Henry Ellenson, Detroit Pistons
As I began writing this, there was a lot of hubbub on social media about Avery Bradley, whom Stan Van Gundy had made available. While Bradley intrigued me as a backcourt mate for Donovan Mitchell, I wasn’t feeling a move for a two-month rental. Then, in short order, Bradley and Tobias Harris were shockingly traded to the Clippers in the Blake Griffin deal. So the Bradley thing ended up being moot anyway.
Stanley Johnson is also a player the Jazz could covet.
Ultimately, I’m going to go with another young gun who the Jazz might be able to get at a discounted rate and develop — F/C Henry Ellenson. Many expected him to get a real taste of the action this season, but it hasn’t happened yet. I don’t envision a change in the situation with Griffin in the fold either.
Still, Ellenson continues to have potential as a mobile big and a floor-spacer. At Marquette, he moved well in transition and displayed a surprisingly soft shooting touch. In limited action with Detroit this season, he’s shot 39 percent from distance.
I’d be willing to take a flier on him for one of the Jazz’s lesser expiring deals.
Next: Golden State Warriors