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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: Rudy Gobert #27 of the Utah Jazz in between plays during a game against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden on March 04, 2020 in New York City. (Photo by Michael Owens/Getty Images) /

1) Rudy Gobert: 2013 NBA Draft (27th Overall Pick)

It seems like the Utah Jazz love to fleece the Denver Nuggets in draft-day trades during the 2010s. The Nuggets weren’t interested in keeping their first round pick. To save money, the Nuggets agreed to trade their first round pick, 27th overall, to the Jazz for the 46th overall pick and cash considerations. The Jazz, in return, drafted Rudy Gobert and the rest is history.

Heading into the draft, many teams were wowed by Gobert’s physical attributes – 7’2 height and 7’9 wingspan – but considered him a very raw prospect that needed years to develop his frame. Many mock drafts galore didn’t even consider him a second round pick.

To Walt Perrin & the Jazz, he was considered a gem. Perrin watched Gobert play in Europe and arranged for him to workout with the Jazz before the draft. Perrin noted that Gobert “had an outstanding workout” and was more impressed with that than his talent. To reward Gobert, the Jazz traded up to select him.

After honing his craft in the G-League during his rookie campaign, Gobert broke out during his sophomore season. His performance led to the Jazz trading Kanter before the deadline. He quickly became a defensive force, blocking shots at ease and rebounding with force.

His efforts paid dividends, individually, as Gobert made the All-NBA second team in 2017 and third team in 2019. He was also selected to the NBA All-Defensive first team for the past three seasons, leading the league in blocks during his 2016-17 campaign. Gobert’s efforts translated into extended playoff runs for the Jazz. The NBA coaches finally recognized his performance when he was selected to the All Star Game during the 2019-20 season.

Despite the tensions that occurred during the beginning of the COVID-19 lockdown, Gobert & Mitchell will forever be linked. Not only do both players represent gems acquired from draft-day heists with the Denver Nuggets, both serve as the pillars of the Utah Jazz franchise.

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These selections will be Perrin’s greatest achievement in Utah.

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