Rob selects:
Maurice Taylor

 



For years it was like a broken record for fans of the Utah Jazz;  
spectacular regular season, disappointing post season.  After years of 
being on the verge of going to the NBA finals they accomplished the feat 
this season.  The Jazz came out on the losing end but at least made the 
finals competive and exciting.  Now that they have come this close they 
must use this offseason to add the missing pieces and fufill the dream.

Draft History of the 90's

Drafting in the 90's has not been kind to Jazz fans.  In an attempt to 
add supporting talent around Stockton and Malone, Utah frequently traded 
their first round pick.  Since 1990 Utah has traded their 1st pick four 
out of seven times.  Of the three actual first rounders only one is an 
NBA player, that is 1995 pick Greg Ostertag.  The other two picks are 
barely worth mentioning.  Eric Murdock is always looking for an NBA job 
and a waste of a pick in Luther Wright.  The second round has been the 
Jazz's specialty.  Drafting useful players such as Bryon Russell and 
Shandon Anderson.  Isaac Austin was also a 2nd rounder but later 
developed with the Heat. 

I.  Position Analysis

Center

The middle is patrolled by young Greg Ostertag, a quality defensive 
center who understands his role.  He has worked hard on improving his 
body and stamina.  Greg provides offensive rebounding and shot blocking. 
He must continue to work on his offence (he is currently limited to 
dunks and tips).  His biggest weakness is his lack of experience.  He 
must learn to stay on the court by not picking up cheap fouls. He also 
tries to block everything which often leaves him out of position.  
Antoine Carr, a veteran and free agent, provides an offensive and 
defensive spark off the bench.  Greg Foster a journeyman, is a capable 
back up with good shooting range.  However, Foster often shoots beyond 
that range and shows poor shot selection.  Offence is the weakness of 
the position.

Power Forward

With MVP Karl Malone here the position is solidified until the day he 
retires. This future Hall of Famer may be the greatest player in the 
history of the position.  Malone has expanded his game throughout his 
career.  He is now one of the best post passers in the game.  Karl has 
also expanded his shooting range.  Though this sounds good it may be the 
greatest flaw in his game.  Instead of shooting the jumper when 
necessary, Karl now settles for it.  He must remember that it was his 
post play that made him the dominant player he is today.  Adam Keefe, 
the back up, plays with effort but lacks athletic ability.  The former 
lottery pick will never exceed a bench role.  Carr also sees quality 
time here as well.  The position is strong but aging.  A young big 
forward would be useful, especially if Carr doesn't return.

Small Forward

Bryon Russell, a second round surprise is the starter.  Previously known 
as a slasher/leaper, Russell made great strides with his shot, 
connecting on 40% of his threes.  However, in order to take the next 
step he must learn to hit the mid range jumper off the dribble.  Bryon 
is a free agent but likely will return.  Chris Morris was supposed to 
help get the team to the next level by filling the sixth man role.  
However, a questionable attitude and large ego annoyed coach Sloan.  
When Morris failed to produce on the court he was sent to the end of the 
bench.  Morris has been nothing short of a bust.  An athletic back up 
could be useful.

Shooting Guard

Jeff Hornacek may be one of the best off balance shooters in the league. 
He is the perfect compliment for Stockton and Malone because of his 
three point shooting ability. He is a free agent but will return.  
Shandon Anderson, a second round pick last season provides athleticism 
off the bench.  He must work on his shot and finishing plays in traffic. 
He is another Jazz free agent but will probably come back.  The Jazz 
should look for a big, strong guard in the draft that could be groomed 
as the heir to the position.

Point Guard

No debating it, John Stockton is the best point guard of all time.  He 
is the all time career leader in assists and steals.  The position is 
his until the day he retires. Howard Eisley went from capable back up to 
super sub by his play in the post season.  The question is which is the 
real Howard Eisley.  He is a free agent and with his strong play when it 
counted, he may not be back.

II.  My Selection 

With the 27th pick in the 1997 NBA draft, the Utah Jazz select Maurice 
Taylor, forward, University of Michigan.  Am I the only person in North 
America that likes Taylor as a pro.  I do not believe he will be 
available here but I will select him anyway.  A lot of people have said 
he has not improved in his three years in college.  Statistically yes.  
However, this is not a reflection of his application of his skills, but 
rather a reflection of the team he played for.  Michigan may have been 
the most selfish team in recent memory.  Taylor reminds me of a young 
Otis Thorpe.

III.  Others Considered

Johnny Taylor - drew comparisions to Scottie Pippen before the season 
started.  Due to the lack of development of his outside shot his stock 
dropped to 2nd round material.  His play at draft camps has regenerated 
his stock, which is now late 1st.  He would be a good fit in Utah.

Gordon Malone - a lot of potential but a poor body.  If Karl Malone 
could influence the kid to hit the weights and teach him in practice 
then he could be a steal. 

Marko Milic - anyone who can jump over a car to win a dunk contest 
deserves consideration.

IV.  Who the Team will Probably Take

History tells us the Jazz will trade the pick.  If by chance they keep 
it look for them to draft based on athletic ability.  Possible 
selections are Johnny Taylor, Reggie Freeman, and Marko Milic.  Johnny 
Taylor is probably the safest bet to be in a Jazz uniform next season.

V.  Other Moves

Own Free Agents- Carr, Hornacek, Russell, S. Anderson, Eisley

Russell and Hornacek are sure bets to ink new contracts.  Carr and 
Anderson will probably resign.  The player that worries me is Howard 
Eisley. Often when a player plays well in front of a large audience they 
draw a lot of attention.  I am worried that a team may overrate his 
abilities and sign him to a lucrative contract.  If that happens then 
the Jazz will let him go.

Other Free Agents

Rick Fox - Fox was a solid starter for the Celtics that would make a 
great super sub on the Jazz.  Fox could supply the needed offence that 
Morris was supposed to and play better defence.  

Matt Maloney - this is plan B if Eisley leaves.  Maloney would give the 
Jazz a young, capable back up for Stockton.  Matt has proven he can run 
a team and shoot with range.

Malik Sealy - could provide athletic ability and offence off the bench

Trades

For about a year now Utah has been desperatly trying to trade Chris 
Morris.  They have been unsuccessful to this point.  Keefe and Foster 
are also on the block but it is unlikely that there will be any takers.
Just before the trading deadline Utah was looking to acquire a veteran 
swingman.  Name mentioned, Chris Mullin.  If the Jazz can't fill the 
void through free agency then talks may heat up again now that the 
Warriors are more willing to deal him.