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Utah Jazz: Stephaun Branch is looking like a defensive stud for the SLC Stars

Josh Padmore|
SACRAMENTO, CA - JULY 5: Stephaun Branch #1 of the Los Angeles Lakers looks on during the game against the Golden State Warriors during the 2018 Summer League at the Golden 1 Center on July 5, 2018 in Sacramento, California. Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Rocky Widner/NBAE via Getty Images)
SACRAMENTO, CA - JULY 5: Stephaun Branch #1 of the Los Angeles Lakers looks on during the game against the Golden State Warriors during the 2018 Summer League at the Golden 1 Center on July 5, 2018 in Sacramento, California. Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Rocky Widner/NBAE via Getty Images)

One player that’s worth keeping an eye on for the Utah Jazz’s G-League affiliate, the Salt Lake City Stars, is defensive specialist Stephaun Branch.

Stephaun Branch was signed and waived by the Utah Jazz on the same day: October 13th, 2018. That might seem like a slap in the face, but the fact of the matter is that the Jazz simply wanted his G-League rights. They wanted to see him play for the Stars, which is what he’s doing right now.

While his offense has been lackadaisical, Branch has stood out on the defensive end of the floor. He’s averaging two blocks and one steal per game in his 24-minute per game role. It’s not a fluke, as he’s been doing this since his college days at Mt. San Antonio College and West Georgia.

He also showed off his defensive instincts during the 2018 NBA Summer League, when he played for the Los Angeles Lakers. For example, check out this clip of him blocking the big and rugged Marvin Bagley III —

Last season for the South Bay Lakers, Branch averaged about 11 points and six rebounds per game. He only started in seven of the 50 games he played in, but has started in every game for the Stars. Clearly, his role has been upgraded in his new digs.

As it stands, he’s simply not getting it done on the offensive end, but the tide will turn for him soon enough. He’s much better than the five points per game he’s putting up, as he’s shown in the past —

Branch actually reminds me a bit of Royce O’Neale, a fellow undrafted wing that was counted out but defied the odds. They’re both primarily defenders, but can hit the occasional 3-point shot. They’re also both strong competitors and make winning plays.

Guys like that make an impact in the NBA.

While he still has some work to do, I’m liking Branch’s future as a potential NBA player. He’s only 23 years old and has a great opportunity with the Stars. Be sure to keep your eyes on him, Jazz fans.

The Stars’ next game is on Tuesday, November 27th. They’ll face the Maine Red Claws at 7:00 P.M. MT.

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