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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How should the Jazz approach their #2 pick to avoid past pitfalls?
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.
It’s this easy, pick the player who the Wizards don’t. But only these 2. Peterson or AJ. No trading assets or players to move up.
that historical stuff is worthless and boring
Jordan was 2nd.
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
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.
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?
After seeing how the number 2 pick is cursed I’m definitely not taking DP especially with the health rumors going around 😅
Honestly, if AJ isn't there, I would take a hard look at Caleb Williams
Here’s the thing though this draft is different because we really have 2 first picks and then a 1.02
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.
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.
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So Cam Boozer going 3rd is looking good. To me he gives Embiid vibes.
Wow! Boozer had an inch and a half longer reach?!? Too bad he can’t jump or has any lateral movement for that to make the difference to those that can jump.
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.
I think the top four realistically have the same ceiling. The only issue that is that Petersen has the biggest chance to end up a bust
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?
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.
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.
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
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.
i want jazz news, but how do you listen to this guy. He's so cringe.
Chet went to Chaz have a clear shooter at number two draft DP
This all would lead me to believe Peterson is the pick and that’s who I want anyways.
Boozers vertical means nothing with a tape measure if he doesnt use it on the court
This draft is easy DP if he goes first AJ easiest draft decision ever
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
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.
My unpopular take.
Trade #2 to Grizz for the #3 pick and Coward. Take Caleb in the draft.
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?
I love these type of videos so much. I feel like it gives me a fun talking point to use