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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HOUSTON, TX – MARCH 15: Tobias Harris #34 of the LA Clippers drives on Clint Capela #15 of the Houston Rockets at Toyota Center on March 15, 2018 in Houston, Texas. 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 Bob Levey/Getty Images)
HOUSTON, TX – MARCH 15: Tobias Harris #34 of the LA Clippers drives on Clint Capela #15 of the Houston Rockets at Toyota Center on March 15, 2018 in Houston, Texas. 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 Bob Levey/Getty Images) /

Tobias Harris – LA Clippers

Recently, there have been many reports linking Tobias Harris and the Utah Jazz, and reporting that there is mutual interest between the two parties. If that is truly the case, the Jazz need to target him this next free agency.

Harris has seemingly improved every single season in his career, and that crested in a career year this past year for the LA Clippers. He was already playing well for the Detroit Pistons, averaging 18 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 2.0 assists. When a deadline trade for Blake Griffin sent him to the Clippers, he upped his game to an even higher level, averaging 19 points, 6.0 rebounds and 3.0 assists, while also chipping in 1.2 steals per game.

Offensively, Harris is the whole package, and would step onto this Jazz roster and immediately would become the second best offensive option next to Donovan Mitchell.

Harris started his career as a small forward, but as the NBA has evolved over the last few years, he has become a full-time power forward. This gives him an advantage almost every night he steps on the floor, as most threes can’t handle his size, but most fours are unable to keep up with his speed and ball handling.

As a scorer, Harris can do it all. He shot a career high 41 percent from three last season, and even participated in the three-point contest during All-star weekend. With his past as a wing, he has excellent ball handling skills, and he pairs that with a high level of athleticism and strength to score at the rim.

Defensively is where the struggles are for Harris, but he is not an inept defender. He would also be paired with Rudy Gobert and other defense-first players, which should cover up those deficiencies. Keep an eye on Harris this upcoming year, because there’s a high chance the Jazz will target him next offseason.

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