Jazz like Sene, Foye, Roy, Redick
posted: Wednesday, May 31, 2006 | Feedback

The rumblings coming out of Utah after a big workout that featured Hilton Armstrong, Shelden Williams, Patrick O'Bryant and Mouhamed Saer Sene suggest that Sene may have caught the Jazz' eye.

Given how raw Sene is, that's a little surprising. However, Sene has a motor that tops that of all of the other candidates. Besides, it's unlikely that O'Bryant or Williams will be there when the Jazz draft.

O'Bryant will likely be the first guy of that group taken off the board. Given his size, athleticism and skills around the basket, he could go as high as Atlanta at No. 5 and the Wolves at No. 6. His backstop is the Hornets at No. 11.

Williams doesn't have the upside teams want, but he is tough and NBA-ready and has impressed in workouts. He also measured 6-9 in shoes, with a long wingspan, so he'll have the size to play the four. Combine that with a decent 10-to-12-foot jumper that has surprised scouts, and he's also likely to go before the Jazz pick at No. 14.

That might leave the Jazz deciding between Armstrong and Sene.

Both are raw. Armstrong played four years of college ball, but got major minutes for only one season. He's has a lot of talent and a good motor, but he doesn't seem to have a clue how good he is. His lack of confidence is and will continue to be an issue for him. Playing for a tough coach like Jerry Sloan might not help that.

Look for Utah to be one of the teams that tries to move up in the draft. They'd love to get their hands on Brandon Roy, Randy Foye or J.J. Redick. Right now, it looks like they're in a position to miss all three.

Foye and Redick worked out on Tuesday against Mike Gansey and Brad Newley. While Foye and Redick were both impressive (with scouts now saying Redick may be a little quicker than they thought), it's possible both will be off the board when they select.

The problem for Utah is finding the right bait to move up. Carlos Boozer is the obvious choice, but teams are concerned about his contract, attitude and recent lack of durability.