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Utah Jazz ’17-18 review: Erik McCree’s journey to Utah

By Zachary Padmore

SALT LAKE CITY, UT - MARCH 13: Erik McCree #21 of the Utah Jazz looks to shoot the ball in a game against the Detroit Pistons at Vivint Smart Home Arena on March 13, 2018 in Salt Lake City, Utah. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Gene Sweeney Jr./Getty Images)
SALT LAKE CITY, UT - MARCH 13: Erik McCree #21 of the Utah Jazz looks to shoot the ball in a game against the Detroit Pistons at Vivint Smart Home Arena on March 13, 2018 in Salt Lake City, Utah. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Gene Sweeney Jr./Getty Images) /
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A move to the Utah Jazz mid-season was key in Erik McCree’s development as an undrafted rookie looking to leave a mark in this league.

He may not get the attention that the top players on the Utah Jazz roster get, but Erik McCree can ball. He proved that with his play in the G-League. He was a nice developmental piece for the Jazz this season.

After going undrafted in 2017, McCree suited up for the Houston Rockets in the Las Vegas Summer League. He then joined the Miami Heat for training camp, but was waived before the season started.

McCree would then play for Miami’s G-League affiliate, the Sioux Falls Skyforce. After 13 games with the Skyforce, Dennis Lindsey and the Utah Jazz signed him to a two-way contract. The Jazz announced the signing just one day after McCree’s 24th birthday.

That is one great birthday present, isn’t it? McCree earned that NBA contract and thus began his stint with the Utah Jazz.

Utah was a good landing spot for McCree. The Jazz are an organization that cares equally about every player on the roster and focus so much on player development. McCree talked about his development during his End of Season interview:

“It helped me a lot, man.” McCree said when asked about how he benefited from the Jazz’s focus on each individual player on the roster. “Just like you said, they treat everybody great here. I definitely got better while I was here. And just like you said, they don’t really treat people different. Everybody works hard with the players and everything, so I definitely feel like I got better.”

McCree did get better throughout the season. He improved his averages with the Salt Lake City Stars, putting up 18.9 points, 5.1 rebounds and 2.4 assists while shooting over 39 percent from distance.

In comparison, he averaged 16.2 points, 5.3 rebounds and 1.1 assists while shooting 36 percent from three-point land with the Skyforce.

The Louisiana Tech product appeared in just four games for the Jazz and did not score in any of those games, but he never got meaningful playing time. He checked in when the games were practically over, and never really got the chance to show what he can do with the big club.

The Jazz are not shy when it comes to picking up bigs from Louisiana Tech. Jazz legend Karl Malone was a Louisiana Tech Bulldog, and so was former Jazzman and current Denver Nugget, Paul Millsap. Hopefully McCree will be next in line and make an impact in the NBA.

Next: A Moose in Utah? Greg Monroe and the Jazz Could be a Good Fit

McCree showcased his unique ability to shoot and handle the ball at his position in the G-League. His game would translate well to today’s NBA. If he keeps improving over the summer, maybe he will get a chance at some minutes with the Jazz next season.

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