The J-Notes
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Utah Jazz: Top free agent prospects from across the league

By Jared Woodcox

Jan 20, 2017; Dallas, TX, USA; Utah Jazz forward Gordon Hayward (20) and center Rudy Gobert (back) celebrate during the second half against the Dallas Mavericks at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 20, 2017; Dallas, TX, USA; Utah Jazz forward Gordon Hayward (20) and center Rudy Gobert (back) celebrate during the second half against the Dallas Mavericks at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports /
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Apr 9, 2017; Denver, CO, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder forward Taj Gibson (22) dunks the ball during the second half against the Denver Nuggets at Pepsi Center. The Thunder won 106-105. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 9, 2017; Denver, CO, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder forward Taj Gibson (22) dunks the ball during the second half against the Denver Nuggets at Pepsi Center. The Thunder won 106-105. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports /

Taj Gibson

Although he was ultimately traded from the Chicago Bulls to the Oklahoma City Thunder last season, Taj Gibson was a guy that I had actually hoped the Jazz would go after around the trade deadline. He’s a gritty power forward who has excelled in both a starter and bench role and given how frequently Utah was forced to change lineups, would have been an exceptional fit.

Now that he is an unrestricted free agent, the Jazz could very well find use of him once again. While ideally Derrick Favors can get back to being a force in what will be a contract year for him, his performance in 2016-17 left much to be desired. If the Jazz are looking for a more reliable option at the position, then Gibson could be a nice fit and provide a much-needed lift.

Much like a handful of other guys that I’ve mentioned on this list, Gibson wouldn’t necessarily be a game-changer, but he would be yet another piece to the puzzle. The Jazz went a long way in adding more depth and veteran experience last season and if they can take that one step further in preparation for 2017-18, then we could have a serious challenger in the West on our hands.

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