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 5, 2016; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; San Antonio Spurs guard Tony Parker (9) dribbles the ball as Utah Jazz center Rudy Gobert (27) defends during the second half at Vivint Smart Home Arena. San Antonio won 88-86. Mandatory Credit: Russ Isabella-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 5, 2016; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; San Antonio Spurs guard Tony Parker (9) dribbles the ball as Utah Jazz center Rudy Gobert (27) defends during the second half at Vivint Smart Home Arena. San Antonio won 88-86. Mandatory Credit: Russ Isabella-USA TODAY Sports /

Center

While Rudy Gobert‘s 2016-17 season was injury-riddled and not quite as productive as many had hoped following his breakout at the end of last season, the defensive juggernaut will almost certainly remain as Utah’s rim protector and starting center.

Having said that, aside from Favors, who would occasionally slide to the center position, the Jazz had no true reliable back-up center (no offense, Jeff Withey). That leaves the back-up center spot as a position that the Jazz certainly could look to fill with that 12th pick in the draft. With the obvious lack of depth here, that wouldn’t be a bad option by any means.

However, with how well the indomitable frontcourt duo of Favors and Gobert plays when healthy, and given the presence of solid back-up bigs such as Lyles and Booker, shoring up this position might not be enough of a concern for the Jazz to spend a lottery pick on.

Rather than drafting or trading the pick to add depth at the center position, perhaps the Jazz could look to add a formidable free agent as a back-up center such as Ian Mahinmi or Marreese Speights. While the center position could definitely use help in the second unit, there definitely appears to be more pressing issues confronting the Jazz.

Next: Conclusion