The J-Notes
Fansided

Utah Jazz: Far-too-early 2019 free agent wish list

By Jared Woodcox

SALT LAKE CITY, UT - NOVEMBER 25: Khris Middleton #22 of the Milwaukee Bucks controls the ball while being defended by Joe Ingles #2 of the Utah Jazz in the first half at Vivint Smart Home Arena on November 25, 2017 in Salt Lake 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. (Photo by Gene Sweeney Jr./Getty Images)
SALT LAKE CITY, UT - NOVEMBER 25: Khris Middleton #22 of the Milwaukee Bucks controls the ball while being defended by Joe Ingles #2 of the Utah Jazz in the first half at Vivint Smart Home Arena on November 25, 2017 in Salt Lake 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. (Photo by Gene Sweeney Jr./Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 7
Next
WASHINGTON, DC – NOVEMBER 20: Tobias Harris #34 looks on against the Washington Wizards during the second half at Capital One Arena on November 20, 2018 in Washington, DC. 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 Will Newton/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC – NOVEMBER 20: Tobias Harris #34 looks on against the Washington Wizards during the second half at Capital One Arena on November 20, 2018 in Washington, DC. 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 Will Newton/Getty Images) /

Tobias Harris

It’s no secret that the Utah Jazz have long coveted a prolific and capable stretch-four. While Derrick Favors is an excellent and under-appreciated player, and his efforts to extend his range are admirable, he simply isn’t the long-term answer in the current small-ball NBA. Jae Crowder is great in his role as well, but isn’t exactly the knock-down shooter teams crave at the four-spot these days.

However, impending unrestricted free agent Tobias Harris most certainly checks those boxes and is a prime example of a playmaking four. He’s been absolutely sensational for the LA Clippers so far this season as he’s putting up career shooting numbers of 51.4 percent from the field and 42.7 percent from the perimeter, good for a career-high 20.9 points.

His incredible play is the leading reason why the Clippers are one of the league’s biggest early-season surprises as they’ve won five straight and sit at third in the West with an 11-5 record entering Tuesday’s slate of games. Harris has been playing at an All-Star level this season and also fills the stat sheet by adding nearly nine rebounds and over two assists per game.

Not only that, but while he’s having a great season, this is far from an anomaly. He’s been steadily improving for seasons now and is certainly consistent within his role.

If you think Rudy Gobert and the Jazz perform better with Jae Crowder in action stretching the floor, just imagine what they could truly do with someone like Tobias Harris who can not only knock down long-range jumpers with the best of them, but can create his own shot off the dribble and put up points with ease. He’d be incredible in Utah’s system and a great one-two punch with Mitchell on offense.

Several Jazz fans were elated by a former report from Jazz radio voice David Locke who claimed that Harris expressed interest in joining Utah’s ranks. We’ll see if that holds true, but even whisperings of such a possibility are exciting.

If the Clippers continue to excel this season, it’s hard to see them wanting to part with Harris or him desiring to leave. However, the final thing that Utah could have going in their favor is if the Clippers end up being a super-team destination, potentially for the likes of impending free agents Kawhi Leonard and Kevin Durant, then letting Harris go elsewhere may be one of the sacrifices they have to make in order to survive financially.

Honestly, I think any super team that forms in LA will likely include Harris as a key piece, and I’m not so sure there will be a large congregation of stars there anyway, but it will be interesting to watch. The Clippers will very likely want to keep Tobias, but he is a free agent and can choose his destination, so perhaps the Jazz will luck out and manage to pry him away. We can at least dream, right?

Home/Jazz News