There are few teams in the NBA with a better young nucleus than the Utah Jazz. They've done spectacularly well in the draft to build a good base.
It's an odd draft for the Jazz because they really have ingrained starters at each spot. They even have quality depth and some cash to burn. Utah could be primed for a real improvement this offseason.
If there's a need in Salt Lake City, other than another year of maturity and seasoning, it's backup big-man help. Texas' Myles Turner is a good prospect with shot-blocking ability and range for a big. They don't have an upfront player who can stretch the floor. However, there might be an issue with Turner's foot.
Kentucky's Trey Lyles is another tantalizing big prospect who barely showed what he could do under John Calipari. Either Wisconsin stud, Frank Kaminsky or Sam Dekker, might be a fit. Dekker could give Gordon Hayward some needed rest.
Any big guy works for the Jazz because they have four contributors in the back court already with Dante Exum, Trey Burke, Rodney Hood and Alec Burks.
Truthfully, the Jazz do need one thing and that's a superstar. They've done well to litter the roster with very promising young talent, but, other than Hayward, they don't have a fringe All-Star name.
There isn't a franchise guy available at 12. They can continue to pad the roster with good pieces and maybe sneak into the playoff picture. It's alright Jazz fans. This organization is clearly on the upswing.
Under Contract: F Gordon Hayward; F Derrick Favors; F Trevor Booker; G Dante Exum; G Alec Burks; G Rodney Hood; F Grant Jerrett
Free Agents: F Jeremy Evans; G Joe Ingles; G Trey Burke (team option); C Rudy Gobert (team option)
Recent Draft History:
2014: Dante Exum (5), Rodney Hood (23), Jarnell Stokes (35)
2013: Shabazz Muhammad (14), Gorgui Dieng (21), Erick Green (46)
2012: Kevin Murphy (47)
2011: Enes Kanter (3), Alec Burks (12)
2010: Gordon Hayward (9), Jeremy Evans (55)
[SportsNetwork.com]
