The Utah Jazz have the second most draft picks in the 2023 draft with three. The Jazz are also one of two teams that own three first-rounders with the Indiana Pacers. What are the Jazz plans for June 22?<\/p>\n
Utah was one of the biggest surprises this past season, as they were expected to tank for Victor Wembenyam<\/a>a<\/strong>. While the Jazz did trade several of their top players, they still won 37 games. Thanks to the play of Lauri Markkanen<\/strong><\/a> and Jordan Clarkson<\/strong><\/a>, as well as the improvement of rookie Walker Kessler<\/strong><\/a>. The Jazz maintained their No. 9 pick in the lottery. They also are slated to pick 16th and 28th.<\/p>\n Utah has a ton of options with its three selections. Will they use all three picks or use one or more to move up in the draft?<\/p>\n Utah got close to several prospects at the recently completed NBA Combine. The Jazz conducted over 20 player interviews, attended multiple pro day workouts, and watched the scrimmages.<\/p>\n Utah has 13 players under contract for the upcoming campaign. However, Clarkson<\/strong>, Talen Horton-Tucker<\/strong><\/a>, Rudy Gay<\/strong><\/a>, and Damian Jones<\/strong><\/a> have player options. Kris Dunn<\/strong><\/a>, Luka Samanic<\/strong><\/a>, and Vernon Carey Jr<\/a>. <\/strong>have nonguaranteed deals. The Jazz also have a decision concerning Kelly Olynyk<\/strong><\/a>, as just $3 million of his $12 million is guaranteed though they do have to decide by June 28.<\/p>\n The Jazz are projected to have at least $40 million in cap space.<\/p>\n Regardless of what the four players with player options do, there is no guarantee that any of the four will be on the roster at the start of the 2023-24 campaign. The\u00a0 Jazz reportedly plans on building around Markkanen, Kessler, and Ochai Agbaji<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n “Yeah, this is gonna be fun,” CEO Danny Ainge said at the season wrap-up interview with local media<\/a>. “A lot more draft picks, more money to spend \u2014 yeah, a shopping spree. Yeah, this will be more fun \u2014 much<\/i> more fun than last year.”<\/p>\n Utah’s biggest needs are shooting, particularly from beyond the arc, athleticism, and a point guard.<\/p>\n “We weren’t a very good shooting team at the end of the year \u2014 injuries contributed some to that. We need to get better defensively,” said Ainge. “Those are the two [areas of] focus. I mean, I have a list of seven things, but Will [Hardy] would only let me have two.”<\/p>\n Utah has two choices: select the best player available or package it in a deal to move up. Portland<\/a> and Houston<\/a> have been rumored to be willing to listen to offers for the No. 3 and No. 4 picks<\/a>. Both teams are looking to add veterans, with the Trail Blazers looking for a running mate for Damian Lillard<\/strong><\/a>, while the Rockets could be in search of a backcourt mate as well if they can sign James Harden<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n Utah does not have a 2024 draft pick. But the Jazz do have three first-rounders in 2025, two in 2026, four in 2027, two in 2028, and two in 2029. Clarkson and Collin Sexton are their most valuable veterans who could move.<\/p>\n If the Jazz retain the choice, they should have a lot of suitable options. Taylor Hendricks<\/strong><\/a>, Jarace Walker<\/strong><\/a>, Ausur Thompson<\/strong><\/a>, Anthony Black<\/strong><\/a>, Cam Whitmore<\/strong><\/a>,\u00a0 Gradey Dick<\/strong><\/a>, and Cason Wallace<\/strong><\/a> have been linked to Utah’s lottery pick.<\/p>\n Hendricks, Thompson, Whitmore, and Walker are all two-way wings with elite athleticism. Though Whitmore is also a capable shot-maker, Hendricks is the best shooter of the bunch. Walker, Hendricks, and Whitmore are arguably the best defenders. Meanwhile, Thompson has the most upside due to his all-around potential.<\/p>\n Dick is one of the best shooters in the draft. The 6-8 wing moves well off the ball, but his defense is a question mark.<\/p>\n Black and Wallace are very interesting for the Jazz, considering a lead guard is arguably their biggest position need. Black is a big combo guard who is a selfless playmaker with outstanding court vision and plays both ends of the floor. Wallace is four inches smaller than Black but possesses a solid combination of passing IQ, shooting versatility, and defensive instincts.<\/p>\n If Utah doesn’t trade the ninth overall pick, the Jazz could move on their other two first-rounders in a package for a veteran. Or the Jazz could package both to move up a couple of slots in this year’s draft. If the Jazz keep one or both or move up\/back, the following are some prospects that they could target.<\/p>\n Keyonte George<\/strong><\/a> is one of the draft’s most prolific shooters and scorers. The 6-4 guard, 19-year-old, is a strong shot-creator and good passer though inconsistency plagued his freshman campaign at Baylor.<\/p>\n Kris Murray<\/a>\u00a0<\/strong>had a breakthrough in year three at Iowa, putting up 20 points and seven rebounds. The 6-8 wing is a floor-stretcher with versatility on the defensive end.<\/p>\n Jalen Hood-Schifino<\/strong><\/a> is only 20 years old and has enormous upside. He is far away from being ready to contribute right away.<\/p>\n Dariq Whitehead<\/strong><\/a> had an injury-riddled freshmen campaign at Duke. But the 19-year-old wing is exceptionally talented with 3-and-D capabilities.<\/p>\n Nick Smith Jr<\/strong><\/a>. can shoot off the bounce, pass off a live dribble, and finish with creativity around the rim. He also competes defensively. Injuries plagued his freshmen season at Arkansas.<\/p>\n Kobe Bufkin<\/strong> <\/a>is a three-level scorer who is very quick and possesses some defensive ability.<\/p>\n Jordan Hawkins<\/strong><\/a> is a sharp-shooting wing who can score many ways while having improved as a playmaker and defender.<\/p>\n Noah Clowney<\/strong><\/a> is a versatile frontcourt defender who can stretch the floor.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n Brice Sensabaugh<\/strong><\/a> can score from anywhere on the floor and knock down over 40% of his 3-point attempts in his first collegiate season.<\/p>\nExamining Utah’s Roster Situation<\/h3>\n
What To Do With the No. 9 Picks?<\/h3>\n
Options For the Utah Jazz At No. 16 and No. 28<\/h3>\n