Sometime around 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, the Utah Jazz will use the 25th pick in the NBA Draft to select . . . who knows?
Maybe Priest Lauderdale, the 7-foot-4, 343-pound center with the somewhat checkered playing career. Maybe small forward Dontae' Jones, a streaky outside shooter from Mississippi State whose draft prospects have plunged lately. Or maybe they'll take a chance on Travis Knight, the former Alta High star.If it looks like the Jazz's choice may be something of a gamble, you're getting the picture. Last year the Jazz were able to come up with a rookie center - Greg Ostertag - who actually helped them during the season. This year's draft is thin enough that a 25th pick might not be better than the guy he replaces on the roster.
In the last 10 years, the only No. 25 pick who has amounted to anything is guard Mark Price, and he was drafted by Cleveland way back in 1986.
Most observers expect some late trades that could change the complexion of the draft, especially among the first eight or 10 picks, but probably nothing that will affect the Jazz's choice - unless the Jazz are involved in a trade.
The Jazz also have a second-round choice, the 54th pick overall.
At any rate, if you're one of those people for whom the draft is the highlight of the sports year, or just a hyper Jazz fan, or just someone who wants a free slice of pizza (first 1,000 fans only), the Delta Center doors will open at 4 p.m. Wednesday.
Admission is free, and the drafting starts at 5:30 p.m., with Philadelphia's No. 1 pick (Allen Iverson?) and all subsequent choices broadcast to the Delta Center JumboTron from draft headquarters at Continental Airlines Arena in New Jersey.