Utah Jazz: Top free agent prospects from across the league

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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Mar 13, 2017; Sacramento, CA, USA; Sacramento Kings guard Darren Collison (7) during the third quarter against the Orlando Magic at Golden 1 Center. The Kings defeated the Magic 120-115. Mandatory Credit: Sergio Estrada-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 13, 2017; Sacramento, CA, USA; Sacramento Kings guard Darren Collison (7) during the third quarter against the Orlando Magic at Golden 1 Center. The Kings defeated the Magic 120-115. Mandatory Credit: Sergio Estrada-USA TODAY Sports

Darren Collison

I honestly think that Darren Collison is one of the more underrated guys at his position in the league. Sure, he doesn’t “wow” you per se, but despite the fact that he’s spent the last three seasons on a dismal Sacramento team, he’s put up some very respectable figures.

He shot the ball extremely well this past season, going 47.6 percent from the field and 41.7 percent from deep. He’s a decent distributor and could very well see his usage and opportunities increase with the Jazz along with his scoring numbers.

The one major issue with Collison would be the fact that while he’d likely be less expensive than a point guard in the tier of George Hill, Jeff Teague or Jrue Holiday, he’ll probably command more than aging vets such as Deron Williams or less touted guys such as Shaun Livingston. Therefore, adding Collison could put the Jazz in an awkward position where they overspend on a starting point guard that would likely fit better as simply an Exum mentor.

I truly like Collison and wouldn’t mind having him on the team if Hill were to leave. However, I’d much prefer the Jazz avoid the “lukewarm” option and instead of adding Collison, either go all in on a better point guard such as Holiday, Teague or Kyle Lowry, or designate that money elsewhere and instead sign a reliable veteran such as Deron Williams.

Nevertheless, depending on how things shake out with Utah’s free agents this summer, Collison could be a valuable and somewhat economical addition that the Jazz should at least keep their eyes on.