NBA Draft Analyst Hints at Jazz Facing a 'Unique Situation' in Top-10

The Utah Jazz are less than two weeks away from the most important draft in recent memory. With all the individual workouts taking place behind the scenes, it’s hard to predict how the board will end up falling.

However, we do know from previous drafts that a wrinkle or two usually pops up that will create a domino effect. The Ringer's Kevin O’Connor brought up such a scenario on his podcast The NBA Draft Show.

“Let’s say Amen Thompson does slip to six on draft night. Let’s just say that happens. Could he be a guy that’s a candidate to fall. What’s the floor for Amen and Ausur to go? Is it [No.] 8? What if it’s actually lower? Does Indiana take him at [No.] 7? Are we sure Washington would at [No.] 8? Could it actually be 9 — Utah? What happens if he falls to No. 10? Could it be a Justice Winslow scenario like when he slipped in the draft way back when and multiple teams were trying to trade up to get him? I don’t know. Sometimes I like throwing things out there in mocks to see how the board falls in different ways and how that can lead to unique situations.”

Just last year, Jabari Smith was favored to be the No. 1 selection heading into the draft, only to see the Orlando Magic select Paolo Banchero instead. Did anybody predict the Atlanta Hawks trading Luka Dončić to the Dallas Mavericks for Trae Young during the 2018 draft?

The biggest shocker of all-time may have been the Cleveland Cavaliers selecting Anthony Bennett No. 1 overall in the 2013 draft. Heading into the draft, ESPN had Bennett ranked as the No. 6 prospect overall. GM Chris Grant ended up regretting that decision, as Bennett only suited up 52 times for the Cavs, averaging 4.2 points. Grant was fired less than a year later.

Indeed, there will be draft day trades, curve balls, and unpredictable selections that will throw a wrench in Utah’s options for better or for worse. We know that Victor Wembanyana, Scoot Henderson, Brandon Miller, and Amen Thompson shouldn’t be slipping past No. 5, but after that, all bets are off. It’s not outside the realm of possibility that Ausur Thompson, Cam Whitmore, or Jarace Walker make it to No. 9.

Also, keep in mind the Jazz are heading into their first draft with Jazz CEO Danny Ainge steering the ship. 'Trader' Danny made draft day trades in four of his last 11 drafts with the Boston Celtics.

The odds of some type of an exchange happening this year is more than a 50-50 proposition, considering that Utah is armed with three first-round picks. Either way, Jazz fans can expect the unexpected on June 22.

It’s going to be a wild night.

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