Utah Jazz Top 5 Early Potential Free Agent Targets: Small Forwards

Apr 4, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Hawks forward DeMarre Carroll (5) shoots the ball against the Brooklyn Nets in the third quarter at Philips Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports

2. DeMarre Carroll, Atlanta Hawks

What can I say about former Jazzman DeMarre Carroll? His tenacity, his heart, that endearing demeanor—wow. When he left for Atlanta in the wake of the Richard Jefferson trade, it was a sad day for Jazz fans. But even as he reaches new heights with the Hawks, he continues to show that the admiration is mutual:

Much like the aforementioned Dudley, Carroll exemplifies the type of player that adds to the team’s defensive strengths while bolstering their greatest area of need. Though the numbers haven’t always shown it Carroll sets a tone for the defense, often drawing the toughest assignments for Atlanta.

Offensively, his ever-evolving three-point shot has been an integral part of Mike Budenholzer’s offense. For the year, Carroll is connecting at a 40-percent clip from behind the arc while attempting over four shots per game from that range. This has equated to the Hawks offense scoring nearly 108 points per 100 possessions with Carroll on the floor.

Numbers aside, can you imagine the effort and energy Jazz fans would see with a line-up of, say…Exum, Hayward, Carroll, Booker and Gobert? Sounds like an exciting brand of basketball to me.

With all of this being said, I would be really surprised to see the Hawks let Carroll go. He is a glue guy on their squad and a big part of their ascension to the top of the Eastern Conference. Still, DMC shaking his dreadlocks in Jazz blue remains an enticing image.

Next: 1. Draymond Green, Golden State Warriors