Utah Jazz Free Agency Primer 2016
By Ryan Aston
The Stretch Big
After the Jazz made the move to acquire George Hill on Draft Night, some would feel inclined to say that the team has already made its big offseason move; that the biggest hole has been filled. Even so, the one thing that unquestionably remains a need is a capable backup center.
More specifically, a stretch big to open up the Jazz offense, as well as give the team a shooter at every position on the floor.
The Jazz do still have Tibor Pleiss in their system, but it’s hard to say whether or not he’s a player that can stick with the main roster and become a viable player in the long-term. They could also retain Jeff Withey–a strong defender at the center position. However, Withey’s offensive versatility leaves something to be desired.
The dream acquisition for the Jazz as a stretch big would have to be Ryan Anderson, who averaged 17 points per game for the New Orleans Pelicans last season, while making just under 37 percent of his more than five three-point attempts per contest.
However, with Mozgov garnering a $64 million payday with the Los Angeles Lakers, are we as fans prepared to see the team dole out a deal worth 17, 18 or more million dollars per year for a player that will be fighting for minutes behind Rudy Gobert and Derrick Favors?
Furthermore, would Anderson–arguably the best shooting big in the game–be willing to come off the bench for a team like the Jazz?
In either case, it seems the answer is probably that it’s unlikely.
Other free agent centers that could fit the bill include Marreese Speights, Meyers Leonard, Jon Leuer and Amare Stoudemire.
Next: Help on the Wings