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NY Knicks: Ranking Walt Perrin, Utah Jazz Top 10 draft picks

By Vivek Dadhania

SALT LAKE CITY, UT - MARCH 09: Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Utah Jazz looks on during a game against the Toronto Raptors at Vivint Smart Home Arena on March 9, 2020 in Salt Lake City, Utah. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Alex Goodlett/Getty Images)
SALT LAKE CITY, UT - MARCH 09: Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Utah Jazz looks on during a game against the Toronto Raptors at Vivint Smart Home Arena on March 9, 2020 in Salt Lake City, Utah. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Alex Goodlett/Getty Images) /
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NEW YORK, NEW YORK – MARCH 04: Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Utah Jazz in between plays against the New York Knicks during the second half at Madison Square Garden on March 04, 2020 in New York City. The Utah Jazz won, 112-104. (Photo by Michael Owens/Getty Images) /

2) Donovan Mitchell: 2017 NBA Draft (13th Overall Pick)

One of Walt Perrin’s greatest finds was scouting Donovan Mitchell and convincing the Jazz not only to draft him, but to trade up to the 13th overall pick to acquire him. At the cost of just Trey Lyles and the 24th overall pick in the draft, that’s more than a heist.

Perrin convinced the Jazz to move up to select Mitchell after being impressed by a pre-draft workout he orchestrated with Mitchell’s agent, who Perrin has a strong relationship with. It is a great example of how Perrin used his connections and scouting acumen to identify a sleeper in the draft.

Mitchell immediately became arguably the best rookie in the draft class, alongside Ben Simmons. As Mitchell’s game improved season-by-season, the Jazz did as well. Mitchell became the offensive cornerstone of the franchise as he made his first All Star appearance this season. It’s clear that Perrin’s work behind the scenes paid massive dividends for the franchise.

Of course, with Perrin coming to New York, and the recent drama between Mitchell and teammate Rudy Gobert, the trade rumors will swirl around the New York product eventually finding his way to Madison Square Garden.

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