SALT LAKE CITY -- Their desire for a long-armed, shot-blocking, get-after-it big man to fill the middle of their defense is absolutely no secret. And yet with less than a week to go before draft day, the Utah Jazz continue to weigh all their options and evaluate each scenario.
To that end, they took a close look at oversized Fresno State guard Paul George Saturday morning at the team's practice facility.
George, a 6-foot-9 sophomore, is a projected lottery pick, although most experts have him slotted to go sometime after the Jazz's No. 9 selection. Even so, the 20-year-old joined nine other players for what is expected to be the Jazz's final group workout before the June 24th draft.
"He's a very talented kid," said Walt Perrin, the Jazz's vice president of player personnel. "Very talented."
George, a second-team all-Western Athletic Conference selection, averaged 16.8 points, 7.2 rebounds and three assists per game for the Bulldogs last season.
NBA decision-makers have become enamored with his agility, footwork and ability to play shooting guard at 6-9. That as much as anything explains why he is being cast as a potential lottery pick.
"It's intriguing, it's very intriguing," Perrin said of the mismatch potential George possesses. "We'll take a look at that."
One scouting website likens his leaping ability and frame to that of a young Tracy McGrady. He has also been compared to Indiana's Danny Granger and Houston's Trevor Ariza.
On the other hand, scouts have questioned his confidence and penchant for making turnovers.
"I think I'll be able to come in and contribute right away," George said. "It's going to be (a bumpy road at times). I'm still young, I've still got to learn a lot of stuff but I do think I can come in and contribute right away."
George played several games against local and regional teams last season, including two league contests against Utah State, another against BYU and still another against Montana.
He went for 28 points vs. the Grizzlies and 14 against the Cougars.
He averaged just 7.5 points against the Aggies, but saw only limited action after a sprained ankle he suffered in the first half of a Jan. 21 home loss.
In addition to George, the Jazz took a look at 6-6 Alabama-Birmingham guard Elijah Millsap, younger brother of veteran Paul Millsap.
The younger Millsap is considered to be a possible second-round pick, just as his brother was in 2006.
Former Portland State point guard Dominic Waters also was part of Saturday's group.
Waters isn't expected to be taken in the draft, but has been working out for teams in the hope he might earn a summer league job and a possible invitation to training camp in the fall.
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