Utah Jazz Draft Workout Recap, 6/3

Close your eyes and picture the prototypical Utah Jazz draft pick. Does he look exactly like these guys or what? ;)

First up: Nick Thompson.

** Positives of his game: I think I’m versatile for my size. I can stretch a defense. I can put it on the floor a little bit, and I can shoot it to three. So I think that’s good for somebody my size.
** On having the chance to work out with the Jazz: It’s great. I grew up being a Jazz fan. You know, all my friends, family’s super excited. It’s such a cool experience. I’m really grateful that they, you know, reached out to me and gave me an opportunity to be a part of just something like this, you know? I didn’t think I was gonna be here even a week ago, so it’s a real cool thing.
** Have you talked to Ronnie Price? I’ve talked to Ronnie Price. You know, he comes up all the time and works out and plays and stuff, but between when they called me and now, you know, I mean, it’s only been, you know, two and a half days.
** What are your options right now? I have a agent. He’s, you know, shopping me around overseas right now, and I’m looking to move to Vegas here in the next couple weeks or so and work out down there for the summer and just, you know, just see what happens.
** How did you end up at Clearfield High School? My father’s military, so he got stationed at Hill [Air Force Base?] when I was 14 years old.

Next (and last): Cody Zeller.

** Why did you decide to come out after your sophomore year? Just felt like I had enjoyed the college process enough. You know, there’s more room for improvement in the NBA. You know, we had a great year this year, obviously. Would’ve liked to win the national championship, but we had a great year and you know, I think it’s the best time for me right now.
** Do you know Gordon Hayward? Yeah, somewhat. Butler was in my top three, so I, a lot of my recruiting visits and stuff, I was always hanging out with him and stuff. So I know him a little bit just through that. [Top three were] IU, North Carolina, and Butler.
** Why did you decide to work out for the Jazz when you’re projected to go much higher than where the Jazz are picking? I mean, weirder things have happened. You know, even last year, you know, [older brother] Tyler [Zeller] fell a little bit in the draft. But he worked out, you know, he worked out with Cleveland. He loves it there, but weirder things have happened, so you just want to be safe.
** Where are you most NBA-ready and which area needs the most work? Definitely my quickness and athleticism for a big guy. You know, and then I gotta continue to add strength and weight just ’cause the guys in the NBA are so big.
** Where have you worked out so far? This is my first one. So yeah, a bunch coming up…I go from here to Phoenix, and then I’m not even sure after that. I got two more after that. So I just kinda play it day by day.
** On having the chance to work with Karl Malone if he’s drafted by the Jazz: It would be unbelievable, just to, you know, growing up watching him, and you know, obviously a Hall of Famer and one of the greats to ever play the game.
** Have you received more interest from teams after the combine? Yeah, somewhat. I just let my agent handle most of it. I continue to just work out and stay in shape and get better. (KALL)