The J-Notes
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What Position Should the Utah Jazz Focus On in the Draft?

By Jared Woodcox

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 8, 2016; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Utah Jazz forward Gordon Hayward (20) dribbles past Los Angeles Clippers center Cole Aldrich (45) in the first quarter at Vivint Smart Home Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Swinger-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 8, 2016; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Utah Jazz forward Gordon Hayward (20) dribbles past Los Angeles Clippers center Cole Aldrich (45) in the first quarter at Vivint Smart Home Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Swinger-USA TODAY Sports /

Small Forward

While Gordon Hayward is undoubtedly one of, if not the best player on this Jazz team, his back-ups have left much to be desired. While Joe Ingles and Chris Johnson both had their moments, Utah could certainly use some more firepower at this position.

Although Hayward has largely shouldered the load and the minutes at small forward, it would actually make sense to add small forward depth through young talent in the draft. Playing as Hayward’s back-up would give the newcomer plenty of time and opportunity to grow without having to worry about being a top option right off the bat.

With Hayward well solidified as the team’s starting small forward, it wouldn’t make a whole lot of sense to trade away the valuable 12th pick for another player of the same position.

So, if the Jazz decide that shoring up the small forward position is one of their biggest points of emphasis, then they should do so by either adding a mid-level free agent veteran such as Kent Bazemore (again, likely wishful thinking) or by adding young talent in the draft.

Next: Power Forward