The J-Notes
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Utah Jazz 2018 draft profile: Oregon’s Troy Brown Jr

Zachary Padmore|
LOS ANGELES, CA - FEBRUARY 15: Troy Brown #0 of the Oregon Ducks handles the ball against the USC Trojans during a PAC12 college basketball game at Galen Center on February 15, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Leon Bennett/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - FEBRUARY 15: Troy Brown #0 of the Oregon Ducks handles the ball against the USC Trojans during a PAC12 college basketball game at Galen Center on February 15, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Leon Bennett/Getty Images)

Troy Brown Jr, an 18-year old from Oregon, would be a fascinating project for the Utah Jazz to work with. His upside makes him an enticing option at No. 21.

Dennis Lindsey and the Utah Jazz have a proven eye for talent. They’ll put it to the test on Thursday, June 21 when they try to find an impact player with the 21st pick in the 2018 NBA Draft. Troy Brown Jr could be their man; the freshman from Oregon has scouts salivating at his all-around game and the upside he possesses.

On June 1, Brown had his very first pre-draft workout, which happened to be with the Jazz. By all accounts, his audition for Jazz brass appeared to go very well.

When you first look at Brown, he automatically catches your attention. He is very versatile, being able to play point guard, shooting guard and small forward. He stands at 6-foot-7, with a 6-foot-11 wingspan. He also has the tools to be a good all-around player at the next level, both offensively and defensively.

As a freshman at Oregon, Brown averaged 11 points, six boards and three assists per game. He also finished fifth in the Pac-12 in steals at 1.6 per game, third in steal percentage (2.9) and eighth in defensive win shares (1.6).

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The one weakness that sticks out with Brown is his shooting. Brown shot just 29 percent from three in his lone season with the Ducks. He has yet to develop a very reliable jumper, and shooting is something that is so important in the NBA today. However, at 18, he has plenty of time to develop his shot.

Do I think the Jazz have a chance to draft Brown? Perhaps, if he’s available at No. 21, but I think this kid could go higher than that. He may even sneak into the back-end of the lottery — his draft stock is rising at the right time.

Despite his youth, it wouldn’t surprise me to see Brown see minutes right away, depending on where he goes. He could certainly find minutes with the Jazz, and that’s where his versatility comes into play.

Having a guy like Brown that you can plug into multiple positions makes him a weapon. Wouldn’t it be cool to see the young guys Dante Exum, Donovan Mitchell and Troy Brown on the wings together attacking the defense?

In conclusion, this kid just screams upside. With the right developmental staff, I think Brown could become an extremely good player at the next level. If he is available at No. 21, don’t be surprised if the Jazz give him a strong look.