Fansided

Chad Ford expects the Utah Jazz to keep the 5th overall pick

By Trisity Miller

Apr 4, 2014; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Utah Jazz center Derrick Favors (15) shoots a free throw during the second half against the New Orleans Pelicans at EnergySolutions Arena. The Jazz won 100-96. Mandatory Credit: Russ Isabella-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 4, 2014; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Utah Jazz center Derrick Favors (15) shoots a free throw during the second half against the New Orleans Pelicans at EnergySolutions Arena. The Jazz won 100-96. Mandatory Credit: Russ Isabella-USA TODAY Sports /
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With a lot of chatter surrounding the top half of the 2014 NBA Draft, particularly teams such as the Los Angeles Lakers and Boston Celtics trading out if they don’t find the pick suitable for their future plans, Chad Ford says he expects the Utah Jazz to hold on to the fifth overall pick.

From ESPN.com:

"The teams open to trading their lottery picks? It’s highly likely that the Milwaukee Bucks, Philadelphia 76ers, Orlando Magic and Utah Jazz are all holding onto their picks. After pick No. 5, however, things are much more fluid. Sources say the Boston Celtics, Los Angeles Lakers, Sacramento Kings, Charlotte Hornets, Timberwolves and Phoenix Suns are all open to offers."

With the “Big 4” in Andrew Wiggins, Dante Exum, Joel Embiid, and Jabari Parker off the board, the Jazz have several options, one that includes the possibility of trading down, but with Ford nixing that idea, they’ll have a list of solid players to pick from. Unfortunately there is no clear pick for Utah to make, making the decision more difficult than usual.

If looking for the best player on the board, Noah Vonleh’s name comes to mind. With Enes Kanter slowly developing, the Jazz could partner the 7-foot big man with franchise forward Derrick Favors. Then there’s Marcus Smart would would fit well alongside last years lottery selection in Trey Burke. While both play the naturally play the same position, Smart’s size could give whoever the head coach of Utah is the chance to sport a dual point guard lineup similar to Phoenix. If they want to fill up the frontcourt, this leaves Aaron Gordon as another smart selection. With Gordon Hayward at shooting guard, Gordon could slide into a role similar to that of Shawn Marion’s, bringing defense and tenacity to the position.

Regardless of which player the franchise likes, they’ll have plenty of options come draft day. And if they aren’t satisfied with the draft pool, trading down will remain a viable option.

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