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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, NY – MARCH 09: (NEW YORK DAILIES OUT) Mo Williams #5 of the Utah Jazz in action against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden on March 9, 2013 in New York City. The Knicks defeated the Jazz 113-84. 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 Jim McIsaac/Getty Images) /

10) Mo Williams: 2003 NBA Draft (47th Overall Pick)

In a true testament to college scouting, the Utah Jazz drafted Mo Williams with the 47th overall pick in the 2003 NBA Draft. Interestingly enough, the 2nd round of the 2003 NBA Draft included several unforeseen players that became integral pieces to playoff contenders and NBA champions, including Zaza Pachulia (42nd overall), Matt Bonner (45th overall), James Jones (49th overall), Kyle Korver (51st overall), & Williams.

Williams played two seasons with the University of Alabama, showcasing his talents as a point guard. He was the SEC Freshman of the Year in 2002 and made the ALL-SEC 3rd Team in 2003. Williams declared for the 2003 NBA Draft after his sophomore season, but Alabama’s poor record and the depth of point guards in the draft pushed his stock down. Perrin & the Jazz noticed Williams’ offensive prowess and potential and thus selected him.

Williams spent the bulk of his rookie season as the third string shooting guard, behind both Deshawn Stevenson & Raja Bell. However, he was a restricted free agent after his rookie season. The Jazz prioritized upgrading their frontcourt and made two big splashes when they signed Carlos Boozer & Mehmet Okur to long-term contracts. These contracts, plus the point guard depth, placed Williams on the outside looking in. Therefore, Williams signed a 3-year, $5.5m offer sheet with the Milwaukee Bucks. While the contract looks like a bargain in 2020, the Jazz didn’t match the offer sheet, a decision the GM at the time deeply regretted.

Williams became a full-time starting PG, showcasing his offensive proficiency from behind the arc. He made the 2009 NBA All Star Team with the Cleveland Cavaliers. Williams was LeBron James‘ teammates during his two stints with the Cavaliers, winning a championship in 2016, his final season in the NBA.

Williams spent 13 seasons in the NBA, won 1 NBA Championship, and made 1 NBA All Star Team. While he didn’t achieve much success with the Jazz, during his two seasons with the team, he enjoyed a very successful NBA career relative to where he was drafted. The Jazz themselves made up for his loss with another player mentioned later in this piece.

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