Draft Outlook
For at least the last two seasons, perimeter defense has been a glaring weakness for the Jazz. Utah finished with the NBA’s best record in the regular season, took a 2-0 lead in the Western Conference semifinals … and collapsed down the stretch. An inability to consistently guard on the perimeter played a major role in Utah’s demise. Using the Draft to upgrade in that area could be a difficult proposition, too, considering the 30th pick is Utah’s only selection in this year’s Draft.
A Stat That Matters
17.6 — The Jazz outscored their opponents by 17.6 points per game from 3-point range, the second biggest differential in the 43 seasons of the 3-point line and more than double that of any other team this season.
The Way To Go
Mike Conley’s pending free agency likely shapes how Utah proceeds with this pick. Even if the Jazz find a way to re-sign Conley, he’ll turn 34 next October, which means it’s time to look toward the future. Illinois guard Ayo Dosunmu is a proven scorer (20.1 points per game), but he’s also a versatile defender that can handle guarding bigger players. Auburn’s J.T. Thor (huge wingspan) and Michigan State’s Aaron Henry might also fit Utah at 30.
Under Contract
G: Jordan Clarkson
G: Elijah Hughes
G: Donovan Mitchell
G: Matt Thomas
G/F: Miye Oni
F/G: Joe Ingles
F: Bojan Bogdanovic
F: Derrick Favors
F: Royce O’Neale
C/F: Udoka Azubuike
C: Rudy Gobert
Free Agents
G: Trent Forrest (restricted)
G: Mike Conley (player option)
F: Jarrell Brantley (restricted)
F: Georges Niang (unrestricted)
F: Juwan Morgan (restricted)
F: Ersan Ilyasova (unrestricted)
> 2021 Free Agent Tracker
Last Year’s Draft
2020: Udoka Azubuike (27)
— Michael C. Wright