Our 2011 NBA Draft Grades turn to the Utah Jazz, who -- like the Cleveland Cavaliers -- had a pair of lottery picks to work with. The Jazz weren't at all active, and simply took their selections and moved on. They didn't get a point guard of the franchise at either No. 3 or No. 12, and completely disregarded the defensive side of the ball. What do you want, the moon?
NBA Draft Grades 2011: Utah Jazz Creates Some Kind Of Monster With Enes Kanter, Alec Burks
Gained: Enes Kanter, Alec Burks.
Gave up: Nothing.
Synopsis: Kanter is a contender for top center in the draft, along with one the Jazz passed up in Jonas Valanciunas. But Kanter will play in the NBA next season, while Valanciunas has at least one more season to serve in Europe. Kanter is seen as a skilled offensive player, but a defensive minus. Good thing Utah has potential defensive superstar Derrick Favors in the pipeline. The pair should work beautifully.
Burks showed little defense at Colorado, but has good size and a promising frame. Jerry Sloan would have turned Burks into a gritty fighter, and it's up to Ty Corbin to do just that. On the other end, Burks is a slasher who figures to draw plenty of contact and hopefully develop a jumper to space the floor for Kanter, Al Jefferson and/or Paul Millsap down low. I guess this means Gordon Hayward is a small forward, though.
Grade: B+.
For more on the Jazz, visit SLC Dunk.
Hit our 2011 NBA Draft hub for full coverage of the aftermath.
See More:
