Salt Lake City, UT –
The Utah Jazz drafted
Kris Humphries (14
th overall),
Kirk Snyder (16
th
overall) and
Pavel Podkolzine (21
st overall) in the 2004 NBA Draft.
Humphries, a 6-9 forward out of Minnesota played
in 29 games as a freshman during the 2003-04 season and averaged 21.7 points
while collecting 10.9 rebounds per game. Named the 2004 Big Ten Freshman of the
Year. Also named to the First Team All-Big Ten by the media and coaches, named
Honorable Mention All-America by the Associated Press and was the first freshman
to lead the Big Ten in scoring and rebounding in the same season.
“I had a great time when I went to Utah to
workout, I felt so comfortable,” said Humphries. “I’m excited to start my
career and have a long career in Utah.”
Snyder, a 6-6 guard, played for Nevada for three
seasons and averaged 16.7 points during his career. During his junior season
Snyder was named the WAC Player of the Year and was the first player in school
history to earn the honor. Completed career as the seventh all-time leading
scorer in Nevada history with 1,404 points, also ranking in the school’s
all-time top 10 in field goals made and free throws made.
“Whatever Coach Sloan feels best and whatever is
best for the team,” said Snyder after being asked if he could see himself
contributing next season. “If it’s best that I wait my turn, play a few minutes
or whatever happens, then that’s what I’m supposed to do. In practice and camp,
I’ll do my best to give it all I have everyday.”
Podkolzine, 7-5 center, out of Russia was traded
to the Dallas Mavericks for a future first round draft pick.
“We traded
Podkolzine for a future first round draft pick to not have three rookies on the
team next season,” said Kevin O’Connor, Sr. Vice President of Basketball
Operations. “We have so many needs and we believe we have address them this
evening.”