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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Mar 23, 2017; Kansas City, MO, USA; Purdue Boilermakers forward Caleb Swanigan (50) shoots as Kansas Jayhawks guard Josh Jackson (11) defends during the second half 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) shoots as Kansas Jayhawks guard Josh Jackson (11) defends during the second half in the semifinals of the midwest Regional of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at Sprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports /

Caleb Swanigan, 6’8-1/2″, Purdue, Sophomore

Caleb Swanigan may be the best story of the draft. Growing up, Swanigan had to overcome being homeless, overweight (Nicknamed ‘Biggie” for a reason. They say he was pushing 350 pounds as an 8th grader) and the death of his father.

Like many kids in a difficult situation, sports became an outlet, and a way for him to escape.

He focused on basketball, and worked on his diet and conditioning. During the combine, he measured at 6’8-1/2″, with a 7’3″ wingspan, while also weighing an impressive 246 pounds.

His second year at Purdue, Swanigan was a load on the offensive end. He scored 18.5 points per game, and also hauled in 12.5 rebounds per game.

Caleb Swanigan actually spent his youth on the streets of Salt Lake City, and according to Tony Jones of The Salt Lake Tribune, the Jazz believe his scoring and rebounding can translate to the NBA.

He has slow feet, so perimeter defense could be an issue and a concern that scares the Jazz off, but if they value his scoring and rebounding abilities, then selecting him with the 30th pick would be a great value.