The Utah Jazz aren\u2019t on the clock yet, but they\u2019re already doing their homework. In fact, as they went out of their way for the chance to have the No. 1 pick for the first time in \u00a0franchise history, it can be assumed that they\u2019ve done as much vetting as can be done. With that in mind, there are theoretically always several prospects that can fit a team. However, there are only a handful that the Jazz should be targeting with the top pick in the 2025 NBA Draft.<\/p>\n
If the Jazz wind up with the No. 1 pick following the Draft Lottery, expect them to take Duke freshman Cooper Flagg<\/a>. Frankly, Flagg is a prospect that all 30 teams might take with the first overall pick due to his dynamic tools and high ceiling. There are some questions about whether he\u2019s meant to be a No. 1 option in terms of his scoring ability and mentality. However, in Utah, he won\u2019t have to worry about being the top dog. In all likelihood, Lauri Markkanen<\/a> will still be the focal point of the Jazz\u2019s scoring attack, especially early in their partnership.<\/p>\n Floor: Lamar Odom<\/em><\/p>\n Ceiling: Jayson Tatum<\/em><\/p>\n Likeliest outcome: Chris Mullin<\/em><\/p>\n Rutgers freshman Dylan Harper<\/a> has a decent change of going to the Jazz if they don\u2019t secure the No. 1 pick. Right now, Utah has at least one too many guards to make him a feasible option. Keyonte George<\/a> and Isaiah Collier<\/a> are recent draft picks that they\u2019re invested in. Collin Sexton<\/a> and Jordan Clarkson<\/a> are veterans that they\u2019ve leaned on. Yet, each of those four has at least one glaring flaw. As the most well-rounded guard in his class, Harper presents an intriguing alternative whose selection would likely have a domino effect.<\/p>\n Floor: Shaun Livingston<\/a> (pre-injury)<\/em><\/p>\n Ceiling: Cade Cunningham<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n Likeliest outcome: Penny Hardaway<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n So long as they have a top-three pick, Rutgers freshman Ace Bailey<\/a> is an accessible alternative to the Jazz\u2019s current crop of forwards. Compared to Taylor Hendricks<\/a>, who is on the mend after a gruesome leg injury<\/a>, he has a higher ceiling as scorer. Compared to Cody Williams<\/a>, whose rookie season underwhelmed for myriad reasons<\/a>, he\u2019s a more confident and capable jump shooter. Though Johnny Juzang<\/a> and Brice Sensabaugh<\/a> played well in 2024-25, Bailey has a stronger defensive presence. It\u2019s unclear what John Collins<\/a> and Kyle <\/a>Filipowski\u2019s<\/a> primary positions are with the Jazz, but Bailey is a more fluid and reliable perimeter defender.<\/p>\n Floor: De\u2019Andre Hunter<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n Ceiling: Kevin Durant<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n Likeliest outcome: Rashard Lewis<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n If the Jazz\u2019s pick lands outside the top-four, Duke freshman Khaman Maluach<\/a> could become an increasingly attractive option. His season was overshadowed by the Maine Event, but he\u2019s been a fascinating draft prospect in the backdrop. At 7-foot-2 and 250 pounds, the South Sudanese center has the upside of an elite shot-blocker and pick-and-roll threat. Yet, he\u2019s also capable of guarding out in space and stepping out on the perimeter offensively. The Jazz have multiple players they value that can play center, particularly Walker Kessler<\/a>. However, the big man is often rumored to be<\/a> on the trade block and may price himself out of Salt Lake City.<\/p>\n2. Dylan Harper, Rutgers<\/h3>\n
3. Ace Bailey, Rutgers<\/h3>\n
4. Khaman Maluach, Duke<\/h3>\n