As the Utah Jazz begin early preparations for the 2016 NBA Draft, here are four under the radar players that they should definitely keep their eyes on.
With the Utah Jazz’s season coming to an early and disappointing end, the next and most exciting event on fans’ calendars is the 2016 NBA Draft. Sure, the draft lottery comes before that, but with the Jazz having just a 2.5 percent chance of landing a top three pick and a 0.7 percent chance of getting No. 1, we’re not likely to see any surprises.
Barring a miracle, the Jazz will have the twelfth pick in the draft, as well as three picks in the second round–No. 42, No. 52 and No. 60.
While the top picks of the draft, as they always have, will undoubtedly receive the most hype and attention, there are typically always diamonds in the rough waiting to be picked up in the second round. Notable NBA elites that were once second round picks include the likes of Paul Millsap (47th – 2006), Monta Ellis (40th – 2005), Marc Gasol (48th – 2007), Manu Ginobili (57th – 1999), Draymond Green (35th – 2012) and many, many others.
More from Draft
- Grading the Utah Jazz final selection Brice Sensabaugh
- Grading risky decision for Jazz to draft Keyonte George
- NBA Draft: Utah Jazz first round mock draft
- Utah Jazz all-time draft bust starting 5
- Newest CBS Sports’ NBA mock has the Utah Jazz fumbling 2023 draft
So while the Jazz’s 12th pick will likely be the one that garners the most attention on June 25th, the players that Utah picks up in the second round most definitely should not be overlooked.
With so many talented players entering the draft, the Jazz will certainly have tough decisions to make. Nevertheless, here is a list of four under the radar players that they should take a look at. Regardless of their status among experts or current mock drafts, each of these four has the tools and unique skill sets to become one of the league’s newest diamonds in the rough.
Next: Joel Bolomboy
Joel Bolomboy – PF, Weber State
Of the four players listed here, Joel Bolomboy might be the least under the radar of the bunch; he’s already finding himself on a number of mock drafts. The six-foot-nine power forward out of Weber State just finished up his senior year but was considered an NBA prospect well before that. His frame certainly appears NBA ready and the former Wildcat is strong at the rim both defensively as well as finishing offensively.
He put up a solid stat line in his senior season averaging, 17.1 points and an impressive 12.1 rebounds per game. He also shot a respectable three-point percentage as a big man, finishing the year at 36.4 percent. He is a good post-up player, passes well, protects the rim and has an improving jump shot.
It’s no coincidence that he was named the Big Sky MVP and Defensive Player of the Year.
In terms of his fit with the Jazz, his role largely would depend on what the Jazz decide to do during the offseason with Trevor Booker. While adding Bolomboy alongside standout rookie Trey Lyles and the veteran Booker might be a bit of an overkill in the frontcourt, there’s definitely potential for change.
If the Jazz decide to part ways with Booker and entrust Lyles with the second unit duties, then adding Bolomboy would provide a solid third option at power forward who certainly would have room for improvement and growth.
Bolomboy’s willingness to play at the smaller Weber State is proof that playing in an appropriate and comfortable environment is more important to him than hype or name recognition associated with bigger schools or bigger markets. This definitely is a positive for the Jazz as Bolomboy will be accustomed to living in Utah and has the opportunity to be hailed as a sort of “hometown hero” as a member of the Jazz.
If Utah can provide a comfortable and successful situation for Joel, it is likely that he will be happy to stay put in Salt Lake City over the long term.
His selection largely depends on what the Jazz decide to do at power forward and whether or not he is still on the board once they begin their second round picks. Regardless of how things shake out, Bolomboy is a skilled and talented pick that Utah should certainly consider if he is still available.
If they do end up choosing him, they can only hope that perhaps he turns out to be as formidable as the last “under the radar” pick out of Weber State, Damian Lillard.
Next: Marvelle Harris
Marvelle Harris – SG, Fresno State
Marvelle Harris is considered by some to be the best basketball player in Fresno State history. He plays the shooting guard position, but is also an excellent ball handler with a 210 pound frame that allows him to overpower opposing guards.
When he gets on a roll, Harris is virtually unstoppable from behind the arc as he built a reputation of being able to sink threes with impressive accuracy, including deep treys from a different area code. Far from being just a jump shooter, Harris is also an effective slasher and finisher who is capable of helping his team on many levels.
In his senior season, Harris averaged 20.7 points per game as well as a well-balanced 4.7 rebounds and 4.5 assists.
More impressive than his numbers was his leadership and ability to carry his team by taking over games. Harris willed his team to an incredible victory over the top-seeded San Diego State Aztecs in the 2016 Mountain West Tournament Championship game.
He would undoubtedly be a good fit with the Jazz just by nature of his position. The shooting guard and small forward positions could definitely use an upgrade in the second unit (depending on the health of Alec Burks). Due to his size, Harris would be able to play backup at either position and would also relieve the point guard of some of the ball handling duties.
Harris’ ability to create his own shot while also adding another deep threat would be extremely valuable for a Jazz second unit that struggled to score at times.
Despite being selected as Mountain West player of the year by the conference’s coaches, Marvelle Harris is still very much an under the radar prospect. However, his unique abilities should not be overlooked as the Jazz look to add talent, leadership and versatility to their young roster.
Next: Fred VanVleet
Fred VanVleet – PG, Wichita State
While not necessarily putting up the most impressive stat lines in the NCAA, VanVleet possesses some important point guard characteristics, namely intelligence and savvy leadership. The six-foot point guard out of Wichita State was an anchor for a team that consistently outperformed expectations.
As a solid passer and reliable decision maker, VanVleet helped lead his team to NCAA Tournament appearances in each of his years at Wichita State, including the Final Four during his freshman year and the Sweet Sixteen as a junior. Needless to say, VanVleet knows how to win.
VanVleet averaged 12.2 points and 5.5 assists per game, but was capable of going off for big scoring nights when the situation was right. In 2015-16 he posted seven games of 16 points or more including a 29-point and 32-point explosion against Indiana State and Evansville, respectively.
In other words, VanVleet excels at making the right basketball plays night in and night out, whether that means being a scorer, facilitator or a little bit of both. VanVleet is a solid point guard in every aspect of the position.
And it’s no secret that a trustworthy point guard is precisely what the Jazz need. Some might criticize the Jazz for adding a fifth point guard to the roster, but none of them has truly proven to be the long-term answer for Utah. While it isn’t likely that VanVleet would be ready to come in and immediately assume that responsibility, his natural talent and intelligence are a good sign for a potentially bright future.
With Trey Burke likely on his way out, Shelvin Mack having a limited amount of room for growth and Dante Exum still largely a question mark, it certainly wouldn’t hurt the Jazz to add a talented point guard who knows how to make his teammates better and who has proven capable of leading his team to victory.
Fred VanVleet definitely has the capability to become a second round gem that could have a long-term positive impact on his future team.
Next: Josh Adams
Josh Adams – PG/SG, Wyoming
Of all the players I’ve described thus far, Josh Adams is by far the most fun to watch and the one I’m most excited about of these four. Wyoming isn’t typically viewed as a team filled with NBA prospects, but after advancing to the NCAA Tournament in 2015 and producing a first round draft pick in Larry Nance Jr., Wyoming’s Adams isn’t a player to be overlooked.
While Nance received a great deal of praise for Wyoming’s success, it was Adams who won the 2015 Mountain West Tournament MVP and the one who in many aspects was the team’s best player for the entirety of his junior year.
In his senior season, there was no question that Adams was the team’s best player and his incredible stat line certainly is evidence of that. He finished 2016 as the third leading scorer in the NCAA with 24.7 points per game. This is even more impressive considering he did so shooting 44.2 percent from the field and 37.8 percent from deep.
Adams scored 30 points or more nine times during his senior season, including a career-high 38 points against New Mexico on January 16th.
The six-foot-two point guard is an incredible shooter, but an even better driver and finisher. A freak athlete, Adams can leap and score in ways that often defy logic. This also carries over to the defensive end where Adams, despite being somewhat undersized, challenges opponents relentlessly with his speed, strength and athleticism.
To the dismay of those that follow him, Adams decided to opt-out of the NCAA Dunk Contest, but rest assured he definitely would have made some noise. With several SportsCenter Top 10 appearances, the athletic and explosive guard definitely deserves consideration at the professional level.
Adams would fit in with the Jazz as he would be able to come right in and contribute on both ends of the court. With the ability to play both guard positions, he could be a versatile part of a second unit that certainly needs an upgrade.
His non-stop competitiveness would undoubtedly bring a spark to a team that at times lacked focus and energy. Adams’ unique talents and will to win largely overshadow any potential concerns that may surround him. If given the opportunity, the Jazz should take a long hard look at Josh Adams who has all the characteristics of a second round gem.
Next: Utah Jazz: Enes Kanter Tearing it Up, Terry Stotts Coaching
So there you have my take on a few players the Utah Jazz should keep their eyes on as they begin working players out and planning for the draft. Who did I leave out? Are there other under the radar players you’d like to see the Jazz pursue? Feel free to comment below or hit me up on Twitter.