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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BOSTON, MA – APRIL 28: Khris Middleton #22 of the Milwaukee Bucks looks on during the first quarter against the Boston Celtics in Game Seven in Round One of the 2018 NBA Playoffs at TD Garden on April 28, 2018 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
BOSTON, MA – APRIL 28: Khris Middleton #22 of the Milwaukee Bucks looks on during the first quarter against the Boston Celtics in Game Seven in Round One of the 2018 NBA Playoffs at TD Garden on April 28, 2018 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) /

Khris Middleton – Milwaukee Bucks

I’m saving my favorite for last. Khris Middleton was perhaps one of the most underrated players in the league last season, which makes sense when you consider he plays in a potentially smaller market than Utah, and he is largely overshadowed by the presence of Giannis Antetokounmpo.

Last season, Middleton had a career year with the Bucks, averaging 20 points, 5.2 rebounds, 4.0 assists and 1.5 steals. He is also a career 39 percent three point shooter and an elite competitor, who is unphased by the spotlight. This was clearly demonstrated by him carrying the Bucks into overtime in a near-victory over the Boston Celtics in Game 1 of last year’s playoffs.

Middleton clearly showed off his clutchness (made up word, but you know what I mean) on this play, but he dominated throughout that game and series. Finishing with 31 points in Game 1, and averaging nearly 25 points in the series.

The reason I love him for the Jazz is because of his flexibility. While Middleton is listed as a small forward, he actually played a surprising 23 percent of the time at power forward. Three years ago, he actually played 48 percent of his time at the power forward position.

As a member of the Utah Jazz, he could start at the small forward position, which would allow Joe Ingles to come off the bench as he moves into his 30s. In certain lineups, though, Middleton could allow the Jazz to play super interesting small-ball lineups, with Gobert still at center to protect the rim.

Next. Utah Jazz: Royce O’Neale on wrong end of ‘best swat’ of ’17-18. dark

He could take on the second scoring option role for the Jazz to lighten the load for Mitchell, and he has always been a terrific defensive player. There are many intriguing players for the Jazz, but if available, Middleton is the most intriguing to me.

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