Utah Jazz Free Agency: Five Potential Power Forward Targets
By Greg Foster
Ersan Ilyasova
2015-16 stats: 10.4, ppg, 5.4 rpg, 0.4 bpg, 0.9 apg, .424 fg%, .371 3p%. 14.26 PER
Speaking of guys who can get buckets, Ersan Ilyasova just finished his fifth straight season of scoring in double digits. Add him and a healthy Alec Burks, and you have a tandem who could potentially fix the Jazz bench’s offensive woes.
Ilyasova is very much a stretch power forward. He uses his shooting ability — both off the dribble and open shots — and elusiveness to score from all over the floor. And unlike most power forwards, he’s incredibly good at running and shooting off screens.
The smooth Turkish forward also has great instincts, fantastic footwork and at 6-foot-10 he has the length and size to both bully defenders or shoot over the top of them.
While not a particularly explosive athlete, what makes Ilyasova stand out is his relentlessness. It’s made him a solid rebounder — especially on the offensive glass — adequate defender, and a guy who’ll go for every 50/50 ball possible.
These are qualities that Jazz fans have fallen in love with time and time again.
Next: Brandon Bass