Pre-Draft Outlook
Building through the Draft has its obvious advantages, except the growing process can be lengthy and at times painstaking, especially if you weren’t blessed with a No. 1 overall pick in a generational Draft (see the Spurs, Victor Wembanyama). Utah is finding that out now after failing to make the playoffs, though it’s not as if the Jazz are regretting anything. Keyonte George, Walker Kessler and Taylor Hendricks will be given time to grow into assets to keep or trade.
The Way To Go
Thanks to trades that sent Donovan Mitchell and Rudy Gobert elsewhere, Utah is flush with Draft capital both now and the near future. At some point, the Jazz will dig into its war chest to acquire a disgruntled star. Until then, Utah will stay the course and keep adding players to develop. With a pair of first-rounders in this Draft, look for Stephon Castle, a big combo guard from UConn, at 10, followed by Zach Edey, the mammoth Purdue center, at 29.
— Shaun Powell
Here’s a quick look at Utah’s current roster entering the Draft:
Under Contract
G: Jordan Clarkson
G: Keyonte George
G: Jason Preston
G: Collin Sexton
F: Darius Bazley
F: John Collins
F: Taylor Hendricks
F: Kenny Lofton Jr.
F: Lauri Markkanen
F: Brice Sensabaugh
C: Walker Kessler
Free Agents
G: Kris Dunn
G: Talen Horton-Tucker
G: Kira Lewis Jr.
G: Johnny Juzang
F: Luka Samanic
C: Micah Potter
> 2024 Free Agent Tracker