The J-Notes
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Utah Jazz: 2017 NBA draft cheat sheet

By John Keeffer

Mar 23, 2017; Kansas City, MO, USA; Purdue Boilermakers forward Caleb Swanigan (50) reacts during the second half against the Kansas Jayhawks in the semifinals of the midwest Regional of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at Sprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 23, 2017; Kansas City, MO, USA; Purdue Boilermakers forward Caleb Swanigan (50) reacts during the second half against the Kansas Jayhawks in the semifinals of the midwest Regional of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at Sprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 28, 2017; Winston-Salem, NC, USA; Duke Blue Devils guard Luke Kennard (5) shoots a three point shot against the Wake Forest Demon Deacons in the second half at Lawrence Joel Veterans Memorial Coliseum. Duke defeated Wake 85-83. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 28, 2017; Winston-Salem, NC, USA; Duke Blue Devils guard Luke Kennard (5) shoots a three point shot against the Wake Forest Demon Deacons in the second half at Lawrence Joel Veterans Memorial Coliseum. Duke defeated Wake 85-83. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports /

Luke Kennard, 6’6″, Duke, Sophomore

Setting aside the white guy going to Utah stereotype, Luke Kennard really would fit seamlessly onto this Jazz roster.

The Jazz have capable shooters on the wing in Hayward, Hood and Ingles, but once you get past that, there’s a significant drop off.

Kennard is largely considered the best wing shooter in this draft. During his sophomore season at Duke, he led the team in scoring at 19.5 points per game, and shot 44 percent from three. That production should translate over to the NBA.

Alec Burks and Rodney Hood are the lone shooting guards on the roster, and Burks may be on the way out. Even if Burks were to stay, Kennard’s shooting, high basketball IQ, and ability to move the ball, may make him a better fit regardless.

In early mock drafts, he was going in the mid to late 20’s. With workout performances like the video above, recent mocks have him going as high as 11 to Charlotte.

Hopefully he slips to No. 24, but if not, and if the Jazz are really interested, they may look to trade the No. 24 and 30 pick to move up in range to draft him.