2021 Off-Season. Another short one

[Xiao Yao You]

JD Shaw: Justin Patton will play with the Knicks during the Las Vegas Summer League and Jazz during the Salt Lake City Summer League, source tells @HoopsRumors.

– via Twitter JShawNBA

now he has some talent if he can stay healthy

[Xiao Yao You]

Donatas Urbonas: The German League MVP Jaleen Smith, who recently worked out with Utah Jazz and Philadelphia 76ers, will join the Phoenix Suns Summer League team, per sources. More on @BasketNews_com
– via Twitter Urbodo

[Xiao Yao You]

https://www.ksl.com/article/50213454...n-draft-night-

Money moves aren't ever popular among the fan base, but the alternative might just be losing an All-Star. The fact is if Utah can re-sign Conley, it should — not just because he's coming off an All-Star campaign, but the Jazz don't have any means of replacing him. That makes it a pretty easy decision, but it's one that might lead to having to part with other players.

Clarkson, Favors and Hughes would be very popular for me

Could the Jazz use the No. 30 pick to entice a team to take on one of their bigger contracts — specifically Derrick Favors — in order to cut the tax bill down? That might be the dream scenario — albeit a painful one considering how beloved Favors is within the organization — with the Jazz likely hoping to gain some versatility on the defensive end after getting some holes exposed in the playoffs.

giving up a pick for what I thought was a horrible signing a year ago is a dream!

If that's not an option, Utah could dangle a more productive role player for a pick, as ESPN and The Ringer have both reported. That would help clean up the books while getting an asset in return; and if the Jazz bundle a player with the No. 30 pick, they could even move up in the draft to find a player more ready to contribute immediately or get back a veteran in return.

6th man of the year. Someone has to want the guy!

The draft is deep, and it's projected the Jazz will have some options to pick up a wing player they highly need at the end of the first round. Quentin Grimes, who developed into one of college basketball's premier 3-and-D wings at Houston last season, worked out for Utah last week, according to The Athletic, and could still be available at the end of the first round. He fits the mold of what the Jazz want: he gives great effort on defense and can shoot, but will he be ready to play immediately?

no one will be ready immediately. Some might be able to help them by the end of the year. Not what you look for in the draft

The Ringer: Day'Ron Sharpe, F/C, North Carolina

Comment: "If Utah elects to retain this selection, or add another, Sharpe is a perfect target. He's a tough big who could back up Rudy Gobert and provide some small-ball 5 potential with his versatility."

a center?

[Xiao Yao You]

https://kslsports.com/464627/utah-ja...t-cheat-sheet/

Due to Rudy Gobert’s ongoing dominance and the presence of Derrick Favors, Udoka Azubuike, and Juwan Morgan, it seems highly unlikely that the Jazz would use another first-round pick to add a center in the draft.

seems that way but it is the Jazz!

One of the best scorers in the draft, Hyland stands 6’3 with a 6’9 wingspan and shot nearly 40 percent from the three-point line in two seasons at VCU.

Wizard approved!

Ayayi is one of the more unique draft prospects in recent seasons which is the reason for his drop to the bottom of the first round. He’s got good size at 6’5 with a roughly 6’7 wingspan and he can really shoot the ball.

not Wizard approved

Thor has as much upside as a defender as any perimeter defender late in the first round due to his combination of height and length. The freshman stands 6’9, with a 7’3 wingspan, and 9’2 standing reach which mixed with nimble feet allowed him to defend four positions in college.

Wizard approved

At 6’7, with a 7’0 wingspan, nimble feet, and above-average athleticism, Jones has the ability to line up anywhere on the floor defensively and give opposing teams trouble.

Wizard approved

[Xiao Yao You]

https://www.deseret.com/2021/7/28/22...hey-do-with-it

In recent days, it seems that McBride’s stock has been rising a bit and it makes sense considering his skill set. Although he only stands at 6-foot-2, he has a 6-foot-9 wingspan and defensive lateral quickness that is wildly impressive.

Wizard approved

[Xiao Yao You]

https://www.deseret.com/2021/7/28/22...summer-leagues

Utah Jazz forward Jarrell Brantley isn’t sure what the future holds, but he knows there’s a chance that he’s not on the Jazz roster for the 2021-22 season.

for your sake I hope you find greener pastures. You're too good to be sitting while other guys don't produce

Brantley will be playing on the Jazz’s summer league teams but after that, there’s no guarantee of anything. Brantley is a free agent, but not one with a lengthy resume. He could be headed to another team or even overseas by the time the 2021-22 season starts and that’s OK with him.

all Gleague who showed he could play NBA level D in the few chances he got. He'll be fine

It’s a mentality that has benefited Brantley thus far, helping him to improve on both sides of the court, gain strength and see the results. In 33 games with the Salt Lake City Stars in the 2019-20 season, Brantley shot just 33.3% from 3-point range. Despite limited and often short opportunities last season with the Jazz, Brantley shot 42.9% from deep.

the one weakness in his game was shooting. COTY is an idiot!

“A lot of those guys, they were in my situation, they were in my shoes,” Brantley said. “Royce (O’Neale) went overseas, Joe (Ingles) was from overseas, he got cut from the Clippers, Bojan (Bogdanovic) didn’t get in the league till he was (25), Georges is still trying to find his way. There’s so many guys. Like, our whole roster I can learn from.”

Niang has found his way and was all Gleague too. The difference is he got a chance with the Jazz after that

[Xiao Yao You]

https://saltcityhoops.com/the-draft-...swing-tonight/

No matter where the Jazz draft their players, their goal should be the same: find the best available player that can help as soon as possible. That sounds easy enough in theory, but the draft code hasn’t been cracked by any NBA decision makers. Several players drafted in the lottery will never play meaningful minutes in the league, and a handful of picks in the 30s or 40s should become rotation players. If you are a Jazz fan, I suggest that you don’t look at the team’s draft history. From Enes Kanter to Nigel-Williams-Goss, there have been so many misses. The real draft day wins were trades for Donovan Mitchell and Rudy Gobert but those picks alone make up for dozen’s of strikeouts. But let’s put it this way: there is only one Jazz player (Mitchell) playing major rotation minutes that was acquired on draft day in the last 6 years.

Kanter is still in the league though Jonas should have been the pick and Goss was a 2nd rounder they got a couple years out of. He actually looked good in camp last year

The Jazz are ready to contend for a title now, and they only have Donovan Mitchell under team control for 4 seasons. They need to put players on the floor that can help win right now. But is that a realistic expectation of a rookie?

under COTY no

If I knew the answer to that question, I would be working in a front office, but let’s just talk about the process the Jazz might go through in evaluation. Generally speaking, I think the Jazz tend to draft offensively skilled players and hope that they can defend at an NBA level. That’s true of Enes Kanter and Alec Burks; It’s the case with Trey Burke, Rodney Hood, Trey Lyles, Tony Bradley, Grayson Allen and Justin Wright Foreman. There isn’t even college tape of Elijah Hughes playing NBA style defense, but his offensive skills are so intriguing, that you wonder how much his defense mattered in his evaluation. My main critique of the last several Jazz picks, is that they draft players who lack athleticism and the tools to ever defend at an above average ability in the NBA. We have years and years of evidence that if you can’t defend at an NBA level, you just can’t play effectively in the post season. Full stop. We weren’t good enough defensively to beat the Clippers. Even with a healthy team, the unspoken assumption is that the Jazz would have been able to outscore their opponents.

some great length in there which was the main thing they looked at. Playing basketball was secondary. Hughes can't shoot the 3 either. Made little sense. Wright Forman was better. COTY making a move and Conley not being hurt would have made up for Mitchell and Clarkson's gunning and lack of D

The Jazz’s offseason needs are a backup point guard, a small ball center, especially if they move on from Derrick Favors, and wing defense (stop me if you’ve heard this one before). I personally don’t think you should ever draft for need. That leads to drafting Trey Burke when there are at least 2 hall of famers on the board. But you do have to also consider free agency. I will do a whole post later this week on the Jazz’s free agency prospects, but to summarize, there are a few useful centers and guards to be had around the veteran minimum, especially centers. The Jazz also have a $5 million traded player exception that I think could be used to obtain a third point guard. Given the dearth of defensive minded wings, who can guard 2 thru 4 in the league and given the number of such 6’6″-6’9″ athletes in the draft, I think the Jazz should look to take swings in that department. I mean, whatever they’ve been trying to do for the last decade has had, at best, average success. I’d take a flyer on athletes who maybe slide further down, or who played for Kentucky, or who just might need 1-2 years. I know that feels counterintuitive, but swings should be taken in the draft and the Jazz can bolster with free agency and trades. Besides, the Jazz need to be focusing on some rotational development of guys like Elijah Hughes, Udoka Azubuike and Miye Oni. One last thought: the biggest swings the Jazz have taken draft-wise in my lifetime were drafting Andrei Kirilenko and Rudy Gobert.

their needs are dumping Favors, Clarksona and Hughes and getting a starting 4 that could play small ball 5 and protect the rim and perimeter without killing spacing. Gobert wasn't a swing. He was considered a late 1st and that's what he was. Not sure about AK. Going for a guy that stayed in Russia for two years wasn't Jazz like for sure

Isaiah Todd– I get the concerns, but this guy is a long athlete who can absolutely shoot the ball. He would need time to develop in the G-League, but he has all the tools. Surprised that he has received no buzz this draft season.

sounds like a prospect

JT Thor– He would be a lottery pick next year, so get him one year ahead of his development and groom him. Can play next to Rudy with polish.

sounds good as well

Greg Brown– Pure athlete with some of the most vicious posters you will see in college basketball. Not sure he knows how to play the game, but that is why the Jazz brag about the best development coaching staff.

pass. Exum was an athlete that never showed he was an NBA player

Vrenz Bleijenbergh– You just need to youtube this guy and see it for yourself. He’s a 6’10” guard that plays in Antwerp and reminds me so much of Andrei Kirilenko that I need this guy in a Jazz uniform. Probably stays overseas for a year or two, but this guy is an NBA talent.

AK!

[Xiao Yao You]

https://www.slcdunk.com/nba-draft/20...ge-ayo-dosunmu

Physical: 21 years old (turns 22 next June), 6’5” with a 6’10” wingspan and 8’6” standing reach, 194 pounds

Wizard approved

[Xiao Yao You]

https://www.slcdunk.com/nba-draft/20...fted-prospects

Additionally, the Jazz scouting department has given the team significant players who were originally undrafted, from fan favorites Joe Ingles and Royce O’Neale to occasional contributors like Trent Forrest, Juwan Morgan, Chris Johnson, Elijah Millsap, and Ian Clark (that’s a throwback name!). Now under the leadership of Justin Zanik, who helped oversee many of these decisions, we will likely see the Jazz continue this trend, hopefully with positive results.

we have no idea what Zanik will bring. Hopefully their best GM ever which wouldn't be saying much

Physical: 22 years old (turns 23 next May), 6’7” with a 7’1” wingspan and 8’8” standing reach, 215 pounds

Wizard approved

Physical: 20 years old (turns 21 this October), 6’10” with a 7’1” wingspan and XX standing reach, 215 pounds

not AK like length or Wizard approved

Physical: 22 years old (turns 23 on July 28th of this year), 6’7” with a 6’9” wingspan and 8’9” standing reach, 232 pounds

not Wizard approved

Livers could immediately step into Georges Niang’s role in a limited capacity and be a threat from the corners while not giving up too much defensively against bench units. If Niang ends up taking a payday and leaving the Jazz, they will need depth with a bigger shooting forward in their current scheme, so Livers could fill that role (perhaps behind Juwan Morgan). I would not use a second round pick to pick Livers, but he would be a useful addition to the Stars and Jazz system as an immediate contributor with limited upside.

a 2nd rounder replacing Niang immediately?

Physical: 21 years old (turns 22 this November), 6’0” with a 6’1” wingspan and 7’10” standing reach, 175 pounds

not Wizard approved

Physical: 21 years old (turns 22 this November), 6’9” with a 6’10” wingspan and 9’0” standing reach, 194 pounds

not Wizard approved

EJ’s upside lies with his insane size combined with an excellent shooting touch. He stands at just about 7 feet with a 7’8.5” wingspan and 9’6” standing reach, but also shot 40% from three on 4 attempts per game his senior season. He plays with an intense fire, blocking and dunking shots with abandon, looking incredibly fluid running up and down the court. So what’s the downside?

Wizard approved

Criminally underrated. Was on ACC All Defense team. He can shoot the outside shot. Has lots of moves inside. Can dunk on your head.

He may not even be drafted according to some projections. He could be a crazy steal for any team.

Senior season
17pts 8reb 2ast 1.5stl 1.5blk 53/41/65

Posted by Matt_Grbac on Jul 29, 2021 | 8:17 AM


6’9 225 7’1 wingspan 38" vertical

not Wizard approved

If we are going to have some projects at the end of our bench, those are the type of guys I want. Not Matt Friggin’ Thomas and Trent Forrest. Those guys are 14/15th players whose ceiling is 12/13th.

Posted by Kira Argonova on Jul 29, 2021 | 8:30 AM

Forrest is good. Only question is his shooting. Thomas can shoot. Hughes is the head scratcher for me. 6 rookies was a head scratcher. COTY not playing anyone was a head scratcher

[Xiao Yao You]

https://www.slcdunk.com/2021/7/28/22...e-joshua-primo

Physical: 18 years old (turns 19 this December), 6’5” with a 6’9” wingspan and 8’6.5” standing reach, 189 pounds

Wizard approved

But don’t think the Jazz can afford to take on a project right now. Somehow need to find a way to turn that pick (maybe move Favors/Ingles) into a player that contributes immediately.


Posted by Raiderfan35 on Jul 28, 2021 | 10:21 PM

sure they can. COTY would only play 10 guys no matter what. that leaves 7 spots for projects

[Xiao Yao You]

https://thejnotes.com/2021/07/28/ken...summer-league/

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https://basketball.realgm.com/wireta...gn-Mike-Conley

[Xiao Yao You]

Hoop Central: Report: Lakers, Clippers, Celtics are among the teams “doing trade due-diligence” on Ricky Rubio, via @DWolfsonKSTP
– via Twitter

[Xiao Yao You]

Tony Jones: Things I’m currently hearing: 1. The Jazz are open to moving the #30 pick tonight 2. There is a specific player that could be available that is giving the Jazz a bit of pause on moving said pick (they really like this player) 3. The Jazz are active in trade discussions
– via Twitter Tjonesonthenba

[El Kabong]

Nothing happened yet. Wonder if the Ingles/Kuzma deal was just a backup if they couldn't get Westbrook?