The J-Notes
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Utah Jazz: A way too early look at the 2019 NBA free agency

By John Keeffer

LOS ANGELES, CA - APRIL 07: Tobias Harris #34 of the Los Angeles Clippers controls the ball during the game against the Denver Nuggets at Staples Center on April 7, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. 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 Josh Lefkowitz/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - APRIL 07: Tobias Harris #34 of the Los Angeles Clippers controls the ball during the game against the Denver Nuggets at Staples Center on April 7, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. 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 Josh Lefkowitz/Getty Images) /
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CHICAGO, USA – APRIL 7: Bobby Portis (5) of Chicago Bulls in action during the NBA game between Brooklyn Nets and Chicago Bulls at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois, United States on April 7, 2018. (Photo by Bilgin S. Sasmaz/Anadolu Agency/Getty Images)
CHICAGO, USA – APRIL 7: Bobby Portis (5) of Chicago Bulls in action during the NBA game between Brooklyn Nets and Chicago Bulls at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois, United States on April 7, 2018. (Photo by Bilgin S. Sasmaz/Anadolu Agency/Getty Images) /

Bobby Portis – Chicago Bulls

If you can get past the crazy eyes, Bobby Portis is starting to look like a terrific prospect. At just 22 years old and in only 22 minutes per game, he averaged 13 points, 7.0 rebounds, and shot 36 percent from three.

With that production and at his young age, Portis should only be getting better. He will be a restricted free agent, but with the Bulls already having Lauri Markkanen, Wendell Carter Jr. and now Jabari Parker in tow, there may not be room for the type of contract he is going to demand. This could give a team like the Jazz an opportunity to swoop in.

Offensively, Portis has shown an ability to score in a variety of ways. He is good off the dribble, can shoot the three well when spotting up and gets a ton of points from offensive rebound put-backs. He is extremely active on that end of the floor, even when he does not have the ball. Just watch the video below as he scored 38 points against the Philadelphia 76ers where he was going head-to-head against Joel Embiid.

Portis would also fit the defensive mentality of the Utah Jazz. His defensive numbers are not going to jump off the page, but coming out of college, his intensity was compared to Kevin Garnett. He plays with a high motor that never lets up. With Rudy Gobert protecting the paint, Portis would be a great complimentary piece who can effectively guard the perimeter.

Price wise, depending on what type of production we see from Portis this season, he could be one of the more reasonable options. With so many bigs likely to be prioritized ahead of him on the Bulls, some team could get a steal in Portis this next free agency.

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