Prospects to watch for the Utah Jazz in the 2017 NBA Draft

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Luke Kennard Duke Blue Devils Utah Jazz NBA Draft

Mar 17, 2017; Greenville, SC, USA; Duke Blue Devils guard Luke Kennard (5) drives to the basket against Troy Trojans forward DeVon Walker (25) in the first round of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at Bon Secours Wellness Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports /

Luke Kennard, Duke, SG

Luke Kennard seems like a very popular name among Jazz fans. Kennard has a smaller wingspan at 6-foot-5. Usually a player’s wingspan is larger than his height, but not so in Kennard’s case. This could cause some of the same issues defensively as Jazz fans have seen with Rodney Hood.

If the Jazz did draft Kennard, one would have to wonder if it was a signal that the Jazz are willing to move on from Hood.

At the very least, Kennard’s presence would push Hood to play well and provide insurance if Hood isn’t able to stay healthy. Having averaged almost 20 PPG in college while shooting around 38 percent from the college three-point line and 86 percent from the charity stripe, Kennard could help provide a nice scoring punch off the bench for the Jazz.

The Jazz have a recent history of developing talent from within. Joe Ingles and Gordon Hayward are prime examples. If the team is to stay competitive, they will have some tough choices ahead with Hood’s extension coming up in the near future.

There is also the question of Dante Exum’s future role on that team. Dante still sees himself as a point guard even though he was played off-ball quite a bit towards the end of the year.

Getting back to Hood, the Jazz wing had an interesting comment during exit interviews —

Rodney Hood: "Coming off the bench was an adjustment for me. I’m a starter."
— Jody Genessy (@DJJazzyJody) May 9, 2017

Sounds like Rodney didn’t respond the way he needed to in order to earn his starting spot back. Kennard isn’t the only Dukie that the Jazz could draft who could wait in the wings to replace Hood.