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Utah Jazz 2018 NBA Draft profile: Melvin Frazier

By Zachary Padmore

CHICAGO, IL - MAY 15: NBA Draft Prospect, Melvin Frazier Jr. poses for a portrait during the 2018 NBA Combine circuit on May 15, 2018 at the Intercontinental Hotel Magnificent Mile in Chicago, Illinois. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images)
CHICAGO, IL - MAY 15: NBA Draft Prospect, Melvin Frazier Jr. poses for a portrait during the 2018 NBA Combine circuit on May 15, 2018 at the Intercontinental Hotel Magnificent Mile in Chicago, Illinois. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Tulane’s vigorous Melvin Frazier drastically improved his stock during the 2017-18 season and would be an interesting fit for the Utah Jazz at No. 21 in the upcoming NBA Draft.

You can make the case that no one helped themselves more at the NBA Draft Combine then Melvin Frazier did. He flew up and down the court during the 5-on-5 scrimmages, being the pesky defender and energy guy that he was at Tulane.

Frazier, the 21-year-old who played three years with Tulane, is now viewed as a late first round/early second round pick. His Draft Combine measurements were ridiculous, and certainly caught the eye of many people.

He measured in at 6-foot-6 in shoes, with a 7-foot-1 wingspan and 8-foot-9 standing reach. That length is part of what makes him such a good defensive player.

His defense is absolutely NBA-ready, and he is an insanely good athlete. Frazier also shot 38 percent from three-point land this season, which was a 12 percent improvement from his sophomore year. However, his shooting still needs some work and consistency.

Offensively, he has room for improvement. He has shown his ability to slash and finish in the paint. With that athleticism and speed going to the basket, he should be able to draw fouls and get to the free-throw line.

We all know how much the Jazz covet defense, and with Frazier being a guy who likes to play that end of the floor and get under the opponent’s skin, he could be a good match with the Jazz.

The Jazz are known to have one of the better player development staffs in the entire league, which leads me to believe that Frazier could end up being a very good pick down the line. The importance of “3-and-D” players in this league is evident, and I think Frazier has the upside to become a special two-way talent.

When I think of a comparison for Frazier, Orlando Magic wing Jonathon Simmons comes to mind. However, I think that Frazier has a higher ceiling than Simmons, and could become a valuable player in the NBA one day.

Next: Utah Jazz: Top 15 draft picks of all time

If he continues to improve his shooting and ability to create off the dribble, watch out. Frazier is one of the best kept secret’s in this year’s draft, in my opinion. He would be a great option for Utah at No. 21.