What Position Should the Utah Jazz Focus On in the Draft?

Jun 25, 2015; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Trey Lyles (Kentucky) greets NBA commissioner Adam Silver after being selected as the number twelve overall pick to the Utah Jazz in the first round of the 2015 NBA Draft at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 25, 2015; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Trey Lyles (Kentucky) greets NBA commissioner Adam Silver after being selected as the number twelve overall pick to the Utah Jazz in the first round of the 2015 NBA Draft at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
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Apr 10, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Nuggets guard Gary Harris (14) defends against Utah Jazz guard Shelvin Mack (8) in the second quarter at the Pepsi Center. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 10, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Nuggets guard Gary Harris (14) defends against Utah Jazz guard Shelvin Mack (8) in the second quarter at the Pepsi Center. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports

Point Guard

With the hopeful healthy return of Dante Exum, the Utah Jazz could potentially be receiving a big boost at the point guard position. However, it remains to be seen whether or not Exum is truly the point guard fit that the Jazz need to further their improvement.

Shelvin Mack was certainly an upgrade over both Raul Neto and Trey Burke last season. Nonetheless, the point guard position was the weakest spot on the Jazz roster throughout the 2015-16 season. Depending on the trust and confidence that the Jazz feel comfortable putting in Exum, this could certainly be a position that the Jazz look to improve this offseason.

However, I find it difficult to believe that the best course of action is for the Jazz to fix their point guard problem by adding another young talent with the 12th pick in this year’s draft. After drafting Burke and Exum in back-to-back years in 2013 and 2014, it seems that taking a risk on the third young point guard in four years wouldn’t be the best decision if the Jazz hope to take a major leap forward this year.

With that being said, pinning down a reliable starting point guard could still be a solid decision if that player were acquired by means of a trade or free agency. The Jazz’s lottery pick could be utilized as a solid trade piece or they could look to woo a solid starter such as free agent Mike Conley.

It’s likely wishful thinking, but undoubtedly something that the Jazz should take a decent look at.

Next: Shooting Guard