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Utah Jazz: Prospects to watch out for at NBA Draft Combine

By Zachary Padmore

CHICAGO, IL - MAY 11: Donovan Mitchell participates in the shuttle run during the NBA Draft Combine at the Quest Multisport Center on May 11, 2017 in Chicago, Illinois. Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Jeff Haynes/NBAE via Getty Images)
CHICAGO, IL - MAY 11: Donovan Mitchell participates in the shuttle run during the NBA Draft Combine at the Quest Multisport Center on May 11, 2017 in Chicago, Illinois. Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Jeff Haynes/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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KANSAS CITY, MO – MARCH 09: Texas Tech Red Raiders guard Zhaire Smith (2) goes high for a dunk but was called for a charge in the first half of a semifinal game in the Big 12 Basketball Championship between the West Virginia Mountaineers and Texas Tech Red Raiders on March 9, 2018 at Sprint Center in Kansas City, MO. (Photo by Scott Winters/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
KANSAS CITY, MO – MARCH 09: Texas Tech Red Raiders guard Zhaire Smith (2) goes high for a dunk but was called for a charge in the first half of a semifinal game in the Big 12 Basketball Championship between the West Virginia Mountaineers and Texas Tech Red Raiders on March 9, 2018 at Sprint Center in Kansas City, MO. (Photo by Scott Winters/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

Zhaire Smith (Texas Tech, Freshman)

Texas Tech freshman Zhaire Smith is someone who could open some eyes at the Draft Combine. His athleticism will be on full display, and he has a chance to raise some eyebrows.

His combination of explosiveness, defense and energy will be very appealing, and he is someone who would fit right in on the Jazz bench. Plus, he’s still only 18 years old. He has plenty of time to grow and evolve, and with the Jazz’s player development, he could be really good.

Donte DiVincenzo (Villanova, RS Sophomore)

Man, Donte DiVincenzo really helped his draft stock during the 2018 NCAA Tournament. While he was viewed as a potential NBA prospect before then, his stock blew up after going for 31 points in the championship game against Michigan.

DiVincenzo is another big-time athlete, and has already been brought in for a pre-draft workout with the Jazz. He can still opt to return to Villanova, but a first-round guarantee could sway him in the direction of the NBA. He’d potentially give Utah an explosive scoring option off the bench.

Troy Brown Jr (Oregon, Freshman)

Troy Brown Jr is one of the more intriguing prospects in this year’s draft. He has tremendous size and versatility. He’s 6-foot-7 and can play positions 1-3. Meanwhile, his length helps him on the defensive end. He can also see over the defense and make reads.

There are questions about what his role will be at the next level, but this kid has a chance to develop into a really good player. His jumpshot is still a little shaky, and he isn’t a big-time athlete, but he makes up for it with his defense and versatility.

Khyri Thomas (Creighton, Junior)

One of the more underrated prospects in this year’s draft would be Creighton’s Khyri Thomas. His promising two-way potential has most projecting him to be a first-round pick. Thomas is a 6-foot-3 combo guard that plays very good defense. He improved his scoring average each year at Creighton, and shot 41 percent from deep this season.

He’s more than just a 3-and-D guy, and he has a chance to show that at the Draft Combine.

Keita Bates-Diop (Ohio State, Junior)

Bates-Diop is one of my personal favorites in this year’s class. He’s another versatile player than can stretch the floor and lock up on the defensive end. He improved his scoring averaged by just over 10 points during his final season with the Buckeyes.

The Draft Combine will be big for him, as he looks to solidify himself as a first-round pick.

Others

Chandler Hutchison (Boise State), De’Anthony Melton (USC), Jontay Porter (Missouri), Tony Carr (Penn State), and Jerome Robinson (Boston College) are others that could be available when the Jazz are picking in the first round.