By Matt Payne–utahjazz.com
The workouts have been completed, the swirling rumors have settled, and (finally) the 2015 NBA Draft has come and gone.
The results? Two new Utah Jazz players—Trey Lyles from Kentucky and Olivier Hanlan from Boston College.
The Jazz selected Lyles, a 6-foot-10 forward who averaged 8.7 points and 5.2 rebounds in 23.0 minutes per game as a freshman last season, with the No. 12 pick in the first round. His minutes were limited because he played behind two players who were selected ahead of him in the draft—Karl-Anthony Towns (No. 1 by Minnesota) and Willie Cauley-Stein (No. 6 by Sacramento).
“Trey’s a ‘Jazz-fiber player,’ and that means a lot to this organization,” Utah Jazz president Randy Rigby said. “We’re looking at a player that has the same mindset, values and character that we’re looking for.”
He’s also really talented.
ESPN Draft Insider Chad Ford wasn’t surprised the Jazz selected Lyles: “Lyles is such a Jazz pick. Solid, not sexy. He's very skilled, has a high basketball IQ and should be an excellent backup for Derrick Favors. I don't think he showed everything he could do in Kentucky. There's upside there.”
The Jazz selected Hanlan at No. 42. A 6-foot-4 combo guard, Hanlan averaged 19.5 points, 4.2 rebounds and 4.2 assists (and made 2.0 threes) per game and was named AP Honorable Mention All-American as a junior last season.
With the No. 54 pick, the Jazz selected Daniel Diez, a 6-foot-8 forward out of Spain … and promptly traded him to Portland in exchange for cash considerations.
Lyles will wear jersey No. 41 for the Jazz, while Hanlan will wear number No. 21.
Fans can check out Lyles and Hanlan—along with other young players from the team—at the Utah Jazz Summer League from July 6–9.