2017 NBA Draft: Live analysis and tracking rumors, picks, trades for the NBA Draft
Utah Jazz
Record in 2016-17: 51-31 (T-4th in the Western Conference)
Draft picks: 13th overall, 28th overall, 55th overall
Jonathan Givony Projections: Semi Ojeleye (#24), Ivan Rabb (#30), Johnathan Motley (#42), Alberto Abalde (#55)
Lukas Harkins Projections: Tyler Lydon (#24), Derrick White (#30), Thomas Bryant (#42), LJ Peak (#55)
Draft Outlook: A lot of Utah’s offseason will be dictated by Gordon Hayward and George Hill, both of which are free agents. The four draft picks that the Utah Jazz have will help to fill those voids if either one or both of those players leave, but it will not be enough. Rudy Gobert is an outstanding center, and if Hayward/Hill stay, then they can make a run at possibly a 55-60 win season this next year if they take that next step as a team, but the Jazz have to get through free agency first. Although a promising team, there are a lot of question marks entering the draft that leave people wondering where this team will be at the start of next season.
#13 overall: SG Donovan Mitchell, Louisville
At this point, it looks like the Jazz traded up to get the best player available. Donovan Mitchell is an athletic specimen who fill fit in nicely with Utah. Gordon Hayward (should he stay) and Rudy Gobert remain the building blocks of the team, but Mitchell has the potential to be a major addition in a few seasons, once he develops a consistent three-point shot. He projects as a 3-and-D wing who can guard one through three. Grade: A-.
#28 overall: C Tony Bradley, North Carolina
Rudy Gobert needs a backup for the future, and this pick makes sense. Although Bradley was stuck behind a veteran frontcourt at North Carolina, he can block shots well and rebound on the interior. He will be valuable addition, regardless of how he plays on the offensive end. The potential is there, and playing behind Gobert should help. Grade: B+.
#55 overall: PG Nigel Williams-Goss, Gonzaga
A very good all-around point guard, Utah could potentially use Williams-Goss in the future if George Hill is to leave in free agency. He does a lot of things well, but there are no elite skill from NWG. Grade: B.
To go back to the draft order/selections, click here.