington State .300
11. Chris Douglas Roberts, Memphis .300

 

Notables that are in the bottom of the rankings

 

Russell Westbrook .187

Darrell Arthur .189

OJ Mayo .197

Robin Lopez .206

Kostas Koufas .211

9 Starters, 2 All-Stars 1 All-Pro
The history of the draft says that in the first round their will be 1 all pro, 2 all-stars and 6 other starters

Here is my guess
All-Pro:  Michael Beasley
All-Star:  Kevin Love and Jarryd Bayless
Starters:  Roy Hibbert, Darrell Arthur, OJ Mayo, Derrick Rose, Chris Douglas Roberts, Eric Gordon,

Trade Off
I am hearing that the Clippers and the Sonics deal is off because the Clippers believe they can get Eric Gordon at the 7th pick

Therefore the Top 10 Changes to the following
1.  Chicago  -- Rose
2.  Miami  -- Beasley
3.  Minnesota -- Mayo
4.  Seattle   -- Brook Lopez
5.  Memphis -- Kevin Love
6.  Knicks -- Rusell Westbrook
7.  Clippers --  Eric Gordon
8.  Milwaukee -- Joe Alexander
9.  Charlotte - DJ Augustin
10.  New Jersey -- Gallinari


4:35 Guess of 11-20
I hope you  got to hear Scott Layden tell the stories of drafting Stockton and Malone they were great.

11  - Indiana -- Anthony Randolph
12  - Sacramento --  Jarryd Bayless
13  - Portland -- Mario Chalmers
14 -- Golden State - Kostas Koufas
15 -- Phoenix -- Brandon Rush (they might go Robin Lopez)
16 -- Philadelphia -- Darrell Arthur (this is where Ryan Anderson is being mentioned)
17 -- Indiana -- Roy Hibbert
18 -- Washington -- Robin Lopez
19 -- Cleveland -- Javelle McGee
20 -- Charlotte -- Marresse Speights (hot rumor is Larry Brown wants Kyle Weaver)
21 --  to continue 

4:00 Guess of the Top 10
1.  Chicago  -- Rose
2.  Miami  -- Beasley
3.  Minnesota -- Mayo
4.  Clippers (from Seattle)  -- Kevin Love
5.  Memphis -- Brook Lopez
6.  Knicks -- Eric Gordon
7.  Seattle --  Russell Westbrook
8.  Milwaukee -- Joe Alexander
9.  Charlotte - DJ Augustin
10.  New Jersey -- Gallinari

Should the Numbers worry you about Mayo
On the LHM Batting Average OJ Mayo ranks 51st of the top 60 college players eligible for the draft.
On the Locke Activity ranking he ranks 54th out of the top 60
On the Locke offensive ranking he is just 15th of the possible 27 1st round draft picks who went to college.

Hibbert to go #17
From what I am hearing if he is still on the board Hibbert goes #17 to Indiana with the pick they got from Toronto in the Jermaine O'Neal deal. 

New Name in 1st Round
Ryan Anderson out of Cal is being talked about at 16th with Philadelphia

Who will the Jazz Take
I really don't have a great vibe on this.  I woke up this morning and thought it would be Javelle McGee.  However, the more I talk to people it sounds like he is going to be taken before the Jazz pick.

I think the decision is going to come down to the following names:   Kyle Weaver (who may go 20 to Charlotte);  Chris Douglas-Roberts; Coutrney Lee; Nicholas Batum; Maressee Speights; Jason Thompson or Alexis Ajencia.

If I had to place a bet at this moment I would take a trade out or Alexis Ajencia.

Is Weaver the glimmer in Brown's Eye
I heard today that Kyle Weaver might go 20 to Charlotte.  Larry Brown supposedly likes him a lot.

Trades
The Clippers are moving to #4 if OJ Mayo goes 3.  Why would they do this.  The consensus is that they want Kevin Love.  Love is the only player who when you look at the draft you are fairly certain that they wouldn't get him.  The Mayo must go #3 is probably two directions that the Clippers want Love and the Sonics want Mayo. 

Arena Football League Commissioner David Baker stops by and talks to Dave and Alema about the great season that AFL has had and if he thinks that the Utah Blaze have a legitimate shot at a championship.  Also, Dave and Alema discuss possible trade options that have to do with the draft and Carlos Boozer!  All of this and more right here on the Best of Powerhouse.

KEEP CHECKING BACK I WILL BE UPDATING THIS ENTRY UP UNTIL I START MY NBA DRAFT DAY LIVE BLOG.

AS of 1:28 pm on Draft Day

The numbers are done and I found some very surprising things
Joe Alexander likely to go #8 to Milwaukee comes out as one of the worst offensive players
Brandon Rush who will be drafted for his shooting is not a efficient offensive player
Brook Lopez is a terrible offensive player.  He uses a ton of possessions and that is how he put up his numbers
Michael Westbrook has no offensive game
Anthony Randolph is the worst offensive player in the top 60 college prospects.

On the positive side
Kevin Love is the best offensive player in the draft
Second round picks Shan Foster and George Hill are special offenisve players
Ryan Anderson of Cal and Chris Douglas Roberts are terrific on the offensive end
The best offensive center in the draft is Roy Hibbert

Click here for the complete report on their offensive rankings.  I will have more to come.

 As of 1:05 pm on DRAFT DAY

People are talking about Roy Hibbert at 17 to Indiana

This is surprising to me but from the last two people I heard both Javelle McGee and DeAndre Jordan are expected to go in the top 20

The slipper at this moment is Jason Thompson out of Rider and Maresse Speights out of Florida.

As of 12:55  pm on DRAFT DAY

Mario Chalmers is in New York with the Knicks right now and they are trying to get a deal done to be able to pick him between 10-14.

I just ran three mocks with people around the league and in non of them does Jarryd Bayless get drafted in the Top 10 -- I will do a top Mock when I get to the ZIons Basketball Center

Ryan Anderson out of Cal is a hot name right now.  I just heard him around 16 for Philadelphia.
That would be someone that we have not heard before meaning a big could slide to the Jazz.

As of 9:45 am on DRAFT DAY

I am currently running a numbers analysis on the American draft players.  In a little bit I will have how the college players rank in my Locke offensive ranking; LHM Batting Average and Activity Impact Ranking.

I will have this for you as quickly as possible

As of 8:02 am on DRAFT DAY

Why is New York Working Out ...
In the last few days the Knicks have worked out Jason Thompson, JJ Augistin and Mario Chalmers all of these players are going to be drafted in the 11-15 range.
More and more it looks like New York could be drafting at #13 in Porltand's slot.  Porltand would either be getting out of the draft or they maybe trying to move higher and into the Knicks #6 spot.
One rumor floating last night was David Lee and the #5 from the Knicks to the Blazers for 13th, the 27th and a player (Jarrett Jack).

Remember Porltand is also talking to New Jersey about #10. 

 

As of 12:10 am on DRAFT DAY
The Key to Hibbert

Is there anyway Hibbert gets to Utah.  Here is how it would have to happen.

All of the projected bigs go as anticipated -- Lopez, Love, Koufas, Robin Lopez, Darrel Arthur and Jason Thompson.  This will get the draft to about the #16 maybe as late as #18

Then the surprises would have to start.    Then from my count four of the next names would have to go off the board and maybe 4 of these names to be safe.   Javelle McGee, Marrese Speights, JJ Hickson, Alexis Ajinca, DeAndre Jordan and Ibaka.

If 4 of those names are drafted Roy Hibbert ends up with the Jazz and playing 15 minutes a night.
The chances are slim.

 As of 11:54 pm on June 25th

Know When to Hold Em
Just talked to some people in the league and the theme at this point is stand pat.  However, what often happens is talks break down as everyone goes to bed and then they start again the next morning when someone tweaks the offer.  Tonight everyone is trying to get a steal and tomorrow they are making deals.

So at this moment Miami, Minnesota, Seattle  and Memphis are holding.

I continue to hear that Seattle is taking Brook Lopez.  I also have heard that Seattle is hunting around for another pick in the 10 to 15 range.

As of 11:36 pm on June 25th

Porltand on the Move

The hottest rumor, Chad Ford has it on ESPN, is the idea of Portland getting to #10 to take DJ Augustin.  What happens if he isn't there.  Charlotte is not pleased with Raymond Felton and have been shopping him.

On GM told me if he was Seattle or Minnesota he would have to strongly consider Felton and #9 for either Seattle or Minnesota's picks.

However, if they don't make the move would Charlotte take Augustin before he gets to #10.  From whatI hear Russell Westbrook's agent is telling people he will not get by Charlotte at 9.  Therefore, Augustin should be at #10 but if Westbrook goes early then what  could happen.

The other issue here is that Augustin won't get by #12 at Sacramento so Portland can't wait at 13.  In fact, Augustin might go 11 to Indiana even though they got TJ Ford today.

As of 4:28 pm - June 25th

CHARLOTTE GRABS #20 FROM DENVER
The Denver Nuggets have traded the #20 pick to the Charlotte Bobcats for a future #1 pick.  Charlotte now has the #9 pick and the #20 pick in the draft.  

The Jazz could not have made this deal because they are not able to trade a future first until Philadelphia uses the pick they gave them in the Kyle Korver deal.

With Charlotte, Indiana and New Jersey both having two picks before the Jazz pick at #23 you can be certain they will both be taking one big.  This makes it less and less likely that any of the big man we have discussed could slide to the Utah Jazz. 

The good news is the Nuggets didn't get a point guard with this pick.  If they had gotten Lowery from the Memphis Grizzlies that would have been a great deal.

 

As of 4:10 pm June 25th

O'Neal to Toronto -- Bad For Jazz
It looks like the Jermaine O'Neal to Toronto for TJ  Ford deal is going to get done.  The Pacers will also get the #17 pick of the draft.    Here is the story.

From a Jazz perspective on the draft I think this is bad news.   It means the Pacers are at #11 and #17 and with the acquisition of TJ Ford they may not need a point and they will need a big. 

Rasho Nesterovic will also be going Indiana. 

As of 3:27 pm on June 25th
Interesting Workouts
According to a source the Knicks worked out Jason Thompson and Mario Chalmers today.  This makes me believe they will have a pick in the mid teens.  The Blazers are trying to move #13 so that is the logical deduction.   The Knicks are trying to move David Lee, he is their only asset that they can move.  In addition, he doesn't fit what Mike D'Antoni is going to do in New York.  Would Portland take David Lee for #13

Also, Philly worked out Speights, Ajenica and Darrell Arthur yesterday.  This makes the whole Hibbert situation really interesting.   I have been told that Sacramento won't take him at 12 and his agent wouldn't have him workout for Washington at 18 because he would be gone by then.  But who is taking him.  I still think it is New Jersey at #21.

As of 2:26 pm on June 25th

Who is on the Trade Block
I just talked with someone about Golden State and it sounds as though they are working hard to move Al Harrington.

This one surprised me but Charlotte has been shopping around Raymond Felton.  I would assume they would try to package Felton and the #9 to go up in the draft and both Minnesota and Seattle are teams that need a point guard and they sit at #3 and #4. 

As of 1:41 pm on June 25th

Where is His Backstop
One way people look at the draft is figure out  where each guys backstop is.  What this means is if he starts to fall where is the spot that you are certain the parachute comes out and he stops the fall.  From using this system I have come up with 19 players who have backstops before the #23 pick.  From a Jazz perspective this means you can take these guys off the list.

Player               -- Backstop
Derrick Rose --    #2
Michael Beasley - #2
OJ Mayo                - #4
Brook Lopez        -- #9
Kevin Love          -- #9
Danilo Gallinari  -- #10
Joe Alexander -- #10
Eric Gordon --      #11
Russell Westbrook -- #11
Jarreyd Bayless     -- #11
DJ Augustin           -- #12
Brandon Rush  -- #15
Anthony Randolph  - #16
Robin Lopez  -- #19
Darrell Arthur -- #19
Jason Thompson  - #20
Kostas Koufas  - #20
Mario Chalmers - #20
Roy Hibbert -- #21

The following players have a chance to be on the board for the Utah Jazz
PG:   Kyle Weaver;
SG:  Chris Douglas Roberts;  Courtney Lee
SF:  Nicholsa Batum; Donte Greene; BIll Walker
PF:  JJ Hinson; Alexis Ajinca; Serge Ibaka: Joey Dorsey
C:  Marreese Speights; DeAndre Jordan; JaVelle McGee; DeVon Hardin

As of 1:25 pm on June 25th

Top of the Draft

I am still hearing that the Sonics go big with Brook Lopez and Memphis follows with Kevin Love.  This all hinges on Minnesota taking Mayo which is interesting since he doesn't fit their team.

On rumor is Memphis offering Mike Conley and #5 to Miami for #2.  I LOVE MIKE CONLEY.  If this has any truth it is insane.  MIKE CONLEY IS GOING  TO BE TERRIFIC.  But then again we are dealing with Memphis.

What makes is in one report Memphis is clearing space and in another they are trying to get to #2.

As of 8:41 am on June 25th

NORTHWEST DIVISION GETS STRONGER

I just got off the phone with someone who tells me that Memphis will acquire the Denver Nuggets #20 pick in exchange for Kyle Lowry.  I have mentioned before trades that are talked about at the deadline happen at the draft and trades talked about at the draft happen at the deadline.  This is the classic example of this.

Memphis is in the middle of numerous other talks as well with their #5 pick so this could blow up, but it sounds pretty solid.

This is a good pick up for Denver who doesn't have a point guard on the roster.  Lowry is not a good shooter and had a tough year this last year.  However, he goes to the line at a great rate.  He is really a combo guard who will be perfect as a #3 guard. 

This is not good for the Jazz because this improves the Nugs.  I like Lowry and think he would be a great addition of the Jazz but Ronnie Price can do the same thing. 

As of 7:33 am June 25th

Hibbert not a King
The lying gets pretty good right about now but I just talked with someone who had talked to the Kings and very adamantly said they would not take Roy Hibbert.    If you believe Roy Hibbert's agent that he will be gone by 18 (what he told the Wizards and why he didn't need to come workout for the Wizards) and he is not going #12.  The only reasonable spot I see is Philly at 16.
However, Philly would have to pass on Darell Arthur from Kansas and Robin Lopez in all likelihood. 

As of 11:52 pm on Tuesday June 24th

Beasley's issues may be real
I just spoke with someone in the NBA who knows about the psych testing about players and he tells me the issues surrounding Beasley are real.   That Miami is going to try to trade the pick and still end up with Mayo. 
As Ford reports they also had Bayless in for a workout.
I did a mock draft with someone tonight and we had Bayless slip all the way to #12.  This gives Miami so good leeway to get him if that is who they want.   However, I think they want Mayo

As of 11:38 pm on Tuesday June 24th

Is Miami passing on Beasley -- Are they waiting for Boozer

ESPN's Chad Ford just dropped a story that Miami is seriously considering not drafting Michael Beasley.   Part of the story includes that the Heat are waiting for Boozer to opt out to become a member of the Heat.  This has been long talked about by Jazz fans.  What strikes me about this report is that the sources Ford is using seem very close to the Heat and this may be the first time we are hearing this from the Heat's end of things. 

As of 10:41 pm on Tuesday June 24th

Would He Really Be Gone at #18

I just talked to someone in the league who tells me that Washignton is more than willing to move the #18 pick.  Now why they would want #23 and what the Jazz would have to make that move is a real mystery.  But what jumps out to me is that I would think the Jazz could get Hibbert or Robin Lopez at that spot.  However, Hibbert declined the workout earlier at #18 because he was going higher and Indiana has shown interest at #11 in Robin Lopez.

Think about #18 might not even get the Jazz what they need or want.

As of 10:05 pm on Tuesday June 24th

FIRST OF MANY -- A TRADE HAS BEEN MADE

The Portland Trail Blazers have agreed to a deal with the New Orleans Hornets to acquire the 27th pick in the draft for cash considerations, a Blazers source told ESPN.com.

This is strange.  All reports were that the Blazers wanted out of the first round of the draft.  This may be a pre-cursor to them moving the #13 pick.   The big talk today was how much they were interested in Serge Ibaka but didn't want to take him at #13.  They may believe they can get him at #27.  The impact on the Jazz here is minimal. 

 As of 9:42 pm on Tuesday June 24th

Hibbert Off the Board Before 18

According to the Washington Post, the agent of Roy Hibbert declined a workout with the Wizards because he is certain his client is going above 18th.   So who is it?  He worked out with the Kings who are at 12.   The only other team before the Wizards at 18 that seem like a good destination for Hibbert would be Philadelphia at 16.  It would be a surprise if Phoenix didn't take a shooter (read: Brandon Rush), Toronto and Golden State are playing an uptempo game; Portland at 13 is likely to go overseas or trade,  Hibbert would be a great compliment to Oden. 

In all of my conversations this morning with NBA people we had Hibbert going #21 to New Jersey and Lopez usually going #18 to Washington.   If Hibbert goes before 18 someone unexpected is slipping probably a Darrell Arthur or Maurice Speights.

As of 12:04 pm on Tuesday June 24^th.

 Trade Rumors

Portland is still trying to move out of the #13.  They are in talks with New Jersey at #21.  If Portland goes to #21 they would take a foreign player and keep him in Europe.  This doesn’t help the Jazz chances of getting a game ready big because everyone is already projecting Portland taking a foreign player.

 

Memphis may move the #5 pick.  The latest rumor is David Lee going from New York to Memphis for the #5 pick.  The Knicks would then have #5 and #6 and would take Russell Westbrook and Danilo Gallinari.

            As of 11:45 am here is what I am hearing.

 Scenario #1 – Seattle goes Big

Seattle is not convinced that Bayless can play the point and therefore they may go big.  If Seattle goes big they take either Kevin Love or Brook Lopez.  Memphis would follow taking which everyone is undrafted.

This has an interesting trickle down effect.   At 9, Charlotte is without the big they wanted to get in the draft.  Do they go and take Koufas early or do they take a wing player.  

If Charlotte goes big then there is one more big off the board than anticipated and the chances of a game ready big falling to the Jazz is very limited.

 
Scenario #2 – Young Non-Game Ready Bigs are slipping

            This draft is loaded with bigs.   However, there are two groups, the game ready and the future potential bigs.   As we get closer to draft day it is beginning to feel to a lot of people in the league that the non-game ready bigs, DeAndre Jordan or Javelle McGee could be slipping.

            In contrast, Robin Lopez, Jason Thompson and Roy Hibbert are all becoming more appealing.     

Bagley and Garrard debate the Jazz draft possibilities.  They talk about the realistic expectations of a team picking 23rd.  Garrard says nobody that will still be on the board is ready to play 10-15 minutes for the Jazz.  Bagley brings up how Detroit stole Tayshaun Prince and talks about who he thinks would be a good fit for the Jazz.

On today's edition you will get Locke's Opening Smash. Unfortunately a power surge late in the program zapped Ferg's recording of the show so today's BOLOS is abbreviated. Ferg deeply apologizes to all BOLOS fans.

Alema Harrington and Dave Fox spoke with Blaze quarterback Joe Germaine about the playoff game against Colorado on Saturday.  Also, they previewed the NBA draft which comes your way tomorrow.  All draft coverage on 1320 KFAN is brought to you by TOSH.

It's all right here on the Best of Powerhouse!!!

John Beck talks to Bagley and Sheldon about being a "Bill Parcell's guy" as well as his upcoming football camp.

Sheldon and Bagley discuss the upcoming NBA Draft.  The comments revolve around former BYU Center Trent Plaistad.  In light of Walt Perrin's comments about Plaistad's workout yesterday the two ponder as to why Plaistad decided to leave.  Sheldon thinks that maybe Plaistad just needed a change of scenery. 

The Utes and Cougars are going to be very good and you don't have to take my word for it.  Read on...

I hope you like the NBA Draft, becuase Lokce loves it. ESPN.com's NBA Analyst (and member of Scouts Inc and a player developer) David Thorpe joined the show and talked about players in this year's draft as well as the development of the seocond round draft pick of the Utah Jazz last year Kyrylo Fesenko. The Jazz draft round table is also included in this extended version of BOLOS.

Alema Harrington and Dave Fox spoke with former BYU basketball player Travis Hansen who will be playing on the Russian National Team during the games in Beijing.  Hear what he had to say about the process and decision making when playing for another country in the olympic games.  It's all right here on the Best of Powerhouse.

 

 

Trent Plaisted worked out for the Utah Jazz this morning at the Zions Bank Basketball Center.  Click on the name and hear what they had to say about the workout 2 days before draft day.  Trent Plaisted had to take a timeout in the middle of the workout due to vomiting.  The NBA Draft comes your way on Thursday night on 1320 KFAN the sports leader.  Hear what Director of Player Personnell Walt Parring

Walt Perrin:  Did Plaisted puke because he ate something that didn't agree with him or did it have something to do with conditioning?

                       How far is Plaisted away from being a contributor to any NBA team?

                       Is Plaisted only a 4 in this league?

Trent Plaisted:  Explains what happened when he had to stop working out.

                            His expectations for draft night on Thursday.

                            What he could bring to the Utah Jazz.