DANGER ZONE: Can Utah Jazz DEFY the #2 Pick Curse? The Downfalls of Wiseman, Parker, and Bagley

DANGER ZONE: Can Utah Jazz DEFY the #2 Pick Curse? The Downfalls of Wiseman, Parker, and Bagley



DANGER ZONE: Can Utah Jazz DEFY the #2 Pick Curse? The Downfalls of Wiseman, Parker, and Bagley

Utah Jazz face the notorious “curse” of the number two NBA Draft pick—can they rewrite history? David Locke breaks down the troubling track record of the No. 2 pick from 2007 to 2021, revealing why selections like James Wiseman, Marvin Bagley, and Jabari Parker often fell short, especially among big men. Locke’s player value grading shows the No. 2 slot has produced less than half the returns of its neighboring picks, raising pressing questions about scouting and positional bias.

With names like Cameron Boozer, Caleb Wilson, AJ DyBantsa, and Darren Peterson dominating draft conversations, Locke explores which prospect could become the Jazz’s next game-changer. He assesses combine measurement standouts, debates the rising stock of elite guards in today’s NBA, and highlights dynamic playmaking as a pathway to playoff success—citing stars like Cade Cunningham, Donovan Mitchell, and Jalen Brunson. As consensus among experts remains elusive, can the Jazz secure a franchise cornerstone this draft?

00:00 Bad #2 Pick History
09:59 NBA Draft: Guards vs Bigs
22:30 No Draft Consensus

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View Comments (33)
  1. Darryn Peterson Cons- -Describes himself as non social loner. Feb interview.
    -1:1 assist ratio
    Is tabbed as a defensive specialist but rarely guarded the opposing teams best player at Kansas. If bill self didn’t use him as a playmaker or lockdown defender why is it assumed those will translate to the nba.
    -Many of his threes in his scouting videos are heavily contested which is impressive until you consider the length he will face at the next level, failing to get separation on his shots and produce clean looks is concerning.
    -Creatine excuse is too simple, injuries that have a mental twist can get complicated. How far away is this from full body cramps being traumatic and have to reside/learn how to shoot, jump, etc.

    His last 9 games at Kansas should be considered more heavily than his high school tape.

    Similar measurements to Keyonte George. Although it’s not Mitchell/Conley it would still be an undersized backcourt.

    I like Boozers fit next to JJJ and his fit next to Kessler. His playmaking will also be a massive plus coming in off the bench at the 6 minute mark. I also like Wilson’s fit with those two. Drafting Wilson or Boozer would also allow Ace to developed organically and remain a priority without conflict ions with Peterson.

  2. DeAngelo Russel was an all star btw. At minimum he's a starter. And he was the best player on a playoff team at one point. Can't just put your own frelings into it

  3. IF (and it’s a big if) DP didn’t have his cramping issue this year, he would be the unanimous #1 pick. No need to trade up, take whoever the Wizards don’t pick. My only argument is the upside of Caleb Wilson might be too much to pass up, and will give us flexibility to easily move off Lauri or JJJ’s contracts in a year or two. With that being said, DP is the best fit right now, given our front court depth, and need for outside shooting and perimeter defense.

  4. Man, the trajectory of this franchise completely changed after the lottery reveal. Utah has a really intriguing young core, and adding a prospect with franchise player upside changes everything. I still think DP is the cleanest basketball fit if the goal is immediate offensive organization and long-term stability, but honestly it’s hard to go wrong at #2 in this class. Whether it’s DP, AJ, or CB it's sure a fun time to be a Jazz fan. Has the future of this franchise ever looked brighter?

  5. I think this more of KD, Oladipo, Aldridge type year.

    You guys are fine. You're getting the best player on the draft who fits all your needs.

    And if Washington takes DP you're getting the kind of giant ball handling wing Danny has had tons of success with.

    Great situation for Utah.

  6. I’ll most likely get hate for this but what about a pick swap with Memphis and trading Lauri for Ja 🤔 I just think it would make JJJ happy having his old teamate back and could give ace the room he needs to grow and boozer could go to the 5.

  7. 50 years from now people will look back on advertising for things like Kalshi and FanDuel the way we look back on cigarette ads. They will shake their heads and say, "Didn't they know how terrible these things are?" Yes, yes we do…but we just keep promoting them. I hope LockedOn decides to do better.

  8. Theme I'm hearing: don't pick a big at 2 and don't pick a player than can't shoot at 2. DP isn't either of those. Also Ball was on pace to be an all star. He just had knee problems. Harper looks fantastic. I'm not worried.

  9. i wasnt following the nba back then but from what i know i wouldnt call Jabari Parker a bust, it was more so injuries which i would consider an exception, no?

  10. I'm an aggie, not a cougar… I know I'm being irrational… but I just want AJ. I'll be happy with DP, but if it's a first and a future swap for the 1 pick… I'm signing off on that and grabbing AJ at 1.

  11. Boozer seems to be the safe bet, and still a great bet, but he doesn’t fit well with the Jazz as they are currently constructed. Not that fit should be a fixation, but he would force one of Lauri, JJJ, or Kessler to the bench. Then there is still a question of who the Jazz play as their other guard (Ace, Cody, Brice, Svi?) after that too. It is just a bit of a mess that would extend the Jazz’s learning curve a good bit. That problem doesn’t exist with DP. But Boozer doesn’t have a mystery condition that could make him the next Markelle Fultz or the guard version of Joel Embiid.

  12. Seemed a lot thought Boozer was laterally and vertically challenged a little. He put that to rest after his 35" vertical. All of the top 4 look every bit the type of all-nba type players they're hyped as. Flemings scares me with how short measured, albeit with an outrageous wingspan

  13. Which prospect has the best defensive upside. You only talk about offensive upside when basketball is played on both sides of the ball. Defense wins championships. I want to know who the best defender / 2 way player is.

  14. I'm sorry if this blind person says that I had the same questions of him going back to high school he moves the ball he makes amazing passes and he breaks down every single defensive he would go against like I don't know what he was watching like if you watch him in the pros honestly his team in Kansas was running play is it necessarily weren't meant for him to be passing the ball it was having to come off Cuts I wide open or come off a cut and then make a jump shot

  15. Boozer will avoid a #2 bust. DP health is his only risk. Caleb Wilson may never improve long distance shot. But I hope Jazz don't do the safe move. The upside of both those guys is massive. Don't give up Ace to get AJ. Unless we package players and future picks only to add number one pick to our second.

  16. Who is going to the bench for Peterson?! You tell me, is it George, Ace, Markkanen, Walker, Or JJJ?? Seriously, are we Seriously going to make one of those guys a bench player?! Or are we going to bring this generaltional #2 pick off the bench?

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