The Jazz's shopping list for next month's NBA draft has an unusual item at the top: power forward.

Not since 1987, when Utah selected Jose Ortiz with the 15th pick, have the Jazz used their No. 1 choice on a power forward, and Ortiz was quickly rendered obsolete by the future Hall of Famer who has manned the position nearly every night for 18 seasons.

But Karl Malone, who reaches free agency July 1, might not return to Utah next season, and even if he does, at age 40 he is nearing the end of his career. The Jazz, spared the necessity of replacing the NBA's No. 2 career scorer for nearly two decades, finally have a reason to shop around for another power forward.

"I don't think 'replace' is the right word," said vice president of basketball operations Kevin O'Connor, mindful that Malone hasn't ruled out another season or two in Utah. "Would it be time for us to have a [power forward] on our roster that's young? Yeah, you can certainly say that."

Via Salt Lake Tribune

Utah Jazz, NBA Draft

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