If one were to hop in the DeLorean and cruise back to December 30, 2002, they might find Jazz GM Kevin O’Connor watching the University of Utah Runnin’ Utes upset the No. 1 Alabama Crimson Tide at the Huntsman Center.
The significance here is that even though ‘Bama lost the game, sophomore guard Mo Williams made a big impression on O’Connor with his effort (true story). So, with the 47th pick in the 2003 NBA Draft, O’Connor took a flier Williams, who achieved draft-night steal status very quickly.
He went on to become a big part of the Jazz’s magical ’03-04 NBA season; the team’s first year after legends Karl Malone and John Stockton had left and a season in which the Jazz went 42-40 despite being pegged as the NBA’s worst team by some.
Williams played so well, in fact, that he earned a mid-level exception deal with the Milwaukee Bucks that was too rich for the Jazz to match. Later, O’Connor would call allowing Williams to walk the biggest mistake of his tenure running the franchise.
All told, Williams spent just two seasons in a Jazz uniform (’03-04 and ’12-13). But, he played in the league for more than 10 years, averaging 13 points and five assists per game. He also played in the 2009 NBA All-Star Game and won a title with the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2016.
Not bad for a guy picked near the end of the draft.
Next: No. 14