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Utah Jazz 2018 NBA Draft Profile: Dzanan Musa

By Zachary Padmore

PALA RUFFINI, TURIN, ITALY - 2017/11/15: Dzanan Musa (Cedevita Zagreb) during the Eurocup basketball match: Fiat Torino Auxilium vs Cedevita Zagreb. Torino loses 65-87 at Pala Ruffini in Turin, Italy 15th november 2017. (Photo by Alberto Gandolfo/Pacific Press/LightRocket via Getty Images)
PALA RUFFINI, TURIN, ITALY - 2017/11/15: Dzanan Musa (Cedevita Zagreb) during the Eurocup basketball match: Fiat Torino Auxilium vs Cedevita Zagreb. Torino loses 65-87 at Pala Ruffini in Turin, Italy 15th november 2017. (Photo by Alberto Gandolfo/Pacific Press/LightRocket via Getty Images) /
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After a reportedly strong workout with the Utah Jazz, Dzanan Musa could be in play for Dennis Lindsey and company when the team is picking 21st overall on Thursday night.

There’s a 19-year-old from Bosnia that is generating a lot of first-round buzz ahead of Thursday’s NBA Draft. His name is Dzanan Musa.

Musa is a really intriguing player; intriguing enough that the Jazz went out to dinner with him before his pre-draft workout on Sunday. Walt Perrin, the Utah Jazz Vice President of Player Personnel, sat down and talked about numerous draft prospects with KSL Sports on Monday morning, including Musa.

“He really knows how to score.” Perrin said of Musa. “He can really get some buckets. He knows how to take it to the basket. He’s working on his 3-point shooting, it’s gotten a lot better… Coaches are going to love him because he can get a basket. With the shot clock going down, he can get a basket.”

At 6-foot-9, Musa has great size for his position. He’s got long strides going to the basket, and can really get hot from downtown. He can score from anywhere on the court, and has a lot of heart. His emotion is part of what makes him a fun player to scout and watch.

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Right now, Musa isn’t exactly known for his defense. He’ll need to improve on that side of the ball, and also get stronger as his game translates to the next level.

Musa likes the international flavor that the Jazz have on the roster, which could make his transition to the NBA easier. He should be able to fit right into Quin Snyder’s offense with the ball movement and spacing.

While Musa does have two years left on his contract with KK Cedevita of the Euroleague, he wants to come straight to the NBA for the 2018-19 season. He may be a draft-and-stash candidate for other teams, but I think he could join the Jazz now and make an impact if Utah selects him.

What he will bring right away is his ability to score. He has a lot of confidence, and won’t let some misses stop him from firing away. Playing with a “keep shooting” mentality is important for young players.

In conclusion, I definitely think there’s a chance that Musa is available when the Jazz are picking. He’s projected to be a first round pick by many, and I think he has tremendous upside. It may not be the sexiest pick right away, but it could pay off in the long run.