"The resignations of Jerry Sloan and Phil Johnson ignited the Jazz's change. The trade of Deron Williams highlighted it. Tyrone Corbin's promotion and the late-season ascension of rookies Gordon Hayward and Derrick Favors accelerated it. But the true mark of Utah's movement from the past to the future will be made Thursday, as the Jazz decide how to best utilize the Nos. 3 and 12 picks in the 2011 NBA Draft.

Enes Kanter or Brandon Knight? Jimmer Fredette, Alec Burks, Klay Thompson or Chris Singleton? Another unexpected blockbuster trade or a faithful adherence to a carefully planned script?

It's decision time for Utah. The future has arrived. The most important draft in franchise history is here.

As of Wednesday evening, the Jazz appeared to be leaning toward Kanter over Knight at No. 3, creating space for a possible selection of Fredette at No. 12. However, Utah general manager Kevin O'Connor acknowledged Monday that the franchise was exploring all options with open eyes.

The tight-lipped GM and the organization that employs him take pride in the fact that the franchise's biggest moves are often well-kept secrets. O'Connor was willing to confirm two facts about the Jazz's take on the 2011 draft, though. Almost every pick from No. 1 through No. 14 is wide open — and uncertainty reigns.

"This is one of those drafts … it's going to be beauty in the eye of the beholder," O'Connor said. "And I think, some guys in the draft, you're going to look at a pick at a certain number and you go, 'Ooh, all of the mock drafts didn't have that guy rated there.'?"

If any selection is carved in stone, it's Duke point guard Kyrie Irving going to Cleveland at No. 1. But even that pick has been debated in recent days, with everyone from Arizona's Derrick Williams to Kanter reportedly drawing the Cavaliers' interest. "