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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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PORTLAND, OR – NOVEMBER 20: Deron Williams #8 of the Utah Jazz drives looks on against the Portland Trail Blazers on November 20, 2010 at the Rose Garden in Portland, Oregon. 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 Jonathan Ferrey/Getty Images) /

3) Deron Williams: 2005 NBA Draft (3rd Overall Pick)

The Utah Jazz originally held the 6th and the 27th overall picks in the 2005 NBA Draft. The Portland Trailblazers held the 3rd overall pick in the draft. The Trailblazers had their eyes set on Martell Webster, whom they considered one of the best shooting guards in the draft. Additionally, they entrusted in Sebastian Telfair, drafted 13th overall in the 2004 NBA Draft, as their franchise point guard.

The Jazz, on the other hand, had their eyes on both Chris Paul & Deron Williams. The Jazz were afraid both would be picked before the 6th pick. In fact, Walt Perrin convinced then-GM Kevin O’Connor to trade up to acquire one of them. As O’Connor recalled to Mike Vorkunov of The Athletic, Perrin told him that “We have to get one of those two guys because they’re going to be a franchise changer.”

The Jazz were torn between CP3 & Williams. It was a decision made alongside O’Connor, Perrin, team president Denny Haslam, & then-coach Jerry Sloan. Ultimately, the decision was made to select Williams over Paul for several reasons. Sloan preferred his fit in the offense, his interview with the team, and his size.

The Jazz & Blazers pulled the trigger on the trade hours before the draft. The Jazz dealt both of their 1st round picks along with a 2006 1st round pick to the Blazers for the #3 pick. The Jazz drafted Williams & the Blazers drafted Webster. The rest is history.

Williams quickly cemented himself as the franchise point guard. It was a position of dire need since John Stockton‘s retirement. Williams formed a lethal pick-and-roll tandem with both Carlos Boozer & Mehmet Okur.

The Jazz returned to the NBA Playoffs during Williams’ sophomore campaign, taking the team to the Western Conference Finals. Williams was a two time Olympic champion in 2008 & 2012. Additionally, he made the NBA All Star team from 2010-12.

The long-held debate in NBA circles revolves around whether the Jazz made the right decision in drafting Deron over CP3. While CP3 has had a better overall career, Deron’s impact on the franchise cannot be mistaken.

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