Post by repole on Sept 4, 2005 23:40:18 GMT -5
Gallinari, mocked to go late in the first round, was snagged by the Jazz at 13.
NEW YORK -- The Utah Jazz sent their 2007 and 2008 first round draft selections to Denver in return for the 13th pick and a player to be named later.
"With the 13th overall selection in the 2006 UBL Draft, the Utah Jazz select...Danilo Gallinari of Italy" read David "Play34Basketball" Stern as the Draft Room listened in awe. Due to Gallinari's projected low draft position, he was not in attendance of the green room. Though the pick seemed a reach to many, the Jazz remain very excited about their decision,
A true leader
"Danilo is a 6'9 pass first point guard, who at just 18 years old reminds us a lot of Shaun Livingston. It makes no sense to us as to why he was projected so low, but we feel like we got a real steal here. He's got the potential to be the best player in this draft. He was the 2nd player on our draft board, so when we saw the chance of grabbing him at 13, we did everything possible to acquire the pick." explained Jazz GM Repole, who made the deal over the phone with the Nuggets GM Atown while visiting his Aunt's. "We were celebrating my grandmother's birthday, and that takes priority over everything, except for the UBL."
The Jazz also were able to grab one of the most prolific scorers in the draft, Guillermo Diaz with the 22nd overall pick.
Diaz can take it to the rim
"Again, we were exstatic he dropped to 22. I'm not sure what the problem with him is that so many teams passed on him, but to me he's clearly one of the best scorers in the draft. At pick 22, what more can I ask for?" commented Repole, who seemed to be genuinly excited. Either that, or high on something.
Despite having a stellar draft, the Jazz still lack a true big man to put alongside Boozer. With over 12.6 million in cap room, the Jazz hope to change that soon. Amare Stoudemire came out and said he wants to have a chance at a championship this year, making the Jazz frontrunners for his services. A combination of Boozer, Amare, and Kirilenko in the frontcourt would certainly make the Jazz contenders, so both sides are bound to be interested. Don't rule out Yao Ming, Shaq, Ben Wallace, or Emeka Okafor who the Jazz will all likely have interest in.
Amare money in the bank?
With a strong draft the start of the Jazz offseason certainly looks bright, Amare and company shall determine just how bright it remains.
