Utah Jazz: Joel Bolomboy vs. Royce O’Neale for final roster spot

The Case for Joel Bolomboy

Based on their performance in the preseason thus far, Joel Bolomboy should all but have this spot locked up. Per 36 minutes, Bolomboy is our leading scorer at an absurd 41.4 points. Obviously that type of production is blown out of proportion, but he is the fourth leader scoring on this Jazz team. He has averaged 10 points per game, and he is doing that in just 8.7 minutes a game.

To put that in perspective, he is scoring 1.15 points per minute. Rodney Hood is the highest starter, at 0.83 points per minute.

That is unsustainable production, but it tells us that Bolomboy is ready to lay it all on the line in order to make this team. He has been ultra competitive and aggressive throughout the preseason. It’s not just his scoring. He is fighting for rebounds and contesting every shot within his reach.

The most impressive skill-set he has shown this preseason, however, is his above the break 3-point shooting. Most stretch bigs are shooting corner threes. Bolomboy has consistently been taking and making shots from above the free throw line. He is currently shooting 80 percent from 3-point range. That is something that could really open up the floor for the Utah Jazz.

There is always room on an NBA roster for an extremely athletic big man who can shoot the three, attack the basket, rebound the ball, protect the rim, and hustles at all times.

More and more this preseason, Joel Bolomboy’s Summer League performance is looking like an aberration, and if he finishes out the preseason like this, he should have an excellent chance of making the final roster.