Jazz got the point

(Basketball News) - Utah was well aware that it needed to address its situation at point guard. On draft night, the Jazz made a big trade as they dealt their two first-round selections in the draft (sixth and 27th overall) and a 2006 conditional first-round pick to the Portland Trail Blazers to move up three spots to No. 3.

With the third pick overall, Utah selected point guard Deron Williams of Illinois and passed on Wake Forest’s Chris Paul. The 6-3 Williams is more of a pure point guard, while Paul is more of a scorer and plays with the mentality of think shot before pass. Williams was the first guard selected, as Milwaukee chose center Andrew Bogut first overall and Atlanta grabbed forward Marvin Williams with the second pick.

"I guess they (Utah) just felt the most comfortable with me," said Deron Williams about being selected before Paul. "I feel that I’m a Coach (Jerry) Sloan type of player, tough defender, pass first point guard, get people involved first. And I think they liked me. I had a good workout with them and a good interview as well. I just think we hit it off."

The Jazz won just 26 games this past season and did not qualify for the postseason for the second straight year. Utah, which finished 42-40 in the 2003-04 campaign and missed the playoffs for the first time since 1982-1983, was hopeful that Carlos Arroyo would become John Stockton’s successor at the point. However, the Arroyo experiment was a failure as the 25-year-old guard had some issues with Sloan, which led to him being traded to the Detroit Pistons on January 21, 2005.

"I’m just honored to play for the Jazz and to play after John Stockton, to wear the same jersey he wore and be on the same floor he was on because he’s one of the best players of all-time, one of the best point guards of all- time," said Deron Williams.

By selecting Deron Williams, the Jazz hope that they have found their answer at the point. Utah’s strength is its frontcourt as forwards Carlos Boozer, Andrei Kirilenko and center Mehmet Okur makeup a solid trio. The 23-year-old Boozer, who averaged 17.8 points and 9.0 rebounds in 51 contests this season, and Kirilenko, who was limited to just 41 games because of injuries, give the Jazz a youthful duo that should be able to provide years of productive service, while Okur is still developing his game and should continue to improve.

Deron Williams has excellent playmaking abilities and seems to be able to find his open teammates for some easy baskets. With Deron Williams handling the rock, Boozer and Kirilenko should be able to benefit offensively from his strong passing skills.

"I’m looking forward to playing with those guys," said Deron Williams. "Carlos Boozer, Andrei Kirilenko are definitely two great players in this league and I definitely feel they’ll enjoy playing with me. I’m best when I’m out there making plays for people and making my teammates better and make the game just easier for them."

Boozer and Kirilenko are still the keys to Utah’s success. They need to be healthy and must be able to produce on both ends of the court. Boozer can be a monster down low, while Kirilenko is more athletic and is one of the top defensive players in the NBA. Their games complement each others very well.

Playing with Utah’s talented forwards and for Sloan should only make Deron Williams a better player.

"I’m happy that I’m playing for coach Sloan," said Deron Williams. "I feel he’s one of the best coaches in the game and I know regardless of how tough he is on me, it’s only going to make me better as a player and help the team."

Utah hopes it has found its lead guard for the next 10-plus years in Deron Williams. The Illinois product should mesh well with his new teammates. He is not going to make Utah forget about Stockton yet, but Deron Williams is a hard-nosed player who plays the way a point guard was meant to. The Jazz got the point at this year’s draft.