The Jazz were unable to move up into the first round of the NBA Draft Thursday night, but came up with a sharpshooter in the second round.
Staying put at 47th overall, Utah selected 6-foot-7 shooting guard Kevin Murphy out of Tennessee Tech. Murphy faced weak competition in the Ohio Valley Conference, but averaged 20.6 points to rank 10th nationally. His jump shot is his strongest weapon — Murphy took nearly six 3-pointers a game, making 41.6 percent.
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The franchise has a successful history late in the draft. With the exact same draft pick in 2006, Utah selected Paul Millsap, who later made the NBA All-Rookie second team.
The Jazz were reportedly working out a three-team deal for the Clippers’ Mo Williams, but the trade never materialized Thursday.
No. 30: Golden State
C Festus Ezeli (Vanderbilt, Sr.)
A far more exciting name than game. Knee and toe injuries dropped his numbers to just 10.1 points and 5.9 rebounds as a senior. Big body at 6-foot-11 and 255 pounds, but a very raw project who frequently gets in foul trouble. He and John Jenkins are the first pair of Vanderbilt players ever to both go in the first round.
No. 29: Chicago Bulls
PG Marquis Teague (Kentucky, Fr.)
Not a great shooter and prone to turnovers, but can get in the paint quickly. He led Kentucky with 4.8 assists, but still has a ways to go to develop as a true point guard. Bulls needed a body to spell Derrick Rose.
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No. 28: Oklahoma City
F Perry Jones III (Baylor, Soph.)
Jones could have been a top-10 pick had he left after his freshman year, but sank like a rock after a lackluster sophomore season. The most common criticism is his lack of effort, but he’s still a lottery talent and a steal for the Thunder at this spot. Even if he never becomes the superstar his tools suggest, Jones can easily become a solid starter.
No. 27: Miami Heat
F Arnett Moultrie (Mississippi State, Sr.) - Traded to Philadelphia for 45th pick and future first-rounder.
Moultrie had the second-most double-doubles (18) in the SEC after Anthony Davis. Good touch for a big man, shooting 78.0 percent from the free throw line and 8 of 18 from beyond the arc. Doesn’t use his length as much as he should on defense.
No. 26: Indiana Pacers
C Miles Plumlee (Duke, Sr.)
The league’s dearth of centers helps Plumlee get called in the first round. A lesser talent than younger brother Mason, his final season at Duke turned out averages of 6.6 points and 7.1 rebounds in 20.5 minutes per game. Not a great shot blocker despite his 6-foot-10 frame.
No. 25: Memphis Grizzlies
PG Tony Wroten (Washington, Fr.)
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