Utah Jazz: Five Potential Free Agent Point Guard Targets
By Ryan Aston
Mike Conley, Memphis Grizzlies
The one name on this list that you can legitimately make the case for bringing in to be the starting point guard, Mike Conley has been performing at an All-Star level for years with the Memphis Grizzlies. The 28-year-old was an All-Defensive Team selection in 2013 and has been a key piece in multiple playoff runs.
Despite their similar size, Conley has been able to do all the things that Trey Burke couldn’t (or wouldn’t) do since the Jazz drafted him with hopes he could become a franchise point guard. He plays defense, he pushes the ball, he runs the offense and he hits outside shots on a consistent basis.
Last season, he averaged 15 points and six assists per contest, while shooting 36 percent from distance. If he could maintain that level of production for a couple of years while Exum continues to develop, then transition to a backup role as he gets deeper into his 30s, he could be the ideal pick-up for the Jazz.
His 2015-16 campaign was shortened when he was diagnosed with left Achilles tendonitis. Any time you’re talking about acquiring a backcourt player who is approaching 30 and coming off an injury, it’s best to exercise caution.
Still, a healthy Conley could help the Jazz secure a playoff berth next season and challenge for home court advantage in the first round.
Next: Jazz Pre-Draft Workouts Are Imminent
So those are some of the realistic possibilities for the Jazz at point guard in this year’s free agent crop. If those names don’t excite you, it’s probably because there aren’t a lot of great options out there.
Ultimately, the team will likely decide to exercise their option on Mack for next season and work on getting Exum back into the starting five.
Still, with the Jazz needing roster upgrades to take the next step as a franchise, anything is possible. One possibility not mentioned here is former Jazzman Deron Williams. Stay tuned to my feed for my thoughts on a potential Jazz/D-Will reunion in the days ahead.
I won’t divulge any more here, except to say that I have very strong feelings about it.
More to come.