The Utah Jazz has the 23rd pick in the 2019 NBA Draft. Which players likely to still be around by then are the best options to take?
It was a solid season overall for the Utah Jazz, finishing with a 50-32 record and getting a five seed in the Western Conference. They fell to the Houston Rockets in five games, exposing some weaknesses within the franchise’s roster. The lack of a proven second scorer beyond Donovan Mitchell was a big concern, along with question marks at the point guard position. So between the upcoming NBA Draft and free agency, expect some changes in Salt Lake City.
Ricky Rubio seems to be the first of them, with the Jazz reportedly telling him that his resigning is not ” a priority” for them. So the franchise will likely have a new starting point guard after having the Spaniard the past two seasons. Starting forward Derrick Favors may also be leaving with his contract expiring, as well as role players Thabo Sefolosha, Ekpe Udoh, Kyle Korver and Georges Niang.
Even though Utah will have some cap room available, it’s been historically difficult to bring in quality free agents to the city. So keeping that in mind, who they pick in the first round could determine how they’ll go about the rest of the offseason.
Grayson Allen was Utah’s first-round pick in the NBA Draft a year ago, playing in 38 total games this past season. The Jazz hopes the No. 23 pick can have a little more of an impact on the team for 2019-20. Who will that player be?