The J-Notes
Fansided

At this rate, the Utah Jazz should be on the lookout for a third string point guard

SALT LAKE CITY, UT - SEPTEMBER 24: Raul Neto #25 of the Utah Jazz poses for a portrait at media day on September 24, 2018 at the Zions Bank Basketball Campus in Salt Laker City, Utah. 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 Melissa Majchrzak/NBAE via Getty Images)
SALT LAKE CITY, UT - SEPTEMBER 24: Raul Neto #25 of the Utah Jazz poses for a portrait at media day on September 24, 2018 at the Zions Bank Basketball Campus in Salt Laker City, Utah. 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 Melissa Majchrzak/NBAE via Getty Images)
4 of 4
SAN DIEGO, CA – MARCH 16: Jon Elmore #33 of the Marshall Thundering Herd reacts after a three point basket in the second half against the Wichita State Shockers during the first round of the 2018 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at Viejas Arena on March 16, 2018 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
SAN DIEGO, CA – MARCH 16: Jon Elmore #33 of the Marshall Thundering Herd reacts after a three point basket in the second half against the Wichita State Shockers during the first round of the 2018 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at Viejas Arena on March 16, 2018 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)

2019 NBA Draft

Another option for the Jazz is simply drafting a point guard in the 2019 NBA Draft. Some guys that pop into my mind right away are Jon Elmore of Marshall and Carsen Edwards of Purdue. If you’re willing to take a point guard in the first round, guys like Jaylen Hands of UCLA and Lindel Wigginton of Iowa State are options.

Elmore, entering his Senior year at Marshall, is the type of prospect the Jazz love. He’s got good size for a point guard and he simply knows how to play the game. He absolutely filled up the stat-sheet last season, averaging 23 points, six rebounds and seven assists per game.

Edwards, who is now a Junior, can fill it up. He had some dazzling performances last season at Purdue. In fact, Andy Katz of NCAA.com believes Edwards is the best returning player in college basketball this season. He averaged 19 points and three assists per game.

Hands has more upside than Elmore and Edwards, but he doesn’t have the length the Jazz typically look for. He’s 6’3″ with a 6’4″ wingspan. He’s an impressive athlete, though. He’s entering his Sophomore year at UCLA. Wigginton is also heading into his Sophomore year at Iowa State. He’s a great shooter and averaged 17 points per game as a Freshman.

Again, Raul Neto is an excellent third string point guard in this league. I love his grit, toughness and defense. However, I think it’s hurting the Jazz more than people realize that he’s always out with an injury. I just think the Jazz should monitor the situation and look for potential upgrades in the near future.

Home/Jazz News