NBA Draft

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Ryan Kostecka

Although the 2023-24 NBA season ended earlier than the Jazz hoped it would, it just means that the most exciting part of the year has arrived early — the offseason. Armed with multiple first round picks and a deep desire to get better this summer and eventually bring a title to Utah, the Jazz have positioned themselves to make any move they desire.

Before breaking down how big of an offseason this could be, it's time to reflect on the previous season. How good were the rookies? What are the plans for the future? Is Lauri Markkanen on board with what's going on? JP Chunga (Jazz Podcast Host) and myself (Jazz Digital Content Writer) are here to answer your Jazz questions — and much more.

Question: Keyonte was really good for the season, but is there a reason to be concerned about his struggling shooting splits? | Zoe M. — Park City, UTChunga: It’s natural for rookies to be inefficient. This is their first time playing against high level competition. What’s most important is how confident Keyonte got using his shot to set up his drive. He had five games where he attempted 10+ threes, all of which occurred in the second half of the season. That can open up his drive once opponents respect it. 

Question: How should the fanbase feel about how the season ended? I have no idea what I’m going through trying to figure it out. | Rob P. — Millcreek, UTKostecka: I understand the frustration because nobody wants to lose, especially a fanbase as passionate and knowledgeable as Jazz Nation. But there are a lot more positives to take away than negatives. All three rookies showed flashes of being legit NBA players… and then some. Utah has so many picks that any big move that happens in the offseason will have to go through them. The rebuild wasn’t going to be a 1-or-2 year deal, it was always going to take time… but now comes the upswing part.

Question: Last year Walker was incredible… But what the heck happened this season? He looked like a totally different player. | Rochelle D. — Kanab, UTChunga: Expectations totally skew the way we think about things. I asked Will Hardy about Walker’s year, and he compared it to going .500. If you win the first two games and lose the last two, you’re still .500 but you feel differently about things. If you said Walker would be at this point when the team traded for him two years ago, you would’ve taken it. Walker dealt with injury this year. He still has so much room to improve on both ends of the floor. I know his inclusion with the Jazz’s summer league squad will go a long way in his development. 

Question: How do you think the rookies fared throughout the year? Is the front office happy with their performance/growth? | Steven T. — Reno, NVKostecka: To be expected, their respective performances were up and down. Keyonte established himself early during training camp and was a part of the rotation on opening night — eventually emerging as a starter. He had the biggest swings, but that was to be expected as his role expanded. Taylor and Brice really came on post trade deadline and showed legit NBA skills. There’s plenty of work to do for all three, but Will (Hardy) and Danny (Ainge) are pleased with their growth and have a busy summer planned for all three – which included playing in Summer League.

Question: I think the most obvious question to ask is what are Utah’s plans this summer? Are we going to “tank” again next year? Make a big trade for a star? What’s the goal? | Alex B. — Salt Lake City, UTChunga: Danny Ainge and Justin Zanik want to go big game hunting. The advantage this team has is the optionality of the offseason with picks and cap space. It really is a choose your own adventure book. The Jazz are in talent acquisition mode. They can be incredibly opportunistic. 

Question: From everything I’ve seen, it appears the Jazz see Lauri as a HUGE part of their future plans. Is he okay with the way the season ended? Do you think it’s more likely he gets a new contract with us or we trade him? | Nickey B. — Coeur d’ Alene, IDKostecka: I don’t think anyone in the organization is okay with how the season ended because they all want to win, and that includes Lauri — but that doesn’t mean that he can’t see the big picture. After speaking to him many times, I can say he’s very comfortable with the Jazz, loves the state, is fully on board with Utah’s plans, and wants to be here. As for what that brings for his future, only time will tell. 

Question: What happened at the end of the season? Why did Utah trade away Kelly (Olynyk), Simone (Fontecchio), and Ochai (Agbaji) when the team had a chance at the play-in? If the plan was to tank, why didn’t we do it earlier? | Michael B. — Brigham City, UTChunga: The trades offered ways to get more playing time for their rookies. They got to see how Taylor, Keyonte, and Brice react to the rigors of the NBA season. It wasn’t ideal with the number of games missed from other players on the roster. They’re young and suffered growing pains. The trades also gave opportunities to get into the back end of the draft. In the very deep Western Conference, those draft picks are the currency of hope.

Question: How do veterans like John Collins, Jordan Clarkson, Kris Dunn, and Collin Sexton fit into next year and the overall timeline of the Jazz? | Katelyn B. — Whitefish, MTKostecka: This is tough because the Jazz are in such a transitive state that anything can happen. I will say the front office was very pleased with how all four played this year. What that means for them moving forward, who knows. The NBA is a business and the ultimate goal is to bring a title to the state, so I’m guessing the front office will do what needs to be done to achieve that goal. 

Question: If you have one piece of advice to give Jazz Nation that should give us hope for the future, what would it be? | Ericka W. — Bountiful, UTChunga: These guys have done it before. Ainge and Zanik have built successful teams. They will figure it out soon enough. Ryan Smith is incredibly committed to the success of basketball in this state (see Kevin Young). Hardy remains an impressive young coach who thinks of offensive basketball in creative ways. That triad from ownership to front office to coach is aligned on the direction of this program. 

Question: Not a Jazz question necessarily (and an Arizona local)… But with the news of an NHL team coming to SLC in October, how does the team/organization feel about it? | Robert G. — Scottsdale, AZKostecka: I can tell you that excitement within the organization and that state wouldn’t register on the Richter scale – it doesn’t go that high. Everyone is beyond stoked about Salt Lake City and the state having a hockey team… and the fan reaction has been unbelievable. I feel for the fans in Arizona, that’s tough — but the team is going to be well received and accepted here.

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Utah Jazz Mailbag — With the Offseason Finally Here, JP Chunga and Ryan Kostecka Answer Your Questions

Jeremy Rincon

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PHOTOS | Welcome to Utah

With the No. 9 pick, Utah selected elite forward Taylor Hendricks out of the University of Central Florida, and then followed that up with Baylor star guard Keyonte George at No. 16. They ended the first round taking a swing on Ohio State scorer Brice Sensabaugh, a legit three-level scorer.&nbsp;

"All three have good character. … All of these guys have things you can't teach," Utah GM Justin Zanik said. "All three of the guys can shoot. … They have different bodies, but all three have athleticism. We got two guys who were ranked in our top 10, and we were debating which one to take at No. 9. And then, at 28, we got a guy who was in our top 18."

Here are five things to know about the three-level shot-maker: Sensabaugh.

"I didn't expect him to be here at 28," Zanik said of Sensabaugh. "When he started slipping a little but — at least in our rankings — we started getting a bunch of calls from teams trying to move in. We actually even made some attempts to move up after we selected Keyonte, but he fell to us. He makes and takes NBA pro shots. … He's got a body that you can't teach, he's very athletically gifted."

1.) Mr. FloridaKnown as one of the most talent-rich states in the country for high school basketball players, it says something when you're named Mr. Basketball in the state of Florida. 

That's what Sensabaugh accomplished this senior year in high school.&nbsp;

With players such as Hendricks, George, Dariq Whitehead (No. 22 | Brooklyn Nets), Jarace Walker (No. 8 | Washington Wizards), Jalen Hood-Schifino (No. 17 | Los Angeles Lakers), and Jett Howard (No. 11 | Orlando Magic) all playing their senior year of high school ball in Florida, it was Sensabaugh who took home top honors.

2.) Past With HendricksAlthough he was named Mr. Florida his senior season, Sensabaugh would've rather taken home a state title with Lake Highland Prep. Instead, he came up one game short of playing for the state championship — primarily due to his new teammate, Hendricks. 

Facing off in the semifinals of the 3A state tournament, Sensabaugh and Lake Highland staged a fourth-quarter comeback that came up just short in their 62-60 loss to Hendricks and Calvary Christian.&nbsp;

That wasn't the first time Sensabaugh and Hendricks knew each other, as they'd previously played on the same AAU team. However, that previous friendship continued throughout the pre-draft process as the two kept in constant contact — and will now suit up together in the NBA. 

3.) Booming BuckeyeWhen Sensabaugh arrived on campus in Columbus, Ohio, for his freshman season, he began the season as Ohio State's sixth man by coming off the bench for the first nine games. He then found his way into the starting lineup and never looked back, averaging 16.3 points and 5.4 rebounds per game. 

He was named to the All-Big Ten Third Team and Big Ten All-Freshman Team.

Sensabaugh was one of seven freshmen since 2003 to average 15+ points, 50% on 2-pt FGs, 40% on 3-pt FGs, and 80% on FTs, joining Kevin Durant, Steph Curry, Kyrie Irving, Ben McLemore, Mike Daum, and current Jazz teammate Lauri Markkanen.&nbsp;

4.) Injury HistoryWith an offensive skillset as gifted as his, many wondered how Sensabaugh slipped to Utah at No. 28 — including the Jazz. 

There's no doubt that Sensabaugh's injury history and inability to showcase his skills as the combine played a prominent role. He missed his entire junior season of high school with a meniscus tear, an injury that forced him to have two surgeries. He then had another surgery in March, forcing him to miss the end of the season and all of the pre-draft workouts.&nbsp;

But finally healthy, Sensabaugh is ready for the NBA.&nbsp;

"It's gonna be something that's super important for me to continue to take care of my body," he said. "My body is my job basically, so I'm just going to continue to work on that, get healthy, stay healthy. I'm feeling great, though."

5.) 'Potential' Steal Of The DraftAccording to many analysts, there's no doubt that Sensabaugh has the offensive capabilities to make his mark in the NBA. A gifted three-level scorer, he has the size and physicality to score in many ways — something he did at a high level in college. 

But there were question marks about his injury history (above) and defensive ability, issues the Jazz didn't see a problem with. While Sensabaugh admitted that he needs to improve defensively, Utah sees a player who gave great effort on that end — a tool they can utilize to become effective.&nbsp;

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"I'm Feeling Great" | Five Things To Know About Utah's Three-Level Shot-Maker: Brice Sensabaugh

Utah entered the 2023 NBA Draft as one of the most intriguing teams, armed with multiple future picks capable of accomplishing nearly anything on the night. With their name swirling in trade rumors leading up to the draft, there was so much anticipation of what the Jazz would ultimately do.&nbsp;

In the end, what started out as a night filled with so many different outcomes turned into one that Utah had hoped for all along — and were thrilled to turn the dream into a reality.&nbsp;

Here are five things to know about the electric guard, George:

"The Jazz are going to get a guy that is going to come in, work hard, [be] coachable, willing to learn each and every day," George said of what he brings to the team. "Of course, my scoring ability, I feel like is one of the best. My creativity with the basketball. … I know they're going to get an all-around player. Continue to compete each and every day. … Just going to play winning basketball."

1.) High School PhenomAlthough he attended three high schools throughout his four-year career, George made the absolute most at each stop. 

Beginning his career at Lewisville High School in Lewisville, Texas, George averaged 21 ppg as a freshman before emerging his sophomore season, averaging 23.9 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 2.3 assists and receiving District 6-6A MVP honors. He then transferred to iSchool of Lewisville his junior season, where he averaged 24.8 ppg.

George then made a big move for his senior season, transferring to IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida, where he averaged 17.8 ppg.&nbsp;

2.) Elite TeammatesKnown as a breeding ground for professional athletes, IMG Academy is where many high school stars transfer, hoping to further their careers — and that's what happened with George. 

His time at IMG really prepared him for his lone season at college and, eventually, in the NBA with the Jazz. It also fostered a competitive atmosphere, where he teamed up with Jarace Walker (Indiana Pacers) and Jett Howard (Orlando Magic), two lottery picks taken in the 2023 NBA Draft.&nbsp;

3.) Fabulous Freshman SeasonGeorge arrived on Baylor's campus as the No. 3 ranked recruit in the country, the highest to ever commit to the Bears — and he didn't disappoint. 

He was named the Big 12 Freshman of the Year after averaging 15.3 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 2.8 assists per game — including a career-high 32 points against West Virginia. Although he played primarily out of position due to Baylor's more experienced guards, the 6-foot-4 George responded as one of the most dynamic scorers in the country.&nbsp;

4.) National Team CareerGeorge got the chance to represent his country when he played in the FIBA 3x3 Under-18 World Cup in 2021. He led Team USA to the gold medal when they took down Estonia 21-14 in the title game. 

It was also a breakout performance for George on a global scale when he averaged a tournament-high 8.2 ppg, taking home MVP honors in the process.&nbsp;

5.) Talented ScorerMany analysts in the draft process weren't sure what to make of George, a talented scorer who they felt underperformed a bit in college. 

Utah loved George's competitiveness and believed he could be a scoring point guard in the NBA, a position he didn't play much of in college.

"Keyonte, I think, has probably the most diversified offensive-developed skill set, maybe in the draft," Zanik said. "He's smart, he's a good passer. I can see him playing on the ball and off the ball. … But just a really talented guard."

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"Play Winning Basketball" | Five Things To Know About Utah's Electric Guard: Keyonte George

With the No. 9 pick, Utah selected elite forward Taylor Hendricks out of the University of Central Florida, and then followed that up with Baylor star guard Keyonte George at No. 16. They ended the first round taking a swing on Ohio State scorer Brice Sensabaugh, a legit three-level scorer. 

Here are five things to know about the versatile big man, Hendricks:

"I feel like I'll bring a lot more length to the Jazz, and my shooting ability and my defensive versatility is something I can bring," Hendricks said of his skillset. "I know the Utah Jazz, they like to play big. They like big lineups, they like moving Lauri to the three. I feel like I could fit in that team really well because they have a lot of length, so I'm going to be right with them. … My shooting ability could really help them out, as well."

1.) State ChampionIt’s hard to imagine a player having a more successful high school career than Hendricks. Playing for NSU University School in Florida as a freshman, Hendricks won a state title on a team that included current NBA players Vernon Carey Jr., Jett Howard, and Scottie Barnes. He transferred to Calvary Christian Academy for his final two years of high school, winning the Florida 3A state title in both seasons. 

Extra fun fact — en route to one of his state titles with Calvary Christian, Hendricks took down current Jazz teammate Brice Sensabaugh and Lake Highland Preparatory School in the state playoffs. 

2.) UCF LegendAlthough he was only there for one season, Hendricks arrived as a star on UCF’s Orlando campus before leaving a superstar nine months later. He was the only player in the NCAA to hit 60 or more three pointers, block 55 or more shots, and have 35 or more dunks last year.

Electing to become a Knight over offers from Florida, Florida State, Miami, LSU, Memphis, and others, Hendricks was the highest-rated recruit — four stars — to commit to UCF. After a dominant freshman year in which he set the American Athletic Conference Rookie of the Week record (nine times), Hendricks became the highest-drafted Knight of all time.&nbsp;

3.) Versatile SkillsetOne of the more unique prospects in the class, Hendricks can thrive in the center or power forward spots. He makes this mark on defense as someone who can defend the rim but also switch onto smaller defenders in space or on the wing. He is a talented athlete who shows good awareness rebounding, which should translate to the league. Offensively, he’s an excellent shooter on volume from deep, capable of handling the ball or creating for himself if needed. 

He averaged 15.1 points, 7.0 rebounds, 1.7 blocks, and 1.4 assists per game, shooting 39.4% from beyond the arc.

4.) No Workout In UtahOne of the most interesting facts about Hendricks and his pre-draft process was that he never got to work out for the Jazz. While the team had him in for workouts, Utah GM Justin Zanik said Hendricks was dealing with a small issue and couldn’t take the court. 

Although that might make most teams reconsider the draft pick, Zanik believes the Jazz saw Hendricks’ competitive spirit while he sat on the sideline while other players worked out. When speaking with him later on, they got a feel for his desire to take the court and compete — something they believe will translate to the next level.&nbsp;

5.) Family ConnectionWhile many in the college ranks were surprised to see Hendricks choose UCF over Power 5 schools, one of the primary reasons for the destination was the ability to spend more time with his twin brother, Tyler.

He and Tyler suited up at Calvary Christian together before heading to UCF and suiting up for the Knights together. Although Tyler didn’t play this past season, getting an extra year with his brother meant everything to Taylor.&nbsp;

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"I Could Fit In Really Well" | Five Things To Know About Utah's Versatile Big Man: Taylor Hendricks

Utah entered the 2023 NBA Draft as one of the most intriguing teams, armed with multiple future picks capable of accomplishing nearly anything on the night. With their name swirling in trade rumors pretty heavily for the past 48 hours, there was so much anticipation of what the Jazz would ultimately do.&nbsp;

Turns out, they stood pat — and they left with one of the best draft hauls they could've predicted at the start of the night.

"Really happy with how the draft played out," Utah GM Justin Zanik said following the conclusion of the first round of the draft Thursday night.

The Jazz addressed immediate needs while getting three players capable of being contributors sooner rather than later.

"All three have good character. … All of these guys have things you can't teach," Zanik said. "All three of the guys can shoot. … They have different bodies, but all three have athleticism. We got two guys who were ranked in our top 10, and we were debating which one to take at No. 9. And then, at 28, we got a guy who was in our top 18."

Ultimately, Zanik and the front office were thrilled with how the draft broke for the Jazz. Instead of making tough decisions about who they should take or what they should do, they felt confident in how the process played out.&nbsp;

"The draft is the opportunity to add what is the most rare quality to acquire in the NBA: talent," Zanik said. "We need guys that have an upside and chance to grow with the right kind of development, with the right kind of hard work. … I think that's an asset we have with Will Hardy and our staff, and that's what we got tonight."

With Hendricks, the Jazz are getting a player with versatility on both ends of the court and should slot in perfectly alongside Walker Kessler and Lauri Markkanen. All with incredible length, the Kessler-Hendricks-Markkanen trio could be an athletic and defensively talented group.

"A few things stand out. … His length, his ability to make open shots, he's got very good instincts as a weakside shot-blocker," Zanik said of Hendricks. "He's got some athletic genes, but also the brains for it. On the development side: Where can we get his game as far as attacking closeouts and getting stronger?"

With George, Zanik and the Jazz were thrilled to see their No. 10 prospect fall on the way to the 16th pick. A legitimate three-level scorer who's among the most talented shotmakers in the draft, Zanik sees George playing with or without the ball in his hands. 

"Keyonte has probably the most diversified offensive skillset maybe in the draft," Zanik said of George. "Keyonte's been doing it for a long time at a very, very high level. He has all the shots, shots that some people can't ever learn. He's worked on his body, he has confidence as a scorer. … We've got to work on where he fits into the team, but right now, he's already an offensive weapon."

While Utah may have been surprised to see George drop to 16, it was nothing compared to seeing Sensabaugh available late in the first round. Another potent scorer, Sensabuagh is&nbsp; physically strong and capable of punishing smaller guards in many ways.

"I didn't expect him to be here at 28," Zanik laughed when talking about Sensabaugh. "When he started slipping a little but — at least in our rankings — we started getting a lot of calls from teams trying to move in. He makes and takes pro shots. … Continuing to get better on the defensive end, but he's got a pro body."

In the end, what started out as a night filled with so many different outcomes turned into one that the Jazz had hoped for all along — and were thrilled to turn the dream into a reality.&nbsp;

"The draft took a really fortunate turn for us. … We're leaning into talent and getting many talented players on the roster," Zanik said.

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"Really Happy" | Utah Blends High Character With Talent In Sensational Draft Night

The Utah Jazz will enter the 2023 NBA Draft with three first round picks; No. 9, 16, and 28.

We will breakdown each of Utah's draft picks, as well as analysis from the league, right here.

1.) SAN ANTONIO SPURSVictor WembanyamaCountry: FranceSchool/Club: Metropolitans 92 (France)Height: 7-foot-4Weight: 237 lbsAge: 19Position: Forward/CenterOverview: Arguably the greatest prospect since LeBron James or Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Wembanyama is a prospect never seen before. He displays tremendous handles, can shoot the ball from up to 30-feet, and has great vision that shows off his elite playmaking. He can protect the rim with ease, shows great awareness as a team defender, and is a physical rebounder. And he does all of this elite athleticism, footwork, and quickness at 7-foot-4.Comparison: Giannis Antetokounmpo | Kevin Durant

2.) CHARLOTTE HORNETSBrandon MillerCountry: USASchool/Club: AlabamaHeight: 6-foot-9Weight: 200 lbsAge: 20Position: ForwardOverview: In the running for the No. 2 pick — but not expected to last past No. 3 — Miller has legitimate two-way star potential. With a wingspan reaching 7-feet, he’s equally proficient at getting to the rim and finishing as he is at shooting from beyond the arc. He has good handles and is capable of running the pick-and-roll, also proving to be a willing and engaged passer. He’s also an active defender and really competes on that end.Comparison: Paul George | Brandon Ingram

3.) PORTLAND TRAILBLAZERSScoot HendersonCountry: USASchool/Club: G League IgniteHeight: 6-foot-2Weight: 195 lbsAge: 19Position: GuardOverview: A prospect with legitimate star potential, Henderson has been in the spotlight for the last few years and has largely lived up to it. Hyper-athletic with a tremendous feel for the game, he’s a true point guard as he shows patience and gets his teammates involved. Although his shooting can improve, he punishes teams who go under on screens with a reliable jumper. He’s relentless attacking the rim. Defensively, there is serious upside due his strength, wingspan, and athleticism.&nbsp;Comparison: Russell Westbrook | Derrick Rose

4.) Houston RocketsAmen ThompsonCountry: USASchool/Club: Overtime EliteHeight: 6-foot-6Weight: 214 lbsAge: 20Position: GuardOverview: Serving as a ballhandler and playmaker, Thompson is intriguing because he does so with wing size and beyond elite athleticism. Not the best shooter, he still punishes teams who go under screens with burst and finishing prowess around the rim. Able to process the game quickly, he has great vision and it shows in the pick-and-roll and when he gets into the paint. Has defensive potential due to his physical traits.Comparison: Ja Morant | Ben Simmons

5.) DETROIT PISTONSAusar ThompsonCountry: USASchool/Club: Overtime EliteHeight: 6-foot-5Weight: 218 lbsAge: 20Position: Guard/ForwardOverview: Arguably the best athlete in the draft (alongside his twin bother, Amen) Thompson’s quickness and versatility have the potential to make him one of the best defenders in the NBA almost immediately. Nearly unstoppable in transition, he also shows advanced playmaking abilities. A better shooter than his brother, some believe his ceiling is higher than Amen’s if his shot can become more reliable.Comparison: Jimmy Butler | Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

6.) ORLANDO MAGICAnthony BlackCountry: USASchool/Club: ArkansasHeight: 6-foot-5Weight: 210 lbsAge: 19Position: GuardOverview: Somebody’s whose game should translate really well to the NBA level with more spacing, Black is already advanced in the pick-and-roll and possesses elite on-ball defense. A point guard with a wing’s body and length, he’s a good finisher at the rim and an above average athlete. Needs improvement shooting the ball, both at the line and beyond the arc.Comparison: Josh Giddey | Cade Cunningham

7.) INDIANA PACERSBilal CoulibalyCountry: FranceSchool/Club: Metropolitans 92 (France)Height: 6-foot-8Weight: 194 lbsAge: 18Position: ForwardOverview: Arguably the fastest-rising prospect over the last month, Coulibaly could make an instant impact on the defensive end as his athleticism and size making him a switching nightmare. He moves well without the ball, attacks the rim with strength, and is relentless on the offensive boards. Combining all of that with his explosiveness and you get a prospect with a high ceiling.Comparison: Pascal Siakim | Jaden McDaniels

8.) WASHINGTON WIZARDSJarace WalkerCountry: USASchool/Club: HoustonHeight: 6-foot-6Weight: 248 lbsAge: 19Position: ForwardOverview: One of the best defenders in the class, Walker has elite skills when it comes to defending bigger players in the post or smaller players on the perimeter. His physical stature gives hi the strength to not be build, yet he’s very light on his feet and can more extremely well. Has playmaking abilities that are much better than expected, as well as the ability to finish at the rim and knock down the three. Potential to be a defensive star.Comparison: Draymond Green | Larry Johnson

9.) UTAH JAZZTaylor HendricksCountry: USASchool/Club: Central FloridaHeight: 6-foot-8Weight: 213 lbsAge: 19Position: ForwardOverview: One of the more unique prospects in the class, Hendricks can thrive in either the center of power forward spots. He make this mark on defense as someone who can defend the rim but also switch onto smaller defenders in space or on the wing. A talented athlete, he shows good awareness rebounding that’s should translate to the league, Offensively, he’s a very good shooter on volume from deep, capable of handling the ball or creating for himself if needed.&nbsp;Comparison: Jaren Jackson Jr. | Antwan Jamison

10.) DALLAS MAVERICKSCason WallaceCountry: USASchool/Club: KentuckyHeight: 6-foot-4Weight: 193 lbsAge: 19Position: GuardOverview: One of the most tenacious on-ball defenders in the draft, Wallace routinely took over basketball games at the collegiate level due to his ability to stonewall opposing guards. Has playmaking abilities but will need to show more at the next level. A very capable shooter in general, with elite catch-and-shoot skills, Wallace has the tools to be a dominant guard in the league. His size and strength should allow him to be versatile defensively against multiple positions.&nbsp;Comparison: Jrue Holiday | Marcus Smart

11.) ORLANDO MAGICJett HowardCountry: USASchool/Club: MichiganHeight: 6-foot-8Weight: 215 lbsAge: 19Position: Guard/ForwardOverview: A three-point specialist with exceptional height and length, Howard appears to be one of the more pro-ready prospects in the class from a shooting standpoint. He’s comfortable on both catch-and-shoot and movement opportunities with the ball. He also shot patience in his game, not afraid to pump fake and pull up from the midrange. He shows good vision and has a little playmaking in his game. Defensively, he the attributes to be a good defender but his engagement will have to improve&nbsp;Comparison: Doug McDermott | Chandler Parsons

12.) OKLAHOMA CITY THUNDERDereck Lively IICountry: USASchool/Club: DukeHeight: 7-foot-1Weight: 230 lbsAge: 19Position: CenterOverview: A defensive anchor for any team that drafts him, Lively shows advanced shot blocking prowess. Whether it’s coming from the help side or matching up one-on-one, he shows solid anticipation and the ability to stay out of foul trouble. He excels in drop coverage and is athletic enough to stay on the perimeter with certain players. Offensively he’s a projected rim runner and a willing passer to find cutters or spot-up shooters. He has good form from deep but is a project from beyond the arc.Comparison: Nic Claxton | Willie Cauley-Stein

13.) TORONTO RAPTORSGradey DickCountry: USASchool/Club: KansasHeight: 6-foot-8Weight: 204 lbsAge: 19Position: Guard/ForwardOverview: Potentially the best pure shooter in the draft, Dick is lethal from beyond the arc and could have a long career based on that asset alone. But he’s more than that, not afraid to put the ball on the ground and get to the rim. His length and athleticism are above average for his size, and when combined with his work ethic on the defensive end, he could be solid on both ends of the floor. Will need to add weight to his frame.Comparison: Gordan Hayward | Saddiq Bey

14.) NEW ORLEANS PELICANSJordan HawkinsCountry: USASchool/Club: UConnHeight: 6-foot-4Weight: 186 lbsAge: 21Position: GuardOverview: A challenger to Gradey Dick for the best shooter in the class, there might not have been a prospect who helped his stock more than Hawkins during the NCAA Tournament. He’s a prototypical shooting guard with his size and athleticism, allowing him to get off his shot with a quick release. He is constantly moving off the ball and has solid mechanics coming off screens. His athleticism should allow him to be an adequate defender.Comparison: Klay Thompson | Rip Hamilton&nbsp;

15.) ATLANTA HAWKSKobe BufkinCountry: USASchool/Club: MichiganHeight: 6-foot-4Weight: 187 lbsAge: 19Position: GuardOverview: A prospect who really came late in the season, and whose stock has continued to rise throughout the combine process, Bufkin is a do-it-all combo guard. Capable of scoring at all three levels, he plays and finishes through contact well. He has defensive versatility due to his size and length, and is a great rebounder for a guard. Plays hard and makes good decisions with the ball in his hands.Comparison: Jordan Poole | Jordan Clarkson&nbsp;

16.) UTAH JAZZKeyonte GeorgeCountry: USASchool/Club: BaylorHeight: 6-foot-4Weight: 185 lbsAge: 19Position: GuardOverview: A true combo guard who can thrive at either position, George projects to be a three-level scorer in the NBA. His combination of athleticism and body control allow him to score against any opponent, while his footwork and patience give him space to get his shot off. He possesses playmaking qualities, which should translate more at the next level when the game is more spaced out.&nbsp;Comparison: Jamal Murray | Bradley Beal

17.) LOS ANGELES LAKERSJalen Hood-SchifinoCountry: USASchool/Club: IndianaHeight: 6-foot-4Weight: 216 lbsAge: 19Position: GuardOverview: A prospect who should excel in the NBA with more spacing, Hood-Schifino has great size and strength for a lead guard. He is high level with his vision, passing, and ball handling, which should allow him to thrive in the pick-and-roll. He can punish smaller defenders and has a good midrange game, but he needs to add more from beyond the arc. His athleticism and size should allow him to become an above average defender in the league.Comparison: Malcolm Brogdon | Deron Williams

18.) MIAMI HEATJaime Jaquez Jr.Country: USASchool/Club: UCLAHeight: 6-foot-6Weight: 226 lbsAge: 22Position: ForwardOverview: Not the best athlete on the floor, Jaquez Jr. finds success with his court intelligence and game awareness. His displays elite footwork on offense that allows him to get his shot off in a multitude of ways. He’s crafty around the rim, but also possesses the ability to knock down shots from beyond the arc. He’s a smart defender who gets into passing lanes and uses his strength to contend.Comparison: Anthony Lamb | Rui Hachimura

19.) GOLDEN STATE WARRIORSBrandin PodziemskiCountry: USASchool/Club: Santa ClaraHeight: 6-foot-5Weight: 204 lbsAge: 20Position: Guard/ForwardOverview: Part of what makes Podziemski so intriguing is that he’s been a quick riser throughout the process as there’s more to his game than just a knockdown three-point shooter. He’s a great rebounder for his size and showcases solid vision for playmaking, as evidenced during the combine. He’s not very long and his defense is a question mark, but he competes and is a gamer.Comparison: Damion Lee | Luke Kennard

20.) HOUSTON ROCKETSCam WhitmoreCountry: USASchool/Club: VillanovaHeight: 6-foot-5Weight: 235 lbsAge: 18Position: GuardOverview: Whitemore blends elite athleticism with brute strength and grace as one of the more versatile scoring prospects in the draft. He attacks the rim with ferociousness, showing the ability to play through traffic and finish with contact. Can shoot the ball from deep, and has some vision which could lead to improved playmaking. Has the required skillset to be an elite defender.Comparison: Anthony Edwards | Jimmy Butler

21.) BROOKLYN NETSNoah ClowneyCountry: USASchool/Club: AlabamaHeight: 6-foot-10Weight: 210 lbsAge: 18Position: Forward/CenterOverview: A big man without a position, Clowney can slot at either the four or the five depending on which team drafts him. He shows soft hands and good touch around the rim, but his biggest asset has been the ability to knock down the three. He is solid from the corners and has pick-and-pop distance. He’s a good rebounder and stays disciplined defensively, but will need to add size to his frame.Comparison: Jarrett Allen | John Collins

22.) BROOKLYN NETSDariq WhiteheadCountry: USASchool/Club: DukeHeight: 6-foot-6Weight: 217 lbsAge: 18Position: GuardOverview: Question marks surround Whitehead and the overall health of his foot injury, that required a second surgery — although he’s expected to be ready by the start of training camp. When healthy, he’s one of the better athletes in the class, showing tremendous explosion and quickness. He’s well built and uses physicality to get to the rim at ease. He also shows great mechanics and a smooth shooting stroke from deep. Has physical stature to be very good defensively, particularly when engaged.&nbsp;Comparison: Bradley Beal | Dwyane Wade

23.) PORTLAND TRAILBLAZERSKris MurrayCountry: USASchool/Club: IowaHeight: 6-foot-7Weight: 212 lbsAge: 22Position: ForwardOverview: While the comparisons to his twin brother, Keegan (Sacramento) are stereotypical, they’re fairly accurate as well. Murray possesses a long, lanky, athletic frame, but he should make his mark in the league by doing all of the little things teams need. His hustle, rebounding, and solid defense should allow him to play early in his career, but how his three-point shot continues to develop will ultimately determine his role. Comparison: Dorian Finney-Smith | Otto Porter Jr. 

24.) SACRAMENTO KINGSOlivier-Maxence ProsperCountry: CanadaSchool/Club: MarquetteHeight: 6-foot-8Weight: 215 lbsAge: 20Position: ForwardOverview: Long and athletic, Prosper is gaining steam as a prospect who could really develop in the NBA. He combines high energy and efficiency with physicality and hustle, making him an ideal glue guy for today’s game. He grinds out defensive possessions, not afraid to go after rebounds, and is a physical screen setter. If he can find a way to become more proficient on offense, Propser should carve out a nice role in the league.Comparison: Herb Jones | Matt Barnes

25.) MEMPHIS GRIZZLIESMarcus SasserCountry: USASchool/Club: HoustonHeight: 6-foot-1Weight: 196 lbsAge: 22Position: GuardOverview: An elite shooter who got better every year in college, Sasser is cable of being a spot-up guy or creating his own shot and pulling up. Has enough quickness to get to the rim, and then uses his strength to finish through contact. One of the best point-of-attack defenders in the draft, Sasser is tenacious on the perimeter with great instincts and a ball-hawk mentality.Comparison: Fred VanVleet | Jevon Carter

26.) INDIANA PACERSBen SheppardCountry: USASchool/Club: BelmontHeight: 6-foot-6Weight: 190 lbsAge: 21Position: GuardOverview: Capable of playing on or off the ball on offense, Sheppard appears most comfortable running the pick-and-roll where he never gets sped up. Very comfortable knocking down the midrange jumper and a strong finisher with his right hand. Has three-point range whether it’s coming off screens, off the dribble or as a spot-up shooter. Possesses the length to be a solid defender at either guard position.Comparison: Joe Johnson | Garrett Temple

27.) CHARLOTTE HORNETSNick Smith Jr. Country: USASchool/Club: ArkansasHeight: 6-foot-5Weight: 185 lbsAge: 19Position: GuardOverview: Overcoming knee injuries in his lone season at Arkansas, Smith showed flashes of why he’s highly regarded heading into the draft. Armed with a quick burst and great handle, he’s capable of getting nearly any shot he wants. He can finish at the rim and also shoot the ball from beyond the arc, possessing really good mechanics. Wasn’t asked to be a playmaker much, but has the vision and handle to do so. Athleticism and length should allow him to become a plus defender if he wants.Comparison: Jamal Crawford | Malik Monk

28.) UTAH JAZZBrice SensabaughCountry: USASchool/Club: Ohio StateHeight: 6-foot-6Weight: 235 lbsAge: 19Position: Guard/ForwardOverview: A combo guard-small forward, Sensabaugh possesses tremendous strength and uses it to punish smaller defenders in the post. He’s most comfortable taking defenders off the dribble for midrange jumpers, using a quicker-than-expected first step. He’s capable of knocking down the three as well, a true three-level scorer who shows good vision as well. Defensively is where he needs to become more engaged, especially at the point of attack. Comparison: Joe Johnson | Shake Milton

29.) INDIANA PACERSJulian StrawtherCountry: USASchool/Club: GonzagaHeight: 6-foot-7Weight: 208 lbsAge: 19Position: Guard/ForwardOverview: An interesting prospect who doesn’t excel or flash an elite skillset at any one thing, yet all he does is contribute to winning by doing the right thing. A very capable shooter from beyond the arc, he’s emerged as a good defender due to proper technique and tenacity. Not a high-level athlete, Strawther can score in a multitude of ways, often outthinking his competition to put the ball in the hoop.Comparison: Doug Christie | Sam Hauser

30.) LA CLIPPERSKobe BrownCountry: USASchool/Club: MissouriHeight: 6-foot-7Weight: 252 lbsAge: 23Position: Guard/ForwardOverview: A prospect who really blossomed his senior season when his three-point shooting improved 25%, Brown is a three-level scorer with the athleticism to thrive in transition. Does well in the half court thanks to his patience and maturity, and has the size/strength to defend multiple positions.Comparison: Jeff Green | Lamar Odom

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Live Blog: Utah Jazz Select Taylor Hendricks, Keyonte George, And Brice Sensabaugh

After taking a look at the draft history for picks No. 9 and No. 16, we continue the series with breaking down the recent history of the No. 28 pick.

With second-year coach Will Hardy establishing himself as a bright young mind in basketball, Lauri Markkanen emerging as a bonafide All-Star, Walker Kessler and Ochai Agbaji making huge strides in their rookie seasons, and Collin Sexton healthy after a myriad of injuries, Utah has a built-in core ready to impress.&nbsp;

But they need help, and having picks No. 9, 16, and 28 in the first round is a great place to start. I'll look at what Jazz Nation can expect with the No. 28 pick, examining the past 25 drafts.&nbsp;

Tony Parker | The greatest No. 28 pick in NBA history, Parker turned in one of the better NBA careers for an international-born player. A part of the Spurs dynasty throughout the 2000s, he ended his career a 4x champion, 4x All-NBA selection, and 6x All-Star. He was the 2007 Finals MVP, and his No. 9 is retired by the Spurs organization.&nbsp;

Jordan Poole | The primary backup to Steph Curry and Klay Thompson, Poole has emerged as one of the more dynamic scoring guards in the league. He's improved every season, averaging a career-high 20.4 points per game this past year as a sixth man. He was crucial to Golden State's 2022 NBA championship, averaging 17.0 points and 3.8 assists on 39.1% from deep in the postseason.

Jaden McDaniels | While it's still early in his career, McDaniels has firmly planted himself among the best 3-and-D wings in the game. He's improved every season, averaging 12.1 points on 39.8% from three this past season. But he makes his mark on defense, narrowly missing out on making an All-Defense team this past year.&nbsp;

Leandro Barbosa | An NBA champion with Golden State in 2015 and the NBAs Sixth Man of the Year in 2007 with Phoenix, Barbosa enjoyed a 14-year career. He averaged a career-high 18.1 points and 4.0 assists in 2007, posting double-digit scoring seasons six times. Barbosa, one of the quickest players in the league, averaged 10.6 points, 2.1 assists, and 2.0 rebounds per game throughout his career.&nbsp;

Wayne Ellington | Ellington thrived as a role player throughout his 13-year career, averaging double-digit scoring in five years. He posted career averages of 8.0 points and 2.1 rebounds on 38.2% from deep in 20.9 minutes per game.

Tiago Splitter | Somebody who did most of his damage overseas before jumping to the NBA, Splitter won an NBA title with San Antonio in 2014. Playing alongside Parker, Tim Duncan, and Manu Ginobili, Splitter was a key cog for San Antonio in the early 2010s, breaking out to average 10.3 points and 6.4 rebounds per game in 2012-13.

Greivis Vasquez | Vasquez broke out in his third season in the league, averaging a near double-double of 13.9 points, 9.0 assists, and 4.3 rebounds per game for New Orleans. Although he would never match those numbers again, he was a solid role player for the remainder of his career, averaging 23.7 minutes per game.

Patrick Baldwin Jr. | Drafted by Golden State last year, Baldwin appeared in 31 games for the Warriors, averaging 3.9 points and 1.3 assists per game. Baldwin is expected to take on a more significant role this upcoming season.&nbsp;

Greg Ostertag | Drafted in 1995, Ostertag spent 10 of his 11 seasons in Utah with the Jazz. He was the starting center when Utah made the NBA Finals in 1997 before coming off the bench the following year when the Jazz had a rematch with Chicago for the title. He had his best season in 1998-99, averaging 5.7 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 2.7 blocks per game.&nbsp;

Scott Padgett | Drafted in 1999 by Utah, Padgett played four seasons in Salt Lake City with the Jazz. After finding his footing in his first two seasons, Padgett carved out a prominent role as the backup power forward for the next two years, averaging 6.2 points and 3.6 rebounds in 16.6 minutes per game — career-high numbers. He would end up playing eight seasons in the league.&nbsp;

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What Does NBA History Tell The Utah Jazz About The No. 28 Pick?

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