Utah Jazz Top 5 Early Potential Free Agent Targets: Small Forwards
By Ryan Aston
Feb 22, 2015; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Atlanta Hawks forward Paul Millsap (4) drives for the basket against Milwaukee Bucks guard Jared Dudley (9) in the fourth quarter at BMO Harris Bradley Center. Millsap scored 23 points to help the Hawks beat the Bucks 97-86. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports
5. Jared Dudley, Milwaukee Bucks
After all the talk of playing with pace and increased offensive firepower before the season, the Utah Jazz have evolved into a defensive squad that slows the game down and slugs it out in the trenches.
Still, added shooting touch will be necessary should the team wish to take the next step toward the Playoffs.
Few players on the free agent market offer a combination of that much-needed three-point ability and the brand of gritty defense the Jazz like to play as Milwaukee’s Jared Dudley.
For his career, the six-foot-seven, 220-plus pound Dudley is shooting nearly 47-percent from the floor and just a hair beneath 40-percent from behind the arc.
Moreover, he is one of the better defensive wings in the NBA. Opposing teams post an offensive rating of only 96.9 when Dudley is on the floor.
Dudley has a player option for next season with the Bucks.
Next: 4. Mike Dunleavy, Chicago Bulls