Utah Jazz: Potential Wing Targets in Case Joe Ingles is Too Expensive
By Caleb Manser
Jonas Jerebko
3.9 PPG, 3.4 RPG, 0.8 APG, .444 FG%, .347 3pt FG%
Similar to Ilysova, Jerebko is six-foot ten-inch European combo forward, with the ability to rebound and hit spot up triples. Jerebko is a fan-favorite in Boston as one who is willing to hustle, and has better defensive chops than Ilysova.
According to Celtics Insider A. Sherrod Blakely of CSNBC New England, Jerebko is willing to “go after loose balls and grab tough rebounds”, as his role on the Celtics is to play “with a high level of energy, helping on the boards and defending at a high level”.
Jerebko’s not a blazing three-point shooter that will catch fire, his season high for points this year is 12, and the most threes he’s made in a game this year is just three. But he knows where to pick his spots and is dependable when he does shoot it. Brian Robb of Bleacher Report said the following about Jerebko last January:
"Jonas Jerebko has been the most consistent big man in Stevens’ bench rotation for the first half of the season, and a lot of that is due to his shot discipline. The 6’10” Swede takes only 8.1 field-goal attempts per 36 minutes, the lowest mark on the team outside of James Young. Jerebko’s picky selection has paid off, though, as he’s putting together another above-average season from three-point range (37.8 percent)."
Jerebko would be a welcome addition in Utah if Ingles turned out to be too expensive to keep, but on the wrong side of 30 and never flashing ability in his career to fill in for a starting role if necessary, Utah can consider Jerebko but would be smart to find a younger, more talented glue guy if possible.